Exploring God’s Library 2022-2023 Bible Reading Calendar

Greetings fellow Bible Readers!!

Our EGL2022-2023 #BibleReading journey begins on October 22, 2022 using the Exploring God’s Library Reading Calendar. You’re welcome to join us whether this be your first time reading the Bible or your 50th. You’ll not be on this journey alone, but if you would like will be in a group reading the Bible for the next 51 weeks.

Here’s the link to the Exploring God’s Library 2022-2023 Bible Reading Calendar.

https://exploringgodslibrary.files.wordpress.com/2022/10/reading-schedule-2022-to-2023-5783_10.12.22.pdf

Exploring God’s Library One year reading calendar is a bit different from other Bible reading calendars in that it commences in the fall according to an ancient Jewish reading regimen of the Torah which begins anew each year following the fall feast known as the Feast of Tabernacles. It is different though in that it also contains daily readings from the Old Testament historic books and Prophets, the Psalms, Proverbs and readings from the New Testament.

It takes approximately 20 minutes a day to read the select sections. It is not a straight through the Bible read from Genesis to Revelation, rather it systematically reads through the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch, the Historic Books, Prophets, the Wisdom literature, Proverbs, Psalms for devotion, and a section of the New Testament.

We are very excited as it is the first time that we know of where all the Holy Scriptures are portioned out in tandem with Jewish Torah Parashat so that the entire Bible is read through, with the exception of the Psalms which will be read twice through. The Hebrew Parashat has been used by the Jewish community since the Babylonian captivity which allows everyone to be on the same page in their reading of the Holy Scriptures providing for rich discussion in the community of faith.

The calendar we use is the western calendar, but it also lists appropriate holydays from the Hebrew Calendar as well as the Christian calendar for those who come from the various Christian and Messianic traditions. Each holy day will have Scripture surrounding that special day or week.

The calendar changes slightly every year and notes the holy days as they occur. Our family and neighbors come from many backgrounds, some are Jewish, some are Christian, some are Orthodox, some celebrate Christmas on different dates

The Exploring God’s Library Reading Calendar enables us to plan and be aware of one another’s religious calendar in the Jewish and Messianic and Christian communities which celebrate certain days with great solemnity such Yom Kippur and Passover and others with great joy like Christmas or Resurrection week, or Feast of Tabernacles for 8 days.

If you have any comments, criticism or praise, or suggestion on the EGL reading please keep it kind, constructive and Biblical. You may either post it here or send an email to James and Elizabeth Stephens re:EGL 2022-2023 Bible Reading Calendar exploringgodslibrary@gmail.com.

You may also wish to subscribe to our Exploring God’s Library Facebook group which enables you to join us on Tuesday evenings for a one hour coaching session from 6-7 pm Pacific Standard Time (Los Angeles, California) based on that week’s readings. Note: we are presently having difficulties with FB live, but you can access it daily as we do post the daily reading and supplementary materials.

Please Subscribe here to the private EGL FB Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871385569648323/?ref=share

If you are unable to attend the session because of time differences or if you are not on Facebook, we will also post it on the Exploring God’s Library YouTube channel. We recommend that everyone subscribe to the channel so that you are automatically notified. There you will find a special list of many, many valuable resources for your study of the Scriptures.

Please subscribe here to the EGL YouTube channel. https://youtube.com/channel/UCx236kaMv50VylKKDYvneMA

Please feel free to share it with your Church, Bible study, Youth Group, school Messianic synagogue, colleagues, neighbors, friends and family who desire to read through the Word this year to gain a richer understanding.

There is no fee. You are however invited to contribute if you desire to help us keep the reading calendar and weekly coaching session free. We have readers from all over the world many who can not afford the expense. It is a free will offering. We are free church members and not a 501(c)3.

https://www.givesendgo.com/egl

Looking forward to being on the journey with you this year.

In Christ’s refuge and strength,

James and Elizabeth Stephens

New Year’s Resolution Read My Bible

“SKIP THE JOHN-WAYNE-LONE-COWBOY METHOD”

Congratulations on choosing to Read the Word! It’s that time again when people are making New Year’s Resolutions. One of the big one’s we’ve all probably made is to read through the Bible in a year. So we’re just peeking in on how others do it, or attempt to do it. Very few of us are as highly disciplined as we would like to be.

