Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 10, 2012

The Importance of Reformed Doctrine: God will not share His glory with man.

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.  Here is a link to that full Scripture –

 
We will focus on the following verses 7 through 10.
 
“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!  Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.  And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10. 
 
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We may not have a comparable vision and revelation of heaven that Paul had, but we may still exalt ourselves.  We also may not have a comparable thorn in the flesh that Paul had, but we may experience weaknesses.  We can take warning that “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled”, and we can take comfort that “whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”  Matthew 23:12
 
We need to understand the fundamental principle that God will not share His glory with man. 
 
Isaiah 42:8
“I am the LORD, that is My name;  I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.”
 
Isaiah 48:11
“For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act;  For how can My name be profaned?  And My glory I will not give to another.”
 
Man wants some glory.  He will not admit that he is dead in sin.  He wants some credit for contributing something to his salvation whether it be good works or basic goodness or even as little as his wisdom and alleged free-will in “choosing” Christ.
 
But, God will not tolerate any sharing of credit for man’s salvation.  That is why Reformed Doctrine a/k/a Calvinism is so important.  It humbly starts by recognizing man’s “Total Depravity” and total inability to contribute anything to his salvation.  This is the “T” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of salvation also known as the Five Points of Calvinism.  It proceeds then according to Scripture (and logically*) to give all credit to God for salvation from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” to finally “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints”, which is the “U”, “L’, “I”, “P” of “TULIP”.  (*If man is truly dead in sin, then it is logical that man cannot contribute anything to his salvation.  His salvation is “unconditional”;  man cannot contribute any condition that would motivate God to elect him.)      
 
Isaiah 2:17
“The pride of man will be humbled And the loftiness of men will be abased;  And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,”
 
Scripture is filled with statements about God opposing the proud but helping the humble.  “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “ GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  James 4:6   
 
That is why we read in today’s Scripture:  “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake;  for when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10. 
 
Here are some more Scriptures:
 
Psalm 10:17
“O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear”
 
Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.”
 
Psalm 34:2
“My soul will make its boast in the LORD;  The humble will hear it and rejoice.”
 
Psalm 37:11
“But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity.”
 
Psalm 69:32
“The humble have seen it and are glad;  You who seek God, let your heart revive.”
 
Psalm 76:9
“When God arose to judgment, To save all the humble of the earth.  Selah.”
 
 
“5 Who is like the LORD our God,
Who is enthroned on high,
6 Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in heaven and in the earth?
7 He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8 To make them sit with princes,
With the princes of His people.
9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD!”  Psalm 113:5-9.
 
 
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.”
 
Proverbs 16:19
“It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
 
Proverbs 29:23
“A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.”
 
Isaiah 2:11
“The proud look of man will be abased And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”
 
Isaiah 66:2
“For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”
 
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek the LORD, All you humble of the earth Who have carried out His ordinances;  Seek righteousness, seek humility.  Perhaps you will be hidden In the day of the LORD’S anger.
 
Matthew 18:4
“Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
 
 
“And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt:  “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself:  ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people:  swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week;  I pay tithes of all that I get.’   But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’  I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other;  for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Luke 18:9-14.
 
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
 
1 Peter 3:8
“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;”
 
1 Peter 5:5
“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;  and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
 
1 Peter 5:6
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,”
 
 
In conclusion, God will not share His glory with man.  “Salvation belongs to the LORD;  Your blessing be upon Your people!  Selah.”  Psalm 3:8

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 9, 2012

God’s Deliverance: the Summary and Conclusion of Our Lives and of Salvation

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:30-33.
 
“If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness.  The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.  In Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.”  2 Corinthians 11:30-33.
 
——————————-
 
Paul had just finished an amazing listing of all the sufferings and labors that he endured to prove his care for the Corinthians.  It certainly could be reason for his boasting.  But, Paul here pauses to reflect on his weakness.  Paul gives an example of his weakness.  Paul was delivered when he was let him down in a basket through a window in the wall to escape the guarded city. 
 
Likewise, we can similarly reflect on our lives.  We have our own sufferings and our own labors, but our summary and conclusion is like Paul’s one.  We were delivered by our Sovereign and Almighty God and Faithful Father.  God’s deliverance is the nutshell story of our lives.  God’s deliverance is also the best summary and conclusion of salvation in Scripture.
 
