1 and 2 Peter “REJOICE WITH JOY UNSPEAKABLE AND FULL OF GLORY” 1 Peter 1. The trial of our faith precedes salvation—Christ was foreordained to be the Redeemer. 1 Peter 2. Converts are newborn babes in Christ—He is the chief cornerstone—Saints hold a royal priesthood and are a peculiar people—Saints are in subjection to the laws of man. 1 Peter 3. Husbands and wives should honor each other—Saints should live…

James “AN HIGH PRIEST OF GOOD THINGS TO COME” James 1. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God—Resist temptation—Be doers of the word—James explains how to recognize pure religion.  James 2. God has chosen the poor of this world who are rich in faith—Salvation is gained by keeping the whole law—Faith without works is dead.  James 3. By governing the tongue, we gain perfection—Heavenly wisdom is…

Hebrew 7–13 “AN HIGH PRIEST OF GOOD THINGS TO COME” Hebrews 7. The Melchizedek Priesthood brings exaltation and administers the gospel—It is received with an oath and covenant—The superiority of the Melchizedek Priesthood over the Aaronic Priesthood is explained—Salvation comes through the intercession of Christ. Hebrews 8. Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin—God promised to make a new covenant with Israel. Hebrews 9. The Mosaic ordinances prefigured Christ’s…

Hebrew 1–6 “JESUS CHRIST, THE AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION” Hebrews 1. The Son is in the express image of the person of the Father—Christ is the Only Begotten Son and thus above the angels. Hebrews 2. Jesus came to suffer death and save men—He came to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 3. Christ is the Apostle and High Priest of our profession—Jesus, being the Son, is…

1 and 2 Thessalonians  “BE THOU AN EXAMPLE OF THE BELIEVERS”   1 Timothy 1. Counsel is given to teach true doctrine only—Christ came to save repentant sinners.  1 Timothy 2. We should pray for all people—Christ is our Mediator—Women should dress modestly—Women are blessed in childbearing and are admonished to continue in faith, charity, and holiness. 1 Timothy 3. Qualifications are given for bishops and deacons—Great is the mystery…

1 and 2 Thessalonians “PERFECT THAT WHICH IS LACKING IN YOUR FAITH” 1 Thessalonians 1. The gospel comes both in word and in power. 1 Thessalonians 2. True ministers preach in a godly manner—Converts are the glory and joy of missionaries. 1 Thessalonians 3. The Saints are told to perfect that which is lacking in their faith. 1 Thessalonians 4, The Saints are told to be holy, sanctify themselves, and…

Philippians; Colossians “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME” Philippians 1. All that happened to Paul furthered the gospel cause—Our conduct should be worthy of the gospel.  Philippians 2. Saints should be of one mind and one spirit—Every knee will bow to Christ—Saints must work out their salvation—Paul faces martyrdom with joy.  Philippians 3. Paul sacrifices all things for Christ—True ministers set examples of righteousness.  Philippians 4.…

Ephesians “FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS” Ephesians 1. The Saints are foreordained to receive the gospel—The gospel is to be restored in the latter days—The Saints are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise—They know God and Christ by revelation. Ephesians 2. We are saved by grace through faith—The blood of Christ saves Jew and Gentile alike—The Church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. Ephesians 3.…

Galatians “WALK IN THE SPIRIT” Galatians 1. Preachers of false gospels are accursed—Paul received the gospel by revelation—He believed, was taught, and preached to the Gentiles. Galatians 2. Paul goes to Jerusalem—He contends for the true gospel—Salvation comes through Christ. Galatians 3. God gave the gospel to Abraham—The Mosaic law was added because of transgressions—The law was a schoolmaster until Christ—The Saints are children of God by faith—All who are…

2 Corinthians 8–13 “GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER” 2 Corinthians 8. True Saints impart of their substance to the poor—Christ, out of His poverty, brought eternal riches. 2 Corinthians 9. God loves and rewards a cheerful giver—Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 10. Bring every thought into obedience—Paul glories in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 11. Maintain the simplicity that is in Christ—Satan sends forth false apostles—Paul…

2 Corinthians 1–7 “BE YE RECONCILED TO GOD” 2 Corinthians 1. God comforts and cares for His Saints—The Saints are sealed and given assurance by the Spirit in their hearts. 2 Corinthians 2. Saints should love and forgive one another—They always triumph in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3. The gospel surpasses the law of Moses—Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 4. Gospel light shines on…

