Kingdom Come, Kingdom Go: Luke-Acts (2007) by the International Bible Society, Book Review (2nd Reading)

The Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles is a two-volume work by the same author, Luke, and the same recipient, Theophilus. It is meant to be read together and continuously. And what makes this book Luke-Acts special is that it comes without those annoying chapter and verse divisions that disrupt the context, logic, and flow of the grand narrative (I used to have a whole Bible like this, but I lost it in the train station). Reading the Scripture in this format is like reading an action-packed novel, except that it is about historical events, non-fictional people, and an actual person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

While the divisions are, in my opinion, good for reference and quotation, they can cause some serious problems. There are instances where chapters are wrongly divided and verses are taken out of context. Men such as Zakir Naik looked like a genius to the Bible illiterates when he quoted Bible verses out of memory, but if you check them in their original text, you will find that they are always out of context. Another problem is that the divisions encourage people (even sincere Christians) to read only small parts at a time. How many of you can quote John 3:16? Well, how about John 3:15 and John 3:17? Exactly!

The Bible and each book of the Bible is meant to be read as a whole and straight through from the beginning. Try reading the Gospel of Luke (or the Gospel of Mark, the shorter one) in one sitting. Set aside 2 to 3 hours this week to go to a quiet place, bring a physical Bible with you, turn off your smartphone, and read through it. I bet you will discover many truths for yourself, and the words of the Psalmer will echo in your soul: "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheGospelOfLuke #TheActsofTheApostles #TheScripture #ReadTheBible #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

I read this book two years ago and wrote something (sort of) about this issue too, READ HERE

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

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Expository Thoughts on Luke: Volume 1 (1858, 1986) by J.C. Ryle, Sort-of Review

 Expository Thoughts on Luke: Volume 1 (1858, 1986) by J.C. Ryle

Bishop Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the Gospels complete set is not like academic (yet informative), critical (yet serious), or comprehensive (yet concise) Bible commentaries. If I was to categorize it, I would put them under 'light devotional commentaries.' Initially, they were written especially for his local congregation to get acquainted with the gospel narratives and as a great stimulus to the reading of the Bible in general. Then about a century later after the first publication, they become very popular and read by many people around the world. Luke Volume 1 covers chapters 1 to 10. Each chapter is divided into short portions of Scripture which usually have three observations with practical insights for Christian living and believing.

I have read two volumes of Matthew and Mark. The obvious difference between this volume from the two is that there are extra explanatory notes in each portion of Scripture expounded. The last part of Ryle's preface for this volume written in August 1858 (that was 165 years ago!) is worth reminding: "I have a strong conviction that we want more reverent, a deep-searching study of the Scripture in the present day. Most Christians see nothing beyond the surface of the Bible when they read it. We want a more clear knowledge of Christ, as a living Person, a living Priest, a living Physician, a living Friend, a living Advocate at the right hand of God, and a living Savior soon about to come again. Most Christians know little of Christianity but only skeletons of doctrines... If I can do anything to make Christ and the Bible more honorable in these latter days, I shall be truly thankful and content."

Ryle observed the same problem and had the same concern and desire as I have today although my knowledge, capacity, influence, sacrifice, humility, faithfulness, and holiness are far behind his'. This is probably why I admire the men and women of God of the past. In their imperfection, they show great devotion to Christ. If you want to grow, you need to have role models that are better than you. Find one or two and study them and their writings or writings about them. For me, John C. Ryle is on the list.

