More Steps through the Scriptures

By Alan Engle

Experience Continuous Growth through the Scriptures

As Christians, we know that studying God’s word through a daily reading of the Bible brings personal growth, enlightenment, and power to our lives. The Bible scriptures are living and are fresh every day. The Bible is not like a novel we read through once and toss aside. It is to be studied, absorbed, and lived out.
Are you serious about learning and understanding the Bible scriptures?
Alan Engle hopes you are and wants to help you along in your journey through his new book. In this book, he continues the idea of stepping or furthering your understanding of the Bible. In this edition of the stepping series, he highlights New Testament books especially by Paul, John, and Peter. The format is the same as his first book, Stepping through the Psalms and Proverbs—that is, to pick out a favorite verse or paragraph and write a short commentary on it.
More Steps through the Scriptures is not a rigorous study with footnotes and references to other writers. It was written with the leading of the Holy Spirit. So it is easy to read, absorb, and think about. The steps lend themselves to a daily reading and meditation. It is also designed for small group Bible study.
More steps will
introduce you to another Christian interpretation of the Scriptures,
shed new light on some of your favorite scriptures,
stimulate your thinking on how you might write a commentary,
encourage a daily quick study of the word of God,
build you up in a positive outlook on your steps with God, and
work in addition to other commentaries for a more complete study.
If you desire to grow more in your walk with the Lord, this book can be your guide. In conjunction with the Holy Spirit, a deeper understanding of the Scriptures is possible and your life can become more fruitful.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886850482

Book preview

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More Steps through the Scriptures

Alan Engle

ISBN 979-8-88685-047-5 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-048-2 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Alan Engle

