Spiritual Sonship

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father (Romans 8:15, KJV).

Furthermore, all the sons of God have the feelings of adopted children toward their Facher in heaven. What says the Scripture? "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15)! The sons of God are delivered from that slavish tear of God which sin begets in the natural heart. They are redeemed from that feeling of guilt which made Adam hide himself in the trees of the garden and Cain go out from the presence of the Lord. They are no longer afraid of God's holiness and justice and majesty. They no longer feel as if there was a great gulf and barrier between themselves and God—and as if God was angry with them, and must be angry with them, because of their sins. From these chains and fetters of soul the sons of God are delivered.

Their feelings toward God are now those of peace and confidence.

They see Him as a Father reconciled in Christ Jesus. They look on Him as a God whose attributes are all satisfied by their great Mediator and peacemaker, the Lord Jesus, as a God who is just and yet the justifier of everyone who believes on Jesus. As a Father, they draw near to Him with boldness. As a Father, they can speak to Him with freedom. They have exchanged the spirit of bondage for that of liberty, and the spirit of fear for that of love. They know that God is holy, but they are not afraid.

They know that they are sinners, but they are not afraid. Though holy, they believe that God is completely reconciled. Though sinners, they believe they are clothed all over with Jesus Christ. Such is the feeling of the sons of God.

Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle

What Good Comes Out of Suffering?

We all know Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Many people quote or read that verse to one who is going through suffering which may seem innocent at first, yet we tend to leave them wondering what good this hard time will bring about.

As I mentioned in a previous post that the good that Romans 8:28 speaks of is conformity to the likeness of Christ as mentions in Romans 8:29-30. In the beginning of the book of James, the Bible says:

Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith brings about perseverance. And let perseverance have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4).

Trials comes in many forms, and they will assist us in becoming more maturing believers in Christ. Yes, it is painful, but it is necessary for us as we walk with the Lord in this life. 

Our suffering is not just for our benefit, but it is also for the church. In 2 Corinthians 1, we see that God is the God of all comfort. God comforts us through His Word and He also comforts us through the church. The Bible says:

For just as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. But whether we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or whether we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is working in your perseverance in the same sufferings which we also suffer. And our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort. For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even to live.

Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not have confidence in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who rescued us from so great a peril of death, and will rescue us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet rescue us, you also joining in helping us through your prayers on our behalf, so that thanks may be given on our behalf by many persons for the gracious gift bestowed on us through the prayers of many (2 Corinthians 1:5-11).

Romans 12:15 says "weep with those who weep." When a fellow believer goes through suffering, the whole church suffers with them. We comfort them as best we can and one way we can do it is to pray for them. The church comes together when suffering occurs whether in an individual believer or the whole corporate body of believers. 

The good that comes out of suffering is believer conform to the likeness of Christ, and the church come together to comfort those who are suffering. 

What is Zeal in Religion?

Zeal in religion is a burning desire to please God, to do His will, and to advance His glory in the world in every possible way. It is a desire which no human feels by nature, which the Spirit puts into the hen of every believer when he or she is converted, but which some belies feel so much more strongly than others, that they alone deserve to be called zealous Christians. This desire is so strong when it really reigns in believers that it impels them to make any sacrifice, to go through any trouble, to self-deny to any amount, to suffer, to work, to labor, to toil, to spend and be spent, and even to die, if only they can please God and honor Christ.

A zealous man is preeminently a man of one thing. It is not enough to say that he is earnest, hearty, uncompromising, thoroughgoing, wholehearted, fervent in spirit. He sees only one thing, he cares for one thing, he lives for one thing, he is swallowed up in one thing — and that one thing is to please God. Whether he lives or dies, whether he has health or sickness, whether he is rich or poor; whether he pleases man or gives offense; whether he is thought wise or foolish; whether he gets blame or praise; whether he gets honor or shame —for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all. He burns for one thing, and that one thing is to please God and to advance God's glory. If he is consumed in the very burning, he is not worried; he is content.

Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle

Resting in Christ

The rest that Christ gives is an inward thing, It is rest of her, rest d conscience, rest of mind, rest of affection, rest of will. It is rest from a comfortable sense of sins being all forgiven and guilt all put away; it is rest from a solid hope of good things to come, laid up beyond the reach of disease, and death, and the grave. It is rest from the well-grounded feeling that the great business of life is settled, its great end provided for; that in time all is well done; and in eternity heaven will be our home.

Rest such as this the Lord Jesus gives to those who come to Him y showing them His own finished work on the cross, by clothing them in His own perfect righteousness, and washing them in His own precious blood. When a man begins to see that the Son of God actually died for his sins, his soul begins to taste something of inward quiet and peace.

Rest such as this the Lord Jesus gives to those who come to Him by revealing Himself as their ever-living High Priest in heaven, and God reconciled to them through Him. When a man begins to see that the Son of God actually lives to intercede for him, he will begin to feel something of inward quiet and peace.

Rest such as this the Lord Jesus gives to those who come to Him by implanting His Spirit in their hearts and witnessing with their spirits that they are God's children. When a man begins to feel an inward drawing toward God as a father and a sense of being an adopted and forgiven child, his soul begins to feel something of quiet and peace!

Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle

Trusting God in the Little Things

Recently, I learned that one of my doctors who I have been seeing for nearly two decades is retiring. I have to been honest that while I am happy for him and I am not thrilled he is retiring. I have been seeing this man for a long time and trust his care. I am not sure if how excited I will be getting a new doctor who I will see later this year. In fact, I am not even sure who I will be seeing.

As I thought about this, one thought came to mind and that was do I trust God in His providential care to put me with the right doctor. Psalm 62:8 says we are to trust God all times even times like not knowing who your new doctor is. In fact, we need to trust God even in the little things of life.

While getting a new doctor may not seem a little thing, it is little compared to eternity. When was the last you trusted in the Lord for breathable air, appliances in your house to be working, the car will start, or hoping the dog does not vomit all over the rug you just vacuum? Those may seem superficial compared to other matters, but we are to trust God all times even those things I mentioned do not go the way we hope.

Trusting in God all times does not mean just when times are bad, but also when times are good and even in the smallest things that may seem trivial. 

Never Take Credit for What God Has Done

Let's admit it, mankind are glory hounds. We like to take credit for most, if not all, of the work we do. We like to get recognition for the achievements we accomplish. 

The church is no exception. Some churches love to recognize people for their years of service. One church I know gives a championship belt to a staff member every month as their champion for being a such a hard worker. 

There is nothing wrong with being recognized for hard work or years of service, but there is something wrong when we take credit for something God has done.

As one who went through cancer, many were congratulating me over the years for staying healthy, which is really foolish. Cancer is something I cannot control. People will tell me that I beat it. No, I did not.

Yes, I went to the doctor, got myself checked out, and then went through chemotherapy, yet it was God who healed me. No, it was not a miracle. God used conventional means to make me well. When someone says, "I beat cancer," I simply reply, "I will never take credit for what God did." 

Recently, I had a conversation with a family member who was going through some rough stuff over the past couple of years including almost abandoning the faith. I expressed how far that person has come. My family member replied, "I cannot take credit for what the Lord has done."

As Christians, we can never take credit for what the Lord has done whether is it being healed of an illness or someone coming to faith in Christ. We can never take credit for our own salvation because it is God who saved us, not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Christians, give all glory and honor to God even in your achievements, for everything we have comes from Him. 

Boasting in the Cross

What do we think and feel about the cross of Christ? We live in a Christian land. We probably attend the worship of a Christian church. We have, most of us, been baptized in the name of Christ. We profess and call ourselves Christians. All this is well, it is more than can be said of millions in the world. But what do we think and feel about the cross of Christ?

I want to examine what one of the greatest Christians who ever lived, thought of the cross of Christ. He has written down his opinion, he has given his judgment in words that cannot be mistaken. The man I mean is the apostle Paul. The place where you will find his opinion is in the letter that the Holy Spirit inspired him to write to the Galatians. The words in which his judgment is set down are these: "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Now what did Paul mean by saying this? He meant to declare strongly that he trusted in nothing but Jesus Christ crucified for the pardon of his sins and the salvation of his soul. Let others, if they would look elsewhere for salvation; let others, if they were so disposed, trust in other things for pardon and peace, for his part the apostle was determined to rest on nothing, lean on nothing, build his hope on nothing, place confidence in nothing, boast in nothing, except in the cross of Jesus Christ. Paul boasted in nothing but the cross. Strive to be like him.