One reader on Huff Post whose opinion hit the nail on the head which we would agree with said,

“Reading the Bible is something best undertaken with other trusted people who are on the journey too. So skip the John-Wayne-lone-cowboy methodhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1523XkfNhUqxtnn5G1Gy41-r8tI1YwH1a/view?usp=sharing most of us default to at first and go right to the better option of reading the Bible together. Other people will hold you accountable to your reading goals, but even more importantly, they’ll be a sounding board when you don’t understand something or want to discuss how the Bible applies to your life today.”

NewYearsResolution2022

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS-READ MY BIBLE

What is your New Year’s Resolution re your Bible Reading plan? If you write it down you are far more able to complete your goal.

One very successful person said, “One can’t make it in life as a wandering generality.” Meaning you have to be specific in setting your life goals.

“A survey in 1953 conducted at Yale University stated, that among the graduating seniors only 3% had taken seven steps as it related to setting goals, while only 10% had taken three steps. The final 87% had no definite plan or idea on how to proceed! And that was Yale University!

Fast forward 20 years. “The 3% who had set dates, listed obstacles, identified people, groups and organizations and what they needed to know, had a game plan of action, had WRITTEN IT DOWN IN MINUTE DETAIL, written down what’s in it for me, written down measureable goals–>>ACCOMPLISHED MORE THAN THE OTHER 97%!!

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty. -Proverbs 21:5.

“Take hold of instruction, do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:13

ANNUAL BIBLE READING CALENDAR

At Exploring God’s Library we take special care to put out an annual reading calendar calibrated to the year we are actually living in with all of its holidays.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1523XkfNhUqxtnn5G1Gy41-r8tI1YwH1a/view?usp=sharing

COACHING SESSION

Tuesday evening 6-7pm Pacific Standard time on Facebook Exploring God’s Library Group.

Each Tuesday evening we meet online for an hour and review the readings, define terms such as doctrines which appear in the course of reading select passages for the week, introduce a resource such as a commentary or Biblical help such as a Bible Dictionary or Concordance, which may help one understand a passage or build a library, and share links to other vital resources which may assist you in reading through the Bible with greater understanding.

YOU TUBE CHANNEL

Don’t forget to subscribe to our curated You Tube channel for more valuable resources as well. Make sure you look at our playlists which are extensive. Exploring God’s Library You Tube Channel.

Joshua 21 Cities of the Levites

In today’s reading of Joshua 21 listing the Cities of the Levites, I noticed in 21:21 that God gave Shechem to be a city of refuge from the slayer to the Levites. Although we have not yet read about Dinah’s incident in Genesis 34, the connection to Joshua 21 will become more apparent, so remember that this particular city was assigned to the Levites. Hint. Levi was involved in an event which involved circumcision, a ritual which was only to be carried out by priests.

The other verses of note in Joshua are 21:43-45 which speak to the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel.

Again because there are many place names and tribal names which are difficult to pronounce we listen to Alexander Scourby and “repeat after me” so to speak. You’ll begin to become more familiar as we proceed with these names. Don’t skip this practice. Do you like when a person mispronounces your name?

Joshua 18, 19, & 20

October 13, 2021

Note: I have not had time to listen to this particular Torah class all the way through. So if anyone does, your input would be appreciated. We are on this journey together. Please post your comments here on WordPress. If you have found a better lesson or sermon, YouTube elsewhere, please let us know.

We have included the two chapters as read by Alexander Scourby on Joshua 19 and 20 for your convenience.

https://www.torahclass.com/old-testament-studies-tc/39-old-testament-studies-joshua/309-lesson-21-joshua-18-19-20

Joshua 19. Inheritance of the tribes of Israel revealed by lot.

Joshua 20. Cities of Refuge.

Alexander Scourby Reads “Genesis 10-11 Tower of Babel and Abram

October 13, 2021

Approximate listening length 6 minutes which will cover two days of Genesis. Genesis 10 lists the nations descended from Noah. Chapter 11 Tower of Babel and the genealogy of Shem, leading to Serug, Nahor, Terah the father of Abram (who will later be renamed Abraham).

Lots of names and places. So to Alexander Scourby we go. Don’t skip it now. Read the names which will assist you in proper pronunciation. Got it? Remember every word is inspired by God, every jot and tittle. 2 Timothy 3:16 and profitable.

What amazed me as I read the names along with Scourby, was how God is so concerned with individuals and families. He knows us by name. Takes away our excuse when we meet our neighbor, “Oh, I’m bad with names.” You know, it’s just an excuse for lazy thinking. I was amazed by my old Ski racing Coach Robin Morning who remembered everyone’s name. She was on the US Olympic Ski Team.

