Graced with Grace

The author of 1 Peter is Jesus’ disciple bearing that name. It was most likely written in between A.D. 62-63. The theme of 1 Peter is rejoicing in our suffering and trials. Peter is writing to a people who are suffering, yet he sees that they have joy. He says that their joy comes from the knowledge that their inheritance is not on this earth, but waiting in heaven for them. It is an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, and God is the one who is reserving it for us. Therefore, even though we may suffer for a little while, we have that hope of the prize at the end of the race, thus, we can rejoice in our trials. If we suffer for Christ with joy, then He will strengthen us and give us grace for each day, and we will be glorifying Him. A. What is the author telling me in 1 Peter 1:1-2?             Peter begins his letter stating who he is and who he is writing to. He is writing to the pilgrims who ha...

It seems that the most reasonable author of James is Jesus’ brother, James. The most rational time for the writing of this book is probably around A.D. 46-48.             The theme of James seems to be that of tying faith and works together. Apparently there were some who thought that if they had faith then they were good to go and didn’t need to do anything else. Then there were some who did good works yet, they had no faith. James wants to make it clear that faith and good works must go together. If you truly do have faith in Christ Jesus, then your good works will prove it and vise versa. A. What is the author telling me in James 1:1?             This letter begins with an introduction of who the author is and who he is writing to. James is a bondservant of God. He is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. B. How should I respond to James1:1?  ...

Here is a ridiculously long post which I hope someone out there won't mind taking the time to read, like maybe someone who writes long posts their self. ;) I actually wrote this in October of last year for a New Testament class, but I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by it. The author of Acts is Luke, who also wrote the book baring his name. Acts is believed to have been written in the mid A.D 60s. What is the author telling me in Acts 1:1-6:7? Luke begins with a short review of Jesus ascension into heaven. Jesus disciples then chose another disciple to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and then gone and hanged himself. On the day of Pentecost the people were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. When some became confused and perplexed, Peter stood up and explained and taught them the scriptures, beseeching them to believe and be saved. God’s Word continued to go forth as the disciples went out healing and preaching the gospel. Even...

  The author of Ephesians is undoubtedly Paul. He most likely wrote this letter in the early 60s. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul seems to be trying to get across to them the greatness of God’s grace and love towards them. He reminds them of what God has brought them out of and how it was only because of God’s grace. He also reminds them of God’s great love for them, that he would adopt them into His own family and make each one His own child.             A. What is the author telling me in Ephesians 1:1-23? Paul begins his letter stating who he is and greeting his audience. Paul then goes on to tell how and why we have been redeemed. We have been chosen by Christ before the foundation of this world, to be adopted in to his family. It is through His blood that we have been redeemed. We have been redeemed, so that He would be glorified. We, who have trusted in Him, have been given an inheritance by Him. Therefore...

  Unlike many of the letters of the New Testament, Hebrews author is unidentified. The date for when this letter was written is most likely later than A.D. 60, but earlier than 70.                The theme of Hebrews seems to be Jesus Christ as our High Priest. Jesus Christ came to earth perfect, Holy, and without sin. Yet, He was lifted up on the cross to die as a sacrifice for our sins, once for all. The Jews no longer need to have a flawed high priest go into the tabernacle to offer up sacrifices daily for the people’s sins. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and he has offered Himself up as the sacrifice for our sins. The author also continues to warn us against falling away from the truth because of unbelief. A. What is the author telling me in Hebrews 1:1-2:18?                 The author of Hebrews did not begin with a greeting, but mo...

It is hardly questioned that Romans is written by Paul*, the apostle, especially considering he begins his book with “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ…” It is most probable that Romans was written about A.D. 57*.             The theme of Romans can be summed up pretty well with this short little phrase, “Justification through faith by grace for His glory” We are justified, that is, set free or declared free from sin, by believing in what Christ has done for us on the cross. It is by God’s grace that we are saved and not any works of righteousness that we have done. God has saved us that His name might be glorified and lifted high. Because we now no longer live in the flesh, but have put on the new man, we must live righteously and for God’s glory. A. What is the author telling me in Romans 1:1-17?             Paul begins his epistle to the Romans with a greeting! He makes ...

            The book of Luke, believed to have been written by Luke a gentile, was probably written around A.D. 60 Luke begins his book with an introduction (Luke 1:1-4). He is writing to Theophilus, about Jesus, so that he will believe and know the truth. The life is of Christ is indeed true and we should believe it with our hearts not just our head.             (Luke 1:5-2:52) He then goes on to tell us the account of Gabriel, the angel, appearing before Zacharias and Mary and bringing the good tidings that each will be given a son. Yet Zacharias does not believe and is therefore struck dumb until his son, John, is born, while Mary does believe and is greatly blessed among women, bearing the Messiah, Savior of the world. When we believe the truth, we are blessed, yet disbelief comes with great consequences. When Jesus gets to the age of about twelve He is then seen in the te...