Michael Den Tandt:
"North America and Europe, geographic epicentres of the Occupy Wall Street movement, are the fattest of fat cats, globally speaking. For any North American, least of all a Canadian, to claim economic kinship with the globally disadvantaged is silly. Mention that to an Indian. Mention it to a Chinese. Cry me a river, will be the likely response. Followed by a wry chuckle, or perhaps an expletive. ... North Americans have little cause for complaint in a global context. Based on the UN data, bragging rights for the disenfranchised belong to the Chinese, Indians and Africans. Not to us. Not to anyone protesting on Bay Street, or in St. James Park, or anywhere in Western Europe, for that matter. ... The financial districts of Beijing, Mumbai and Nairobi, last time I checked, aren’t teeming with people yearning for the downfall of capitalism. Indeed, an attempt to launch Occupy Mumbai this week fizzled and died. That’s because, to most Indians, capitalism means investment and the possibility of a better job."
Read the entire article here.
(HT: Tim Challies)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A purpose in the pain: An Interview with Joni Eareckson Tada
The theme of the October 2011 issue of Tabletalk magazine is "Dealing With Death and Disease." One of the features in this edition of the magazine is an interview with Joni Eareckson Tada that's titled "A Purpose in the Pain." Her answers to the following questions are worth taking time to read:
Joni gave a message at the 2005 Desiring God National Conference titled "Suffering for the Sake Of." She also has a chapter in the book based on the conference (Suffering and the Sovereignty of God) titled "Hope . . . the Best of Things." The book is available free online at Desiring God.
- For our readers who are unfamiliar with your story, would you share how you became quadriplegic?
- When you first discovered that you would never use your arms and legs again, what went through your mind and how did you cope with this reality?
- Which passages of Scripture have given you encouragement during your struggles with disability and cancer?
- How important is it for a person with a disability to have the support of his or her family and church during such times?
- How would you encourage someone who has recently been diagnosed with a permanent illness or disability?
- What is the best way to help nondisabled people view disabled people as more than just the sum of their disabilities?
- Your most recent book is A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’ s Sovereignty. Can you tell us why you wrote this book?
- How doe's Joni and Friends International Disability Center impact the world today?
Joni gave a message at the 2005 Desiring God National Conference titled "Suffering for the Sake Of." She also has a chapter in the book based on the conference (Suffering and the Sovereignty of God) titled "Hope . . . the Best of Things." The book is available free online at Desiring God.
What is the core of your identity?
In his post "How I Wish the Homosexuality Debate Would Go," Trevin Wax gives a good example of how Christians may discuss with other people the hot-button issue of homosexuality.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
"If your Lord call you to suffering ...'
"If your Lord call you to suffering, be not dismayed; there shall be a new allowance of the King for you when ye come to it. One of the softest pillows Christ hath is laid under his witnesses' head, though often they must set down their bare feet among thorns." -- Rutherford, Samuel, and Ellen S. Lister. The Loveliness of Christ: Extracts from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2007. 1-2.
The deity of Christ
The Belgic Confession of Faith
Article 10: The Deity of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature, is the only Son of God—eternally begotten, not made or created, for then he would be a creature.
Christ is one in essence with the Father; coeternal; the exact image of the person of the Father and the “reflection of God’s glory,” (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3) being like God in all things.
Christ is the Son of God not only from the time Christ assumed our nature but from all eternity, as the following testimonies teach us when they are taken together.
Moses says that God created the world; (Gen. 1:1) and Saint John says that “all things came into being through the Word,” (John 1:3) which he calls God. The apostle says that God created the world through the Son (Heb. 1:2).
Article 10: The Deity of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature, is the only Son of God—eternally begotten, not made or created, for then he would be a creature.
Christ is one in essence with the Father; coeternal; the exact image of the person of the Father and the “reflection of God’s glory,” (Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3) being like God in all things.
Christ is the Son of God not only from the time Christ assumed our nature but from all eternity, as the following testimonies teach us when they are taken together.
Moses says that God created the world; (Gen. 1:1) and Saint John says that “all things came into being through the Word,” (John 1:3) which he calls God. The apostle says that God created the world through the Son (Heb. 1:2).
