God's Promises and God's Law

Bob Hoekstra

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  (Gal_3:16-18)
Early in our meditations, we considered one of the most profound subjects in the scriptures: the relationship between the grace of God and the law of God. These verses engage a comparable subject: the relationship between God's promises and God's law.
Again, we are reminded of God's fundamental use of promises in bringing forth His will among mankind. "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made." God made far-reaching promises to Abraham and his descendants, promises that included the coming of the Messiah, the anointed King, the Savior. Although these promises guaranteed an innumerable posterity to Abraham, this statement specifies one descendant in particular. "He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ." The Lord Jesus Christ is in view here. The promises that were the root of the new covenant of grace were made by the Father to Abraham and to the Son of God. "Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made." Added assurance is provided here. The Father's commitment was to His Son!
Now, what about the law of God, which was added hundreds of years later? Could the law possibly have replaced the promises to Abraham and to the Son of God? "And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ." The promises of God to Abraham and to His Son were not taken out of operation by the giving of the law of God ("that it should make the promise of no effect" ). People, through their own law performance, cannot become heirs of all that God promised to His children. If they could, then, God's blessings are no longer based on God fulfilling His promises. "For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise." This cannot be, because "God gave it to Abraham by promise." God's work among men stands on His ability to fulfill His promises. It does not depend on our ability to live up to the perfect law of God.  
Dear Father, my heart is assured of these promises of blessing for man that you made to Your Son. My heart rejoices that Your work in my life rests on Your promises and not on my performance, Amen.

Spurgeon & Chambers Devotions July 30th

Morning, July 30

“And when he thought thereon, he wept.”

Mark 14:72

Charles Spurgeon

It has been thought by some that as long as Peter lived, the fountain of his tears began to flow whenever he remembered his denying his Lord. It is not unlikely that it was so, for his sin was very great, and grace in him had afterwards a perfect work. This same experience is common to all the redeemed family according to the degree in which the Spirit of God has removed the natural heart of stone. We, like Peter, remember our boastful promise: “Though all men shall forsake thee, yet will not I.” We eat our own words with the bitter herbs of repentance. When we think of what we vowed we would be, and of what we have been, we may weep whole showers of grief. He thought on his denying his Lord. The place in which he did it, the little cause which led him into such heinous sin, the oaths and blasphemies with which he sought to confirm his falsehood, and the dreadful hardness of heart which drove him to do so again and yet again. Can we, when we are reminded of our sins, and their exceeding sinfulness, remain stolid and stubborn? Will we not make our house a Bochim, and cry unto the Lord for renewed assurances of pardoning love? May we never take a dry-eyed look at sin, lest ere long we have a tongue parched in the flames of hell. Peter also thought upon his Master’s look of love. The Lord followed up the cock’s warning voice with an admonitory look of sorrow, pity, and love. That glance was never out of Peter’s mind so long as he lived. It was far more effectual than ten thousand sermons would have been without the Spirit. The penitent apostle would be sure to weep when he recollected the Saviour’s full forgiveness, which restored him to his former place. To think that we have offended so kind and good a Lord is more than sufficient reason for being constant weepers. Lord, smite our rocky hearts, and make the waters flow.

My Utmost for His Highest

July 30th

The discipline of disillusionment

Jesus did not commit Himself unto them … for He knew what was in man. John 2:24–25

Oswald Chambers

Disillusionment means that there are no more false judgments in life. To be undeceived by disillusionment may leave us cynical and unkindly severe in our judgment of others, but the disillusionment which comes from God brings us to the place where we see men and women as they really are, and yet there is no cynicism, we have no stinging, bitter things to say. Many of the cruel things in life spring from the fact that we suffer from illusions. We are not true to one another as facts; we are true only to our ideas of one another. Everything is either delightful and fine, or mean and dastardly, according to our idea.

The refusal to be disillusioned is the cause of much of the suffering in human life. It works in this way—if we love a human being and do not love God, we demand of him every perfection and every rectitude, and when we do not get it we become cruel and vindictive; we are demanding of a human being what he or she cannot give. There is only one Being Who can satisfy the last aching abyss of the human heart, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Why Our Lord is apparently so severe regarding every human relationship is because He knows that every relationship not based on loyalty to Himself will end in disaster. Our Lord trusted no man, yet He was never suspicious, never bitter. Our Lord’s confidence in God and in what His grace could do for any man was so perfect that He despaired of no one. If our trust is placed in human beings, we shall end in despairing of everyone.

Evening, July 30

“Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

John 6:37

Charles Spurgeon

No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, “I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming,” but, “I will in no wise cast out.” The original reads, “I will not, not cast out,” or “I will never, never cast out.” The text means, that Christ will not at first reject a believer; and that as he will not do it at first, so he will not to the last.

But suppose the believer sins after coming? “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” But suppose that believers backslide? “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” But believers may fall under temptation! “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but he will “Purge them with hyssop, and they shall be clean; he will wash them and they shall be whiter than snow”; “From all their iniquities will I cleanse them.”

“Once in Christ, in Christ for ever,

Nothing from his love can sever.”

“I give unto my sheep,” saith he, “eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” What sayest thou to this, O trembling feeble mind? Is not this a precious mercy, that coming to Christ, thou dost not come to One who will treat thee well for a little while, and then send thee about thy business, but he will receive thee and make thee his bride, and thou shalt be his for ever? Receive no longer the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the spirit of adoption whereby thou shalt cry, Abba, Father! Oh! the grace of these words: “I will in no wise cast out.” 

