Today’s reading: Num 20:14–21:35, 1 Cor 3:1–4:21, Ps 18:31–50

Today’s theme: Maturity and perspective

Biblical Christianity is not like Gnosticism with its secret knowledge or like Free Masonry with it’s hidden mysteries and levels. Instead the truth of the Gospel message is plain to all. It’s recorded openly in the Bible and shared openly through public preaching. However, the way we receive the word is largely dependant on our own maturity and perspective.

The most apparently simple truth is sweet and wholesome food in the mouth of the believer who loves and appreciates both God and His truth for the treasure they both are.

Numbers 20:14–21:35

The priesthood of Jesus is better

And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. Numbers 20:28 (ESV)

The priesthood of Aaron prefigures the priesthood of Jesus Christ, although the priesthood of Jesus replaces and supersedes that of Aaron.

One of the key reasons that Jesus has a better priesthood is that He ever lives to make his promise good and intercede for the people. This is unlike the Levitical priesthood that was always limited by death as we see in Aaron’s death (which according to verse 24 was judicial). See Hebrews 7:23-27 for the New Testament reading on this.

Jesus received God’s wrath for us

And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” Numbers 21:8 (ESV)

This also prefigures Christ and is explained best in the words of Jesus Himself from John 3:14-15 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

1 Corinthians 3:1–4:21

It’s all about maturity and perspective

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 (ESV)

Paul is calling the Corinthians to maturity in Christ. It is not that he taught them a simplified Gospel, because the Gospel is the deepest and most profound truth in the world. The allusions to infancy, milk and being fleshy is Paul pointing to the immaturity in the hearers of his Gospel message.

In them proclaiming themselves to be wise and seeking worldly wisdom, the truth of the Gospel was like milk to them when it is in fact solid food. This happens every week when sermons are preached at church. They are milk or solid food based on the way we hear them, not the message given. We do not need a change of diet but a change in perspective because the gospel is glorious!

Thank God for our pastors

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (ESV)

We need to clearly identify and thank God for our fathers in Christ, those who do not just teach but care for our souls. Our pastors!

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Corinthians 3 and 4

The Gospel Coalition on  1 Corinthians 3 and 4

Today’s reading: Num 19:1–20:13, 1 Cor 2:1–16, Ps 18:13–30

Today’s theme: Humility, the mind of Christ

Today we learn about the powerful blood of Jesus which cleanses us from sin. We see Jesus as our rock. The most important lesson is about building our lives on the power of God and having the mind of Christ which in summary is humility. We must walk in humility, obedience and have serving hearts.

Numbers 19:1–20:13

The cleansing blood of Jesus

And a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and deposit them outside the camp in a clean place. And they shall be kept for the water for impurity for the congregation of the people of Israel; it is a sin offering. Numbers 19:9 (ESV)

Jesus is the fulfilment of the Red Heifer. Hebrews 9:13-14 compares the blood of Jesus to the ashes of the heifer. In the same way we read about the ready access Israel had to purification from uncleanness using the water for impurity, so we have access to cleansing by the blood of Jesus. See 1 John 1:7.

The Rock, Jesus

Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the LORD! Why have you brought the assembly of the LORD into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain … Numbers 20:2–13 (ESV)

The Rock represented Jesus (1 Cor 10:4). From Him the living waters come. Moses was meant to speak to the Rock, striking it was disobedient and disrespectful.

1 Corinthians 2:1–16

Faith built on the power of God

so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5 (ESV)

It was common and popular in Corinth for the philosophers of the day to debate using the rhetorical skills espoused in philosophy. Paul makes a point that he did not use these methods in persuading the Corinthians concerning Christ crucified, instead he relied on the power of the Holy Spirit for their conversion. In this way their faith would be built on and reliant on God and not a man and his skill.

We should receive wisdom

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 1 Corinthians 2:6 (ESV)

Paul is not against sound teaching and makes the point that the spiritual and mature are to receive this. He does make the point later that it is spiritual wisdom that can only be understood by those whose eyes have been opened spiritually. We are called to grow so we should be teachable and eager to learn.

The mind of Christ, humility

“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV)

As believers we are filled with the Spirit of Christ and so know Christ in truth through the Spirit of Truth. Unlike the wisdom gained through human ways, this is granted by God’s grace through his Spirit.

Having the mind of Christ is a very functional thing and in this context is focused on the communal life of believers. We must walk in obedience, humility and serving each other just like Jesus our great example.

