Contemplations
Transforming Treasures Reserved for God’s Elect
“I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21) In a world where many spend their life pursuing material wealth,...
The Magnitude of God’s Grace
“The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, the LORD brought you...
Grace: The Gift Beyond Measure
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."(Ephesians 2:8-9) In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul unwraps the wonderful truth that salvation cannot be generated from...
No Pleasure in Sin
“For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.” (Psalm 5:4) Sin brings pleasure “for a season” to those who practice it (Heb. 11:25), thus the draw to it. But sin in every form and degree is the ultimate affront to a holy...
The Christian’s Wardrobe
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29) From a symbolic angle, the Christian life can be likened to donning garments from our wardrobe that...
Implications and Evidences of the Fall
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12) Down through the ages mankind has grappled with this most significant question: Why do we bear the burden of Adam’s...
The Remedy for Our Unclean Hearts
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Scripture makes it clear that our nature is corrupted by sin from the moment of birth. One such verse is Psalm 51:5, which reminds us that we are “shapen in...
Finding Beauty in Divine Providence
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Life is intricately laced with both sunshine and shadows, seasons of...
Chosen from the Beginning
“Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” (1 Peter 1:20) Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross was not a plan God put in place in response to the Fall. Rather, before the world was ever...
Embracing the Covenant – God’s Unfailing Promise
“Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counsellor hath taught him?” (Isaiah 40:13) Few themes in Scripture resound with as much significance as that of a covenant between God and His people. Francis Roberts saw insightfully into this profound...
Reflections of God’s Love
“The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” (John 3:35) God’s infinite love and delight for His only begotten Son is expressed and demonstrated all throughout Scripture. One such example is this simple, yet powerful statement, “The Father...
The Weight of Sin and Our Need for Christ
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Sin is a heavy burden, one that weighs upon every Christian professor. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, there is not one righteous person on this earth by their own merit. Each of us is born into a...
The Beauty of God’s Timing
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) We are wise to recognize and respect the seasons God has set for our...
The Believer’s Inner Struggle
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the...
Do You Have the Mind of Christ?
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) What does it mean to “have the mind of Christ?” Simply understood, having the mind of Christ is to think like Christ thinks. But we know this is...
A Call to Humility
“As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that...
Power in Faith’s Assurance
“For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.” (2 Corinthians 13:4) The all-time greatest definition of faith is displayed over the entrance to...
The Unchanging Promise of Christ
“For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.” (2 Corinthians 1:19) In Paul’s second letter to the Christians at Corinth, he reminded them of the fact that...
Why Men Cannot Stand Before God
“The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3) Scripture makes it patently clear that those who persist in their sin cannot stand before a holy God… that is, they cannot be counted among the redeemed. And...
The Soul’s Journey to Spiritual Renewal
“And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” (Revelation 5:6)...
Understanding Christ’s Timeless Nature
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) In terms of theological discourse, few verses inspire as much contemplation as John 8:58, where Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This self-proclaimed seminal truth...
To Whom Will You Liken God?
“To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?”(Isaiah 40:18) Perhaps the simplest, yet most comprehensive name for God in all of Scripture is that declaration of Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14 – “I AM” – as it encapsulates the essence of...
Humility That Lifts Us Up
“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts himself shall be abased; and he that humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:14) This simple statement by Christ recorded in Luke 18 not only signifies the...
From Humility to Honor
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10) This simple yet powerful verse reminds us of one of the core principles of the Christian faith so beautifully exemplified in the life of our Lord Jesus and outlined in this passage in...
Evidence of God’s Commitment
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3) The biblical account of God’s relationship with his people is a compelling story of divine benevolence and human...
The Everlasting Beauty of God’s Timing
“He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God makes from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Everything God created was good and perfectly set in the context of His...
Christ’s Connection to His Own
“For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” (Hebrews 2:11-12) Hebrews...
Christ Our Mediator as Prophet, Priest, and King
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things...
