I Samuel 30 - David Rescues the People of Ziklag

I Samuel 30

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered (bitter in soul), each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (verse 6)

Message: David Rescues the People of Ziklag

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: As I look at this chapter today verse by verse:

1 David - To Ziklag - 3rd Day - prior to arriving Amalekites have raided Ziklag; burned it with fire

2 Women and all captive; not killed

3 City burned with fire

4 David and all wept 

5 People distressed and want to stone David

6 David distressed => David strengthened himself in the Lord

7 David request from Abiathar an ephod

8 To God, "Shall I pursue? Shall I overtake?" He said, "You, you shall rescue."

9 David went with 600 men

10 200 fell off exhausted, 400 remain

11 Found Egyptian, gave him water, bread, to eat

12 Gave him fig cake, raisins, and ate; nothing to eat last 3 days

13 Egyptian, servant of an Amalekite, left behind

14 We raided and buried Ziklag

15 Egyptian says, "Swear to me I am not killed and I will bring you to them."

16 Eating and drinking because of the great spoil (a pilgrim feast)

17 David slaughtered all; 400 men escaped

18 David recovered all taken, including his wives

19 All thought loss had been returned

20 All captured, "This is David's spoil." 

21 David greeted the 200 exhausted men

22 The men who went did not want to give any spoil to the 200 exhausted men

23 David said not so

24 A share is given to those who stay and those who go

25 Thus a statute and ordinance to this day

26 David gave gifts of the spoil to the elders of Judah

27 to those in Bethel, Ramoth, and Jattir

28 to those in Aroer, Siphmoth, and Eshtemoa

29 to those in Racal, the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites

30 to those in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, and in Athach

31 to those in Hebron and all places David and his men were accustomed to go. 

Returning to Ziklag, David is distressed as the city has been raided. He had been away with Achish adn the Philistines fighting, but the Amalekites come in and ravish the land he was living in Ziklag. The people are so angry at David they think bad things are happening because of him. 

We are like this so often. We are so quick to blame anything and everyone when things go bad. Bad things happen sometime, but we feel justified I suppose in blaming others. But David does what David does and in verse 6 it says He strengthened himself in the Lord. When all was a mess around him, he strengthened himself in the Lord. This is a time of remembering all that the Lord has done for you up to that point. You are not bitter. Your faith remains in the Lord. God has provided in the past in His time and He will provide in the future in His time and His way. 

He shall take 600 men to rescue Ziklag. 400 go, 200 exhausted. David slaughtered all the Amalekites. Going back with the spoil, he gave 200 to exhausted men, but those fighting did not like that, but David said all received the reward, not only those that go. And 13 places are mentioned that received the gifts of the spoil. 

David makes it clear that all enjoy the benefits of the fight and all are involved, not only those that go. All share. 

When I get paid every other week the entire household enjoys the benefit of the money I receive, not only me and I give to those that have a need as God leads me. And in hard times we first trust in the Lord, rather than looking for a reason to blame others. Bad things happen. As people of God, we trust God. 

Summary: David returns home to a raided Ziklag at the hands of the Amalekites. He takes men and slaughters these foes and returns home and all receive the gift of the spoil from the fighting. 

Promise: We turn to God and receive our strength from him remembering His provision. 

Prayer: Lord, may I find my strength in You. Help me to not get bitter. I know it happens. I play the blame game and I should simply know and realize that bad things happen at times and in those times I am to find my strength in You God. As you lead and as victories come in my life, remind me to share in those spoils, to not be selfish thinking I am the only one that receives the reward. The reward is for everyone for God you have given the victory. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 11:15 - Verify the one receiving gifts

Proverbs 11:15 

He who is surety for a stranger will surely suffer for it,

But he who hates going surety is safe. 

Message: Verify the one receiving gifts

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: NIV - Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. 

He who is surety for a stranger or for another. 

“He is in great danger to be undone, who stands bound to pay the debts of another man, especially of a stranger, whose ability and honesty are unknown to him; and the way to be secure from it, is not only to avoid such engagements one’s self, but to dislike to see other men enter into them.” Simon Patrick (1626–1707), a highly regarded 17th-century Anglican bishop, theologian, and biblical commentator.

Hmm. This evening I have been struggling with this guy begging me for money. I have been friends with this man for a while now. He credits things I did that I don't think I did. But I suppose this situation is different as it seems this verse speaks of giving to someone when you do not know how they will be using it. I have always wondered if we need to do our due diligence in making sure that our money is being used for good purposes, that we need are good and true and this verse seems to confirm that this is so. 

I saw this -- The Septuagint translates differently, "A wicked man doeth evil when he mixes with the righteous; he hateth the sound of safety (η΅χον ἀσφαλείας)." Interesting that the word doeth is now speaking of here as surety in other translations. Surety is taking the responsibility of another. And odd that this verse starts with the wicked mixing with the righteous rather than the other way around. Matthew Henry says, "Our Lord Jesus Christ became a surety for us when we were strangers, and he smarted for it, he was bruised and wounded for our sins; but then he knew our circumstances, and what the consequence would be, and became a surety on purpose to pay the whole debt and set us free." He knew what he was getting into. 

So we must be careful how we give. Like Jesus, once we know what the ministry is about, we have then the option to give and perhaps we need to give if it is a worthwhile situation. Maybe I need to be quicker to give when I found out areas that are in need. I have been given much and so much responsibility has been given to me to help those in need. 

Looking at this verse - "I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." (Luke 6:27–31)

Not sure if this is literal. And so I don't think we have to give to everyone who asks. We need to be able to verify that our gifts are going to a good cause. To bridge these two verses seems to be the idea from the Book of Numbers -- "Be careful" of the authority of God. God is on the throne and in charge, so I need to be careful to make sure I am obedient to all that He says. And in the process, make sure I am not being selfish. If I have the funds, I need to give. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for this Proverb. I have wondered about this thought for some time. I believe we are living in a time of so much need and we need to be careful as to who we are giving to therefore. And this verse confirms that I need to make sure righteousness and evil are not mixing. And so the money that I give to people needs to be for good causes. Help me with this recognition and seeing the need and therefore giving. You will provide for my needs and so I can give. Help me to be a cheerful giver again and not one that is sore about giving or doing it reluctantly. I praise you God. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

Proverbs 10:6 - Out of God, out of man

Proverbs 10:6

Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 

Message: Out of God, out of man

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: At first glance, this proverb seems obvious — the righteous are blessed while the wicked has problems. Six verses into Chapter 10 and also into the 375 Proverbs (10:1 to 22:16) to study -- 'righteous' or 'righteousness' is mentioned three times. This is a very common word in scripture and denotes the person that not only lives above board or above reproach, but it also conveys the idea of the person that God accepts. I quickly think of the verse, "The righteous shall live by faith" (Habakkuk 2:4) and also "For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God" (Romans 1:17). 

