Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. — The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works (Psalm 33:3,13-15).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Margaret Clarkson, 1980. These lyrics won a hymn writing contest in Christianity Today.

O FATHER, YOU ARE SOVEREIGN
Click here for tune.

O Father, You are sovereign
In all the worlds You made;
Your mighty Word was spoken,
And light and life obeyed.
Your voice commands the seasons
And bounds the oceans shore,
Sets stars within their courses
And stills the tempests roar.

O Father, You are sovereign
In all affairs of man;
No powers of death or darkness
Can thwart Your perfect plan.
All chance and change transcending,
Supreme in time and space,
You hold your trusting children
Secure in Your embrace.

O Father, You are sovereign
The Lord of human pain,
Transmuting earthly sorrows
To gold of heavenly gain,
All evil overruling,
As none but Conqueror could,
Your love pursues its purpose
Our souls eternal good.

O Father, You are sovereign!
We see You dimly now,
But soon before Your triumph
Earths every knee shall bow.
With this glad hope before us
Our faith springs forth anew:
Our Sovereign Lord and Savior,
We trust and worship You!

Thought Provoker

Our church is presently undertaking a modest renovation of our existing building as walls are removed, pews added, staircases revamped, and so on. My curious six-year old son has been trying to find any and every opportunity to be a part of this renovation, especially the painting. Not wanting to damper his spirits, I reminded him that when the tabernacle was being built, only the most skillful workers were chosen, that the Lords house deserves nothing but the best, and that in due time, as he grew older, he could be a wonderful painter in the “Lords house.” I dont know if he accepted that explanation (one of the deacons did give him opportunity to paint the trim), but I do know that we fathers need to stress to our children the importance of bringing only the best of our offerings and talents to the Lord. Discuss with your family what special gifts, talents, and abilities they can offer in service to the Lord.

Dad’s Study

Exodus 35 contains 35 verses, most of which address the high quality of the work performed on the tabernacle, as well as the attitude of the offerings brought for the work of the tabernacle. In this very practical chapter, examine the following questions with your family.

1. As important as the building of the tabernacle was, what did Moses remind the people of in the opening verses? To honor the Sabbath (undisciplined zeal for the Lord isnt what He wants). How severe was the penalty for ignoring this command? Death!

2. What condition of the heart does the Lord require of those who bring their offerings to Him? Willingness (not begrudgingly, 2 Cor. 9:7). It must be important, based upon the number of times this condition of the heart is mentioned in the chapter. How many times does “willing” occur? 4 (35:5,21,22,29). What are some reasons/excuses that evidence a lack of willingness in our giving to the Lord?

3. What words does the chapter employ to describe the quality of the workmanship on the tabernacle? (“wisehearted/wisdom” in 35:10,25,26; “understanding and knowledge” in 35:31; “curious” in 35:32; “cunning” in 35:33,35). What does this imply about how we are to do the Lords work?

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

The listing of items for the tabernacle is enormous, yet carefully defined. God is concerned about the details, about the minutia that we might think unimportant or mundane. What details in your life have you usually felt to be unimportant to God? Why?

Catechism

Question 74

Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them (1 Cor. 3:7 ; 1 Pet. 3:21), but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Cor. 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:13).

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Prayer

How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire? Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name. For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low (Psalm 79:5-8).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Margaret Clarkson, 1980. These lyrics won a hymn writing contest in Christianity Today.

O FATHER, YOU ARE SOVEREIGN
Click here for tune.

O Father, You are sovereign
In all the worlds You made;
Your mighty Word was spoken,
And light and life obeyed.
Your voice commands the seasons
And bounds the oceans shore,
Sets stars within their courses
And stills the tempests roar.

O Father, You are sovereign
In all affairs of man;
No powers of death or darkness
Can thwart Your perfect plan.
All chance and change transcending,
Supreme in time and space,
You hold your trusting children
Secure in Your embrace.

