Step By Step 2022
Book By Book Survey Through The Bible
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
September 28, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • Revelation
The Book of The Revelation draws the entire narrative of scripture to a close and explains where things are headed. The message of the book is to inform us that Jesus is coming back! It is an invitation to the reader to come TO Christ. Irenaeus, 2nd C. bishop in Lyon (France), confirmed it was written by the apostle John. Eusebius (260-339AD), in "The History of The Church" written in the second-third century, was commissioned by Emperor Constantine to document facts about the church as it was being legalized. The Book also tells what must shortly take place (prophesy), of Jesus coming soon and setting up His Kingdom. The term "coming soon" is imagery and designed to make a dramatic impact on the reader.
65 - Jude
September 21, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • Jude
Jude, the half brother of Jesus, hearing about false teachings in the church, writes this letter to warn (v.3) and give exhortation to the believers, yet has promises to encourage them. He is the brother of James, the Lord's brother (half brother). He served as a leader within the church. We don't know to whom the letter was sent or meant. Note that some bibles used called, sanctified, beloved for the same group of believers.
64 - 3 John
September 14, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 3 John
Gaius is a sickly saint serving his Savior. (3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.) 1 Tim 3:13 - For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Demetrius was a good example. Key words: Prayer, Grace, Faithfulness, Selfless, Peace. Spiritual Body, Doctrine, Holy Spirit.
63 - 2 John
September 7, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 2 John
2John was written to a small church, in an undisclosed location, that was under attack by false teachers, who did not believe what the Bible taught regarding the person and the work of Jesus. This false teaching, if left unchecked, would undermine the faith of the people and stop the spread of the Gospel. Big question: Is truth relative? YES. Is truth subjective? YES
62 - 1 John
August 31, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 1 John
John wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles (1, 2, 3 John) and Revelation. 1John is a book of imperatives telling the reader what is required to “abide in Christ”. It also lets the reader know what is sin. He wrote approximately 20% of the New Testament, nearly as much as Paul (25%) and Luke (27%). (Mark and Peter each wrote about 10%, leaving the final 8% to Jude and the writer of Hebrews.)
61 - 2 Peter
August 24, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 2 Peter
Peter wrote to tell the faithful to be fruitful in growth in their faith. He also alerted them that he was soon to die (...shortly I must put off my tent), and asked they remember him after his death. Finally, he confirmed the prophetic word that they should heed as a "light that shines in a dark place". (Quotes from NKJV) Speed up the return of Christ - 1) Share your Faith; 2) Prayer; 3) Be holy in our conduct.
60 - 1 Peter
August 10, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 1 Peter
Written to Christians living in conflict with their culture. Does that sound familiar? As we follow Jesus we will have conflict in our lives. We are foreigners in a foreign world. OTHER REFERENCED VERSES: 1 Peter 1:1 ESV Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia Genesis 20:11 2 Corinthians 10:4
59 - James
August 3, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • James
Called the Proverbs of the New Testament, there's much to learn in James that has practical application. James was the actual leader of the believers in Jerusalem. He wrote this letter to the former members of the church in Jerusalem to bring them back into the fold of the church body. It takes doctrine and presents them in practical form. OTHER REFERENCED VERSES: Matthew 13:55; Acts 8:4; Titus 2:10 James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. Revelation 2:10; Hosea 8:11; Luke 17:5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9
58 - Hebrews
July 27, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • Hebrews
Author unknown, this book is not named, but is one of the general epistles, written to Jewish believers and was probably named "Hebrews" (aka Exhortations) in the 2nd Century AD. The author states it is of few words (13 chapters is few?) and is designed to "lift you up", build you up and stir you up. It is authored during the lifetime of Timothy, so before 97 AD. And as there is no reference to the temple destruction, it was obviously written prior to 70 AD. Many ascribe it to Paul, but there's no proof. Important verse: Hebrews 2:1 KEY VERSE: Hebrews 3:1
57 - Philemon
July 20, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • Philemon
Are you fulfilling the ministry that Jesus want you to do? Paul called out some who weren't up to their max potential in serving the Lord. Philemon covers four doctrines of the church... 1) The Doctrine of the Providence of God 2) The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God vs the Kingdom of Men 3) The Doctrine of Slavery 4) The Doctrine of Forgiveness REFERENCED VERSES: Colossians 4:7-9; Colossians 4:17; Matthew 5:23-26; Matthew 5:13 Exodus 21:16(slavery); 1 Timothy 1:9-10(law); 1 Corinthians12:13 Ephesians 6:8; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:12-13 Matthew 5:39; Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-22 Luke 17:3-4; Ephesians 4:25; Hebrews 10:24-25
56 - Titus
July 13, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • Titus
TITUS is a book about the importance of the church, of the character of those who lead the church, and of those who participate in the church. Key words are Sound Doctrine and Ministry. DEFINITIONS: Episcopalian=Church is governed by Bishops who oversee the local clergy Presbyterian=Each local church is governed by a body of elected elders. In some denominations local churches are governed by a higher assembly of elders. Congregational=Ruled by Congregational Votes REFERENCED VERSES: Titus 1:4; 2 Corinthians 8:23; 2 Corinthians 2:12-13 2 Corinthians 7:6; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:13-14; Titus 1:1-3; Titus 2:11-15 Titus 3:4-6; Titus 1:5; Joshua 13:1
55 - 2 Timothy
June 29, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 2 Timothy
Referenced Verses: 2 Timothy 1:6-7; Philippians 1:19; 2 Timothy 4:6-7, 4:18, 4:8 Matthew 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10; 2 Timothy 1:7 “It is evident that Paul wrote again under a threefold consciousness. He was conscious of his own approaching departure, He recognized the terrible days that were coming And he was most acutely aware of the grave responsibility resting on Timothy. In light of these first two facts… he addressed Timothy concerning his responsibility” - (G Campbell Morgan) 2 Timothy 3:1; Acts 2:17; Acts 1:8 1 Corinthians 12:7-8; Romans 12:6; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:22
54 - 1 Timothy
June 22, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 1 Timothy
Timothy is a major player in this book. He was "on fire for the Lord", and Paul took him traveling with him to learn the model of ministry. He was eventually trusted with the great responsibility of fostering the church in Ephesus and the area around present day western Turkey. Key Verse for these letters is 1 Timothy 3:15, Acts 16:1-3 Also : Titus 3:12; Titus 1:5 Romans 15:24; Acts 20:29-31
53 - 2 Thessalonians
June 8, 2023 • Jim Gallagher • 2 Thessalonians
Eschatology ... the study of "End Times". This epistle was Paul's response to hearing of some misunderstanding of the End Times, due to some false teachers spreading the wrong message about it. This book helps to understand what was going on regarding them thinking they'd missed the Rapture. REFERENCED VERSES: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Joel 1:6; Joel 1:15; Joel 2:31 Zephaniah 1:14-16; Amos 5:18-20; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 33:11 Joel 2:12-13; Joel 2:32; 2 Timothy 4:1 2 Thessalonians 2:15: 2 Thessalonians 3:6: 2 Thessalonians 3:13