Now in this verse the virtue highlights the "head" of the righteous. Head seems to denote the highest part of a person and so these blessings are coming from above or from God. John Gill (1697 – 1771), an English Baptist pastor, biblical scholar, and theologian stated that these blessings could be "pardon of sin, peace of soul, every sanctifying grace, the blessing of adoption, and a right to eternal life." As such these are blessings conferred by God by His mercy. In each of these we have received a blessing from God. It is nothing we earn. It is all His mercy. These blessings are a crown which sit on the head. They set us apart from others, but not because of something we have done, but because of what we have received. 

The vice in this verse is the mouth of the wicked. The mouth is where the wicked wages their war. The mouth or the words that are said are the issue here. The mouth is active and is an outpouring of the man. The head rests on man as grace or mercy rests on man, but the mouth is active, coming forth out of a person. Righteousness is conferred upon us. We commit acts of violence through our words. We are responsible for our words. 

James 3:16 says, "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." I always need to be careful about my choice of words and what I say. 

This verse will be somewhat repeated in verse 11 - "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,

but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." The same vice will be contrasted with a mouth that speaks forth righteousness, but the contrast in verse 6 seems to be more what man earns versus what God gifts. In this way, the actions of God versus man are opposites. One gives blessing, the other violence. 

Thus, my title for this verse, is "out of God, out of man." This seems to be the contrast here and what is to be emphasized. 

Prayer: O Lord, I thank you for the mercy you have shown me - continually. You granted me life, creating this world and all that is in it. You give me great gifts of creation - the food I eat, the surroundings I live in, the beauty of your creation. You give me great people to be with each day - people that encourage me and that I enjoy being with and living alongside. Family is a gift from you. There is joy in being with one another. And then you bestow abundant life to me, both now on this earth as I live and walk and breath and see each day this hand of providence in my life. You bestow on me pardon for my sin, peace of soul, grace, adoption into you - the trinity, and the blessing of eternal life. You take care of my hope for the future. My responsibility is through my words that need to honor you and yet I know left to myself, I am a person of wickedness and violence. All that comes from you is a gift of grace and riches of kindness. I praise you. I thank you. I trust in you. I pray always and forever. Help me to be a person of grace and being the person you have called me to be. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:9 - The Focused Prayers of Christ

John 17:9

I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are yours. 

Message: The Focused Prayers of Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: I continue with these lessons about Jesus praying now for His disciples. Jesus is interceding for His disciples. 

In my Tabletalk lesson for today, they make mention of the 5 points of Calvinism and the most controversial point of limited atonement which says Christ did not pay for all sins on the cross, but only for those of His elect, those that will be saved. And by way of Reformed Theology, they state that this verse adheres to that idea. Jesus is stating here that:

1. He is asking not on behalf of the world.

2. He is asking God only on half of those whom God has given Him - namely the disciples

3. For they are yours God. 

This is an interesting point and one that makes sense. I think one might say that Jesus dies on the cross for all people's sins, but not all people will make a confession of faith and believe in God. 

Other interesting thoughts about this passage:

• If the Father has given them to Jesus, then these disciple were previously the Father's before they were given to the Son. -- Interesting idea here of all that is the Father's is the Son's. But are all people of the Father? Or only these disciples? Not the world as is mentioned. 
• Jesus did not only pray for the disciples as in verse 20 to 26 He will pray for the world, but it will be interesting to read those words and see if these words are more exclusive to those God knows. 

Summary: Jesus continues to pray for that have heard and believed, those are the one's he addresses here as those God gives to Jesus.

Promise: Be comforted this day by the knowledge that Jesus is praying for you and, indeed, is watching over all things for the good of your redemption.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for lifting me up as I think I can take these verses that You attribute to the disciples, your followers, and subscribe also to me, your follower. And yet in these verses I pray for your teaching and understanding of Your Word and what it is saying to me. I simply enjoy the encouragement of prayer. Help me to make prayer a bigger part of my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 17:6 - The Father's Gift to Christ

John 17:6

I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word.

Message: The Father's Gift to Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: The Highly Priestly Prayer which is spoken by Jesus and encompasses Chapter 17 begins in the way we should begin all prayers by praising the Father and glorifying the Son. Jesus, like us, shows us the proper way to begin our Prayers. Like the Lord's Prayer which begins with, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Here in verses 1-5 Jesus makes mentions that the Father is to be glorified. 

In this prayer we see 3 divisions as mentioned in My Open Bible:

1. Christ Prays for Himself (v. 1-5)
2. Christ Prays for His Disciples (v. 6-19)
3. Christ Prays for All Believers (v. 20-26)

I often like to go to the Greek and see the sequence of the words and how they read directly from the Greek. For this passage it reads, "I revealed Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. Yours they were, and to Me them You gave, and the word of You they have kept." Jesus here before the Father mentions or speaks to the Father and makes known to the Father that He has revealed the Father to the men the Father gifted to Him and these Me were given to Him out of the world. 

Not of this world: The world here I believe refers to the fallen system of mankind. We are to be conformed to Christ as Paul speaks about in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of Your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is." We are to be a transformed people. We are "strangers and exiles on the earth. (Heb. 11:13)." We are not of this world. Our calling is to be with Christ and walk with Him. The disciples were not super Christians and they even had problems. Even one of them will betray Jesus. But, we are not being elevated but rather God is elevated, God is praised. 

Giving Gifts: The title of this lesson today is "The Father's Gift to Christ." That gift is the men, the disciples. They were a gift to Jesus. I don't think we think of this. God's gift to people is Christ. "For God so loved the world that He gave His Son." God loves us and gives us His Son. Well, God the Father has also gifted to Jesus His followers, His people. We are a gift as well. I really like this encouragement, this idea that we are a gift to Jesus from God. The disciples will eventually be the spokespeople for the gospel, the message of God to love the world and grant them eternal life. We are His ambassadors. 

You know, this idea that God doesn't need us that I have heard voiced so much, that God can do His work without us. I am not sure I buy this at times. Yes, God is perfect, but He wants to use us and He wants to work though us. I think He does need us. We are to be a voice to the people. We are not be bumps on the logs. We are God's gift to Jesus. 