To have the mind of Christ operate in our lives we must put the selfish flesh to death and humble ourselves with the same attitude Jesus had in coming to save us. See Philippians 2:2-5.

Psalm 18:13–30

Walk in humility

For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down. Psalm 18:27 (ESV)

We are called to walk in humility.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on 1 Corinthians 2

Today’s reading: Num 17:1–18:32, 1 Cor 1:1–31, Ps 18:1–12

Today’s theme: God’s choice

Our society exalts the choice of man but today’s reading shows us the pre-eminence, sufficiency and enduring power of Gods choices. This is for those He has called to be leaders by his grace and those He has chosen to save by His grace

Numbers 17:1–18:32

God’s choice

And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you.” Numbers 17:5 (ESV)

God’s point in the last three accounts (Korah’s rebellion, Aaron and the censer in the plague and now the rod that budded) are to emphasise His choice of Aaron as His High Priest. God does not change His choice because of man’s opinions. Jesus is now our better High Priest.

Appointed leaders

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10 (ESV)

In the same way God chose Aaron, which points to Jesus the ultimate High Priest, so God has chosen Elders (including Pastors) to have special authority in the church (Titus 1:9; 1 Pet. 5:5). With that authority comes the serious responsibility to live as examples to the people and serve them in the ministry (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5–2:10; 1 Pet. 5:1–3).

God, our reward

And the LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel. Numbers 18:20 (ESV)

Like the Levites, God is our reward, our treasure and our inheritance in Jesus.

Provide for ministers

And you may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it is your reward in return for your service in the tent of meeting. Numbers 18:31 (ESV)

The New Testament tells us that those who work should be provided for (Matt 10:9–10), in particular those who preach the gospel (1 Cor 9:2–18).

1 Corinthians 1:1–31

Called by God

Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes, 1 Corinthians 1:1 (ESV)

Paul like Aaron was chosen and called by God.

God will keep us

who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV)

We can have confidence that God will preserve and keep us until the final day.

Guard against fractions

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

God calls us to unity over the core, essential truth of the Gospel and to live in harmony with our fellow believers. The problem in Corinth was that the division came over preferred leaders which caused fractions in the church. This leads to all sorts of bad attitudes like jealousy, envy and pride. We need to guard against this today.

The wisdom of God

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV)

Contemporary wisdom is man centred and anti God. Any god discovered by human wisdom would be man projecting his own thoughts into an idol and would give man a sense of pride in discovering God. This is why we cannot win people by the wisdom of the age. We need the drawing power of the Holy Spirit and the dynamic power of the Gospel message.

God saves us

so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:29 (ESV)

We have nothing to boast about because we are saved, God is the one who chose, called and saved us. Not because we were wise or good but because He is gracious. To God alone be all the glory.

Psalm 18:1–12

Yahweh the Great Warrior King

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 (ESV)

David declares as a truth and from his own experience that Yahweh is the Great Warrior King. He is able to protect and preserve His people. Jesus is all of this for us.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on  1 Corinthians 1

Today’s reading: Num 16:1–50, John 21:1–25, Ps 17:1–15

Today’s theme: Stand in the gap

Today we learn about the need and efficacy of intercessory prayer. As we heed the call to prayer we must remember to turn aside to eat and fellowship with the incomprehensible Jesus.

Numbers 16:1–50

The sin of sedition

Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?” Numbers 16:11 (ESV)

Rebellion will often try to disguise itself in some altruistic form, claiming the good or rights of the people. In fact it is self centered, perceived gain that is at it’s heart.

In this case Korah and his company claimed that all God’s people are holy and so any can serve in the priesthood. We see this sort of rebellion against church leadership today and although we do believe in the priesthood of all believers we must not give way to anarchy and sedition. The church has a structure and positions which must be respected, each member serving and doing it’s part.

This seditious rebellion is mentioned again in Jude 11. Sedition towards God’s appointed leaders is rebellion against God Himself.

Intercessory prayer

And they fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?” Numbers 16:22 (ESV)

Israel is again saved by the intercession of Moses. He first acknowledges God as Sovereign Creator with the rights of life and death over all His creatures. He then appeals to God’s mercy and grace.

Separation and sanctification

And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.” Numbers 16:26 (ESV)

Moses warns the people to separate themselves from these rebellious and wicked men or suffer the contamination and destruction the men have brought on themselves.

This theme of separation and sanctification is picked up many times in the New Testament. We are told as God’s people to have nothing to do with those causing division and walking in rebellion.

