You can fully trust God to guide your steps through this dark world. Spiritual night vision goggles Isaiah 50:10-11 (NIV) CONTEXT: This passage follows the second of the four 'Servant Songs' that described the coming Messiah ( we read another a few weeks ago ). These words don't describe the Servant, but describe the fates of both those who follow Him (v10) and those who reject Him (v11). 10  Who among you fears the Lord  and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord  and rely on their God. 11  But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 16 - Encouragement for the Doubting Those who do not yet actively experience within themselves  a living faith in Christ or an assured confidence of heart, peace of conscience, a zeal for childlike obedience, and a glorying in God through Christ,  but who nevertheless use the means by which God has promised to work these things in us— such people  ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to count themselves among the reprobate;  rather they ought to continue diligently in the use of the means, to desire fervently a time of more abundant grace, and to wait for it in reverence and humility.  On the other hand, those who seriously desire to turn to God,  to be pleasing to God alone, and to be delivered from the body of death,  but are not yet able to make such progress along the way of godliness and faith as they would like— such people ought much less to stand in fear of the teaching concerning reprobation, since our merciful God has promised not to snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed.  However, those who have forgotten God and their Savior Jesus Christ and have abandoned themselves wholly to the cares of the world and the pleasures of the flesh— such people have every reason to stand in fear of this teaching,  as long as they do not seriously turn to God. Summary Usually when the Bible refers to those who walk in the dark, it's referencing people with spiritual blindness, whose eyes haven't been opened (regenerated) by the Spirit to see the truth of the gospel. But Isaiah flips that script here in today's passage. Here, Isaiah describes the life of the godly as being dark and having no light . Jesus would go on to describe this same concept, albeit with a different analogy. His followers would take the narrow road , the road that when contrasted with the brightly lit wide road seems dark, lonely and foreboding to most people, a road in which each step must be carefully felt out before fully planting your foot. Paul also referred to this idea using yet another analogy in Romans 12:2, commanding the Christian to test and approve every decision to discern what God's will is. But Isaiah here promises that you won't walk this difficult road alone. You can walk it with confidence, knowing that you can fully trust in the name of the LORD and rely on your God. The idea here is that you're no longer relying upon your own senses to navigate life, but are fully in tune and aligned with God's good, pleasing and perfect will (Rom. 12:2b). It's like having a pair of spiritual night vision goggles to make the path ahead visible and keep you on the straight and narrow rather than relying on your own feeble eyesight peering into the dark.   Dig Deeper   Isaiah goes on to describe the false confidence so many of your friends and neighbors have. They're walking in the same exact darkness you are, but they've provided their own light using fires and flaming torches. This seems like a reasonable and practical solution, but the lights they've provided for themselves have a fatal flaw: they only light up the things they want to see. They only point in the direction they want to go. They don't illuminate the danger that the path they're on leads to. Often their daily journey appears far easier and more enjoyable than the difficult hike that lays before you each day. It seems so tempting to just coast alongside of them for awhile; afterall, it all seems so brightly lit. But their path terminates in torment, and once you're on it, it's really hard to find the exit. The difficult topic of reprobation that we struggled through last week are meant to frighten the people which Isaiah describes as walking in the light of their own fires . The Canons say such people have every reason to stand in fear of this teaching, as long as they do not seriously turn to God. But this doctrine shouldn't frighten you, since your steps are guided by trusting and relying in the name of the LORD. You don't need to worry that you'll wander outside of the grip of His grace. Remember, His grace is stronger than you are. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, whose name we can trust and rely on; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you'll continue to trust in God rather than relying on your own limited light; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Matthew 4

Jesus gently and tenderly brings justice through to victory. Matthew 12:15-21 (NIV) 15  Aware of this [that the Pharisees were plotting to kill Him], Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16  He warned them not to tell others about him. 17  This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18  “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19  He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20  A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 16 - Encouragement for the Doubting Those who do not yet actively experience within themselves  a living faith in Christ or an assured confidence of heart, peace of conscience, a zeal for childlike obedience, and a glorying in God through Christ,  but who nevertheless use the means by which God has promised to work these things in us— such people  ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to count themselves among the reprobate;  rather they ought to continue diligently in the use of the means, to desire fervently a time of more abundant grace, and to wait for it in reverence and humility.  On the other hand, those who seriously desire to turn to God,  to be pleasing to God alone, and to be delivered from the body of death,  but are not yet able to make such progress along the way of godliness and faith as they would like— such people ought much less to stand in fear of the teaching concerning reprobation, since our merciful God has promised not to snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed.  