Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

Gracious God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, humble our hearts before you, strip us of our self-righteousness, and cause us to trust only in the righteousness of Christ. Be merciful to us and cause your grace to abound to us and grant that by grace through faith the righteousness of Christ would be imputed to lost sinners that in you there would be life, and peace, and grace. Amen.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888. He wrote this hymn for the graduation ceremony at Andover Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the class of 1888.

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Click here for tune.

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Thought Provoker

Each year our town hosts our County Fair. Last summer local church had a booth at the Fair from which we distributed gospel tracts and engaged fair-goers in conversation regarding the state of their souls. A common question asked was “What is your hope for heaven?” How do you think most people answered that question? As you read Nehemiah 10 you will see that there is nothing new under the sun. The fair-goers of Park County Wyoming are still placing their hope for heaven in the same things as the Jews of Nehemiah’s day.

Dad’s Study

After making corporate confession of their sins in Chapter 9, the Israelites made a covenant with God, in writing, that they “…entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes” (Nehemiah 10:29). In so doing they have bound themselves to the law and all of it’s obligations, to keep and observe all the ordinances of God. As such there is blessing promised to he who keeps and observes all that the law commands and cursing to those who fail to keep every part of the law (Deuteronomy 11:26-28). To gain favor with God by keeping the law is to take on a burdensome task. Scripture says that one can keep the whole law and transgress it at only one point and you will be guilty of all of it (James 2:10). Furthermore, Christ said that even though the 10 Commandments say thou shalt not commit adultery or murder; that if we even look upon a woman to lust or are angry with someone we have violated the commandment. This brings the requirement for obedience into the heart, demanding that we not only outwardly do, but also inwardly have a right heart. To earn favor with God requires that one live a sinless life of perfection. There is only one who has known no sin, the man Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

The purpose of the law is to point us to Christ. (Galatians 3:24) The law is there to show us that no sinner can keep the perfect law of God and that to trust in our own righteousness by the keeping of the law for our salvation is futile. (Romans 3:20) It is the wrath of God that awaits all those who trust in their own works of righteousness for salvation. (Romans 4:15) Our only hope for life and blessing is in Jesus Christ and His righteousness. (Philippians 3:9; Titus 3:5) For life and peace we trust only in the grace of God to sinners that is brought forth through Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:24; Romans 5:15) What is your hope for heaven?

Catechism

Question 7

Q What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11, 12).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD (Psalm 25:4-7). Amen!

Today’s Hymn

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888. He wrote this hymn for the graduation ceremony at Andover Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the class of 1888.

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Click here for tune.

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Thought Provoker

What is a revival? Many think it is a series of special church meetings that you attend. I can remember as a child growing up in the South; our church revival came every summer during the month of July. In June the Deacons would dust off the canvass banner that read, “REVIVAL” and display it on front of the church building. Each year a different revival preacher would come (usually dressed in white shoes and belt), calling Christians to rededicate their lives. As we have been discovering in Nehemiah, a revival is not something we go to but rather the Holy Spirit providentially and powerfully coming to us and passionately reviving our hearts. Spurgeon described it as “…a work of the Holy Spirit of a supernatural kind, putting power into the preaching of the Word, inspiring all believers with heavenly energy, and solemnly affecting the hearts of the careless, so that they turn to God and live.” Although Revival is a sovereign act of God, He uses His ordained means to powerfully revive His people. In chapter 8 we saw that all revivals first sparked by powerful expository preaching of the Word. Today, we see the other means God commonly chooses to use.

Dad’s Study

Fasting (9:1a). Fasting is a season of abstaining from your ordinary diet to draw close to God in meditation and prayer (2 Sam. 12:16; Jonah 3:7; Matt. 4:4:-12; Acts 4:23). It was never meant to be an outward show or a meritorious work (Matt. 6:16-18).

Humiliation (9:1b). As an outward symbol of their humiliation and penance before God they would dress in sackcloth and cover themselves in dirt. After hearing God’s laws followed by fasting, God’s people were humbled and brought low before God. Before there can be revival there must be first true humility.

Repentance (9:2-3a). True repentance includes a confession of sin and heartfelt turning from those sins. We read that Jews confessed with sins and the iniquities of their father. But their repentance was not mere words. They turned from their sins by separating themselves from all foreigners. They refused to marry or join with them in the worship of God.

Worship (9:3b). Their hearts having been warmed as they experienced forgiveness in the presence of God they can’t help but respond in joyfully praise! Praise to His mercy! Thanksgiving for His grace!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Someone once asked the British evangelist Gypsy Smith, “How do you start a revival?” Smith replied, “Go home and get a piece of chalk. Go into your closet and draw a circle on the floor. Kneel down in the middle of the circle and ask God to start the revival inside the chalk mark. When He has answered your prayer, the revival has begun.” Revival has to begin with you drawing close to God with a sincere heart. Respond to Godís word with fasting, humiliation, repentance and worship. May these be the spark to ignite His revival in your heart!

