Held by God | Psalm 57, 1 Peter 1, & John 10 | 5 Devotions on God’s Faithful Grip
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Psalm 57:1-3
Devotional: Begin the week by reflecting on God's steadfast love and faithfulness, as revealed in the Psalms. This passage illustrates the depth of God's care for us, His constant presence and the refuge He provides in times of turmoil. Consider how God has been your refuge and fortress in times of adversity.
Question: How have you experienced God's steadfast love and faithfulness in your life?
Held by God | Psalm 57, 1 Peter 1, & John 10 | Confidence in the Perseverance of the Saints
Here we are today. We're finishing up our five-week series on understanding grace, and what we have been doing is we've been looking at the doctrines of grace and we'll review those here in just another second but today we are considering the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Now, during our journey through these five points in the doctrines of grace, I have been pointing out that there is a logical progression and consistency to these doctrines, and so it all starts out with our understanding of total depravity.
Transformed by the Spirit | Isaiah 55:1–13 & Romans 8:18–39 | 5 Devotions on the Work of the Spirit in Salvation
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Today, we dive into the doctrine of predestination. Reflect on how God knew you before the foundations of the world and chose you for His glory. Recognize that God's grace is so powerful that it transforms our hearts and minds, drawing us to Him irresistibly. Pray for a deeper understanding of this divine election and its implications for your life.
Question: How does understanding God’s predestination impact your view of His grace?
Transformed by the Spirit | Isaiah 55:1–13 & Romans 8:18–39 | The Power of Irresistible Grace
In week four of our series “Understanding Grace” we look at the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. For those appointed to salvation, the Holy Spirit will work in their life to bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us that we are all dead in sin and unable to come to God on our own. However, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to Christ, we understand the irresistible nature of God’s grace.
The doctrine of irresistible grace is a source of great comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts, but on the grace of God. It also gives us confidence that God will continue His transforming work in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Intentional Atonement | John 10:1-21 & Isaiah 53:1-12 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Definite and Saving Work
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-6
Devotional: Reflect on the suffering of Jesus, the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Consider how Jesus took on our grief, carried our sorrows, and was pierced for our transgressions. Take some time today to thank Jesus for His sacrifice and ask for His grace to follow Him faithfully.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Jesus' suffering mean to you personally?
2. How does knowing that Jesus bore your sins affect your understanding of God's love for you?
3. How can you show gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life?
Intentional Atonement | John 10:1-21 & Isaiah 53:1-12 | Redemption Accomplished for His People
Why did Jesus lay down His life? In this third sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the deep assurance that comes from knowing Christ’s atonement was intentional and effective. From Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus’ words in John, Scripture reveals that Christ did not die to make salvation merely possible—He died to actually redeem His people.
Adopted by God | Deuteronomy 7:6–11 & Romans 9:1–16 | 5 Devotions on God's Sovereign Love
Day 1: Understanding Unconditional Election
Bible Reading: Romans 9:6-8
Devotional: Begin by reading Romans 9:6-8, focusing on the principle of election as outlined by Apostle Paul. This doctrine can be difficult to understand, but it's crucial in comprehending God's sovereignty and His unconditional love for us. The sermon we listened to emphasized that our salvation doesn't depend on our works or merits, but solely on God's mercy. Today, let's meditate on this divine grace and express gratitude for His unconditional love.
Adopted by God | Deuteronomy 7:6–11 & Romans 9:1–16 | God's Covenant Love Revealed
Why are we called the children of God? In this second sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the astonishing truth that salvation is not based on human effort but entirely on God's sovereign love. From God's choosing of Israel in Deuteronomy to Paul's teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that adoption into God's family is rooted in His mercy, not our merit.
Fallen Humanity | 5 Devotions on Total Depravity and God's Grace
Day 1:
Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-15
Devotional: Today we begin our journey with the first sin, the fall of man. We see how the first humans disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. However, in Genesis 3:15, we also see God's promise of a Savior. How does this promise impact your understanding of God's love and mercy, even in the midst of our rebellion?
Fallen Humanity | Genesis 3:1–24 & Romans 3:1–20 | Why Grace Is Our Only Hope
Why do we need grace? In this opening sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the sobering truth about the human condition apart from God. From the first act of rebellion in Genesis to Paul’s clear teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that we are not merely flawed—we are spiritually dead. But it is in the depths of our fallenness that the light of God’s grace shines brightest.
Held By God
A while back, I needed to make two visits in Sioux Falls. One visit was to someone in the hospital in the morning and another visit to pray with someone before surgery. There was about a three hour window of time that I needed to fill. I went to a coffee shop, got a little caffeine, and did a little work on my tablet. Before I went to do the afternoon visit I decided to go to the mall to see if I could find a good price on some clothes that I was in need of. I parked near the food court entrance and spent roughly 30 minutes looking for a dress clothes. On the way out I was observing how little activity there was at the mall compared to times past. The handful of cars in the parking lot reflected how few people were moving around the interior of the mall. The activity in the mall was nothing like I knew when I was younger, even on a slow day.