1 Corinthians 14–16 “GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION, BUT OF PEACE” 1 Corinthians 14. People should desire spiritual gifts—Tongues and prophecy are compared—Prophecy is the greater gift—Paul says, You may all prophesy; covet to prophesy. 1 Corinthians 15. Christ died for our sins—He rose from the dead and was seen by many—All men will be resurrected—Paul speaks of baptism for the dead—The three degrees of glory are described—Victory…

1 Corinthians 8-13 “YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST” 1 Corinthians 8. There are many gods and many lords—To us there is one God (the Father) and one Lord, who is Christ. 1 Corinthians 9. Paul rejoices in his Christian liberty—He preaches the gospel to all without charge—He is all things to all men to gain converts. 1 Corinthians 10. Christ is the God of Israel and the spiritual Rock…

1 Corinthians 1-7 “BE PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER” 1 Corinthians 1. True Saints are perfectly united in the same mind and in the same judgment—Preach the gospel and save souls—The gospel is preached by the weak and the simple. 1 Corinthians 2. The gospel is preached by the power of the Spirit—The Spirit reveals all things to the Saints—The unrepentant natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God.…

Romans 7–16 “OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD” Romans 7. The law of Moses is fulfilled in Christ—Paul delights in the law of God after the inward man. Romans 8. The law of Christ brings life and peace—Those adopted as children of God become joint heirs with Christ—God’s elect are foreordained to eternal life—Christ makes intercession for man. Romans 9. Paul explains how the law of election (foreordination) operates—The people of Israel…

Romans 1–6 “THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION” Romans 1. The gospel is the power of God unto salvation through Jesus Christ—The wrath of God rests on those guilty of murder, homosexual practices, fornication, and other sins if the guilty do not repent. Romans 2. God will render to every person according to his or her deeds—Both Jews and Gentiles will be judged by gospel laws. Romans 3. Man is…

Acts 22–28 “A MINISTER AND A WITNESS” Acts 22. Paul recounts the story of his conversion and also tells of seeing Jesus in a vision—He is accorded some privileges as a Roman citizen. Acts 23. Paul is smitten at Ananias’s order—The Lord again appears to Paul—Forty Jews plot his death—He is delivered over to Felix. Acts 24. Paul is accused of sedition—He answers in defense of his life and doctrine—He…

Acts 16–21 “THE LORD HAD CALLED US FOR TO PREACH THE GOSPEL” Acts 16. Paul is directed in a vision to preach in Macedonia—He casts an evil spirit out of a woman—He and Silas are imprisoned, and they convert the jailor—They admonish all to believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved. Acts 17. Paul and Silas preach and are persecuted in Thessalonica and in Berea—Paul, in Athens, preaches from…

Acts 10–15 “THE WORD OF GOD GREW AND MULTIPLIED” Acts 10. An angel ministers to Cornelius—Peter, in a vision, is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles—The gospel is taught by witnesses—The Holy Ghost falls upon the Gentiles. Acts 11. God grants the gift of repentance to the Gentiles—The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch—The Church is guided by revelation. Acts12. Saul persecutes the Church—The martyrdom of James…

Acts 6–9 “WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO?” Acts 6. The Apostles choose seven to assist them—Stephen is tried before the council. Acts 7. Stephen recounts the history of Israel and names Moses as a prototype of Christ—He testifies of the apostasy in Israel—He sees Jesus on the right hand of God—Stephen’s testimony is rejected, and he is stoned to death. Acts 8. Saul persecutes the Church—Philip’s ministry in…

Acts 1–5 “YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME” Acts 1. Jesus ministers for forty days after His resurrection—The kingdom is to be restored to Israel at a later time—The Twelve are to bear witness in Jerusalem, Judæa, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth—Jesus ascends into heaven—Matthias is chosen to fill the vacancy in the Twelve.Acts 2. The Spirit is poured out on the day of Pentecost—Peter testifies of…

Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21 “HE IS RISEN” Matthew 28. Christ the Lord is risen—He appears to many—He has all power in heaven and earth—He sends the Apostles to teach and baptize all nations. Mark 16. Christ is risen—He appears to Mary Magdalene, then to others—He sends the Apostles to preach and promises that signs will follow faith—He ascends into heaven. Luke 24. Angels announce the resurrection…

Here’s a delightful play on the words, not and knot. It could help see things as they were and as they are. Let’s go back about two-thousand years and look in on the Apostle Peter, living in Jaffa, along the Mediterranean, who saw a vision that he described in detail. He saw heaven opened, and a certain sheet knit at the four corners, descending. Wherein were all manner of beasts…