Catechism

Question 7

Q What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11, 12).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law (Psalm 119:18). Father in heaven, truly your law is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold. How it stands before us this day as a mirror, reflecting our wicked hearts! May your law continue to draw us into the merciful hand of your precious Son.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888. He wrote this hymn for the graduation ceremony at Andover Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the class of 1888.

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Click here for tune.

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Thought Provoker

Sometimes we find ourselves telling our children, don’t ask why; just do what you are told. But sometimes it is important to know the reason behind the rule. Ask your family if they know why the traffic light near your house turns red. That’s right, it means that a car may be crossing the intersection. Unless you STOP, you may be crushed! In other words, unless you know the reason behind the law, you can die in breaking it. This is why many Jews perished in their sins, because they didn’t stop to ask why the law of God was given. They mistakenly thought that the law was given to save them (Rom. 9:32). They slavishly pursued the law, trying to earn their salvation. This morning, Paul is going to show us why God gave His law, and how, if it is pursued in the way it was intended, it can lead to life!

Dad’s Study

Read together Galatians 3:19-22, and ask your family if they can find three reasons the law was given to Israel.

1. It was given to reveal sin (v. 19). In other words, it was given to make inward, invisible rebellion, visible (Rom. 4:15). A child may have a rebellious heart, but that heart cannot be seen until there is a law put in front of it. When Mom finishes baking her favorite chocolate cake and then gives the law by stating, thou shalt not touch the cake, an unseen heart of rebellion will soon be seen when the little toddler sneaks up and picks off a corner of the warm dessert.

2. It was given to arouse more sin (v. 19). This echoes Paul’s teaching in Romans 5:20, Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound.. Not only was the law designed to show sin, but it was also given to actually increase it! When the sinful nature within us confronts a law, the law actually stimulates the sinful heart to break it (Rom. 7:5). The sinful inclinations of the heart are not only exposed by the law, but are aroused by it!

3. It was given to hold people in sin until Christ came (v. 22). The law could not make people spiritually alive. God did not design the law to save. Instead, God has done what the law could not do, and that is to bring spiritual life to a lost sinner, through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:3-4). The defect was not in the law, but the defect was in the heart of mankind. Man’s heart is sinful and will not submit to the law of God.

How tragic! The Jews used the law to do what it was not designed to do! They used it to try to save themselves, when it was given by God to show them their wickedness and to arouse more sin in their wicked hearts. This results in their spiritual death. It would be like taking a stop light and using it for the purpose of locating the middle of the street rather than warning you of impending danger. While you faithfully drove down the middle, you were smashed to death in the intersection.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Why couldn’t the law bring spiritual life? Life does not come from the law, but rather from the sovereign regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. The law was given to show the Jews the sinfulness of sin, and to drive them to God for mercy through faith. When Jesus was asked by the rich young ruler, what must I do to inherit eternal life, Christ took him to the law. Not that he could be saved by keeping the law, rather so that he could see that he was a law breaker and humbly seek Christ for mercy (Matt. 19:16-22). Today, the law still serves the same purpose as it did for the Jews. You will not cry out for mercy until you have seen yourself as a guilty sinner. You will not see yourself as a sinner until God opens your eyes to see that you are a breaker of His holy law. As parents, bring the law regularly before the hearts of your family. When your children sin, show them how they have violated God’s law and the eternal consequence for being a lawbreaker. May God’s law accomplish His will in each of your hearts!

Catechism

Question 7

Q What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11, 12).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in
him: but the just shall live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

Our Father who art in heaven, we praise you this day as the God of all grace. We thank you for your gift of faith to all that You have saved and will save within our family.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888. He wrote this hymn for the graduation ceremony at Andover Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the class of 1888.

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Click here for tune.

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Thought Provoker

Many here in Wyoming have treadmills on which to exercise year-round. When the snow flies and the temperature drops below zero, it’s nice to get a workout inside, where it’s warm. A treadmill is a machine that enables you to run hard, sweat, and toil without going anywhere. Paul has warned about false teachers who come to pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:8). The Gospel of the Bible can be summed up in one word, GRACE! Satan, knowing our pride, seeks to pervert the Gospel by adding to grace the works of the law. In other words, the true Gospel is all of God. He predestinates, calls, produces faith and repentance, sanctifies, and glorifies! Satan’s messengers come to the church and pervert this Gospel of grace by mixing with it the works of man. They change the formula from Grace + 0 = salvation, to Grace + human works = salvation. The enemy likes to call professing Christians to hop on their religious treadmills and continue to run their way to God through sweat and toil! In today’s passage, Paul warns us that treadmills only bring sweat and toil – they do not bring you closer to God!

Dad’s Study

Read together Galatians 2:16-20 and discuss:

• What does Paul mean by justified?
• How is a person justified?
• Can anyone be justified by doing the works of the law?
• Do we have to earn our way back to God when we sin?

