CovenantKeeper

Exactly. In union with His death, we are concurrently united with Him in the power of His resurrection (Romans 6). Having been raised to our exalted position and seated with Him in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), we possess the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16) setting our affections on things above (Colossians 3:1); consequently, the minister's writing and sermons are illumined in a new and deeper way.

Ministers never write or preach so well as under the cross: the Spirit of Christ and of glory then rests upon them.

@TerriGreenUSA Amen. A.W. Pink’s classic work, 'The Sovereignty of God,' should be on every Christian’s bookshelf.

“From every pulpit in the land it needs to be thundered forth that God still lives, that God still observes, that God still reigns. Faith is now in the crucible, it is being tested by fire, and there is no fixed and sufficient resting-place for the heart and mind but in the Throne of God. What is needed now, as never before, is a full, positive, constructive setting forth of the Godhood of God.” — A.W. Pink

So true. Additionally, true earnest prayer in the Spirit emanates from Christ’s continual intercession on our behalf. 'Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God - and He is interceding for us" (Romans 8:34). "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Knowing that our incense offering of prayer rises as a sweet-smelling aroma to the throne of God, because Christ intercedeth on our behalf (cf. John 17:9), let us never waver from offering the sacrifice of praise "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).

Formulaic prayer that isn't genuine isn't what God desires. God desires earnest prayer from the heart.

Amen. Even going back to the life of Noah in Genesis, we see a glimpse of Christ in His OT pre-incarnate existence. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God…...being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared…..” (1 Peter 3:18–20). Many Reformed commentators understand 1 Peter 3:19 to mean Christ, by His Spirit [cf. "the Spirit of Christ in them" (1 Peter 1:10-11)], preached through Noah to the people of Noah’s day (cf. 2 Peter 2:5, where Noah is called a “preacher [implying the Gospel; cf. 1 Peter 4:6 ] of righteousness”).

The Bible isn't primarily a self-help manual. It's primarily a single story about God's plan to save his people through Jesus. From the first page to the last, it points us to the Savior.

Though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we have no reason to fear evil, for his rod and staff comforts. When He died, we died to the world and to sin; and when He rose from the darkness of death, we also were raised with Him and seated in our spiritual bodies in the heavenly places (cf. Ephesians 1:20; 2:6; Colossians 3:1). "For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him" (Romans 6:5, 8).

If Jesus Christ didn’t abandon you in his darkness, the ultimate darkness, why would he abandon you now, in yours? —@TimKellerNYC

Amen. Our righteousness, therefore, is not grounded in our own merits or works. Every “good work” we perform ensues from His imputed righteousness earned through His perfect obedience and simultaneously from our legal union or identification with Him in His death and resurrection, decreed in God's wise counsel. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

We can accurately say that when Jesus lived a perfect life, we lived a perfect life. When He died on the cross to suffer the penalty of sin, we died on the cross. All that Jesus did, we did, because of our legal union with Him.

So true. All who are forensically united to Christ in His death and resurrection already participate in a present, inaugurated resurrection life of the spiritual body. Therefore, those who have been raised to this exalted position are called to set their affections wholly on the things above for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:1-2).

"You cannot be happy if you want to hold the world with one hand and Christ with the other. But the moment you decide that you will not halt between two opinions, and that you will be an out and out Christian, you will be happy." -George Muller.

@PaulTripp Amen. God’s covenantal love toward those who are justified by the imputed merits of Christ and made heirs according to promise, transcends temporal boundaries and infinite in compassion.

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the only model you need of what love does in the face of wrong. Love doesn’t call wrong right. Love doesn’t ignore wrong and hope it goes away. Love doesn’t turn its back on you because you are wrong. Love doesn’t mock you. Love doesn’t mean I turn the tables and work to make you hurt in the same way you have hurt me. Love doesn’t go passive and stay silent in the face of wrong. No, loves moves toward you because you are wrong and need to be rescued from you. In moving toward you, love is willing to make sacrifices and endure hardships so that you may be made right again and be reconciled to God and others. God graces us with this kind of love so that we may be tools of this love in the lives of others.