Your Present Deliverance

"Obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls" (1 Pet. 1:9). In 1 Corinthians 1:18 Paul says that "the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (emphasis added). That emphasizes the marvelous reality of the believer's present deliverance from sin. Peter stressed the same truth in 1 Peter 1:8, where he says that believers obtain as the outcome of their faith the salvation of their souls. The Greek word translated "obtaining" in 1 Peter 1:18 literally means "presently receiving for yourselves." It speaks of obtaining something that is due you as a result of your faith in Christ. "Outcome of your faith" refers to the logical result or end of faith. "Souls" speaks of the whole person. The entire verse could be translated, "You rejoice because you have and continue to hold onto the logical result of your proven faith—your ongoing deliverance from sin." You need ongoing deliverance because sin is an ongoing problem. You have new life in Christ, are a new creature in Him, and are no longer a slave to the penalty and power of sin, but you're not yet fully glorified. Consequently you're still subject to sin's influence. Paul personalized that struggle in Romans 7, where he says, "The good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. . . . I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wishes to do good. . . . Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (vv. 19, 21, 24). The victory comes in verse 25, which says, "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Jesus is the Great Deliverer, through whom you have victory over sin, death, and hell. That's the last spiritual privilege in Peter's brief list, but it's by no means the least. As you love and trust Him, you'll know the joy of present deliverance. Suggestions for Prayer: Praise the Lord for your deliverance from sin's bondage. For Further Study: Review all the spiritual privileges and sources of Christian joy we've discussed this month. Keep them fresh in your mind as you face the challenges of each new day. From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

'Tom Thumbs' in grace!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!" Hebrews 5:12

"An infant, if he should continue an infant always, would be a monster!"

However pleased the parents had been with the little one when it was a babe, they would soon be deeply distressed if year after year it still remained a tiny thing. Indeed, they would consider it a great calamity to be the parents of a dwarf.

What, then, shall we say of those professors who never grow? They are no more holy after fifty years! They are infants at sixty years of age!

I have in my house a picture which is made up of the portraits of my sons, taken on their birthdays for twenty-one years. They begin in the cradle, and end as full-grown young men. This is interesting and according to nature.

But, alas, I have spiritual children whom I wheeled about in the stroller twenty years ago--and they are babies still, needing as much care as ever, and are not able to walk alone. Ah me, that so many who ought to be warriors, are weaklings; that those who should be men of six feet tall, are so stunted as to be mere 'Tom Thumbs' in grace!

O for grace to grow in grace, and especially in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God save us from a life which does not grow, and from a growth which is not healthy!

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The Gentiles Included as Children of Promise

Bob Hoekstra

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel . . . that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  (Eph_3:6 and Gal_3:14)
The implications of becoming children of promise through faith in the promises of God are monumental. One of the consequences that holds outstanding significance is highlighted in our present verses. It involves the Gentiles.
It is quite obvious in the Old Testament that God had great plans for the Jews (for Israel, His chosen people). " 'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel" (Exo_19:6). God's plans ultimately included the Gentiles (the nations of the world). "Oh, praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! . . . The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising" (Psa_117:1 and Isa_60:3). Nevertheless, the Jewish people would have a special place in God's purposes. "For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth" (Deu_14:2).
In light of these Old Testament truths regarding Israel, it was an astounding revelation when the Holy Spirit began to unfold through the Apostle Paul the full participation that the Gentiles would have in the promises of God: "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs." By believing in the promises of God, the Gentiles would have full partnership shares ("fellow heirs" ) in the inheritance of God for His people. The Gentiles would also be "of the same body." This body that included Gentiles and Jews was the church of Jesus Christ. "And He is the head of the body, the church" (Col_1:18). Jew and Gentile would comprise one new unit, the church. There is no longer a separation. Also, the Gentiles would be "partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel." Through the promises of the gospel of grace, Gentiles would share fully in eternal life, daily blessing, and intimate access to the Lord. By faith in the God of Abraham, the Gentiles would also enjoy (along with any Jew who believed in Jesus as Messiah) the promise of the Spirit: "that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Yes, now the Holy Spirit would dwell in the lives of all who would believe - - not only the Jew, but also the Gentile!
Lord God of Israel, I praise You for being the God of believing Gentiles as well. How glorious is Your grace - - how mighty are Your promises! Jews and Gentiles now share in common the realities of God that are freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ!

Enjoying Fellowship with Christ

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8). The recipients of 1 Peter, like us, had never seen Christ but they enjoyed fellowship with Him just the same. And their fellowship was genuine because it was marked by love, trust, and obedience. The love Peter speaks of in 1 Peter 1:8 isn't shallow emotionalism or sentimentality. It's the love of the will— the love of choice. His readers had chosen to love Christ despite never having seen Him physically. Such love is marked by obedience, as Jesus affirms in John 14: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. . . . He who does not love Me does not keep My words" (vv. 15, 24). To have fellowship with Christ is to love and obey Him. Another element of fellowship is trust. After hearing reports about Christ's resurrection, the disciple Thomas declared that he would trust Jesus only after seeing and touching Him. Jesus honored his wishes, saying, "Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing" (John 20:27). But then Jesus said, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed" (v. 29). We as Christians are among those who believe in Christ, not having seen Him. The result of loving and trusting Christ is "joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Pet. 1:8). This joy is something beyond the ability of speech and thought to convey. That's obvious even on the human level—as evidenced by the thousands of songs that have attempted to communicate the joy of being in love. "Full of glory" refers to the divine element in Christian joy. It's a supernatural endowment bestowed and energized by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Enjoying fellowship with Christ is one of the supreme privileges of your Christian life. Strengthen and enrich that fellowship by learning the Word and relying on the Spirit. As you do, you will learn to love and trust Christ more deeply. Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to teach you how to love and trust Him more faithfully. Thank Him for the joy that comes as you do. For Further Study: Memorize Matthew 22:37. From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

When you wallow in the mud of worldly pleasures!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"If you saw a man laboring in filthy ditches, and soiling himself as poor men do--would you believe that he was the heir to a crown, called to inherit a kingdom? Just so, who will believe in your heavenly calling--when you wallow in the mud of worldly pleasures, and are absorbed with carking care for trivial things?"

Princes should behave as princes! Their haunts should be in palaces--and not amid dung-heaps! How, then, is it that some who profess and call themselves Christians, are found rummaging in questionable amusements to discover pleasure; and many others are groping amid sordid avarice to find satisfaction in wealth?

What are they doing--to be thus disgracing the blood royal! How dare they drag the name of the "Blessed and only Potentate" through the mire!

A prince of royal-blood acting as a beggar, would dishonor not only himself but all the royal house. Nobility has obligations!