Guarding God's Word: The end of the verse says, "they have kept Your word" or in the Greek, "the word of You they have kept." "They have kept" takes on the idea of guarding or watching over. This is not necessarily obedience, but this is guarding God's words and keeping watch over them. His people are the protectors of His words. 

Interesting, as I read this more and more I think about the recent conversation I have been having with a guy named Darius who seems to hate religion and think it is all garbage and all about mind control, but the more I read these scriptures and think about my faith, the more I see the value in it and what it means to me. 

Summary: Jesus prays thanking God for the disciples called out of this world, as gifts to Him, guardians of the Word. 

Promise: We are humbled by God's great love for us, wanting us. 

Prayer: God, thank you for wanting me, for valuing me, for gifting me to Jesus. Your love is truly amazing and I do thank you. Help me to be a person that guards your truth and is proud to speak of it. Let me always be a voice for You and give You praise. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 6:36-40 - The Father's Gift to the Son

John 6:36-40

36 But I said to you, that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day. 

Message: The Father's Gift to the Son

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: I was talking to my brother night before last. He is teaching through John now with Bible Study Fellowship and we were recalling some themes in this book. The one theme that I see over and over is John is telling us how Jesus and His message is one of eternal life. And it really amazes me as I read this text as well. The last lesson was on the Bread of life whereby Jesus is speaking to the multitude, going through scripture in the synagogue (v. 59) and continuing to speak to these folks about believing in the Father and believing the Father sent Jesus and Jesus is providing them eternal life and this need for eternal life now is equivalent to bread that we need to live on and yet Jesus as the bread of life is greater than anything else in this world. 

I was speaking to someone at church yesterday as class ended. We had been discussing heaven and he remarked that death is not even a reality for a Christian for we will never die. And I remarked that the church is often about retraining and realigning our lives to the truth of God's word. Every week it is the same. It is about getting us back in line with God and His word. 

And here once again, Jesus repeats this message to them, but in these verses refers back to the Father and His Gifting the Son. I've already studied these themes before in Chapter 5 of the Father granting to the Son. And yet both Father and Son are eternal based upon our understandings of them throughout scripture. 

This passage is sort of depressing. People have Jesus right there in front of Him and He is explaining Himself to them and they are not believing (v. 36). And as such, this message of divine election seems to be being taught here by Jesus. Verse 39 seems to be a big idea on this, "that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing." And in verse 37, "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." Those ideas. The Father gives Me. And whoever He gives me will not be cast out. I will not lose. And yet many don't believe. There is no losing people. People don't get lost after getting found. 

Tom Nelson was talking about this recently in a message I was listening to him preach on from Hebrews. The message is called Two Cents and a Handful of Lettuce and he speaks of people that renounce their Christian faith and comments that there is no coming back of these people. These folks do not come back to the gospel. It is just a start reminder of people that get drawn to the Lord and are truly saved. We must watch their entire life. 

Summary: The Father has gifted people to the Son to be saved and the Son gives eternal life and possessing these people, Jesus will not cast them out ever and He will never lose them. 

Promise: Everyone who has been chosen comes to believe in Christ alone for redemption. We can know we are His elect by believing in Christ and showing authentic belief and faith in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, sometimes these messages are hard to read and accept, but yet God you have chosen Your people and You will not lose them. Your ways are perfect. I pray for more chosen people and that You would direct me to those that I need to disciple and help. Give me wisdom in how to help people and encourage them. I need your strength Lord. I need You. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

Exodus 35:30-35 - Equipped for Vocation

Exodus 35:30-35 - 30 Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Message: Equipped for Vocation

Time: Moses is the most likely author of this book. His education and early tradition make him the likely author and it says in Exodus 24:4 that he wrote what the Lord said. The title Exodus means departure of Israel from Egypt by the hand of God. The book covers 80 years, from 1526 to 1446 with the events at Mount Sinai. God fulfilling promises and his story of redemption are the central ideas. 

What the Lord is Saying: The Word of God is amazing to me. If it is true and I believe it is because my mind was formed by God to be a reasonable creature and in matters of living and belief, this is the only belief that makes sense. God is the author of all creation, but also of created things and the other of our lives in what we do. He works in us in the right way at the right time to equip us for the work of His kingdom. And yet as His people we can still get in the way of His great work. 

There are many ways we can serve our creator. I Corinthians 7:21-24 says, "Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called." And I Peter 2:9 speaks, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

The Lord calls us and the Lord equips us for the vocation He has called us into. Today's passage is a great example of this. I could restate this entire passage, but it is evident that the Spirit of God has given us ability. God has granted this to all people. Some recognize it and give Him glory of it and others do not but the reality is He has gifted every person. Some of are using the gifts selfishly, for their own glory, while others are giving God the glory and working in a way that honors Him. I think we need to not lose focus that God has gifted all people for we are all made in His image. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."

The Exodus passage is so clear. I've never noticed it before. It is the Spirit of God that equips us with craftmanship, design, ability to cut and carve, to teach and filled us with every work. Praise God for His hand of providence not only in food but in knowing how to do what we do. Yes, he uses school to teach us and train us but ultimately our ability to even learn is defined by God. I am not a quick learner. It takes me time to dive in and I have great job in learning, but I must do it in my way, according to the way He has designed me. I thank Him for the gifts He has given me. I am blessed indeed. 

Summary: All good gifts are from God and our aptitudes and abilities to work are a gift from God as well. 

Promise: From Tabletalk - Even though God gifts us with particular talents for particular tasks, that does not mean we put in no effort to grow in those talents. We are stewards of the gifts God has given, and as good stewards, we should be striving continually to improve our skills for the sake of glorifying God in our vocations.

Prayer: O God, you are not only the giver of life, but you are the giver of all the skills and aptitudes and abilities we have in this life to live. Thank you O Great God for your great gifts and knitting us all in a way that is ultimately for our good. Continue to equip me and help me to be a good steward of that which you have given. 

TABLETALK - October 2017

I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am now working through 2017 devotionals. Each month of 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. 

• October - Sacraments (December 16, 2022 - March 7, 2023)
• September - The Reformation of Worship (July 20, 2022 - December 15, 2022)
• August - The Body of the Lord - the Church recovered in the Reformation (April 14, 2022 - July 19, 2022)
• July - The right use of God's Law (May 23, 2021 - April 13, 2022)
• June was justification by faith alone (February 14, 2021 - May 22, 2021)
• May, Christ Alone (September 3, 2020 - February 13, 2021)
• April, salvation by grace alone (March 6, 2019 - September 2, 2020)
• March, the sovereign providence of God (January 28, 2019 - March 5, 2019)  
• February, the doctrine of revelation, Scripture (January 8, 2019 - January 27, 2019)
• January, the doctrine of God (December 16, 2018 - January 7, 2019). 