Set Jesus crucified fully before the eyes of your soul. Listen not to any teaching that would interpose anything between you and Him. Do not give Chris's honor to another. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:31).

Adapted from Our Great Redeemer: 365 Days with J. C. Ryle

The Man Who Was Crucified Beside Him

The Friday of Passion Week is known as Good Friday. The origin of the term is uncertain. Most of us have heard at least one sermon about what makes Good Friday good, the answer being that on that day the greatest good since the creation of the world was accomplished. But there is another tradition that suggests the origin lies in the Old English: God’s Friday. This day commemorates the work of God for our salvation. But did anyone who participated in the events that day think of it as a good Friday? It certainly didn’t seem good for any of the people we’ve been looking at this week—Judas Iscariot, Simon Peter, Pontius Pilate, Simon of Cyrene, and others. Mary was losing her Son. John was watching his best friend die. The Roman centurion might have looked back on it as a turning point in his life, but we can’t be sure. 

Even the religious leaders who engineered our Lord’s crucifixion had all kinds of anxieties about the day. After all, they’d been trying to avoid Jesus being executed at the time of the Feast of the Passover. But there was one man for whom the day started as the worst day of his life but ended as the best (as well as the last) day of his life. In the morning, he had been dragged with two others from his prison cell and forced to carry the instrument of his own crucifixion. From around midday, he began to experience the agony of crucifixion, a torturous form of execution that led the great Roman orator Cicero to say that the very word should be absent from the lips of a Roman citizen. Sometimes it could take days for a man to die, ultimately by asphyxiation. 

Perhaps all this man could hope for was that since Passover was about to begin, the execution squad would show mercy and do something to hasten his end. At first, he had the strength to curse anything and everything. He noticed that the crowd that had gathered seemed focused on the man hanging on the cross beside him. They were mocking Him. What must have struck him was that the chief priests were there, too. That was strange. Wasn’t one of the most sacred days in the year about to begin? What were they doing there, and why were they mocking Him? He could surely hear what they were shouting: “So You saved others, did You? Let’s see You save Yourself” and: “If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down now from the cross. Then we’ll believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let’s see if God really cares about Him. He said He was the Son of God. Look at the Son of God now” (see Matt. 27:40–43). At first, he joined in the shouts. He was in agony, and he was angry. But then he heard an echo of his own words from the other criminal being executed along with him: “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (Luke 23:39). The words were bitter. They were words of anger and hatred. But the man hanging on the center cross beside him was without anger or bitterness. He had prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (v. 34). And something happened in the man’s heart. He shouted over to the criminal on the other side: “We deserve this, but He doesn’t. He has done nothing wrong” (see vv. 40–41). 

It felt as though he’d been struggling in his pain to solve a puzzle, and now the pieces were beginning to come together. This man who had somehow saved others must be Jesus of Nazareth. Most people in Jerusalem seemed to know what He had done. Could that notice on His cross be true: “This is the King of the Jews” (v. 38)? And that prayer for the forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him—that was amazing. I don’t suppose he could put it all completely together, but this much was clear: this was the King, the Messiah who had been promised, who could open the gate to the kingdom of God. What should he do? What could he say? He turned his head to Jesus and said these never-to-be-forgotten words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42). 

That Friday began as the worst day of his life. It was the last day of his life. But it was the best day of his life because the Lord Jesus said to him, “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43). It wasn’t an easy road that brought him to Jesus. It was strewn with his own sin and failure. But at last, he was brought near to Jesus to recognize Him as Savior and King, to turn to Him, to cast himself on His mercy, and to find forgiveness and eternal life. And now he is with Jesus in paradise. That is what made this Friday “Good Friday” for him, and it’s the only thing that can make it good for us, too.

