Search the Scriptures - Study 3 - Luke 1:39-56

Study 3 of "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES IS: 

Luke 1:39-56

    1.      What does Mary’s song reveal of (a) the character of God (see especially verse 49, 50) and (b) His way of working among men (verses 51-53)? How were these facts demonstrated in the manner of the Saviour’s coming?

    2.      What features in Mary’s Character are revealed in this song? What may we learn from her example?

I have copied the Bible verses concerning this study, for your convenience.

Luke 1:39-56

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 Now [a]at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And [b]how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. 45 And blessed is she who [c]believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her [d]by the Lord.”

The Magnificat

46 And Mary said:

“My soul [e]exalts the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His [f]bondslave;

For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.

49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;

And holy is His name.

50 “And His mercy is [g]upon generation after generation

Toward those who fear Him.

51 “He has done [h]mighty deeds with His arm;

He has scattered those who were proud in the [i]thoughts of their heart.

52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,

And has exalted those who were humble.

53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;

And sent away the rich empty-handed.

54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,

[j]In remembrance of His mercy,

55 As He spoke to our fathers,

To Abraham and his [k]descendants forever.”

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.

COURTESY OF BIBLE GATEWAY

LESSON 2

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Search the Scriptures - Study 2 - Luke 1:26-38

Study 2-  Luke 1-26-38 from the book "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES"

Study 2 of "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES IS: 

Luke 1:26-38

       1.      Verses 31-33, 35. How many features of the person and mission of the promised child can be discerned in the words of the angel?

      2.      Contrast Mary’s reception of the Angel’s message with that of Zechariah (see previous study, Question 2). Cf. verse 45.  What did Mary’s response involve? Are you prepared similarly to ask the Lord to fulfill His word in you?

Note: Verse 31. ‘Jesus’ is the Greek form of Joshua, which means ‘God saves’. Cf. Mt. 1:21

I have copied the Bible verses concerning this study, for your convenience.

Luke 1:26-38

Jesus’ Birth Foretold

26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin [a]engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the [b]descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was [c]Mary.28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, [d]favored one! The Lord [e]is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 

31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How[f]can this be, since I [g]am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the [h]holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and [i]she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 For[j]nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, the[k]bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

COURTESY OF BIBLE GATEWAY

LESSON 1


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Search the Scriptures - Study 1 - Luke 1:1-25

Study 1-  Luke 1-1-25 from the book "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES"

Study 1 of "SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES IS: 

1. What was the mission assigned to John the Baptist? What was to be the nature of his greatness (verse 15)? Cf. verses 76,77.

2. What was the cause of Zechariah's punishment (verse 20)? What made him hesitate to believe the angel's message? What similar temptations to unbelief  do you face? Why ought Zechariah to have believed, and why ought we to believe?

3. Verses 1-4. What do these verses tell us of (a) the sources of Luke's information, (b) the importance which he attached to giving a truthful record, and (c) his purpose in writing the Gospel?

Note. Verse 3. The title 'most excellent' suggests that Theophilus was a high official, probably not a Christian, but with some knowledge of an interest in Christianity.

JOIN ME IN STUDYING & MEDITATING ON THE WORD OF GOD! 

I have copied the Bible verses concerning the study, for your convenience.

 Luke 1-1-25

Introduction

1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things[a]accomplished among us, 2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning [b]were eyewitnesses and [c]servants of the [d]word, 3 it seemed fitting for me as well, having [e]investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; 4 so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been [f]taught.

Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named [g]Zacharias, of the division of [h]Abijah; and he had a wife [i]from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in [j]years.

8 Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division, 9 according to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear [k]gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will [l]give him the name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit [m]while yet in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in [n]years.” 19 The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who [o]stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them; and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he kept [p]making signs to them, and remained mute. 23 When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.

24 After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she [q]kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.”

Courtesy of: Bible Gateway

READ THE PREFACE AND METHOD OF STUDY HERE

Search The Scriptures - Alan Stibbs Editor

A Three-Year Daily Devotional Guide to the Whole Bible

Hello guys,

I have decided to study from the book “search the scriptures.”  It is a three year Bible Study course which apparently has been a blessing to everyone who has taken the time to finish it.  I first heard about the book through a great pastor that I admire and I listen to his sermons all the times.

I am looking for people interested in taking the journey with me. It is actually good for those of you who are busy and do not have much time, so by doing the book with me, you can focus on one chapter at the time.

This means the only posting that I will be doing (unless God says otherwise) will be solely what is written in the book, on a daily basis so we can follow together.

Check out GoodReads Reviews on this Timeless Bible Study

Search The Scriptures Alan Stibbs (Editor)

The study of God's Word is essential to spiritual growth. Still, a daily encounter with the Bible can be difficult to sustain. Search the Scriptures can support you in your discipline of daily Bible study. Using a question-and-answer approach, it helps you discover God's truth for yourself. Its built-in flexibility and clear presentation allow you to use its contents according to your own needs.

