PSALM 139 For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether (Ps. 139:4). Psalm 139 stands second only to Psalm 104 for its majestic sentiments, eloquent style, and beauty of expression in describing the awesome character of God. While some commentators maintain that Psalm 139 extols both … Continue reading “OUR OMNISCIENT LORD”
FREEDOM TO WORSHIP
PSALM 137 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? (Ps. 137:4). Many of America’s founders fled their homelands to find religious freedom. They sought a land where they could worship God, without the regulations of a state church. The desire for freedom of worship drove the Puritans of England to the … Continue reading “FREEDOM TO WORSHIP”
HIS ETERNAL MERCY
PSALM 136 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (Ps. 136:1). Psalm 136 contains a continuous refrain that follows a declaration of God’s glorious work. The insertion of the clause “For His mercy endures forever” serves as a reminder that all God is and has done is … Continue reading “HIS ETERNAL MERCY”
SPIRITUAL WORSHIP
PSALM 135 Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! (Ps. 135:1) The writer of Psalm 135 intended to stir the nation of Israel to consider its God, to worship Him in a proper manner and with a sincere heart of praise. The psalms are filled … Continue reading “SPIRITUAL WORSHIP”
FAITHFUL SERVICE
PSALM 134 Behold, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord! (Ps. 134:1). In the Old Testament the priests were responsible for maintaining the temple at all hours. While the nation slept, the Levites cared for the temple and led services for those few … Continue reading “FAITHFUL SERVICE”
THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST
1 CORINTHIANS 11:17–34 “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Cor. 11:25b). Today we will examine four views concerning the question of the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. The Roman Catholic Church maintains that the sacramental union is … Continue reading “THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST”
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
MATTHEW 28 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament of baptism after He had finished His work of reconciliation and had been resurrected by the power of the Spirit. … Continue reading “SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM”
A MEANS OF GRACE
ROMANS 2 Circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter (Rom. 2:29b). While Catholics believe that the sacraments are necessary for salvation, Protestants disagree. The sacraments do not establish or constitute the grace they signify. God conveys that which they symbolize apart from their use. For example, people may … Continue reading “A MEANS OF GRACE”
WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?
ROMANS 4:1–12 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised (Rom. 4:11a). During the next six studies we will look at the means of grace God uses to bring unity to His people and glory to Himself: the sacraments. The word is … Continue reading “WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?”
UNITY AND PURITY
PSALM 133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Ps. 133). Psalm 133 shows us the importance of maintaining unity among God’s people. Yet unity must not be achieved at the expense of purity. When divisions occur, the cause resides not in those who challenge error but … Continue reading “UNITY AND PURITY”