Adapted from Things Unseen: One Year of Reflections on the Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson

Book Review: Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung

Systematic Theology is a subject most Christians do not study because they think it is only for those in seminary. Sadly, there are some pastors that think it as well. There have been many great theological books over the centuries yet most of them are not read because of their length. A lot of them are not for just the layperson in the pew.

Kevin DeYoung has written a book designed for anyone to pick and read about theological subjects in a simple, devotional format titled, Daily Doctrine. The subtitle of the book says, "A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology." One site has it advertised as a 365-day devotional. One thing that must be pointed is this is not a 365-day devotional. It is a 52-week devotional but there are only five entries per week. 

This book brakes down into different theological subjects such as the doctrine of scripture, the works and being of God, the doctrine of man, Christology including His work and the salvation He offers, the doctrine of the church, and eschatology. DeYoung also covers Covenant Theology, which he does from a paedobaptist point of view, which he does briefly address Baptist Covenant Theology in one entry. 

Writing on the subject of Systematic Theology is not an easy take, but to do in a devotional format is quite another. The print for each entry does not take up a lot of pages so that the devotionals are not lengthy so those who are new to Systematic Theology can follow along easily. Granted I think DeYoung could have written more since he did not write 365 entries in what is supposed to be a year-long devotional book. 

As I mentioned earlier, this devotional is from a paedobaptist covenant theological perspective so those who attend a Baptist church and are new believers might be a little confused to when DeYoung discusses infant baptism rather than believer's baptism. There might be some who are not covenantal who might not agree with everything DeYoung has written but might be blessed by the book. 

One thing that might be confusing for former Roman Catholics is why is a Protestant Minister and writer using material from Thomas Aquinas a Roman Catholic theologian and has been called the Angelic Doctor by Rome. Granted some quote Aquinas to critique him, but DeYoung seems to affirm the writings he uses in the devotional. I know DeYoung is part of the Classical Theism movement also known as Scholasticism that seeks to retrieve Aquinas for the Protestant Church, which John Frame has said he those who are part of this movement head to Rome meaning they become Roman Catholic. 

This devotional would be a good introduction to Systematic Theology, but it was lacking in some areas that more could have been written. DeYoung did do a decent job taking Systematic Theology and make into a devotional.

I received this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

Taking God’s Name in Vain

The third commandment instructs us not to take the name of the Lord in vain. I suppose for most people, that means only one thing: don’t use swear words and especially don’t use God’s name as a swear word. Of course, that is right. But it’s more than that. What God is forbidding here is using His name lightly or thoughtlessly, as though neither God nor His name were of any importance to us. What marks out the true believer is that he or she loves the Lord’s name and exults in Him (see Ps. 5:11). We can think about this in terms of the two Testaments of the Bible, Old and New. In the days of the Old Testament, the high priest was to bless the people. 

The specific blessing, sometimes called the Aaronic benediction, is recorded in Numbers 6:24–26: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. These are beautiful words, and they describe the wonderful privilege of God shining on His people. Think about it: the face of God turning toward His people in love and smiling at them. But do you remember the words that follow? God says this about the priests: “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them” (Num. 6:27). When the people of God received this blessing, God was putting His name on them. Therefore, to take the name of the Lord in vain was to accept the Lord’s benediction and then go off and live as if one had never received it. It seems almost impossible that someone would feel the smile of God in His benediction and then live as though it really didn’t mean anything to him or to her. But before we look down our noses at Old Testament believers, let’s remember the other occasion when God’s name is said to be put on people—and this time, it’s referring to people like you and me, New Testament believers. It happened when you were baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I hope we all understand that this is a bigger blessing than the Aaronic blessing. But here’s the challenge: Am I living as though that never happened? 

Am I living as though my baptism was just an empty sign, or merely a sign of something I did in the past that doesn’t really matter today? If so, I couldn’t be further from the truth or more deluded. I’m no longer on safe ground. In fact, Exodus 20 tells me that I’m on dangerous ground. I’ve emptied the name of God that was put upon me of all its significance. He has pronounced a benediction, but I’ve forfeited the blessing by the way I live. Paul wrote about this in Romans 6 to counteract the idea that because God has been gracious to us, it doesn’t really matter how we live, or even if we dishonor God’s name. He says, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). In other words, don’t you know the meaning of your baptism? Don’t you know that the name of Christ was placed upon you? 