• section-by-section coverage of the entire Bible
• concise introductions to each book of the Bible as you meet it
• meaning and application for each daily passage

Search the Scriptures has been used and appreciated by many thousands of readers for over half a century. This new edition, based on the New International Version of the Bible, has been completely reset in a fresh, accessible format. With its daily support, your own search of the Scriptures can become a delight and a source of strength.

Read about the METHOD OF STUDY SUGGESTIONS 

PREFACE

The course of Bible reading was first issued in 1934 in response to a widespread demand from Christian students and others for a systematic plan which could be used daily. Its aim is to guide the reader through the whole Bible in three years of regular daily study.

The General Editor of the original edition was G.T. Mainley. In 1949 a new and revised course was prepared by H. W Oldham and others. The present fresh and thorough revision has been undertaken by a large team of helpers, each of whom has worked on an allotted section. These include G. L. Carey, D. Catchpole, M.J. Cole, J.C Connell, P. A. Crowe, A. E. Cundall, D. R. J. Evans, M. R. W. Farrere, P. K. Finnie, R. T. France, P. H. Hacking, A. R. Henderson, J. B. Job, Dr and Mrs A. Johnston, F. D. Kidner, G. E. Lane, Mrs. A. Metcalfe, H. Peskett, Mrs M. Roberts, Miss M. Sugden, J.B. Taylor, Miss R. E. Windtle, D. R. Wooldridge and D. F. Wright; with A. M. Stibbs acting as General Editor.

As G. T. Manley wrote of the compilers of the earlier editions all who have shared in preparing this revision ‘know well the difficulty of sustained Bible study, and how many a hindrance Satan will put in the way. But, they pray that the guidance here given may, by the grace of God, stimulate such taste for His Word as to make the time daily spent upon it a delight as well as a source of strength.’

Happy New Year to My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus

Happy New Year to My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus, Lord Savior and Redeemer!

It is a good year to be alive, to be a Christian, free to worship our Lord and Saviour.
It is a very good year to know Him and get to know Him deeper.  
Let's live out  this year differently for Him, with Him, by Him, and through Him. 
Let fall in love all over with Him. Let's not be afraid to give Him back what already belongs to Him.



GOD IS LOVE.
Oh! delightful truth! Oh! heart-cheering consolation! Let it be carried round the globe. Let it be echoed from hill to hill, from shore to shore, until all nations catch the joyful sound, that "God is love," that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Here, in this one truth, this precious gospel message, proclaimed by the Savior of sinners himself, is contained all peace, and strength, hope, joy, purity, yes, heavenly glory. Only believe this sweet declaration, with a loving obedience; only receive Christ, through whom this salvation is procured; and all the promises which cluster on the living Vine are your portion, O my soul, freely and fully given by the Father of mercies, through the Son of his love.

O eternal Spirit of light and truth, proceeding from the Father and the Son, work this saving faith even now in my heart. O make me this day, which commences another year of my earthly existence, a true member of the mystical body of Christ, a regenerated member of his Church, a sheep of his fold. Take away the darkness of my mind, and shed a flood of light into my soul. Pluck my feet out of the net of Satan's temptations; and enable me to walk in the path of your commandments. Give me to see the beauty of holiness, and to hunger and thirst after it; to discover the heinousness of sin, to flee from it, and abhor it.

If called into the furnace of affliction, be with me to support and comfort me. If led into the enjoyment of worldly blessings, preserve me from the snares of prosperity. Oh! grant that I may begin this year with earnest desires after Christ and his salvation, that, being kept by your power from day to day, I may be continually waiting for the Savior's coming, and rejoice, when his voice of mercy shall whisper to my soul; "Come up here;" "Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Jesus! I will praise your name,
While my life and being last; 
Your rich mercies are the same,
Which saints enjoyed in ages past; 
A dying pilgrim here below, 
'Tis my bliss, Your love to know.
With the lightning's rapid flight
All my moments hasten by; 
Day is soon o'erspread with night;
Flowers of Spring do quickly die. 
Jesus, in this land of woe, 
Let me Your salvation know.
Fleeting vapors are my days,
Life is but an airy dream; 
As the sun's declining rays,
Or the constant ebbing stream. 
Fix my heart on You alone, 
You, the Church's Corner-Stone.
You, my kind redeeming Lord,
Wean my heart from earthly joy 
Change me by your powerful word,
Every sin in me destroy. 
Let my treasure ever be, 
Safely hid, O Christ, in Thee.
Holy Spirit, Heavenly Fire, 
Burn the hated dross within,
Kindle every pure desire,
Save me from indwelling sin. 
Let my soul on You depend, 
Faithful and Almighty Friend

In 2015 May You Learn The Secret of God's Gladness in the Heart!

The Secret of Gladness

J.R. Miller, 1899

"But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy!" Psalm 5:11

"I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:2

"I will be glad and rejoice in Your love" Psalm 31:7

"Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous. Sing, all you who are upright in heart!" Psalm 32:11

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." Psalm 68:3

"Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

"Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs!" Psalm 100:2

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

It is worth while to be a singing bird, in this world in which are so many harsh and discordant sounds and so many cries of pain. Even a bird's songs put a little more music into the air. It is yet more worth while to be a singing Christian, giving out notes of gladness amid earth's sorrows.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4. For most of us it is not easy to be always joyful; yet we should learn our lesson so well that whether amid circumstances of sorrow or of gladness — our song shall never be interrupted.