The eminent nobility of the saints, puts them under heavy bonds to act as the true aristocracy of the universe!

Come, my soul, do you behave royally? I am made a king by Jesus Christ--are my bearing and life-style answerable to the dignity laid upon me?

Lord, you must teach your poor child. I have so long been a vagabond and an outcast, that unless you teach me the majestic life-style of your holy courts--I will dishonor both myself and You!

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God!" Colossians 3:1-3

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Spurgeon & Chambers Devotions July 29th

Morning, July 29

“Nevertheless I am continually with thee.”

Psalm 73:23

Charles Spurgeon

“Nevertheless,”—As if, notwithstanding all the foolishness and ignorance which David had just been confessing to God, not one atom the less was it true and certain that David was saved and accepted, and that the blessing of being constantly in God’s presence was undoubtedly his. Fully conscious of his own lost estate, and of the deceitfulness and vileness of his nature, yet, by a glorious outburst of faith, he sings “nevertheless I am continually with thee.” Believer, you are forced to enter into Asaph’s confession and acknowledgment, endeavour in like spirit to say “nevertheless, since I belong to Christ I am continually with God!” By this is meant continually upon his mind, he is always thinking of me for my good. Continually before his eye;—the eye of the Lord never sleepeth, but is perpetually watching over my welfare. Continually in his hand, so that none shall be able to pluck me thence. Continually on his heart, worn there as a memorial, even as the high priest bore the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart for ever. Thou always thinkest of me, O God. The bowels of thy love continually yearn towards me. Thou art always making providence work for my good. Thou hast set me as a signet upon thine arm; thy love is strong as death, many waters cannot quench it; neither can the floods drown it. Surprising grace! Thou seest me in Christ, and though in myself abhorred, thou beholdest me as wearing Christ’s garments, and washed in his blood, and thus I stand accepted in thy presence. I am thus continually in thy favour—“continually with thee.” Here is comfort for the tried and afflicted soul; vexed with the tempest within—look at the calm without. “Nevertheless”—O say it in thy heart, and take the peace it gives. “Nevertheless I am continually with thee.”

My Utmost for His Highest

July 29th

What do you see in your clouds?

Behold, He cometh with clouds. Rev. 1:7

Oswald Chambers

In the Bible clouds are always connected with God. Clouds are those sorrows or sufferings or providences, within or without our personal lives, which seem to dispute the rule of God. It is by those very clouds that the Spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith. If there were no clouds, we should have no faith. ‘The clouds are but the dust of our Father’s feet.’ The clouds are a sign that He is there. What a revelation it is to know that sorrow and bereavement and suffering are the clouds that come along with God! God cannot come near without clouds, He does not come in clear shining.

It is not true to say that God wants to teach us something in our trials; through every cloud He brings, He wants us to unlearn something. God’s purpose in the cloud is to simplify our belief until our relationship to Him is exactly that of a child—God and my own soul, other people are shadows. Until other people become shadows, clouds and darkness will be mine every now and again. Is the relationship between myself and God getting simpler than ever it has been?

There is a connection between the strange providences of God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. Unless we can look the darkest, blackest fact full in the face without damaging God’s character, we do not yet know Him.

“They feared as they entered the cloud.…” Is there anyone “save Jesus only” in your cloud? If so, it will get darker; you must get to the place where there is “no one any more save Jesus only.”

Evening, July 29

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me.”

John 6:37

Charles Spurgeon

This declaration involves the doctrine of election: there are some whom the Father gave to Christ. It involves the doctrine of effectual calling: these who are given must and shall come; however stoutly they may set themselves against it, yet they shall be brought out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. It teaches us the indispensable necessity of faith; for even those who are given to Christ are not saved except they come to Jesus. Even they must come, for there is no other way to heaven but by the door, Christ Jesus. All that the Father gives to our Redeemer must come to him, therefore none can come to heaven except they come to Christ.

Oh! the power and majesty which rest in the words “shall come.” He does not say they have power to come, nor they may come if they will, but they “shall come.” The Lord Jesus doth by his messengers, his word, and his Spirit, sweetly and graciously compel men to come in that they may eat of his marriage supper; and this he does, not by any violation of the free agency of man, but by the power of his grace. I may exercise power over another man’s will, and yet that other man’s will may be perfectly free, because the constraint is exercised in a manner accordant with the laws of the human mind. Jehovah Jesus knows how, by irresistible arguments addressed to the understanding, by mighty reasons appealing to the affections, and by the mysterious influence of his Holy Spirit operating upon all the powers and passions of the soul, so to subdue the whole man, that whereas he was once rebellious, he yields cheerfully to his government, subdued by sovereign love. But how shall those be known whom God hath chosen? By this result: that they do willingly and joyfully accept Christ, and come to him with simple and unfeigned faith, resting upon him as all their salvation and all their desire. Reader, have you thus come to Jesus? 

More on God's Children by God's Promises

Bob Hoekstra

Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. For this is the word of promise: "At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son" . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise . . . As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him."  (Gal_4:28; and Col_2:6)
Once again, our verses reveal a God of promises, who brings forth spiritual children of promise. This truth not only dictates how we enter the family of God, it also determines how we are to live as the children of God.
Ishmael could not be counted as the true seed of Abraham, because he was the product of fleshly ingenuity. "Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God. " Only Isaac could be called the true seed. "But the children of the promise are counted as the seed." This is true concerning us as well. We became God's children through faith in the promise of the gospel. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (Joh_1:12). We could not be saved by any fleshly provision: "Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (Joh_1:13). Isaac was born through faith in the promises of God. "For this is the word of promise: 'At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son'." We also were born again through faith in the promises of God. "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise."
Children of promise are spiritually birthed by promise and spiritually developed by promise. Now that we have been born into God's family by faith in His promises, we are to live day by day in the same way that we became His children. "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. " The parallel is simple and straightforward: "As . . . so. " As we were saved, so we are to walk. We started out with the Lord by faith in the life-giving promise of the gospel "And this is the promise that He has promised us - - eternal life" (1Jo_2:25). We are to live each day by faith in the life-developing promises that are inherent to the gospel. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (Joh_7:38).
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a child of promise - - born again through faith in Your life-giving promises. O Lord, teach me to live day by day in this same manner - - sustained and transformed by trusting in Your life-developing promises, Amen.