If the name of the Lord has been put on you in baptism, then the rest of your life should be one in which you give yourself entirely to the Lord, whose name has been placed upon you. Perhaps today you are tempted to take the Lord’s name in vain, to empty your baptism of all its significance. Don’t do that. Remember the family name that has been placed on you and live as a member of the family of God.

Adapted from Things Unseen: One Year of Reflections on the Christian Life by Sinclair Ferguson

God's Kindness Leads to Repentance

Romans 2:4 says that God's kindness leads us to repentance. Many think this is a one-time deal as we come to receive Christ as Lord.  I personally believe that God's kindness will always lead a believer to repentance as he/she goes on in this journey walking with Jesus.

James 3:2 says we all stumble in many ways, yet "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, And He has not rewarded us according to our iniquities" (Psalm 103:10). Let that resonate in your minds. God does not deal with us according to our sins. He does not give us what we deserve, which one of them of His kindness that leads to repentance. 

The Bible says:

For we ourselves also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. But when the kindness and affection of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not by works which we did in righteousness, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

God, in His kindness, has given us Christ. Christ came to save us from our sins. 

In His kindness, God has given us the ability to confess our sins. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When do sins, in His kindness, we have been given an advocate who speaks to the Father on our behalf, Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). 

We can repent of our sins because of the kindness of God.

Romans 8:28 is Not All About You

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

I have not listened to Christian radio in a long time. Most of the music is man-centered and a lot of it is from questionable sources. Recently, I decided to turn on a Christian radio station to see what was playing, and I caught a little devotional from Levi Lesko regarding Romans 8:28. Now I did not hear the entire devotion but caught of the end of it where Lesko read the passage and said these words, "Romans 8:28 is about you."

Insert a facepalm gif.

After he said that, Lesko continued saying that God is working things out for your next step whatever that means. What amazes me is how sometimes we get this passage and assume it's all about us. Sometimes we quote it to someone when he/she is going through a trial and think this is why God allowed this to happen. Truth is we will never know why certain things happen in our lives and expect an answer from God as if He owes us an explanation.

However, Romans 8:28 is not written just about you. Now it is written for you, but it is not all about you. Notice the One who will work all things together for good. It is God. 

What is the good Romans 8:28 mentions? The answer is in the following verses:

Because 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 brothers; and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified (Romans 8:29-30).

The good God is working is you and me is to conform us to the image of Christ. Everything that happens in our lives is God pruning us to be more like Jesus. It is not getting our next step or whatever that means. It is God making us like His Son.

Paul told the Philippian church, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). This good work is, as Romans 8:29 says, being comforted to the image of Christ.

Romans 8:28 is not all about you. Romans 8:28 is about God making you like Jesus. 

How is the Word Living?

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

How is the word of God living? Matthew Henry, in his commentary on this passage, wrote:

...it is very lively and active, in all its efforts, in seizing the conscience of the sinner, in cutting him to the heart, and in comforting him and binding up the wounds of the soul. Those know not the word of God who call it a dead letter; it is quick, compared to the light, and nothing quicker than the light; it is not only quick, but quickening; it is a vital light; it is a living word...Saints die, and sinners die; but the word of God lives.

The word is living and powerful that it can convict. Henry continues:

When God sets it home by his Spirit, it convinces powerfully, converts powerfully, and comforts powerfully. It is so powerful as to pull down strong holds...to raise the dead, to make the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. It is powerful to batter down Satan’s kingdom, and to set up the kingdom of Christ upon the ruins thereof. 

The word is living that is can also cut. Henry explains:

It is the two-edged sword that cometh out of the mouth of Christ...It is sharper than any two-edged sword, for it will enter where no other sword can, and make a more critical dissection: it pierces to the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, the soul and its habitual prevailing temper; it makes a soul that has been a long time of a proud spirit to be humble, of a perverse spirit to be meek and obedient. Those sinful habits that have become as it were natural to the soul, and rooted deeply in it, and become in a manner one with it, are separated and cut off by this sword. It cuts off ignorance from the understanding, rebellion from the will, and enmity from the mind, which, when carnal, is enmity itself against God. This sword divides between the joints and the marrow, the most secret, close, and intimate parts of the body; this sword can cut off the lusts of the flesh as well as the lusts of the mind, and make men willing to undergo the sharpest operation for the mortifying of sin. 

