John 5:16-18
For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Father has been working until now, and I have been working." Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal to God.
-------------------------------------
88.Q. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?
A. Two things: the dying-away of the old self, and the coming to life of the new.
89.Q. What is the dying away of the old self?
A. It is to be genuinely sorry for sin, to hate it more and more, and to run away from it.
90.Q. What is the coming to life of the new self?
A. It is whole-hearted joy in God through Christ and a delight to do every kind of good as God wants us to.
91.Q. What do we do that is good?
A. Only that which arises out of true faith, conforms to God's law, and is done for His glory; and not that which is based on what we think is right or on established human tradition.
------------------------------------------------------------
As we daily taste the gracious goodness of the Lord, all else becomes worthless in comparison.
This is the work of faith: To trust God, and to live in such trust of Him
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------
Pray that God will provide for the needs of the families of martyrs who are left behind.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
35
John 3: 17-20 (Jesus speaking)
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness ratehr than light, because their deeds are evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
----------------------------------------------
86.Q.We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it:why then must we still do good works?
A. To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by His blood. But we do good works because Christ by His Spirit is also renewing us to be like Himself, s that in all our living we may show that we are thankful to God for all He as done for us, and so that He maybe praised through us. And we do good so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits and so that by our godly living our neighbors maybe won over to Christ.
87.Q.Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent ways?
A. By no means. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like is going to inherit the kingdom of God.
-----------------------------------------------------
The wicked face temptation as a troubled sea, full of restlessness ans storms. They have no peace. God delivers us from such troubles as we guard our heart in keep Christ's word.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
----------------------------------------------------------
Pray for the mothers, wives, children and family members of those whose family members have been killed, like the 21 Egyptian Christians who were killed by IS in Libya.
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness ratehr than light, because their deeds are evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
----------------------------------------------
86.Q.We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it:why then must we still do good works?
A. To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by His blood. But we do good works because Christ by His Spirit is also renewing us to be like Himself, s that in all our living we may show that we are thankful to God for all He as done for us, and so that He maybe praised through us. And we do good so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits and so that by our godly living our neighbors maybe won over to Christ.
87.Q.Can those be saved who do not turn to God from their ungrateful and impenitent ways?
A. By no means. Scripture tells us that no unchaste person, no idolater, thief, no covetous person, no drunkard, slanderer, robber, or the like is going to inherit the kingdom of God.
-----------------------------------------------------
The wicked face temptation as a troubled sea, full of restlessness ans storms. They have no peace. God delivers us from such troubles as we guard our heart in keep Christ's word.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
----------------------------------------------------------
Pray for the mothers, wives, children and family members of those whose family members have been killed, like the 21 Egyptian Christians who were killed by IS in Libya.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
34
Luke 24:38-39
And He said to the, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My fee, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit bones not have flesh and bones as you see I have."
--------------------------------------------------
Pray for the many women who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Ask God to help them remain steadfast in their Christian faith despite pressure to become Muslim.
And He said to the, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My fee, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit bones not have flesh and bones as you see I have."
--------------------------------------------------
Pray for the many women who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Ask God to help them remain steadfast in their Christian faith despite pressure to become Muslim.
Friday, March 27, 2015
33
Luke 22:63-65
Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck You?" And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.Q.What are the keys of the kingdom?
A. The preaching of the holy gospel and Christian discipline toward repentance. Both preaching and discipline open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers.
84.Q. How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
A. According to the command of Christ: the kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to all believers, each and every one, that, as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith, God, because of what Christ has done, truly forgives all their sins. The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that, as long as they do not repent, the anger of God and eternal condemnation rest on them. God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this gospel testimony.
85.Q. How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline?
A. According to the command of Christ:Those who, though called Christians, profess unchristian teachings or live unchristian lives, and after repeated and loving counsel refuse to abandon their errors and wickedness, and after being reported to the church, that is, to its officers, fail to respond als to their admonition--such persons the officers exclude form the Christian fellowship by without holding the sacraments form them, and God himself excludes therm from the kingdom of Christ. Such persons, when promising and demonstrating genuine reform, are received again as members of Christ and of His church.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
He endures the cold and the inconveniences of the night so that when the morning comes, He may have entrance. Some time for a long season--while He is scorned in His person, persecuted in His saints, and reviled in His word-- He stands at the door in the word of His patience, with His heart full of love toward rebellious souls.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the families of prisoners would be encouraged and feel God's presence during time os sadness.
-----------------------------------------------
"We must come before God in silence, as evildoers, in order to obtain grace for the offenses that we have committed. We come clothed in shame, confessing that we are lost, that God might save us through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In short, we say that it is completely beyond our powers to acquit ourselves in the eyes of God. But he comes to our aid; he does not scrutinize us or enter into account with us. When we have offended him, there is no satisfaction for sin other than the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only way we can be cleansed is to wash ourselves in his blood." — John Calvin, "Freedom from the Bondage of the Law"
Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck You?" And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.Q.What are the keys of the kingdom?
A. The preaching of the holy gospel and Christian discipline toward repentance. Both preaching and discipline open the kingdom of heaven to believers and close it to unbelievers.
84.Q. How does preaching the gospel open and close the kingdom of heaven?
