Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — 1 Chronicles 17

Study 7  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 17

1- From this chapter and other passages where Nathan is mentioned (2 Sa. 12:1-15, 25; Ki. I passim; 4:5), work out what an important place he had in the lives of David and of Solomon. The revelation here made to him and through him to David is one of the chief Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, and had a profound influence upon the development of the Messianic hope. Cf., e.g., Ps. 89:26, 27; Lk. 1:33; Heb. 1:5.

2- In what sense did God deny David’s desire, in what way modify it, and in what way answer it above all that David asked or thought?  Note especially verses 4, 10b, 12a. Have you had any comparable experience of the Lord’s, dealing in your own life?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — 1 Chronicles 16:7-43

Study 6 From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 16:7-43

1      Verses 8:22, 34-36. What should be the response of God’s people in return for all His goodness? Make a list of all the things the psalm calls upon them to do. Note for what purpose Herman and Jeduthun were ‘chosen and expressly named’ (verses 41, 42).

2      Verses 23-33. Here the psalmist looks beyond Israel, and summons all nations to worship the Lord. What reasons does he gives why they ought to do so? Can you use this hymn of praise as a thankful acknowledgement of all that the Lord means to you?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

Study 5  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 15:1-16:6

1 What reason does David assign for the failure of the first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem? Comparing chapter 15 with chapter 13, what was there common to both processions, and what peculiar to the second? What is the obvious lesson for us to learn?

2 ‘Sounds of Joy’ (15:16; see also verses 25, 28, 29). What made David rejoice so greatly? What did the ark stand for in his eyes? What kind of activity should cause us similar joy?

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My Son Has Brain Cancer - Please Pray for Him

Philippians 3:14  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

I had such a disastrous 2016 because I found out my son had brain cancer while his wife was pregnant with their second child. The first one was only two years old at that time. To make matters worse, I had family problems so I could not even have access to my son so that I would be kept updated. People on Facebook had more information than I, about his case. This tidbit, in itself is a long story and I do not want to touch it. All you need to know is that God was good to me. He broke every barrier that was erected for me not to have access to my son and be in his life. In the end, I got access to him after surgery. During that time, I thought I was going crazy and I had to do everything in my power to remain sane and strong and avoid going through a depression.

2017 has not been better. My son had to get radiation and after that, he had to go through chemo. While he was going through chemo, I got a phone call from him and my heart fell to my feet when I heard him said his last MRI, revealed the cancer has returned in his brain and he needed to have surgery again. Having my son being ravaged by cancer is not as painful as knowing that not only he does not know the Lord, but over the years, he has been so disappointed by ‘religion’ that his heart has harden toward God. So, at this point, my son reminds me so much of Pharaoh with his harden heart vis a vis God. God has been somewhat silent on the matter. The only thing He told me is to keep trusting Him and be patient. He reminded me that I have surrendered my son to Him, few years ago. He also reminded me that no matter what happen, He will strengthen me and will always be by my side. All this is happening while I have a soap opera going on around me in my family.

Even before all these things, my situation was already shaky and in my mind, I thought it was temporary and in due time, God would change my circumstances. So, in trying not to fall into depression, I found myself kind of ‘staying away from God’. I have no idea what to call this ‘season’ that I have been going through. One thing I was always mindful of is that I had to be careful not to distance myself too much from God because backsliding is too easy. So, His grace kept me from wandering off too far. After a while, He decided it was enough and I had to come back to the life I had with Him. So, the past few weeks have been times of restoration. I was judged and rebuke big time, by Him.  Although I had regrets in my heart for having acted this way toward Him, I begged Him for days to give me what I had experienced few years ago when I found out what true repentance meant. He did indeed hear me and granted my desire as He allowed me to experience Godly repentance so that I can deal with Him personally.

