Reading the Bible Chronologically in 2022
This year, instead of reading from Genesis to Revelation, we will read the Bible as the story flows, as it happened and was written. There are several plans out there and I have worked to combine them into a plan that lets the Bible tell its own story "as it happened." Remember, the Bible is inspired, but not in the order the books appear in our Bibles. The Old Testament is approximately 3/4 of the Bible, but I have divided it so that we will spend half the year in the OT, and half the year in the NT.
Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 28, 2 Kings 16-17
Background:
Ahaz was one of the worst of Judah's kings, but his son Hezekiah became a good kind - the best of the best - until the end of his reign.
While evil king Ahaz was ruling, the last kings of Israel were ruling there and God was bringing the final judgments on that wicked land.
While evil king Ahaz was ruling, the last kings of Israel were ruling there and God was bringing the final judgments on that wicked land.
Daily Devotional: Why Did Israel Fall?
Why did Israel fall? There could have been so many reasons. It was not economic decay that brought them down - for much of their history they were economically superior to their southern neighbors. It was not a lack of strategy or military strength that caused their demise. They did not fall because they failed to adequately maintain alliances.
Verse 9 states it clearly. They "secretly" did things against God. They practiced idolatry and even when the Lord told them not to do so, they simply would not listen. They ignored God and offended him. God sent prophets to call them to repentance and they continued in their sinful ways.
God is a holy God. We are covered in God's grace day after day, regardless of our sin, but God does not simply ignore sin. The Christian who sins will be brought to account for it. The church that ignores God's ways and wanders according to the ways of the world will pay a price. Yes, God's grace always overwhelms and overcomes sin, but sin is always a serious thing.
Israel fell because of rebellion and idolatry. We must never presume upon grace and follow their path.
Verse 9 states it clearly. They "secretly" did things against God. They practiced idolatry and even when the Lord told them not to do so, they simply would not listen. They ignored God and offended him. God sent prophets to call them to repentance and they continued in their sinful ways.
God is a holy God. We are covered in God's grace day after day, regardless of our sin, but God does not simply ignore sin. The Christian who sins will be brought to account for it. The church that ignores God's ways and wanders according to the ways of the world will pay a price. Yes, God's grace always overwhelms and overcomes sin, but sin is always a serious thing.
Israel fell because of rebellion and idolatry. We must never presume upon grace and follow their path.
Father, thank you for your grace that secures and holds me. Help me to walk in grace and holiness.
Consider God's Word:
Are you carefully walking in holiness and grace?
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