The Bible’s Big Story The Bible is one unified book telling the story of God’s glory through creation, humanity’s rebellion, God’s covenant promises, and their complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Everything moves toward Christ’s preeminence. The Old Testament prepares the way; the New Testament reveals Him as the fulfillment. Together they form 66 inspired books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New. The Old Testament (39 Books): God’s Promises and Preparation The Old Testament shows God creating the world, choosing a people, giving them His law, and promising a coming King who would fix what sin broke. It repeatedly points forward to the Messiah. Law (Pentateuch – 5 books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These lay the foundation. Genesis shows creation, the fall, and God’s first promises. Exodus–Deuteronomy record God’s rescue of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and the covenant instructions for a holy people. Historical Books (12 books): Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1–2 Samuel, 1–2 Kings, 1–2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther. They trace Israel’s life in the Promised Land, their cycles of obedience and rebellion, the rise and fall of the monarchy, exile in Babylon, and return. They demonstrate that human kings fail, but God remains faithful to His promises. Wisdom and Poetry (5 books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. These teach how to live wisely under God’s rule. They explore suffering, worship, daily righteousness, the emptiness of life without God, and the beauty of covenant love. Prophets (17 books): Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel. Minor Prophets (12): Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. The prophets confront idolatry, call for repentance, warn of judgment, and repeatedly promise a coming Deliverer, a new covenant, and a kingdom that will never end. The entire Old Testament builds expectation: a seed of the woman, a descendant of Abraham, a prophet like Moses, a son of David, a suffering servant, and a King who will reign forever. The New Testament (27 Books): Christ’s Arrival and the New Creation The New Testament announces that Jesus is the promised King. He is the preeminent One in whom all God’s promises find their “Yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20). It shows His life, death, resurrection, the birth of the church, and the final renewal of all things. Gospels (4 books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. These present Jesus from four angles: as King (Matthew), servant (Mark), perfect man (Luke), and eternal God (John). They record His teaching, miracles, crucifixion for sins, and resurrection. History (1 book): Acts. Luke’s second volume shows the Holy Spirit empowering the early church to take the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It records the rapid spread of the message that Jesus is Lord. Letters (21 books): Paul’s Letters (13): Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1–2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. These explain the gospel, the meaning of Christ’s work, how the church should live, and how believers stand secure in Him. General Letters (8): Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude. These encourage perseverance, warn against false teaching, and call for holy living. Prophecy (1 book): Revelation. This apocalyptic letter reveals Christ as the victorious Lamb and coming King. It comforts suffering believers and shows the final defeat of evil and the making of a new heaven and new earth. How the Two Testaments Fit Together The Old Testament is not obsolete. Jesus said He came to fulfill it, not abolish it (Matthew 5:17). The New Testament constantly quotes and explains the Old, showing that Christ is the true temple, the better Moses, the perfect high priest, the faithful Israel, and the eternal King. Everything in the Bible centers on the supremacy and preeminence of Christ that we have been studying in Colossians 1. He is the goal of the Old Testament promises and the living reality of the New Testament gospel. The whole book calls you to trust Him, repent of sin, and live under His rule until He returns. If you want to go deeper into any section—especially how Colossians fits into the larger biblical theology of Christ’s preeminence—let me know which part to unpack next.

