The Weekly - A Bible Commentary’s Podcast

Scripture Reading:  Joshua 1-12 We start the book of Joshua. Moses is dead.  Now arise, go into the land I am giving to the people of Israel. Joshua – name – Yeshua Type of Christ - model Joshua 1:3 – every place that they tread upon God gives, but they must take Salvation – God gives but we must take it. This whole section is jam-packed with promises. 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 25-34, Psalm 90 Continuing from last week, we jump right in to review laws about living in community with other. For more information, check out www.connectionwindsor.com

Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 13-24 We start off this week with a warning regarding a prophet that rises up OR Dreamer of dreams Don’t let them lead you to another god. “Have no other gods before ME” Signs and wonders are not the markers of a true prophet – it’s not an authentication of a true prophet of Yahweh. Remember back to Pharoah’s magicians in the book of Exodus… they had occultic powers that allowed them to perform signs and wonders. Antichrist and false prophet – will perform signs and wonders…. Death penalty is the just judgement for such a false prophet – anyone who was deceiving God’s people “So you shall purge the evil from your midst.” *We can’t be naïve to think, that we could never do this… we have to be aware of the voices that we’re listening to.  Scripture tells us that faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God…. Our ears are gates to our faith being built up and our faith being destroyed.  If we’re listening to voices that plant doubt into what God’s Word says and what God’s word means… take for example God’s words on gender and marriage… culture has looked to re-interpret God’s Word to “mean” something else… that we can still be a “Christian” and live certain ways…. Beware of he false teachers and prophets leading you away from the Word of God. We can’t pick and choose what verses we want to believe and follow and what we don’t, and still call it Christianity.  Careful of the false god of Christianity that is made in the image of man, and not the revered Word of God.

Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 1-12 Genesis – The Book of Beginnings Exodus – The Birth of a Nation Leviticus – The Laws of the Nation Numbers – The Wilderness Wanderings - we we finished last week which covered a span of a 40 year period of when the Israelites were brought out of Egypt, until the point where they were camped across the Jordan River, across from Jericho - The book of Deuteronomy is considered Moses’ last 24 hours before he dies – essentially made up of 3 farewell speeches. (approx. 2 ½ hours for the 3 speeches) -Words by Moses through the Holy Spirit, and likely Joshua helped him write it down and potentially -Torah – The Law -Deuteronomy means “second law” = the people needed a reminder to trust God and obey Him -chapter 31:10-11[read] – to be read every year in full during the Feast of Tabernacles

Scripture Reading:  Numbers 25-36 This week starts with men indulging in sexual immorality with Moabite women  - yoking themselves with Baal of Peor. Why did they do this? We have to look ahead, to discover that Balaam told Balak a strategy to lead the men of Israel away. Numbers 31:6 The counsel of Balaam – caused them to commit trespass against the Lord and there was a plague across the people. Balaam tried and tried to curse Israel, but the Lord would not let him. When it comes to schemes of the enemy, there is always a way out from temptation. James tells us that it’s our own sinful desires that lead us astray…. If we do not have a renewed mind, in Christ, we are easily led astray into our fleshly desires… just like the men of Israel Teaching of Balaam is spoken of throughout the scriptures many times, most importantly by Jesus Himself. (Rev. 2:14)

Scripture Reading:  Numbers 13 – 24 We started this past week off with a very familiar story to most of us. 12 men, 1 leader from each tribe of israel, sent to search the land of Canaan– they were designated to travel approx. 240 miles – spend 40 days seeing what was in the land, and to bring back a report. We get to the report of the spies and while the land flowing with milk and honey, and the large grapes are great examples of the good that’s in the land.  Focus on the enemy overpowered 10 of the spies, succumbing to fear of their enemy, instead of remembering Who they were fighting for.    

Scripture Reading:  Numbers 1-12   The book of Numbers is part of the Torah- the first 5 books of the Bible.  Written by the Holy Spirit through the human hand of Moses.   The Jews call the book of Numbers :  Bamidbar (בְּמִדְבַּר), meaning "In the Wilderness"   www.connectionwindsor.com  

Scripture Reading:  Leviticus 19-27  “The LORD is Holy”.  Again we see this theme continue and be prominent in this weeks scripture reading. “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” So since God is Holy, His people should be marked as Holy too… their day-to-day living should be Holy. If you mark in your Bibles, I would encourage you to highlight or underline every place the phrase “I am the LORD” occurs in this chapter( Lev 19). Captial LORD = Jehovah “the Existing ONE” – the Proper name given for the One True God    

Scripture Reading:  Leviticus 10-18 Leviticus 1-7 we were introduced to the different types of offerings. Chapters 8,9,10 are about the Priesthood.  A Priest is a person who represents man before God. A Prophet speaks for God to man. Jesus is both a Prophet and a Priest. We are a royal priesthood. We are sanctified - “by the washing of the water by the Word” – Eph. 5:26 Judicially washed by the Blood of Jesus – Legal Judgement – we are justified by the blood but sanctified by the WORD. The Church today is a Priesthood – Hebrews 8:1; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10,1:6 (But not after the Aaronic Priesthood, because Jesus is our High Priest who is in the order of Melchizedek… so the church’s priesthood is by higher order)    