The word is living that it can also discern. Once more, Henry:

It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, even the most secret and remote thoughts and designs. It will discover to men the variety of their thoughts and purposes, the vileness of them, the bad principles they are actuated by, the sinister and sinful ends they act to. The word will turn the inside of a sinner out, and let him see all that is in his heart. Now such a word as this must needs be a great help to our faith and obedience.

The New Year has Begun

Last week we began a new year. With a new year comes goals that we have set aside to achieve. Most people will have made a New Year's resolution which includes losing weight, kicking a bad habit, or starting something new.

Also, with the new year comes a lot of challenges and the unknown. No one knows the future, nor can we predict what will happen although there are some things, we know that will take place this year such as the 2024 presidential election here in the United States. 

We can have confidence knowing that no matter what happens this year, God is still sovereign. He is still in control of all circumstances even though we may not understand what is going or why a particular event took place or will take place as the case may be as 2024 moves on.

The Bible we see Joshua who was given a word from Yahweh as he is about to lead the nation of Israel to the Promise Land:

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ attendant, saying,

“Moses My servant is dead; so now arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.

From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

Only be strong and very courageous to be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be prosperous wherever you go.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:1-9 (LSB)

A few things in this passage that we can apply in our lives as we continue through the new year. First, God is with us. "Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). We can take great joy and comfort knowing that just as God was with Moses and Joshua, He is also with us. Jesus promised He will be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Second, "Be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6). When things go wrong or new challenges come our way, be strong and courageous. Why? God is with us. 

Third, obey the word of God. "Only be strong and very courageous to be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be prosperous wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7). God is commanding Joshua again to be strong and courageous but in obeying the words of the law that Moses gave him. In our context, we can be strong and courageous as we obey God's Word and to stand firm in the faith. Whether it is costs us a relationship, job, or a peace of mind because it was the easy way out, be strong and stand on the promises of God.

Fourth, mediate on the Word of God. "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful, and then you will be prosperous" (Joshua 1:8). As we obey God's Word, we should have our minds on God's Word. Biblical mediation is different than what the world believes especially in the New Age Movement. Worldly mediation is emptying your mind. Biblical mediation is filling your mind. We fill our minds with the truth of God's Word in the Bible. "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2). Those who mediate on the Bible are considered blessed: "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of Yahweh, And in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2).

Finally, be strong and courageous. Hold on. Wasn't that already mentioned? God asks a rhetorical question, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!" (Joshua 1:9a). Joshua is told once again to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel to the Promise Land. For us, we are reminded throughout the Bible to fear not. We are reminded that God has us in His hands and nothing, including yourself, can separate you from His love. "Do not be in dread or be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9b). 

God is with us this new year. We are to stay strong and hold fast to His Word. 

Book Review: The Way of A Christian

John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most popular books in the Christian church. Some pastors and theologians has stated this is the best book to read outside the Bible. The book has been republished more than a lot of fictional books and the language has been updated more than any other literally work. There are a few movie adaptation to Bunyan's classic including an animated movie which released in 2019.

This book, The Way of A Christian, is a devotional book based on The Pilgrim's Progress. I have to admit I had some challenges reading this devotional for a couple of reasons. First, I have yet read The Pilgrim's Progress all the way through. As most of you know, this is an allegorical story, which is also a work of fiction. I have have a love/hate relationship with the fiction genre. I can read a 1,000 page book on systematic theology without breaking a sweat. However, when it comes to fiction, I struggle keeping up with the story that I want to put the book down and see if there was a visual or audio version of the book, which I am not following the exhortation from the classic Christian band, White Heart, which one of their albums is titled, "Don't Wait for the Movie."