The Efficacy of the Sacraments

Signs and Seals of the Covenant of Grace - Sacraments are signs that point beyond themselves to something else and convey the promises of grace and God. The Sign and the Thing Signified - There remains an importance in participating in the sacraments. And in this participation a union or relation between the sign and the thing signified. Word and Sacrament Together - These acts or rites we observe are empty without the words of God bringing these acts into significance with what Christ has done on our behalf.

Baptism

The Institution of Baptism - Baptism is commanded in Scripture following conversion and it is to be instituted in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, but the method can be any form with water over the person. Baptism and Regeneration - Baptism has regenerated all who believe in Christ alone for salvation. Baptism and Forgiveness - People who have repented need to be baptized. It confirms their new birth to the visible church. Baptism and Union with Christ - Baptism gives us a sign but in being baptized there also occurs a mystery - union with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism and Circumcision - Both circumcision and baptism are signs of the new life we have with God in Christ -- having been set apart from all the world to Him. Baptism and Time - Is baptism a new covenant sacrament and regeneration the same today as it was with circumcision in the old covenant? The idea here is that since regeneration occurred separate from circumcision, then with baptism this is also so. Baptism and Children - Baptism can include children of a believing parent to provide evidence of the sign of regeneration for the entire family. One Baptism - We are united with Christ in baptism. Baptism presents a picture of unity and I believe as a command it can be more than once if the person sees a value in this.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper Commanded - The Lord's Supper has significance in light of the Passover. We are united with Christ and remember His Body and Blood Sacrifice. The Lord's Supper as Remembrance - The Passover remembered God saving the people of Israel from Egyptian bondage. The Lord's Supper remembers Jesus saving us all from eternal damnation because of our great rebellion to God. The Lord's Supper and Proclamation -  When I practice the Lord's Supper I am proclaiming Christ and what He has done for me in breaking His body and pouring out His blood to save me. The Lord's Supper and Feeding on Christ - Jesus is the Bread of Life. Like bread and wine (drink) I need to want him every moment of every day and I need Him to nourish me. The Lord's Supper and Examination - In coming to have the Lord's Supper, examine oneself, treat this meal as different from other meals and if there is a problem, don't partake of it till it is cleared up. The Lord's Supper and Fellowship - The Lord's Supper is an offering to the Lord of thanksgiving, peace, and fellowship whereby we partake of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance of his goodness and redeeming us.

The Preaching of God's Word

Preaching and the Preacher's Task - Sacraments must carry with them the study and preaching of God's Word. Confident in the Truth - Life will shift, will ebb and flow, grass will wither, flowers fade, but God's word remains and we remain confident in the truth of God. Law and Gospel - The Law shows us we are lost. Through faith we are saved or justified. Novelty in Preaching - There is novelty in preaching to encounter God's word and discover truths that we have not seen before. Our Highest Calling - We are to have a high value on our pastors and preachers who are our leaders in bringing the good news of the Gospel and God's word to the people.

The Power of the Gospel - Buck Parsons (editor of Tabletalk magazine, copastor of Saint Andrew's chapel in Sanford, FL) - The apostles, the church fathers, and others were forerunners to the Reformation that Luther helped usher in 1517. And yet Luther himself voiced in a sermon in 1522 that we preach, teach, and write, but we do not force, "for faith must come freely without compulsion." It is a reminder that it is the Holy Spirit who brought revival and reformation to people. 

The Trauma of Holiness - RC Sproul (founder of Ligonier Ministries, founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and first president of Reformation Bible College) - This article begins with RC telling us about 19th century atheists like Sigmund Freud who tried to figure out why there is religion at all. It seems to be because people have fears. People that murder can be dealt with somewhat through advancements of technology as well as bargaining with people through peace treaties. But nature is a natural terror and how do you bargain with nature. Granted, science can help us anticipate hurricanes and get us ready but still it comes. And so Freud argued that humans personalized nature and made gods so they could try and negotiate with these gods through pleading, praying, making sacrifices, repenting before. And eventually humans consolidated all gods into one. It is possible there could be religion without God. And yet the God of the Bible inspires far greater trauma than nature. Uzzah was struck dead by God when trying to steady the ark (2 Samuel 6:1-10). Isaiah was undone by meeting the God of Israel. So why would we create a God of terror when our aim is to combat terror? Thus, why would man create a holy God? Thus the reformers saw that the only way to endure God's judgment was being covered in the holiness and righteousness of Christ. 

Why the Reformation Still Matters - Michael Reeves (President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology) - On October 31, 2017 Pope Francis said that after 500 years Protestants and Catholics can mend the fences and move beyond disagreements. And yet, still to this day there remains a difference in theology. The reason the reformation occurred was at the start of the 16th century Europeans had been without a bible they could read for 1000 years. Instead of a gift they were led to believe that one had to earn their salvation and it would be presumptuous for anyone to believe they knew for certain their eternal outcome. It was Martin Luther who had a similar angst wondering if he died if he was really going to heaven. He was terrified of death. Thus the reformation gave people the good news that God saves sinners by His grace. 500 years ago it was not simply a reaction to a problem of the day. Yet today we still succumb to the idea that to be loved, we need to be attractive. And our culture of positive thinking and personal self-esteem has wiped away a need for a sinner to be justified. But Luther states that sinners are attractive because they are loved; they are not loved because they are attractive. We need to continue to hold scripture and the Gospel high for all to see. 

Luther and His Significance - Stephen J. Nichols (President of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries) - Prior to 1544, protestant churches in Germany had been converted Roman Catholic sanctuaries but the Castle Church in Torgau, Germany was possibly the first protestant church. At its dedication, Luther declared that the only reason for the church is that the Lord will speak to us through His word in this place. 27 years had passed since he posted his Ninety-Five Thesis and had taken a stand on being saved by grace through faith alone and yet this moment committed people to worship God. Luther had committed his life to God and at first this commitment was a struggle as he saw the sinner that he was. It was not simply recognizing that he had sinned but that his sins were so numerous so he had no chance before God to be declared righteous. But he didn't have to earn it as righteousness was imputed to him (Romans 4:3). Interesting, but once he discovered this and was about this, preaching became what he loved and he did it often. After establishing that church, he would die 2 years later. And yet the Light of God's word continues to shine forth. 

Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide - Guy Prentiss Waters (Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi) - Even before the reformation the Bible was seen as authoritative. The Reformation challenged the idea that other authorities in the church were seen as equivalent to Scripture: veneration of Mary and saints, purgatory. Calvin upheld creeds and councils of the church. He simply wanted to surrender these to Scripture. Justification by faith has been taught by Roman Catholic church but it is seen as a lifelong process rather than a point in time justification. Thus, grace is progressive throughout a person's life, even leading up to advancing more after they die in purgatory. Reformers taught that our justification is not based on our deeds, but what Jesus has done. This justification produces good works and not a license to sin. 

The Geography of the Reformation - Ryan Reeves (associate professor of historical theology and assistant dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) - The land of the reformation speaks to how our nations have embraced or rejected the Reformation. Germany was still the Holy Roman Empire in the 1500s. The emperor was elected by seven electors throughout Germany. It was the Habsburg dynasty that held title then and later to Napoleon. Luther went on trial at the Diet of Worms and yet Frederick, an elector believed his condemnation was not just and Luther was allowed to remain leader of the Lutheran church for 25 years rather than being executed. Nearby what we know as Switzerland today was Geneva, a city somewhat separate from rulers. The Netherlands was also separate from the influence of foreign rulers. A separation occurred with the North kind to Calvin and the South largely Roman Catholic. The biggest rival to Germany was France led by Francis I, a humanist initially kind to Calvin but later mocked him. England seemed least likely to embrace Protestantism if not for Henry VII taking the crown. He wanted to root out Protestantism, but he had conflict with the Roman Catholic church when he wanted to divorce his wife after her miscarriages and marry his brother's wife.  England's rival to the north was Scotland. Jon Know fled to Scotland but then had an adversary in Mary, Queen of Scots until she had to flee to England after the murder of her husband. Reform began and King James VI supported the English Bible translation that bears his name. Presbyterian was established in Scotland by Knox's death in 1572. 

The Women of the Reformation - Rebecca Vandoodewaard (mother and blogger and author of several books) - Interesting article that is a good reminder that while the men of the faith tend to get all of the notoriety because of their writings, there are women there supporting them, teaching children, and ministering as well to men that come to visit. In many ways, a man's vocation is singular while a woman's is much more multi-faceted and engaging in many different activities. Katharina Luther (1499-1552), wife of Martin Luther; Anna Bullinger (1504-1564), wife of Heinrich Bullinger (head of the church of Zurich);  queen Jeanne d' Albret (1528-1572); Katharina von Zimmern (1478-1547); Marguerite de Navarre (1492-1549); Katharina Zell (1497-1562); Charlotte de Mornay (1550-1606). 

Continuing the Reformation - W. Robert Godfrey (President and Professor of Westminster Seminary California) - We need to continually be about "reformed and always reforming." "We also agree with the Reformers that various traditions of the church, from ancient and medieval times, drifted away from the Word of God and therefore had to be reformed or corrected by the Bible." We do make changes in history of how the message of truth engages with culture. John Calvin believed in a state religion while others today believe in a separation. Remember, the great commission is the program for the church. Christ has authority always over the church. We are to preach, teach, and baptize. We are to preach all of Christ and His teachings. Jesus will always be us. 

The Examined Life - Rev. Jason Helopoulos (senior pastor of Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan) - We must always examine our ways and life. Socrates stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Our adversary distracts us with the cares of this world. It is okay to enjoy things, but don't let that enjoyment take over your life. "What am I living for?" "What is the final destination of my soul?" Death will impact everyone. May we examine the state of our soul. 

When Temptation Comes Knocking - Melissa R. Kruger (women's ministry coordinator at Uptown Church in Charlotte, NC) - I Corinthians 10:13 remains a great verse reminder about temptation. Today I want to focus on the phrase, "common to man" and how much my pride doesn't want to know this. Instead my pride wants to think that my experiences are unique, different from others, so that people will sympathize more when they hear my circumstance and also understand better when I give into sin. But the Spirit wants to show me that others have faced this and I can be like them and get out of the sin. The key is that in our temptation, Christ is there, and I can choose instead to walk in His ways. 

What Should I Do - Thomas Brewer (Managing editor of Tabletalk magazine) - We ask ourselves this question in many different forms a lot. God gives us freedom but we need to stay in His parameters even when it comes to eating, working, traveling, and living. Remember I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Do the basics at the very least. 

Love the Church Over Its Health - Dr. Jonathan Leeman (editorial director of 9Marks; elder at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC) - As leaders and people in church we need to remember people are at church and they need our love. We need to not be so shut off towards people that disobey or do things in an unorthodox way, like allowing their unregenerate children to observe the Lord's Supper. This should mean to us that we need to do a better job educating them, but in the meantime people still need to be loved. We do this because of what Christ has done for us, not because of what they do. 

Daily Gifts - Nathan W. Bingham (vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries) - My oldest daughter is having a birthday. Birthday signs are overhead and she will receive gifts. Parents will experience this joy of seeing this from their kids. Gifts are free, but often we receive gifts with ingratitude, preferring something else or boasting, very proud that we have it. We often boast in life, over our achievements and yet scripture says, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord (I Cor. 1:31)." The Christian life is a gift. Every breath is a gift. Prayer is a gift as well, giving thanks to God. This is the Christian's daily anthem. 

Why We Protest - R. Albert Mohler Jr. ((President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky) - 500 years ago, the Reformation affirmed that the Bible alone is the final, infallible authority for life and doctrine (Sola Scriptura). This gave reformers courage to separate from Rome. The inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture was under attack then and it continues today. After the Reformation came the Enlightenment period which dominated Europe (17th and early 18th centuries) with the claim that only scientific data (not scripture through special revelation) can be objectively understood, objectively defined, and objectively defended; it did not allow for special revelation or the possibility of supernatural intervention in history. The church in crisis, it continues. In the US, pragmatism voiced that truth is relative to the time, place, need, and person. Truth is a matter of social negotiation. Ideas are tools and their truthfulness determined whether it meets the particular needs of the time. And then postmodernism continues the assault on truth. Postmodernists are committed to total war on truth itself -- a deconstructionist project bent on the casting down of all religious, philosophical, political, and cultural authorities. But as Christians, we must return to the doctrine of revelation - having confidence in God's word in spite of the philosophical and theological problems of the age. God speaks. And He speaks to us in a way we can understand, revealing Himself. As such, the people of God remain in crisis; the war against the authority and truth of Scripture remains. Even in our evangelical institutions, the full truth of the Bible is challenged. For the Christian, the Reformer, the disciple, the Christ follower, scripture is the ultimate authority for life and doctrine. We must stay adhered to Scripture in our preaching. And so we protest - for Scripture to be rightly proclaimed, the church built up, and the message of the gospel reach to every corner of the earth. The health of the church is directly connected to the strength of our commitment to the authority and truthfulness of Scripture.

