Read: Genesis 9
Genesis Nine is an important chapter in the narrative as it highlights in more detail the Noahic Covenant. As with all covenants, God certifies it with a sign. In this case, the sign is a rainbow that he places in the sky, signifying that God will never destroy the earth with a flood again. Sadly, the corrupt mind of man has taken this sign and perverted it toward a wicked meaning.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 8, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 8.1 (Part One)
I. It pleased God, in his eternal purpose, to choose and ordain the Lord Jesus, his only-begotten Son, to be the Mediator between God and man,a the Prophet,b Priest,c and King;dthe Head and Saviour of his Church,e the Heir of all things,f and Judge of the world;g unto whom he did, from all eternity, give a people to be his seed,h and to be by him in time redeemed, called, justified, sanctified, and glorified.i
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 7, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.6
VI. Under the gospel, when Christ the substancea was exhibited, the ordinances in which this covenant is dispensed are the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper;b which, though fewer in number, and administered with more simplicity and less outward glory, yet in them it is held forth in more fulness, evidence, and spiritual efficacy,c to all nations, both Jews and Gentiles;d and is called the New Testament.e There are not, therefore, two covenants of grace differing in substance, but one and the same under various dispensations.f
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 6, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.5
V. This covenant was differently administered in the time of the law and in the time of the gospel:a under the law it was administered by promises, prophecies, sacrifices, circumcision, the paschal lamb, and other types and ordinances delivered to the people of the Jews, all fore-signifying Christ to come,b which were for that time sufficient and efficacious, through the operation of the Spirit, to instruct and build up the elect in faith in the promised Messiah,c by whom they had full remission of sins and eternal salvation; and is called the Old Testament.d
Read MoreRead: Matthew 8
Matthew Eight presents Jesus’ ministry through two main sections. The first section highlights the mercy ministry of Christ as he cleanses a leper, heals many, and casts out the demons. In these verses, we see the power of the Son of God over the forces of evil and sin. We also note the compassionate nature of Christ towards those impacted by the effects of the fall. The second section is instructive regarding following Christ.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 3, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.4
IV. This covenant of grace is frequently set forth in the Scripture by the name of a testament, in reference to the death of Jesus Christ the testator, and to the everlasting inheritance, with all things belonging to it, therein bequeathed. A
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 2, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.3
III. Man by his fall having made himself incapable of life by that covenant, the Lord was pleased to make a second,a commonly called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely offered unto sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him that they may be saved,b and promising to give unto all those that are ordained unto life his Holy Spirit, to make them willing and able to believe.c
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for March 1, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.2
II. The first covenant made with man was a covenant of works,a wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to his posterity,b upon condition of perfect and personal obedience.c
Read MoreRead: Genesis 8
Genesis Eight completes the flood narrative. The promise of deliverance is demonstrated when Noah and his family are brought safely from the ark (8:15-19). There is a strong connection between this chapter and Creation Week. Given the numerous parallels, some scholars see the flood narrative as a recreation. For instance, God’s command to be fruitful and multiply given to Adam is also given to Noah. Chapter Eight contains the Noahic Covenant (8:20-22), promising never to strike down the earth again. That is a significant promise and points directly to the promise of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for February 28, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 7.1
I. The distance between God and the creature is so great that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.a
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for February 27, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 6.6
VI. Every sin, both original and actual, being a transgression of the righteous law of God, and contrary thereunto,a doth, in its own nature, bring guilt upon the sinner,b whereby he is bound over to the wrath of Godc and curse of the law,d and so made subject to death,e with all miseries spiritual,f temporal,g and eternal.h
Read MoreRead: Matthew 7
Matthew 7 completes the Sermon on the Mount section of Matthew’s gospel. In this chapter, Jesus takes up several subjects. First, he treats the issue of hypocrisy in judgment (7:1-6). These verses have often been misunderstood and wrongly applied. Some argue that Jesus is teaching that we are never to make judgments about the behavior of others. If that is the case, verse 6 would be strange, as well as many other sections of Scripture (E.g., Matt. 18:15ff.). Jesus teaches us that we are not to judge by hypocrisy. Instead, we must be mindful of our sinful tendencies before we judge and address issues with our brothers and sisters.
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