A. According to the command of Christ: the kingdom of heaven is opened by proclaiming and publicly declaring to all believers, each and every one, that, as often as they accept the gospel promise in true faith, God, because of what Christ has done, truly forgives all their sins. The kingdom of heaven is closed, however, by proclaiming and publicly declaring to unbelievers and hypocrites that, as long as they do not repent, the anger of God and eternal condemnation rest on them. God's judgment, both in this life and in the life to come, is based on this gospel testimony.
85.Q. How is the kingdom of heaven closed and opened by Christian discipline?
A. According to the command of Christ:Those who, though called Christians, profess unchristian teachings or live unchristian lives, and after repeated and loving counsel refuse to abandon their errors and wickedness, and after being reported to the church, that is, to its officers, fail to respond als to their admonition--such persons the officers exclude form the Christian fellowship by without holding the sacraments form them, and God himself excludes therm from the kingdom of Christ. Such persons, when promising and demonstrating genuine reform, are received again as members of Christ and of His church.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
He endures the cold and the inconveniences of the night so that when the morning comes, He may have entrance. Some time for a long season--while He is scorned in His person, persecuted in His saints, and reviled in His word-- He stands at the door in the word of His patience, with His heart full of love toward rebellious souls.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the families of prisoners would be encouraged and feel God's presence during time os sadness.
-----------------------------------------------
"We must come before God in silence, as evildoers, in order to obtain grace for the offenses that we have committed. We come clothed in shame, confessing that we are lost, that God might save us through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In short, we say that it is completely beyond our powers to acquit ourselves in the eyes of God. But he comes to our aid; he does not scrutinize us or enter into account with us. When we have offended him, there is no satisfaction for sin other than the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only way we can be cleansed is to wash ourselves in his blood." — John Calvin, "Freedom from the Bondage of the Law"
Thursday, March 26, 2015
32-
Luke 19:38(Palm Sunday)
"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in have and glory in the highest!"
----------------------------------------
80.Q. How does the Lord's Supper differ from the Roman Catholic Mass?
A. The Lord's Supper declares to us that our sins have been completely forgiven through the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ which He Himself finished on the cross cone for all. It also declares to us that the Holy Spirit grafts us into Christ, who with His very body is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father where He wants us to worship Him. But the Mass teaches that the living and the dead do not have their sins forgiven through the suffering of Christ unless Christ is bodily present in the form of bread and wine where Christ is therefore worshiped. Thus the Mass is basically nothing but a denial of the one sacrifice and suffering of Jesus Christ and a condemnable idolatry.
81.Q. Who are to come to the Lord's Table?
A. Those who are displeased with themselves because of their sins, but who nevertheless trust that their sins are pardoned and that their continuing weakness is covered by the suffering and death of Christ, and who asl desire mora and more to strengthen their faith and to lead a better life. Hypocrites and those who are unrepentant, however, eat and drink judgement on themselves.
82.Q. Are those to be admitted to the Lord's Supper who show by what they say and do that they are unbelieving and ungodly?
A. No, that would dishonor God's covenant and bring down God's anger upon the entire congregation. Therefore, according to the instruction of Christ, and His apostles, the Christian church is duty-bound to exclude such people, by the official use of the keys of the kingdom, until they reform their lives.
--------------------------------------------
When the love of Christ constrains us to live for Him, then we can withstand temptation.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
---------------------------------------
Pray that letters written to prisoners through VOM's page would be a source of encouragement and hope.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
31- a response to sin
Luke 18:13--And a tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, "God, be merciful to me a sinner!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.Q. Are the bread and wine changed into the read body and blood of Christ?
A. No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into Christ's blood and does not itself wash away sins but is simply God's sign and assurance, so too the bread of the Lord's Supper is not changed into the actual body of Christ even though it is called the body of Christ in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments.
79.Q.Why then does Christ call the bread His body and the cup His blood, or the new covenant in His blood? (Paul uses the words, a participation in Christ's body and blood.)
A. christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that as bread and wine nourish our temporal life, so too His crucified body and poured-out blood truly nourish our souls for eternal life. But more important, He want to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge that we, through the Holy Spirit's work, share in His true body and blood as surely as our mouths receive these holy signs in His remembrance, and that all of His suffering and obedience are as definitely ours as if we personally had suffered and paid for our sins.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just as people had differing and distinctive personalities, so they are also affected by distinctive temptations...How few truly seek to know themselves or possess the courage to do so.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for prisoners being held in Iran where believers face re-arrest, torture and even death.
--------------------------------------------------------
O Almighty God, who alone can order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: help us to love what you command, and desire what you promise. Among the world's many distractions, may our hearts be surely fixed where true joy is found, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I slew him—this right hand struck the dagger to his heart. My deeds slew Christ. Alas! I slew my best beloved; I killed him who loved me with an everlasting love. Oh eyes, why do you refuse to weep when you see Jesus' body mangled and torn? Give vent to your sorrow, Christians, for you have good reason to do so." -adapted from "The Tomb of Jesus" by Charles Spurgeon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.Q. Are the bread and wine changed into the read body and blood of Christ?
A. No. Just as the water of baptism is not changed into Christ's blood and does not itself wash away sins but is simply God's sign and assurance, so too the bread of the Lord's Supper is not changed into the actual body of Christ even though it is called the body of Christ in keeping with the nature and language of sacraments.
79.Q.Why then does Christ call the bread His body and the cup His blood, or the new covenant in His blood? (Paul uses the words, a participation in Christ's body and blood.)