A poor beast that is going homeward, goes cheerfully!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

A poor beast that is going homeward, goes cheerfully! See how the horse pricks up his ears and quickens his pace when you turn his head to his stable. Even the dull donkey does the same.

Much more then should Christians feel the attractions of their heavenly home!

Courage, brothers and sisters; we, too, are homeward bound! Every hour brings us nearer to the many mansions! Our way is toward the Father's house on high, therefore let us rejoice at every step we take!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. In my Father's house are many mansions. I am going there to prepare a place for you!" John 14:1-2

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Here little--and hereafter much!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want!" Philippians 4:10-12

We look for more in this life than it will ever yield to us. If we would be satisfied with less--we would be less dissatisfied. Probably there is as much happiness in one station of life as in another--if we are content in that situation which the Lord has placed us in.

The misery of life is when a man has a great deal less than he aspires to. Contentment is the crown-jewel of a happy life! We shall have enough, for God's promises guarantee us our necessary portion. Why need we fret after more?

"Here little--and hereafter much!" as Bunyan says, is best for us!

O Lord, grant me grace to live above the poor trifles of this fleeting world!

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God's Children by God's Promises

July 28

Bob Hoekstra

For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise . . . Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.  (Gal_4:22-23, Gal_4:28)
Our God is a God of promises. He characteristically works by making and fulfilling promises. We are His children. We are children of promise. We were birthed spiritually into God's family through faith in His promises. Two sons of Abraham (Ishmael and Isaac) provide a vivid contrast that attests our sonship by promise.
God had promised to make Abraham a mighty nation, through which would come the Messianic seed that would bless all nations. "I will make you a great nation . . . and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen_12:1-2). Yet, the years passed by, and Abraham was still without a son. Eventually, he implied to God that his servant would have to be the beginning of this promised seed. "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house (Eliezer, his servant) is my heir! " (Gen_15:3). However, the Lord clarified His promise to give Abraham a true son, sired from his own body. "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir" (Gen_15:4). As time passed, the aging couple decided that they would have to come up with another alternative for God. "Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children . . . So Sarai said to Abram, 'See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.' And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived" (Gen_16:1-2, Gen_16:4). Thus, Ishmael was born as the result of Abraham's and Sarah's ingenuity: "he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh."
Thereafter, the Lord reiterated His promise of a son. "My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year" (Gen_17:21). As God promised, so He did. "And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken" (Gen_21:1). Thus, Isaac was birthed as a result of God's promises. This is a picture of the only possible way that we could ever have become God's children, by His fulfilling of His promises. "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise."
Dear Father, the God of promises, I praise You for promising salvation to all who would believe. I rejoice in being a child of promise. Lord, no effort or ingenuity of my flesh could have ever given me a place in Your family. Please teach me to live by Your promises, Amen.

How We are to Respond to God's Promises

July 27

Bob Hoekstra

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."  (Rom_1:16-17)
How are we to respond to the promises of God? His promises are not automatically at work in every life that hears them. Some respond correctly, while others respond improperly. Some enjoy the benefits of God's promises, whereas others do not. In these two verses, we are given the fundamental response to all that pertains to the gospel of grace. That response is faith. This would certainly include living by the promises of God.
Paul was unashamed of the gospel due to its effective character. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation." The good news about Jesus Christ is essentially the grace of God proclaimed to man: "the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Act_20:24). This grace is God's power poured out unto the saving of souls. This power is experienced by all who place their faith in the gospel, whether Jew or Gentile: "for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." The gospel is effective, because it holds forth God's righteousness to sinful man, if he is willing to trust in the Lord. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith."
The gospel is referred to in the scriptures as a promise. "And this is the promise that He has promised us - - eternal life" (1Jo_2:25). The gospel is often stated in the form of promises: "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved . . . whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Act_15:11 and Rom_10:13). These gospel promises are partaken of by faith. "The just shall live by faith."
In addition to initial salvation, the good news of God's grace includes many other promises from God. "I will build My church . . . You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free . . . When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth" (Mat_16:18; Joh_8:32; and Joh_16:13). All of these promises are experienced by faith as well, because "the just shall live by faith" - - continually, as well as initially.
O Lord God, I want to respond to Your promises properly. How gracious that You only ask me to trust in what You have promised to do. I do not want to ignore Your promises or doubt them. I want to live by relying upon every promise You have ever made. In Your faithful name I pray, Amen.

The devil's chessboard!

   ~ ~ ~ ~

(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes!" 2 Corinthians 2:11

"Be watchful; the world is the devil's chessboard! You can hardly move backward or forward, but he is ready to attack you with some temptation!"

Those who play at the game of chess know that great caution is needed. Your opponent is working toward a design of which you know nothing; and while you imagine that you are doing exceedingly well, he is entrapping you!

The game of life, as against Satan, is one in which . . .
his maneuvers and artifice,
his long practice and stratagems,
his superior skill and deceptiveness,
and his unscrupulousness--
give him an immense advantage over our poor self-conceited folly!

Lord, help us! You know our adversary; be pleased to deliver us out of his hand.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!" Ephesians 6:11

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Sovereign Grace Missionary Baptist Church "Where The Truths Of God’s Word Have Been Taught For More Than Fifty-Two Years” 1217 Dillon Texarkana, Texas 75501 July 27, 2014 Newsletter Number 475 Brother Randy Johnson, Pastor Brother Ronnie Henderson, Song Director Pastor E-Mail: pastor@sgmbaptist.com Web Site: ww.sgmbaptist.com