However, those who have forgotten God and their Savior Jesus Christ and have abandoned themselves wholly to the cares of the world and the pleasures of the flesh— such people have every reason to stand in fear of this teaching,  as long as they do not seriously turn to God. Summary We live in a world where self promotion is the norm. All sorts of wannabe 'influencers' clamor for likes and subscribers, often by saying or doing crazy and provocative stunts, yet their voices often just blend into the noise of modern life. So it seems so strange that Jesus repeatedly warns people not to tell others about Him. It seems so counterintuitive to His mission; shouldn't He be trying to make His ministry go viral? Matthew helps explain that Jesus' covertness was exactly what had been prophesied about Him. Hopefully you recognized the words from Isaiah that Matthew quotes here, since we just read them a few weeks ago . Isaiah had pointed to a suffering servant who had no intention of drawing attention to himself, one who would not quarrel or cry out; whose voice would not be heard in the streets. Jesus didn't come to start a movement or even just help people improve their lives. He had no interest in building a following by amplifying His voice in the streets or correcting all of the establishment's errors by quarreling with them. He came with one singular purpose: to save His people by atoning for their sins and fulfilling our Father's covenant requirements on our behalf.   Dig Deeper   Matthew wants us to see Jesus' multifaceted personality as he tells the gospel story. He begins the gospel demonstrating Christ's royal pedigree. Matthew's gospel has several long chunks of Jesus' preaching, like the chapters containing the Sermon on the Mount. He also concentrates on Christ's atoning sacrifice. Matthew wants us to know that Jesus Christ is prophet, priest and King. But Matthew also wants to demonstrate that Jesus doesn't just fulfill His official duties in a cold and detached way, but with gentleness, kindness and a personal love for His sheep. Matthew, who spent years following, listening and learning from Jesus, wants you to know that Jesus fulfilled exactly what Isaiah had prophesied about Him, that He will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick. The Canons of Dordt are often castigated as nothing more than rigid, hard theology that's impractical and irrelevant to the day to day issues Christians struggle with, but this isn't the case at all. The Canons here once again labor to pastorally come alongside the many Christians who struggle with doubt and don't make progress along the way of godliness and faith as they would like. When you struggle in these ways, the Canons summarize the voices of the prophets, apostles, and especially our Savior in reminding you that your ongoing doubts and occasional lapses in faith are no reason for you to ever begin to think that maybe you've not been unconditionally elected. Not only are you always held by grace that's stronger than you are, but the hands that hold you are gentle and patient and will never bruise you or snuff you out. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, in whose Servant the nations put their hope; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank Jesus for His kindness and gentleness with you, even when your faith has withered; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Matthew 3

You [sorta] believe... Ask Jesus to overcome your faithless faith. Faithlife.com Mark 9:14-25 (NIV) CONTEXT: Jesus, Peter, James & John have just come down from the incredible experience of the transfiguration, only to meet a chaotic scene... 14  When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15  As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16  “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17  A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18  Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19  “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20  So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21  Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22  “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23  “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25  When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 16 - Encouragement for the Doubting Those who do not yet actively experience within themselves  a living faith in Christ or an assured confidence of heart... but who nevertheless use the means by which God has promised to work these things in us— such people  ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to count themselves among the reprobate;  rather they ought to continue diligently in the use of the means, to desire fervently a time of more abundant grace, and to wait for it in reverence and humility.  On the other hand, those who seriously desire to turn to God,  to be pleasing to God alone, and to be delivered from the body of death,  but are not yet able to make such progress along the way of godliness and faith as they would like— such people ought much less to stand in fear of the teaching concerning reprobation, since our merciful God has promised not to snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed.  However, those who have forgotten God and their Savior Jesus Christ and have abandoned themselves wholly to the cares of the world and the pleasures of the flesh— such people have every reason to stand in fear of this teaching,  as long as they do not seriously turn to God. Summary Jesus and three of His key disciples have just come down from the most intense mountaintop experience ever, in which the disciples not only saw Moses and Elijah, but also saw Jesus' unveiled glory. Peter had famously suggested making some tents so that they'd never have to leave that place. But Jesus knew that His mission still needed completion, and that they needed to go back down the mountain. But they don't have much of a chance to hold on to their spiritual high, as they step into a hornets nest when they get back to the valley. The remaining disciples were pitted in a shouting match with a group of law teachers , and a crowd had gathered to watch the show (this was their version of reality television). In the midst of it all was a young boy being ravaged by an evil spirit. Ironically, the boy was mute in the midst of the shouting. But the central figure of this story, other than Jesus, is the boy's father. He'd brought his son to the disciples to drive out the spirit , but they could not . The law teachers were there to pounce upon their failure. What a picture of humanity: Rival religious factions at each other's throats, a young child who needs help being ignored, and a desperate father who can't give his son what he needs. It's no wonder Jesus mutters in exasperation, wondering how long He needs to put up with this clown show. Jesus calls for the boy, and immediately (one of Mark's favorite words) the spirit violently reacts at the sight of the Savior.   