Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 3, 2011

But, for Jews and Gentiles, their hope is Jesus Christ.

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 2:12-16.

“12  For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law;

13  for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.

14  For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves,

15  in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,

16  on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”  Romans 2:12-16.

——————————

There are no excuses.  The Jews have the Law, and they will be judged according to the Law.  The Gentiles have their consciences, a law written in their hearts, and they also will be judged according to their consciences.  In summary, “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” 

The Jews proclaim the Law:

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

The Gentiles proclaim their consciences:

“23  Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24  And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.”  Psalm 139:232-24.

“12  Who can discern his errors?  Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.”  Psalm 19:12-13.

But, for Jews and Gentiles, their hope is Jesus Christ.

“7  Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8  For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9  and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,

   “THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES,
AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.”
 
 10 Again he says,
   “REJOICE, O GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.”
 
 11 And again,
   “PRAISE THE LORD ALL YOU GENTILES,
AND LET ALL THE PEOPLES PRAISE HIM.”   Romans 15:7-11.
 
Christ abolished the enmity (the condemnation by the Law) and reconciled the elect from both groups (Jews and Gentiles) into one group in Christ through His accomplishments by means of His death on the cross.  
 
“11  Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12  remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13  But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15  by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16  and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17  AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18  for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19  So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20  having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22  in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:11-22.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 1, 2011

The Impartiality of God Who Exercises Justice

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 2:1-11 and will focus on the impartiality of God.

“1  Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself;  for you who judge practice the same things.

2  And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.

3  But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God?

4  Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

5  But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

6  who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:

7  to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;

8  but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation.

9  There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek,

10  but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

11  For there is no partiality with God.”  Romans 2:1-11.

————————————— 

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;  for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”  Galatians 6:7-8.

“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.  He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.”  Deuteronomy 10:17-18.

“1  Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered,
And let those who hate Him flee before Him.
2  As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;
As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish before God.
3  But let the righteous be glad;  let them exult before God;
Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.
4  Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts,
Whose name is the LORD, and exult before Him.
5  A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
6  God makes a home for the lonely;
He leads out the prisoners into prosperity,
Only the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”  Psalm 68:1-6.

“5  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6  For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1:5-6.
 
“For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones;  They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.”  Psalm 37:28.
 
“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted And justice for the poor.”  Psalm 140:12.
 
“Who executes justice for the oppressed;  Who gives food to the hungry.  The LORD sets the prisoners free.”  Psalm 146:7.
 
“There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”  Isaiah 9:7.
 
“The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high;  He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.”  Isaiah 33:5.
 
“… Now the LORD saw,
And it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice.
16  And He saw that there was no man,
And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;
Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,
And His righteousness upheld Him.
17  He put on righteousness like a breastplate,
And a helmet of salvation on His head;
And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing
And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.
18  According to their deeds, so He will repay,
Wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies;
To the coastlands He will make recompense.
19  So they will fear the name of the LORD from the west
And His glory from the rising of the sun,
For He will come like a rushing stream
Which the wind of the LORD drives.
20  “A Redeemer will come to Zion,
And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” declares the LORD.”  Isaiah 59:15-20.
 
——————————
 
“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.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 30, 2011

Acknowledging God by Reading Scripture, Praying, Honoring God, and Giving Thanks

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 1:26-32 which continues Paul’s discourse of unbelief and its consequences.

“26  For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions;  for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural,

27  and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.

28  And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper,
 
29  being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil;  full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
 
30  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
 
31  without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;
 
32  and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”  Romans 1:26-32. 
 
———————————-
 
It is difficult to read this Scripture.  We search for hope as to how we can avoid these consequences.  In so doing, we focus on verse 28 and meditate on how we can “acknowledge God” as we should.
 
We generally reason that when we acknowledge someone, we acquire knowledge about that someone.  We think that we can acquire knowledge about God by reading God’s Word, the Bible.  We also remember yesterday’s Scripture.  “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20.  So, we also try to learn more about God through His creation. 
 
We also generally reason that when we acknowledge someone, we communicate with that someone.  We think that we should communicate with God.  We further think:  “How can we communicate with God?”  And, we conclude that we should pray to God.  
 
We also specifically remember yesterday’s parallel verse.  “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”  Romans 1:21.  And, we think that two components of acknowledging God as we should is to “honor” God and “give thanks” to God.
 