Our Prayer Request: All of Our Military, Their Family’s & All the Civilian Workers in The Middle East, Zee Mink Fuller and Family, Her son’s Bryan Armstrong and Hunter Hackie, Daughter Shannon, and Brother Philip & Sondra Thornsberry, Helen Maggard, Johnnie Stephens, Alecia Stephens, and children, Frankie Baldridge and daughter, Buckie Thompson, Frank & Sonya Trusty, Frank & Dawana Reigel, Andrew Preston, Larry & Martha Mollette, Larry Mollette II & Family, Kerry Pennington, Kim Poole, Danny & Nita Mollette, The Muncy Family, Robert Riggs, Wendell Henderson, Judy Dunn, Martha Gray, Joshua Kidd, Matthew Kidd, Ronnie and Sarah Henderson, Ronnie Henderson Jr. & Children, Ricky Henderson and Family, Jacie Henderson, Velma Hammond, Charles, Don Hammond and Families, Archie & Barbara Griffin, Bro. & Sister Bob Keller, Donna Johnson, Fay Johnson, James and Luann Reynolds, Timothy Fails, Nathan & Claire Fails, Jacob Ramsey, Jerry Hughes, Teresa Bookout, Pastor G. L. Burr, Melody Carr, Janie Capps, Imajo Tracy, Linda Hughes, Roy Lemmon, Rosie Tomlin, Pat Abercrombie, Donna Jones, Dale Trahan, Ricky and Margaret McCoy, Brother David O’Neal, James & Diane Thomas, Gina Peel, James and Lynn Tomlin, Brother Kelley and Sister Hinson, Megan Whitaker, Manual Seymour, Sr., Brother Jerry and Sister Jean Dodson, Brother Curtis Pugh, Brother Dan Sullivan and the work in Thailand, Brother Raul and the work in Romania, and Bro. Sergey Mochalov and the Churches in Russia.

A Thought From Pastor Johnson: One Day Every Knee Shall Bow To Jesus Christ. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" Philippians 2:10 One glorious day every single knee shall bow to Jesus Christ as Lord. The Lord God is not going to ask them to but command it and it shall be. People will one day learn that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. It is to Jesus Christ the Son of man that God has given all authority to judge everyone. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:" John 5:22 and it is He whom all knees shall bow. They will not be bowing to Him as Saviour, but rather to Him as Lord, Master, and God. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36 we who are saved bowed as we were saved however the lost has never bowed to Him but one day will. They may hate Him; they may hate us because we are His, but one day their knee shall bow and confess Him to be Lord and Christ. This will do them no spiritual good, in fact it will do them no good at all, but it will bring much glory to Jesus Christ. People will deserve everything Christ does to them because in their hearts they refused to recognize Him as Christ and Lord. God calls these people FOOLS. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." Psalms 14:1 I believe these folks really say “we will not have this God rule over us”. They laugh at Him and His authority, they mock His churches and children, they refuse Him on every end, but in their end they will all bow before Jesus Christ. I believe it will be the worst thing they have ever had to do, I believe it will be the last thing they do before being cast into everlasting hell fire. In this world all of them hated God and anything connected to God. They hated Jesus so much they allowed a murder to go free and slew a Holy man. They have killed Christians themselves in order that they might call themselves holy, some even call themselves Christians. They hate the Lord, the churches, the bible, and even a symbol which has nothing to do with Christians in the cross. The cross is NOT a Christian symbol because Christianity has NO SYMBOLS at all. It is not about symbols it is about Jesus Christ. It is about the salvation He offers to us who are and was without. Crosses are a symbol of Catholicism and it drives the liberals and lost nuts. It is a symbol for those who know nothing about Christ and His salvation to lean on, but to us who are saved it is useless and a false image. They hate Israel because of their connection with God, and wish them death. But the truth is most of Israel has no idea who Jesus Christ is. The world hates Jesus Christ so much they think they have Him defeated but one day they will all find out just before they are all cast into their final place of torment they will have to bow to Him as Lord and King. Oh, I believe it will be a great punishment to them and they will overflow with hatred. "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" Matthew 27:29 this time the bowing will be real and the crown will be made of Gold. They will not be any mocking, spiting on Him, or killing Him. This time will be different. It is in Christ Jesus that we as believers have victory, not in this world but OVER the world. This why we daily bow our knees before our Saviour Jesus Christ. “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 3:14

A Thought From Oscar Mink, Our Former Pastor: Now Is The Accepted Time Serving God is not for spare time, when there is nothing else to do. With God there is no “Spare time”, and the faithful know God has not given them one minute to consume upon the flesh. They know that their King’s business is urgent, and that His program allows for no delays. Man’s economic philosophy is, “Time is money. But let us remember man’s philosophy and God’s determinations are often contrary the one to the other. The King of time and the Lord of life has not said “Time is money”, neither has He said, “I will wait for your service until you become affluent.” But the omniscient economist has said, “Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:13, 14). God has not said, I will wait until you establish a career, or reach middle life, or retire, and then you may serve Me. But He has said, “Remember the Lord Thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days (age and sickness) come not ...” (Ecclesiastes 12:l). And He has said, “Look on the fields, for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35). There is no time like the present, and “now” is all the time we can be sure of. Thus, the urgency is constant, for the time of our departure from this fleeting life is always at hand (John 7:6). God demands and deserves the preeminence in all things, and except He have it in our dispensing of time, then He has it in nothing else in our life. The sum of what a person is when they face God is the result of the way in which they spent their time in this life. Seeing then that our sojourn here is so very brief, let us not waste a minute of it, but utilize it in such a manner so as when our days reach their end we can say with Paul, that tireless and busy apostle, “I am now ready to be offered” (II Timothy 4:6). Christ said to His church, “Ye shall by My witnesses” (Acts 1:8). He did not say, I expect you to be My witnesses, nor did He say, I hope you will be My witnesses. He said, “Ye shall be My witnesses.” Once a person is saved he mounts the witness stand where his life’s testimony is judged by the world. He may be a good witness or a bad witness, but he is a .witness all the time. When he squanders time, he steals from God, from others to whom he owes a better witness, and he robs himself of precious time and opportunities he can never redeem. How is it with your life’s time card? When God asks you about this day, and He surely will, where will it appear, on the credit or debit side of the eternal page? May God grant us the strength to “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5), for “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). God’s all sufficient grace has supplied the believer with every means necessary to enhance his life, and all these means come to us in the vehicle called time. Let us pray for Divine enablement so as to guide our particular vehicle in being about our heavenly Father’s business.