Dig Deeper   The boy's father tells Jesus his story, and asks for help. If you can do anything, the father pleaded, take pity on us and help us. Jesus picks up on the man's faithless faith. The father had enough faith to seek help from Jesus' disciples, but that ended in crushing disappointment just as so many other requests for help which the father had likely pursued had failed before. He once again musters the faith to ask Jesus Himself, but it's evident he's already preparing himself for another failure by framing the question the way he does: if you can. Jesus repeats this problematic phrase, turning it into an accusation: if you can??? I think Jesus probably paused here, letting those words awkwardly hang out there for a few moments before continuing. Put yourself in the father's shoes here; what does it feel like to have your faithless faith bounced back to you? Jesus graciously terminated the awkwardness, proclaiming that everything is possible for the one who believes. Immediately, Mark once again notes, the boy's father cried out and said 'I believe; help my unbelief!' (ESV, NET). What an honest, raw reaction to the faithless faith so present in all of us! But it's also the last thing we hear from the father. R.T. France describes well what happened next : His belief, however uncertain, was all that was needed, and from this point he plays no further part in the narrative, so that all the attention falls where it should, on the power of Jesus. The way Matthew, Luke, but especially Mark tell this man's story is meant to provide us with a double lesson. On one hand, Jesus rewards even our most faithless faith! Don't let your lingering doubts keep you from experiencing the grace, mercy and peace of Christ. But on the other hand, don't linger in faithless faith. Rely on God's Word to build your certainty every day that everything is possible for the one who believes. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, for whom all things are possible; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Come to Jesus in faith, but beg Him to help eliminate your faithlessness; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Matthew 2

If you often feel like you're sinking in doubt and fear, today's passage is for you! It's hard to walk on water when you're carrying boulder sized chunks of doubt and fear Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV) 22  Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24  and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. 25  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29  “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32  And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 16 - Encouragement for the Doubting Those who do not yet actively experience within themselves  a living faith in Christ or an assured confidence of heart, peace of conscience, a zeal for childlike obedience, and a glorying in God through Christ,  but who nevertheless use the means by which God has promised to work these things in us— such people  ought not to be alarmed at the mention of reprobation, nor to count themselves among the reprobate;  rather they ought to continue diligently in the use of the means, to desire fervently a time of more abundant grace, and to wait for it in reverence and humility.  On the other hand, those who seriously desire to turn to God,  to be pleasing to God alone, and to be delivered from the body of death,  but are not yet able to make such progress along the way of godliness and faith as they would like— such people ought much less to stand in fear of the teaching concerning reprobation, since our merciful God has promised not to snuff out a smoldering wick or break a bruised reed.  However, those who have forgotten God and their Savior Jesus Christ and have abandoned themselves wholly to the cares of the world and the pleasures of the flesh— such people have every reason to stand in fear of this teaching,  as long as they do not seriously turn to God. Summary Matthew's introduction to this famous event gives some insight into the personal and spiritual life of Jesus. Jesus had been speaking to thousands of people, and just finished miraculously feeding them with nothing more than five loaves of bread and two fish. He had to be absolutely exhausted, yet rather than call it a night or even finding a spot for a quick nap, Jesus sent the disciples ahead of Him in the boat, while He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray . Oh that we would have even a fraction of Jesus' desire and devotion to come before our Father's throne of grace in prayer! But it's Peter who beckons our attention today. Put yourself in his shoes. The disciples had to be exhausted as well - carefully listening to Jesus' teaching, getting just as hungry as the crowd around them, but then needing to figuring out the distribution of the miraculously procured meal to about five thousand men, plus women and children before eating themselves. Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat rather than bringing them with Him up the mountain, which likely miffed them a bit. Then on top of it all, they had to row into the wind in a losing battle to cross the lake. So it's not surprising that in their frustrated fatigue they were terrified to see a man walking on the lake, thinking that it was a ghost. But of course it wasn't a ghost, it was Jesus, and His words were perfectly appropriate for the moment, and well worth memorizing for the next time you find yourself terrified. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Peter - as only Peter could - demonstrates what can only be described as a moment of incredulous faith (an oxymoron - two words not normally joined together). On one hand, Peter can't believe what he sees, exclaiming Lord, if it's you... . On the other hand, he demonstrated his logic defying commitment in asking Jesus to affirm His identity by telling Peter to come to Him on the water.   Dig Deeper   Peter famously wastes no time in responding to Jesus' one worded answer - come - before bailing over the gunnel and planting his own feet solidly on the waves. One step followed another, with each one somehow meeting resistance in nothing but lakewater. What a feeling this must have been for Peter! But then reality set in - the insanity of it all. Notice how Matthew phrases it: when Peter saw the wind. You've seen evidence of the wind - swaying trees and white capped water - but you've never actually seen the wind, right? Suddenly fear and doubt piled up like rocks tied to his ankles and down he went. Article 16 of the Canons was written for people like Peter, and people like you. People who've encountered the living Christ, and heard His invitation to Come . People who've maybe even taken a few steps on the water before being hopelessly weighed down by doubt. People who so badly want a living faith in Christ, an assured confidence of heart, peace of conscience, a zeal for childlike obedience, and to glory in God through Christ but can never seem to get it all figured out. Peter discovered what you need to be reminded of: that despite your wavering, the Savior never came close to losing His grip on you. His grace is stronger than you are. So even when you doubt, do what Peter did and call out to Jesus. Do what the Canons recommend and continue diligently in the use of the means of grace (hearing God's Word read and preached). Remember, your Savior will not let you sink. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father and Jesus, who truly is the Son of God; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will remember the words of Jesus to take courage, it is I, do not be afraid when the wind and waves set against you; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Matthew 1

