CHRISTIAN STUDY BIBLE

July 14: Surprise Redemption #Devotional 1 Samuel 24:1–25:44; 1 Peter 1:20–25; Psalm 125:1–127:5 We often fail to be amazed at redemption. Perhaps we’re only dimly aware of our own failings—or (worse) we are blind to how amazing it is that God has shown us grace at all. In Psalm 126 the psalmist describes the joy that should come as a response to God’s redemption. In the past God’s restorative work had cast Israel into a state of surprised shock—they “were like dreamers” (Psa 126:1). They were filled with laughter and praise. His glory was present, and His redemption was a mighty witness to both the Israelites and the surrounding nations (Psa 126:2). But the psalmist quickly reveals that Israel is still in need of restoration. Likely taken into captivity, the people live in hope and anticipation that God will restore them once more: “Those who sow with tears shall reap with rejoicing. He who diligently goes out with weeping, carrying the seed bag, shall certainly come in with rejoicing, carrying his sheaves” (Psa 126:5–6). In his letter to early churches, Peter speaks about the hope that the prophets had foretold and the things that angels were curious about—the grace prepared through His Son (1 Pet 1:10–12). Peter tells them that this savior “was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has been revealed in these last times for you” (1 Pet 1:20). This surprise redemption is unlike any other. Its hope—Christ’s sure resurrection—gives us incredible security: We have been “born again, not from perishable seed but imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Pet 1:23). We should be awed by this incredible hope and respond with obedience, praise, and love for our neighbor (1 Pet 1:22). Are you awed by God’s grace?

The time that remains, is very short. 1 Corinthians 7:29

The righteous are not those who have no sin, they are believers against whom the Lord will not count their sin.

The Lord reigns forever, He has established His throne for judgment. Psalm 9:7 Every other throne must ultimately yield, to the eternal throne.

Men, your children need more than a dad who believes that God exists and that Christianity is true. They need a dad who shows Christ is precious by the way he lives.

Men, your children need more than a dad who believes that God exists and that Christianity is true. They need a dad who shows Christ is precious by the way he lives.

The Son of God willingly passed over His life, that death might freely pass over the sons and daughters of Adam.

The message of the Gospel is not that the world is going to be made better, but that you and I are saved out of it. Martyn Lloyd Jones

New week, new strength! 💪🌟 Begin this Monday determined to love like Christ — sacrificially and consistently! Eph 5:25 ❤️ What fresh commitment are you making this week? #StrongMarriage #July

8 Markers of a Disciple of Jesus: 1. Daily Bible engagement. 2. Passionate, authentic prayer. 3. Wholehearted worship (includes Lord's Supper/Baptism). 4. Humble service. 5. Joyful, sacrificial generosity. 6. Consistent community. 7. Organic outreach (engaging in Jesus' mission of making disciples). 8. Love of God and love of others.

Good morning, brothers and sisters. Praise the Lord! This is your morning reminder to dig into Scripture. Sit at the feet of the Master. Hunger for the words and guidance of Christ.

Dear Daughter, Monday support: Stand with your husband in humility and grace 👑 Encourage his decisions. Pray for his burdens. Follow with joy. True strength is found in godly partnership. 'Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ' (Eph 5:21). How will you support your home this week? #DearDaughter #SupportiveWife #StrongMarriage

Far from killing evangelism, Reformed theology gives us confidence. We preach because God saves. We witness because God saves. We go because God saves. And because He saves, our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

You dont have to carry the weight of the world today – God already does. He rules with perfect wisdom, power, and love. Rest in His sovereignty. Trust His timing. He's never late, never wrong, and never overwhelmed. "Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Revelation 21:1 This world, is passing away.

DAY 13: How did Paul address the philosophers of Athens? https://telegra.ph/DAILY-BIBLE-07-13

July 13 - Jesus and the Leper, Part 1 #LifeOfChrist “When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean’” (Matthew 8:1–2). Leprosy was a most feared and contagious disease in the ancient world. Spongy, tumor-like swellings grew on the face and body, and eventually leprosy affected the internal organs and bones. In ancient Israel lepers were vivid object lessons regarding sin. Like leprosy, sin infects the entire person (cf. Eph. 2:1) and is ugly, corrupting—incurable without extraordinary means. Several things stand out about the leper who came to Jesus for healing. First, he came to Him with confidence. He obviously sensed Jesus’ love and tenderness and somehow knew the Lord did not mind associating with him. The leper’s primary concern was his tremendous need and Christ’s all-sufficient ability and willingness to meet it. Second, the leprous man approached Jesus with reverence. His boldness in calling out to Jesus and coming near derived not from presumption but from humble adoration. The word rendered “bowed down” means to prostrate oneself and is also translated “worship” in the New Testament (cf. Acts 7:43; Rev. 4:10). The leper’s attitude suggests he addressed Jesus as Lord, not simply as “sir” but in recognition of His deity. He knew that as God’s Son, Jesus could heal his horrible disease. Ironically, this man is a striking contrast to the Jewish leaders. They were always clean and lavishly attired, but inwardly were corrupt and unbelieving. The man with leprosy, on the other hand, was outwardly repulsive in appearance, but inwardly he was worshipful and full of sincere faith. Ask Yourself Noting the analogy between sin and leprosy, imagine if sin’s effects actually did show themselves on our faces and skin. How would this affect our behavior and obedience? What does that tell us about the deceitfulness of sin and how to counteract it?

July 13: Unity in Adversity #Devotional 1 Samuel 22:1–23:29; 1 Peter 1:13–19; Psalm 123:1–124:8 Distress can unite people. In difficult moments, in shared pain, we discover our true friends. When David fled from King Saul, his divided family was suddenly supportive of him, as was every man in the region who was distressed or indebted (1 Sam 22:1–2; compare 1 Sam 17:28–30). A shared sense of despair reveals the humanity in us all, helping us to get past our disputes and work together for one purpose. For a disjointed band of brothers to be united beyond initial circumstance, they must have one purpose. That’s precisely what David gave his motley crew: They would fight the Philistines (Israel’s greatest enemies) together (1 Sam 23:1–5). David took a terrible situation and turned it into an opportunity to do what needed to be done. As rightful king, David was obligated to protect Israel. Yet it still took outstanding courage and raw leadership to act upon that obligation. When most people would have been paralyzed by fear, David was prepared for action—and that marked him as Israel’s new leader. David’s strength in adversity enabled him to unite people for a cause, and his God-centered focus made him the ideal leader of God’s people. Peter’s remark in his first letter resonates with this idea: “When you have prepared your minds for action, by being self-controlled, put your hope completely in the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former desires you used to conform to in your ignorance” (1 Pet 1:13–14). The ignorance Peter addresses is sin. Although David was dealing with someone else’s sin, both he and Peter identify the same solution: Focus on God and His work. When things get difficult, we should be aware of how we are being subtly drawn away from God’s work. If we can stay focused on Christ, we can stay focused on God’s purposes. In return, we will find the ability to lead any motley crew toward redemption. Where is God calling you to lead? How can you shift your focus to be stronger in this task?

Many people do not want a God of love. They want a god of permission. They want a god who never says no, never judges sin, and never calls for repentance. But God's love is holy. He corrects, transforms, and calls us to follow Christ. A god of permission cannot save.