Reformed doctrine a/k/a Calvinism, particularly “TULIP” recognizes this point that God’s deliverance is the best summary and conclusion of salvation in Scripture.  In briefest summary and conclusion, we were dead in sin and hostile to God (“Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”), totally unable to save ourselves, and God delivered us.  “God is to us a God of deliverances;  And to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.”  Psalm 68:20
 
There are an amazing 410 verses in Scripture which speak about deliverance (although some of them do not concern God’s deliverance).  Here is a link in case you want to do your own search.  Click here: BibleGateway.com – Keyword Search: deliver
 
I just started with the Psalms and could not get through it.  Here are just some verses that speak about God’s deliverance.
 
Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;  My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
 
Psalm 22:4
In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them.
 
Psalm 22:5
To You they cried out and were delivered;  In You they trusted and were not disappointed. 
 
Psalm 22:8
“Commit yourself to the LORD;  let Him deliver him;  Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
 
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;  You preserve me from trouble;  You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
 
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
 
Psalm 34:17
The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. 
 
Psalm 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
 
Psalm 37:40
The LORD helps them and delivers them;  He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.
 
Psalm 54:7
For He has delivered me from all trouble, And my eye has looked with satisfaction upon my enemies.
    
Psalm 33:13-22 presents a good conclusion. 
 
13 The LORD looks from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men;
14 From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
15 He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.
16 The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
17 A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.
 
18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
19 To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
20 Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
22 Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.”  Psalm 33:13-22.  

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 8, 2012

Proof of Care

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:16-29 which concern false apostles who were trying to lure away the Corinthians’ loyalty to Paul.  Paul went to great detail to list all of his credentials including the extent of his sufferings, so that the Corinthians would understand how much he (Paul) cared for them and how he deserved their loyalty.  You can access it through this following link –
 
We will focus on the following verses 22-29.
 
“Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they descendants of Abraham?  So am I.  Are they servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so;  in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.  Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.  I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren;  I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.  Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches.  Who is weak without my being weak?  Who is led into sin without my intense concern?”  2 Corinthians 11:22-29.
 
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Paul commended himself as a faithful servant of God in service for the Corinthians:  “but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger,”  2 Corinthians 6:4-5. 
 
We may be called to suffer to some extent, so that we will prove our care for others.  When others see and understand the sufferings that we endure because we care so much for them, they may trust us more to be their good shepherd.
 
The ultimate proof of care was done by Christ.  “I am the good shepherd;  the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.  He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.  He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.  I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father;  and I lay down My life for the sheep.”  John 10:11-15.   
 
Let us be inspired by the examples of Paul and Christ. 
 
Let us endure when we suffer to prove our trust in God and our care for others.  “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 5:3-4.  Paul concluded:  “… I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.  But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”  Philippians 2:16-17.
 
Let us always remember and give credit to God for His grace and work within us.  Here are Paul’s words.  “For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  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 15:9-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 7, 2012

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves …”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:7-15.
 
“Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?   I robbed other churches by taking wages from them to serve you;  and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone;  for when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.  As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.  Why?  Because I do not love you?  God knows I do!
                                  

But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting.  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”  2 Corinthians 11:7-15.

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There are those false teachers who clearly and sufficiently describe their teaching, the basis for their belief, and their agenda.  The listener can more easily and better guard himself or herself against such teachers by not listening at all to that false teacher or by bringing in more knowledgeable Christian teachers to debate them.  They are less dangerous and not the subject of today’s devotion. 

But, there are those false teachers who claim to be Christian, who disguise themselves, pretending to be Christian and righteous based on the Bible and filled with all light and goodness, but who are not.  They are wolves in sheep’s clothing.  These are white-washed tombs.  They are more capable of deceiving and misleading, and thus are more dangerous and the subject of today’s devotion.   

Jesus said:  “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”  Matthew 7:15

Jesus said:  “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”  Matthew 23:27

Scripture is filled with warnings about such false teachers.  Here are just some of the Scriptures from the New Testament.

Matthew 24:11
“Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.”
 
Matthew 24:24
“For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
                                                         

Mark 13:22
“for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.”

Galatians 2:4
“But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.”