A. christ has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that as bread and wine nourish our temporal life, so too His crucified body and poured-out blood truly nourish our souls for eternal life. But more important, He want to assure us, by this visible sign and pledge that we, through the Holy Spirit's work, share in His true body and blood as surely as our mouths receive these holy signs in His remembrance, and that all of His suffering and obedience are as definitely ours as if we personally had suffered and paid for our sins.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Just as people had differing and distinctive personalities, so they are also affected by distinctive temptations...How few truly seek to know themselves or possess the courage to do so.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for prisoners being held in Iran where believers face re-arrest, torture and even death.
--------------------------------------------------------
O Almighty God, who alone can order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: help us to love what you command, and desire what you promise. Among the world's many distractions, may our hearts be surely fixed where true joy is found, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. - adapted from the Book of Common Prayer
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I slew him—this right hand struck the dagger to his heart. My deeds slew Christ. Alas! I slew my best beloved; I killed him who loved me with an everlasting love. Oh eyes, why do you refuse to weep when you see Jesus' body mangled and torn? Give vent to your sorrow, Christians, for you have good reason to do so." -adapted from "The Tomb of Jesus" by Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
30-He provides for us sinners
75.Q. How does the Lord's supper remind you and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all His gifts?
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup. With this command He gave this promise:First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely His body was offered and broken for me and His blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and the cup of the Lord, given me as sure sings of Christ's body and blood, so surely He nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with Hies crucified body and poured out blood.
76.Q. What doe it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and drink His poured out blood?
A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and by believing to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although He is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit, as members of our body are by one soul.
77Q. Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with His body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?
A. 1 Cor. 11:23-26 and 1 Cor. 10:16-17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 15: 6 (Jesus speaking)--Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Whoever wishes to avoid temptation must pray...If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup. With this command He gave this promise:First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup given to me, so surely His body was offered and broken for me and His blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and the cup of the Lord, given me as sure sings of Christ's body and blood, so surely He nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with Hies crucified body and poured out blood.
76.Q. What doe it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and drink His poured out blood?
A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and by believing to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although He is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of His flesh and bone of His bone. And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit, as members of our body are by one soul.
77Q. Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with His body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup?
A. 1 Cor. 11:23-26 and 1 Cor. 10:16-17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 15: 6 (Jesus speaking)--Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Whoever wishes to avoid temptation must pray...If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
Monday, March 23, 2015
29-what about all this sin!?
72.Q. Does this outward washing with water itself was away sins?
A. No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sin.
73.Q. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins?
A. God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that the blood and the Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water washes away dirt from our bodies. But more important, He wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as physical washing with water.
74.Q. Should infants, too, be baptised?
A. Yes. Infants as well as adults are in God's covenant and are His people. They, no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit who produces faith. Therefore, baptism, the mark of the covenant, infants should be received into the Christian church and should be distinguished from the children of unbelievers. This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism.
---------------------------------------------------
Luke 13:24- (Jesus speaking) "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will enter wand will not be able.
-----------------------------------------------
It is wrong for us to enter deliberately into temptation and to think only of the near escape of our souls. We need to regard the comfort, joy, and peace of our spirits and to realize that we sojourn here for the honor of the gospel and glory of God.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
----------------------------------------------
Pray for the health of those being held in prison. Many do not receive even basic medical care and need God's healing and comfort.
Pray for Chinese believers and others who are forced to do hare labor in prison
------------------------------------------------
A. No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sin.
73.Q. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins?
A. God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that the blood and the Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water washes away dirt from our bodies. But more important, He wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as physical washing with water.
74.Q. Should infants, too, be baptised?
A. Yes. Infants as well as adults are in God's covenant and are His people. They, no less than adults, are promised the forgiveness of sin through Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit who produces faith. Therefore, baptism, the mark of the covenant, infants should be received into the Christian church and should be distinguished from the children of unbelievers. This was done in the Old Testament by circumcision, which was replaced in the New Testament by baptism.
---------------------------------------------------
Luke 13:24- (Jesus speaking) "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will enter wand will not be able.
-----------------------------------------------
It is wrong for us to enter deliberately into temptation and to think only of the near escape of our souls. We need to regard the comfort, joy, and peace of our spirits and to realize that we sojourn here for the honor of the gospel and glory of God.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
----------------------------------------------
Pray for the health of those being held in prison. Many do not receive even basic medical care and need God's healing and comfort.
Pray for Chinese believers and others who are forced to do hare labor in prison
------------------------------------------------
My life afrights me. For when carefully reviewed, its whole course shows in my sight like one great sin; or at least it is well-nigh nothing but barrenness. Or, if any fruit is seen in it, that fruit is so false, or so imperfect, or in some way or other so tainted with decay and corruption, that it must needs either fail to satisfy God, or else utterly offend Him." - Anselm
Something to Think About
All of us have sinned—if we were without sin, Jesus' sacrifice would not have been necessary to assure us a relationship with God. This week, take time to identify the temptations and sins that you struggle with. Are there unconfessed sins in your life that you need to bring before Jesus?
Saturday, March 21, 2015
28-- us and them
Luke 12:49-
(Jesus speaking) "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptised with and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two and two against three."
(Jesus speaking) "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptised with and how distressed I am till it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two and two against three."
