Christmas Christian Bible Challenge

[Whisper]

I just thought of a new challenge for Christmas that would be kind of fun.

non christians are welcome to join in the challenge

Free bible apps are on phones different versions.

Here is free website with 100 versions.
www.biblegateway.com/

Challenge level - Challenge
#1 - read the nativity. Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 2:1-12

#2 -read 1 gospel book (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and then nativity (mark is smallest and action packed if your wondering)

#3 read 2 or more gospels plus nativity

#4 read all 4 standard gospels the reread nativity.

I recommend finishing nativity before Christmas day, whichever level yo choose. Its only 32 verses and takes minutes.

Everyone wins who finishes at least one! Even if just nativity.

Im trying #2 Mark or maybe #3 Mark and John

[Laura J]

Here is a start Wisper.
This is a wonderful idea.!
....... .........

 Luke 2:1-20King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

[Laura J]

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ),
24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

[Laura J]

[Whisper]

I'm still working my way through the Gospel of Mark in Ancient Greek. It amazes me more to read it in its original language. What strikes me most are the words similar in greek which are different in english. Like power looks like dynamite and energy.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 15:35:48 GMT 8 Whisper said:

I'm still working my way through the Gospel of Mark in Ancient Greek. It amazes me more to read it in its original language. What stricks me most are the words similar in greek which are different in english. Like power looks like dynamite and energy.

What a gift that you can do that...

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2014 15:35:48 GMT 8 Whisper said:

I'm still working my way through the Gospel of Mark in Ancient Greek. It amazes me more to read it in its original language. What strikes me most are the words similar in greek which are different in english. Like power looks like dynamite and energy.

Dunamis? A pure language that leaves nothing to ambiguity like English and other languages do. Just the many specific words describing the different types of love are a great example. I should learn to read Greek, I know it expands the meaning of the Word so much more beautifully. Somehow I get the distinct impression the whatever text was originally used when the ten commandments were first written may have actually said "You shall not murder"as opposed to the word kill, which may well have been alluding back on the brutal murder of Able by his brother Cain. Whereas God authorized the slaughter of thousands by the Hebrews which would be an obvious contradiction of the commandment if it had said "You shall not kill!" 

[Whisper]

Dec 30, 2014 23:11:43 GMT 8 Shan said:

Dec 30, 2014 15:35:48 GMT 8 Whisper said:

I'm still working my way through the Gospel of Mark in Ancient Greek. It amazes me more to read it in its original language. What strikes me most are the words similar in greek which are different in english. Like power looks like dynamite and energy.

Dunamis? A pure language that leaves nothing to ambiguity like English and other languages do. Just the many specific words describing the different types of love are a great example. I should learn to read Greek, I know it expands the meaning of the Word so much more beautifully. Somehow I get the distinct impression the whatever text was originally used when the ten commandments were first written may have actually said "You shall not murder"as opposed to the word kill, which may well have been alluding back on the brutal murder of Able by his brother Cain. Whereas God authorized the slaughter of thousands by the Hebrews which would be an obvious contradiction of the commandment if it had said "You shall not kill!" 

Yes dunamis. In Mark 6:14, dynameis energousin, means 'the miraculous powers are at work' used by Herod of jesus. 'Mighty work' is same word.

Another cool thing is apostles 'apostolos', to send and sometimes to put 'apostello' are based on the same root. Synagogue and to gather, are based on the same words ,'sunago'

Spirit, breath, strong wind 'pneuma' from pneo are based on same word.

Salt 'hal' and sea 'thalassa' are based on same words.

Messenger and angel are 'aggelos'

[Deleted]

Dec 31, 2014 0:32:50 GMT 8 Whisper said:

Yes dunamis. In Mark 6:14, dynameis energousin, means 'the miraculous powers are at work' used by Herod of jesus. 'Mighty work' is same word.

Another cool thing is apostles 'apostolos', to send and sometimes to put 'apostello' are based on the same root. Synagogue and to gather, are based on the same words ,'sunago'

Spirit, breath, strong wind 'pneuma' from pneo are based on same word.

Salt 'hal' and sea 'thalassa' are based on same words.

Messenger and angel are 'aggelos'

Yes the concept that God literally breathed "pneuma" into the testaments through the writings of holy men of old and then through Christ's apostles and followers is absolutely astounding and mind boggling.