Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 8, 2011

“by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:19-20.

“19  Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;

20  because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight;  for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”  Romans 3:19-20.

——————————

The Scripture that follows today’s Scripture goes to great length and detail to teach that justification comes by faith, not by the works of the Law.  “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.”  Romans 3:28.  But, before it does, today’s Scripture first emphasizes:  “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight”.  

Man has a natural tendency to want to prove his own self-righteousness through his own virtues and the strength of his own willpower to obey the Law.  We see it in the church at Galatia, and we see it today in our own churches.  Paul admonished the Galatians:  “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?  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?”  Galatians 3:1-5.

Like today’s Scripture, Paul emphasized “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight” in the Book of Galatians.  Paul figuratively pounds the table in emphasizing this point.  “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 3:10-12. 

So, today, before we rush into the rest of Romans that emphasizes justification by faith, let us pause and consider that “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight”. 

How is that going to affect the way you live?

Are you going to work harder or believe more?

Are you going to focus more on self-improvement or God’s improvement of you?

Are you going to be more concerned about your own virtues or God’s attributes? 

Are you going to be more glad about what you have done or what God has done?

Are you going to focus more on yourself or God?

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 7, 2011

“Total Depravity” – Man’s only hope is the lovingkindness of God!

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:9-18.

“9   What then?  Are we better than they?  Not at all;  for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin;

10  as it is written,
   “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

11  THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
 
12  ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
 
13  “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,
WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”
“THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;
 
14  “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;
 
15  “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,
 
16  DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
 
17  AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”
 
18  “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”  Romans 3:9-18.
 
———————————–
 
“Total Depravity” of man, the “T” of “TULIP”, is presented in today’s Scripture.
 
What hope is there?  There is no hope in man.
 
Even in Psalm Chapter 36, from which the above-stated verse 18 comes, there is a clue.  Immediately following a similar description of “Total Depravity” in Psalm 36:1-4, in sharpest contrast to the “Total Depravity” of man,  there is the lovingkindness of God.
 
“5  Your lovingkindness, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
6  Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
Your judgments are like a great deep.
O LORD, You preserve man and beast.
7  How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8  They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
9  For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.”  Psalm 36:5-9.
 
The lovingkindness of God is the only hope for man.
 
When all is in total despair due to the “Total Depravity” of man, the lovingkindness of God comes to the rescue!
 
Like the lovingkindness of God is immediately presented after the “Total Depravity” of man in Psalm Chapter 36, “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP” is immediately presented in “TULIP” after “Total Depravity”.  Certainly, after reading today’s Scripture, we can better understand that there is no hope in man, there is no condition such as works or even faith, that man can present to God deserving election and salvation.  Man’s only hope is that God will unconditionally come to the rescue and show lovingkindness to some men, His elect.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | July 6, 2011

Plan A: “I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness”

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 3:1-8.

“1  Then what advantage has the Jew?  Or what is the benefit of circumcision?

2  Great in every respect.  First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

3  What then?  If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?

4  May it never be!  Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written,
“THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS,
AND PREVAIL WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED.”

5  But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say?  The God who inflicts wrath is not unrighteous, is He?  (I am speaking in human terms.)

6  May it never be!  For otherwise, how will God judge the world?

7  But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?

8  And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come”?  Their condemnation is just.”  Romans 3:1-8.

———————————–

There is no Plan B.  God did not set up Plan A in which God provided creation, the Law, and all the other oracles of God, and then man nullified that plan by still refusing to believe in God, so God had to then proceed with Plan B.  There has only been one plan and perfect execution of that plan.

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

“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ.  What I am saying is this:  the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.  For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise;  but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.”  Galatians 3:16-18.

Even going back to Adam, in His statement to the serpent, God promised a Savior:  “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed;  He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.”  Genesis 3:15.

“The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.”  Proverbs 16:4.

As today’s Scripture states:  “… our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God … “.  Romans 3:5. 

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8.

“…  In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.  …”  Ephesians 1:8-10.

“… He (God the Father) chose us in Him (God the Son, Jesus Christ) before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  …”.  Ephesians 1:4.
 

Plan A, the one and only plan, has been established by God to demonstrate God’s lovingkindness, justice and righteousness.  ““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 | July 4, 2011

The Circumcision of Christ

Today’s devotion comes from Romans 2:17-29.

“17  But if you bear the name “Jew” and rely upon the Law and boast in God,

18  and know His will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,

19  and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

20  a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,

21  you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself?  You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal?

22  You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?  You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

23  You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God?

24  For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written.

25  For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law;  but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
 
26  So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
 
27  And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?
 
28  For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
 
29  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;  and his praise is not from men, but from God.”  Romans 2:17-29.
 
——————————
 
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.”  1 Corinthians 7:19.
 
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”  Galatians 5:6.
 
“For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.”  Galatians 6:15.
 
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.  To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.  Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;  for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,”  Philippians 3:1-3.
 
“and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;”  Colossians 2:11.
 
In summary, we put no confidence in our flesh, that is, we put no confidence in our own ability to know the Law and obey the Law.  Instead, we trust Christ.  We put our confidence in the work of Christ Who, so to speak, circumcises us by removing the sinful flesh.  Christ makes us a new creation and fills us with His Spirit so that we do not walk according to our flesh but we walk according to His Spirit. 
 
“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;  against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:192-23.
 
Here is how Article 11 of The Canons of Dordt states it in part:
“… he opens the closed, and softens the hardened heart, and circumcises that which was uncircumcised, infuses new qualities into the will, which though heretofore dead, he quickens;  from being evil, disobedient and refractory, he renders it good, obedient, and pliable;  actuates and strengthens it, that like a good tree, it may bring forth the fruits of good actions.”

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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.
 
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“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.
 
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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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