Daily Bible Lesson. THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS — VICTORY WHERE ADAM FAILED Matthew 4:1–11 | Mark 1:12–13 | Luke 4:1–13 The temptation of Jesus was not merely a story about three conversations in the wilderness. It was a powerful revelation of how Satan attacks, how Christ responds, and how victory over temptation is possible. After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days and nights. Then Satan came to tempt Him. «“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” — Matthew 4:1» Notice something important: Jesus was not tempted because He had sinned. He was tempted because He was righteous. 1️⃣ THE FIRST TEMPTATION — “COMMAND THAT THESE STONES BE MADE BREAD” Jesus was hungry. Satan attacked Him at His weakest physical moment. «“If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” — Matthew 4:3» Satan was essentially saying, “Use your power to satisfy yourself. Put your physical desire before obedience to God.” But Jesus answered: «“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4» The lesson is simple: Your greatest need is not always the thing your flesh is demanding. Food is important, but obedience to God is more important. Jesus did not allow hunger to become an excuse for disobedience. 2️⃣ THE SECOND TEMPTATION — “CAST THYSELF DOWN” Satan then took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and quoted Scripture. «“If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down.” — Matthew 4:6» Notice carefully: Satan quoted Scripture! This teaches us something extremely important: Not everyone who quotes the Bible is teaching the truth. The devil quoted Psalm 91, but he twisted its meaning to encourage Jesus to test God. Jesus answered: «“Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” — Matthew 4:7» The lesson: Knowing Scripture is not enough. We must understand Scripture correctly and submit to its true meaning. The devil can use Bible words while promoting a message that contradicts God's will. 3️⃣ THE THIRD TEMPTATION — WORSHIP ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE KINGDOMS Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and offered them to Him. «“All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” — Matthew 4:9» What was Satan asking for? Worship. Jesus answered with absolute firmness: «“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” — Matthew 4:10» Jesus would receive the kingdom—but not by compromising His loyalty to God. The lesson: Never exchange obedience to God for temporary success, popularity, money, power, pleasure, or worldly recognition. There are things Satan may offer that look attractive, but anything that requires disobedience to God is too expensive. JESUS WON WITH “IT IS WRITTEN” Look at Christ's weapon throughout the temptation: “It is written.” He did not answer Satan with human philosophy. He did not argue from emotion. He did not negotiate. He stood upon the Word of God. This is why Scripture says: «“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11» If the Word of God is not in your heart, what will you stand upon when temptation comes? JESUS SUCCEEDED WHERE ADAM FAILED There is a beautiful contrast here. Adam was tempted in a perfect garden, surrounded by abundance—and he fell. Jesus was tempted in a barren wilderness, weakened by forty days of fasting—and He remained faithful. Adam listened to the serpent. Jesus answered the serpent with God's Word. Adam disobeyed God. Jesus obeyed God. Where Adam failed, Christ stood victorious. And Hebrews gives us this encouragement: «“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15» Jesus understands temptation—not because He surrendered to it, but because He faced it and overcame it without sin. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US? Temptation itself is not sin. Giving in to temptation is sin. When temptation comes, remember: When your flesh says, “Satisfy yourself,” remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone.” When Satan twists Scripture, remember: “It is written.” When the world offers you success in exchange for compromise, remember: “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.” And when you feel weak, remember: «“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13» The Christian life is not about pretending temptation does not exist. It is about learning to stand when temptation comes. Jesus did not overcome temptation by compromising with Satan. He overcame by trusting His Father, standing upon Scripture, and refusing to disobey. THE FINAL LESSON Satan can tempt you, but he cannot force you to sin. The choice remains before you. When temptation comes, don't negotiate with it. Don't entertain it. Don't twist Scripture to justify it. Stand on the Word. Trust God. Choose obedience. Because the same Christ who overcame in the wilderness is able to strengthen those who follow Him today. «“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7» Jesus overcame. Jesus is our example. Jesus is our strength. And through Him, victory is possible. Amazing Love

LEP'S FAITH QUOTES: Name Above Every Name 8/19 Wednesday Wisdom Jesus is given the highest position in the universe. He has the name which is above every name, with all the authority of God in it. That name has been given to the Church , to us common folks, to use. In that name we are masters of demons and their works. -- E. W. Kenyon