Friday, March 20, 2015
27
69.Q. How does baptism remind you and assure you that Christ's one sacrifice on the cross is for you personally?
A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly His blood and His Spirit was away my soul's impurity, in other words, all my sins.
70.Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?
A. To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because of Christ's blood poured out for me in His sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed me and set me apart to be a member of Christ so that more and more I become dead to sin and increasingly holy and blameless life.
71.Q. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with His blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?
A. In the institution of baptism where He says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father ans of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 10:20 (Jesus speaking)
"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
----------------------------------------------------------------
We have no strength, no power to withstand (temptation). Self-confidence produces a large part of our weakness, as it did with Peter. He who boasts that he can do anything, can in fact do nothing as he should.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pray for those distributing Action Packs and other aid items to persecuted Christians
For information on Action Packs, see this link:
http://www.persecution.com/actionpacks
A. In this way: Christ instituted this outward washing and with it gave the promise that, as surely as water washes away the dirt from the body, so certainly His blood and His Spirit was away my soul's impurity, in other words, all my sins.
70.Q. What does it mean to be washed with Christ's blood and Spirit?
A. To be washed with Christ's blood means that God, by grace, has forgiven my sins because of Christ's blood poured out for me in His sacrifice on the cross. To be washed with Christ's Spirit means that the Holy Spirit has renewed me and set me apart to be a member of Christ so that more and more I become dead to sin and increasingly holy and blameless life.
71.Q. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with His blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?
A. In the institution of baptism where He says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father ans of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 10:20 (Jesus speaking)
"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
----------------------------------------------------------------
We have no strength, no power to withstand (temptation). Self-confidence produces a large part of our weakness, as it did with Peter. He who boasts that he can do anything, can in fact do nothing as he should.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pray for those distributing Action Packs and other aid items to persecuted Christians
For information on Action Packs, see this link:
http://www.persecution.com/actionpacks
Thursday, March 19, 2015
26- sin and sacrifice
65.Q. It is by faith alone that we share in Christ and all His blessings. Where then does that faith come from?
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel and confirms it through our use of the holy sacraments
66.Q. What are the sacraments?
A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They were instituted by God so that by the use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and might put His seal on that promise. And this is God's gospel promise--to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ's one sacrifice finished on the cross.
67.Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
A. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and through the holy sacraments He assures us that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.
68.Q. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?
A. Two-- baptism and the Lord's supper.
-------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:47 (Jesus speaking) "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
----------------------------------------------------------
Sin sometimes carries men away by their love for sin, and they continue in it because they fear what will ensue if they stop.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for those supporting evangelists and other front line workers.
A. The Holy Spirit produces it in our hearts by the preaching of the holy gospel and confirms it through our use of the holy sacraments
66.Q. What are the sacraments?
A. Sacraments are holy signs and seals for us to see. They were instituted by God so that by the use of them He might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and might put His seal on that promise. And this is God's gospel promise--to forgive our sins and give us eternal life by grace alone because of Christ's one sacrifice finished on the cross.
67.Q. Are both the word and the sacraments then intended to focus our faith on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
A. Right! In the gospel the Holy Spirit teaches us and through the holy sacraments He assures us that our entire salvation rests on Christ's one sacrifice for us on the cross.
68.Q. How many sacraments did Christ institute in the New Testament?
A. Two-- baptism and the Lord's supper.
-------------------------------------------------
Luke 7:47 (Jesus speaking) "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
----------------------------------------------------------
Sin sometimes carries men away by their love for sin, and they continue in it because they fear what will ensue if they stop.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for those supporting evangelists and other front line workers.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
25-grace is the cure for our sin
62.Q. Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with Him?
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.
63.Q. how can you that the good we do doesn't earn anything when God promises to reward it in this live and the next?
A. This reward is not earned;it is a gift of grace.
64.Q. But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
A No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true not faith to produce fruits of gratitude.
------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 5: 31-32
Then Jesus answered the and said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinner to repentance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The sufficiency of His grace does not appear to us until we compare our weakness with the strength of a test. It is like the power of an antidote, which is only revealed after a poison has been taken. The precious value of medicine is like wise known only by disease. Similarly, we shall never know the strength of God's grace until we experience temptation.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------------
Pray for those sharing the gospel on the front-lines in the most dangerous places
A. Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. Even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.
63.Q. how can you that the good we do doesn't earn anything when God promises to reward it in this live and the next?
A. This reward is not earned;it is a gift of grace.
64.Q. But doesn't this teaching make people indifferent and wicked?
A No. It is impossible for those grafted into Christ by true not faith to produce fruits of gratitude.
------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 5: 31-32
Then Jesus answered the and said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinner to repentance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The sufficiency of His grace does not appear to us until we compare our weakness with the strength of a test. It is like the power of an antidote, which is only revealed after a poison has been taken. The precious value of medicine is like wise known only by disease. Similarly, we shall never know the strength of God's grace until we experience temptation.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------------
Pray for those sharing the gospel on the front-lines in the most dangerous places
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
24
59.Q. What good does it do you, however, to believe all this?
A. In Christ I am right with God and heir to life everlasting.
60.Q. How are you right with God?
A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandment and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction,righteousness and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner , as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
61.Q. Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
A. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness and holiness make me right with God. And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.
-----------------------------------------------------
Luke 4:17-19,28-29
And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To preach deliverance to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed, To preach the acceptable year of the LORD."
