In 2012, Pastor Jon challenged the congregation to take part in the E100 challenge. E100 is a Bible reading program created by Scripture Union. This “big picture” approach is designed to help people read through the major themes of scripture without getting bogged down or frustrated. E100 features 50 scripture readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and another 50 readings from the New Testament. Most readings are only one to two chapters long, and can be read in 10 minutes.
In addition to the daily readings, Pastor Jon wrote a devotional that was sent through e-mail. The devotions have been collected and presented here.
The Coming of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 5:11 Therefore encourage each other… Christ will come again. We may not know the date, or exactly what it will look like, or even the timeline of events; but we know that Christ will come again. This is encouraging news. Twice in this passage, Paul…
All Scripture is God-breathed – 2 Timothy 3:10 – 4:8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. As I read this passage, it occurred…
Good Soldiers of Christ – 2 Timothy 2:1 -26 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Make no mistake about it – hardship will come to those who align themselves with the Kingdom of God. Paul doesn’t talk about if hardship would come, he simply assumes that it will come. After…
The Love of Money – 1 Timothy 6:3-21 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. If Paul had lived in the century of automobiles, he might have been the one to coin the phrase, “I’ve never seen a hearse towing a U-Haul.” I imagine that Paul would…
Elders and Deacons – 1 Timothy 3:1-16 “…you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” How we live makes a difference! Even though the bulk of this passage is written to pastors and elders, Paul moves…
The Supremacy of Christ – Colossians 1:1-23 “…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Jesus is Lord… whether we acknowledge Him as Lord or not! The problem arises when our attitudes and actions fail to reflect that knowledge. We need a constant reminder and awareness that Jesus is Lord over all… all the…
Rejoice in the Lord – Philippians 4:2-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. I suspect that most of us (myself included) need to do a better job at turning off the television, radio,…
The Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-20 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Paul has continued to remind us that the battle is not ours, neither do we battle against flesh and blood. He reminds us that we can’t fight it on our own strength, but…
The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:16-6:10 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. From a young age, we begin to compare ourselves to others. We stand back-to-back to see who is the tallest. We compare the length and color of…
More than Conquerors – Romans 8:1-39 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit Paul’s letter to the Romans gives us a clear description of what it means to be “Set Free” in Christ. No longer a slave to sin and the law, Christ makes us free to live a…