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Calling

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

Step 13

Step 14

Step 15

Step 16

Step 17

Step 18

Step 19

Step 20

Hope And Grace

Step 21

Step 22

Step 23

Step 24

Step 25

Step 26

Step 27

Step 28

Step 29

Step 30

Step 31

Step 32

Step 33

Step 34

Step 35

Step 36

Step 37

Step 38

Step 39

Step 40

Step 41

In Christ

Step 42

Step 43

Step 44

Step 45

Step 46

Step 47

Step 48

Step 49

Step 50

Step 51

Step 52

Step 53

Step 54

Step 55

Step 56

2 Corinthians

Step 57

Step 58

Step 59

Step 60

Life in Christ

Step 61

Step 62

Step 63

Step 64

Step 65

Step 66

Step 67

Step 68

Step 69

Step 70

Step 71

1 John

Step 72

Step 73

Step 74

Strong in the Lord

Step 75

Step 76

Step 77

Step 78

Step 79

Step 80

Step 81

Grace and Faith

Step 82

Step 83

Step 84

Step 85

Step 86

Step 87

Step 88

Step 89

Step 90

Step 91

Alive with Christ

Step 92

Step 93

Step 94

Step 95

Step 96

Step 97

Step 98

2 Corinthians Continued

Step 99

Step 100

Step 101

1 Peter

Step 102

Step 103

Step 104

Step 105

Step 106

Step 107

Step 108

Step 109

Step 110

Hebrews

Step 111

Step 112

Step 113

Step 114

Step 115

Step 116

Step 117

Step 118

Step 119

Step 120

Step 121

Step 122

Step 123

Step 124

James

Step 125

Step 126

Step 127

Step 128

2 Peter

Step 129

Step 130

Step 131

Step 132

1 John Continued

Step 133

Step 134

Step 135

Step 136

Step 137

Step 138

Step 139

Step 140

Revelation

Step 141

Step 142

Step 143

Step 144

Step 145

Romans

Step 146

Step 147

Step 148

Step 149

Step 150

Step 151

Step 152

Step 153

Step 154

Step 155

Step 156

Step 157

Step 158

Step 159

Step 160

Step 161

Step 162

Step 163

Step 164

Corinthians Continued

Step 165

Step 166

Step 167

Step 168

Step 169

Step 170

Step 171

Step 172

Step 173

Step 174

Step 175

Step 176

Step 177

Step 178

Step 179

Step 180

Step 181

Step 182

Step 183

Galatians and Colossians

Step 184

Step 185

Step 186

Step 187

Step 188

Step 189

Thessalonians

Step 190

Step 191

Step 192

Step 193

Step 194

Step 195

Step 196

Step 197

Revelation Continued

Step 198

Step 199

Step 200

About Alan Engle

To my children—Christopher Alan, Anissa Ann, and Laura Nicole—who are my favorite fans.

Also to my grandchildren, Axel and Anthem.

And to Rachel and Noah.

Preface

Before I finished writing my first book, Stepping through the Psalms and Proverbs, I knew there would be a second in the series. The format is the same as the first book: a short scripture passage followed by a Holy Spirit-inspired commentary. Again, it is not a scholarly writing but an inspired one. There are no footnotes or references to other writers or authorities. The reader trusts me to accurately and truly interpret the scriptures.

The short one-page steps lend themselves to individual daily Bible study. The book can also be used as a guide for a small group Bible study. Again, stepping refers to moving and traveling to a place you have not been before. As you read, you are further along in your walk with the Lord. There is a progression, curiosity, and exploration of the word of God.

The scripture passages are mostly from the New Testament and are familiar. All of the verses used lend themselves to personal application. The idea is to be reminded of a powerful scripture passage, read my commentary, and then think of ways to apply it to your life. I have added a thoughtful question at the end of each step.

It is my hope and prayer that you will grow in your knowledge and understanding of the word. The Bible is a guidebook. Godly wisdom and encouragement are included in it. True revelation comes through reading your Bible, praying and listening to the Holy Spirit. It also helps to be attending church regularly where the word of God is preached and taught.

Just as I depended on the Holy Spirit for inspiration, you will want to consult Him for further understanding of the passages of scripture. The Holy Spirit knows what the intention and meaning of scripture is. The Bible is our guidebook and a help to grow in the knowledge of God.

Since the word of God is alive, I'm always looking for new understanding and application. First, we comprehend what the original meaning of the verse was. Then, we can apply to today's problems and opportunities. I don't think it's possible to complete our study of the Bible in this lifetime. The more I read it and ponder it, the deeper I go.

It is my hope and desire for you the reader to appreciate the word of God even more. As I read and reread these passages, I marvel at what the Holy Spirit is communicating to us. My commentary is simple and easy to understand. I take no monetary profit from the book sales; it is simply a gift to you and an expression of love. I just want to convey to you how rich, powerful, and lovely is the word of God. Enjoy the different steps of the journey!

Alan Engle

March 2, 2022

Chapter 1

Calling

Step 1

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom. 8:28–30)

We are those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Every Christian has been called by God whether he knows it or not. If the calling has not been fulfilled, then it's still there and God is waiting on us. We have a lifetime to find out what the call is and do our best to fulfill it. However, lifetimes can be short and fragile. God is patient and ready to help anyone step into the ultimate reason for his existence. Life experience and training position us to put it all together for His glory and honor. God desires the best for His children and sees great potential in each one of them. The kingdom of God is advanced through the efforts of believers fulfilling their call.

We are called according to His purpose and not our own. It's time to shift from selfish purposes to God's purposes. He has been preparing us for such a time as this. To pursue our own purpose apart from God is futile. We must not settle for second best when we can step up to all God has for us. The hidden things are there for the finding. Listen for God's calling and realize His ultimate purpose.

God knew us before we were born and predestined us to become His children. God had a plan for us before we took our first breath. He called us out of the crowd and reminded us that we are His. He justified and purified them by the Holy Spirit. The blood of Jesus has made us pure, and we are destined to be glorified.

