Tag: Christianity

Reflections on I Chronicles 19-21

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

David continues to subdue his enemies, but then sins.

  • Trust – In II Samuel, Joab was known for his vengeful actions. Here we see him in a different light.  In battle, he trusts God to do whatever seems good to the Lord (19:13).  Do you have that kind of trust in the Lord?
  • Obedience – In chapter 21, David tells Joab to count the people – something David was not to do. Joab resists, finding the David’s sinful command to be abhorrent. Joab finally does grudgingly do it – an act of disobedience to God, but he still stands above David in this matter.  Do you find sin abhorrent to you?  Do you seek to obey God no matter who tells you otherwise?

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous1 Comment

fivesolas

Soli Deo Gloria – To The Glory Of God Alone

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. – Ephesians 1:3-14 (ESV)

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! – Psalm 115:1 (ESV)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – I Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
In whom are we saved?  So who gets the praise and glory?
How does God’s love and faithfulness to you encourage you to give him glory?
Are you seeking to live for his glory in all of life?  What would that look like?
In what ways are you tempted to live for your own glory?

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

Solus Christus – In Christ Alone

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (ESV)

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
What is the only way to come to God, the only way to be saved?
Are you looking to Christ alone?
In what ways are you tempted to look to yourself?

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn Biography/History, PASSION Collections

RefWall

As we continue celebrating the Reformation this week, here are some good posts on women of the Reformation, as well as some posts recognizing that the Reformers were flawed – in need of a Savior just like you and me.

The Forgotten Women of the Reformation – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

5 Lessons from Reformation Women – Rebecca VanDoodewaard (TGC)

Whitewashed Heroes: The Flaws in Our Reformers – Scott Hubbard (DG)

Thank God for Flawed Heroes – Brad Littlejohn (TGC)

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

fivesolas

Sola Gratia & Sola Fide – By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:21-24 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
Do we receive the righteousness of God through faith or works?
Are we justified (declared righteous) by grace or by works?
Are you looking to Christ and resting in his grace?
In what ways are you tempted to try to earn your salvation?

 

Reformation Collection

On By BrianIn PASSION Collections

RefWall

Here are some good posts as you celebrate Reformation Day:

5 Passages to Read on Reformation Day (Crossway)

5 Common Misconceptions of Reformation Day – David Qaoud

What Was Luther Doing When He Nailed His 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Door? – Justin Taylor

Martin Luther: Here He Stood – John Piper (DG)

10 Things You Should Know about Martin Luther – Herman Selderhuis (Crossway)

10 Things You Should Know about the Theology of Martin Luther – Sam Storms

3 Things Every Christian Should Know About the Reformation – Michael Reeves (TGC)

Why You Should Teach Your Kids about the Reformation – Stephen Nichols (Crossway)

Why Arminians Should Celebrate Reformation 500 – Matthew Pinson (TGC)

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 more good biographies of people from the Reformation:

Pierre Viret: The Smile of the Reformation – Douglas Wilson (DG)

Lady Jane Grey: The Teenage Martyr – Scott Hubbard (DG)

Theodore Beza: The First Calvinist – Shawn Wright (DG)

Zacharius Ursinus – The Happy Professor – Thomas Kidd (DG)

Johannes Bugenhagen: The Administrative Pastor – Betsy Howard (DG)

Katharina von Bora: The Runaway Nun – Kristin Tabb (DG)

I Chronicles 17-21: Good Covenant, Bad Choice

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(17) Once again we are presented with the Davidic Covenant:

God was with David through all his trials (v8).  When have you especially seen that in your life?  How might his presence encourage you today?

We spend a lot of effort trying to make a name for ourselves, but God will make a name for David (v8).  What does that suggest for us?

God will subdue all of David’s enemies (v8-10).  What battles are you facing today that you need to look to the Lord for help?

(17) David wants to build God a house, but God will build David a house, raising up one of David’s offspring.  List all the things that God promised for this offspring in v11-14.

How are they fulfilled in part by Solomon?  How are they finally fulfilled in Jesus?

(17) How does David respond in v16-27 to God’s promises and blessings?  What applications might we draw for our lives?

(18-20) How do these chapters flesh out God’s promise in 17:8-10?

(21) God wins victory after victory for David, but what does David start to trust in (v1-2)?

When do we tend to look to our own strength instead of God?

How did Joab respond?  When have you been in a similar situation?  What should we do in that situation?

(21) David’s sin affects his people, just like our sin affects the people around us.  What choices of punishment does God give David?  Which does he choose and why?

Why does the plague stop?  What does David offer to do?  What is David told to do instead?

What does David insist upon?  What does his example suggest for us when we have sinned?

(21) Read 22:1.  Why is chapter 21 included in I Chronicles?