A Quote To Think About By Thomas Watson: A godly man dare not travel for riches, along the devil's highway. Those are sad gains, which make a man lose heaven at last! "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" Mat. 16:26

Study in Malachi - Part One - Curtis Pugh

A very good sermon on Malachi by Bro. Curtis Pugh

http://adunareaharulsuveran.wordpress.com/2014/06/19/a-study-in-malachi-part-one-by-pugh-curtis/

Once More on God's Faithfulness and His Promises

July 26

Bob Hoekstra

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.  (1Th_5:23-24)
This magnificent benedictory prayer closes with another proclamation of God's faithfulness, coupled with a strategic promise from the Lord. "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." What has our faithful God called us to, and what is He promising to do?
The Lord has called us to sanctification and blamelessness (that is, a life of increasing personal righteousness). "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor" (1Th_4:3-4). It is the will of God that His children grow in a sanctified life (that is, be set apart increasingly for the glory, honor, and use of God). The particular issue in view here was sexual purity: "that you should abstain from sexual immorality."
Another term for this godly goal is blamelessness. "May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." As we live unto the Lord day by day (awaiting His return), He wants us to develop in Christlikeness. He desires that there be less and less reason for people to point a finger of blame at us: "That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phi_2:15).
How is this desire of the Lord to be accomplished? It is to be done by the work of our faithful God, who promises to do such. "He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." What is the Lord's means in advancing this process? It is His word. Jesus revealed this in His prayer for us as He approached the cross. "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" (Joh_17:17). Our Lord wants to unleash in our lives the power of His word, changing the way we think and act. He wants to use His word to set our lives apart for Himself. The Apostle Paul wrote of this powerful spiritual process in referring to Jesus' intentions for His church:  "that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph_5:26). Will we humbly and dependently cooperate with our Lord in this desire of His heart for us?
Lord God of holiness, I long to be set apart  more and more for Your glory, honor, and use. I yearn for more godliness in my daily life. I humbly ask You to transform my heart and mind by the power of Your holy word. You are faithful! Please do it, Lord!

Your Secure Inheritance

"To obtain an inheritance which is . . . reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1:4-5). When Peter wrote his first epistle, attitudes toward Christians in the Roman Empire were not at all favorable. Because they would not worship the emperor as a god, or enter into other sinful pagan practices, Christians were looked upon with suspicion and disdain. In addition, Nero had blamed them for burning Rome (an act he himself perpetrated), so anger and hatred toward them was at its peak. Peter wrote to encourage them—and all believers—to live out their faith amid persecution, just as Jesus had done when He suffered unjustly (cf. 1 Pet. 2:21-23). He reminded them that despite the sufferings they might endure in this life, God will reward them with an inheritance that is eternally secure because it is reserved in heaven for them. "Reserved" in 1 Peter 1:4 indicates an inheritance that already exists, is presently protected, and will continually be protected. The place of its protection is heaven, where "neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal" (Matt. 6:20), and where "nothing unclean and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever [enter], but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27). There is no safer place! Not only is your inheritance protected for you, but also you are protected for it! That's what Peter meant when he said that it is "reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time" (1 Pet. 1:4-5). The omnipotent, sovereign power of God will continually protect you until His work is fully accomplished in your life. Then He will grant you glorification: the fullness of the salvation for which He redeemed you. You needn't fear the loss of your inheritance. Instead, rejoice in the protection of our gracious God. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His protection and for the assurance of your inheritance. For Further Study: What do these verses teach about the security of your salvation: Romans 8:31-39, Philippians 1:6, and Jude 24? From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

A sin-expelling power over our lives!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"Old leaves, if they remain upon the trees through the autumn and the winter--fall off in the spring."

We have seen a hedge all thick with dry leaves throughout the winter, and neither frost nor wind has removed the withered foliage--but the spring has soon cleared them off. The new life dislodges the old, pushing it away as unsuitable to it.

In the same way, our old corruptions are best removed by the growth of new graces.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

It is as the new life buds and opens, that the old worn-out things of our former state are compelled to give up their hold of us. Our wisdom lies in living near to God, that by the power of His Holy Spirit all our graces may be vigorous, and may exercise a sin-expelling power over our lives--the new leaves of grace pushing off our old worldly affections and habits of sin.

With new converts, it is often better not to lay down stringent rules as to worldly amusements--but leave the new life and its holier joys, to push off the old pleasures. Thus it will be done more naturally and more effectively.

We have all heard of the expulsive power of a new affection. This new affection of love to God coming into the soul, expels love to sin!

Lord, let Your life in me, push off the relics of my former sinful self--that I may put on the new man, and manifest Your transforming grace!

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Even More on God's Faithfulness and His Promises

July 25

Bob Hoekstra

The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.  (2Th_3:3)
Perhaps, a word of reflection upon our context would be helpful. In our daily studies on growing in the grace of God, we have been looking at the promises of God. Living by God's promises is akin to living by His grace. In both perspectives, the critical matter is having God at work in our lives, doing what He alone can do, doing what we could never deserve or never produce on our own. In considering God's promises, we have allowed the Lord to increase our confidence in His promises by focusing first on His ability, and now on His faithfulness. Our present verse proclaims God's faithfulness, while adding a two-fold promise concerning high priority issues of Christian living.
The faithfulness of God is one of the grand themes of scripture. "The Lord is faithful." Our God is reliable, so we can rely upon Him and His abundant promises. "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1Co_1:9). The true and eternal God, who has invited us into an intimate relationship with His Son, is trustworthy, so we can trust in Him and His bountiful promises.
For example, we can trust in His promise to bring spiritual stability to our lives. "The Lord is faithful, who will establish you." This is one of the major needs in people's lives. On our own, we can easily be unstable and inconsistent. The Lord wants to turn us into responsible and steadfast servants of God. He will be faithful to do this, if we humbly open our hearts to the work of His word and His Spirit.
Another example of how God wants to demonstrate His faithfulness is in protecting us from the evil one. "The Lord is faithful, who will . . . guard you from the evil one." We are God's sheep. "Know that the LORD, He is God . . . We are His people and the sheep of His pasture" (Psa_100:3). Our enemy is like a lion, who wants to consume us. "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1Pe_5:8). Sheep do not do well against lions. However, we have a wonderful shepherd, who will not flee when the attack comes. "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own" (Joh_10:13-14). He wants us to know that we can count on Him to be faithful to keep His promises to guard us.
Dear Lord, my good shepherd, on my own I am as vulnerable as a sheep and as unsteady as water. In light of Your faithfulness, I rely upon Your promises to protect me from the enemy and to build into my life spiritual stability.