Read my other book reviews by J.C. Ryle, CLICK HERE

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ExpositoryThoughtsOnLuke #PreachTheWord #JCRyle #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

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The W.W.E. of John the Baptist from Luke 3:1-6 (Short Bible Study)

Watch other Bible Study videos:

CHAPTER 1

Luke 1:1-4 https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM   

Luke 1:5-25 https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90  

Luke 1:26-38 https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Luke 1:39-56 https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k  

Luke 1:57-66 https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig  

Luke 1:67-80 https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

CHAPTER 2

Luke 2:1-7 https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI  

Luke 2:8-20 https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ  

Luke 2:21-24 https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og  

Luke 2:25-35 https://youtu.be/-hODLozQbmM  

Mother’s Day Special https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:36-38 https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:39-52 https://youtu.be/QaLBTLSkMls  

_______________

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3 Things that We Should Imitate Jesus from Luke 2:39-52 (Short Bible Study)

Watch other Bible Study videos:

CHAPTER 1

Luke 1:1-4 https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM   

Luke 1:5-25 https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90  

Luke 1:26-38 https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Luke 1:39-56 https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k  

Luke 1:57-66 https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig  

Luke 1:67-80 https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

CHAPTER 2

Luke 2:1-7 https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI  

Luke 2:8-20 https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ  

Luke 2:21-24 https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og  

Luke 2:25-35 https://youtu.be/-hODLozQbmM  

Mother’s Day Special https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:36-38 https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:39-52 https://youtu.be/QaLBTLSkMls  

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3 Lessons about Womanhood from Anna, a Prophetess Luke 2:36-38 (Short Bible Study)

 

Watch other Bible Study videos:

CHAPTER 1

Luke 1:1-4 https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM   

Luke 1:5-25 https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90  

Luke 1:26-38 https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Luke 1:39-56 https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k  

Luke 1:57-66 https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig  

Luke 1:67-80 https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

CHAPTER 2

Luke 2:1-7 https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI  

Luke 2:8-20 https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ  

Luke 2:21-24 https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og  

Luke 2:25-35 https://youtu.be/-hODLozQbmM  

Mother’s Day Special https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:36-38 https://youtu.be/56a8cmkRpd8

Luke 2:39-52 https://youtu.be/QaLBTLSkMls  

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Mother's Day Special: 4 Lessons I Learned about Motherhood from Mary (Short Bible Study)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Share this video and let it be known that MOTHERS ARE SPECIAL IN OUR LIVES.

4 Lessons about Motherhood from Mary, the Mother of Jesus, that I Learned from the Gospel of Luke

#1 Mothers are Afraid but They Do It Anyway (see Luke 1:29-30). "Birth takes a woman's deepest fear about herself and shows her that she is stronger than them."

#2 Mothers can Be Use by the Lord no Matter Who They Are (see Luke 1:34). John MacArthur, author, and Bible teacher writes, "Mother by no means second class. Men may have authority in the home, but the women have the influence. The mother, more than the father, is the one who moulds and shapes those little lives from day one."

#3 Mothers are Always Available to Serve and to Love (see Luke 1:38). Charles Stanley reflects about mothers, "Motherhood is a great honour and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families... moms continuously put others before themselves."

#4 Blessed are Mothers Who Believe in God and His Word (see Luke 1:45). Pope Francis once declares: "The Gospel shows us the truest reason for Mary's greatness and her blessedness: It is faith."

Happy Mother's Day! May all the world call you blessed

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Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig

Episode #6: https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

Episode #7: https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI

Episode #8: https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ

Episode #9: https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og

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How to Have An INTIMATE & VIBRANT Relationship with God until Your Old Age Luke 2:25-35 (Short Bible Study)

Read Luke 2:25-35 (NLT):

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

3 Ways Old Simeon Have An INTIMATE & VIBRANT Relationship with God
until the End of His Life:

#1 Simeon OBEYED God's Spirit

#2 Simeon OBEYED God's Word

#3 Simeon LIVING by Faith

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Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig

Episode #6: https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0   

Episode #7: https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI

Episode #8: https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ

Episode #9: https://youtu.be/MfVXnV3X-Og

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3 Predetermined Things about Jesus from Luke 2:21-24 (Short Bible Study)

Read Luke 2:21-24 (NLT):

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given to him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, "If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord." So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

3 Predetermined Things about Jesus:

#1 The Name of Jesus - WHO He Is

#2 The Dedication of Jesus - WHY He Came

#3 The Humility of Jesus - HOW He Came

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Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

Episode #2: https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90

Episode #3: https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0   

Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig

Episode #6: https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0

Episode #7: https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI

Episode #8: https://youtu.be/OmCUs95ozUQ

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5 Things that Are "Wrong" Around the Birth of Jesus In Luke 2:8-20 (Short Bible Study)

Open Your Bible to Luke 2:8-20 (NIV):

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

5 Things that Are "Wrong" Around the Birth of Jesus In Luke 2:8-20:

#1 Controversial Pregnancy?