Don't get too worked up about your enemies; ultimately they'll trip themselves. BibleHub.com Psalm 9, For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1  I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3  My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4  For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge. 5  You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have blotted out their name for ever and ever. 6  Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies, you have uprooted their cities; even the memory of them has perished. 7  The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. 8  He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. 9  The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. 11  Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done. 12  For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted. 13  Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, 14  that I may declare your praises in the gates of Daughter Zion, and there rejoice in your salvation. 15  The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. 16  The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.  17  The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God. 18  But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. 19  Arise, Lord, do not let men triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. 20  Strike them with terror, Lord; let the nations know they are but men. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 15 - Reprobation Holy Scripture most especially highlights this eternal and undeserved grace of our election and brings it out more clearly for us,  in that it further bears witness that  not all people have been chosen  but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election— those, that is, whom God, on the basis of his entirely free, most just, irreproachable, and unchangeable good pleasure, made the following decree: to leave them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves;  not to grant them saving faith and the grace of conversion;  but finally to condemn and eternally punish those who have been left in their own ways and under God’s just judgment, not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins, in order to display his justice. And this is the decree of reprobation,  which does not at all make God the author of sin (a blasphemous thought!)  but rather its fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger. Summary Psalm 9 is actually half a Psalm, with Psalm 10 forming its second half. The overall purpose of these psalms is the prayer encapsulated in the final two verses of Psalm 9, that God would judge the nations (the nations in the Bible represent all who reject God) and strike them with terror . But this prayer is couched in hope and faith - David begins it rejoicing and singing the praise of the Most High, giving thanks and telling of all of the LORD's wonderful deeds. Like so many Biblical prayers, most of Psalm 9 falls into the categories of A cknowledging who God is and A ligning those who pray with God's will, with only a small fraction of the prayer dedicated to A sking God for what the one praying wants. The aspect of David's musical prayer that grabs our attention today is the final stanza of Psalm 9, which begins in v15. David notes the nations have fallen into the pit they have dug; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. In a sense, God doesn't do anything to topple the wicked; they topple themselves! This is the premise of the Biblical doctrine of reprobation that we've focused on in this past week. It's not that God forces some people to reject Him and the salvation He freely offers, rather He leaves them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, have plunged themselves. God only acts graciously: through His Spirit He regenerates those He's chosen so that we accept the grace offered through Christ. He simply and mysteriously passes over those doomed to bear the consequences of their own action.   Dig Deeper   Can you imagine praying the way David prays: that God would judge the nations and strike them with terror? We looked at the imprecatory nature of so many of the Psalms a few weeks ago in which the psalmist implores the LORD to bring injury and curses upon evil people, and once again we see it on display in this week's psalm. There's a very fine - but distinct - line between holy imprectations and sinful spite. So often, our desire for God to squash our enemies flows out of our narcissism: since somebody hurt us or somebody we love, we want them to get what they have coming, and who better to deliver that justice than God Almighty. But Jesus upended this selfish tendency, commanding us to "love our enemies and pray for those who those who persecute us" (Matt. 5:44). So how come David (and others) seem to get away with praying for the destruction of his enemies - inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so, no less? It's because the Bible's imprecatory prayers don't flow out of personal envy, spite or hatred. David calls God to rebuke the nations and destroy the wicked not just because they hurt David, or even Israel, but because they forget God. David isn't simply asking God for revenge, He's asking God to demonstrate His holy justice, which requires that God exercise vengeance against those who stand against Him and His people. It's not wrong for you to pray imprecatory prayers when appropriate, but the main focus of your prayers must be A cknowledging who God is, A ligning yourself with God's will and thanking God for sovereignly pulling you out of the common misery you plunged yourself into . Then you can A sk God to Arise - do not let men triumph; let the nations be judged in your presence. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity ; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: That you might declare the LORD's praises and rejoice in His salvation; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Ask God to let the nations know they are only men. Read the New Testament in a year! Today: James 5

