Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 13, 2020

“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

“For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.  For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”  1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

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“Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  1 Corinthians 12:27.

All of God’s blessings are in Christ, so what a privilege and joy it is for us to be members of Christ’s body!

‘… 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.”  Ephesians 5:25-30.

“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.  For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female;  for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”  Galatians 3:24-29.

“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.

“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.  Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”  2 Corinthians 1:20-22.

“And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has the life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”  1 John 5:11-12.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 12, 2020

“There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.  For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues.  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-11.

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Other doctrine focuses on man and man’s work.

But, Reformed Doctrine focuses on God and God’s work.

“There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons”  Verse 6.

“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”  Verse 11.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

Other doctrine fears, worries, and is anxious, because of its focus on man and man’s work.

But, Reformed Doctrine is peaceful, full of joy, and steadfast, because it trusts in God and God’s work.

“9 “Remember the former things long past,
For I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is no one like Me,
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times things which have not been done,
Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
11 Calling a bird of prey from the east,
The man of My purpose from a far country.
Truly I have spoken;  truly I will bring it to pass.
I have planned it, surely I will do it.”  Isaiah 46:9-11.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

“19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul!”  Psalm 103:19-22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 11, 2020

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 11:27-34.

“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.  But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.  For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.  But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

So then, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.  If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment.  The remaining matters I will arrange when I come.”  1 Corinthians 11:27-34.

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“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.”  Verse 27.

There are different ways in which we can do the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy way.  One way was a specific problem for the Corinthians as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:21  “for in your eating each one takes his own supper first;  and one is hungry and another is drunk.”.  It was repeated in today’s Scripture in verse 34:  “If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you will not come together for judgment.”

Today’s devotion focuses on another way in which we can do the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy way.  We can regard what was accomplished by the Lord’s death in an unworthy way as the following Scripture teaches.

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.”  And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  Hebrews 10:26-31.

I think this Scripture applies to those who steadfastly continue to hang on to false doctrine and insufficient belief of what was accomplished by the Lord’s death despite receiving knowledge of the truth.

They hang on to the false doctrine that Jesus died for everyone and they love to speak about the power in Christ’s blood.  But, they realize that their doctrine forces them to conclude that Christ’s blood (as they claim, shed for everyone) by itself did not save, “purchase”, or “redeem” anyone, because they admit that most people are not saved.  They claim that it is up to man to generate his own faith through his own free will in order to make Christ’s blood effective to save.  They claim that the only difference between the saved and the unsaved is not Christ’s blood, because everyone gets the blood, but rather the only difference is whether or not a certain individual will generate his own faith through his own free will to make the blood effective. According to this false doctrine and insufficient belief of what was accomplished by the Lord’s death, man’s faith, not Christ’s blood, is the determining factor as to whether or not one will be saved.

Because they talk about the blood of Christ all the time, it is true that in a sense they are trampling it, not in the sense of being hateful to it but in the sense of treating it as common and ineffective by itself, like the description in Matthew 5:13:  “…  if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again?  It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”

This Hebrews 10:26-31 Scripture does not apply to the person who steadfastly rejects Christ.  That person did not receive the knowledge of truth as stated in Hebrews 10:26.  That person is not sanctified, so to speak, as is stated in Hebrews 10:29.  That person does not talk about the blood of Christ.

Rather, this Hebrews 10:26-31 Scripture speaks about those received or were exposed to knowledge of the truth and were sanctified so to speak but nevertheless denied the power of the blood and insulted the Spirit of grace.  This Scripture applies to those who love to talk about Christ’s blood all the time, but who really treat Christ’s blood as ineffective by itself, that it does not actually “save”, “purchase”, nor “redeem” anyone, because they teach that most people are not saved and that it is up to man to generate his own faith through his own free will in order to make Christ’s blood effective to save.

Likewise, they can be compared to the one who insults the Spirit of Grace as is mentioned above in Hebrews 10:29.  Think of a situation in which your father took you out to a very expensive dinner and even left the tip in addition.  However, you did not think that the tip was sufficient so you add your $5 to the tip.  Wouldn’t your father be insulted that you thought that what he did was not enough?  Likewise, they insult God by their doctrine that believes that the blood of Christ is not enough, they feel that they must add their own tip of faith.

They waiver in unbelief and live in fear, uncertain if they can generate enough faith on their own and keep enough faith on their own.  They are not confident of what the blood of Jesus accomplished.

But, there is hope!

Reformed Doctrine proclaims what was accomplished by the Lord’s death.