Then all those in the synagogue when they hear these things, were filled with wrath and they rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, they they might throw Him down over the cliff.
-------------------------------------------
It is grace alone that changes the heart of man.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------
Pray for Bible smuggling and printing efforts in closed countries.
A. In Christ I am right with God and heir to life everlasting.
60.Q. How are you right with God?
A. Only by true faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my conscience accuses me of having grievously sinned against all God's commandment and of never having kept any of them, and even though I am still inclined toward all evil, nevertheless, without my deserving it at all, out of sheer grace, God grants and credits to me the perfect satisfaction,righteousness and holiness of Christ, as if I had never sinned nor been a sinner , as if I had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was obedient for me. All I need to do is to accept this gift of God with a believing heart.
61.Q. Why do you say that by faith alone you are right with God?
A. It is not because of any value my faith has that God is pleased with me. Only Christ's satisfaction, righteousness and holiness make me right with God. And I can receive this righteousness and make it mine in no other way than by faith alone.
-----------------------------------------------------
Luke 4:17-19,28-29
And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor, He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To preach deliverance to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed, To preach the acceptable year of the LORD."
Then all those in the synagogue when they hear these things, were filled with wrath and they rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, they they might throw Him down over the cliff.
-------------------------------------------
It is grace alone that changes the heart of man.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------
Pray for Bible smuggling and printing efforts in closed countries.
Monday, March 16, 2015
23--Jesus came to forgive
54.Q. What do you believe concerning the "holy catholic church"?
A. I believe that the Son of God through His Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, for the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.
55Q. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
A. First, that believers on and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.
56.Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ's atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in His grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgement.
57,Q. How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?
A. Not only my soul will be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head, but even my flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul and made like Christ's glorious body.
58. Q. Ho does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you:
A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heat has ever imagined; a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 2: 29-32
"Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
-----------------------------------------------------
If they maintain a deep sense of this mercy, however, their life as a believer will be empowered. Jesus said of the poor woman who came to Him in Luke 7:47, "To whom much has been forgiven, the same loves much." A great sense of God's forgiveness generates much love for the Lord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that believers in need of Bibles in hostile and restricted nations will receive them
A. I believe that the Son of God through His Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, for the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for Himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member.
55Q. What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
A. First, that believers on and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all His treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and cheerfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.
56.Q. What do you believe concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
A. I believe that God, because of Christ's atonement, will never hold against me any of my sins nor my sinful nature which I need to struggle against all my life. Rather, in His grace God grants me the righteousness of Christ to free me forever from judgement.
57,Q. How does "the resurrection of the body" comfort you?
A. Not only my soul will be taken immediately after this life to Christ its head, but even my flesh, raised by the power of Christ, will be reunited with my soul and made like Christ's glorious body.
58. Q. Ho does the article concerning "life everlasting" comfort you:
A. Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no human heat has ever imagined; a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.
------------------------------------------------------------
Luke 2: 29-32
"Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
-----------------------------------------------------
If they maintain a deep sense of this mercy, however, their life as a believer will be empowered. Jesus said of the poor woman who came to Him in Luke 7:47, "To whom much has been forgiven, the same loves much." A great sense of God's forgiveness generates much love for the Lord.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that believers in need of Bibles in hostile and restricted nations will receive them
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Easter E.G.G.
We all know about the tradition of looking for Easter eggs, but do you know about looking for Easter E.G.G.s???? I don't know where we picked up this tradition of looking for EGGs. I am pretty sure it was from Christian radio back in the 80's or 90's. I wish I could give credit where credit is due. But, it is a tradition that our adult children still remember today.
E.G.G. stands for Evidence of God's Grace! An evidence of God's grace is any time you see God's grace working in someone's life. Did you overhear an older sibling encouraging a younger sibling?--that is an EGG. Did your room mate unload the dishwasher on your day?--that is an EGG. Did your husband pick up his socks without being reminded?--that's an EGG. Did your friend lead out in prayer when he is normally shy?--that is an EGG.
And since we are nearing Easter, we call them Easter EGGs!
Look for Easter EGGs and then share your findings!!! They are much more wonderful than plastic eggs, hard boiled eggs or even the incredible pysanky eggs. At times we had egg shaped pieces of paper available for family members to write about the EGGs they spotted. Then we would take time to read the EGGs seen in our family. What a wonderful way to rejoice together at the work of God in your family and friends.
Happy Easter EGG hunting!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
22-Crucify Him
Mark 15: 13-14
So they cried out again, "Crucify Him!"
Then Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has He done:" And they cried out more exceedingly, "Crucify Him!"
-------------------------------------------------
Pray for those who are injured because they are Christians.
So they cried out again, "Crucify Him!"
Then Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has He done:" And they cried out more exceedingly, "Crucify Him!"
-------------------------------------------------
Pray for those who are injured because they are Christians.
Friday, March 13, 2015
21
50.Q. Why the next words,"and is seated at the right hand of God"?
A Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that He is head of His church, ant that the Father rules all thing through Him.
51.Q.How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
A. First, through His Holy Spirit He pours out His gifts from heaven upon us His members. Second, by His power He defends us and keeps us safe from all our enemies.
52.Q. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
A. In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All His enemies and mine He will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all His chosen ones He will take along with Him into the joy and glory of heaven.