Parables are shocking stories that have spiritual meanings. Matthew 13:24-43 (NIV) 24  Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25  But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26  When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27  “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28  “ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29  “ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30  Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ” -- 36  Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37  He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38  The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39  and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40  “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41  The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42  They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 15 - Reprobation Holy Scripture most especially highlights this eternal and undeserved grace of our election and brings it out more clearly for us,  in that it further bears witness that  not all people have been chosen  but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election— those, that is, concerning whom God , on the basis of his entirely free, most just, irreproachable, and unchangeable good pleasure, made the following decree: to leave them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves;  not to grant them saving faith and the grace of conversion;  but finally to condemn and eternally punish those who have been left in their own ways and under God’s just judgment, not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins, in order to display his justice. And this is the decree of reprobation,  which does not at all make God the author of sin (a blasphemous thought!)  but rather its fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger. Summary Parables are often described as 'earthly stories with heavenly meanings.' I'm not sure who this description originated with, but it's not a very good one. Jesus meant parables to be shocking stories with a spiritual meaning, and the parable we're chewing on today is a perfect example of how they work. Along with so many other parables - especially in this section of Matthew's gospel - the point of today's parable isn't just to provide some feel-good tips on living your best life now, but to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like. The shocking element of this story comes when Jesus tells that an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. Jesus meant to upset His listeners with that twist. What kind of person would do that? How low and despicable! The farmer's crew, stunned to see weeds sprouting right alongside the wheat, immediately ask for permission to eradicate the problem, but the wise farmer holds them back, knowing that in the early stages of growth, it's hard to distinguish between the weeds and the wheat. Attempting to pull out the weeds early on would have the unintended consequence of significantly reducing the overall yield of wheat. But he's not without a plan of his own. He'll send a crew out right before harvest, when the differences between wheat and weed are far more evident. He'll have them collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned. Then the fully developed wheat - the ultimate purpose and goal of all the farmer's hard work - would be successfully brought into his barn.   Dig Deeper   The disciples don't get it. But don't be too hard on them - you and I wouldn't get it either if we were part of that early audience. But we don't need to speculate about what Jesus meant, because thankfully Jesus' confused crew had the gumption to ask Him what He meant by it. So Jesus lays it all out for them. Every element stood for something: the farmer and his field, the good seed and the weeds. The whole story formed a composite picture of reality: The Son of Man sowing the people of the kingdom in the world, only to have the enemy - the devil - plant the people of the evil one in the midst of God's good field. At harvest time - the end of the age - an angelic crew will follow the farmer's orders. Jesus uses more words explaining what will happen to the pulled weeds then He uses to explain the plot of the parable. The Lord's angels will weed out everything that causes sin and all who do evil, Jesus explains. These weeds will be thrown into the furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. God's choosing of some and passing over others for salvation is a deep mystery for sure, but our Canons echo Jesus' parable in making clear that although God decreed to leave some in the misery of their sin, He is certainly not the author of sin. God planted only good seed in His good field. The Enemy corrupted it with evil. Instead, our Lord is the fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger of all the evil the enemy has sowed. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who will make the righteous shine like the sun in His kingdom; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the strength, courage and patience to continue growing in a weed filled world. A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: James 4

Your call is clear & simple: plainly set forth the truth. drawforgod.com 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 (NIV) 4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2  Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5  For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 15 - Reprobation Holy Scripture most especially highlights this eternal and undeserved grace of our election and brings it out more clearly for us,  in that it further bears witness that  not all people have been chosen  but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election— those, that is, concerning whom God, on the basis of his entirely free, most just, irreproachable, and unchangeable good pleasure, made the following decree: to leave them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves;  not to grant them saving faith and the grace of conversion;  but finally to condemn and eternally punish those who have been left in their own ways and under God’s just judgment, not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins, in order to display his justice. And this is the decree of reprobation,  which does not at all make God the author of sin (a blasphemous thought!)  