The book of Leviticus is the 3rd book of the Law, written by the Holy Spirit through Moses.  The word Leviticus has Greek roots, meaning “concerning the Levites”.  In Hebrew, the book is called Wayikra (וַיִּקְרָא), meaning "And He called” – which is the very first words of the Book. Approximately 90% of the Book of Leviticus is God speaking.  Many people have Bibles that have Red Letters – referencing when Jesus speaks in the New Testament.  Here in Leviticus is mostly God speaking…. So while it is the book where most people typically stop there reading plan, because the details seem strange to us and over our heads… they’re important because God is speaking! Finishing the book of Exodus last week, we know that the Tabernacle has now been constructed, and the sacrificial system is to be implemented next for the nation of Israel.  A system that would allow a Holy God to continue to live amongst an unclean people.  Providing provision for them to draw near to Him.  The system of sacrifices stood at the heart of the Mosaic covenant because human beings were unable to fully keep God’s law. Since perfect obedience was beyond reach, sin required atonement, and God provided sacrifice as the means to address their guilt. Every offering or sacrifice that we see in Leviticus carried purpose and meaning, ultimately anticipating the flawless and final sacrifice that Christ would make through His death on the cross (Hebrews 7:27; 9:11–28).

Scripture Reading:  Exodus 31-40 The Holy Spirit’s work in the Old Testament closely parallels His ministry in the New Testament. Scripture reveals four primary ways Holy Spirit operates: regeneration, indwelling or filling, restraint of sin, and empowerment for service. These works are evident throughout the Old Testament, even though their expression differs from the New Testament era. First, the Spirit is the agent of regeneration, or new life. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 makes clear that being “born again” was not a new concept, but one rooted in Old Testament teaching. Passages such as Deuteronomy 30:6 and Ezekiel 11:19–20; 36:26–29 describe God giving His people new hearts—an inward transformation accomplished only by the Spirit. The result of this regenerating work is faith (Ephesians 2:8), which explains how Old Testament believers, described in Hebrews 11, trusted God’s promises and looked ahead to their fulfillment. Second, the Spirit’s indwelling in the Old Testament was selective and temporary, unlike the permanent indwelling promised to believers in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 1:13–14). In the Old Testament, the Spirit “came upon” individuals such as Joshua, David, Saul, and the judges for specific tasks. This empowerment did not necessarily reflect personal spiritual maturity and could be withdrawn, as seen in Saul’s life. Third, the Holy Spirit restrains sin. Genesis 6:3 suggests that human wickedness is held in check by the Spirit until God determines otherwise. This restraining role continues until the appointed time of judgment, a theme echoed in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–8. Fourth, the Spirit grants ability for service. God equipped certain individuals with specific skills to accomplish His purposes, such as Bezalel’s craftsmanship for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:2–5) or the leadership abilities given to Israel’s kings. The Spirit is active in both creation (which we saw at the beginning of Genesis) and new creation in those who believe by faith. Just as He hovered over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2), He now brings about spiritual renewal in those who are made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit carries out the same essential work in both testaments. The key distinction is that believers today experience the Spirit’s permanent indwelling—a shift Jesus highlighted when He said, “He lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).  

Scripture Reading:  Exodus 21-30 Keep in mind as we dig into the Law that it is divided into 3 divisions:  Moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law. 1. Moral – 10 commandments 2. Civil law –(ch21-23 glimpse of civil law) social regulations for the Hebrews – governance for the whole community of Israel 3. Ceremonial law – religious law – purifications rights, priestly ordinances and ceremony regulations. (The entire book of Leviticus is the focus here)

Scripture Reading:  Exodus 11-20 This week we finish off reading about the 10th plague and then we head into the instructions about the Passover feast.  As you read through keep in mind that the overall narrative of the Scriptures point to Jesus.  He makes a way for us to leave Egypt, and His is our Passover Lamb - by His blood we are redeem.  

Scripture Reading:  Exodus 1-10 We kicked off this week in the book of Exodus.  This is the 2nd book of the Torah.  Or what is also referred to as the Law of Moses.  The first 5 books of the Bible – were written by Moses.  And they were written for the Israelites – those who would possess the Promise Land.  These 5 books speak to their Identity, and provide them with their purpose. The name Exodus, means “exit”.  Of course we know from Genesis, that God sent Joseph ahead of Jacob and all his sons and their families, in order to save them from the famine.  What was a family has now become a large nation of people… the Israelites, who lived in Egypt, but were segregated to the land of Goshen. SO now it’s time for Israel to exit from under Egyptian rule. 

