Anyone who wants forgiveness of sin can find access by placing a repentant faith in the completed work of Christ. Christ’s sacrifice was God’s final… Read More »Hebrews 10:11-18 – Perfect Standing before God
Death is necessary to validate the new covenant. The author has made it clear that Christ’s death has instituted a better covenant (vv. 11–15) which… Read More »Hebrews 9:15-22 – Eternal Redemption through the Blood of Christ
To set the context, let’s remember in 9:1-10, the author talks about a superior sanctuary. Now this superior sanctuary is kind of backwards and forwards.… Read More »Hebrews 9:11-14 – Christ cleanses our sins
One of the tragedies of legalism is that it gives the appearance of spiritual maturity when, in reality, it leads the believer back into a… Read More »Galatians 4:1-7 – Sonship in Christ
Today, we continue our study of Colossians 1 by looking at verses 21-23. After the major theological discussion points from the previous section (15-20), these… Read More »Colossians 1:21-23 Reconciliation by Christ
Colossians 1:9-14 – Walking in the Lord
The prayers in Paul’s prison letters are certainly unique. To begin with, he prays for others and not for himself. The requests in his prayers center on spiritual blessings, not on material or physical matters. Of course, it is not wrong to pray about physical or material needs. But spiritual needs are vastly more important.
How would you pray for a group of people you had never seen? Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians in verses 9-12 are a model for us. As soon as he heard of the new faith of the Colossians, he began interceding with God for them, asking Him to give them knowledge, wisdom, strength, and joy. He prayed that the new believers at Colosse would grow into Christian maturity so that they might walk before God, pleasing Him and producing good works. All that Paul knew about the believers in Colossae was what he learned from their faithful pastor, Epaphras. Paul knew of the false teaching that was threatening the church, so he centered his praying on that problem. In his prayer, Paul made three requests. He prayed for spiritual intelligence (v. 9), practical obedience (v. 10), and moral excellence (vv. 11-12).
Humanities greatest problem is sin—a problem that can never be solved by a philosopher or a religious teacher. Sinners need a Saviour. Verses 13-14 present a vivid picture of the four saving actions of Christ on our behalf. He delivered us (13a), transferred (or translated) us (13b), redeemed us (14a), and has forgiven us (14b).
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (ESV)
APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2
GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS
Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.
1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)
Key Takeaways:
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2
APRIL 17 – PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 “HUMILITY THAT SAVES” Today, we focus on the attitude of Christ. We look at how Christ modeled everything right and… Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 17 Philippians 2:1-11
April 16, 2020
PSALM 9:9-10 GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD
Today’s devotional is a quick reminder about who God is, especially during times of trouble. We are attacked often during these trials to trust ourselves, others, or other means, but this psalm speaks to the value of trusting God.
9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10April 14, 2020 – The Majesty of God:
Today, we turn our attention to the Majesty of God. We focus on the only God there is and whose handiwork is all around us. Today, we look at Psalm 8 and look to follow the example of David by acknowledging God and His majesty:
1 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Context/summary:Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 14 – Psalm 8