53.Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
A. First, He, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, He has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, He makes me share in Christ and all His blessings, comforts me and remains with me forever.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 14:30
"Assuredly I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times"
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Is our zeal for God what it used to be--warm, living, vigorous and effective?
John Owen-Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------
Pray for the families to those killed for their faith
A Christ ascended to heaven, there to show that He is head of His church, ant that the Father rules all thing through Him.
51.Q.How does this glory of Christ our head benefit us?
A. First, through His Holy Spirit He pours out His gifts from heaven upon us His members. Second, by His power He defends us and keeps us safe from all our enemies.
52.Q. How does Christ's return "to judge the living and the dead" comfort you?
A. In all my distress and persecution I turn my eyes to the heavens and confidently await as judge the very One who has already stood trial in my place before God and so has removed the whole curse from me. All His enemies and mine He will condemn to everlasting punishment: but me and all His chosen ones He will take along with Him into the joy and glory of heaven.
53.Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
A. First, He, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, He has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, He makes me share in Christ and all His blessings, comforts me and remains with me forever.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 14:30
"Assuredly I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times"
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Is our zeal for God what it used to be--warm, living, vigorous and effective?
John Owen-Sin and Temptation
-----------------------------------------------
Pray for the families to those killed for their faith
Thursday, March 12, 2015
20--half way
46.Q. What do you mean by saying, "He ascended to heaven"?
A. That Christ, while His disciples watched, was lifted up from the earth to heave and will be there for our good until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.
47.Q. But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
A.Christ is truly human and truly God. In His human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in His divinity, majesty, grace and Spirit He is not absent from us for a moment.
48.Q. If His humanity is not present where His divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?
A.Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is eveident that Christ's divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity He has take on, but at the same time His divinity is in and remains personally united to His humanity.
Q49.A. How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
A. First, He pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of His Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven--a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, His members, to Himself in heaven. Third, He sends His Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit's power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 11:7-10
And many spread their garments on the road and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.Then those who went before and those who followed cried out saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Likewise, there is nothing good or desirable, either during this life of the next, in pursuing sin for its own sake.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the front-line workers will have a real sense of the presence of God.
A. That Christ, while His disciples watched, was lifted up from the earth to heave and will be there for our good until He comes again to judge the living and the dead.
47.Q. But isn't Christ with us until the end of the world as he promised us?
A.Christ is truly human and truly God. In His human nature Christ is not now on earth; but in His divinity, majesty, grace and Spirit He is not absent from us for a moment.
48.Q. If His humanity is not present where His divinity is, then aren't the two natures of Christ separated from each other?
A.Certainly not. Since divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is eveident that Christ's divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity He has take on, but at the same time His divinity is in and remains personally united to His humanity.
Q49.A. How does Christ's ascension to heaven benefit us?
A. First, He pleads our cause in heaven in the presence of His Father. Second, we have our own flesh in heaven--a guarantee that Christ our head will take us, His members, to Himself in heaven. Third, He sends His Spirit to us on earth as a further guarantee. By the Spirit's power we make the goal of our lives, not earthly things, but the things above where Christ is, sitting at God's right hand.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 11:7-10
And many spread their garments on the road and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.Then those who went before and those who followed cried out saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Likewise, there is nothing good or desirable, either during this life of the next, in pursuing sin for its own sake.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the front-line workers will have a real sense of the presence of God.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
19--the death and resurrection
45.Q. How does Christ's resurrection benefit us?
A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He might make us share in the righteousness He won for us by His death. Second, by His power we too are already now resurrected to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 10: 33-34
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and to the scribes and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles' and they will mock Him and scourge Him and spit on Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easter is not about Jesus living on in His teachings or the experience of Jesus coming to life in His disciples. Easter is about a divine Galilean whose heart pumped blood again, whose lungs filled with oxygen again, and whose synapses started firing again.
The resurrection means that the death of Jesus was enough--enough to atone for sin, enough to reconcile us to God, enough to present us holy in God presence. Christ wo' sin,death and teh Devil lost--that's the good news of the empty tomb.
Kevin DeYoung--The Good News We Almost Forgot
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the font-line workers will be encouraged, -knowing that others are praying for them
A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He might make us share in the righteousness He won for us by His death. Second, by His power we too are already now resurrected to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 10: 33-34
"Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and to the scribes and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles' and they will mock Him and scourge Him and spit on Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Easter is not about Jesus living on in His teachings or the experience of Jesus coming to life in His disciples. Easter is about a divine Galilean whose heart pumped blood again, whose lungs filled with oxygen again, and whose synapses started firing again.
The resurrection means that the death of Jesus was enough--enough to atone for sin, enough to reconcile us to God, enough to present us holy in God presence. Christ wo' sin,death and teh Devil lost--that's the good news of the empty tomb.
Kevin DeYoung--The Good News We Almost Forgot
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the font-line workers will be encouraged, -knowing that others are praying for them
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Day 18--Sin comes from within ourselves
40.Q. Why did Christ have to go all the way to death?
A. Because God's justice and thru demand it: only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
41.Q. Why was He "buried"?
A. His burial testifies that He really died.
42.Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
A. Our death does not pay the debt for our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.
43.Q. What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
A. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with Him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead, we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to Him.
44.Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"?
A. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain and terror of the soul, especially on the cross but also earlie, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 7:20-23
And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man proceed evil thoughts, adulterise, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.
