covenantal formula that God enters into with His people in every generation is best expressed in Jeremiah 7:23 The New Testament makes clear (Rom. 5 & 1 Cor. 15) that Adam wasn't just an independent contractor, but "In Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Cor. 15:22)."

Luke 2:8–14 (NIV) 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their see this many times throughout Scripture, but especially we see it at the birth of our Lord, in Luke 2: Peter 1:10-12 (esp. John Calvin, in commenting on this passage, writes: “It is indeed the highest praise to the gospel, that Today: James 1

Ephesians 2:19–22 (NIV) 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together

James 2:10-11 (NIV) 10  For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners (Part 2) Our good works, proceeding from the good root of faith, are good and acceptable to God, since Today: 1 Corinthians 3

Hebrews 2:14–18 (ESV) 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same

Dig Deeper It's verse 25 that captures our attention today: For without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment

Do you want your church to grow? Then pray for God's Kingdom to come! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 122 Q. What does the second request mean? A. “Your kingdom come” means, Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you. Keep your church strong, and add to it. Destroy the devil’s work; destroy every force which revolts against you and every conspiracy against your Word. Do this until your kingdom is so complete and perfect that in it you are all in all. Summary The Book of Acts details the early days of the Church. The people came together in fellowship, formed a community of faith, and devoted themselves to the teachings of the apostles. Along with this sense of community came an overflow of generosity, with some selling possessions and property to provide for those in need. This was a period of great growth in the Church, with the numbers of faithful increasing each day. There is much that we can still learn today from the example of these early believers. And while their devotion is commendable and should be emulated, make sure to deliver credit where it is due. Their number grew each day, yet it is not the actions of the people which are credited for this growth. Instead, Luke writes that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”. Dig Deeper The devotion of the Early Church is an inspiration to the generations of believers who have followed. Their devotion was rewarded as the Lord added to their number daily. This act of growing the Church is part of God’s provision. As much as church leaders, ministry coordinators, and evangelists try to strategize how to reach the world with the Gospel; this ultimately is God’s handiwork. By living out our faith, we get the blessing of being the hands and feet of Jesus. It is no secret that the size of the North American church has decreased over time. There continues to be an increase in this part of the globe of those who claim no faith. However, not all is lost. God is still in control and will provide for his people. What is needed are workers for the harvest. There is a need for a spiritual revival. And while it is God who will bring this about, he calls upon us to be his messengers. God is at work, do not miss out on the opportunity to be a part of what he is doing. Each time you pray the words "Your kingdom come," or words similar to them, you're praying that God will strengthen His Church and add to it. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who builds His Church with the teaching of His Word, participation at His table, and in the fellowship of believers; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for the church He's placed you in. Pray that it will grow and that He will add to it; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Jude

Here's a sneak preview of what each day's post will include each post will begin with an excerpt from the Heidelberg Catechism Heidelberg Catechism Q&A Q. What is the Heidelberg Catechism? A. The Catechism is a learning tool that summarizes what the Bible says about life's most important matters. You can read the passage either in your own Bible (a printed Bible is always the best option!) or read the passage right in the daily post. You can also listen to both the Bible passage & the Dig Deeper post. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Summary Each day's post will have a short summary to help you understand what the passage means. Dig Deeper The Dig Deeper section will give practical application of the passage to your life. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Father in heaven, your name is holy. ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: May I do your will and may I long for your kingdom to come. Please lead me away from temptation. ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: I pray that you give me my daily bread, and that you forgive my sins as I have forgiven others. Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - The daily chapter will be listed here.

2 Corinthians 5:15-17 (NIV) 15  And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners

Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Open your prayer the same way Daniel did: pray the words in v19-23 fretting about them; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - John