Trinity Bible Church

Prayer

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect (Psalm 18:28,30-32).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Stanzas 8-10, author unknown, 14th Century; translated from Latin to English in Lyra Davidica. This exuberant song is one of the most popular Easter hymns in the English language.

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia
! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is o’er, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia
! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

“Would you just listen for once?” Have you ever, or should I say, when was the last time you found yourself saying something like this to your children. Our children can be easily distracted in their little world and forget the task at hand, much like the little boy in the Family Circus cartoon who always seems to take the longest route home or the lengthier course of action. When we think of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, many times our thoughts center on their disobedience. However, in our passage today, this is one of the few occasions when God’s people obeyed Him without questioning.

Dad’s Study

The second half of Numbers 9 focuses on the cloud and the fire, visible signs of God’s presence with His people during their wilderness journey. Numbers 9:15- 23 contain a repetitious, oscillating account of God’s leadership and Israel’s obedience. More specifically,

1. He was a cloud by day and a fire by night, which points our attention back to the Exodus account from Egypt (Exodus 13). What constant reminder and life lesson would this provide to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness?

2. The Israelites never knew how long they would remain at each encampment. They needed, especially the Levites, to keep their eye on the cloud. For as soon as the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, the people were to move on? What lessons would this teach the Israelites? What principles concerning time, focus, and His return can we gain for our own lives today?

3. The cloud above the tabernacle was the visible sign of the Lord’s presence with His people. Today, where is the tabernacle of the Lord? How should that impact how we handle the tabernacle?

4. The direction in which the Lord would lead Israel was entirely up to Him; yet we read of no complaining or murmuring in our passage.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Using a concordance, read all the occurrences of this word in the Book of Psalms. As a family, list on a large piece of paper these descriptions about the ways of the Lord and hang in a prominent place.

Pastor Jim Stevanus – Calvary Baptist Church, Wabash, IN

Catechism

Question 82

Q. What is meant by the words, until he come, which are used by the apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper?

A. They plainly teach us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time; which is the joy and hope of all believers (Acts 1:11; 1 Th. 4:16).

Popularity: 1% [?]

Numbers 8

Prayer

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Psalm 16:7-9).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Stanzas 8-10, author unknown, 14th Century; translated from Latin to English in Lyra Davidica. This exuberant song is one of the most popular Easter hymns in the English language.

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia
! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is o’er, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia
! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

God has always called out a remnant from the world. In the Old Testament, He called out Israel to be His special, chosen people. In the New Testament, He has called out the church (ekklesia is a compound of two works, ek: “from” or “of,” and kaleo: “to call”). In Numbers 8, we will see a very specific people God calls out and separates for a very specific service.

Dad’s Study

Numbers 8:14 sets forth a key concept: the Levites were to be set apart. “Out of all the nations, the Lord had set apart Israel; out of all the Israelites, He had set apart the Levites; out of all the Levites, He had set apart the priests; out of all the priests, He had set apart the high priest. And He appointed Moses to set apart the Levites from the rest of the people” (B. Maarsingh, Numbers, page 31). The chapter details how the Levites were to be presented ceremoniously to God by the high priest. They were to be sprinkled with “water of purifying,” shaved from top to bottom, fitted with clean clothes, then present as a sacrifice for sin two young bulls (8:7-8). With the preliminaries completed, the consecration then began as the Levites were presented to the Lord as a wave offering (8:9-13). Finally, they were offered by the high priest to serve (8:15,19,22) the Lord as living sacrifices. Many years later, the Apostle Paul would prescribe this same form of consecration for all believers: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Fathers:

1. Talk with your children about what it means and in what specific ways we can be set apart in this world.

2. Discuss with your children about what it means and in what specific ways we can be a living sacrifice. But remember, you have been called out, not called home. Continue to let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Pastor Jim Stevanus – Calvary Baptist Church, Wabash, IN

Catechism

Question 82

Q. What is meant by the words, until he come, which are used by the apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper?

A. They plainly teach us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time; which is the joy and hope of all believers (Acts 1:11; 1 Th. 4:16).

Popularity: unranked [?]

Prayer

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass Thine altar, O Lord: that I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth (Psalm 26:6-8).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, 1739. Stanzas 8-10, author unknown, 14th Century; translated from Latin to English in Lyra Davidica. This exuberant song is one of the most popular Easter hymns in the English language.

CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY
Click here for tune.

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia
! Sing, ye heav’ns, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is o’er, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and Heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He’s King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia
! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Thought Provoker

The other day an elder and I had a discussion about a letter that was placed into our church bulletin. The letter’s premise was that pastors are responsible for the murder of innocent children through abortion. It said that their lack of courage in condemning this sin in our culture led to the proliferation of it in society. The elder was placing the blame on the people, saying that pastors are reflecting what the people want. Both sides have merit, but I think the greater balance of responsibility goes to leaders. What do you think?

Dad’s Study

In today’s passage the leaders of Israel bring a freewill offering to the Lord. Each tribe had one man who led them, called a ‘prince.’ If you remember your math from the other day, the tribes were not equal in number. Some tribes were larger than other tribes. Read vs. 2-11. These princes had organized a freewill offering among themselves, combining their offering in the first part by bringing six carts and twelve oxen. These were divided among the sons of Gershon who had lighter loads (they received two carts with their oxen) and the sons of Merari who had the heavy equipment (they received the remaining four carts with their oxen). Since the sons of Kohath carried on their shoulders the holy items used in the sanctuary they needed no carts or oxen. [Some years later King David had the Ark pulled by oxen in disregard to God's Word and a disaster resulted.] What follows is an account of each of the twelve tribal leaders bringing their freewill offering. Every one brought the exact same items, which the Spirit used Moses to record. Twelve times we read what was brought, and the same words are used in repetition – only the names of the princes and the tribes are changed. Each tribe, though different in size, brought the same amount.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

God did not tell these men who led their tribes to give these things. They met together and saw a need for the service of God, and each man assembled the gifts and brought them to God. The leaders of the people took the initiative to give, to provide for worship, and God had Moses accept these gifts. The hearts of these leaders were evident in several ways: No prince outgave another, so no tribe was shamed by their size. What was given was useful both in practicality (the carts and oxen and the bowls) and in the sacrifice of worship (the offerings). Thoughtful giving to the work of the Lord, both in items of continuous use and in expendable items, is honored by our God. The Spirit could have just said that they all gave the same thing, but instead He moved Moses to record each item donated by each prince. Nothing we sacrifice in the physical needs of worship is forgotten by our God. In due time He shall honor those who honor Him.

Catechism

Question 82

Q. What is meant by the words, until he come, which are used by the apostle Paul in reference to the Lord’s Supper?

A. They plainly teach us that our Lord Jesus Christ will come a second time; which is the joy and hope of all believers (Acts 1:11; 1 Th. 4:16).

Popularity: unranked [?]

Prayer

ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly (Psalm 119).

Today’s Hymn

Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one.

WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
Click here for tune.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Thought Provoker

What does God expect out of a Christian? Discuss as a family what duty God requires of His children. Does God require us to abstain from certain things as He did the Nazarite? Does He require special service? What can we learn from the Nazarite?

Dad’s Study

Numbers 6 lays down the regulatory laws for the Nazarite. A Nazarite is something that is not heard of today by name, however, listen to this definition and relate it to the Christian today. “An Israelite who consecrated himself or herself and took a vow of separation and self-imposed abstinence for the purpose of some special service.” Although there are many things related to being a Nazarite that would not apply today, there are several similarities.

1. A vow made in faith

Just like the Nazarite who made his vow in faith, so to the Christian turns to Christ by faith seeking justification of sin, redemption, and adoption as a son of God. Romans 3:24

2. Consecrated

Like the Nazarite, the Christian is also to be dedicated to the service and worship of God. This is a total dedication of life and being and should be the paramount, defining characteristic of the Christian life. Ephesians 2:10 and Romans 12:1.