Yes, indeed, this is the wonder of wonders, the miracle of miracles!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"Christ died for the ungodly!" Romans 5:6

Yes, indeed, this is the wonder of wonders, the miracle of miracles--at which my mind will forever stand amazed! That the thrice Holy Savior should take the sinner's place, and, coming under the sinner's doom, should be smitten of God--this is a mystery past finding out!

Hell is horribly amazing--but the death of Jesus is far more astounding, and especially that in death He should cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me!" Only the Son of God could endure this great grief. Yet is it a mystery of mysteries, that so divine a person should be capable of enduring it.

The marvel is thought to be, that a man should be able to suffer so much. But the real marvel is that, being God, He should suffer at all. The being forsaken by the Father, was the very essence of His grief!

My soul, adore and love--you cannot understand it!

Behold the eclipse of your soul's Sun, and know that, had not this been, you would have been in the darkness of Hell forever!

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More on God's Faithfulness and His Promises

July 24

Bob Hoekstra

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.  (1Co_10:13)
When we are considering the promises of God, it is invaluable to keep His faithfulness in view. Our present verse helps us focus on the faithfulness of God, while offering to us more promises from our God of promises.
The setting for our meditation is temptations (or, testings). "No temptation has overtaken you." It is interesting to note that this word translated as temptation could also be rendered as "testing." This gives insight into the frequent question that is raised during difficult times: "Is this the enemy, or is this the Lord?" In the midst of the battles of life, the enemy of our souls wants to entice us into wrong responses like doubt, fear, or compromise. On the other hand, in the same battles, the Lord wants to test us (to exercise our faith). Appropriately, this one term can be used for both situations. Thus, in any temptation or testing, we can be assured that our struggles are not unique. "No temptation [or, testing] has overtaken you except such as is common to man." Whatever our struggle, the Lord has dealt with it innumerable times before.
However, there is a far more significant factor here than the commonplace nature of our difficulties. That is the faithfulness of God: "but God is faithful." This is the pivotal issue in our impossibilities. Too often, we find ourselves fainting at the challenges that we face. We sense our own unreliability. We are concerned that we may prove unfaithful. God wants us to concentrate on His faithfulness.
After reminding us of God's faithfulness, the Spirit brought forth two promises that bring hope to those in temptations and testings. First, God will not allow battles that are inappropriate for our stage of spiritual growth. He "will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." Second, God will eventually provide a way out of the battle. He "will also make the way of escape." If our spiritual development can only properly respond in faith to the enemy's "mortar shells," the Lord will not allow him to drop spiritual "atomic bombs" on us. Also, whatever the difficulty involves, the Lord will see us through ("that you may be able to bear it"). Furthermore, He will eventually rescue us as well. We can count on God fulfilling these promises, because "God is faithful."
Dear Lord, thank You for exposing the lie of the enemy that my trials are unique. Thank You for promising to see me through and bring me out. Lord, help me to rest my expectations on Your faithfulness, in Jesus name, Amen.

The first, foremost, chief and principal things in Christianity!

   ~ ~ ~ ~

(J.C. Ryle, "Evangelical Religion")

1. The Absolute Supremacy of Holy Scripture
Show us anything, plainly written in that Book--and we will receive it, believe it, and submit to it! Show us anything contrary to that Book, and however sophisticated, plausible, beautiful and apparently desirable--and we will not have it at any price!

2. The Doctrine of Human Sinfulness and CorruptionMan is radically diseased and dead in sin. I believe that ignorance of the extent of the Fall, and of the whole doctrine of original sin, is one grand reason why many can neither understand, appreciate, nor receive Evangelical Religion.

3. The Work and Office of our Lord Jesus ChristThe eternal Son of God is our Representative and Substitute. We hold that nothing whatever is needed between the sinner, and Christ the Savior, but simple child-like faith.

4. The Inward Work of the Holy SpiritWe maintain that the things which need most to be pressed on men's attention are those mighty works of the Holy Spirit--inward repentance, faith, hope, hatred of sin, and love to God's Word. We say that to tell men to take comfort in their baptism or church membership, when these all-important graces are unknown--is not merely a grave mistake, but positive cruelty!

5. The Outward and Visible Work of the Holy Spirit in the Life of ManWe maintain that to tell a man he is "born of God" or regenerated, while living in carelessness or sin, is a dangerous delusion!

We say boldly that the above five points are the first, foremost, chief and principal things in Christianity.

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God's Faithfulness and His Promises

July 23

Bob Hoekstra

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  (Heb_10:23)
Previously, we reflected upon God's ability in conjunction with His promises. When promises are made, the capability of the one making promises is strategic. When relating God's ability to His promises, we have full assurance that He can fulfill what He has promised to do. "Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You . . . Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" (Jer_32:17, Jer_32:27). Our Lord created all the universe, and He is ruler over all of humanity. Surely, He is able to fulfill all of His promises.
Now, we have another issue to consider: faithfulness. When promises are made, faithfulness is just as important as ability. It is vital to know that the one promising is not only able, but is also reliable. In our present verse, we are given reason to exercise unwavering confidence in God, based upon His faithfulness. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
In the book of Hebrews, we are given a recurring call to stand firm in the hope of the Lord. To increasingly participate in the reality of being God's spiritual household here on earth, we are to confidently embrace throughout our pilgrimage the hope that is available in our Lord:  "whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end" (Heb_3:6). To fully partake of all that is ours in Christ, we are to persistently cling to Him by faith right up to our last days on earth. "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end" (Heb_3:14).
Our present verse also stresses persistent faith in the hope of the Lord. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering." Additionally, this persistence of trust in God is related to His promises and His faithfulness. "For He who promised is faithful." We can cling tightly to the promises of God. We can confidently hope in God fulfilling His promises to us. We do not need to waver in doubt, because God is reliable. He is trustworthy. He is faithful.
Dear God of faithfulness, how delightful to realize that my persistence of faith in You hinges on Your faithfulness toward me. I see that I can continue to depend upon You, because you are fully faithful to me. What expectation this gives me as I consider Your great promises! You will be faithful to fulfill every one of them, as I place my trust in You!