Philippians 3:2
“Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;”

2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

Revelation 2:2
“‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;”

In conclusion, we are reminded of yesterday’s devotion and the importance of doctrinal standards a/k/a creeds a/k/a confessions to help us discern false teachers.  “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”  1 John 4:1 

But, most importantly, we have a Good Shepherd who protects us from those wolves in sheep’s clothing.  Jesus said:  “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”  John 10:14-15.  And, Jesus, our Good Shepherd, does not lose any sheep.  He said:  “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:27-29.  This is the “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 6, 2012

“But examine everything carefully” – “A Plea for Creeds”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 11:1-6.
 
“I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness;  but indeed you are bearing with me.  For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy;  for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin.  But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.  For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.  For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles.  But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge;  in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.”  2 Corinthians 11:1-6.
 
———————
 
“Do not quench the Spirit;  do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully;  hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.  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 5:19-24. 
 
Doctrinal standards, like creeds a/k/a confessions, are often viewed with suspicion and distaste.  They are viewed as dry and divisive.  But, creeds are important and necessary to help us determine what is good and what is bad.  Some teachings may seem good in isolation (alone, without comparison), but when we compare them to our well-established creeds, we can determine that such teachings are false and misleading.
 
Our Reformed Confessions are:  Belgic Confession, Canons of Dordt, Heidelberg Catechism, and Westminister Larger Confession.  They are all organized and easily readable.  I particularly recommend that you start by reading the Canons of Dordt, because it focuses on the specific subject of salvation and is the distinctive heart of Reformed Doctrine.  There are links to these Reformed Confessions under “Links” in the right column, and there is a tab on the top of the page titled:  “A Plea for Creeds” which further explains the importance of creeds.  
 
In addition to our creeds, we can trust God Who sanctifies us entirely and Who preserves us completely.  “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.”  John 16:13  “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:24.  
 
So, let us be diligent to use what God has provided.  Let us use Scripture and our creeds to “examine everything carefully”.  Let us pray and trust the Holy Spirit to guide us and keep us in all truth.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 5, 2012

“whom the Lord commends”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:12-18.
 
“12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves;  but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 
 
13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 
 
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ; 
 
15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 
 
16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 
 
17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. 
 
18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”  2 Corinthians 10:12-18.
 
——————————-
 
Our goal is not to better understand ourselves, so that we can better commend ourselves.  Our goal is to better understand God, so we can better praise God.  “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. 
 
And, if we do seek to better understand man, rather than God, and become attracted to the rich, we ultimately come to this conclusion:
“16 Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich,
When the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dies he will carry nothing away;
His glory will not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he congratulates himself—
And though men praise you when you do well for yourself—
19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers;
They will never see the light.
20 Man in his pomp, yet without understanding,
Is like the beasts that perish.”  Psalm 49:16-20.
 
We should seek the praise of God, rather than the praise of man. 
 
“For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted;  but the one who examines me is the Lord.  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 4:4-5.
 
“But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter (of the Law); and his praise is not from men, but from God.”  Romans 2:29. 
 
And, the basis of our thanks and praise is not our good works or good words, the basis of our thanks and praise is that God has chosen us for salvation.
 
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.  It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. 
                                               
But, we diligently use the grace, comfort, and strength that God does give us “for every good work and word”.  When we teach God’s Words, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15  When we change diapers or do other good works, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,”  Colossians 3:23  “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 3:17. 
                                       

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.  Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.  Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.  Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 3:18-24.

In conclusion, “… To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.  For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

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 1:1-11. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 3, 2012

Sincere Faith and Love

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:7-11.
 
“You are looking at things as they are outwardly.  If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.   For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.  For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”  Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.”  2 Corinthians 10:7-11.  
 
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Our confidence and ability that we are sincere, men and women of integrity, comes not from our willpower to act as we preach or teach, talk or write. 
 
Our confidence and ability that we are sincere, men and women of integrity, comes from being born again through the living and enduring word of God through Jesus Christ.
 
In the following three Scriptures, we read about this sincere faith and love that comes through the living and enduring word of God through Jesus Christ.         
 
“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.  For,
                                        

“ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS,
AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
THE GRASS WITHERS,
AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, 
BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER.”

And this is the word which was preached to you.”  1 Peter 1:22-25.

