Rather than present short articles on 3 or 4 topics as in past issues, the December issue of All Scripture Advocate highlights key verses found throughout this month's reading of Scripture.

Galatians:

The law of God still applies to His people, as in the Old Testament.
But, thanks be to God:

• "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law." (Galatians 3:13)

The law of God not only continues to apply, it serves a divine purpose:

• "the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24)

The New Covenant, the so-called covenant of grace, does not give the Christian license to sin:

• "walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." (Galatians 6:16)
• "those who practice such things (the works of the flesh) shall not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 6:21)

Ephesians:

God chooses man, man does not choose God:

• "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world . . . having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will." (Ephesians 1:4 - 6)

Both salvation and faith leading to salvation are gifts of God:

• "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

How much more impact would Christendom have on the world if God's people kept this command

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29)

The devil is real, but fortunately God provides us with spiritual armor that we might be protected.

• "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age . . . . Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11 - 13)

Philippians:

Not everyone who preaches Christ, does so with the right motive:

• "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and this I rejoice, yes and will rejoice." (Philippians 1:18)

While Scripture is clear that not everyone will be saved, Scripture is also quite clear that

• "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father."

A favorite plaque of parents of young children is "thou shalt not whine." God expects the same of His children

• "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:14-15)

God, not the government, is the guarantor of our welfare

"God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Colossians:

The character of a Christian should reflect the character of Christ:

• "as the elect of God . . . put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another . . . even as Christ forgave you . . . . But above all these things put on love." (Colossians 3:12-14)

Thessalonians:

When God calls us, He equips us.

• "He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it."(1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Although God does indeed guarantee our welfare, He does not reward idleness:

• "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."(2 Thessalonians 3:18)

Timothy:

God wants us to pray for all men and for all those in authority:

• "I exhort first of all that. . . prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority." (1 Timothy 2:1)

In that God puts the laws of the Old Covenant in the hearts of His people, the New Covena nt is a better covenant (yet a continuation of the Old):

• "Behold, the days are coming says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel . . . I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts." (Hebrews 8:8-10)

Christians should be content and not be greedy:

• "those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts . . . . For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."(1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Titus:

Sound doctrine is important, but don't get carried away:

• "speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)
• "avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless." (Titus 3:9)

Hebrews:

Jesus, our High Priest, is compassionate and empathetic:

• "we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

Once again, the Bible tells us of the importance of sound doctrine:

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Do not be carried away with var-ious and strange doctrines." (Hebrews 13:8-9)

James:

God has a purpose for our trials:

• "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."(James 1:4)

Peter:

How should Christian employees conduct themselves:

• "servants (employees), be submissive to your masters (employers) with all fear . . . for this is commendable."(1 Peter 2:18)
  

John's Epistles:

How do we prove our love for God?

• "for this is the love of God that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)
  

Revelation:

The last book of the Bible may be one of the most difficult portions of Scripture to comprehend, but keep this promise in mind:

• "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it." (Revelation 1:3)
  

Click the image below and download this daily reading guide to keep track.

December

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Some use Sunday to catch up on Bible reading missed during the week. Others prefer to double up on their reading on Saturday in order to set aside the Sabbath for church and fellowship. Either way, if you consistently read Scripture in the 15 or 20 minute increments shown above for an entire year, you will read all of Scripture in just one year.