The Ninety-Five Theses - Martin Luther, October 31, 1517 - 1,2,3 - a life of repentance, not penance, inward, but also outward. 4,5,6,7 - Penalty of sin continues; the Pope cannot remit penalties or guilt, but pope can grant remission. God remits guilt. 8 - Penitential (penances) canons only on living. 9 - Holy spirit works through the Pope. 10,11,12. no Purgatory penances. 13,14,15 - The Dying freed from all penalties; imperfect love of dying brings fear. 16, 17, 18, 19 - Hell, Purgatory, Heaven differ; souls in purgatory; outside of ability to increase love or able to increase blessings; 20, 21, 22, 23 - Pope has limit to full remission of sins. Pope cannot free all. Pope remits not for those in purgatory. Remission only granted to most perfect (few). 24, 25, 26, 27 - People deceived to hear promise of release (by Pope) from penalty. No power over purgatory. Pope can only intercede. The soul can't be fly out of purgatory. 28 to 32 - Only power of God to intercede for church. no one can be sure of his own contrition. true repentant man is rare. those who think they are pardoned or sure of their salvation will be condemned eternally. 33, 34, 35, 36 - men must guard against thinking the pope reconciles people to God. only grace pope gives is sacramental pardons. every person must be truly repentant to be have full remission. 37, 38, 39, 40 - God grants benefits, not letters of pardon. 38 - Yet church remission and participation still needed by the pope; most educated it is difficult to grant pardons; true contrition seeks and loves penalties; 41, 42, 43, 44 - papal indulgences with caution; people should not think they are preferred; pope does not intend buying of pardons; better to give to poor or lend to needy; love works; 45, 46, 47, 48 - if see a man in need and passes him to give him money for pardon is an indignation; use money wisely, free will buying of pardons only not commandment; the pope needs prayer more than money; 49 to 54 - do not trust in pope's pardons; keep fearing God. no value in indulgence preachers; assurance of salvation by letter of pardon in vain; need to preach the Word of God not prefer preaching of pardons; 55 - the gospel is the greatest thing to be preached; 56, 57, and 58 - treasures of church, temporal treasure; grace inner, cross, death, hell for outward man; 59, 60 - St. Laurence treasure is church's poor; keys of church are that treasure; 61 to 66 pope power is sufficient for remission of penalties; most treasure is Holy Gospel of grace of God; makes first last; treasure of indulgences makes last first; so treasure gospel; fish for men; 67 to 72 - indulgences preachers cry are to promote gain; but actually smallest graces; admit papal pardons with reverence; pope's commission valued; don't preach against papal pardons; guard against lust/license of pardon preachers; 73 to 78 - harm to traffic pardons; madness to consider papal pardon of an impossible sin; pope does not remove venial sins; pope should focus on gospel. 79 to 89 - the work of the cross is greatest value; then mentions questions voiced that are voiced by the pope instead of gospel. 90 to 95 - Christians are to be diligent in following Christ, enter heaven through tribulation rather than false assurance of peace. 

Romans 6:15-23 - The Antinomian Error

Romans 6:15-23 

What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Message: The Antinomian Error 

Time: Paul wrote to Rome, a city he had never visited, from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57. He writes to a church that he believes needed to hear basic gospel doctrine. The city was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idolatry.

What the Lord is Saying: Often we see the extremes in life. The Pharisees and much of our world believe that salvation or eternal life is earned instead of given and there are elaborate systems or rules that must be followed to earn this salvation. On the other end are those that accept grace but along the way believe it is completely a free gift and Christians can live however they want, for the law is in no way binding for believers. 

Today's passage makes it clear that in understanding the gospel is understanding that we are about obedience no matter what; it is never an option. Prior to Christ being in our lives we were slaves to sin. And now we are slaves to righteousness. It is actually an interesting paradigm shift that has occurred in our lives in that we remain slaves; our life and how it is lived takes on a different meaning. As a slave to sin we are a slave to perfect obedience in order to merit salvation. The fact that we do not live under grace means that all of our deeds are worthless before God because our sin is not excused or not paid for. In this framework these verses iterate that we are slaves to impurity and lawlessness resulting in greater lawlessness. Sin multiplies and continues and we need more sin as it feeds upon itself. As a slave to sin, righteousness is not even an option though. 

But now life is different and we have been freed from sin and freed from the penalty of sin, resulting in sanctification and eternal life. Our destiny is secure. We are free and free indeed. The wages of the gift of God now is eternal life. Before the wages of sin was death. 

Promise: By possessing saving faith there is now the desire to fulfill the commandments. We do so as a response to God's love and to please Him not looking to merit or earn salvation through our deeds. 

Prayer: O God thank you for the beauty of your Gospel message and I look to You continually God for salvation. It is in You. It is in Christ. Thank you for showing me at 14, just shy of 15, that there was nothing I could do to earn my way to eternal life and it is a free gift. You confirm this daily and the message never gets old. Help me to continue to be true to the reading of your word and applying it in the correct way, so as to bring you all of the glory. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of July is about the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

The Restraint of the Law - the law is given for lawless, unholy, disobedient people, to restrain us from acting on our sinful thoughts. Restraint and Guilt - the law is meant to restrain Christians and non-Christians alike; so that others may see Christ. The Law's Revelation of Sin - The Law reveals sin, at times making it more desirable, and show the sin which people commit and the complete standard it expects. The Law and Our Powerlessness - We are powerless over the Law and Sin revealed. It is in Christ that we receive forgiveness and the power to resist sin. The Law our Guardian - The law is not a tool of justifying me, but rather it is an instrument to bring me to Christ and show me my need for Him. The Guidance of the Law - The Law is a guide in our lives for what pleases God and what it looks like to walk in holiness.

Romans 3:22b-26 - Justification from the Just God

22 for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:22b-26

Message: Justification from the Just God

Time: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans from the Greek city of Corinth in AD 57, just three years after the 16 year old Nero had ascended to the throne as Emperor of Rome. Persecution of Christians wouldn't begin until AD 64. The church was experiencing times of relative peace. From where he wrote, Corinth, was a hotbed of sexual immorality and idol worship.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I read the text here today from Romans 3:22-26 what jumps out to me is I have sinned but I have been redeemed by the work of Jesus Christ. My committed sins are now overlooked by God because Jesus and His word demonstrated true righteousness. And I can be justified before God by my faith in Jesus. This is the gospel. My sin is real but God's work is greater. 

