Hebrews 5:1-10 (NIV) Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 

Acts 5:27–32 CONTEXT: This week we'll be working through selections from the book of Acts looking at Here in Acts 5, the early Church is experiencing persecution from the Sadducees, the majority political

Theology isn't just a trivial pursuit, it's the key to gaining the crown of life! Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 1 We all believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that there is a single and simple spiritual being, whom we call God— eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good. Summary James is a favorite book for many Christians since it gives such good and practical advice that applies to everyday situations. But today's passage illustrates that even the most practical advice is rooted deeply in theology. James begins here by reminding you to keep your eye on the prize: "the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him (v12)." This crown will come to those who have "persevered under trial," and who've "stood the test." This perseverance is not just a matter of brute force or mental/spiritual toughness. It comes from a recognition of theological reality: knowing that the temptations enticing you do not come from God, rather that they're the product of your "own evil desire (v14)." Last week we were reminded of God's simplicity, in that God defines not just Himself, but the attributes that describe Him. He's not just good, rather He defines the very concept of goodness! James reinforces this doctrine, writing that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights (v17)." In other words, as our Confession puts it, "God is the overflowing source of all good." Every bit of goodness in this world - even the good things done by otherwise evil people - has its source in God our Father! Furthermore, you can count on what James wrote two millennia ago being just as true today because of another theological truth James reminds us of: our Father "does not change like the shifting shadows." Since God remains the same "yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8)," you can always count on God's overflowing goodness. Dig Deeper We sort of wandered away from the idea that James began this passage with, that you and I must "persevere under trial (v12)," but that's sort of what James intended! Since sin comes when you "are dragged away by your own evil desires," it makes sense that the more you focus on solid theology (knowing who and what God is), the less you'll be distracted by the enticing temptations of the world. Theology isn't just a trivial pursuit, it's the key to gaining the crown of life! This is James' point here: Every good and perfect gift originates with God, so by investing yourself fully in knowing Him, you're surrounding yourself with good things rather than enticing temptation. The best way for you to do this is by continually digging deeper into "the word of truth, that you might be a kind of firstfruits of all God created (v18)." AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift, who does not change; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for "choosing to give birth to you through the word of truth, and pray that you would pursue it, and not the enticing temptations of the world; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Mark 9

Galatians 4:4-5 (NIV) But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Specifically, Paul writes that the Son was “born of a woman”, “born under the law”, which was “to redeem Being born of a woman speaks to Jesus’ human nature. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who sent His Son, born of a woman and under the

Isaiah 53:4-12 (NIV) 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12

Church discipline will never be popular, but it will always be necessary. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (NIV)  So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5   Do not even eat with such people. 12  What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? This ugly passage in 1 Corinthians 5 helps us understand two key reasons why. ultimately did exactly what Paul intended: it led to the man's repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 2:5-

Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV) 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness

Ephesians 2:1–5 (NIV) 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5  in mercy and because of His great love, made you alive in Christ even when you were dead in sin (v4-5)

Revelation 21:1–5 (ESV) 20:14  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 

Genesis 6:5-8 5  The LORD saw how great the wickedness of man ( ʾā·ḏām ) had become on the earth, and