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.
 
————————–
 
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.
 
————————————
 
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.

—————————

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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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 21, 2011

Whether in life or death, we belong to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 27:1-26 which covers Paul being sent to Rome by ship.  The sailing was slow for many days with difficulty.  At a certain point, Paul advised the men to harbor and not continue sailing, but his advice was not heeded.  Before very long, they encountered a violent wind.  The ship was caught in it and became violently storm-tossed.  They began to jettison the cargo.  Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned.  We will focus on Paul’s speech in the following verses.    

“21  When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss.

22  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.

23  For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me,

24  saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul;  you must stand before Caesar;  and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’

25  Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told.

26  But we must run aground on a certain island.”  Acts 27:21-26.

—————————-

There is a comfort that we belong to God.  Paul recognized that fact and said:  “For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul;  you must stand before Caesar;  and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ ”

We will face afflictions.  We read later that Paul was later ship-wrecked, but all their lives were indeed spared.  “… And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.”  Acts 27:44.  

Somehow, God will deliver us from all of our afflictions.  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19.

Someone may point out that we may die.  Yes, but, that does not mean that God does not deliver us out of all of our afflictions.  God delivers us from so many different kinds of afflictions so many times.  God saves our earthly lives so very many times.  But, even when we eventually do die, God delivers us from the afflictions of this earthly life to the peace, joy, and perfection of heavenly life.

The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us of the comfort that whether in life or death, we belong to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ.   

Question 1.  What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer.  That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ; who, with his precious blood, hath fully satisfied for all my sins, and delivered me from all the power of the devil;  and 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 therefore, by his Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 20, 2011

‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 26:24-32.

“24  While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind!  Your great learning is driving you mad.”

25  But Paul *said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.

26  For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice;  for this has not been done in a corner.

27  King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets?  I know that you do.”

28  Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

29  And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”

30  The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them,
 
31  and when they had gone aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.”
 
32  And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”  Acts 26:24-32.
 
————————————-
 
In today’s Scripture, Paul seems to be winning favor with at least King Agrippa, but alas, Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”  However, we realize the lack of release was not unfortunate, but according to the will of God in fulfillment with the words of Jesus in Acts 23:11.  “But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage;  for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”  Acts 23:11.
 
Thus, we are reminded that God “… works all things after the counsel of His will”.  Ephesians 1:11.
 
“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’;”  Isaiah 46:9-10.
 
That God will accomplish all of His good pleasure is not only the truth of God’s sovereignty, it also gives us great comfort.  “… 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 …”  Answer 1 to Question 1 of The Heidelberg Catechism.  
 
Let us go out this Monday, and even every day, with the truth of God’s sovereignty firmly fixed in our minds.  As Jesus commanded Paul, let us all “Take Courage”.  As taught in The Heidelberg Catechism, let us all also take comfort.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 19, 2011

What doth the resurrection of Christ profit us?

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 26:19-23 which continues Paul defense before King Agrippa.

“19  “So, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision,
 
20  but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.
 
21  For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death.
 
22  So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place;
 
23  that the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He would be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
 
—————————-
 
What is the meaning of Christ’s resurrection?  Why is it so important to us?
 
“20  But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.
 
21  For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.
 
22  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
 
23  But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming,
 
24  then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.
 
25  For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
 
26  The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
 
27  For HE HAS PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.  But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him.
 
28  When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”  1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
 

We learn at least two reasons in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 why Christ’s resurrection is so important.  First, we learn that “in Christ all will be made alive”.  In other words, we too experience resurrection in Christ.  Second, we learn that the resurrection is one more example of things, death in this case, put in subjection to Christ.  In other words, God’s sovereignty is completed.

Here is what The Heidelberg Catechism states:
 
“Question 45.  What doth the resurrection of Christ profit us?
 
Answer.  First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might make us partakers of that righteousness which he had purchased for us by his death;  secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life;  an lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 17, 2011

Man’s Condition: “hostile to God”. Man’s Hope: “Irresistable Grace”.