but rather its fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger. Summary Nobody likes a 'bait and switch' marketing strategy which draws people in with a wonderful product advertised for an incredibly low price, but then coerces people into buying something very different when they come into the store. Unfortunately, churches often feel the need to deceive and distort the Word of God in their evangelism by overstating the Bible's promises for a good life while downplaying God's demands for righteousness in the lives of His covenant people. We're driven to try and sell people on the benefits of the gospel because it's so evident that people are ignorant of its truths. Evangelism then becomes the means by which we show them the blessings they're missing out on, rather than the call to repentance and self sacrificing discipleship that Jesus and the apostles commanded. Today's passage helps explain that people don't reject the gospel because they're not yet convinced of its blessings, but because the gospel is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds have been blinded by the god of this age. In other words, our efforts to dress up the gospel in ways that seem to appeal to the prevailing culture are as useless as decorating the cell of a blindfolded hostage. One of the best strategies that the god of this world (Satan) has is distraction. He keeps people so busy and consumed with chasing after the shiny things in the world so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.   Dig Deeper   The Bible never explains to us God's reasons for opening the eyes of some but leaving others in their blindness. But it does make very clear, in today's passage as well as so many others, that people's inability to see the gospel is not because of some sort of inherent flaw that makes the gospel difficult to see. You can see its wonderful truth only because the same God who said 'Let light shine out of the darkness' as He called the world into being has now made His light shine in your heart to give you the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ. The gospel doesn't need our embellishment or salesmanship in order to finally make it attractive enough to capture the attention of the world. Rather, the evangelistic strategy you must follow is clear and simple: set forth the truth plainly... For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, who made His light shine in our hearts; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will equip you to set forth the truth plainly; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: James 3

God's patience has a limit. faithlife.com Proverbs 1:20-33 (NIV) 20  Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; 21  on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: 22  “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23  Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. 24  But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, 25  since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, 26  I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you— 27  when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28  “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, 29  since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. 30  Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31  they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32  For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33  but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 15 - Reprobation Holy Scripture most especially highlights this eternal and undeserved grace of our election and brings it out more clearly for us,  in that it further bears witness that  not all people have been chosen  but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election— those, that is, concerning whom God, on the basis of his entirely free, most just, irreproachable, and unchangeable good pleasure, made the following decree: to leave them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves;  not to grant them saving faith and the grace of conversion;  but finally to condemn and eternally punish those who have been left in their own ways and under God’s just judgment, not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins, in order to display his justice. And this is the decree of reprobation,  which does not at all make God the author of sin (a blasphemous thought!)  but rather its fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger. Summary So much of the book of Proverbs is the story of Wisdom , personified as a lady seeking wayward sons following the call of her adversary, Lady Folly. Right away here in the first chapter, we're introduced to Wisdom as she calls out, rebuking those who've lost their way. Notice how she characterizes the essence of sin: delight in mockery and hatred of knowledge. She calls out with a one word imperative that comprises the Bible's primary command: repent - turn back from the hatred of knowledge and simplistic thinking! To those who listen when Wisdom calls, she will pour out her thoughts and make known her teachings. And whoever listens to me , she promises, will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm. Sadly, so many people refuse to listen when Wisdom calls. They disregard all her advice and do not accept her rebuke. You didn't need verses 24-25 to tell you that - you see it writ large each and every day in the way people around you live; indeed, even in the way you're tempted to live! But calamity will overtake like a storm, and disaster will sweep over like a whirlwind upon those who've ignored Wisdom . For , she says, the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.   Dig Deeper   It's somewhat shocking to see how Wisdom responds when the foolish finally do cry out in the midst of the calamity and disaster they've brought upon themselves: I in turn will laugh and mock ... They will call and look for me, but I will not be found or answer them. This seems completely contrary to the conventional idea of God so many people cling to: that He's just longingly waiting for us to turn to Him, and when we do He'll quickly spring into salvific action. But the Canons painfully remind us today that God, like His emissary Lady Wisdom, is not eternally patient. Those who will not accept His advice and spurn His rebuke will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. In other words, God gives people what they want; to those who continually ignore the Bible's oft repeated calls to repent , God allows them to harvest the effects of the ignorance they cling to. He, as the Canons put it, leaves them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves. But to those whom God has chosen to spiritually regenerate recognize the unsurpassed beauty of godly knowledge and wisdom. They heed God's call to repent by turning from their simplistic thinking to choosing to fear the LORD. Thank God for calling you out of worldly ignorance, and pray that you will continue to grow in Wisdom. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father, the God of knowledge; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will reject simple ways, mockery and instead build up godly knowledge and wisdom; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: James 2

