December 7. Reading 341. Faith Displayed James 2 “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). Biblical faith is alive and active. Overview Favoritism does not fit with love of neighbors (2:1-13). By its very nature faith must express itself in works:Read More …

December 6. Reading 340. Facing Trials James 1 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Trials and temptations are God’s invitation to overcome. Biography:Read More …

James Introduction This letter was written by James, the brother of Jesus, who was a leader of the Jerusalem church (cf. Acts 15:13-29; Gal. 2:12). It may date from the late a.d. 40s, just after persecution scattered the members of the new movement (James 1:1; cf. Acts 8:1-3). If so,Read More …

December 5. Reading 339. Honorable Lives Hebrews 13 “We are sure that we have a clear conscience and a desire to live honorably in every way” (Heb. 13:18). Exhortations to honorable living grow naturally out of the most exalted doctrine. Overview The writer closes with exhortations (13:1-19), with one ofRead More …

December 4. Reading 338. Divine Discipline Hebrews 12 “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11). To benefit from discipline we must respond to it. Overview The exampleRead More …

December 3. Reading 337. Triumphs Of Faith Hebrews 11 “These were all commended for their faith” (Heb. 11:39). Faith is more clearly expressed in the way people live than in what they claim to believe. Overview The nature and value of faith are revealed (11:1-3) and illustrated in this honorRead More …

December 2. Reading 336. A Perfect Sacrifice Hebrews 10 “When this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb. 10:13). Christ’s work is completed in heaven. But it continues in you and me. Overview Repeated Old Testament sacrificesRead More …

December 1. Reading 335. The Blood Of Christ Hebrews 9 “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God” (Heb. 9:14). Once cleansed,Read More …

November 30. Reading 334. A Better Covenant Hebrews 7-8 “The ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which He is made Mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises” (Heb. 8:6). Because of Jesus, God remembers our sinsRead More …

November 29. Reading 333. Our High Priest Hebrews 4:14-6:20 “Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Heb. 5:1). With Jesus as our High Priest, we can approach God’s throne with confidence.Read More …