“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.  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  Hebrews 10:19-25.
 
“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;  having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”  Philippians 1:9-11.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 2, 2012

“speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:1-6.
 
“1 Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent!  2 I ask that when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against some, who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh.  3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,  6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”  2 Corinthians 10:1-6.
 
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What are the speculations and lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God?  Man speculates that he can know God through his own wisdom or through his own free-will.  But, God destroys those speculations.
 
“For it is written,
 
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
                       

Where is the wise man?  Where is the scribe?  Where is the debater of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.  For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;  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.  Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.                                           

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;  but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.  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 1:19-31.  
                                          
We preach and teach Reformed Doctrine a/k/a Calvinism summarized by “TULIP”, the acronym for the Five Points of Calvinism.  The starting point of “TULIP” is “T” standing for “Total Depravity”, namely that man is dead in sin, hostile to God, enslaved to sin and Satan, and totally unable by himself to come to God and know God.  Man’s only chance to know God and to be saved is to be chosen by God, which is the second point of “TULIP”, the “U” standing for “Unconditional Election”. 
                                        

Christ died only for those whom God chose or elected to know God and to be saved, which is the third point of “TULIP”, the “L” standing for “Limited Atonement”.  The death of Christ on the cross provided all the saving benefits including saving knowledge of God which is also described as faith.  “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.”  Article 8. of The Canons of Dordt.

“Irresistible Grace”, the “I” and fourth point of “TULIP”, is capable of destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ:  “even when we were dead in our transgressions, (God) made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”  Ephesians 2:5-6.

Because God is sovereign and totally in control, we can be assured that our obedience will be made complete.  “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.  This is “Perseverance of the Saints a/k/a Preservation of the Saints” which is the “P” and fifth and final point of “TULIP”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 1, 2012

Many Thanksgivings to God

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 9:10-15.
 
“10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;  11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.  12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.  13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.  15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:10-15.
 
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Today’s Scripture emphasizes that the Reformed Doctrine of grace produces in us many thanksgivings to God.  We are thankful for God for providing the “seed for sowing” which was described in 2 Corinthians 9:8 as “an abundance for every good deed”.  We are thankful that God increases the harvest of our righteousness.  We are thankful that God enriches us “in everything for all liberality”.  We are thankful for God “fully supplying the needs of the saints”.  We are thankful to God “for His indescribable gift!” 
 
God gives us the Holy Spirit.  “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  Luke 11:13
                             
God gives us justification.  “The gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned; for on the one hand the judgment arose from one transgression resulting in condemnation, but on the other hand the free gift arose from many transgressions resulting in justification.”  Romans 5:16
                             
God gives us righteousness.  “For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:17
                                
God gives us eternal life.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23
 
God even gives life to our mortal bodies that attracts other Christians to us.  “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  Romans 8:11  Other Christians “yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.”  Verse 14. 
                        
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;  to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.  And who is adequate for these things?”  2 Corinthians 2:14-16.
 
Question 64.  But doth not this doctrine (of grace) make men careless and profane?
Answer.  By no means:  for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness.  The Heidelberg Catechism. 

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | January 31, 2012

Beholding God and Being Transformed into His Image

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.
 
“6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
 
7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
 
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
 
9 as it is written,

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-9. 

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We can just look at God’s provision and promise and miss the more important insight into the character of God.  The purpose of this devotion is to meditate on what this Scripture teaches us about the character of God in the hope that as we see Him, we will be transformed into His image. 

First, today’s Scripture teaches us that God is generous and freely gives to the poor.  “They all wait for You To give them their food in due season.  You give to them, they gather it up;  You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.”  Psalm 104:27-28.  God sows bountifully:  “HE SCATTERED ABROAD”. 

Second, today’s Scripture proclaims the righteousness of God.  “HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.”  God not only is righteous in Himself;  He clothes us with the righteousness of Christ and causes us to act righteously by giving us “an abundance for every good deed” so that we also can give.  

Third, today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on the fact that God not only loves a cheerful giver, God is a cheerful giver.  God delights in exercising lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth.  “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.  “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”Luke 12:32

In conclusion, as we meditate on the character of God and “see Him”, we are being transformed into His image to give more freely, to be more righteous, and to give more cheerfully.  “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 3:18

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