Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 18, 2022

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” – “He was pierced through for our transgressions” – “He always lives to make intercession for them.” – “we are members of His body.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:1-6.

“Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:

“If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years;  but on the seventh he shall go out as a free man without payment.  If he comes alone, he shall go out alone;  if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall go out with him.  If his master gives him a wife, and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall belong to her master, and he shall go out alone.  But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children;  I will not go out as a free man,’ then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost.  And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl;  and he shall serve him permanently.”  Exodus 21:1-6.

—————–

The slave could go out as a free man.  But, he loved his wife and his children so much, even his master, that he chose slavery for the rest of his life so he could be with them.

What a demonstration of love!  

What a husband!  But, ultimately, we are reminded of Christ!

Like the slave, Christ could have escaped.   

“Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”  Matthew 26:53.

But, as the following Scripture states, Christ chose to give Himself up for the church, His bride, and be joined to her.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing;  but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his own wife loves himself;  for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.  FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.  This mystery is great;  but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”  Ephesians 5:25-32.

And, what is the significance of the the piercing by the awl?

The piercing by the awl is a symbol of the piercing by another sharp instrument.  At the cross, Christ was pierced by a sword.  John 19:34-37.    

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

In conclusion, as the slave would be with his wife, his children, and his master permanently, Christ is with His bride, the church, permanently.  We are members of His body.  

“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”  Ephesians 5:23.

“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:25.

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”  Colossians 2:9-10.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 16, 2022

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:22-26.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.  You shall not make other gods besides Me;  gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.  You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.  If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it.  And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’”  Exodus 20:22-26.

————–

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on God’s Word.  “You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.”  Verse 22.

Today’s Scripture also leads us to meditate that God does not want, He forbids, our creations to add to worship.  “You shall not make other gods besides Me;  gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.”  Verse 23.  God does not even want, He forbids, our cutting out or editing what He provides for worship.  “If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it.”  Verse 25.

God brings us to Himself through His Word by His work.  God does not even want, He forbids, any sense of pride that we go up to worship by our own steps.  “And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.”  Verse 26.

In summary, God wants the simplicity of devotion to His Word.  The Reformation had Five Solas, one of which was “Scripture alone”.  

“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:15-17.

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12.

“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”  Jeremiah 23:29.

“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.

“like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”  1 Peter 2:2. 

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”  Matthew 4:4.

“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.

“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have words of eternal life.  We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”  John 6:68-69.

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;  and that believing you may have life in His name.”  John 20:21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 15, 2022

“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:18-21.

“All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking;  and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.  Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen;  but let not God speak to us, or we will die.”  Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid;  for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.”  So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.”  Exodus 20:18-21.

—————-

“But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5. 

“It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy.
And He shall be your fear,
And He shall be your dread.” Isaiah 8:13.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7.

“4 Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the LORD.” Psalm 4:4-5.

Who fears the LORD more?

Other doctrine which believes that God loves everybody, Christ died for everybody, and that the individual controls his own destiny and salvation by either his own works or at least his own will?

Or, Reformed Doctrine which knows the LORD of Scripture Whose “sovereignty rules over all” (Psalm 103:19), including salvation?  

“For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16. 

“So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault?  For who resists His will?”  On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God?  The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it?  Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?  What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?”  Romans 9:18-22. 

This is “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son (Jesus Christ),
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:7-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 14, 2022

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ”

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.  But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. 

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did:  sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 7:3-4.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:4-7.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:24-26.

“For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:14-15.

“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”  Romans 6:14.

“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.  For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ;  and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”  Galatians 2:18-21.

“For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”  Hebrews 7:19.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  …  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  …  For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:1 and 10 and 14.

“And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us;  for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

17 “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:15-18.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.  For the Law was given through Moses;  grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”  John 1:16-17.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  

“You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law;  you have fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”  Galatians 5:4-5.

“But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

“For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:14-24.

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11.

“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,” 2 Peter 2:9.

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 13, 2022

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” – “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:16.

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16.

——————

“A trustworthy witness will not lie,
But a false witness utters lies.” Proverbs 14:5.

“16 There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
19 A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

“A false witness will not go unpunished,
And he who tells lies will not escape.” Proverbs 19:5.

But, there is more to avoiding being a false witness, then just avoiding testifying falsely against someone in a court of law. For example, one can be a false witness by flattery which are lies.

“They speak falsehood to one another;
With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.” Psalm 12:2.

“There is nothing reliable in what they say;
Their inward part is destruction itself.
Their throat is an open grave;
They flatter with their tongue.” Psalm 5:9.

“A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28.

Q. 112.  What is required in the ninth commandment?

A.  That I bear false witness against no man, nor falsify any man’s words;  that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer;  that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly or unheard;  but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit as the proper works of the devil, unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God;  likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it uprightly, and confess it;  also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the honor and good character of my neighbor.  Heidelberg Catechism.

Love “does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;”.  1 Corinthians 13:6.

“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;  but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”  Ephesians 6:14-16.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 12, 2022

“You shall not steal.” – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:14.

“You shall not steal.”  Exodus 20:14.

———————

Do not think of excuses to steal such as “They do not need it.” or “I will do better with it than they will do with it.”  

Do not covet what belongs to your neighbor.  It is a sin itself (tenth commandment), and coveting will also tempt you to steal it.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7.

Such “wisdom” comes from below.  

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.  This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”  James 3:14-16. 

Q. 110.  What doth God forbid in the eighth commandment?

A.  God forbids not only those thefts and robberies which are punishable by the magistrate;  but He comprehends under the name of theft all wicked tricks and devices whereby we design to appropriate to ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbor, whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights, ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, false coins, usury, or by any other way forbidden by God;  as also all covetousness, all abuse and waste of His gifts.