Joy is God's ideal for His children. He means for them to be sunny-faced and happy-hearted. He does not wish them to be heavy-hearted and sad. He has made the world full of beauty and full of music. The mission of the gospel is to start songs wherever it goes. Its keynote is joy — good tidings of great joy to all people. We are commanded to rejoice always.

This does not mean that the Christian's life is exempt from trouble, pain, and sorrow. The gospel does not give us a new set of conditions with the hard things left out. The Christian's home is not sheltered from life's storms — any more than the worldly man's home is. Sickness enters the circle where the voice of prayer is heard, with its hot breath — as well as the home where no heart adores and no knee bends before God. In the holiest home sanctuary, the loving group gathers about the bed of death, and there is sorrow of bereavement.

Nor is grief less poignant in the believer's case, than in that of the man who knows not Christ. Grace does not make . . .
love less tender,
the pang of affliction less sharp,
the sense of loss less keen, or
the feeling of loneliness less deep.

God does not give joy to His children by making them incapable of suffering. Divine grace makes the heart all the more tender, and the capacity for loving all the deeper; hence it increases rather than lessens the measure of sorrow when afflictions come.

But the joy of the Christian is something which lies too deep to be disturbed by the waves and tides of earthly trouble. It has its source in the very heart of God. Sorrow is not prevented by grace, but is swallowed up in the floods of heavenly joy. That was what Jesus meant when He talked to His disciples of joy just as He was about to go out to Gethsemane. He said their sorrow would be turned into joy, and that they would have a joy which the world could not take from them; that is, a joy which earth's deepest darkness could not put out. God's joy is not the absence of sorrow, but divine comfort overcoming sorrow — sunshine striking through the black clouds, transfiguring them! "You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy!" John 16:20

Last Things Last - Arthur Pink

We opened the year by writing upon "First things First," so it seems appropriate that we should offer a few remarks upon Last Things in this closing issue of 1939. The subject suggested by this title could be dealt with in various ways. We might, for example, consider that procrastinating tendency of fallen human nature to put off until later, things which ought to be seriously attended to now.

Death was the last thing in the experience of the countless millions whose bodies now lie in the cemeteries: how many of them were prepared to pass out of time into Eternity? Like we, they knew that their life span would be but a comparatively short one at best. Yet, like most of our generation, it is greatly to be feared the majority of them lived as though they were going to continue here indefinitely, with plenty of time before them for preparing to meet their God. Here is a case where last things must not be left to the last. "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!" (Deut. 32:29).

Or, we might well dwell on the fact that the closing days of another year call for a solemn review of the months now behind us: how far we have redeemed the time—or to what extent we have trifled it away. We should be humbled at the recollection of how frequently we grumbled, because His way was not the one we desired.

We should judge ourselves unsparingly because we so often lagged behind, and sought to turn aside into forbidden bypaths. We should ponder the amazing grace of God in condescending to lead us across this trackless desert, and think, too, of His infinite forbearance in continuing to lead those who are so ungrateful and intractable. We should praise Him for having kept us in the Narrow Way, which we would have certainly forsaken—had we been left to follow the bent of our own evil lusts. And we should return fervent thanks that we are now a year's march nearer to our Heavenly Home...

The Changing Years—the Unchanging God

by Arthur Pink

January, 1945 
 

When we were young, the transition from December to January meant little more to us than the need for another calendar and registering the new date on our letters. There was no solemn realization that another milestone had been passed in the short journey of life, and that we were 365 days nearer a never-ending Eternity—to spend the same, either as a regenerated soul in the Courts of holiness and everlasting bliss; or to be righteously cast by God as an abhorred sinner into the region of unutterable woe, there to suffer the due reward of our iniquities forever and ever.

But since Divine mercy apprehended us and gave us the spirit of a sound mind, and as we grow older, the passing of each year impresses us more deeply with the mutability of all earthly things and of our own mortality. As each fleeting year witnesses the call hence of one and another, we are reminded that the same call may likely come to us before 1945 expires; and therefore, it behooves us to see to it—that our own house is set in order.

With the changing years, come also the vicissitudes of life. True, that has been the case all through human history—but it seems to have been more pronounced of late. What alterations have been witnessed in every sphere during the last few decades! Probably most of our readers would have discredited anyone who, a generation ago, was able to forecast the principal conditions now prevailing in the world. Even the few who had sufficient discernment to see the coming events, which were casting their dark shadows before them, were unable to foresee more than the general outline of what is now before them in detail. 

Whether we view the situation in the military, the political, the social, or the religious sphere—things have deteriorated and degenerated more than even the pessimistic conceived likely. Nor can the most experienced and sagacious, prognosticate with any degree of certainty, how much further the downward trend will go, how much lower moral and spiritual values will sink, nor how much that which is still prized by the godly, will be sucked into the maelstrom of destruction. Yes, the changing years are bringing with them great changes in living conditions—changes which are solemn to contemplate, and fearful to experience.