REBIRTH

One thing is very clear; I cannot accomplish the new birth myself. It is not in me to make this mighty change in myself. I may change my sins, but I cannot change my heart. I may fashion a new way, but not a new nature. I may make considerable reforms and alterations. I may lay aside many outward bad habits, and begin many outward duties. But I cannot create a new principle within me. I cannot bring something out of nothing, life out of death. The Ethiopian cannot change his skin, nor the leopard his spots; no more can we put life into our own souls. I must be born again (pgs, after J. C. Ryle).

 

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil (Jeremiah 13:23).

 

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle, to the glory of God: I Sought the Lord, and Afterward I Knew. Anonymous,1878.

Revelation

The doctrines of revelation are coals of heavenly fire on the altar of the religious heart. ---- Alexander Whyte

 

Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).

 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired ae they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:7-10).  

The Christian and the Law

If we make God's will our law, then God's promise shall be our support and comfort, and we shall find every burden light, and every duty a joy. ---- Tryon Edwards. 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). 

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law (Galatians 3:21-22). 

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people" (Jeremiah 31:33-34). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: ALL FOR JESUS.  

Knowledge

Good afternoon!

The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God. ---- A. W. Tozer

For I desire steadfast love, and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 6:6; 4:6).

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD (Hosea 2:19-20). 

And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and teach his brother, saying , 'Know the LORD,' for they shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 31:34). 

See also Ephesians 1:15-23.

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of God: God is Known among His People; From Psalm 76. (No. 66 in the Trinity Hymnal

Refuge

Good morning!

God is great, and therefore He will be sought: He is good, and therefore He will be found. ---- John Jay.

There is none like Thee, O LORD; Thou are great, and Thy name is great in might. Who would not fear Thee, O King of the nations? For this is Thy due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like Thee. Thou art the true God; the living God and the everlasting King.  (Jeremiah 10:10).

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon(Isaiah 55:7).

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A hymn to read or sing aloud to the glory of God: GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND OUR STRENGTH.

Knowledge of God

Good morning!

Knowledge of God. Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord ---- J. I. Packer.

I will give them a heart to know that I am the LORD, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart  Jeremiah 24:8 (see also 9:23,24).

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowlege of God (Colossians 1:9-10).

A hymn to read or sing aloud to the glory of God: I Know Whom I Have Believed.