What does Jesus mean when He thanks God for hiding the truth from some? faithlife.com Matthew 11:25-26 (NIV) 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. -- 25  At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26  Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-14 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 12: The Assurance of election Hebrews 11:1-6 - Confident Assurance Malachi 3:14-18 - Childlike Fear 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 - Godly Sorrow Matthew 5:6 - Stay Hungry Psalm 65 - The Hearer of Prayers ​ Article 13/14: The Fruit of our assurance Isaiah 57:14-21 - God's Second Residence 2 Peter 1:3-10 - Make Every Effort Isaiah 42:1-9 - The Sovereign & His Servant Deuteronomy 29:29 - The Secret Things Psalm 96 - Soli Deo Gloria Article 15 - Reprobation Holy Scripture most especially highlights this eternal and undeserved grace of our election and brings it out more clearly for us,  in that it further bears witness that  not all people have been chosen  but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election— those, that is, concerning whom God, on the basis of his entirely free, most just, irreproachable, and unchangeable good pleasure, made the following decree: to leave them in the common misery into which, by their own fault, they have plunged themselves;  not to grant them saving faith and the grace of conversion;  but finally to condemn and eternally punish those who have been left in their own ways and under God’s just judgment, not only for their unbelief but also for all their other sins, in order to display his justice. And this is the decree of reprobation,  which does not at all make God the author of sin (a blasphemous thought!)  but rather its fearful, irreproachable, just judge and avenger. Summary All three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke, which give a synopsis of Jesus' life, as compared to John's gospel, which reports fewer of the details, but gives more theological insight as to who Jesus is) have a pivot point right near the middle where Jesus' tactics change significantly. Whereas in the first half of His ministry, Jesus heals lots of sick and performs many miracles, He drastically reduces His supernatural activity in the second half. Our passage today gives some insight as to why it is that Jesus made this change. We opened today's passage with Jesus doing something unexpected - He began to denounce / openly criticize (NET) the towns in which most of His miracles had been performed. Since so many people understand Jesus to be infinitely accepting and tolerant, the fact that He might have harsh words for anybody - let alone entire towns - likely comes as a surprise. Notice what it was that raised His ire. It wasn't the fact that they weren't thankful for or impressed with the miracles He had performed that made Him upset, but rather that even after having witnessed them they did not repent (remember, the word repent means to change your thinking ). Jesus goes on to make it clear why His miracles didn't achieve His desired outcome: these people considered themselves to be wise and learned , and therefore they had no desire to change how they thought. But the children among them - not just those who were young, but those who realized their spiritual ignorance and desired to truly know God - they received the good news that God had revealed to them.   Dig Deeper   The words Jesus uses as He prays to His Father sting. Jesus acknowledges that the primary reason the people who witnessed His miracles weren't convinced of their need to repent is that His Father had hidden these things from the wise and learned. Jesus doesn't seem upset by this. He even praises His Father for doing so. The only explanation Jesus gives for the Father's actions only seems to increase the mystery: God hid these things (the truth as to who Jesus is and how to achieve salvation in His name) because this is what the Father was pleased to do. But why would God be pleased to do such a thing like hide the good news of the gospel? Jesus doesn't answer that question for us, but He does make it clear that God hid this truth in plain sight. After all, Jesus plainly announced to all that the Kingdom of God had come near and that people needed to repent (Matt. 4:17). But the reason that this precious truth remained hidden is because those who were content with their worldly wisdom and learning had no desire to look for anything different. This week we'll be wrestling with one of scripture's most difficult doctrines: reprobation , which bears witness that not all people have been chosen but that some have not been chosen or have been passed by in God’s eternal election . But as we begin, remember the context Jesus places this teaching in: the fault lies with those who miss what's been hidden in plain sight, not with our Father. AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father: Lord of heaven and earth; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the spiritual curiosity of a little child, that you would not miss the gospel which our Father has revealed. A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: James 1

Learn how & why you can worship God at all times. faithlife.com Psalm 96 1  Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2  Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. 4  For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. 5  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. 7  Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 8  Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. 9  Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. 10  Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 11  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. 