This continues to be the message of God that is overlooked. Instead people cry out continually that God is love. But people often miss what this means. They believe that God's love means that He freely accepts everyone and the notion of sin is not even in the equation. However a person wants to define their lives for God, though, He accepts them. The problem for the world I believe is the line between --what is evil and not-- is shrinking and so--what is acceptable behavior--is narrowing. But overall culture thinks that sin is not in the cards. As I talk to people about faith, the first order is to help them see their sin. For the gospel really only holds meaning if people can acknowledge that they are sinners and not perfect and in need of a redeemer. 

We know that God is just (Deut 32:4). While the Lord forgives iniquity or sin He still pronounces people guilty (Numbers 14:18). I love crime drama movies and genre film noir. The motif of those movies is generally about a wrongdoing and how that crime gets found out or exposed. In all of us, we need this. We need to see that crimes are not simply forgiven but their is punishment for a crime. I think in society it is not that we don't want this to happen but instead we have blurred the lines as to what is actually sin. It is horrible when a guilty person in life escapes their sin. Our society it seems right now has gone too far in that direction and is now acting as the judge of the sin they have branded, but God is the judge. We need to play by His rules. 

God is full of mercy in that He does not want anyone to perish (Psalm 86:15; 2 Peter 3:9). Some will take this to mean that man is therefore involved in his or her salvation because for God to choose would mean that He doesn't want all people saved. But it goes back to the idea of can man really make himself righteous and He can't. Only via God's righteousness can man be righteous. There is no good in me. The only good comes from God. So submit to His plan for being made righteous which is the meaning of today's passage from Romans 3:22-26. We are justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. I can't make myself righteous. 

In God's mercy He has made the way for me to be accepted. Justice has been served because Jesus is the Lamb of God; He is my sacrifice. He is my substitute. He is my redeemer. Verse 26 states that He is just. God punished sin through Jesus on the Cross and then Jesus conquered sin by rising again. The punishment was in full and it meant something because He rose again. 

Promise: God can always be trust. He is both just and the justifier. I must be defined by His truths. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for this truth, another reminder of tying this all together for me. I am unworthy. I am a sinner. You are the Savior. In your timing, You chose me and you provided the fulfillment of my salvation in Jesus Christ living a perfect life, dying and being punished for sin and then defeating it by rising again. Help that truth to become simple in my life and transferable to others. I want to testify of You continually as you enable me. Help me to rest in You each day and allow You to work. I can't manufacture your love or your ways in my life, but as your child, I can walk by faith. 

Question: Take a moment, and based upon this lesson, write out the gospel message. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 27th - What Do You Want?

But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? - Jeremiah 45:5

    Are you seeking great things for yourself? Not seeking to be a great one, but seeking great things from God for yourself. God wants you in a closer relationship to Himself than receiving His gifts, He wants you to get to know Him. A great thing is accidental, it comes and goes. God never gives us anything accidental. There is nothing easier than getting into a right relationship with God except when it is not God Whom you want but only what He gives.

    If you have only come the length of asking God for things, you have never come to the first strand of abandonment, you have become a Christian from a standpoint of your own. "I did ask God for the Holy Spirit, but He did not give me thee rest and the peace I expected." Instantly God puts His finger on the reason--you are not seeking the Lord at all, you are seeking something for yourself. Jesus says--"Ask, and it shall be given you. (Matthew 7:7)" Ask God for what you want, and you cannot ask if you are not asking for a right thing. When you draw near to God, you cease from asking for things. "Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him. (Matthew 6:8)" Then why ask? That you may get to know Him.

    Are you seeking great things for yourself? "O Lord, baptize me with the Holy Ghost." If God does not, it is because you are not abandoned enough to Him, there is something you will not do. Are you prepared to ask yourself what it is you want from God and why you want it? God always ignores the present perfection for the ultimate perfection. He is not concerned about making you blessed and happy just now; He is working out His ultimate perfection all the time--"That they may be one even as We are. (John 17:22)"

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition. 

Ephesians 2:8-10 - Why Faith?

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Message: Why Faith?

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Well, these devotionals continue to hit the message clearly about justification. 

    Faith =>  is the Means => for our Justification = where we are Made righteous by the atoning work of Christ

Romans 4 speaks of: 

Righteousness  -  Apart From Works

                            Apart From Circumcision

                            Apart from the Law

                            By Faith

And then just to make sure that you don't think that there is something else to this, Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

___________

But Faith is the instrument [or what we do] to usher in to our life the finished act of righteousness (Romans 5:18); and it must be received (5:17).

Faith is a Gift -- 

    Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." Salvation and Faith is conjoined. Both are the gift of God. Thus, His gift is not steps to obedience. 

I look at Jesus' words in John 6:35-40

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; the one who comes to Me will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have indeed seen Me, and yet you do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I certainly will not cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of everything that He has given Me I will lose nothing, but will raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”\

Verse 35 reminds me of Matthew 5:6 when Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." It almost seems like the blessed ones meet the bread of life, Jesus, and are given righteousness. And another point in this passage is that of everything that He has given Me I will lose nothing meaning the Father gives Jesus followers of him. Some will see him and not believe (v. 36) but when the Father gives followers of Jesus they will not ever not be followers. 

Promise: This faith gift does not return void. It is the instrument men and women practice for their justification in order to receive the finished act of righteousness. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your Word, for speaking to us through it. For helping me understand it. Thank you for the gift of grace and the gift of faith. Thank you for drawing me and I believe, choosing me and not letting me ever go. You have justified me and made me right with God now and for all eternity. I do not deserve this. I never will. And I am even unworthy to be your follow, but you equip and you work in me and you show me the works I need to do. Let me choose to do those works every day. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of June is about justification; May was about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God.

Mankind's Condition - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. 

The Law Speaks - The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all. Our sin keeps us from this. Human Inability - the simple reminder that man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

Only Justified through Christ (God) - The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. God's Initiative In Justification - God initiates the act of justification through the work of Christ alone; he saves us out of His kindness. Faith and Justification - no one is continually righteous; only through Jesus one will be made righteous; to be made righteous one must believe in God, ask for His mercy. 

Saved by Faith - Faith and Righteousness - Faith is what God uses in us to build the bridge to being accepted by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. Justification and Sin - Nothing changes the fact that we are sinners, but our status before God changes by Christ's obedience as this declares us to be righteous. Not by any of our works - Justification is by faith alone. By adding any work, we must add all works.