He also says that God created all things through Jesus Christ (Col. 1:17).
And so it must follow that the one who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jesus Christ already existed before creating all things.
Therefore the prophet Micah says that Christ’s origin is “from ancient days (Mic. 5:2). And the apostle says that the Son has “neither beginning of days nor end of life” (Heb. 7:3).
So then, Christ is the true eternal God, the Almighty, whom we invoke, worship, and serve.
And so it must follow that the one who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jesus Christ already existed before creating all things.
Therefore the prophet Micah says that Christ’s origin is “from ancient days (Mic. 5:2). And the apostle says that the Son has “neither beginning of days nor end of life” (Heb. 7:3).
So then, Christ is the true eternal God, the Almighty, whom we invoke, worship, and serve.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
I Am Debtor
The words below are from a song by Robert Murray McCheyne titled “I Am Debtor.” The song is the fifth of fourteen “Songs of Zion to cheer and guide pilgrims on their way to the heavenly Jerusalem.”
“I Am Debtor”
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see thee as thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When the praise of heaven I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make thy Spirit’s help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord,on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall—but still arise—
The Spirit comes—the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.
Oft the nights of sorrow reign—
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night thine anger burns—
Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! bid me show
To thy poor, how much I owe.
May, 1837.
The words may be found in one of the following two sources:
1. McCheyne, R. M. (1848). The Works of the Late Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne, Vol. 1 (360–361). New York: Robert Carter.
2. McCheyne, R. M., & Bonar, A. A. (1894). Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (579–580). Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier.
For a short biographical introduction of R.M. McCheyne, read, watch or listen to John Piper's meditations on McCheyne's life titled "He Kissed the Rose and Felt the Thorn: Living and Dying in the Morning of Life." To get better acquainted with McCheyne, get Bonar's "Memoir and Remains" (Logos edition) or McCheyne's works.
“I Am Debtor”
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see thee as thou art,
Love thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When the praise of heaven I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make thy Spirit’s help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord,on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall—but still arise—
The Spirit comes—the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.
Oft the nights of sorrow reign—
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night thine anger burns—
Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! bid me show
To thy poor, how much I owe.
May, 1837.
The words may be found in one of the following two sources:
1. McCheyne, R. M. (1848). The Works of the Late Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne, Vol. 1 (360–361). New York: Robert Carter.
2. McCheyne, R. M., & Bonar, A. A. (1894). Memoir and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (579–580). Edinburgh; London: Oliphant Anderson & Ferrier.
For a short biographical introduction of R.M. McCheyne, read, watch or listen to John Piper's meditations on McCheyne's life titled "He Kissed the Rose and Felt the Thorn: Living and Dying in the Morning of Life." To get better acquainted with McCheyne, get Bonar's "Memoir and Remains" (Logos edition) or McCheyne's works.
Monday, June 6, 2011
The proof of the ... Trinity of persons in one God
The Belgic Confession of Faith
Article 9: The Proof of the Foregoing Article of the Trinity of Persons in One God
All this we know as well from the testimonies of Holy Writ as from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourselves. The testimonies of the Holy Scriptures that teach us to believe this Holy Trinity are written in many places of the Old Testament, which are not so necessary to enumerate as to choose them out with discretion and judgment.
In Genesis 1:26–27, God says: Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness, etc. So God created man in His own image, male and female He created them. And Genesis 3:22, Behold, the man has become like one of Us. From this saying, Let Us make man in our image, it appears that there are more persons than one in the Godhead; and when He says, God created, He signifies the unity. It is true, He does not say how many persons there are, but that which appears to us somewhat obscure in the Old Testament is very plain in the New. For when our Lord was baptized in Jordan, the voice of the Father was heard, saying, This is My beloved Son (Matt. 3:17); the Son was seen in the water, and the Holy Spirit appeared descending like a dove. This form is also instituted by Christ in the baptism of all believers: Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). In the Gospel of Luke the angel Gabriel thus addressed Mary, the mother of our Lord: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Lk. 1:35). Likewise: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all (2 Cor. 13:14). And: There are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 Jn. 5:7)
In all these places we are fully taught that there are three Persons in one only divine essence. And although this doctrine far surpasses all human understanding, nevertheless we now believe it by means of the Word of God, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefit thereof in heaven.
