Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 16:1-10.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16&version=NASB

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 15:36-41.

“After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.  But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.  But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.  And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”  Acts 15:36-41.

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Other doctrine focuses on man’s actions.

But, Reformed Doctrine focuses on God’s sovereign actions.

In today’s Scripture, we read:  “Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.  But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.  And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another …”  Verses 37-39.

Other doctrine wants to focus on whether Barnabas was right or whether Paul was right and the consequences of sharp disagreements between men, and other doctrine immediately leaves today’s Scripture to search through other Scripture to see what happened to Mark.

But, Reformed Doctrine stays with today’s Scripture and meditates on God’s sovereign action of “the grace of God” “strengthening the churches”.  Verses 40-41.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-31.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 15:12-35.  Here is a link to this chapter – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+15&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.  Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.  With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,

‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return,
AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN,
AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL RESTORE IT,
SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’
SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.

Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.  For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”   Acts 15:12-21.

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God was obviously now drawing some from among the Gentiles to be part of His own people which now include Jews and Gentiles.  As first proof, Barnabas and Paul related “what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.”  As second proof, James reminded his brethren that Simeon related “how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.”  As third proof, James quoted the words of the Prophets who prophesied it.

“Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles.” concluded James who only required minor minor things that would be understood and respected by most Gentiles, because it was preached in every city.

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 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.

There is harsh warning to those who act like Pharisees and try to hinder God’s grace toward His people and trouble them.

“Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?  But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”  Acts 15:10-11.

“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.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

You were running well;  who hindered you from obeying the truth?  This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.  I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view;  but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.  But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?  Then the stumbling block of the cross has been abolished.  I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.”  Galatians 5:4-12.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:24-28.

“They passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia.  When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.  From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.  When they had arrived and gathered the church together, they began to report all things that God had done with them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.  And they spent a long time with the disciples.”  Acts 14:24-28.

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“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed was imploring Him that he might accompany Him.  And He did not let him, but He *said to him, “Go home to your people and report to them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He had mercy on you.”  And he went away and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him;  and everyone was amazed.”  Mark 5:18-20.

“He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen.”  Deuteronomy 10:21.

“Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;
2 Sing the glory of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!
Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.
4 “All the earth will worship You,
And will sing praises to You;
They will sing praises to Your name.”  Selah.

5 Come and see the works of God,
Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.”  Psalm 66:1-5.

“Come and hear, all who fear God,
And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.”  Psalm 66:16.

“17 O God, You have taught me from my youth,
And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.
18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to all who are to come.
19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?” Psalm 71:17-19.

“18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel,
Who alone works wonders.
19 And blessed be His glorious name forever;
And may the whole earth be filled with His glory.
Amen, and Amen.”  Psalm 72:18-18.

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks,
For Your name is near;
Men declare Your wondrous works.”  Psalm 75:1.

“9 But as for me, I will declare it forever;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
10 And all the horns of the wicked He will cut off,
But the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”  Psalm 75:9-10.

“11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph.  Selah.”  Psalm 77:14-15.

“8 There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,
Nor are there any works like Yours.
9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.
10 For You are great and do wondrous deeds;
You alone are God.”  Psalm 86:8-10.

“… the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:5.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us?  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:28-31.

“The LORD has done great things for us;
We are glad.”  Psalm 126:3.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 14:1-7.

“In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks.  But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up the minds of the Gentiles and embittered them against the brethren.  Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands.  But the people of the city were divided;  and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.  And when an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region;  and there they continued to preach the gospel.”  Acts 14:1-7.

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Despite persecution that caused them to flee, “they continued to preach the gospel.”

We may experience what we consider successes and failures.  But, God is sovereign over all and will accomplish His purpose.

Paul and Barnabas experience the successes of “a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks” and “signs and wonders” were done by their hands.

Paul and Barnabas also experienced the failures that some Jews disbelieved and “the people of the city were divided;  and some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles.”  Finally, “an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them”.

In the language of the concluding Scripture, when Paul and Barnabas experienced success, they were preaching “in season”, and when they experienced failure, they were preaching “out of season”.  But, “in season and out of season”, Paul and Barnabas “continued to preach the gospel”.

We should follow their example and continue to preach and teach the gospel despite the persecutions, tribulations, successes, and failures that we experience.

“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:  preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;  reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;  but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.  But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”  2 Timothy 4:1-5.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 13:42-43.

“As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.  Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God.”  Acts 13:42-43.

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Are we captivated by the grace of God?

Or, are we content to “just” attend church on Sunday?

We notice in today’s Scripture that the people’s interest did not stop when the service concluded, but rather, “As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath.”

We also notice that “when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas”.

There is the warning of being content to “just” attend church.

Consider the Parable of the Sower.

“Now the parable is this:  the seed is the word of God.  Those beside the road are those who have heard;  then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved.  Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root;  they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away.  The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”  Luke 8:11.

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:22-25.

There is the blessing of being captivated by the grace of God.

Jesus, even at an early age, set an example for us.  “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom;  and the grace of God was upon Him.”  Luke 2:40.

“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.

But, there is hope!

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand;  and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;  and perseverance, proven character;  and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:1-5.

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak;  and He will disclose to you what is to come.  He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.”  John 16:13-14.

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.”  FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints of Canons of Dordt.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  Hebrews 12:2.

“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.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24.