Ephesians 2:1-9 - The Grace of Regeneration

Ephesians 2:1-9
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Message: The Grace of Regeneration

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying:

John Calvin comments that every part of salvation is authored by God. This includes even our decision to believe. As we grow more independent and seemingly more self-sufficient, this type of thinking that 'God does it all' is actually quite offensive to the world in which we live and naturally they resist it. It also seems to me that the Gospel or Truth is not that clearly spoken in our churches. Even in my own life, I am not sure if sharing the Gospel is a major focus of mine.

The last couple of studies that I have had on these subjects of grace have been significant. What I realized last time is man's fallen condition makes him incapable of making a choice for righteousness. Thus, our salvation is entirely about God. I still have free will and the power to choose but in relation to my salvation I don't have the means to choose salvation, thus God draws me.

I think in many ways we fear the real message of the Gospel which chooses some, but not most for salvation. That's the truth of the doctrine, but we as his followers do not who has been chosen and he still wants us to spread this gospel and speak to people.

As this passage make clear in Ephesians it is all God. Man's life is contrary to God. We are sinners. The Way of the Master presentation is significant because it takes a moment to do something simple and radical for this day and age - it helps people see that they are sinners. And sinners need God to intervene and save them.

Ephesians 2 presents tough words about the condition of man:

• Dead in your sins
• Lived in the lust of our flesh
• Indulging the desires of the flesh and mind
• By nature children of wrath
• even as the rest

This is the condition of man. And this condition makes us incapable of coming out of it. Our nature is a child of wrath - our nature. We stand in opposition to God. The work of salvation is entirely God:

• Rich in mercy
• His great love
• Made us alive together with Christ
• Raised up with Him
• Seated us with Him in the heavenly places
• Saved by faith not ourselves
• It is the gift of God

The shift from man's condition to seated in the heavenly places is entirely God. I think this is why the diagram of the expanse between man and God and that Jesus provides the bridge is a good one because it shows that this big jump from lawlessness to righteousness is significant. It is a huge leap that man cannot make on his own. Yet, man is still a person made in the image of God. Man is not necessarily incapable of acts of righteousness. But, practicing acts of righteousness and being declared righteous are two very different things. I think we have this naturally tendency (and it is growing) to think that our practicing acts of righteousness will at some point merit salvation. I have heard people say and I have even thought that the sins I have committed in the past are not sins today. I am getting better, but getting better still doesn't mean salvation is in our grasps.

So people will do good things. They will show compassion to the poor and needy. They will restore homes and give to those in need. We have a country that is very aware of those that are hurting and helps them. But we cannot think that all of these good deeds makes us deserving at some point of salvation. This is contrary to our world-based thinking that hard work results in a reward. Most certainly giving to others yields the result of making us feel good about ourselves and that we have in a small part helped out a person in need.

The part we have in all of this is seen as having faith - For by grace you have been saved through faith. Yet, it would seem that regeneration and being made new has already happened at that point and the declaration by us of faith is a formality.

Promise: God is God and man is man. The two are separate entities. Man in his condition is fallen and that fallen condition is incapable of making the jump to being declared righteous. Man sinned and became like God, but this does not mean that gaining the tree of life was not of his own doing. God needs to make this happen.

Prayer: O God my Father, thank you for saving me. It is all you. None of it is me. My works are filthy rags in your eyes. You are rich in mercy and have great love and have made me alive together with Christ. You have raised me up with Jesus and I am seated with Him in the heavenly places. That is a done deal. You see me as completely accepted as completely loved and completely in Christ. Thus, in your eyes my position in the heavenly places is a done deal. Thank you God for saving me. I will never understand it and never should I.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of April is about salvation by grace alone. March was about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January is about the doctrine of God.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 - The Gift of Life with Family

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

Message: The Gift of Life with Family

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C

What the Lord is Saying:

Any verse that reminds me to enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life is a great verse. I am so grateful God has given me a wife, children, a brother, parents that love me, and good friends. God gave Adam a helper. He knew he should not be alone and I am sure that first visit by Eve was a startling one and remained very satisfying.

My wife is my reward. Don't take Pamela for granted Chris (I am saying this to myself). Thank you Lord for this simple reminder. Help me Lord to continue to accept her, value her, lead her, praise her, and enjoy her. 

Promise: Enjoy the loved ones God has given me, in this life. They are precious gifts from God and He is kind and generous, granting us many blessings through those relationships.

Jesus Calling: December 21

My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears -- through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.
     Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles -- and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory. 

Psalm 63:2
English Standard Version
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
 
2 Corinthians 5:7
English Standard Version
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
 
John 11:40
English Standard Version
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

My Prayer
You are power Lord. You are Glory. Oh, I adore You. Your Glory is seen by all, each day whether recognized or not. The sky above keeps on going and never stops just like Your love for us keeps on going and never stops. The trees are rooted in the ground, branched out, like the way You have taken up residence in me with deep intertwined roots that will not be shaken. Throughout all time people have witnessed this- Your Power and Glory. This world is trying so hard to push you out and pretend You are not present, that humanity is the ultimate ruler. Forgive us Lord for wanting to be in charge. Forgive us for taking what you have created and calling it a mistake and thinking we know better. We think we are so powerful, that we can decide when life is lived. Forgive us Lord. Thank you that through all of this you still offer us a gift, a free gift, that we can't earn even as we try. We don't deserve the gift but that doesn't change you giving it to us. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, I have looked upon you. I believe and I see the Glory of God!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: November 12

This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you.
     Sometimes My children hesitate to receive My good gifts with open hands. Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling them they don't deserve to be so richly blessed. This is nonsense-thinking, because no one deserves anything from Me. My kingdom is not about earning and deserving: it's about believing and receiving.
     When a child of Mine balks at accepting My gifts, I am deeply grieved. When you receive My abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I rejoice. My pleasure is giving and your pleasure is receiving flow together in joyous harmony.

Psalm 23:5

King James Version
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

John 3:16

English Standard Version
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Luke 11:9-10

English Standard Version
9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Romans 8:32

English Standard Version
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

My Prayer (2022)

Lord, I admit sometimes struggling with allowing myself to rest in your goodness and providence. It is important though to praise You and also to be reminded of how good you are to me and simply to rest in that. I need it. I get pummeled daily it feels with doing more - solving problems better at work - even the feeling that church is often about how I should be a better version of me to my community and church and to You. Thank you for reminding me of Your great love for me. For wanting to spend eternity with me. For wanting to give me gifts. For giving me abundant life, even now. For creating me, seeing what I do, and yet still wanting me. My cup does run over. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.