12  Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 13  Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness. Canons of Dordt Point 1 - God's Unconditional Election Articles 1-11 Article 1: God’s Right to Condemn All People Romans 5:12-14 - Mis-Markmanship Deuteronomy 28:15-20 - Not A Tame Lion Genesis 2:15-17 - Or Else Luke 15:11-16 - Prodigious Deprivation Psalm 143 - Aggressive Prayer Pattern ​ Article 2: The Manifestation of God’s Love Zephaniah 3:14-17 - The Mighty Warrior Who Saves Lamentations 3:19-23 - Great Is Thy Faithfulness John 3:16-18 - Simple Beauty 1 John 4:8-10 - This Is Love Psalm 103 - Praise the LORD! ​ Article 3: The Preaching of the Gospel 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - God Our Savior Isaiah 52.7 - Good News! Rom 10:14-17 - The Power of Preaching 1 Cor 1.23-24 - God's Foolishness Psalm 93 - Mightier Than Chaos ​ Article 4: A Twofold Response to the Gospel John 1:9-13 - The TRUE Light John 3:31-36 - Wrath Removed John 6:37-40 - Tensegral Theology John 12:42-50 - Buffet Theology Psalm 16 - In God We Trust ​ Article 5: The Sources of Unbelief and of Faith James 1:13-18 - The Devil (didn't) Make You Do It Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 - Many Schemes Ephesians 2:8 - The Gift of God Philippians 1:27-30 - Granted Psalm 95 - The LORD is OUR God ​ Article 6: God’s Eternal Decree Isaiah 45:21-25 - Irrevocable Ezekiel 36:24-27 - A Whole New Reality Romans 9:15-21 - God's Mercy, Not Your Effort 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - Love The Truth Psalm 81 - Call To Worship ​ Article 7: Election Ephesians 1:3-6 - Before the Foundation Deuteronomy 7:1-10 - Set Apart John 17:1-5 - Sovereign Submission John 17:6-12 - Given Psalm 115 - God Does What He Pleases ​ Article 8: A Single Decree of Election Romans 4:1-8 - One and the Same Romans 4:9-17 - Chicken or Egg? Romans 4:18-25 - Faithfully Face the Facts Hebrews 11:39-40 - Promises Kept Psalm 33 - God's Control, Authority & Presence Article 9: Election Not Based on Foreseen Faith John 10:22-30 - Listen Up! 2 Timothy 1:7-10 - Passive & Powered Titus 3:3-7 - Transformed Deuteronomy 9:4-6 - You're Not That Awesome Psalm 91 - The Shelter of the Most High Article 10: Election Based on God’s Good Pleasure Luke 2:13-14 - Christmas in March Galatians 4:1-7 - From Slave to Son Isaiah 53:6 - Herd Mentality 1 Peter 2:9-10 - You're The Best Thing God Has! Psalm 5 - The Morning Psalm Article 11: God’s election is unalterable. Malachi 3:6-7 - Keep It Simple Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchanging Anchor Hebrews 13:1-8 - Keep On Loving Hebrews 6:13-20 - Unchangeable Blessing Psalm 110 - Victory in Jesus Article 13 & 14 - The Fruit of Our Assurance In their awareness and assurance of this election,  God’s children daily find greater cause to humble themselves before God,  to adore the fathomless depth of God’s mercies,  to cleanse themselves,  and to give fervent love in return to the One who first so greatly loved them.  This is far from saying that this teaching concerning election, and reflection upon it,  make God’s children lax in observing his commandments or carnally self-assured.  By God’s just judgment this does usually happen to those who casually take for granted the grace of election or engage in idle and brazen talk about it but are unwilling to walk in the ways of the chosen. By God’s wise plan,  this teaching concerning divine election was proclaimed through the prophets, Christ himself, and the apostles, in Old and New Testament times.  It was subsequently committed to writing in the Holy Scriptures.  So also today in God’s church,  for which it was specifically intended,  this teaching must be set forth with a spirit of discretion, in a godly and holy manner, at the appropriate time and place, without inquisitive searching into the ways of the Most High.  This must be done for the glory of God’s most holy name, and for the lively comfort of God’s people. Summary You might be surprised to find out that Psalm 96 isn't just the 96th Psalm. It's also found in 1 Chronicles 16 as the pattern for praise that King David gave to his newly appointed national choir director, Asaph, on the day that the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem from the Philistines. In many ways, Psalm 96 is the 'job description' for all those who praise the Lord! Hopefully the upbeat nature of today's Psalm was obvious to you, but given its importance as the manner in which to give praise to the LORD (1 Chr. 16:7), it serves as a perfect guide for you to enact the imperatives given to you in this week's articles from the Canons of Dordt. As one who's been unconditionally elected by God, you must give fervent love to the One who first so greatly loved you. Here's how you do that: NOISILY & EXPRESSIVELY, YET REVERENTLY: Loving and praising God is far from an exclusively somber and quiet endeavor. Psalm 96 commands you to sing to the LORD, praise His name, proclaim His salvation, and declare His glory and marvelous deeds among all people. You must confidently say among the nations that the LORD reigns! Yet there certainly are times where silent reverence is the appropriate form of praise: all the earth must tremble before the splendor of His holiness . THEOLOGICALLY: In order to properly praise the LORD, you must know who He is and why He deserves such praise: The LORD made the heavens, and strength and glory are His. We're commanded to ascribe to the LORD (2x) - this means that we're to give God the credit for that which He's done, and not attempt to scientifically or logically explain away the glory due His name. COMPREHENSIVELY: It's so easy to limit the concept of worship to music, as if our weekly worship both begins and ends with the songs that we sing in church (or as is often sadly the case, the songs that are sung to us by professional praise bands). But Psalm 96 shows how all of creation is involved in God's worship: the heavens must rejoice, the earth be glad, the sea resound, the fields be jubilant, the trees must sing... in fact, all creation must rejoice! This means that the aspects of God's creation that are under your control must be stewarded by you in such a way that they praise God (notice the commands given to nature are in passive terms - it's up to you to take action to make it happen).   Dig Deeper   For some reason, Reformed theology often gets explained in sets of five points. We're spending this year coming to understand the five doctrines of grace ( T otal depravity, U nconditional election, L imited atonement, I rresistible grace, and P erseverance of the saints). But it can also be described in what have come to be known as the five solas of the Reformation : 1) Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) 2) Sola Fide (Faith Alone) 3) Solus Christus (Christ Alone) 4) Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) We don't have time to unpack all that the first four mean today, but if you want to get a good understanding of the fifth one, Soli Deo Gloria - Glory to God Alone - Psalm 96 is an excellent definition! AAA Prayer (About) A CKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS : Our Father: great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; A LIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will sing, proclaim, declare, ascribe, worship, and say the LORD's sovereign glory in your activities today; A SK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year! Today: Galatians 6