Mark 8:34-
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will love it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses is own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in glory of His Father with the holy angels."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every sin is so voluntary, that if it is not voluntary, it is not sin.
The principle of grace within a Christian inclines him toward good. Grace rules, not sin, in the believer. Thoug his will may consent to sin, it only does so partially, never absolutely.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for the workers' family members, as they often face long periods of separation
A. Because God's justice and thru demand it: only the death of God's Son could pay for our sin.
41.Q. Why was He "buried"?
A. His burial testifies that He really died.
42.Q. Since Christ has died for us, why do we still have to die?
A. Our death does not pay the debt for our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.
43.Q. What further advantage do we receive from Christ's sacrifice and death on the cross?
A. Through Christ's death our old selves are crucified, put to death, and buried with Him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead, we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to Him.
44.Q. Why does the creed add, "He descended to hell"?
A. To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain and terror of the soul, especially on the cross but also earlie, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 7:20-23
And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man proceed evil thoughts, adulterise, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, and evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.
Mark 8:34-
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will love it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses is own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in glory of His Father with the holy angels."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every sin is so voluntary, that if it is not voluntary, it is not sin.
The principle of grace within a Christian inclines him toward good. Grace rules, not sin, in the believer. Thoug his will may consent to sin, it only does so partially, never absolutely.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for the workers' family members, as they often face long periods of separation
Monday, March 9, 2015
day 17
37.Q. What do you understand by the word "suffered"?
A. That during His whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race. This He did in orre that, By His suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, He might set us free, body and soul, for eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
38.Q. Why did He suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
A. So that He, though innocent, might be condemned by civil judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
39.Q. Is it significant that He was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?
A. Yes. This death convinces me that He shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 6:5-6,56
Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about eht villages in a circuit, teaching.
Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...sin always seeks to extenuate and lessen the seriousness of sin to the mind.
When sin would entangle the soul, it prevails with the imagination to solicit the heart by painting sin as something beautiful and satisfying.
When sin tempts with such pressure, it uses a thousand wiles to hide the soul from the terror of the Lord.
Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for peace in the workers' hearts when traveling in especially difficult areas.
Pray for boldness and courage as workers carry out kingdom work.
A. That during His whole life on earth, but especially at the end, Christ sustained in body and soul the anger of God against the sin of the whole human race. This He did in orre that, By His suffering as the only atoning sacrifice, He might set us free, body and soul, for eternal condemnation, and gain for us God's grace, righteousness, and eternal life.
38.Q. Why did He suffer "under Pontius Pilate" as judge?
A. So that He, though innocent, might be condemned by civil judge, and so free us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
39.Q. Is it significant that He was "crucified" instead of dying some other way?
A. Yes. This death convinces me that He shouldered the curse which lay on me, since death by crucifixion was accursed by God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 6:5-6,56
Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about eht villages in a circuit, teaching.
Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...sin always seeks to extenuate and lessen the seriousness of sin to the mind.
When sin would entangle the soul, it prevails with the imagination to solicit the heart by painting sin as something beautiful and satisfying.
When sin tempts with such pressure, it uses a thousand wiles to hide the soul from the terror of the Lord.
Fill your affections with the cross of Christ and you will find no room for sin.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for peace in the workers' hearts when traveling in especially difficult areas.
Pray for boldness and courage as workers carry out kingdom work.
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Prayer in the 1200's becomes song in the 1900's!
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
— Richard of Chichester
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
— Richard of Chichester
Friday, March 6, 2015
15--sin and the Holy Spirit
33.Q. Why is He called God's "only Son" when we are also God's children?
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God--adopted by grace through Christ.
34.Q. Why do you call Him "our Lord"?
A. Because--not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood--He has set us free from sin and the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be His very own.
35.Q. What does it mean that He was "conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to Himself, thought he working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that He might become David's true descendant, like His brother in every way except for sin.
36.Q.How does the Holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
A. Hi is our mediator and with His innocence and perfect holiness He removes from God's sign my sin--mine since I was conceived.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 2: 16-17
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "how is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We must consider the indwelling Holy Spirit. This surely is the greatest privilege we have in this world. We need to consider how He is grieved by sin, and how we defile His dwelling place. We must guard against forfeiting or even despising His comforts. Careful meditation upon these considerations helps to keep us from sin and temptation.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the front line workers will be refreshed and strengthened in God's Word daily.
A. Because Christ alone is the eternal, natural Son of God. We, however, are adopted children of God--adopted by grace through Christ.
34.Q. Why do you call Him "our Lord"?
A. Because--not with gold or silver, but with His precious blood--He has set us free from sin and the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be His very own.
35.Q. What does it mean that He was "conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary"?
A. That the eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took to Himself, thought he working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, a truly human nature so that He might become David's true descendant, like His brother in every way except for sin.
36.Q.How does the Holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?
A. Hi is our mediator and with His innocence and perfect holiness He removes from God's sign my sin--mine since I was conceived.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark 2: 16-17
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "how is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" When Jesus heard it, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We must consider the indwelling Holy Spirit. This surely is the greatest privilege we have in this world. We need to consider how He is grieved by sin, and how we defile His dwelling place. We must guard against forfeiting or even despising His comforts. Careful meditation upon these considerations helps to keep us from sin and temptation.