3. Separation

Like the Nazarite, we too are to be separate from the world. This does not mean that we are to live in isolation, physically separated from the world. But, we are to be separate by our lives and conduct so that when the world sees how we live it will see Christ in us. John 17:6-16.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There were two types of Nazarites, those who did so temporarily, usually for 30 days, and those who took the vow for life. Of those who took the vow for life Scripture gives us only 3 examples: Samson, Samuel, and John the Baptist. The Christian’s faith and life in Christ is to be life long. Scripture talks of the one who overcomes as being the Christian who perseveres to the end. (1 John 5:4, 5) Scripture also tells us that the world was hostile to the Nazarite just as it is to the Christian. Our Lord’s prayer in John 17 has a theme of protecting the Christian from the hostile world. The world is an enemy of the Christian and will attempt to lead the Christian away from Christ just as it did the Nazarite. Amos 2:11-12 gives voice to God’s complaint against the children of Israel. One of the complaints was that the children of Israel had taken the Nazarites who were to be spiritual examples and caused them to violate their vow of abstinence by giving them wine. The world stands ready at our door to tempt us with every form of sin and idolatry to turn us away from a life of faithful service to our Lord.

Catechism

Question 81

Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?

A. It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:28,29), of their faith to feed upon him, (2 Cor. 13:5), of their repentance (1 Cor. 11:31), love (1 Cor. 11:18- 20), and new obedience (1Co 5:8), lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves (1Co 11:27-29).

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Prayer

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin [is] ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done [this] evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, [and] be clear when thou judgest.” (Psalm 51:1-4)

Today’s Hymn

Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would give up all his other hymns to have written this one.

WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
Click here for tune.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

Thought Provoker

What is sin? How would you answer this question? The Bible provides us a definition of that which constitutes sin: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” (1John 3:4). In its essence sin is also a breach of relationship, first with God since all sin is an offense to God, but it can also be a breach of relationship with other people. When sin has separated us from God and others what are we to do?

Dad’s Study

Numbers 5:5-8 deals with the issue of restitution. Another way of understanding restitution is by the part it plays in bringing reconciliation and restoration of broken relationships. Verse 6 speaks of the sins of men which they commit and is to be understood of the common sins where men offend one another, particularly those that involve somehow the loss of property. This may be through theft, defrauding, or the negligent damage or destruction of another’s property. The seriousness of the matter is underscored as we are reminded that such sins committed against men are also against the Lord and the offender stands guilty before the Lord.

When one was convicted of their sin what were they to do? They were to confess their sin and make restitution. The sin was to be confessed to the offended person and they were to make full restitution. This would include not only restoring that property which was lost or damaged, but also 1/5 of the value was to be added to it. This 1/5 extra was to serve as a penalty to the one committing the sin and compensation to the one sinned against. Since greed or covetousness would motivate many such property crimes there was a penalty involved that would take away the very thing the sinner initially sought; this would be a practical deterrent to such sin. There would also be compensation to the injured party that among other things would be a practical motivator to a disposition of forgiveness toward the offender.

If for some reason the offended person had died and there was no family member to pay restitution then the restitution was to be made to the Lord. Notice it is implied that a normal part of reconciliation would also be the confession of sin to God and the sacrifice of atonement for the expiation of the sin as previously instructed in Leviticus 6:6, 7. In addition to this, if there was no person to confess the sin to and pay restitution, then the restitution was to be paid to God by giving it to the priest.

From this we see that full repentance would include confession of the sin to the offended party, confession of the sin to God, atonement for the sin through sacrifice, payment of restitution to the offended part including an additional 1/5, or in the case where the offended party was not available for restitution, the payment of the restitution to the Lord. For there to be full reconciliation, with all parties offended by the sin (God and man), all of these elements were required.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

How do these truths apply to us today? Actually, in much the same way. First, our sins we commit against one another offend God as well. We must confess our sin to Him, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9). Our sins can only be atoned for in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. My friend, unless you have repented of your sin and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ your sin is not atoned for; it is in Christ and Christ alone, as the once for all sacrifice for sin in which atonement for our sin is made. We must also confess our sin to the offended person, “Confess [your] faults one to another — ” (James 5:16) And last, we should not neglect restitution as an act that bears forth the fruit of our repentance.

Catechism

Question 81

Q. What is required to the worthy receiving of the Lord’s Supper?

A. It is required of them who would worthily partake of the Lord’s Supper, that they examine themselves of their knowledge to discern the Lord’s body (1 Cor. 11:28,29), of their faith to feed upon him, (2 Cor. 13:5), of their repentance (1 Cor. 11:31), love (1 Cor. 11:18- 20), and new obedience (1Co 5:8), lest coming unworthily, they eat and drink judgment to themselves (1Co 11:27-29).

Popularity: unranked [?]