See 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 5:9, 2 Timothy 3:5, Titus 3:10 and also 2 Corinthians 6:17.

Stand in the gap

And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. Numbers 16:48 (ESV)

Jesus is our high priest and like Aaron He stays the plague of death by his intercession for us, He stands between the dead and the living. This also points to the importance of intercessory prayer. We can stop something in its tracks and stand in the gap.

John 21:1–25

Come and eat with Jesus

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12 (ESV)

Jesus remained in the place of service to His disciples even after his resurrection. Jesus wants us to come and eat with Him, He has prepared breakfast we should come and eat. Notice Jesus’ public ministry in John begins at a feast and ends at one.

The incomprehensible Jesus

Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 (ESV)

DA Carson comments well on this verse saying… “The Jesus to whom he bears witness is not only the obedient Son and the risen Lord, He is the incarnate Word, the one through whom the universe was created. If all His deeds were described, the world would be a very small and inadequate library indeed. Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 686).

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 21

Today’s reading: Num 15:1–41, John 20:1–31, Ps 16:1–11

Today’s theme: The breath of life

There are lots of good lessons today, including the nature of the bodily resurrection – Jesus, the glory of the resurrection body as well as the breath of life, who is God the Holy Spirit, the one who makes us alive from the dead and anew in Christ.

Numbers 15:1–41

God’s heart for all people

For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a statute forever throughout your generations. You and the sojourner shall be alike before the LORD. Numbers 15:15 (ESV)

God shows His intent and heart towards all people, and this points toward God’s universal standard, solution and the one new man spoken of in Eph 2:15.

Do not neglect salvation

And the LORD said to Moses, “The man shall be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” Numbers 15:35 (ESV)

God takes sin seriously. Hebrews 10:28-29 states that if those who intentionally broke the law of Moses were put to death, how can we escape if we reject the Son of God?

Pull on God’s word

And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after. Numbers 15:39 (ESV)

This is what the woman with the issue of blood (Matt 9:20) knew when she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. We should reach out and pull on God’s commandments rather than following our own hearts in the flesh.

John 20:1–31

Why we gather to worship on Sunday

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. John 20:1 (ESV)

Jesus rose on the first day of the week which is a Sunday. This is why since the earliest church in the book of Acts, through to today, we worship not on the Sabbath day but on Sunday, in honour and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

The resurrection body of Jesus

Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:14 (ESV)

Others in the Gospel accounts also have trouble recognising Jesus, which shows this is not an isolated event due to her grief, or tears clouding her eyes.

Instead these accounts of non recognition give weight to the fact of the supernatural Resurrection of Jesus, rather than His body being temporarily revived, as proposed in the swoon theory.

In the OT Moses was not recognisable after being in the glory of God, angels would also mask themselves as men. Paul also instructs us concerning the difference in the Resurrection body, in Cor 15:35-50.

The breath of life

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22 (ESV)

Jesus breathing on the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit, reminds us of God breathing into Adam to make him alive.

Jesus’ very breathing is a miracle as He was actually dead. Breath is a sign of life and Jesus by breathing out, points to the fact that He is alive by the Holy Spirit and calls us to live and serve by the Spirit.

Without the Holy Spirit we are still dead in sin, we are a new creation in Christ only by the life and power of the Holy Spirit who is God.

Psalm 16:1–11

Scripture fulfilled

For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. Psalm 16:10 (ESV)

We see the fulfilment of this in today’s reading with the Resurrection of Jesus.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 20

Today’s reading: Num 14:1–45, John 19:17–42, Ps 14:1–15:5

Today’s theme: The finished work

Today we read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, suffering and death. This was itself a finished work for the redemption of all God’s elect people, from all nations, tribes, tongues and times, in accordance with God’s plan. As sad as this story is, we know it is not the end of the story and that God was in control through it all, brining His purpose for salvation to pass.

Numbers 14:1–45

God’s glory as a shield

Then all the congregation said to stone them with stones. But the glory of the LORD appeared at the tent of meeting to all the people of Israel. Numbers 14:10 (ESV)

God’s glory was like a shield to faithful Joshua and Caleb. As we stand in faith declaring the truth, God’s glory will be our rear guard. Isa 58:8

Pray the Word

Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now.” Numbers 14:19 (ESV)

Moses appealed to God’s word (17-18) and to God’s character when interceding for the people. We should use God’s word when we pray also.