Putting it together, we use the Lord’s Prayer as one way that we can “acknowledge God” by reading the following Scripture, praying to God, honoring God, and giving thanks to God.  Certainly, there are other ways that we can and should acknowledge God such as obeying God’s commandments and doing His will, but sincerely praying the Lord’s Prayer is one way that we can acknowledge God. 
“9 “Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]”  Matthew 6:9-13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 29, 2011

Wrath of God

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 1:18-25.

“18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19  because that which is known about God is evident within them;  for God made it evident to them.

20  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

21  For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22  Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23  and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

24  Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
 
25  For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen.”  Romans 1:18-25.
 
——————————
 
Scripture certainly does reveal the wrath of God.  As just one example, one can not read the Prophets, Isaiah through Malachi, without being strongly impressed with the wrath of God.  But, we read about the wrath of God throughout Scripture from Genesis through Revelations.  It is good to read so much about it.  We better appreciate the holiness and justice of God.  We better fear God.  
 
The wrath of God is generally against “all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men”, but it is interesting to read what our Scripture for today singles out as a specific cause of the wrath of God:  “men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”.  That specific mention should give us pause and cause us to reflect on the guilt of suppressing the truth in unrighteousness.  It teaches us the importance of truth. 
 
Some may try to pompously pretend their innocence and intelligence by asking:  “What evidence is there of God?”  But, today’s Scripture simply and directly answers that insincere question by stating:  “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”  Romans 1:20.
 
Whether it be through creation or through the Scriptures, we should most eagerly seek to learn more fully the attributes of 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.
 
We should honor God.  “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;  And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”  Psalm 50:23.  “Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;”  Proverbs 3:9.  “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.”  Proverbs 14:31.  “ Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”  Revelation 4:11.
 
We should give thanks to God.  “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;  I will tell of all Your wonders.”  Psalm 9:1.  “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.”  Psalm 86:12.
 
We should avoid futile speculations and “professing to be wise”.  The emphasis of today’s Scripture on “creation” and “the Creator” should warn us against speculating about evolution against the plain teaching of Scripture about creation. 
 

We should not try to present God in the corruptible image of man.  As just one example, we should avoid referring to God as “the man upstairs”.  We should not take God’s name in vain, that is lightly without the supreme respect and reverence to which God is entitled.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,”  Romans 1:18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 28, 2011

“THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 1:8-17.

“8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world.

9  For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you,

10  always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you.

11  For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

12  that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

13  I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

14  I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

15  So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
 
17  For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”  Romans 1:8-17.
 
————————————
 
“Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him;  But the righteous will live by his faith.”  Habbakuk 2:4.
 
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  James 4:6.
 
“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.”  1 Corinthians 1:21.
 
“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 1:26-31.
 
“What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.  But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,  just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.”  Romans 4:1-8.
 
“This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?  Are you so foolish?  Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?  Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?  So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
 
Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.  The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”  So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
 
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM.”  Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident;  for, “THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”  However, the Law is not of faith;  on the contrary, “HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM.”  Galatians 3:2-12.
 
“Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God?  May it never be!  For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.  But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
                                     
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.  Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:21-26.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 27, 2011

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Today, we begin the Book of Romans.  Our devotion comes from Romans 1:1-7.

“1  Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

2  which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3  concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh,

4  who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord,

5  through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake,

6  among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;

7  to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 1:1-7.
 
———————————-
 
We have received grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 1:4-5.  “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”  John 1:16. 
 
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  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 4:14-16.
 
“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 8:32.
 
At the end of the worship service yesterday, our minister exhorted us to receive this benediction from Numbers 6:24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you;                                                                                                      
The LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;                                                            
The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.  Amen.”  
 
Let not these words make no impression on us.  Let not these words be like water which rolls off a duck’s back.
 
Each moment of every day we need grace!  Each moment of every day we need peace! 
 
Whether we are exhorted to receive a blessing of grace and peace in the beginning by salutation as in today’s Scripture, or are exhorted to receive a blessing of grace and peace at the end of the worship service by benediction, let us hold our hands out literally or figuratively to joyfully receive and cling to that blessing in faith. 
 
Throughout the week, let us remember that blessing of grace and peace and cherish it.  Let us face the week knowing that we will experience that grace and peace in countless ways. 
 
“Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of them, They would be too numerous to count.”  Psalm 40:5.
 
“12  Walk about Zion and go around her;
Count her towers;
13  Consider her ramparts;
Go through her palaces,
That you may tell it to the next generation.
14  For such is God,
Our God forever and ever;
He will guide us until death.”  Psalm 48:12-14.  
 
“How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance.”  Psalm 89:15.
 
“17  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18  If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.”  Psalm 139:17-18.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 26, 2011

“HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 28:11-31 which covers Paul’s trip to Rome, arrival, and address to the leading men of the Jews.  We focus on the following verses.

“17  After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18  And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death.

19  But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation.

20  For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”

21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you.

22  But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23  When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers;  and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.
 
24  Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
 
25  And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,
 
26  saying,
‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY,
“YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;
AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;
 
27  FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’
 
28  Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles;  they will also listen.”
 
29  [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]
 
30  And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him,
 
31  preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.”  Acts 28:17-31.
 
—————————————–
 
“What shall we say then?  That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith;  but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.  Why?
 
Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.  They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written,
 
“BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE,
AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”  Romans 9:30-33.
 
The Scripture for today is not only for historical interest of how most of the Jews rejected Christ and how presentation of the gospel then turned to the Gentiles.  The Scripture for today reminds us of the importance of listening. 
 
Using other people as an example, we all know that we can talk to people who are preoccupied about their own agenda and other thoughts.  They only hear what they want to hear. 
 
The Jews wanted to establish their own righteousness.  They would not listen to a gospel where righteousness came through Christ alone, by grace alone, and by faith alone. 
 
The lesson for today is like those Jews, there are many today (Jews and Gentiles) who also want to establish their own righteousness.  They too will not listen to a gospel where righteousness comes through Christ alone, by grace alone, and by faith alone.
 
The Reformers in the 16th century tried to reform the church by the Five Solas – Click here: The Five Solas « Reformed Doctrine Blog – including the “calls” to come back to Christ alone, by grace alone, and by faith alone.  Like Paul in the first century and the Reformers in the 16th century, today, we too call out to come back to Christ alone, by grace alone, and by faith alone.   
 
Today, are we going to truly listen? 
 
Or, are we only going to listen to preaching or reading of Scripture based on our own agenda of establishing our own righteousness? 
 
Today, are we going to listen to a gospel where righteousness comes through Christ alone, by grace alone, and by faith alone?
 
“HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED”.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 24, 2011

Let us focus, recognize, and remember “my God will supply all your needs”.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 28:1-10.

“1  When they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta.

2  The natives showed us extraordinary kindness;  for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all.

3  But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand.

4  When the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.”

5  However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.

6  But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead.  But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god.

7  Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days.
 
8  And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery;  and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.
 
9  After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured.
 
10  They also honored us with many marks of respect;  and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed.”  Acts 28:1-10.
 
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In today’s Scripture, we read about “the natives” who “supplied us with all we needed.”  God still gets all the credit for using other people to supply all we need, even though the supplies may come from unexpected and unusual sources. 
 
Throughout Scripture, we read about God supplying all the needs of His people.  Here are some examples.
 
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19.
 
“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;”  2 Corinthians 9:8.
 
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield;  The LORD gives grace and glory;  No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”  Psalm 84:11.
 
“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 8:32.
 
In conclusion, let us focus on Scripture today and everyday that God will supply all our needs.  Let us recognize that even though the provisions may come to us from unexpected and unusual sources, that it is still God Who supplies all our needs.  Let us remember those times in the past when our Faithful Father supplied all our needs.   

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 23, 2011

“Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed doctrine of salvation

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 27:33-44.

“33  Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing.

34  Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.”

35  Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat.

36  All of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food.

37  All of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six persons.

38  When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea.

39  When day came, they could not recognize the land;  but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could.
 
40  And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders;  and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach.
 
41  But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground;  and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves.
 
42  The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape;
 
43 but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,
 
44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship.  And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.”  Acts 27:33-44.
 
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Not that all the ship’s passengers were saints, still nevertheless, today’s Scripture reminds us of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed doctrine of salvation.
 
When we read today about “preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.”, we are reminded of that part of Answer 1 to Question 1 of The Heidelberg Catechism:  my faithful Savior Jesus Christ “so preserves me that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;  yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation”.
 