The Name of YHWH — Truth Hidden in Plain Sight Introduction Throughout Scripture, the Creator reveals His personal Name. Many people read over it without realizing it because most English Bibles replace it with titles like “LORD” in all capital letters. Yet the Name appears nearly 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. This study explores: What the Name is Why it was hidden in translations Why the Name matters How believers honored the Name in Scripture 1. The Creator Revealed His Name Exodus 3:13–15 When Moses asked what Name he should give to Israel, Elohim answered: “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, YHWH Elohim of your fathers... this is my name forever.” The Hebrew letters are: יהוה Often represented in English as: YHWH This is called the Tetragrammaton (“four letters”). 2. The Name Was Not Originally “LORD” In many English Bibles: “LORD” (all caps) replaces YHWH “God” sometimes replaces Elohim But in the original Hebrew text, the Name was written plainly thousands of times. Example: Psalm 83:18 “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is YHWH, art the most high over all the earth.” Many translations replace the Name with “LORD,” hiding what the verse actually says. 3. The Third Commandment Is About the Name Exodus 20:7 “Thou shalt not take the name of YHWH thy Elohim in vain…” The commandment does not say: “Do not know My Name” “Do not say My Name” Instead, it warns against misusing or emptying the Name of meaning. 4. YHWH Wants His Name Remembered Exodus 3:15 “This is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” The word “memorial” means something remembered and proclaimed. Psalm 68:4 “Sing unto Elohim… extol him by his name YAH…” “Yah” is the shortened poetic form found throughout Scripture. 5. The Prophets Declared the Name Isaiah 42:8 “I am YHWH: that is my name…” Jeremiah 16:21 “They shall know that my name is YHWH.” The prophets repeatedly emphasized the Name instead of hiding it. 6. The Messiah Came in His Father’s Name John 5:43 “I am come in my Father’s name…” John 17:6 “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me…” The Messiah did not hide the Father’s Name; He revealed it. 7. Why Was the Name Hidden? Historically, some Jewish traditions avoided pronouncing the Name out of fear of misuse. Later translators followed this tradition and substituted: LORD GOD This tradition became so common that many readers never realized a personal Name was there. 8. Evidence Hidden in Plain Sight Even modern words preserve parts of the Name: HalleluYah Means: “Praise Yah” Names in Scripture also contain the Name: Isaiah (YashaYahu) Jeremiah (YirmeYahu) Elijah (EliYah) The Name was woven throughout biblical language and culture. 9. Calling Upon the Name Joel 2:32 “Whosoever shall call on the name of YHWH shall be delivered.” Romans 10:13 Paul quotes Joel, showing the importance of the Name continued into the New Testament. 10. Conclusion The Name of YHWH was never removed from Scripture originally. It was hidden in many translations through substitution traditions. The Bible teaches: His Name is eternal His Name is to be remembered His people proclaimed His Name The Messiah revealed His Father’s Name Truth about the Name has been in plain sight all along. Key Scriptures for Further Study Exodus 3:13–15 Exodus 20:7 Deuteronomy 6:4 Psalm 68:4 Psalm 83:18 Isaiah 42:8 Jeremiah 16:21 Joel 2:32 John 5:43 John 17:6 Romans 10:13

Quotes of Truth. Science depends on a universe that is orderly, consistent, and governed by laws that can be discovered. God is not the enemy of science. He is the reason science works in the first place.

LEP'S FAITH QUOTES: God, Limited 8/7 Friday Faith THIS WILL BE MY LAST POST UNTIL WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19. Have you been to Canada? Do you know when I went to Canada for the first time there was one thing that struck me peculiarly? The signs would read, "John Brown, Ltd." ... I was holding meetings in the old St. Andrews Church in Sidney. I asked them one night why they did not put their national symbol on their churches. They wondered what I meant. I said, "Every other business house is 'Ltd.' Why don't you put it over the church?" And old Scotchman said, "We don't have to . Everybody knows it." Limited? Sure it is limited. Limit God, limit ourselves, limit His grace, limit the Word. Sure, our God is a little bit of a God. Most of us could carry Him in our vest pocket and it wouldn't budge the pocket -- our God with the "Ltd." on Him. Brother, sister, that challenge comes to us today to LET GOD LOOSE. -- John G. Lake

LEP'S FAITH QUOTES: He Alone 8/6 Thursday Thoughts It is only He, it is He who rolls away the cloud. He alone is the One who lifts the fallen, cheers the faint, brings fresh oil, and changes the countenance. It is the Lord thy God. He has seen thy misery, He has known thy heart brokenness, and He has known how near you seem to be to despair... Oh, beloved, God is in the midst of us to help us into these wonderful divine places of appointment! -- Smith Wigglesworth I will not be posting from Tuesday, August 11, until Wednesday, August 19.