John Owen--Sin and Temptation
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the front line workers will be refreshed and strengthened in God's Word daily.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
day 14
31.Q. Why is He called "Christ" meaning "Anointed"?
A. Because He has been ordained by God the Father and has been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be our chief prophet and teach who perfectly reveals to us the secret counsel and will of God for our deliverance; our only high priest who has set us free by the one sacrifice of His body and who continually pleads our cause with the Father; and our eternal king who governs us by His Word and Spirit and who guards us and keeps us in the freedom He has won for us.
32.Q. But why are you called a Christian?
A. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in His anointing. I am anointed to confess His name, to present myself to Him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for all eternity.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Sin seeks to divert the mind from God...."
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that ministry activities will remain unseen by potential persecutors.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ on the deck,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
— from the prayer of St. Patrick
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ on the deck,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
— from the prayer of St. Patrick
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
— Richard of Chichester
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
— Richard of Chichester
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
13--our Savior and our sin
29.Q. Why is the Son of God called, "Jesus," meaning "Savior"?
A.Because He saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
30.Q. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only Saviour Jesus?
A. No. Although they boast of being His, by their deeds they deny the only Saviour and deliverer, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or those who in true faith accept their Saviour have in Him all they need for their salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 26:21-22,56,67,75
Now as they were eating, He said,"Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
Then they spat in His face...
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." The he went and wept bitterly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without this sense of NEED, our prayers are of no use to the glory of God or of any good to the souls of men.
Sin and Temptation by John Owens
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for favor among those to whom the front-line workers are ministering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. - from the Book of Common Prayer
A.Because He saves us from our sins. Salvation cannot be found in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salvation elsewhere.
30.Q. Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere really believe in the only Saviour Jesus?
A. No. Although they boast of being His, by their deeds they deny the only Saviour and deliverer, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or those who in true faith accept their Saviour have in Him all they need for their salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 26:21-22,56,67,75
Now as they were eating, He said,"Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, "Lord, is it I?"
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.
Then they spat in His face...
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." The he went and wept bitterly.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without this sense of NEED, our prayers are of no use to the glory of God or of any good to the souls of men.
Sin and Temptation by John Owens
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray for favor among those to whom the front-line workers are ministering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. - from the Book of Common Prayer
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
day 12
27.Q. What do you understand by the providence of God?
A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which He upholds,as with His hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty--all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from His fatherly hand.
28.Q. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from His love. All creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they can neither move nor be moved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.aholyexperience.com/2015/02/why-failing-at-lent-may-be-succeeding-at-lent/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 24:35--(Jesus speaking) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the heart does not realize how wrong and how bitter are the results of forsaking God, then it will never remain secure against sin.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the Lord prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel.
AMEN!
A. Providence is the almighty and ever present power of God by which He upholds,as with His hand, heaven and earth and all creatures, and so rules them that leaf and blade, rain and drought, fruitful and lean years, food and drink, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty--all things, in fact, come to us not by chance but from His fatherly hand.
28.Q. How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?
A. We can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from His love. All creatures are so completely in His hand that without His will they can neither move nor be moved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.aholyexperience.com/2015/02/why-failing-at-lent-may-be-succeeding-at-lent/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 24:35--(Jesus speaking) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the heart does not realize how wrong and how bitter are the results of forsaking God, then it will never remain secure against sin.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray that the Lord prepares the hearts of those who will hear the gospel.
AMEN!
Monday, March 2, 2015
day 11- this sad world
26.Q. What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"?
A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them
who still upholds and rules them by His eternal counsel and providence,
is my God and Father because of Christ His Son.
I trust Him so much that
I do not doubt He will provide whatever I need for my body and soul,
and He will turn to my good
whatever adversity He sends me in this sad world.
He is able to do this because
He is almighty God
He desires to do this because
He is a faithful Father.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 22: 15-18
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth, nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, "Why do you test Me you hypocrites?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the nature of deceit. By only presenting the desirable aspects of temptation, it deceives the mind into making a false judgement.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray the Lord provides opportunities for front-line workers to share the gospel.
A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them
who still upholds and rules them by His eternal counsel and providence,
is my God and Father because of Christ His Son.
I trust Him so much that
I do not doubt He will provide whatever I need for my body and soul,
and He will turn to my good
whatever adversity He sends me in this sad world.
He is able to do this because
He is almighty God
He desires to do this because
He is a faithful Father.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew 22: 15-18
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth, nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, "Why do you test Me you hypocrites?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the nature of deceit. By only presenting the desirable aspects of temptation, it deceives the mind into making a false judgement.
John Owen, Sin and Temptation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pray the Lord provides opportunities for front-line workers to share the gospel.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Invitation to join me for a concert
There is a concert coming to the Denver Metro area that I plan to attend next Sunday. I just wanted to take this opportunity to invite anyone in the area to meet me there. Danny plans to attend with me and we would love to see you there! The details are below:
Lent is a season for preparation leading to the passion and death of Christ. This service with readings and music will prepare the heart and the mind. Includes music by Brahms, Casals, Duruflé, Ives, Tallis, Purcell and others.
There is no charge for this service and tickets NOT required
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 3:00 PM
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E Hampden Blvd, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
I think this will be a lovely way to incorporate music into your Lenten endeavor or just to enjoy some sacred music during the Easter season.
For more information, click on the link on the upper left hand corner of this blog page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)