Unparalleled Humility
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.” (James 4:6) The biblical call to humility stands in stark contrast to a society in which ambition and self-promotion are both sought after and celebrated. But as...
Paths to Repentance
“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:16) Our journey to a place of genuine repentance is a deeply personal one. And yet it is often influenced by the company we...
The Eternal Purpose of God’s Rest
“The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Psalm 33:11) This verse reminds us that God’s plans are eternal and unshakable. No matter what happens in our world or how uncertain circumstances may seem, God’s purpose remains...
The Path to Sanctification
“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” (Colossians 3:5) The believers in Colosse were young Christians struggling with ongoing evidences of...
Implications of the Divine Covenant
“And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:21) God’s giving of the Ten Commandments through Moses to the Israelites camped at Mount Sinai marked a pivotal moment between Himself and His people. At the heart...
The Foundation For Lasting Prosperity
“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his...
Chosen in Christ Before the World Began
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” (Ephesians 1:4) The amazing truth that God chose His elect in Christ before the foundation of the world, as stated in Ephesians...
The Manifestation of God’s Glory
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3) Our text in Hebrews 1:3 provides...
Known by God – A Love That Endures
“But if any man love God, the same is known of him.” (1 Corinthians 8:3) In Christ’s parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), five were left outside the door because they failed to prepare for the bridegroom’s arrival. When they desired to buy more oil for their...
Growing in Grace through the Means of Grace
“What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:18) In eternity past God intricately designed the path whereby fallen man would be reunited with...
Anchored in His Love
“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” (John 15:9) Scripture, rich with divine wisdom and insight, reminds us how essential constancy is in our Christian walk. Jesus teaches us this in John 8:31 and then further illuminates it in...
God’s Loving Discipline
“Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.” (Psalm 74:18) God’s love for His people is not shallow or indulgent; it is rather a love that refines, corrects, and perfects. Scripture reminds us that...
The Eternal Christ
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) The first verse of the Gospel of John beautifully parallels the first verse of Genesis in that they both begin with the phrase, “In the beginning.” John goes on to say in his...
Dwelling in Thick Darkness
“Then spoke Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.” (1 Kings 8:12) Throughout history, God’s presence has always been veiled in “dark” mystery or obscurity, because the incomparable nature of His awesome glory transcends what humanity can...
Chosen by Grace: God’s Covenant People
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9) Unlike the Covenant of Works which required perfect...
The God Who Refines and Restores
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3) In Malachi 3:3 we’re reminded of the refining process God...
Salvation by His Mercy
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5) Our text in Titus 3:5—as well as many other biblical passages—makes it patently clear that salvation...
A Better Choice
“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10) In his unending search for happiness, the unbeliever is continually chasing after worldly gain and temporary pleasures, often devoting himself entirely to these...
Harmonizing with the Word
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16) In this passage the Apostle Paul paints a beautiful picture of...
Illuminated by Grace
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) Regardless of the various paths men and women take in search of spiritual fulfillment, God’s...
The Glorious Mystery of Christ’s Incarnation
“Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25) A foundational doctrine of the Christian faith—the incarnation of Christ—is an irrefutable demonstration of the depths of God’s love and the lengths He chose to go to in...
By His Power
“Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6) In the face of life’s challenges and temptations, there’s a natural...
The Glory of Christ’s Redemption for Us
“These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” (John 17:1) In the grand narrative of redemption, there is perhaps no moment more pivotal than the transition from...
The Promises and Providences of God
“And the LORD hath performed his word that he spoke, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built a house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.” (1 Kings 8:20) This verse in 1 Kings 8:20...
Our Divine Mediator
“Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.” (John 10:17) In God’s unfolding plan of redemption, He ordained His Son as the one and only Mediator between Himself and His people (1 Timothy 2:5). This truth was affirmed by...
The Inestimable Sword of the Spirit
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) The metaphor of a...