Today, I was reading Philippians 3:14, the Spirit of God reminded me that Paul was in prison, yet his spiritual life went forward with God. He emphasized to me the fact that Paul’s life would have appeared to everyone that his situation was temporary, and Paul would have had the rights to take it slow and wait and see.  But, He showed me, just like Paul, the goal for me is to go forward with my spiritual life, there is no time to pause because the race calls for constant movement forward whether through the pain, the uncertainties, the lack of comfort and the unknown. What He needs from me is to cultivate the right attitude and frame of mind to cultivate “His mind” as I bring myself daily to a place of purposely surrender and press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Then, He said ‘what did you think Paul meant when he said that?  He continued…, this is where you are, this is the crossroads you are at now, this is the life, choose to move on with me’! But not only He said those things, right then and there, He willed me to do just that and continue the walk with Him.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SON’S HEART TO SOFTEN TOWARD GOD. He is surrounded by spiritual warfare, based on his environment.  I do not want to say more about the other side of the story that would shed light on how he managed to be in such an hostile environment to God.  I do not want to give Satan more ammunition against someone else.  But, those of you with the spirit of God, will understand. So, PRAY THAT THE LIGHT OF GOD WOULD PENETRATE HIS HEART HE WOULD UNDERSTAND, HEAR AND MADE WILLING TO HUMBLE HIMSELF AND EMBRACE HIM AS HIS LORD AND SAVIOR. PRAY THAT HE WOULD UNDERSTAND WHY WE ALL NEED A SAVIOUR in Christ. I have shared the gospel with him and has provided him with a Bible.

 So, this is my story and I hope God uses it and the internet to strengthen someone else

In His Agape Love,

M.J. Andre

Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — 1 Chronicles 13 and 14

Study  4 From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 13 and 14

1.     The story in chapter 13 will repay reflection. Was Uzzah alone guilty, or was the spirit of deep reverence lacking also in king and people? Was it too much like a heathen idol procession? What lesson would the judgment upon Uzzah impress upon the people? Cf. Heb. 12:28, 29

2.     The Philistines were not willing to submit to the ascendancy of David, and three times made an all-out effort to regain the upper hand. What may we learn from the way David met the challenge?

Note. 13:6. The power and majesty of God are emphasized, as also His presence. Note also the words ‘before God’ are emphasized, in verses 8 and 10

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — 1 Chronicles 12

Study 3 From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 12

1.      Observe the unity prevailing at this time among the followers of David—though drawn from so many different tribes—and also the diversity of gifts which were found among them. Make a list of these gifts and compare them with the gifts of the Spirit as set forth in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. What was the secret of the unity that prevailed?

2.      What qualities of character do you find commended in this chapter? Are they characteristic of the Christian Church today? Are they true of you?

Note. Verse 18. ‘Amasai’: probably the same as Amasa of 2:17; 2 Sam. 17:25; 20:10.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — 1 Chronicles 10 and 11

Study 2  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 10 and 11

1.     Chapter 10 is a sad story of failure. To what is Saul’s failure ascribed? Are our own lives free from the sins which brought about Saul’s downfall? Cf. IS. 8:19, 20.

2.     What instances are given in chapter 11 of the valour and loyalty of the men who followed David? What may we learn from the story concerning the nature of true fellowship, love and Christian service? Cf. Acts 20:22-24

Note. 11:8. ‘The Millo’: probably the name of an ancient citadel in the city.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — 1 Chronicles 1-9

Study 1  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: 1 Chronicles 1-9

These chapters, which at first sight appear to be mere wilderness of names, are seen on closer inspection to contain an orderly arrangement, like a garden divided into separate beds. The writer begins with the line of descent from Adam to Noah, and then gives the descendants of each of Noah’s three sons (1:1-27). Arriving thus at Abraham, he lists the sons of Ishmael, and of Keurah, and Isaac’s two sons, Israel and Esau, with a list of the descendants of Esau (1:28-54). With chapter 2 begins the list of Israel’ sons, with their descendants. Judah comes first and is given the largest space (2:3-4:23); then Simeon (4:24-43), Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh (chapter 5) Levi (chapter 6), Issachar (7:1-5), Benjamin (7:6-12), Naphtali (7:13). Manasseh (7:14-19), Ephraim (7:20-29), Asher (7:30-40). It will be noticed that two tribes are omitted. In chapter 8 the descendants of Benjamin are given more fully, leading up to the family of Saul and his descendants; chapter 9 gives a list of inhabitants of Jerusalem, and repeats the genealogy of Saul as an introduction to the story of his death in chapter 10.  Amidst these lists of names are a number of passages which may be spiritually applied with profit to ourselves.