Second, this book is published by Chosen Books, which publishes mostly book teaching Charismatic Theology. So I am preparing myself for teaching that is going to be far left-field. I am believe in the doctrines of grace and also am a cessationist which believes the Apostolic sign gifts such as healing and speaking in tongues have ceased. It is does not make God has stopped healing or doing miracles. It also does not mean that spiritual gifts such as teaching, giving, and hospitality has ceased. 

The third challenge as I gaze into this devotional is the author of the work is not identified. I have searched for who wrote this devotional, but was unsuccessful. So that puts me, and anyone, at a disadvantage not knowing who wrote this book, but we do know the devotions are based on Bunyan's work. 

The subtitle to this devotional says, "Life Lessons from Pilgrim's Progress." So the writer of this devotional takes elements from Bunyan's work and help apply to its readers. The goal is for the reader to have a deeper walk with Jesus, which that should be the goal of any devotional book. However, they want the reader to also live a victorious life, which is something Charismatics teach all the time. Yes, Christ is the One who has overcome the world and He has the victory, but no where in Scripture are we to live a victorious life. 

There are Bible verses in this devotional, but life a certain bestselling book from a man who claimed to have trained over 1 million pastors, the writer uses different Bible translations to suit what they want to communicate. The writer uses such translations as Contemporary English Version (CEV), GOD'S WORD Translation, and New Living Translation (NLT). They even uses versions of the Bible that are not even translations at all such as the Voice (I am not referring to the singing competition show) and the Passion Translation. The New American Bible (NAB) is also used which is what the Roman Catholic church uses. 

At the end of the book, the writer attempts to present the gospel which is something that I appreciate. It did say that Jesus came to wash us of our sins, but there was no mention of repentance. The writer goes on to say that we are a child of heaven (Child of God is the more appropriate term), who has been born of Christ's blood and confirmed by baptism in water and by His Spirit. Yes, Christ's blood atoned for our sins. Yes, we are baptized by immersion to be identified as believers. Yes, every Christ has been baptized by the Spirit but not in the way the Charismatics teach. We are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit as Ephesians 1 tells us. In short, this gospel presentation fell flat.

As I mentioned, there were some challenges in reading this book. I wanted to be fair. There are some agreements I have with the book, but I think what everyone needs to do is have their Bibles opened next them as they read Pilgrim's Progress and just leave this book out of it.

I received this book from Chosen Books in exchange for a review.

All for the Glory of God

As Christians living in the 21st century, what should be our ultimate goal? We have the goal of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10),  and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). We are commanded to love Christ by obeying Him (John 14:15). We are also commanded to love another as all would know we are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35).

The one thing that all Christians are to do is glorify God. Isaiah 43:7 says that we are created for God's glory. Ephesians 1 tells us that our adoption, redemption, and being seals in the Spirit is to the praise of God's glory. Romans 12:1 says we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifice that is acceptable to God. 

All of our lives are to be lived for the glory of God:

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, LSB). 

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God 

(1 Corinthians 10:31, LSB).

All we do is for the glory of God. Doesn't matter if you are a student, housewife, electrician, teacher, or pastor. I believe it was Willian Tyndale who said, "There is a difference between preaching the gospel and washing the dishes, but there is no difference in glorifying God." We are to bring God glory even if our jobs seems meaningless. We are to bring God glory even if live is hard at this moment. 

Give God all the glory today. 

Book Review: God With Us by Justin Holcomb

Jesus Christ is the most read about person in history. There have been more books about Him as well movies and TV shows. Jesus is the most studied individual in all of history. There are books in bookstores that address the person of Christ both Christian and non-Christian. Jesus is the most talked about Man in all of history. 

The Bible shows us who Jesus is and what He has done. As we study the Bible, we come to know Him. We cannot know Christ apart from the Bible and, as Steven Lawson says, "We cannot follow Christ apart from the Bible." 

There are many great books that have been written about Jesus Christ whether commentaries or seminary textbooks. There have also been devotionals written about Christ to assist you to follow Him and know Him. Justin Holcomb has compiled a devotional that assist believers to know more about the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is titled, God With Us.

Holcomb serves as an Episcopal priest, teaches theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, and has authored a few books. Holcomb is the editor of this devotional which includes writings from theologians such as John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, Horatius Bonar, Charles Spurgeon, B.B. Warfield, and more. It even contains portions of the Heidelberg Catechism . There are other authors, who I am not familiar with.