And, at the end of today’s Scripture, we love to read the fulfillment of the promise and prophecy:  “And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.” 
 
God preserves His elect to salvation, providing everything that they need to be saved.  God causes His elect to persevere to salvation.
 
Consider the golden chain of salvation in Romans 8:29-30: “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.”
 
If it is not enough to assure us that no one can snatch us out of Jesus’ hands, Jesus goes over the top by also assuring us that no one is also able to snatch us from God the Father’s hand:  “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.
 
Here is part of what The Canons of Dordt states about “Preservation 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.”
 
The Canons of Dordt states a lot more about “Preservation of the Saints”.  Here is a link to the full section on it – Click here: The Canons of Dordt, Fifth Head of Doctrine

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 22, 2011

Church: “an assembly of those who are saved” “out of it there is no salvation”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 27:27-32.

“27  But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land.

28  They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms;  and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms.

29  Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak.

30  But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow,

31  Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.”

32  Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.”  Acts 27:27-32.

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Life is like this ship’s voyage through rough seas.  “… Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”  Acts 14:22.  We are in danger of “doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:6.  We are in danger of being “tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine”  Ephesians 4:14.  We are in danger of suffering “shipwreck” in regard to our faith.  1 Timothy 1:19.

Now, we do believe in “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”.  We know the end.  God will preserve us safely to salvation. 

Likewise, the sailors in today’s Scripture knew that there would be no loss of life.  Paul encouraged and prophesied:  “Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.”  Acts 27:22.  Nevertheless, Paul warned them in today’s Scripture:  “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.”  Acts 27:31.

The lesson for today is that we must remain in the true church.  Although like the sailors, we face danger, and may be anxious or even panic, we must not leave the true church.  Although we live in a very individualistic world, we must not leave the true church.  We must continually seek to become or stay members of the true church.

I am not saying that we can never leave one individual church or denomination to go to another.  But, I am saying that we cannot live in a separate state from the church.

Here is what Articles 28 and 29 of The Belgic Confession state:

Article 28:  That every one is bound to join himself to the true Church.

We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and that out of it there is no salvation, that no person of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw himself, to live in a separate state from it;  but that all men are in duty bound to join and unite themselves with it; maintaining the unity of the Church;  submitting themselves to the doctrine and discipline thereof; bowing their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ;  and as mutual members of the same body, serving to the edification of the brethren, according to the talents God has given them.  And that this may be the more effectually observed, it is the duty of all believers, according to the word of God, to separate themselves from all those who do not belong to the Church, and to join themselves to this congregation, wheresoever God hath established it, even though the magistrates and edicts of princes were against it, yea, though they should suffer death or any other corporal punishment.  Therefore all those, who separate themselves from the same, or do not join themselves to it, act contrary to the ordinance of God.  (Emphasis added.)
 
 
Article 29:  Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church.
 
We believe, that we ought diligently and circumspectly to discern from the Word of God which is the true Church, since all sects which are in the world assume to themselves the name of the Church.  But we speak not here of hypocrites, who are mixed in the Church with the good, yet are not of the Church, though externally in it;  but we say that the body and communion of the true Church must be distinguished from all sects, who call themselves the Church.  The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these:  if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein;  if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ;  if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin: in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the Church. Hereby the true Church may certainly be known, from which no man has a right to separate himself.  With respect to those, who are members of the Church, they may be known by the marks of Christians: namely, by faith; and when they have received Jesus Christ the only Savior, they avoid sin, follow after righteousness, love the true God and their neighbor, neither turn aside to the right or left, and crucify the flesh with the works thereof. But this is not to be understood, as if there did not remain in them great infirmities; but they fight against them through the Spirit, all the days of their life, continually taking their refuge in the blood, death, passion and obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ, “in whom they have remission of sins, through faith in him.” As for the false Church, she ascribes more power and authority to herself and her ordinances than to the Word of God, and will not submit herself to the yoke of Christ.  Neither does she administer the sacraments as appointed by Christ in his Word, but adds to and takes from them, as she thinks proper; she relieth more upon men than upon Christ; and persecutes those, who live holily according to the Word of God, and rebuke her for her errors, covetousness, and idolatry. These two Churches are easily known and distinguished from each other.  (Emphasis added.)

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