What a privilege to be selected by God for His purpose. At just the right time, God will reveal His plan and purpose for us. This is a season of preparation. We are on a path that God has laid out for us, and He is delighted to see our calling fulfilled.

Question of the day: How are you conformed to the image of Christ?

Step 2

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Pet. 5:10–11 NKJV)

God who has called us is doing a work in us to prepare us for our destiny. Peter announces that suffering for a while is to be expected. And we know that prior to accepting Christ, we did suffer through bad choices and rebellion to God. But after salvation, earthly life was still filled with difficulties that were molding and shaping us. God uses the pain and suffering we experience to toughen us and to increase our faith in God.

To be made perfect, whole, and complete is God's plan. We are a masterpiece that the Lord is still painting. A work in progress that will be finished upon our arrival in heaven. Until then, we let the Lord have His way with us molding and shaping into who He desires us to be.

We are being established into the work the Lord has prepared us for. It is a work He has destined us to complete in partnership with the Holy Spirit. In that work, which is unique to each one of us, He is using us to the best of our ability. We experience joy and satisfaction in knowing we are doing what the Lord has called us for.

We cannot do this work on our own. We need the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. He refreshes us, equips us, and takes us to places we never dreamed of. If we did not partner with the Holy Spirit, we would likely tire and become discouraged. He lifts His people up when the going gets tough.

The Lord settles minds and emotions through the difficult times. There is a supernatural peace that surrounds us and consumes us. The goal becomes achievable in His presence. We go from I can't to I can, and I could to I will.

Question of the day: How is the Lord molding and shaping you today?

Step 3

And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? (Rom. 9:23–24 NKJV)

The Lord desires to show us so much. We open the eyes and ears of our spirit to become aware of what He has for us. Our thoughts are not His thoughts, but through the Spirit, He will reveal the mysteries of heaven and the riches of His glory. Be ready for bite-size morsels because we can only comprehend a little at a time.

The Lord's children are privileged to see more of what He has for them. Because of His grace and mercy, they stand in a place of intimacy and fellowship with Him. It isn't anything that they have done to earn or deserve. It is out of the love of His heart that He pours out His compassion on them. They can only stand in awe of the generosity and goodness of the Lord.

His blessings were prepared for us before we were born. He has stored them for a time such as this. The Lord wants us to participate in His glory that He delights to reveal to us. So we turn our hearts toward Him and open ourselves to receive His gifts. What a special time this is to get a preview of heaven.

We are called to help reveal Jesus to the world and do our part to further the kingdom of heaven on earth. Alongside of the Jews, we are in partnership with the family of the Lord to do the work of the ministry. He has equipped and prepared us to enter into a special new movement that is growing in the earth. It will look different from the work of the church fifty years ago.

Question of the day: Are the eyes and ears of your spirit open today?

Step 4

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:12–14 NKJV)

For those who have made Jesus Christ the Lord of their life, there is a bond, intimacy, and fellowship with the Almighty. We are not perfect, but we are working toward it. Those things that held us back are in the rearview mirror and behind us. The past is forgotten, the present is now, and the future is tomorrow. Just like Paul, we press on to the more that the Lord has for us.

Since we are called, we step up to what the Lord has prepared us for. He will use our life experiences both good and bad to move us forward. Our training from school and skills learned He will draw on. It might seem like a mystery how the Lord can use different aspects of our past life to contribute to our future. Bad decisions and poor choices are also parts of our life that provided painful learning experiences that helped us to mature. All of it is available to help us in our ultimate calling in Christ Jesus.

We can begin to get excited about what the Lord has for us. We are all pieces of life's puzzle that the Lord prepared beforehand. It might seem like we what bring into the kingdom is insignificant, but it isn't. The Lord has a grand plan that we are part of, and He is expecting us to do our part.

What a joy it is to be a part of what the Lord is doing in the world. He has prepared us and equipped us to join Him in this important work. So like Paul, we press toward the goal in front of us with enthusiasm and expectation. The Lord is not done with us yet. The best is yet to come!