Consider what the Canons of Dordt states was accomplished by the Lord’s death:  “the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation” and “he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death”.  Article 8 of SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.

“Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”  Hebrews 10:19-22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 10, 2020

“proclaim the Lord’s death”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread;  and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you;  do this in remembrance of Me.”  In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood;  do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”  1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

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When we do the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner, we do more than only properly eat the bread and drink the cup, so that we avoid the Corinthians’ behavior (“for in your eating each one takes his own supper first; and one is hungry and another is drunk.”  1 Corinthians 11:21).

When we do the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner, we do more than examine ourselves.  (“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord.  But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”  1 Corinthians 11:27-28).

When we do the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner. we “proclaim the Lord’s death”, that is, we proclaim what was accomplished by the Lord’s death.  We fully honor the Lord’s sacrifice.

Other doctrine preaches that God loves everybody and that Christ died for everybody.  But, they maintain that Lord’s death itself did not save anyone, because they admit that most people are not saved.  They claim that it is up to man to generate his own faith through his own alleged free will in order to make Christ’s blood effective to save him.

They teach that Christ’s blood is only an offer to save.  They claim that the only difference between the saved and the unsaved is not Christ’s blood, because everyone gets the blood (everyone gets the offer), but rather the only difference is whether or not a certain individual will accept the offer and generate his own faith through his own free will to make the blood effective to save himself.  According to their logic and teaching, man’s acceptance and man’s faith, not Christ’s blood, is the determining factor as to whether or not one will be saved.  Thereby, man gets most of the glory or at least some of the glory.

But, Reformed Doctrine preaches that God loves only His elect, and that Christ died only for God’s elect.  The Lord’s death procured all the saving benefits that God’s elect need for salvation, including the gift of faith.  Christ’s blood is the determining factor as to whether or not one will be saved.  Thereby, God gets all the glory.

Reformed Doctrine proclaims what was accomplished by the Lord’s death.

Consider what the Canons of Dordt states was accomplished by the Lord’s death:  “the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation”.  This is “the Lord’s death” a/k/a “the word of the cross” a/k/a “Christ crucified”.

Article 8.  For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation:  that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father;  that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death;  should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing;  and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever.  SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.  

Consider these words highlighted above of “redeem” and “purchased”.  When a man redeems or purchases something, he gets only what he  redeemed or purchased.  He does not get everything in the store.  If Christ shed his blood for everyone, then everyone would be redeemed or purchased for salvation.  But, Scripture teaches us that not everyone is saved.  Not everyone is redeemed.  Not everyone is purchased.  Only God’s elect are redeemed and purchased for salvation.  Christ shed his blood only for God’s elect.  But, for all of God’s elect and only for God’s elect, the Lord’s death accomplished all that they need for salvation.

Reformed Doctrine rejoices and proclaims all that the Lord’s death accomplished for God’s elect.  

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:18.

“but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”  1 Corinthians 1:23-24.

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.  I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 8, 2020

“For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 11:17-22.

“But in giving this instruction, I do not praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.  For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you;  and in part I believe it.  For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.  Therefore when you meet together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper, for in your eating each one takes his own supper first;  and one is hungry and another is drunk.  What!  Do you not have houses in which to eat and drink?  Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing?  What shall I say to you?  Shall I praise you?  In this I will not praise you.”  1 Corinthians 11:17-22.

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In our churches when we partake of the Lord’s Supper, we do not have the specific problem:  “for in your eating each one takes his own supper first;  and one is hungry and another is drunk.”  Verse 21.

But, in our churches, we do have the general problem of divisions and factions.

Most importantly, as Reformed Doctrine teaches, God is in control, and His sovereignty rules over all.

“The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.”  Psalm 103:19.

God will save all of His elect, including preserving them through the existence of divisions and factions that are in the churches.  They are the “approved” in the the following Scripture.

“For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.”  Verse 19.

“But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.  For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”  2 Corinthians 10:17-18.

“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.

These elect (“approved” who are “evident among you”) are also called “lights in the world” who appear in the midst of a “crooked and perverse generation” in the following Scripture.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing;  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,”  Philippians 2:14-15.

In summary, we see throughout Scripture God sharply contrasting those whom He approved a/k/a His elect a/k/a His lights in the world from those who create and love factions a/k/a vessels of wrath a/k/a crooked and perverse generation so that He would highlight the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy.

“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.”  Galatians 5:19-21.

“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?  And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.”  Romans 9:22-24.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 7, 2020

“whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 11:1-15.