Q. 111.  But what doth God require in this commandment?

A.  That I promote the advantage of my neighbor in every instance I can or may, and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others;  further also that I faithfully labor, so that I may be able to relieve the needy.  Heidelberg Catechism.

But, there is hope!

There is wisdom from above.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”  James 3:17.

There is the Holy Spirit.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  …  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”  Galatians 5:14 and 22-24.

In Paul’s Farewell Address to Ephesus, his last words were:  “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.  I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.  You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me.  In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Acts 20:32-35.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 11, 2022

“You shall not commit adultery.” – “Husbands, love your wives” – “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:14.

“You shall not commit adultery.”  Exodus 20:14.

———————-

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’;  but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you;  for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.  If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you;  for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.”  Matthew 5:27-30.

“but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery;  and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”  Matthew 5:32.

“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”  

The disciples *said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”  But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.”  Matthew 19:9-11.

Q. 108.  What doth the seventh commandment teach us?

A.  That all uncleanness is accursed of God;  and that therefore we must with all our hearts detest the same, and live chastely and temperately, whether in holy wedlock or in single life.

Q. 109.  Doth God forbid in this commandment only adultery and such like gross sins?

A.  Since both our body and soul are temples of the Holy Ghost, He commands us to preserve them pure and holy;  therefore He forbids all unchaste actions, gestures, words, thoughts, desires, and whatever can entice men thereto.  Heidelberg Catechism.

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48.

But, there is hope!

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing;  but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his own wife loves himself;  for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.  FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.  This mystery is great;  but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.  Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.”  Ephesians 5:25-32.

“For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:14-16.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

Thus, there are two hopes in the preceding three Scriptures.  First, there is the hope that if husbands love their wives as themselves and wives respect their husbands, then we will be less likely to commit adultery.  Second, there is a deeper and more solid hope that by joining Christ, through God’s action, we will become holy and blameless.  We also see this in the following Scripture.    

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.  But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.”  Romans 7:4-6.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 9, 2022

“You shall not murder.” – “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” – “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness”

Today’s devotion comes Exodus 20:13. 

“You shall not murder.”  Exodus 20:13.   

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“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court;  and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court;  and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”  Matthew 5:21.

Q. 105.  What doth God require in the sixth commandment?

A.  That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in deeds, I dishonor, hate, wound, or kill my neighbor, by myself or by another;  but that I lay aside all desire of revenge;  also, that I hurt not myself, nor willfully expose myself to any danger.  Wherefore also the magistrate is armed with the sword to prevent murder.

Q. 106.  But this commandment seems only to speak of murder?

A.  In forbidding murder, God teaches us that He abhors the causes thereof, such as envy, hatred, anger, and desire of revenge;  and that He accounts all these as murder.

Q. 107.  But is it enough that we do not kill any man in the manner mentioned above?

A.  No;  for when God forbids envy, hatred, and anger, He commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves;  to show patience, peace, meekness, mercy, and all kindness towards him, and prevent his hurt as much as in us lies;  and that we do good, even to our enemies.  Heidelberg Catechism.

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer;  and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.  We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us;  and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.”  1 John 3:15-18. 

But, there is hope!

“For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”  But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:14-16.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.  Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”  Galatians 5:22-26. 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:10.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 8, 2022

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:12.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.”  Exodus 20:12.

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Q. 104.  What doth God require in the fifth commandment?

A.  That I show all honor, love, and fidelity to my father and mother and all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and correction with due obedience;  and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities, since it pleases God to govern us by their hand.  Heidelberg Catechism.

In the following Scripture, Jesus taught the importance of obeying the spirit of this fifth commandment and show love and fidelity to our father and mother.

“He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.  For Moses said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER’;  and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH’;  but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother;  thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down;  and you do many things such as that.”  Mark 7:9-13.

“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.”  Colossians 3:20.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.”  Ephesians 6:2.

The Old Testament concludes with the following Scripture which contains both a final warning and the promise that God will restore hearts of His elect.  But as a quick detour, we also do note this Scripture.  “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,”  2 Timothy 3:1-2.  

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace;  and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff;  and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.”  “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings;  and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.  You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says the LORD of hosts.

“Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.

“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.  He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a  curse.”  Malachi chapter 4.

And, the New Testament contains additional hope. Here is one example for the conclusion of this devotion.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  …  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, …”  Galatians 5:16 and 22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 7, 2022

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” – “So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:8-11.

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God;  in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day;  therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.”  Exodus 20:8-11.

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“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30.

“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:1-2.

“The Pharisees lay law upon law on the people:  “And they tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men’s shoulders;  but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.”  Matthew 23:4.

In sharpest contrast, Christ tied up the heavy loads of the law and laid them on His own shoulders and gave us His Spirit as a yoke:  “in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit”.  Romans 8:4.

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life;  it is these that testify about Me;  and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.”  John 5:39-40.

“Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”  Mark 2:27-28.

“So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.  For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.  Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.”  Hebrews 4:9-11.

“Thus says the LORD,
“Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” Jeremiah 6:16.

Other doctrine never rests, always fearing its salvation is based on what it does, either its works or at least its will.

But, Reformed Doctrine, always rests in the sense of always trusting God for providing all that it needs for salvation from beginning to end:  from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.  

Reformed Doctrine may labor.  “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”  1 Corinthians 15:10. 

“LORD, You will establish peace for us,
Since You have also performed for us all our works.” Isaiah 26:12.

“The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8.

“Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.” Psalm 116:7.

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