Moreover, we must observe the particular offices and operations of these three Persons towards us. The Father is called our Creator, by His power; the Son is our Savior and Redeemer, by His blood; the Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier, by His dwelling in our hearts.
This doctrine of the Holy Trinity has always been affirmed and maintained by the true Church since the time of the apostles to this very day against the Jews, Mohammedans, and some false Christians and heretics, as Marcion, Manes, Praxeas, Sabellius, Samosatenus, Arius, and such like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers. Therefore, in this point, we do willingly receive the three creeds, namely, that of the Apostles, of Nicea, and of Athanasius; likewise that which, conformable thereunto, is agreed upon by the ancient fathers.
Article 9: The Proof of the Foregoing Article of the Trinity of Persons in One God
All this we know as well from the testimonies of Holy Writ as from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourselves. The testimonies of the Holy Scriptures that teach us to believe this Holy Trinity are written in many places of the Old Testament, which are not so necessary to enumerate as to choose them out with discretion and judgment.
In Genesis 1:26–27, God says: Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness, etc. So God created man in His own image, male and female He created them. And Genesis 3:22, Behold, the man has become like one of Us. From this saying, Let Us make man in our image, it appears that there are more persons than one in the Godhead; and when He says, God created, He signifies the unity. It is true, He does not say how many persons there are, but that which appears to us somewhat obscure in the Old Testament is very plain in the New. For when our Lord was baptized in Jordan, the voice of the Father was heard, saying, This is My beloved Son (Matt. 3:17); the Son was seen in the water, and the Holy Spirit appeared descending like a dove. This form is also instituted by Christ in the baptism of all believers: Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). In the Gospel of Luke the angel Gabriel thus addressed Mary, the mother of our Lord: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Lk. 1:35). Likewise: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all (2 Cor. 13:14). And: There are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 Jn. 5:7)
In all these places we are fully taught that there are three Persons in one only divine essence. And although this doctrine far surpasses all human understanding, nevertheless we now believe it by means of the Word of God, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefit thereof in heaven.
Moreover, we must observe the particular offices and operations of these three Persons towards us. The Father is called our Creator, by His power; the Son is our Savior and Redeemer, by His blood; the Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier, by His dwelling in our hearts.
This doctrine of the Holy Trinity has always been affirmed and maintained by the true Church since the time of the apostles to this very day against the Jews, Mohammedans, and some false Christians and heretics, as Marcion, Manes, Praxeas, Sabellius, Samosatenus, Arius, and such like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers. Therefore, in this point, we do willingly receive the three creeds, namely, that of the Apostles, of Nicea, and of Athanasius; likewise that which, conformable thereunto, is agreed upon by the ancient fathers.
Forgive all my sins
Daily Light Devotions - June 7 - Evening
Forgive all my sins.
Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 1
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 2
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." 3
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 4
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." 5
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 6
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 8
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 9
______________
1 Psa 25:18;
2 Isa 1:18;
3 Matt 9:2;
4 Isa 43:25;
5 Matt 9:6;
6 Eph 1:7;
7 Tit 3:5,6;
8 Col 2:13,14;
9 Psa 103:2,3
Forgive all my sins.
Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 1
"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 2
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." 3
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 4
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." 5
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 6
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 8
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 9
______________
1 Psa 25:18;
2 Isa 1:18;
3 Matt 9:2;
4 Isa 43:25;
5 Matt 9:6;
6 Eph 1:7;
7 Tit 3:5,6;
8 Col 2:13,14;
9 Psa 103:2,3
They ought always to pray and not lose heart
Daily Light Devotions - June 7 - Morning
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 1
And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 2
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 3
Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." 4
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 5
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 6
______________
1 Luke 18:1;
2 Luke 11:5-8;
3 Eph 6:18;
4 Gen 32:26,28;
5 Col 4:2;
6 Luke 6:12
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 1
And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 2
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 3
Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." 4
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 5
In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 6
______________
1 Luke 18:1;
2 Luke 11:5-8;
3 Eph 6:18;
4 Gen 32:26,28;
5 Col 4:2;
6 Luke 6:12
Sunday, June 5, 2011
God is one in essence, yet distinguished in three persons
The Belgic Confession of Faith
Article 8: God is One in Essence, Yet Distinguished in Three Persons
According to this truth and this Word of God, we believe in one only God, who is the one single essence, in which are three Persons, really, truly, and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties; namely, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father is the cause, origin, and beginning of all things visible and invisible; the Son is the word, wisdom, and the image of the Father; the Holy Spirit is the eternal power and might, proceeding from the Father and the Son. Nevertheless, God is not by this distinction divided into three, since the Holy Scriptures teach us that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit have each His personality, distinguished by Their properties; but in such wise that these three Persons are but one only God.
Hence, then, it is evident that the Father is not the Son, nor the Son the Father, and likewise the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son. Nevertheless, these Persons thus distinguished are not divided, nor intermixed; for the Father has not assumed the flesh, nor has the Holy Spirit, but the Son only. The Father has never been without His Son, or without His Holy Spirit. For They are all three co-eternal and coessential. There is neither first nor last; for They are all three one, in truth, in power, in goodness, and in mercy.
Article 8: God is One in Essence, Yet Distinguished in Three Persons
According to this truth and this Word of God, we believe in one only God, who is the one single essence, in which are three Persons, really, truly, and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties; namely, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father is the cause, origin, and beginning of all things visible and invisible; the Son is the word, wisdom, and the image of the Father; the Holy Spirit is the eternal power and might, proceeding from the Father and the Son. Nevertheless, God is not by this distinction divided into three, since the Holy Scriptures teach us that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit have each His personality, distinguished by Their properties; but in such wise that these three Persons are but one only God.
Hence, then, it is evident that the Father is not the Son, nor the Son the Father, and likewise the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son. Nevertheless, these Persons thus distinguished are not divided, nor intermixed; for the Father has not assumed the flesh, nor has the Holy Spirit, but the Son only. The Father has never been without His Son, or without His Holy Spirit. For They are all three co-eternal and coessential. There is neither first nor last; for They are all three one, in truth, in power, in goodness, and in mercy.
A new and living way
Daily Light Devotions - June 6 - Evening
A new and living way.
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 1
Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 2
but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 3
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 4
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 5
and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 6
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 7
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 8
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 9
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 10
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 11
______________
1 Heb 10:20;
2 Gen 4:16;
3 Isa 59:2;
4 Heb 12:14;
5 John 14:6;
6 2 Tim 1:10;
7 Heb 9:8;
8 Eph 2:14;
9 Matt 27:51;
10 Matt 7:14;
11 Psa 16:11
A new and living way.
by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 1
Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 2
but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 3
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 4
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 5
and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 6
By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 7
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 8
And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 9
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 10
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 11
______________
1 Heb 10:20;
2 Gen 4:16;
3 Isa 59:2;
4 Heb 12:14;
5 John 14:6;
6 2 Tim 1:10;
7 Heb 9:8;
8 Eph 2:14;
9 Matt 27:51;
10 Matt 7:14;
11 Psa 16:11
He will rest in his love
Daily Light Devotions - June 6 - Morning
He will rest in his love.
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 1
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 2
We love because he first loved us. 3
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 4
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 5
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 6
and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." 7
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 8
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 9
______________
1 Zep 3:17;
2 Deut 7:7,8;
3 1 John 4:19;
4 Col 1:21,22;
5 1 John 4:10;
6 Rom 5:8;
7 Matt 3:17;
8 John 10:17;
9 Heb 1:2,3
He will rest in his love.
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 1
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 2
We love because he first loved us. 3
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 4
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 5
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 6
and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." 7
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 8
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 9
______________
1 Zep 3:17;
2 Deut 7:7,8;
3 1 John 4:19;
4 Col 1:21,22;
5 1 John 4:10;
6 Rom 5:8;
7 Matt 3:17;
8 John 10:17;
9 Heb 1:2,3
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