Psalm 94 reminds us both that God will keep His people from the severe judgment awaiting the wicked, and that the wicked will not prevail because God is holy and just.
Psalm 95 in an invitation to worship God. Recognize a few praise songs in these verses!
Psalm 96 describes different ways to praise God - singing, witnessing, worshiping, giving Him the glory, bringing Him offerings, and living holy lives. Praising God isn't just about singing along in worship at church - it's also about spreading the Good News and making sure our walk matched our talk.
Ray Pritchard had some great thoughts about our Galatians passage....
1. Even well-taught Christians may unwittingly follow false doctrine.
Let everyone who reads these words take heed. You may be deceived even though you are well taught and well grounded. Take nothing for granted. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light for that very purpose. And be on guard for your friends and for those new believers around you. If Paul’s converts could be seduced, the same thing could certainly happen to those folks you lead to Christ.
2. Standing for the truth demands that we expose error when great issues are at stake.
Pay special attention to the phrase “great issues.” Not every issue is a great issue. I think there is room for disagreement on the timing of the rapture or the proper mode of baptism. Certainly we can have fellowship with believers from many different backgrounds and denominations. And whether or not you use Power Point to put the words to the hymns on a big screen, that’s not a “great issue.” It’s not even a biblical issue. It is purely a matter of personal preference. Ditto for a thousand things we like to argue about. But there are some “great issues” that go the heart of our Christian faith. And none is more fundamental than the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. When that doctrine is denied or challenged or when it is watered down, it’s time to march. To arms! To arms! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war. This is a hill worth fighting for and dying on, if necessary. Paul certainly felt that way, and so should we. I don’t believe in splitting churches, but here is a reason to split a church. Or to leave a church. If the church isn’t straight on the gospel, whatever else they are straight on doesn’t really matter.
3. Not everyone who claims to be a Christian is telling the truth.
This is an obvious truth that perhaps needs to be repeated in our day. Jesus warned about people who work miracles and claim to be his followers, but in the Day of Judgment he will declare, “Depart from me, you workers of iniquity. I never knew you” (see Matthew 7:21-23). Lest we take that too lightly, ponder the thought that those words might one day be directed at you personally. Make your own calling and election sure. Before you point the finger, make sure you are not among those who claim to be something they are not.
4. God still pronounces a curse on anyone who adds anything to the simplicity of the gospel of free grace in Jesus Christ.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Psalms 97-99; Galatians 2
2 comments:
"Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O LORD, and whom you teach out of your law, to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked." Psalm 94: 12-13
To me this verse means that as much as we may not want discipline, when we follow God's law, we will be saved from future pain and stress - which is what awaits the proud and wicked.
Also, I like the link that you provided Tammy on our NT reading. As much as we as Christians are marching on to war to win others over for Christ, we need to be aware that satan is powerful too, and we need to be aware of false teachings.
19 When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul.
A new school year approaches quickly with new experiences and stages for our family. I know that God has it all under control and that I can take comfort in that.
Post a Comment