Devotion reading for the week of Sept. 25th 2017

source 

• Sept. 25th Psalm 33:1-9 The Lord's Words Become Actions
• Sept. 26th Genesis 12:1-3 Abram Called and Blessed
• Sept. 27th Genesis 13:14-17 Promises of Land and Descendants
• Sept. 28th Exodus 23:23-27 Angel Will Lead Conquest of Canaan
• Sept. 29th 1 Kings 4:20-25 Promises Fulfilled
• Sept. 30th Romans 4:1-4 An Example of Righteous Faith
• Oct. 1st Genesis 15:1-6, 17-21 God Covenants with Abram

Devotions from: Standard Lesson Commentary, (2017). Standard Publishing

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Matthew 5:17-18 (quoted here in ESV; see link for KJV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

The only thing the law can do is impose penalties. It only drops us off at the doorstep of punishment. It cannot offer hope or salvation. It cannot prevent the repetition of the behavior. The law serves to make us aware of our sin, to see our sinful behavior and then once seen we can acknowledge that sin before God. God challenged the people of Israel on Mount Carmel by asking them how long were they going to shift between two opinions, to choose and stop wavering. (1 Kings 18:21) 

Jesus fulfilled the law, because of that (John 3:16) he is our propitiation (1 John 2:2). A twenty-dollar word for substitution; he stood in our place, took the wrath of God for us as the spotless lamb (sacrifice) because of the penalty of the sin-curse.

He is to us all that is needed for propitiation "in behalf of our sins"; the propitiatory sacrifice, provided by the Father's love, removing the estrangement, and appeasing the righteous wrath, on God's part, against the sinner. (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Paul and Silas responded to the Philippian jailer when he asked how to be saved, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).

We must place our faith firmly in Christ. Think of this:

• Jesus chooses you (John 15:16-17).  Because let's face it - at times we do not feel deserving.
• Your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20).  Because of his name, we have a power that otherwise wouldn't be available because, joyfully, the names of those saved are written in Heaven.
• You have been transferred into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14).  This power has transferred us into the kingdom of Christ.
• And no one is able to snatch you from God’s grip (John 10:28–29), because you are his child now and forever (Romans 8:16-17).

For hearts to be changed, those hearts must be receptive to change. The Word of God through the work of the Holy Spirit softens the heart.