And I am still amazed at my bride Elizabeth’s ability to do so as well! I am still working on my lazy nature!! What was his name? Immediately she will tell me.Lol. Happy listening. Listening to Scourby will definitely improve your English as well. Okay, to the Word!

The Land of If Only

By James C. Stephens

Hard lesson. It is good to take a moment, take a deep breathe, a selah and meditate on this issue, especially when tensions grow higher over issues beyond our personal control.

A very hard lesson. “How shall I lose the sin, yet keep the sense, and love the offender, yet detest the offense.” -Alexander Pope

Is that not in essence what our LORD Jesus is saying, “Love your enemy as yourself?” It in no way excuses an enemy’s sin which is an abomination to God, but that enemy made in the image of God is still is an image bearer as marred as that image may be.

We too were at one time strangers to His grace and were lost in our sins and trepasses. But how, once saved we forget and become our brother’s accuser rather than his advocate. Is he not but a drowning man, lost in sin and in need of redemption? Why else was he brought across our path? He is before us, a creature to be pitied in his blindness and bondage to self. We intercede. If for only one who might be saved from the fiery furnace and an eternal and unending horror called hell, separated from He who lovingly created you, those whom he or she onced loved, to dwell forever in the land of if only.

Remember, I must tell myself, there is much rejoicing in heaven of one who turns from the path of destruction and returns to Christ. Very hard lesson. Knowing such love from our Savior is it not commanded that we love one another? Knowing such love, can we remain silent when we see a brother racing headlong into hell and leading others astray? No. We must speak or his blood will be on our heads and we like Cain will speak in defiance to God, “Who am I? My brother’s keeper?” Knowing all the while, that it was I who killed my brother Abel.

Silence+Apathy=Complicity

Exploring God’s Library 2021 – Week One

Week‌ ‌1‌ ‌(10.17‌ ‌to‌ ‌10.23.2020)‌ ‌ ‌

‌Portion‌ ‌1‌ ‌-‌ ‌“In‌ ‌the‌ ‌Beginning”‌ ‌

‌Weekly‌ ‌FB‌ ‌live‌ ‌(Tuesday,‌ ‌6-7pm‌ ‌pst)‌ ‌10.20.2020‌ ‌

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Devotional‌ ‌

“New‌ ‌Beginning,”‌ ‌‌Valley of Vision ‌p.‌ ‌93.‌

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1st‌ ‌Five‌ ‌Books‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Genesis‌ ‌Chapters‌ ‌1-6:8‌ ‌

Paradise to Prison,‌ ‌Commentary‌ ‌on‌ ‌Genesis‌ ‌by‌ ‌John‌ ‌J.‌ ‌Davis‌ ‌p.‌ ‌15-117

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Prophets‌ ‌&‌ ‌Writings‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Joshua‌ ‌Chapters‌ ‌1-10‌ ‌

The Book of Joshua,‌ ‌by‌ ‌Marten‌ ‌H.‌ ‌Woudstra,‌ ‌p.‌ ‌26-42:‌ ‌66-76:‌ ‌106-117‌

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New‌ ‌Testament‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Matthew‌ ‌Chapters‌ ‌1-7‌ ‌

Behold the King ‌by‌ ‌Stanley‌ ‌D.‌ ‌Toussaint,‌ ‌Intro,‌ ‌p.‌ ‌17-34;‌ ‌35-119‌

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Psalms‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Chapter‌ ‌1-7‌_‌

Treasury of David ‌by‌ ‌Charles‌ ‌H.‌ ‌Spurgeon,‌ ‌Psalms‌ ‌1,‌ ‌p.‌ ‌13-15‌

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Proverbs‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Chapter‌ ‌1-2:15‌ ‌

Proverbs ‌ ‌by‌ ‌Charles‌ ‌Bridges,‌ ‌Preface,‌ ‌ixi-xv,‌ ‌Proverbs‌ ‌1:5-7,‌ ‌p.‌ ‌2-4‌

Doctrine‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Week‌ ‌

Creation ‌-‌ Pastor John MacArthur on the theology of creation and ex nihilo

Marker‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Week‌ ‌

Genealogy ‌-‌ ‌Alistair‌ ‌Begg’s‌ ‌Sermon‌ ‌on‌ ‌Matthew‌ ‌1‌ ‌

Historical‌ ‌Figure‌ ‌

Alfred‌ ‌Edersheim,‌ Life‌ ‌&‌ ‌Times‌ ‌of‌ ‌Jesus‌ ‌the‌ ‌Messiah‌‌

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Resource‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Week‌ ‌