Caleb, an example

But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14:24 (ESV)

Caleb is a great example for all of us, as God’s servants.

John 19:17–42

Jesus crucified

There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. John 19:18 (ESV)

This is a verse to stop and think about. Jesus suffered greatly because of His love for His Father and for humanity. To put these few words in perspective, hear the following from D A Carson…

“Stripped naked and beaten to pulpy weakness (cf. notes on v. 1), the victim could hang in the hot sun for hours, even days. To breathe, it was necessary to push with the legs and pull with the arms to keep the chest cavity open and functioning. Terrible muscle spasm wracked the entire body; but since collapse meant asphyxiation, the strain went on and on.” Carson, D. A. (1991). The Gospel according to John (p. 610).

God’s plan

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” John 19:28 (ESV)

Jesus was in complete control of His death, it was all a part of God’s plan.

A finished work

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (ESV)

Jesus’ work on the cross is finished and fully completed. Roman Catholics are wrong in saying that He is crucified again at every communion, or that works must be done to make up for what Jesus has not done.

Psalm 14:1–15:5

Fools!

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. Psalm 14:1 (ESV)

Atheism is the height of foolishness, the logical mind knows everything could not have come from nothing. Common sense tells us there is a God who created and sustains the Universe.

Sin is universal

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:3 (ESV)

Paul addresses this in Romans when he makes plain the universality of sin.

Called to sanctification

who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:5 (ESV)

We are very much called to sanctification, holy living, walking in faith, love  and self-sacrifice. We cannot think of God’s grace aside from this.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

CARM on Atheism

Today’s reading: Num 13:1–33, John 18:25–19:16, Ps 13:1–6

Today’s theme: Purpose over position

True faith in God can only be built on a relationship with God, which itself can only grow through experiences and with trusting in God’s word. Like Caleb we should have bold faith in God because of His relationship with us. A lesson we learn from Jesus is that we should prize purpose over position.

Numbers 13:1–33

Lets go up.. NOW!

But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 (ESV)

Caleb’s name means bold, he had bold faith and trust in God and in God’s promises. Through faith he issued a threefold challenge to (1) immediately go up to the land as he had just done, (2) possess the land in line with God’s promise and (3) believe they are well able to through God’s power and presence among them.

For today’s conquest and the advancing of God’s kingdom, we should have direct and bold faith like Caleb and declare that we are able to take all that God has promised and not be afraid to fight.

Don’t be cowardly

So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. Numbers 13:32 (ESV)

As opposed to faith, these men displayed cowardice, dishonesty and no faith in God and His promises. A lesson for us is that if we do not put our trust in God, we will walk in sin and even cause others to sin. Romans 14:23

John 18:25–19:16

Purpose over position

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. John 18:37–38 (ESV)

Jesus has already made clear that His kingdom is beyond this world and that He is indeed a king, but not in the way the Jewish leaders or the Romans would have perceived Him to be, as the Messiah. Jesus focuses not on the positions men so easily gravitate towards, but focuses on Purpose.

His purpose for coming into the world was to bare witness to the truth and to call those who are on the side of truth, to Himself… moving away from position to purpose. This truth makes Pilate very uncomfortable.

As followers of Jesus let us seek purpose and not position.

Jesus was flogged

Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. John 19:1 (ESV)

Do not read this too quickly, think about what Jesus went through for us.

The Son of God

The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” John 19:7 (ESV)

Further evidence that is clearly understood from Jesus’ time until now is that Jesus was not just a prophet, but the Son of God.

God is Sovereign

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11 (ESV)

Jesus affirms God’s sovereign rule even at the crucifixion. God rules over all political and military powers of the earth. Jesus is the true king.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 19

Today’s reading: Num 11:1–12:16, John 18:1–24, Ps 11:1–12:8

Today’s theme: Unbelief, answered!

Today we learn about how God responds to our doubts, unbelief and prayers said in the flesh.

Numbers 11:1–12:16

Unbelief, answered!

And the LORD said to Moses, “Is the LORD’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether my word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23 (ESV)

In this chapter we see unbelief and discontentment among the people, and doubts from Moses himself.

God shows His ability and power by practically answering Moses’ needs as a leader and answering the evil request of the people, which we see later leads to their judgement and discipline.

We should all proclaim the word

But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Numbers 11:29 (ESV)

Paul echoes this in 1 Cor 14:39-40.

