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Week 26

Welcome to Week 26 of the Cover to Cover Challenge!

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As always pray that the Lord be honored and glorified through this study and pray for understanding of God’s Word. Psalm 119:133 says “Direct my steps according to Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me”.
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Sunday • Psalms 83-86
    Psalm 83 is a lament which represents all of Israel crying out to God for deliverance from their enemies (v1). Verses 2-4 describe the enemies of Israel, who are making themselves ready to attack. The enemies described are not only formed against Israel, but against God (v5-8). The psalmist asks God to judge them, as He did His enemies in the past (v9-12). God’s judgment upon their enemies is so that they will know who the Lord is (v13-18). 
    In Psalm 84 the psalmist expresses a longing to be closer to God. The psalmist loves and longs to be in the presence of God (v1-4). Verses 5-7 may describe people coming to celebrate the feasts, or the ones coming back from exile. The main focus here is a blessing for all who trust in the strength of the Lord. The psalmist asks God to hear his prayer for the king in verses 8-9. In verses 10-11 the psalmist declares that he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to be thriving anywhere else apart from God’s presence. He says this because God is good to His people. Verse 12 closes with another blessing for those who place their trust in God.
    Psalm 85 is another lament representing all of Israel, asking for God to deliver them. This psalm probably reflects the conditions of the exiles returning to the land. Here the psalmist reflects upon their past in verses 1-3, and also on how God has forgiven them and brought them back to the land. In verses 4-9 the psalmist speaks of their present situation. The people long to be restored, be revived, and to once again experience the relationship they had with the Lord in the past. Verses 10-13 describe their future where God’s loyal love (mercy), faithfulness (truth), righteousness, and peace dwells in them and with them again.
    Psalm 86 is another lament by David as he pleads for God to show him mercy during his time of need. In verses 1-5 David calls upon God to hear his prayer. Because David knows that God is good, forgiving, and loving (mercy) he has full trust in the Lord to answer his prayer (v6-7). Verses 8-10 are a hymn of praise for God’s goodness and uniqueness because He alone is God. David asks for God to help him walk in His ways as he waits on God’s deliverance (v11-13). In verses 14-17 David cries out to be delivered from his enemies, and prays for the Lord to have mercy upon him and give him strength.

Monday • Leviticus 14-16
   Leviticus 13 dealt with skin problems and mildew and how to detect them. Leviticus 14 deals with the cleansing process. Those found with skin ailments were sent outside the camp so others could not catch the disease (v1-8). If the person was found to be healed after a week then there was a cleansing ceremony. After the cleansing there would be another seven days of examination that included shaving and the guilt, sin, burnt, and grain offerings (v9-32). Verses 33-57 deal with mildew in the home and its purification process. The cleansing ritual is the same for the home as with a person who is unclean. Any affected stones were taken outside the camp and disposed of.
    Leviticus 15 deals with clean and unclean discharges. Verses 1-12 deal with an unclean discharge and verses 13-15 the purification process. Verses 19-32 deal with female discharges and the purification process.
    Leviticus 16 introduces the Day of Atonement. From the opening verses of chapter 16 this was given to Moses after Aaron’s sons offered profane fire before the Lord (v1). These instructions were given to prepare Aaron to enter the Holy of Holies. The instructions included a sin offering and burnt offering for himself and his family (v2-5). The two goats included in the sacrifice were very significant (v6-19). One would be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people, while the other symbolically took on the sins of the people and would be sent away. This takes place in verses 20-34. The people participated in this day by resting and becoming humble before God (v31).

Tuesday • 1 Chronicles 11-15
   1 Chronicles 11-12 document David’s rise to the throne and his mighty men along with his army. The anointing of David in verses 1-3 is the third anointing of David, and was sealed with a covenant before the Lord and all the leaders. Verses 4-9 show David taking Jerusalem for himself. The recording of David’s mighty men in the rest of the chapter is here because of the role these men played in the rise of David’s kingship and in his taking Jerusalem (v10-47). The men in 1 Chronicles 12:1-7 supported David before he was made king over all of Israel, and were from Saul’s tribe of Benjamin. Those listed in verses 8-15 are from the tribe of Gad and probably joined him much earlier than the Benjamites. The Holy Spirit led Amasai and his army to join David’s army in verses 16-18. Those from Manasseh joined David just before the death of Saul (v19-22). Verses 23-40 show those who came to Hebron to turn the kingdom over to David and brings us back to 11:1-3.
    1 Chronicles 13 describes the journey to retrieve the Ark from Kirjath Jerim. This would show those coming back from exile that there should be a desire to seek and to worship God. The action of Uzza, and his death would show that the people needed to conform to God’s standards in order to worship Him. The blessing upon the house of Obed-Edom would show God’s blessing upon those who do.
    1 Chronicles 14 records David’s victories over the Philistines. In verses 1-7 the king of Tyre sent David supplies, and it is then David knew that the Lord had made him king over Israel. David wins two victories over the Philistine army in verses 8-17. What is to be noticed here is that David consulted God before each battle and he obeyed.
    1 Chronicles 15 concerns bringing the Ark back from the home of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem in the way prescribed by God (v1-15). This would prevent another tragedy like Uzza’s. Verses 4-11 show all the major clans that assisted in worship. Their genealogies were recorded earlier in 1 Chronicles. Additional help was needed to sing and play instruments and their names are recorded in verses 17-24. Verses 24-29 show the elaborate celebration of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. This part is also recorded in 2 Samuel 6 where it is said Michal, because of her actions, would have no children.

