Genesis 25 is the account of the death of Abraham and begins the section of the Genesis narrative dealing with the life of Issac. Though the narrative highlights the birth of other children, it should be noted that Isaac was the lone heir of all that Abraham possessed. That is another indicator of the seed of the woman theme that began in Gen. 3:15. It is through Isaac that the goldy line would continue.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for August 1, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.7
VII. No man may vow to do anything forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his own power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise or ability from God.a In which respect, Popish monastical vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious and sinful snares, in which no Christian may entangle himself.b
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 31, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.6
VI. It is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone:a and that it may be accepted, it is to be made voluntarily, out of faith and conscience of duty, in way of thankfulness for mercy received, or for the obtaining of what we want; whereby we more strictly bind ourselves to necessary duties, or to other things, so far and so long as they may fitly conduce thereunto.b
Read MoreRead: Matthew 24
Matthew 24 is known as the Olivet discourse in which Jesus teaches on two events. The first event is the temple's destruction, which is the context of the discourse. The second event is that which occurs at the end of the age. Though there are many interpretations of this chapter, the item to focus on today is simply this: The God of creation is in total control of events that are happening, and those events will bring about the church's victory through the return of Christ. He puts all enemies under his feet. It is essential not to get lost in all the details of eschatological thought and miss that salient truth. As God’s people, the victory is secured, and we rest waiting for the return of our King.
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 28, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.5
V. A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath, and ought to be made with the like religious care, and to be performed with the like faithfulness.a
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 27, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.4
IV. An oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation or mental reservation.a It cannot oblige to sin; but in anything not sinful, being taken, it binds to performance, although to a man’s own hurt:b nor is it to be violated, although made to heretics or infidels.c
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 26, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.3
III. Whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully persuaded is the truth.a Neither may any man bind himself by oath to anything but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform.b Yet it is a sin to refuse an oath touching anything that is good and just, being imposed by lawful authority.c
Read MoreGenesis 24
Genesis 24 marks the beginning of the narrative section dealing with the lives of Isaac and Rebekah. This chapter gives the details as to how Rebekah became the wife of Isaac. It is one of the lengthier narrative sections in the book. The primary item to watch for as you read through this chapter is the providence of God working through the mundane details of life. God’s providence is a comforting doctrine for his people. It teaches us that God governs all things and all actions of his creatures. It is not reserved only for the significant issues of life, but it governs everything from the seemingly minor to the most important significant issues that affect all of us.
Read MoreMatthew 23
Matthew 23 is known as the “seven woes given by Christ to the religious leaders of his day. In this chapter, we have Christ exercising his prophetic office as he preaches woe to them. The term “woe” is strong. It conveys much more than a mere warning but one of impending doom. Ther seven woes can be labeled as follows:
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 25, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.2
II. The name of God only is that by which men ought to swear, and therein it is to be used with all holy fear and reverence;a therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious and dreadful name, or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful, and to be abhorred.b Yet as, in matters of weight and moment, an oath is warranted by the Word of God, under the New Testament, as well as under the Old,c so a lawful oath, being imposed by lawful authority, in such matters ought to be taken.d
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 24, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 22.1
I. A lawful oath is a part of religious worship,a wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth; and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth.b
Read MoreThe Morning Devotional for July 21, 2023
The Westminster Confession of Faith 21.8
Part Two
VIII. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest all the day from their own works, words, and thoughts, about their worldly employments and recreations;a but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.b
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