Question of the day: Are you pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God?

Step 5

For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. (Phil. 1:19–26 NKJV)

We have been given a certain amount of time to live. Let's write the remaining chapters by living for the glory of the Lord and the furthering of the kingdom. Because Christ lives in us, what we do in these remaining years is to be done with a boldness for Him. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can be a powerhouse for the Lord.

Paul wanted to go on to heaven, but he knew there was more to accomplish on earth first. We may harbor a similar desire, but there are those who are yet to be influenced by our ministry. The fruit of our labor can be a further blessing to others. The Lord has called and equipped us to fulfill the work not finished yet. Remember, He said He would complete the good work He had begun in us.

We have been prepared for a time such as this. As older adults, we have something left to give. Our gifts include a smile and a word of encouragement. For a few, it is leading a large ministry or an overseas mission. We are to deliver what the Lord has placed inside of us however large or small. There are people in our midst that need what we have to offer. Christ living in us is our hope of glory.

Question of the day: What do you gain by living for Christ?

Step 6

Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. (Gen. 1:26–28 NKJV)

It is so awesome to know that we have been made in the image of God. We have the DNA of God; He is our Father. We are born into the family of God. We are blessed with every beat of our heart and every breath we take. What God has, He has released into us. Not only do we look like Him, but we are to act like Him too.

When we think of the fruit of the Spirit, we realize they are attributes of God. His unconditional love for us is released in us to display to others and back to Father. It was His good pleasure to create us in His image, and it brings Him great joy. That joy is supernatural and powerful in our spirit. No matter what is going on around us, we can bask in the joy of the Lord.

No matter how crazy the world may seem, there is always joy available to us. We know we are aliens to this world and only temporary residents of this earth. There is so much joy in heaven that it spills over to believers to enjoy. We are to be joy carriers wherever we go.

How comforting it is to know we have supernatural hope for today and tomorrow. Because we are the Lord's children, we know He is looking out for us like the good Father that He is. He is using this time to mold us into who we were meant to be. There is no time for discouragement because we are anchored in the hope of heaven.

Question of the day: What does it mean to you to be made in the image of God?

Step 7

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (John 15:1–5 NKJV)

What a beautiful picture of the kingdom of heaven on earth. It is productive because Jesus is the vine and sustains the branches connected to Him. Our relationship with the Lord allows and causes us to bear fruit. There have been times in our lives that we have been able to do things for the Lord. But a time is coming when we will be part of a huge crop for the kingdom. If we try to produce only on our own, we will not be successful.

Staying connected to the vine and drawing life from the Lord is when we truly come alive. It is when our spirit is moving with the Holy Spirit that we breathe with heaven. When our hearts pump together, that fruit is grown. Alignment and fellowship with Christ stir us to be what the Lord is calling us to. Fruit is produced as we grow and mature in the vine.

As we bear fruit for the Lord, we step out in what He has called us to do. However, along the way, we may veer off course or find we are not really in the middle of the Lord's will. Correction will come, and we are to welcome it as our eyes are opened to the right direction. It's easy to get caught up in ministry and doing good works and find we missed what the Lord intended for us.

The secret to staying on course is to abide in Him. That requires meditating on the scriptures and spending time in prayer. Abiding in the Lord is a pleasant time of fellowship and intimacy. It is where we get refreshed and equipped for the journey ahead.

Question of the day: What fruit are you bearing for the Lord?

Step 8

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6 NKJV)

This verse begins by challenging our confidence. We have to be really sure in our spirit and settled in our soul that the Lord has begun a good work in us. The Lord has been preparing us for this moment to step into our completion, perfection, and destiny. We are to be about realizing how the Lord has used our past experiences and training to fulfill our ultimate calling. He has been working in us, honing us, and molding us into a powerhouse for the Lord.

Many of us were not aware that the Lord was using the good and the bad