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 41-50 We left off last weeks reading in Genesis 40 where Joseph interprets the cupbearer and chief baker’s dreams in prison.  They of course happened just as they were interpreted and the Baker dies after 3 days and the Cupbearer was placed back in his position after 3 days… but the Cupbearer did not remember Joseph – but forgot him… Until Genesis 41… which was after a 2 year period of waiting – emphasizing God’s perfect timing, His sovereign revelation, and His power to elevate His servants. After years of waiting, God brings Joseph out of prison exactly when Pharaoh needs a dream interpreter, proving that deliverance comes at God’s appointed time—not a moment early or late.

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 31-40 Here’s where we’ve been so far:  From Genesis 1 to 11, the story unfolds from creation. God creates the world and everything in it, including Adam and Eve, who fall into sin and bring corruption to humanity. Generations follow—Cain and Abel, and eventually then Noah, whose faith saves his family from the Flood.  After the flood, the descendants of Ham lead the charge in living under the influence of evil and seeking power they construct a Tower of worship, but not to God Most High.  To which the LORD confused their languages, and the people are then dispersed over the face of the earth. We paused there and jumped into the book of Job. Coming back to Genesis 12 we began to see the early formation of Israel’s family line. God makes a covenant with Abram (later Abraham), promising him land, descendants, and blessing. Abraham’s faith is tested, and through Isaac the covenant continues. Isaac’s sons, Esau and Jacob, struggle from birth, with Jacob receiving the blessing meant for the firstborn. Jacob flees, marries Leah and Rachel, and through them and their maidservants, Jacob fathers twelve sons who become the ancestors of Israel’s tribes. Throughout these chapters, God’s faithfulness and promises endure despite human weakness and deceit. 

We started off in Genesis 21 with the Birth of Isaac. When Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah bore him a son, named Isaac.  Isaac means “He laughs”.  His very name being a reminder of the joy of the Lord, and the miraculous fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. Isaac was a type of Christ.  If that’s not something you’ve heard before.  In Biblical hermeneutics there’s what’s called “Typology”.  In short it’s prophetic symbolism that shows us a foreshadowing of something or someone to come in the future. “Generally speaking, a type is something from the Old Testament that prefigures, or points to, something of greater significance in the New Testament.  Most, if not all, typological prophecies relate to the first or second advent of Jesus.” – Todd Hampson So Isaac is a Type of Christ: Both were sons who came by divine promise. Each was conceived through miraculous circumstances. Both of their arrivals followed a long period of waiting / what seems like a great delay. Their mothers were both reassured by God’s power to do the impossible (see Genesis 18:13–14; Luke 1:34, 37). Before either child was born, God Himself gave them names filled with significance. Their births took place precisely at the time God had appointed (Genesis 21:2; Galatians 4:4). Both births brought extraordinary joy to those who heard the news (Genesis 21:6; Luke 1:46–47; 2:10–11). So keep this in mind, that Isaac is a type of Christ and this will provide so much more richness and revelation to the handiwork of God in the story of Isaac.

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 12-20 The LORD said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you." So Abram is a sojourner - leaving him with no civil rights in the land that he's going to.  He'll soon discover that the land God shows him that will be for him and his offspring, is currently occupied; and to boot, his wife Sarai is barren.  But God confirms to Abram - by way of a covenant - that He "will make [Abram] into a great nation.  I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.  I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt.  All the families on earth will be blessed through you." - Genesis 12:1-3 ESV   For more information, check out https://www.connectionwindsor.com/bibleplan    

Scriptures:  Job 32-42 A new character, Elihu, enters the scene—a young man who has listened in silence as Job and his three older friends debated. When the friends fall silent, unable to refute Job or defend God effectively, Elihu’s anger flares. He is upset with Job for justifying himself instead of God, and also he’s angry with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for condemning Job without providing real answers. Though younger, Elihu believes that wisdom is not reserved for the old—that true understanding comes from “the breath of the Almighty.” 

Scriptures:  Job 22 – 31 The book of Job is considered Wisdom Literature, and is written like a play with great contrast of Heaven and Earth. We see behind the scenes - so to speak - of the conversation that happened amongst the council of heavenly beings – between God and satan. And then on earth what’s revealed to us, is ALL of what Job lost and the discourse of communication between Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. We are part way through the book of Job – and this week we read the 3rd round of dialogue between Job and his friends. For more information, visit https://www.connectionwindsor.com/bibleplan

Scriptures:  Job 11-21  A book that’s broken up into 4 parts: Prologue Dialogue Monologue Epilogue For more information, check out https://www.connectionwindsor.com/bibleplan

Scriptures:  Job 1-10   The book of Job is part of the Wisdom books of Scripture.. (ex:  Law, history, prophets, books of wisdom) Poetic & Wisdom Literature Purpose: Explores life, suffering, worship, and the pursuit of wisdom. Books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs Content: Poetry, songs, wise sayings, reflections on life and God.

Scriptures:  Genesis 1-11 The word “Genesis” means “origin or beginning”, and that's where we begin our Two-Year Journey through the Bible in Chronological order.   *We're using The Blue Letter Bible chronological reading plan **For more information, check out https://www.connectionwindsor.com/bibleplan