Chapter 17 is Matthew’s account of the Transfiguration narrative. Though this event has been often misunderstood, it is a significant moment in the life of the Savior. The parallels between the Sinai narrative (beginning with Ex. 19) and the events that occur on this mountain are striking. Jesus meets with Elijah and Moses. They enter into a discussion that centers around the Savior’s “departure” (the Greek word used in Luke 9:31 is exodon, meaning “departure.).
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 12, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 16.1
I. Good works are only such as God hath commanded in his holy Word,a and not such as, without the warrant thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon any pretense of good intention.b
Read MoreRead: Genesis 17
Genesis 17 is another crucial chapter in the Genesis narrative. In this chapter, God instructs Abram regarding the covenant sign of circumcision. That sign was to be placed on all the male children (and in Abram’s case, his servants) as a mark of God’s promise and identification of Abram’s seed as being a part of the visible covenant of God with his people. Ishmael received the sign, though he ultimately rejected the promises attached to it. Later, Isaac would also receive the sign of the covenant, and through his seed, the godly line would continue.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 11, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.6
VI. As every man is bound to make private confession of his sins to God, praying for the pardon thereof,a upon which, and the forsaking of them, he shall find mercy;b so he that scandalizeth his brother, or the Church of Christ, ought to be willing, by a private or public confession and sorrow for his sin, to declare his repentance to those that are offended,c who are thereupon to be reconciled to him, and in love to receive him.d
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 10, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.5
V. Men ought not to content themselves with a general repentance, but it is every man’s duty to endeavor to repent of his particular sins particularly.a
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 8, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.3
IV. As there is no sin so small but it deserves damnation,a so there is no sin so great that it can bring damnation upon those who truly repent.b
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 8, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.3
III. Although repentance be not to be rested in as any satisfaction for sin, or any cause of the pardon thereof,a which is the act of God’s free grace in Christ;b yet is it of such necessity to all sinners that none may expect pardon without it.c
Read MoreRead: Matthew 16
The critical section of Matthew 16 is when Peter confesses Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. In this section, we are reminded of the church's ongoing mission. Jesus tells Peter that the gates of hell will never prevail against the church (16:18). So often, that verse is read defensively in that the fury of the evil one will not overrun the church
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 5, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.2
II. By it a sinner, out of the sight and sense, not only of the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, as contrary to the holy nature and righteous law of God, and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and hates his sins as to turn from them all unto God,a purposing and endeavoring to walk with him in all the ways of his commandments.b
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 4, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 15.1
I. Repentance unto life is an evangelical grace,a the doctrine whereof is to be preached by every minister of the gospel, as well as that of faith in Christ.b
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for May 3, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 14.3
III. This faith is different in degrees, weak or strong;a may be often and many ways assailed and weakened, but gets the victory;b growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ,c who is both the author and finisher of our faith.d
Read MoreRead: Genesis 16
Genesis 16 contains the narrative account of Abram’s failure with Hagar. In the previous chapter, we saw God’s covenant promise that Abram would have an heir of his line. That future son would carry the covenant promise of Gen. 12 forward with his line being as the sands of the seashore and the stars of the sky. Despite Abram’s faith, he faltered and sought to bring to pass the promise through his efforts.
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