Wednesday • Luke 17-18
     Luke 17:1-4 deals with people being stumbling blocks to others and forgiveness. Both of these would harm relationships between disciples of Christ. The teaching in verses 5-10 is having faith (v5-6) and being a servant to others (v7-10). In the world, someone’s success may be used to gain an advantage over people. But in Jesus’ kingdom, success is becoming a servant to all. Verses 11-19 are unique to Luke and demonstrate the faith of a Gentile (theme in Luke’s gospel). The story implies that the other nine were Jews. It also corresponds to Leviticus 14 that you have read this week regarding clean and unclean. In verses 20-37, the coming of the kingdom of God is discussed. God’s kingdom was already with them (v20-21), but its full consummation would come at a future day that is likened to the days of Noah and of Lot (v22-29). His coming will be sudden, so people are to be prepared for it when it comes (v30-37). 
    Luke 18:1-8 teaches the importance of prayer in someone’s life. Prayer should be made a priority in our lives, we should be persistent in it, and we should be passionate about it. Verses 9-14 show the proper attitude of someone in prayer by contrasting the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector. A tax collector was one of the most hated professions of Jesus’ day. The humility of the tax collector is again demonstrated in verses 15-17 with the example of a child. One must approach God with humility to come into the kingdom. In verses 18-30, Jesus teaches how one cannot enter the kingdom. Works and riches will save no one, only God can save. Jesus predicted His own death twice as He began His journey toward Jerusalem. In verses 31-34 He predicts it for the third time, this time adding His resurrection. The healing of the blind man is the last miracle in Luke’s gospel before Jesus enters Jerusalem (v35-43). It demonstrates the faith of the blind man in Jesus, his Messiah.

Thursday • Proverbs 4
    
I call this chapter the ABC’s of wisdom. In verses 1-9 the father gives instructions on how to acquire wisdom. IN order to gain wisdom, someone must pay attention to it (v1), not let go of it (v2), retain it (v4), keep it (v4), get it (v5), not forget it or turn away (v5), and love it (v6). Wisdom should be the principal thing (first choice) in our lives. Verses 10-19 show the blessings of wisdom. Length of life (v10), guidance to the right path (v11-13), and avoidance of the wrong paths (v14-19) are the blessings of wisdom. Verses 20-27 show the care of wisdom. The father shows the care of wisdom by showing how wisdom protects through the physical attributes of a human body. Wisdom will care for what you see, speak, and every issue that flows from the heart (Prov. 4:23).