Is Genesis History? ‌

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Memory‌ ‌Verse‌ ‌-‌ ‌‌Psalm‌ ‌1:1-3‌ ‌

“Blessed‌ ‌is‌ ‌the‌ ‌man‌ ‌Who‌ ‌walks‌ ‌not‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌counsel‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌ungodly,‌ ‌Nor‌ ‌stands‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌path‌ ‌of‌ ‌sinners,‌ ‌Nor‌ ‌sits‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌seat‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌scornful;‌ ‌2‌ ‌But‌ ‌his‌ ‌delight‌ ‌is‌ ‌in‌ ‌the‌ ‌law‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌Lord,‌ ‌And‌ ‌in‌ ‌His‌ ‌law‌ ‌he‌ ‌meditates‌ ‌day‌ ‌and‌ ‌night.‌ ‌3‌ ‌He‌ ‌shall‌ ‌be‌ ‌like‌ ‌a‌ ‌tree‌ ‌Planted‌ ‌by‌ ‌the‌ ‌rivers‌ ‌of‌ ‌water,‌ ‌That‌ ‌brings‌ ‌forth‌ ‌its‌ ‌fruit‌ ‌in‌ ‌its‌ ‌season,‌ ‌Whose‌ ‌leaf‌ ‌also‌ ‌shall‌ ‌not‌ ‌wither;‌ ‌And‌ ‌whatever‌ ‌he‌ ‌does‌ ‌shall‌ ‌prosper.”‌ ‌

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Announcements‌ ‌ ‌

Recommended‌ ‌-‌ New King James MacArthur Study Bible ‌

Closing‌ ‌Prayer‌ ‌

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***Disclaimer‌ ‌-This‌ ‌page‌ ‌contains‌ ‌affiliate‌ ‌links,‌ ‌which‌ ‌means‌ ‌by‌ ‌purchasing‌ ‌one‌ ‌of‌ ‌the‌ ‌products‌ ‌,‌ ‌we’ll‌ ‌receive‌ ‌a‌ ‌small‌ ‌commission.‌ ‌This‌ ‌helps‌ ‌support‌ ‌the‌ ‌ongoing‌ ‌work‌ ‌of‌ ‌Exploring‌ ‌God’s‌ ‌Library.‌ ‌Thank‌ ‌you‌ ‌for‌ ‌your‌ ‌support!***‌

The Book of Acts

EGL2020. Although we are still reading through the Old Testament and will continue to do so at our present pace, we have finished our journey through the New Testament. However, we thought that it would be a profitable experience for those who choose to during the remainder of our reading year to experience what it would be like to plunge into an exposition of one book of the New Testament.

We have chosen the Book of Acts. We fondly recall as new believers devouring audio tapes each evening after work. With Bible and pen in hand, we intently listened at our little kitchen table in Santa Monica, California, to Pastor John MacArthur exposit the Book of Revelation and First John.

Much of our exploration of the Word this year has been built upon the foundation of our years at Grace Community Church listening to three live sermons by Pastor MacArthur each week as he taught through the Scriptures verse by verse on Wednesday evening, Sunday morning and Sunday evening. We have utilized his excellent Bibliography on commentaries and helps along with our experience of his multitude of references to historic resources of the church from Gurnall to Owen, to Spurgeon to Watson.

So here’s the plan. While we may not get through the entire Book of Acts, we will be reading the Word along with his two set commentary on Acts and each day posting the verses we will read accompanied by a link to the appropriate sermon on Acts. They are about 50 minutes long, but so worth your time as is the Word of Grace website which is a treasure house which you will want to visit over and over as you continue to mine the riches from God’s Word.

Before we plunge into the verse by verse study of the Book of Acts by Pastor MacArthur, we start today with his excellent introduction. You may not have his commentary set, but neither did we when we first started attending Grace back in 1985. You will definitely want to have your Bible, your pen, highlighters and pad of paper ready for a most profitable journey through this exciting Book.

We look forward to your comments and questions along the way. Please subscribe to this blog for the daily updates. And if you haven’t joined us before on the journey, Welcome aboard!

May God bless us all on this journey,

James and Elizabeth Stephens

Exploring God’s Library

An Introduction to the Book of Acts.