God's Motive for Your Inheritance

"According to His great mercy" (1 Pet. 1:3). When God saved you and granted you an eternal inheritance, it wasn't because you were special or more deserving of His love and grace than others. It was because He sovereignly chose to love you and extend His great mercy to you. That's why Paul said, "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)" (Eph. 2:4-5). He "saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5). Because of His great mercy, God addresses the pitiful condition of mankind. Unregenerate people are totally depraved, dead in trespasses, enslaved to sin, cursed to eternal damnation, unable to help themselves, and in desperate need of someone to show them mercy and compassion. That's the good news of the gospel: God loves sinners and extends mercy to anyone willing to trust in Him. Mercy tempers God's justice. The Puritan writer Thomas Watson said, "Mercy sweetens all God's other attributes . . . . When the water was bitter, and Israel could not drink, Moses cast a tree into the waters, and then they were made sweet. How bitter and dreadful were the other attributes of God, did not mercy sweeten them! Mercy sets God's power [at] work to help us; it makes his justice become our friend; it shall avenge our quarrels" (A Body of Divinity [Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1978], p. 94). The very fact that God permits us to live at all speaks of His mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness" (KJV). No matter what your situation is, God's mercy is more than sufficient for you. It "is great above the heavens" (Ps. 108:4, KJV). So be encouraged and look to Him always. Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God for His great mercy, for by it you have received eternal life and an eternal inheritance. For Further Study: Read Mark 10:46-52. How did Jesus' healing ministry demonstrate God's mercy? From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

Beware of little sins!

   ~ ~ ~ ~


(Thomas Brooks)

"Avoid every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Little sins multiplied, become great. There is nothing less than a grain of sand--yet there is nothing heavier than the sand of the sea when multiplied.

Little sins are very dangerous!
A little leaven, leavens the whole lump.
A little knife, may kill.
A little leak in a ship, may sink it.

Though the scorpion is little--yet will it sting a lion to death! Just so, a little sin may at once bar the door of Heaven, and open the gates of Hell!

The least sin will damn us--if not pardoned by the death of Christ!

(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"Not only do great sins ruin the soul, but lesser sins will do the same. Dallying with temptation, leads to sad consequences."

A small dagger thrust into the heart, will give as deadly a wound as a huge two-handed sword. Just so, a little sin unrepented of, will be as fatal as living in gross transgressions.

Death can hide in a drop, and ride in a breath of air. Just so, our greatest dangers lie hidden in little things. The least sin may be a very Pandemonium in your heart. It may conceal a host of evils, and a numerous hive of mischiefs, each one storing great harm.

Believer, beware of little sins. Watch and pray, lest you fall by little by little.

Lord, save me from sins which call themselves little!

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The Lord Promising a New Heaven and New Earth

July 22

Bob Hoekstra

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance . . . Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  (2Pe_3:9, 2Pe_3:13)
In our previous meditation, we considered Jesus' promise to return for His people. "I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (Joh_14:3). Many centuries have come and gone with that promise remaining unfulfilled. Consequently, some are inclined to scoff at this promise. The scriptures have prepared us for this eventuality by giving us another promise. "Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days . . . saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation' " (2Pe_3:3-4). Nevertheless, we who believe God's promises are convinced that He will keep His word and return for us. When He returns, He will fulfill another promise as well: the promise of a new heaven and new earth. "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Concerning the Lord's delay in His return, two insights are offered here. The first one pertains to God's compassion and patience in allowing more opportunity for people to repent and not perish. "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise . . . but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." The second insight pertains to God's perspective on time. For our eternal Lord, it is as though He made the promise of His return only a couple of days ago! "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2Pe_3:8).
Yet, some day the Lord will fulfill His promise to return for us. Then, the new, eternal reality will come. "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."  It is delightful to consider! "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth . . . And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away' " (Rev 21:1-4).
Dear Lord, I eagerly await Your appearing. I rejoice at the place You have prepared for us - - a place of righteousness, joy, and peace. Above all, I anticipate dwelling in Your visible presence forever and ever, Amen!

We pity the poor wretch who can dance under the gallows!

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(Charles Spurgeon, "Flowers from a Puritan's Garden" 1883)

"Do you account him a happy man, who is condemned to die--because he has a plentiful allowance until his execution? Do you account him a happy man, who makes a fair show abroad--while at home he is pinched with poverty and misery? Do you account him a happy man, who revels in all kinds of pleasures today--but is to die this night?"

If we view unpardoned sinners aright, we shall heartily pity them! Let their temporal condition be as good as it may at this present time--the wrath of God abides on them, and they are "condemned already!" And as for the future, it is black with certain doom!

Alas for the unhappy man against whom God sets His face! What misery can be greater, than to be reserved for damnation in the great day of the wrath of God? We wonder at the mirth of men who are condemned to Hell--their fantasy is terrible to behold!

Hence we cannot join with them in their carnal mirth. Sinners may dance--but it will not be to our music. They may revel and riot--but we dare not endorse them in their jollity, for we know that their day is coming!

If you are indeed a child of God--let no desire to share their carnal delights lurk in your mind! Do not be envious of the prosperity of the wicked! Who would envy a criminal about to be executed, of his last cup of wine? Do not let their frivolities attract you. We pity the poor wretch who can dance under the gallows which he will shortly hang on! Just so, sinners who are on the road to Hell sporting and jesting, are worse than mad! Their singing will soon turn to sighing!

"But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold! For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits! This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth." Psalm 73:2-7, 12

"When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me--until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny!" Psalm 73:16-17

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