LEP'S FAITH QUOTES: No Thought of Going Back 8/5 Wednesday Wisdom We commenced meeting in Oakland, California, October 28, 1889. The wet weather had set in. We pitched our tents during a rain, such as was never known in Oakland before. People looked on in wonder and amazement. From a human standpoint, everything looked dark and discouraging. Surely God's ways are not our ways. It takes a great deal of confidence, faith, and courage in God to move forward at His command not knowing one step of the way. Here we were in a strange land, with our money about gone and no means to go back East. We confessed we were pilgrims in a strange country but knew we were seeking a city out of sight. We had no thought of going back until a great work had been done for the Master. We had no fear of suffering for lack of means; we knew our God would supply all our needs (Rom. 8:28). -- Maria Woodworth-Etter

What Tithe Is, and What It Was Never Meant to Be I want us to look at tithing again, because I believe most of us have never asked the real question. We ask how much. We hardly ever ask why. And until we answer why, the how much means nothing to God. Let me start with the word itself, because it tells us something we often skip. In Hebrew, the word is ma'aser, and it simply means a tenth part. In Greek, the word is dekate, the same root that gives us the word decade, meaning ten. The word carries no promise in it. No formula. No key. It is just a portion. A tenth. That is all the word says on its own. The meaning was never in the word. It was in what the tenth stood for, that everything already belongs to God. "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 24:1). "Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10). Before God ever commanded anyone to tithe, he was already the owner. Tithing did not make him owner. It was you agreeing that he already was. What tithe is Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek before the law even existed (Genesis 14:20), and he gave it out of worship, not because anyone told him to. Under the law, the tithe belonged to God as holy (Leviticus 27:30), and it was there to support those who ministered before him (Numbers 18:21-24). David understood this well when he said, "all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee" (1 Chronicles 29:14). We did not give God something that was ours. We only gave back what was already his. That is what tithe is. Obedience. Acknowledging him. Worship that says, I trust you as the owner more than I trust what is in my own hand. What tithe is not Tithe is not a payment to unlock a blessing. It is not a trade where you give ten and expect God to owe you more. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for exactly this kind of religion, they were tithing down to the smallest herb and still missing "the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith" (Matthew 23:23). They had perfected the giving and lost the heart behind it. And that is possible even today. You can tithe correctly and still miss God completely, because he was never after your ten percent. He was after you. Jesus made this even clearer with the widow who gave two mites. He said she gave more than everyone else, not because of the amount, but because she gave out of her lack, not out of what she could easily spare (Luke 21:1-4). God has never measured giving by the number. He measures what it cost you, and what it shows about who you actually trust. What Malachi was really saying This is the verse everyone quotes and hardly anyone reads properly. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). But read what comes just before it. God was not opening a transaction with a faithful people. He was speaking to a people who had robbed him, who doubted him, who held back because in their hearts they believed that if they gave, they would remain with nothing (Malachi 3:8-9). That is why he said test me. It was not an offer. It was a challenge to their unbelief. He was saying, you think giving will leave you empty, you do not trust that I am able to provide, so test that doubt against who I really am. The blessing was never a reward waiting at the end of your obedience. The blessing was already there, in his nature, in who he already is. What God wanted was not the tithe itself. He wanted their trust to be strong enough to act like he was real. The real question, what is your intent When God gave, he gave with intent. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). The giving was never separate from the love. He did not give to get something back. He gave to save us, to restore us, because that is who he is. So I ask myself, and I ask you too, when you give, what is really in your heart. What is the motive behind the hand that gives. Tithing was never meant to be a key to unlock God or to provoke him to move on your behalf. It was meant to build in us a heart of obedience, discipline, and a life in submission to his word. If your giving is transactional, seed for a harvest, obedience for a payout, then you have missed what tithing was for, even if the amount was correct. This is why many give and never see anything change, not because they lacked faith in the way we usually think of it, but because the posture was wrong from the beginning. It was never relational. It was a trade they were hoping God would honour. God is not looking for your ten percent. He is looking for a heart that says, all of this was already yours, and I am only giving back what you trusted me to hold.

LEP'S FAITH QUOTES: This World Is Not My Home 8/4 Tuesday Truth People wonder at me traveling from one place to another, suffering all kinds of hardships, deprived of many comforts of life, exposed to wet and cold, heat and storms. I make this sacrifice for the Lord. Christ is all in all to me. This world is not my home. It has no attraction for me. I am laying up treasures in heaven. I have a mansion there that is built of pure gold, and it can never be destroyed or taken from me. Praise God for the privilege of leaving all to follow Jesus. -- Maria Woodworth-Etter