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.  But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.  Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head.  But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.  For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off;  but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.  For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God;  but the woman is the glory of man.  For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;  for indeed man was not created for the woman’s sake, but woman for the man’s sake.  Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.  However, in the Lord, neither is woman independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.  For as the woman originates from the man, so also the man has his birth through the woman;  and all things originate from God.  Judge for yourselves:  is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?  Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her?  For her hair is given to her for a covering.  But if one is inclined to be contentious, we have no other practice, nor have the churches of God.”  1 Corinthians 11:1-15.

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“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”  Verse 1.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;”  Philippians 2:3.

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  Philippians 2:5-8.

Considering what Christ did for us, even if we do not completely understand or agree to this Scripture, is it too difficult for a man to get a haircut and to not wear a hat in church in order to be obedient to this Scripture?

Considering what Christ did for us, even if we do not completely understand or agree to this Scripture, is it too difficult for a woman to have long hair or to place a hat, bow, or pin on her head as a covering in church in order to be obedient to this Scripture?

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;  just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”  1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts;  and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 6, 2020

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.  Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.  Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake;  FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.  If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake.  But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake;  I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s;  for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?  If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks?

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God;  just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.”  1 Corinthians 10:23-33.

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When the Apostle Paul states:  “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable”, he is generally talking about food and drink.  “FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS.”  Verse 26.  “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  Verse 31.  And, he is specifically talking about meat sacrificed to idols.  See verses 27-30.

“All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”  Verse 23.

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.  Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”  Romans 15:1-2.

“Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.”  Verse 24.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body;  and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”  Colossians 3:14-17.

“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:5-6.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 5, 2020

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” – “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” – “Listen to the word of the LORD”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:14-22.

“Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.  I speak as to wise men;  you judge what I say.  Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ?  Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?  Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body;  for we all partake of the one bread.  Look at the nation Israel;  are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?  What do I mean then?  That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?  No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God;  and I do not want you to become sharers in demons.  You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons;  you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.  Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?  We are not stronger than He, are we?”  1 Corinthians 10:14-22.

——————–

Consider what the Heidelberg Catechism states about idolatry in part.

Q. 95.  What is idolatry?

A.  Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God who has manifested Himself in His Word, to contrive or have any other object in which men place their trust.

Q. 96.  What doth God require in the second commandment?

A.  That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

Q. 97.  Are images then not at all to be made?

A.  God neither can nor may be represented by any means.  But as to creatures, though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make or have any resemblance of them either in order to worship them or to serve God by them.

Q. 98.  But may not images be tolerated in the churches as books to the laity?

A.  No;  for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have His people taught, not by dumb images, but by the lively preaching of His Word.

In the briefest nutshell, our images or thoughts of God should be formed only by and through God’s Word:  “by the lively preaching of His Word.”, not by man’s desires, thoughts, pictures, or art. 

“Listen to the word of the LORD, O sons of Israel,
For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no faithfulness or kindness
Or knowledge of God in the land.
2 There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing and adultery.
They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land mourns,
And everyone who lives in it languishes
Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky,
And also the fish of the sea disappear.

4 Yet let no one find fault, and let none offer reproof;
For your people are like those who contend with the priest.
5 So you will stumble by day,
And the prophet also will stumble with you by night;
And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.”  Hosea 4:1-6.

The Regulative Principle of Worship is important for us to consider, because it is based on the foregoing Question and Answer of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 96.  What doth God require in the second commandment?

A.  That we in no wise represent God by images, nor worship Him in any other way than He has commanded in His Word.

The short format of this daily devotion can only get us started to consider it.

Consider the following article “SHALL WE PLEASE GOD OR (CERTAIN KINDS OF) PEOPLE? OR THE REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP” written by David Engelsma in the Standard Bearer Issue: 14, 4/15/2000 , Vol 76/2000.  Here is a link to the article followed by three quotes from this article – https://sb.rfpa.org/pages/shall-we-please-god-or-certain-kinds-of-people-or-the-regulative-principle-of-worship-3/?hilite=%27regulative%27%2C%27principle%27%2C%27worship%27

“One of the most powerful winds blowing through the Reformed and Presbyterian churches today is the hurricane of “liturgical renewal,” or “progressive worship.” The service of public worship as the Reformed have conducted it for hundreds of years is summarily scrapped as “traditional” (“traditional” being uttered with scorn or with sorrow, as though describing a service that was either foolish or useless). The traditional service is replaced with a service of bands and singing troops; banners; films, skits, and drama; dialogues; dancing; and shallow, man-centered, Arminian, but lively “gospel songs.”

Or the two kinds of services are placed back-to-back on a Sunday morning. The traditional service is at 9 a.m., the progressive service is at 11. Every member can indulge his preference.

The assumption of those who spend their waking hours planning the demolition of the traditional Reformed worship and concocting new and more appealing activities of worship is that the church is free to shape the worship of God as she thinks best. And what is best is whatever pleases the worshiping people.

…

Against the incoming tide stands the regulative principle: God’s wishes decide the worship. Our wishes have as little to do with the “how” of worship as they do with whom we worship. How the church worships is not a matter of our preference. It is a matter of God’s command.

…

No one who fears God will say that the whole matter is unimportant. The right worship of Himself by His chosen people is God’s ultimate purpose in creating and redeeming them. “This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise” (Isaiah 43:21).

Such is the importance of the right worship of God by the church that God has devoted the entire first table of the law to it. The first commandment prescribes whom we must worship. The third prescribes wherein we must worship Him. The fourth prescribes when we must worship Him.

And the second?

The second prescribes how we are to worship God.

God thinks that the important question about the manner of the worship of His people is, “What pleases Him?”

So do we.”

But, there is hope!

“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;  I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.  Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.  You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers;  so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”  Ezekiel 36:25-28.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | May 4, 2020

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;  and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;  and all ate the same spiritual food;  and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them;  and the rock was Christ.  Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased;  for they were laid low in the wilderness.

Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.  Do not be idolaters, as some of them were;  as it is written, “THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY.”  Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day.  Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents.  Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.  Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:1-13.

—————–

There is the warning.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”  Verse 12.

“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.”  Verse 6.

“Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation;  the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  Matthew 26:41.

But, there is hope!

“Submit therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;  and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”  Verse 13.

“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:18.

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15.

“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, …”  2 Peter 2:9.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  Ephesians 6:10-17.

Other doctrine places its hope in man and man’s alleged free-will and man’s perseverance.

But, Reformed Doctrine places its hope in God and God’s will and God’s “Preservation of the Saints”. 

This is the “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Canons of Dordt.  Consider the following from the Canons of Dordt in the section titled FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints.

Article 3.  By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.  But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.

Article 8.  Thus, it is not in consequence of their own merits, or strength, but of God’s free mercy, that they do not totally fall from faith and grace, nor continue and perish finally in their backslidings;  which, with respect to themselves, is not only possible, but would undoubtedly happen;  but with respect to God, it is utterly impossible, since his counsel cannot be changed, nor his promise fail, neither can the call according to his purpose be revoked, nor the merit, intercession and preservation of Christ be rendered ineffectual, nor the sealing of the Holy Spirit be frustrated or obliterated.

Article 9.  Of this preservation of the elect to salvation, and of their perseverance in the faith, true believers for themselves may and ought to obtain assurance according to the measure of their faith, whereby they arrive at the certain persuasion, that they ever will continue true and living members of the church;  and that they experience forgiveness of sins, and will at last inherit eternal life.

“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 | May 3, 2020

“Run in such a way that you may win.”

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;  I box in such a way, as not beating the air;   but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

—————-

There are two components to winning a race.  First, you need to know the rules of how to win (such as stay in your lane, competitor must run on his or her own without any outside help, and first one to cross the finish line wins).  Second, you need to have discipline to comply with the rules.

First, there are those who know the rules, but they do not have the discipline to comply with the rules to win.  They know the truth of the gospel, but they do not have the discipline to exercise and grow in moral virtues.

In this regard, Paul states:  “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.” Verse 25 and “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” Verse 27.

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.  Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you;  for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”   2 Peter 1:5-11.

Likewise, we read the following in the Canons of Dordt in the section titled “FIRST HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of Divine Predestination”.

Article 13.  The sense and certainty of this election afford to the children of God additional matter for daily humiliation before him, for adoring the depth of his mercies, for cleansing themselves, and rendering grateful returns of ardent love to him, who first manifested so great love towards them.  The consideration of this doctrine of election is so far from encouraging remissness in the observance of the divine commands, or from sinking men in carnal security, that these, in the just judgment of God, are the usual effects of rash presumption, or of idle and wanton trifling with the grace of election, in those who refuse to walk in the ways of the elect.

Second, there are those who have the discipline, but they do not know the rules.  They have a zeal for God, but they do not know the truth of the gospel. 

In this regard, Paul stated:  “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”  Romans 10:2-3.

In summary, Paul himself who had reason to boast and to coast to the finish line, so to speak, said:  “although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:  …  But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, …

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet;  but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:4 and 7-9 and 12-14.

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:8.

“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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