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 25:23 through Acts 26:18 which covers Paul appearing before King Agrippa who carried on the investigation as suggested by Festus the governor who wanted to have something more to write about Paul before sending him to Caesar.  We will focus on the following verses which are part of Paul’s defense against the charges.

“9  “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
 
10  And this is just what I did in Jerusalem;  not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them.
 
11  And as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme;  and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities.
 
12  “While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests,
 
13  at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me.
 
14  And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?  It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
 
15  And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’  And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
 
16  But get up and stand on your feet;  for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you;
 
17  rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you,
 
18  to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ ”  Acts 26:9-18.
 
———————————
 
From today’s Scripture, we learn a little more about “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”, the Reformed doctrine of salvation.  Paul, along with all other men in their fallen condition, is “hostile” to God.  See Acts 26:9. 
 
“because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;  for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,”  Romans 8:7.
 
“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,”  Colossians 1:21.
 
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.  Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”  Ephesians 2:1-3.
 
Therefore, it should not seem unusual to us to learn that Paul persecuted Christ, nor later, that both Jews and Gentiles persecuted Paul for teaching about Christ.
 
What hope is there?
 
We need a sovereign all powerful God to open our eyes and turn us around and bring us from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God.  See above Acts 26:18.  We need the “Irresistible Grace”, the “I” of “TULIP”, the Reformed doctrine of salvation.
 
As the following verses after the above-stated Ephesians 2:1-3 state, we need to be made alive.  “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, 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, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:4-9.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 16, 2011

“I also would like to hear the man myself.”

Today’s devotion comes from Acts 25:1-23 which covers Paul appearing before Festus who succeeded Felix the governor, Paul’s defense against the charges, and Paul’s appeal to Caesar.   We will focus on Festus describing this matter to King Agrippa who took interest.

“13  Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus.
 
14  While they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix;
 
15  and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him.
 
16  I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges.
 
17  So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man to be brought before me.
 
18  When the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting,
 
19  but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive.
 
20  Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters.
 
21  But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.”
 
22  Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.”  “Tomorrow,” he *said, “you shall hear him.”
 
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After Festus “laid Paul’s case before the king”, Agrippa said:  “I also would like to hear the man myself.”  And, Festus replied:  ““Tomorrow, you shall hear him.” 
 
It is noteworthy that Festus drew the interest of Agrippa.  The word of God can spread even through ungodly men.  In a sense, Festus was “peddling the word of God”, just as a matter of interest, telling a good story to win personal favor.
 
2 Corinthians 2:14-17 recognizes the difference between those who peddle the word of God and those who speak in sincerity.  2 Corinthians 2:14-17 recognizes the difference between those who react to this knowledge of Christ as an aroma of death and those who react to this knowledge of Christ as an aroma of life. 
 
“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.
 
15  For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 
 
16  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?
 
17  For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”  2 Corinthians 2:14-17.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | June 15, 2011

“always being ready to … give an account for the hope that is in you”

Today’s devotion  comes from Acts 23:23 through Acts 24:27 which covers Paul being brought to  Felix the governor, his defense against the charges, and his imprisonment.   We will focus on Paul’s defense in the following Acts 24:14-16.

“14   But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do  serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with  the Law and that is written in the Prophets;

15  having a hope in  God, which these men cherish themselves, that there
shall certainly be a  resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

16  In view of  this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before  God and before men.”  Acts  24:14-16.

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Paul’s experience in  today’s Scripture reminds us of Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:13-16.  In  summary, like Paul, we should always be ready to give an account for the hope  that is in us.

“13  Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous  for what is good?

14  But even if you should suffer for the sake of  righteousness, you are blessed.  AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO  NOT BE TROUBLED,

15  but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,  always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account  for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

16   and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered,  those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.”  1  Peter 3:13-16.

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