Justified is a judicial term that means to be declared not guilty of sin. A person is declared not guilty for breaking the law of God and is declared righteous, not by works but, by faith of Jesus Christ. Paul clearly declares that by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. No one will find himself in right standing before his Creator and King by trying to do the works of the law. In other words, a religious treadmill will cause a sweat but not take you closer to God. All of your righteous works are like filthy rags (Is. 64:6). There is nothing except the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ that is acceptable to the heavenly Father. Many profess to come to Christ through faith, and yet like the Galatians, want to continue through keeping the law. This is the gospel of Mormonism today. They teach that Christ’s atonement goes only so far and then you must do the rest through your good works. This error is a snare for all that profess faith in Christ. It’s so easy to profess faith and then jump on your religious treadmill trying to somehow keep a good relationship with God through your own works. I have counseled with professing Christians who have fallen into a grievous sin. Satan came pointing his bony, accusative finger at them and asked, and you call yourself a Christian? You want to go to church next Sunday? What makes you think that you’re worthy? Get your act together first! The result is that many think that they are not worthy of worship and believe that they must be good for a period of time before returning to the fellowship of the saints. Maybe after 3-4 weeks of stopping that particular sin and trying to be good they feel worthy to return. This is falling into a similar error as the Galatians. Remember, you are saved by grace! Kept by grace! When you sin, you are forgiven by grace!

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

No one deserves to go to church! No one deserves to receive the Lord’s supper! We are all sinners by nature, alienated from God and His life! But by God’s grace through faith in His Son we are justified, forgiven, and declared righteous. Underline verse 16 in your Bible. The next time Satan tempts you to jump on the works treadmill, read to Him out loud, for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified! And then flee from his tempting presence into the gracious arms of your Lord.

Catechism

Question 7

Q What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11, 12).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Prayer

I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High (Psalm 9:1-2).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Ernest W. Shurtleff, 1888. He wrote this hymn for the graduation ceremony at Andover Theological Seminary, where he was a member of the class of 1888.

LEAD ON, O KING ETERNAL
Click here for tune.

Lead on, O King eternal,
The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest
Thy tents shall be our home.
Through days of preparation
Thy grace has made us strong;
And now, O King eternal,
We lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal,
Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper
The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords’ loud clashing,
Nor roll of stirring drums;
With deeds of love and mercy
The heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal,
We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning
Where’er Thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted over us,
We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest;
Lead on, O God of might.

Thought Provoker

Most doctors encourage their patients to come in for a routine physical examination. Many serious illnesses can be cured if treated early. A blood test and a quick listen to the heart might be just what the doctor ordered to receive a clean bill of health. The Apostle Paul was a physician of the soul. He too realized the importance of regularly examining the condition of the heart. If you receive a clean bill of health you will be blessed with great assurance and comfort. If you are found lacking, Christ can point you to the cure while there is still time.

Dad’s Study

Verse 5 is so straightforward that it requires very little explanation. Paul is calling for Christians to undergo periodic self examinations as part of their spiritual walk. Why should you examine yourself? Paul answers, ìTo see whether you are in the faith.î What tests should you apply in self examination? Don’t examine your past religious experiences. Many wrongly look to the time that they walked down the church aisle as a little child or prayed a prayer with their parents. There can be no assurance of salvation by an examination of past acts. If Christ be truly in you there will be evidences of His presence today!

Bishop J.C. Ryle, that practical British preacher of the 19th century, asks you to consider the following ten questions to check your spiritual vital signs:

1. Do you ever think about your soul at all?” Are you too busy with the cares of life to contemplate your spiritual condition and eternal destiny?
2. Do you ever do anything about your soul? Do you just think about Christianity or do you do something about it?
3. Are you satisfying your moral conscience with formal religion? Church attendance and partaking of the Lord’s Supper will never get your soul into heaven.
4. Have you received the forgiveness of sins? Have you acknowledged your sins before God and sought forgiveness through faith in the work of Christ on the cross?
5. Do your know anything about the experience of conversion? Have you been born again?
6. Do you know anything of practical Christian holiness? This does not mean a life of perfection, rather a life that is growing in Christlikeness.
7. Do you know anything of enjoying the means of grace? Do you know of regular Bible reading, prayer, worship, the Lord’s Supper and the Lord’s Day rest?
8. Do you ever try to do any good in the world? The Christian life is not a life of self-service, rather the selfless-service of others.
9. Do you know of a life of habitual communion with Christ? The grand secret of communion with Christ is to be continually living by faith in the Son of God, and drawing out of Him every hour the supply that every hour requires.
10. Are you ready for Christ’s second coming? True Christians are looking for His soon return.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

How was your spiritual exam? Did you prove to yourself that Christ is in you? Has God blessed you with a full assurance of your salvation? Stop and give Him thanks for such assurance. Purpose to grow in those areas of spiritual weakness. Do you feel that you failed the test? Has it left you feeling like a condemned reprobate? Cast aside your fears, and accept the offer of our Lord Jesus Christ to sinners. Hear Him saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink” (John 7:37). “…him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

Catechism

Question 7

Q What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will, whereby for his own glory he has foreordained whatever comes to pass (Eph. 1:11, 12).

Popularity: 1% [?]