Answered prayers can be judgement

Then a wind from the LORD sprang up, and it brought quail from the sea and let them fall beside the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and a day’s journey on the other side, around the camp, and about two cubits above the ground. Numbers 11:31 (ESV)

The Spirit was given within the court of the tabernacle, in the clean and holy place, however, the quails fell outside the camp in the area associated with uncleanness and death.

The gift of the Spirit drew men towards God as opposed to the quails which led them away from God.

God may answer our fleshly prayers in judgement which is why we need to pray with clean hearts and by the leading of God’s Spirit. See James 4:3.

Flee sedition

With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” Numbers 12:8 (ESV)

Sedition should have no place in our minds or in the church.

John 18:1–24

The Sovereignty of God

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” John 18:4 (ESV)

Jesus was in full control of the situation, he knew what would happen… it was not a surprise or a disaster, it was all a part of God’s plan.

A public, not private faith

Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” John 18:20–21 (ESV)

We must remember that our faith is a public faith and a public message, it is not a privately held opinion or worldview. The Gospel, by its nature and claims, is a public story for the whole world to know.

Psalm 11:1–12:8

Biblical creation is our foundation

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (ESV)

This is a key verse when we consider the book of Genesis and the 6-day creation account. If we remove it the foundation of the entire bible and the gospel is removed.

Speak the truth

Everyone utters lies to his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. Psalm 12:2 (ESV)

We should not flatter but speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 18

Today’s reading: Num 10:1–36, John 17:1–26, Ps 10:1–18

Today’s theme: The High Priestly prayer of Jesus

Today we read Jesus’ prayer for His elect and chosen people, the church. It reminds us of the security and assurance we have in Jesus.

Numbers 10:1–36

Two silver trumpets

“Make two silver trumpets. Of hammered work you shall make them, and you shall use them for summoning the congregation and for breaking camp. Numbers 10:2 (ESV)

These two silver trumpets point forward to and are mentioned in the NT, these are the trumpets that will be used to raise the saints from the dead and gather us to the Lord (The Rapture / 2nd Coming). See Matt 24:31, 1 Cor 15:52, also see Rev 8:6 where they are used in Judgement.

John 17:1–26

The High Priestly prayer of Jesus

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, John 17:20 (ESV)

It is so good to know that Jesus’ High Priestly prayer was said for and applies to all Christians of all time, including us. Some of the things covered include our eternal security and election in Jesus, our unity as believers, our endurance under persecution and our sanctification and growth in the truth of God’s Word.

Psalm 10:1–18

The nature of Atheism

In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.” Psalm 10:4 (ESV)

We must recognise Atheism for what it is; wickedness and pride.

God is King

The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations perish from his land. Psalm 10:16 (ESV)

Just like at the end of our reading in Numbers, we can see that the Lord is King and will always be King. He is the sovereign ruler of the universe.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 17

Today’s reading: Num 8:1–9:23, John 16:5–33, Ps 9:8–20

Today’s theme: The work of the Holy Spirit

Today we read about the wondrous work of the Holy Spirit in bringing conviction of sin, regeneration (salvation) and in teaching and leading the believer. Give God thanks for God the Holy Spirit.

Numbers 8:1–9:23

Set aside for God

“Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. Numbers 8:14 (ESV)

Like the Levites, God has called us out to be set aside from the world, so that we can serve Him in His kingdom, for His glory and our joy. (2 Cor 6:17, 1 Peter 2:9 and Rev 1:16).

God is gracious

“Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the LORD. In the second month on the fourteenth day at twilight they shall keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Numbers 9:10–11 (ESV)

God is gracious in that He gives the unclean an opportunity, a month later, to observe the passover. This shows how essential the passover was.

God, our guide

At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Numbers 9:18 (ESV)

This was pointing forward to the Holy Spirit guiding us. We shouldn’t make any big moves without God’s guidance.

John 16:5–33

The work of the Holy Spirit

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: John 16:8 (ESV)

Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s work in the world to convict sinners of sin. Without the drawing of the Holy Spirit, none of us could be saved or truly understand sin, righteousness or judgement.

John 16 tells us that none can be saved without the work of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit, our teacher

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 (ESV)

Even though we have God’s word in the bible, without the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit, we will never really know God’s truth and revelation through Jesus, as we ought to. God’s Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher.

Pray and receive full joy

Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 (ESV)

Prayer and making requests to God in Jesus’ name, will make our joy full. You will not enjoy your Christian life without prayer.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

The Gospel Coalition on John 16