O Father, You are sovereign
The Lord of human pain,
Transmuting earthly sorrows
To gold of heavenly gain,
All evil overruling,
As none but Conqueror could,
Your love pursues its purpose
Our souls eternal good.

O Father, You are sovereign!
We see You dimly now,
But soon before Your triumph
Earths every knee shall bow.
With this glad hope before us
Our faith springs forth anew:
Our Sovereign Lord and Savior,
We trust and worship You!

Thought Provoker

Romantic tales for children are filled with stories of a powerful and yet merciful prince who encounters a beautiful peasant girl. Desiring her to be his wife he pursues her on his white stallion, whisks her off her feet, and carries her off to be his bride. His new bride is the apple of his eye. She has his undivided love. He does not make her an ordinary housewife with a list of daily domestic chores. Instead, she reigns as a princess. As all storybooks end: the two live happily ever after. But what if they didn’t live happily ever after. What if the princess snubbed the prince and unfaithfully chased after other peasant men? How do you think the prince would respond? What would his feelings be for his princess bride? Be thinking how this parable relates to today’s passage (Ex. 34:10-16).

Dad’s Study

It was the King of the universe that powerfully came to the lowliest of people through a call to Abraham and made unto Himself a people. God gave to the object of His holy affection the Ten Commandments. Like a marriage ceremony, God is about to make a covenant with His bride whereby Israel would agree to be faithful to Him, forsake all other Gods, and not dishonour His name (vs. 1-5). Read together verse 5 and see if you can discover why He demands faithfulness. God discloses something very wonderful to us. He is a jealous God. This is the reason He demands faithfulness from His bride, because if Israel redirects her allegiance, He is a jealous God!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Discuss together what it means for God to be jealous. Is He jealous in the same way we become jealous?

God is not jealous in the same way we are. Our jealousy comes from pride. His jealousy does not rise from the fact that He needs Israel or is somehow incomplete without her. God is jealous for the honour of His name. Ezekiel declares, And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy (Ex. 16:38). A Godly jealously springs from a holy indignation at having His honor and power and mercy scorned by an unfaithful spouse.

God directs those who are married to leave their father and mother and cleave unto their spouse. In the same way those who come to Christ by faith are called to leave and cleave. For the Christian there is a leaving of all other idols and distractions from God and by His grace, a faithful clinging to God alone. Remember that God is a jealous God. His fury is upon those who unfaithfully turn to other spiritual lovers.

Catechism

Question 74

Q. How do Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful?

A. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper become spiritually helpful, not from any virtue in them, or in him who does administer them (1 Cor. 3:7 ; 1 Pet. 3:21), but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Cor. 3:6) and the working of the Spirit in those who by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:13).

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Prayer

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies (Psalm 40:1-4).

Today’s Hymn

Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882. Music: Holiness, George C. Stebbins, 1890.

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
Click here for tune.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Thought Provoker

What are the consequences of sin in the life of the believer? The ultimate price for sin has been paid by the sacrifice of Christ and applied to the children of God by His electing, saving grace. However, sin still has consequences in this life. The catechism tells us that sin ” — makes us liable to all the miseries in this life — “. Can you think of some examples of sin and the misery that follows after that sin? What about sin in your own life, or the lives of your family? What misery has followed?

