Prayer
Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved (Psalm 80:7).
Heavenly Father, we ask that You might cause Your face to shine on us this day. May You bring Your salvation to every one in our family!
Today’s Hymn
Words: Attributed to Alexander Means. Music: From The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, by William Walker (New York: Hastings House, 1835); arranged by William Jenson Reynolds (1920-).
WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS?
Click here for tune.
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.
When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.
Thought Provoker
How one views the things around him is important. As Christians we need to have what is called a “Biblical worldview.” That means that we need to try to examine everything according to Biblical truth. We hold up the Word of God as the standard of truth and compare all to that, to determine if it is valid. The Scriptures become a filter through which we sift all that we take in, allowing in only that which is in accordance to the Word of God, and rejecting the rest. We do not just look at the here and now, because we realize this world is not our home, that we are sojourners in this life, and are residents of another kingdom. In other words, we have an “eternal perspective.” We consider all things according to their eternal importance and consequences relative to the soul of man and the glory of God. Today, we will see how this eternal perspective moved Paul to minister the glorious Gospel of grace with great joy, amidst tribulation.
Dad’s Study
Paul and Timothy are inspired by the greatness of the gospel ministry, that, by the grace of God, though they are earthen vessels, they minister without losing heart (verses 1-8). Paul proclaims, in verse 8, that the surpassing greatness of the power behind this ministry is not of themselves, but is of God and comes to them by His grace. Even though the god of this age blinds the mind of the unbelieving, so that all do not receive the Gospel, they steadfastly preach Christ Jesus as Lord, for it is God who shines the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ in the darkened hearts of men, bringing them to salvation (verses 3-6). In so doing, Paul and Timothy are persecuted with afflictions and beatings all about, yet they do not despair or lose hope. The life of Jesus is manifested in them as they fill up His sufferings in their own bodies. They are carried on by the spirit of faith, knowing that a glorious resurrection awaits those who are faithful. Therefore, they do not lose heart, although the physical body is decaying into death, because their inner spirit is being renewed to new strength day by day. The temporary sufferings are considered minor when compared to the eternal glory that awaits. Therefore, they do not look at the things that are temporal (seen), but the things that are eternal (unseen). Their faith in the Word of God brings hope that fills them with a holy boldness.
Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.
Truth in Practice
Praise God for the surpassing greatness of His power that He blesses His people with, for the preaching of the Gospel!
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 Thess. 4:16).
