DAY 148
Old Testament reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2
Originally, 1-2 Chronicles consisted of a single scroll. Ezra is generally believed to be the author of this book, especially as one sees the transition from the end of Chronicles into the book bearing his name, which details Judah’s return from Babylonian captivity. While a considerable portion of the Chronicles mirrors the Kings, it is not accurate to say that the Chronicles are only a later recitation of those works. The Chronicles are not at all concerned with Israel or her history following the division. Only FOUR VERSES are given to describe the division (1 Chr 10:16-19), and after that, silence. The only mention of Israel is in the context of the deeds of the kings of Judah. 1 Chronicles 1 begins a list of genealogies throughout the history of Israel. This reading is a bit tedious, (ok, a LOT tedious), but when one considers that these records are being given several hundred years after the fact, it gives testimony to the meticulous record keeping of the Jews as well as the inspiration of the Old Testament. Look for links to Jesus as you read the genealogies.
New Testament reading: Romans 15-16
Paul issues a stern warning concerning those who would teach false doctrine or cause divisions among the local brethren. What is interesting to me is the fact that there are literally thousands of differing doctrines among professed Bible believers, and many of these doctrines are in absolute opposition with one another. Those believing contradictory doctrines readily accept as valid the conclusions of the other, leading one to ask, “If this does not qualify, what exactly must one believe and/or teach to be a false teacher or cause religious division?” We must be careful when dealing with error and identifying a brother in Christ as a false teacher. For example, Apollos was teaching error about baptism in Acts 18. Aquila and Priscilla did not create a big fuss, but instead took him aside “and taught him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). He immediately went forward teaching that Jesus was the Christ. Had Apollos persisted in his teaching concerning baptism, that doctrine would have caused division in the church, and then he would have been rightfully identified as a false teacher. It is easy to label, but it is Christ-like to love.
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