Friday • Ezekiel 19-23
  In chapter 19 Ezekiel continues to answer those who reject his warnings. The objection in chapter 19 is that the people believe the king can actually stop the Babylonians from invading. This chapter is actually a funeral song for Judah’s rulers. Ezekiel uses the imagery of a lioness (Israel) and her cubs (kings). The first cub is Jehoahaz (2 Kgs. 23:31-34, 2 Chron. 36:1-4) and the second is Jehoiachin (2 Kgs. 24:8-17, 2 Chron. 36:8-10). The vine imagery in verses 10-14 also represent Israel. These verses show Israel’s growth with its many branches (kings), its fall, and being transplanted in a desert place (exile).
    Eleven months have passed since Ezekiel’s last messages. It will be apparent over the next few chapters that the exiles still had hope of deliverance. His messages in chapters 20-23 are a response to this. Israel’s history has always been one of rebellion and the time for judgment had come. In verses 1-9 Ezekiel outlines the beginning of the nation of Israel to show that they have rebelled against God by not getting rid of their idols. Verses 10-17 outline the Israelites’ rebellion in the wilderness, and verses 18-26 pertain to the next generation after them who also rebelled. Notice also verses 9, 14, and 22. God did not want His name profaned before the Gentiles by His chosen people. The great sins of Israel were blasphemy and unfaithfulness (v27-29). The reason Ezekiel goes through the history of Israel’s rebellion is to tell the present day elders that they are no different than their ancestors (v30-44). In spite of this, God would bring them back and restore them once again. Verses 45-49 describe the judgment God will pour out.
    Ezekiel 21 continues the judgment from chapter 20:45-49. The fire from verses 45-49 becomes a sword (Nebuchadnezzar, v18-22) in 21:1-7. The devastating effects of the judgment are found in verses 6-7. Ezekiel is to weep for the sword of judgment that was against Judah (v8-17). Judah’s sins were known, and the land would be taken (v18-27). The Ammonites would be judged, but not at the same time as Judah (v28-32). The Ammonites would mock Judah and actually help the Babylonians carry the Israelites away.
In Ezekiel 22:1-16 Israel’s sins are made known to the people. Jerusalem had become a city of bloodshed due to its rulers (v6). God’s judgment on them would result in exile, cleansing of their sin, and their defilement before the nations. In verses 17-22 Israel is shown to be worthless dross that would be melted again by God’s wrath. Judah had become dross because of the failure of their leaders (priests, princes, prophets) to be godly. God found no one to stand in the gap for those being mistreated, so He is going to pour out His wrath in judgment (v29-31). 
    Ezekiel describes two sisters in chapter 23. Oholah is also known as Samaria, Israel, or the northern kingdom. Oholibah is Jerusalem, Judah, or the southern kingdom. Both of these formed the nation of Israel before it was divided into the two kingdoms (v1-4). Oholah (Samaria) made alliances with Assyria and tried to be like them, committing spiritual adultery against the Lord. The Assyrians took them captive in 722 BC. Oholibah (Judah) may have believed they were safe from judgment. In verses 11-21 Ezekiel says that God is even angrier with them because they continued to commit spiritual adultery even after they saw what happened to the northern kingdom. Just as in the northern kingdom, the people of Judah will be judged by those they have committed spiritual adultery with (v22-35). Both sisters will be judged for their spiritual adultery (v36-45). The punishment would be severe for their spiritual adultery (v46-48).


Saturday • Romans 11-12
    In Romans 9, Paul argues that in God’s sovereign plan He chose the Jews for Himself. In Romans 10, Paul shows how God dealt with Israel’s failure to receive Christ. In Romans 11:1-10 Paul argues that God is not done with Israel, and that He still has a plan for them. To show that God is not done with Israel, Paul uses himself, as well as Elijah, as an example. The example of Elijah proves that God will not allow His own people to be completely done away with, and that He will always leave a remnant. In verses 11-24 Paul demonstrates that Israel’s rejection of her Messiah has brought salvation to the Gentiles, who are grafted in to the olive tree. This should provoke Israel to jealousy and be a factor in them returning to God. In verses 25-32 Paul discusses the future salvation of Israel. God’s mercy that has been shown to the disobedient Gentiles will one day be shown to disobedient Israel. Disobedience by both groups led to God showing His mercy, and both groups must believe in Jesus to be saved. In verses 33-36 Paul closes with praise to God for His wisdom and His ways.
    The first 11 chapters of Romans were doctrinal. Now Paul turns to the practical in chapter 12. In verses 1-2 Paul shows how a Christian must live their lives for God. We are to surrender ourselves to God, be willing to give God our all, all because of what He has done for us. We are not to let the world mold and shape us, but be transformed (inwardly) through the renewing our minds (Bible study, prayer, worship, etc…) so we will know the will of God for our lives. In verses 3-8 Paul deals with the diversity of our spiritual gifts that actually bring unity to the body. While all of the exhortations in verses 9-21 apply to all Christians, those in verses 9-13 primarily relate to treatment of fellow Christians. Verses 14-21 primarily relate to those outside the church.

Bibliography

Barker, Kenneth L. Expositor’s Bible Commentary OT/NT. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Bible Study Press.  The NET Bible First Edition Notes. Biblical Studies Press, 2006.
Bock, Darrell L. Baker Exegetical Commentary: Luke. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1994.
Bruce F.F. TNTC: Romans. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 1985.
Longman, Tremper. Layman’s Old Testament Bible Commentary. Uhrichsville: Barbour Publishing, 2010.
MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Word Publishers, 1997.
Mare, W. Harold. NT Background Commentary: Words, Phrases, and Situations.Rosshire: Mentor, 2004.
Selman, Martin J. TOTC:1 Chronicles. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1994.
Willmington, H.L. The Outline Bible. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999.
Wiseman, Donal J. TOTC: Ezekiel. Downers Grove: InterVaristy Press, 1969.
Wiseman, Donald J. TOTC: Leviticus. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1980.
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Weekly Schedule

Sunday Morning
9:30 - Sunday School
10:30 - Worship Service

Sunday Evening  (No Evening Services June-July)
5:00 - Choir Practice
6:00 - Evening Worship

Wednesday Night
6:00 - Classes (RAs & GAs for children, Nazareth Youth, C3 College Ministry, and Various Bible Studies for Adults of all ages.

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