Tag: Bible

Reflections on I Chronicles 17-18

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

God makes a covenant with David.  Consider:

  • God Is Great – David acknowledges the greatness of God. There are none like God; indeed he is the only God.  According to his greatness, God has made promises to David, and called Israel to be his people.  Ponder God’s greatness, and his greatness to you!
  • God’s Promises – In 17:9-10, God promises to subdue their enemies that Israel might dwell in peace. In chapter 18, God fulfills his promise, giving David victory over his enemies (v6, 13).  We can trust his promises; he will not fail.  What promises of God do you need to cling to today?

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

fivesolas

Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped or every good work. – II Timothy 3:17-17 (ESV)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
Where do we learn about salvation?
What should be our guide?
Are you committed to reading God’s Word?
Does God’s Word govern your life?
What other authorities are you tempted to follow instead of God’s Word?

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn PASSION Collections

RefWall

Here are some good more posts related to the Reformation:

Where Did the Reformation Really Begin? – David Mathis (DG)

What Sola Scriptura Really Means – Mark Thompson (Crossway)

Where the Bible Teaches We Are Saved by Christ Alone – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

The American Priest who Proved the Reformation is Not Over – Jordan Standridge (the Cripplegate)

6 Ways to Celebrate Reformation 500 This Sunday – Jason Helopoulos (TGC)

Reflections on I Chronicles 14-16

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David finishes moving the ark to Jerusalem – this time moving it the proper way.

  • Praise – As they moved the ark, David and the people were rejoicing before the Lord. Many of the Levites were assigned to sing praises and thanks to God.  David gives them a song of praise to sing.  How can David’s song help you praise God today?
  • Seek the Lord – Part of David’s song calls us to seek the Lord (16:10-11). We are to seek him from our hearts.  We are to seek his strength and his presence.  Are you seeking the Lord like this?

Reflections on I Chronicles 11-13

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David becomes king and tries to move the ark to Jerusalem.

  • Rejoicing – As the ark was being moved, David and the people were rejoicing before the Lord. At what special event have you rejoiced before the Lord?  How is rejoicing in the Lord part of your daily life?
  • Fear – The ark was not supposed to be carried in a cart, nor was it to be touched. When Uzzah touched it, he died on the spot.  The celebration ended.  David was afraid.  Do you have a proper reverence for the Lord?

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Souls Need Songs: How God Shapes Us Through Singing – Hayden Nesbit (DG)
God made our souls for song. Scripture brims with God’s call for his people to sing his praises. Something about singing refreshes and reorients our souls

8 Ways to Measure Your Love for the Bible – Tim Challies
Here are a few ways to measure whether or not you truly love the Word.

Diagnosing & Mortifying the Sin of Complaining – Geoffrey R. Kirkland
Complaining isn’t, however, the real issue. Complaining is the outward manifestation of other heart-sins taking place in that moment. Let’s diagnose complaining. When we complain, we manifest three heart-sins that are all taking place together.

Worshiping a Golden Calf on Sunday Morning is Deceptively Easy – Jared Wilson
On Sundays, our sanctuaries fill with people seeking worship, and not one person comes in set to neutral. We must take great care, then, not to assume that even in our religious environments, where we put the Scriptures under so many noses, that it is Jesus the exalted Christ who is being worshiped.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day!

Reflections on I Chronicles 6-10

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

The genealogies continue, before retelling Saul’s death:

  • Return – Chapter 9 gives the genealogy of those who returned from exile. The point of all these genealogies is to show that the returned exiles belong to Israel.  The promises to Israel belong to them.  In the same way, we celebrate our adoption as the children of God.  The promises of God belong to us through Jesus Christ.
  • Broken faith – Chapter 9 begins with a reminder of why Judah went into exile (v1). It is the same reason Saul was rejected as king (10:13-14).  Why?  Because they broke faith with God.  They did not obey God or seek his direction, but went their own way.  Are there ways that you are acting like Judah and Saul?

Reflections on I Chronicles 1-5

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Our passage today consists of genealogies.

  • Davidic Line – Chapter 3 gives the genealogy of David’s descendants. Note that it continues beyond the exile (v17-24).  Judah may have gone into exile, but David’s line continues.  This would have been a great hope to Israel.  And in this line will come our Savior in whom we place our hope.
  • Trust or not – The two and a half tribes east of the Jordan cried out to God for help in a battle, and God helped them because they trusted in him (5:18-22). But later they were taken into captivity because they broke faith with God – they went after other gods (5:23-26).  What about you?  Are you looking to God, or chasing after idols?

Reflections on Job 40-42

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Job says he will be quiet, and God begins to speak again.  Job repents and God restores him.  Observe:

  • Everything belongs to God – Since God created everything, everything is his (41:11). All that you have is really his.  Anything you might give to God was already his before you gave it.  If God owns everything you have, how should this affect your attitude toward things?  Your use of things?  Be specific.
  • Repentance – Job has found fault with God, even condemning God (40:2, 8). Job acknowledges that he spoke of what he didn’t understand (42:3).  He shuts his mouth (40:4-5), and repents (42:6).  Is there something you are judging God for – some way you are finding fault with God?  Will you humbly repent before him?

Reflections on Job 36-39

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Elihu begins to speak of God’s power and wisdom in creation, and then God himself takes up the refrain.

  • God’s power and wisdom – Statement upon statement followed by question upon question overwhelmingly points to God’s awesome power and wisdom over creation. Ponder these words.  Go outside and see.  Be in awe.  Fall down in worship before your Creator.