Weekly Newsletter
Pastor David’s Weekly Devotional
Theologians are known for making distinctions. They’ll come to blows over words like “by” or “through” or ‘in.” Most of us have little time for such subtle, seemingly inconsequential, nuances. And to be sure, some distinctions are more synonymous than different. However – especially when contemplating or discussing Biblical theology – some theological distinctions are crucial, life-altering and even lifesaving. Here are a few that I have found very important and helpful:
Grace and Mercy
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.
Justification, Sanctification and Glorification
Justification is being declared righteous by God (freed from the penalty of sin).
Sanctification is being made holy by God (freed from the power of sin).
Glorification is being instantly, completely, and eternally redeemed by God (freed from the presence of sin).
God’s sovereignty and God’s providence
Divine sovereignty is the “invincible reign” of God – His supreme power and ultimate authority over all things.
Divine providence is the “invisible hand” of God – His sovereign act to oversee, sustain, control, direct and rule all things according to the counsel of His will and for the purpose of His glory.
Assurance of salvation and Security of salvation
Assurance of salvation is the subjective feelings of being saved.
Security of salvation is the objective reality of being saved.
Union with Christ and Communion with Christ
Union with Christ is the believer’s relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Communion with Christ is the believer’s fellowship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Gossip and Flattery
Gossip is what someone says behind your back that they would never say to your face.
Flattery is what someone says to your face that they would never say behind your back.
Grieving the Spirit and Quenching the Spirit
Grieving the Spirit is doing what the Holy Spirit leads you not to do (sins of commission).
Quenching the Spirit is not doing what the Holy Spirit leads you to do (sins of omission).
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #20):
Exodus 25-28; 2 Samuel 15-19; Psalm 57-59; Job 39-40; Jeremiah 37-41; Luke 3-4; 2 Corinthians 9-10
Recommended Reading:
“Essentials of the Christian Faith” by R.C. Sproul
Theologians are known for making distinctions. They’ll come to blows over words like “by” or “through” or ‘in.” Most of us have little time for such subtle, seemingly inconsequential, nuances. And to be sure, some distinctions are more synonymous than different. However – especially when contemplating or discussing Biblical theology – some theological distinctions are crucial, life-altering and even lifesaving. Here are a few that I have found very important and helpful:
Grace and Mercy
Grace is getting what we do not deserve.
Mercy is not getting what we do deserve.
Justification, Sanctification and Glorification
Justification is being declared righteous by God (freed from the penalty of sin).
Sanctification is being made holy by God (freed from the power of sin).
Glorification is being instantly, completely, and eternally redeemed by God (freed from the presence of sin).
God’s sovereignty and God’s providence
Divine sovereignty is the “invincible reign” of God – His supreme power and ultimate authority over all things.
Divine providence is the “invisible hand” of God – His sovereign act to oversee, sustain, control, direct and rule all things according to the counsel of His will and for the purpose of His glory.
Assurance of salvation and Security of salvation
Assurance of salvation is the subjective feelings of being saved.
Security of salvation is the objective reality of being saved.
Union with Christ and Communion with Christ
Union with Christ is the believer’s relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Communion with Christ is the believer’s fellowship with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Gossip and Flattery
Gossip is what someone says behind your back that they would never say to your face.
Flattery is what someone says to your face that they would never say behind your back.
Grieving the Spirit and Quenching the Spirit
Grieving the Spirit is doing what the Holy Spirit leads you not to do (sins of commission).
Quenching the Spirit is not doing what the Holy Spirit leads you to do (sins of omission).
Together in and for Christ,
Pastor David
Scripture Readings for the Week (Monday – Sunday ~ Week #20):
Exodus 25-28; 2 Samuel 15-19; Psalm 57-59; Job 39-40; Jeremiah 37-41; Luke 3-4; 2 Corinthians 9-10
Recommended Reading:
“Essentials of the Christian Faith” by R.C. Sproul
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