Reviewing a devotional is challenging because you have to look at an entire year's worth of reading. I will say that each page contains a verse for day, as with a majority of daily devotionals, followed by writings on Christ. Some are brief, some are not, but each devotional is one page in length, which is perfect to accompanied daily Bible reading. 

Overall, I did not see anything heretical or unbiblical in the teachings of each entry.  You may not agree with everything in this book, but it will help you meditate on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for a review.

The Good That God Works Together

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, LSB).

This verse is quoted quite frequently to someone who is going through a hard time. There is nothing wrong with giving encouragement to a fellow believer while suffering, but there are times when believers can't see the good in the situation they are in. I think there are times this verse has been used and abused because we do not understand the good that God works together.

Many think the good will be getting a new job, a relationship being reconciled, or someone getting healed from a disease. Those are good things and we hope that the Lord will do that, but is that the good Romans 8:28 addresses? The answer lies in the next verse:

Because 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 brothers (Romans 8:29, LSB) 

The good that God works together is to be conformed to the image of Christ. All our hardships and trials are to mature us. We are being made into the likeness of Christ. Notice the Apostle Paul said "all things." This means in everything from the mundane to the difficult trial before you,  God works together for good to be conformed to the image of Christ. This process will continue till the day we die or the Lord returns. The Apostle Paul wrote:

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6, LSB). 

The good work of being conformed to the likeness of Christ will be completed by the Father. 

God's Word Stands Forever

The grass withers, the flower fades, 

But the word of our God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8, LSB).

One of the best things about the winter season is there not a whole lot of gardening to do, which in my case, consists of mowing the yard. I love mowing the grass, but there are times it seems that after I mow it, the grass grows back over night. 

In winter, the grass is not as green as in Spring time. It does not grow as other seasons, but it is still there. Whenever there is a freeze warning, people are encouraged to bring their plants in so they will not die. Back in February, we had a snow storm that resulted in losing six shrubs in front of our house. Thankfully, all the potted plants survived. 

The Prophets Isaiah gives us a perfect illustration when it comes to the word of God comparing it to grass and flowers. There is no comparison. Grass and flowers with wither and die. Some may grow back, but there will be some will not. The word of our God will stand forever even when if there ever comes a day where there is no grass in the fields. 

God's word has stood the test of time. It has been debated. It has been examined. Some have believed it. Some have not yet it stands forever. No matter our opinions or feelings, The Bible is the word of God. 

That settles it. 

Forget None of God's Benefits

Bless Yahweh, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 

Bless Yahweh, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; 

Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; 

Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion (Psalm 103:1-4, LSB)

In the Bible, we are commanded to worship God. We are to worship Him because He is worthy. He is the One who sustains us. 

If we do not worship God, who or what else is worthy of the praise of God. Think about it. What being or object can do what God has already done and will do? Let us consider this passage of scripture from Psalm 103. 

Why are we to bless God with all that is within us. Think about what He has done for us. He has pardon our iniquities. He has forgiven our sins both past, present, and future. Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The gospel of John tells that when we come to Christ we have "passed out of death into life" (John 5:24, LSB). 

He has healed all your diseases. This passage we have to be careful because many will say God will heal everyone. Yes, God does heal. Does this mean physically? If that was the case, no Christian would ever get sick. Yes, we will have no diseases in heaven, but God will spiritually heal us so that we are not dead in our trespasses and sins, which we once were (see Ephesians 2:1-3).

He redeems our lives from the pit. What is this pit? It is death. Christians, who put their faith and trust in Christ have no fear of death for "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18, LSB). We will stand before God, but we should have no fear because Christ has redeemed us. He is our advocate (see 1 John 2:1-2).

Finally, he crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. The Reformations Study Bible says, "In His covenant with His people, God pledges Himself to love them faithfully. He is the author of the terms of the covenant binding Him and His people together...God’s mercy is His devotion to His people, to whom He is freely bound by the pledge of His own grace in His covenant." 

Praise Yahweh for He is good and forget none of His benefits.