1 Read 4:9, 10 and 5:18-22. What do you learn for your own life from the examples of (a) Jabez, and (b) Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh about success and victory? Cf. Ps. 81:10; Col. 4:2; 1 Jn. 5:4.
2 Build for yourself a mental picture of the lives and service of the Levites, as described in chapter 6. Are there lessons to be learned from this passage about the nature of true worship?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 0 — 1 Chronicles Book

Study 0  From the Book of 1 Chronicles is: The Introduction of 1 Chronicles

The two books of Chronicles, which are really one whole were composed at a much later date than the other historical books and frequent reference is made to former writings not now possessed by us.  The date is after the carrying away to Babylon (1 Ch. 6:15) and after the decree of Cyrus ordering the return (2 Ch. 36:22, 23), which decree is found also in the first chapter of Ezra. The literary style is similar to the books of Ezra-Nehemiah, which suggests that all belong to the same period.

The books of Chronicles are placed last in the Hebrew Bible. They are separated from the other historical books, and form part of the section of the Hebrew Canon known as ‘Hagiographa’ or ‘Writings’. The Hebrew title for the books of Chronicles is ‘The Word of the Days’, and the Greek title is ‘Omissions’. The name ‘Chronicles’ comes from Jerome. The theme of the books is the need for God to be central in the life of the nation, and the frequent times in the history of the monarchy when the nation turned away from Him. With occasional times of reformation under such kings as Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. After the death of Solomon (2 Ch. 9) the story of the southern kingdom alone is told, with only occasional references to the northern kingdom. The work of the prophets as witnesses to the truth of God, when kings and even priests corrupted it, is shown again and again, as is the faithfulness of God to the people of His choice. The interest of the writer centres very largely in the Temple, its priesthood and its worship.

Search The Scriptures —Study 7 — James 5

Study 7 From the Book of James is: James 5

With this lesson, we end the book of James. We start 1 Chronicles tomorrow.
James denounces the callous rich language which recalls, that of the Old Testament prophets. Cf. 1:9-11; 2: 1-7.

1. Verses 1-12. What is the outstanding fact underlying James’ warnings to the rich and his counsel to the oppressed? Do we, rich or poor, share this eternal perspective? What particular warnings should we take from verses 1-6? What reasons (verses 7-10) are there for self-control and what grounds for joyful peace of mind?
2. Verses 13-20. In what ways are we called upon to help others? In particular, what illustrations are here given of the power of prayer, and what conditions of effective prayer are laid down?

Notes

1. Verse 3b. NEB Translates, ‘You have piled up wealth in an age that is near its close’
2. Verse 6. The reference is probably not to Christ, as some suppose (cf. Acts 7:52), so much as to prevailing social conditions.
3. Verse 9. ‘Do not grumble’: the verse recalls 4:11, 12, where open criticism is discouraged; notice the similar legal language.
4. Verse 11. ‘The purpose of the Lord’: literally ‘The end of the Lord’ (AV, RV,). i.e., what the Lord finally purposed for Job. See Jb. 42:12.
5. Verse 12. It seems that James’ readers were notoriously unable to control their tongues: cf. 1:19, 26; 2: 12; 3: 5ff; 4:11; 5:9.

3. Verse 16. ‘Confess your sins’ there must be no hushing up of sin if prayer is to prevail. Cf. Ps. 66:18; Mt. 5:23, 24.

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