#2 King Born in the Manger?

#3 Short Heavenly Announcements?

#4 First Evangelists Were the Shepherd?

#5 So BIG News, So Little Responses?

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Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

Episode #2: https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90

Episode #3: https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig

Episode #6: https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0  

Episode #7: https://youtu.be/A-lKr7906JI

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The WHEN, the WHERE and the HOW Jesus Was Born that I Learned from Luke 2:1-7 (Short Bible Study)

Open your Bible to Luke 2:1-7:

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The WHEN, the WHERE and the HOW Jesus Was Born that I Learned:

#1 WHEN Jesus was Born - At the Right Time!

#2 WHERE Jesus was Born - As Prophesied!

#3 HOW Jesus was Born - with Humility!

#4 Do You Have Room for Jesus?

Want to Watch Previous Videos?

Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

Episode #2: https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90

Episode #3: https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0  

Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig

Episode #6: https://youtu.be/Swmh_gjEBp0 

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Lessons of CURSE > BLESS > SAVIOUR I Learned from Luke 1:67-80 (Short Bible Study)

Open Your Bible to Luke 1:67-80 (NLT):

Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David, just as he promised through his holy prophets long ago.

Now we will be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He has been merciful to our ancestors by remembering his sacred covenant — the covenant he swore with an oath to our ancestor Abraham. We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.

“And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

Lessons of CURSE > BLESS > SAVIOUR:

#1 From CURSING to BLESSING

#2 From BLESSING to SAVIOUR KING

#3 Before SAVIOUR KING, one must PROCLAIMING!

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Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

Episode #5: https://youtu.be/4JsE7rFRCig   

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3F [Fellowship, Faith, Forerunner] Lessons I Learned from Luke 1:57-66 (Short Bible Study)

Open Your Bible to Luke 1:57-66 (NLT):

When it was time for Elizabeth’s baby to be born, she gave birth to a son. And when her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had been very merciful to her, everyone rejoiced with her.

When the baby was eight days old, they all came for the circumcision ceremony. They wanted to name him Zechariah, after his father. But Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John!”

“What?” they exclaimed. “There is no one in all your family by that name.” So they used gestures to ask the baby’s father what he wanted to name him. He motioned for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s surprise he wrote, “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.

Awe fell upon the whole neighborhood, and the news of what had happened spread throughout the Judean hills. Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, “What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.

3F Lessons:

#1 The Need for FELLOWSHIP

#2 The Power of FAITH

#3 The Call to Be FORERUNNER

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Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

Episode #2: https://youtu.be/F5Kp-JU-c90

Episode #3: https://youtu.be/1h56S9IGvf0

Episode #4: https://youtu.be/2fQYRCvIn5k

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7 Observations [Probably 1 Controversial] Lessons I Learned from Luke 1:39-56 (Short Bible Study)

Read Luke 1:39-56,

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.

7 Observations that I Learned:

#1 Luke - the Gospels - gives High View of Women

#2 Luke emphasizes the Work of the Holy Spirit

#3 Elizabeth was the First Person who Acknowledge that Jesus is "Lord" (1:34)

#4 Even while in the worm, John points "the Coming of the Lord" (1:17)

#5 Elizabeth [old woman] and Mary [teenage girl] have Great Faith and Were Saturated with the Word of God

#6 Although Mary is "the mother" of the Lord (1:43), She Acknowledged that She needs a "Savior" (1:47)

#7 GOD is in ALL of These

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Episode #1: https://youtu.be/PVorOCQqOVM

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