Dad’s Study

In chapter 32 the nation Israel committed the sin of idolatry because of their lack of faith and their unbelief. Exodus 33 provides us a picture of 3 of the consequences of their sin, and sin in the life of a person. First, sin brings separation from God. In verse 3, God commands Israel to go up to the Promised Land without Him in their midst because if He were He would destroy them because of their sin. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear (Isa. 59:2). Iniquity and unrighteousness cannot coexist with perfect holiness and righteousness. When unrighteousness comes into our lives it separates us from God. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live (Exodus 33:20). Although the true child of God can not lose his salvation, he can lose the joy of his salvation. True rejoicing can come only in the Lord when we draw near to Him, Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Sin in the life of the true child of God will cause him to seek God, not flee from Him. Verse 7 says that all that sought the Lord would do so outside the camp. Why? Again, this is a picture of the sacrifice for their sin. The body of the bull that was the sin offering was burned outside the camp, just as our Lord was sacrificed once for sin outside the gate of the city. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach (Hebrews 13:11-13). This is a going forth in faith, separating ourselves from the sin of the world and bearing the reproach of Christ as we seek Him in obedient and humble dependence upon His grace. As we seek God we can only draw near through Christ. Again we see this pictured in Moses’ request to see God’s glory, verse 18. God told him he could not see His face or he would die. However God did say, ” . . . Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock” (Exodus 33:21). There is a rock near God, named Jesus Christ. If we are to come into God’s presence we can only do so standing on the merits of the rock, not ourselves. Furthermore this rock was cleft and God used the cleft rock to save Moses from death by pushing him into the cleft as He passed by, just as God used the cleft rock of the suffering Savior to save His people.

Lastly we see the wonderful intercession of Christ on behalf of His people. Just as Moses found favor in God’s sight so has Christ who obediently offered Himself up as the sin sacrifice. Therefore, the Father in heaven listens to His intercession on behalf of His people granting His requests just as He did for Moses. “It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34b).

Catechism

Question 73

Q.How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Pr. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1,2), and prayer (Ps 119:18) receive it with faith (Heb. 4:2), and love (2 Th. 2:10), lay it up into our hearts (Ps. 119:11), and practise it in our lives (Jas. 1:25).

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Prayer

Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Isaiah 51:1

Today’s Hymn

Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882. Music: Holiness, George C. Stebbins, 1890.

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
Click here for tune.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Thought Provoker

During the darkest hours of the Civil War a speaker for a visiting Christian delegation said to President Lincoln, “We trust the Lord is on our side, Mr. Lincoln.” To his surprise Lincoln responded, “I do not regard that as so essential as something else.” The visitors were horror-struck at his reply, until the President added, “I am most concerned to know that we are on the Lord’s side.” The right side is the Lord’s side. Today Moses poses an important question for your family to consider, “Who is on the Lord’s side”?

Dad’s Study

While Moses was experiencing mountaintop blessings, the people of God plunged into the depths of spiritual darkness. Fearing Moses would not return, the Jews went to Aaron and asked for an image of God to go before them (v. 1). Aaron responded by asking for their gold earrings, which he melted and shaped into a calf. This was a direct violation of the Second Commandment as they made a false image of the true God to aid in their worship. Their idolatry turned into wild immorality (vs. 5-6). While on Sinai God told Moses of the sinful events down below. While God threatened judgment, Moses intercedes on behalf of the Jews and asks for God’s mercy. As a result, God showed mercy and relented (vs. 11-14). However, Moses was full of righteous anger and smashed the tablets of God’s law as he came face to face with this sinful people. Secondly, he burned the idol, reducing it to powder, which he mixed with water, making the people drink it. Thirdly, he confronted Aaron who blamed the people and even suggested that the gold calf somehow made itself! Lastly, Moses judged the unrepentant. Then Moses asked this question, “Who is on the LORD’s side? let him come unto me.” The Levites stepped forward in faith. They were commanded to go amongst the camp and kill all who persisted in idolatry. Three thousand Jews were killed by their swords (vs. 21-29). The chapter closes with Moses again interceding for the Jews, asking for an atonement for their sins. Yet, judgment did come by the hand of God as some died by a plague.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We all sin (Rom 3:23). We all deserve God’s judgment and wrath. But notice that there is forgiveness and mercy only for those who are on the Lord’s side. God stands before your family with this question, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Who is trusting in Christ’s work on the cross alone as payment for their sins? Who is clothed only in the righteousness of Jesus rather than in their own self- righteousness? Who is hungering after holiness rather than sin? There are only two sides to this grand spiritual war. You are either on the Lord’s side or you are on the side of Satan. Enlist in the side of the Lord today and experience alone with the hymn writer God’s grand victory!

Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own army none can overthrow;
‘Round His standard ranging, victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging makes the triumph sure.
Joyfully enlisting, by Thy grace divine,
We are on the Lord’s side-Savior, we are Thine!

Catechism

Question 73

Q.How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Pr. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1,2), and prayer (Ps 119:18) receive it with faith (Heb. 4:2), and love (2 Th. 2:10), lay it up into our hearts (Ps. 119:11), and practise it in our lives (Jas. 1:25).

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Prayer

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” – Psalm 141:2

Today’s Hymn

Words: William D. Longstaff, 1882. Music: Holiness, George C. Stebbins, 1890.

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY
Click here for tune.

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Thought Provoker

Is your home equipped with a “smoke detector”? These small electronic devices signal an audible alarm when activated by excess smoke in an enclosed area. These are usually placed in the kitchen and hallway of each home. Maybe your home has one or more. Are they operable? Have you ever needed to respond to one, which was signaling?

To many of us, smoke signals “danger” to which we should respond immediately. But to the Israelites, smoke (and more specifically, the aroma in the smoke, or incense) signified something else. Do you know what smoke (incense) meant to the Israelites?

Dad’s Study

Exodus 30 gives instruction concerning the Altar of Incense. Some call this the “golden altar” (comparing it to the bronze altar for sacrifice). In verses 1-10, we learn about its size (which is the smallest of all the tabernacles furniture, yet the tallest of the three articles in the Holy Place), the composition of material (acacia or shittim wood covered with gold), where it was to be placed (centrally, between the table of shewbread and golden candlestick and in front of the veil and ark of the covenant), and its purpose (which was for the burning of incense but not for sacrifice).

We have learned that the entirety of the tabernacle pictures Jesus Christ in His work of redemption. How does the altar of incense complete this picture? Some say the incense symbolizes prayer, which like ascending sweet vapors rises acceptably to heaven. The altar of incense portrays Jesus Christ, now in heaven, as the believers High Priest (John 17:1-26) praying (Hebrews 7:25, 9:24) on behalf of those who are redeemed.

Others add that because believers are “priests” our prayers, petitions, and praise ascend to God (Hebrews 13:15, Revelation 8:3-4) through Christ. “Prayer is the sweetest thing we can offer to God, more acceptable even than testimony or active service. God is more pleased with our worship than with our service. For there can be no acceptable service until we have stopped to worship first of all at the golden altar” (M.R. DeHaan).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Who may worship God? The remainder of Exodus 30 answers this question.

Exodus 30:11-16 tells us that only the Redeemed may worship. This is aptly, demonstrated by the ransom money of a half-shekel. The Israelites were not redeemed by paying money, nor are we (1 Peter 1:18ff.). But paying the annual half-shekel reminded them of what God had done for them.

Exodus 30:17-21 tells us that the cleansed may worship. In these verses the bronze laver was described. The bronze altar is where God deals with the unregenerate sinner. The bronze laver is where God deals with our sins as saints. The priests needed continual cleansing from their contact with contamination. This was done by washing with water the hands and feet. Believers need to be regularly cleansed with “the washing of water by the word” from the defilement of the world.

Exodus 30:22-33 tells us that the anointed may worship. Our anointing is the Holy Spirit Himself who enables our mind and heart and life to understand and obey God’s Word (1 John 2:27). We must beware trying to duplicate His work by human effort or treating Him in a common way (vv. 32-33).

Catechism

Question 73

Q.How is the Word to be read and heard that it may become effectual to salvation?

A. That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend to it with diligence (Pr. 8:34; 1 Pet. 2:1,2), and prayer (Ps 119:18) receive it with faith (Heb. 4:2), and love (2 Th. 2:10), lay it up into our hearts (Ps. 119:11), and practise it in our lives (Jas. 1:25).

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