Amen. The Bible embodies a rich and intricate tapestry of interwoven connections, interplays and symmetries communicated through types and shadows. This distinctive and unique feature sets the Bible apart in a class of its own, harmonizing the entirety of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation into a seamless and cohesive integrated whole. Perhaps one of the most compelling evidence of its divine origin.

The Bible’s not just a collection of ancient stories, it's a complex puzzle, and if we ignore the pieces that seem uncomfortable, we risk losing the big picture. Dr. Heiser learned and taught about what many consider an obstacle: scripture often employs symbolic, poetic, or culturally familiar language. It’s inspired, but not always intended to be read literally in our 21st-century mindset. Want to dive deeper into this theological foundation? Watch this powerful resource: youtu.be/fVGFSkOEkg0?si… #BiblicalTruths #DivineInspiration #FaithAndReason #BibleStudyTips #ContextMatters

Exactly. In the final equation, it is not purely an intellectual acknowledgement that Jesus Christ, the Son of God lived a sinless life and died on the cross for our sins. But more importantly, it's that the merits of His death and resurrection graciously imputed/substituted to all who genuinely profess faith in Him. As such, those who are effectually united to Christ and effectually participate in His death and resurrection are already experiencing an inaugurated resurrection of the spiritual body; they are currently seated with Him in the heavenly places, possessing the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), while awaiting the full consummation or realization at His return. "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:20). And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). "But ye are come [present tense, not future] unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22). Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, King James Version.

Every effective gospel presentation, whether it’s a sermon given from a pulpit or part of a private conversation, ultimately needs to come down to this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sin. He paid the price for every wrong thing we’ve ever done. And after He conquered the power of sin, He rose again to conquer the power of death. That’s the essence of the gospel. That’s the message we need to take to people. Too often we bog ourselves down with too many arguments, counterarguments, and debate strategies. We look for “gotcha” moments, opportunities to use unbelievers’ logic against them. A better option is to “travel light”—to fill our thoughts with Scripture alone. If we want to be effective in sharing our faith, our message must be centered on God’s Word.

I disagree with this in many respects, but it’s still much better than the approach taken by many in evangelical Christianity, where every biblical passage is literalized, even those which are clearly types and shadows. Let's therefore remind ourselves that the weapons of our conflict are not literal missiles, bombers, or vast armadas of aircraft carriers, but the Word of God. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith,….And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13, 14, 15, 16a, 17).

Pope Leo to Inter-religious Dialogue Colloquium: “Christians and Muslims…are called to a common mission: to revive humanity where it has grown cold, to give voice to those who suffer and to transform indifference into solidarity.  Compassion and empathy can be our instruments as they have the power to restore the dignity of the other.” vatican.va/content/leo-xi…

Amen. Jonah’s story was quoted by Jesus himself as foreshadowing his death and resurrection for the saving of many from among the nations "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:39-40). Jonah undergoes a death‑like descent into the belly of the big fish and emerges alive; Christ undergoes actual death, burial, and resurrection. Jonah’s deliverance leads to Gentile repentance; Christ’s resurrection leads to the gathering of the nations.

Jonah embodies one of our favorite pastimes: maximizing the sins of others while minimizing our own. He was utterly blind to the Nineveh in his own soul. The laws of God are given as a mirror, to reflect our own flaws and constant need of repentance, not a window by which to spy on the sins of others. Lord grant us: •a humble heart •a contrite spirit •a mouth to confess •faith to believe Let us pray, over and over, hour by hour, till our final breath, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” ______ We read Jonah today in Bible in One Year. Join us any time at 1517.org/oneyear

Amen. Interestingly, visible church also fits within the type–antitype framework embedded in all of Scripture. Just as national Israel functioned as an earthly, visible type of Abraham’s descendants according to promise (Galatians 3:28–29; cf. Romans 9:6–8; Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:9), corresponding to them in whom God has written His law, not on tablets of stone, but on the tablets of the heart (2 Corinthians 3:3; cf. Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26–27; Deuteronomy 30:6; Psalm 40:8). Similarly, the Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter XXV, sections 1–2) distinguishes between the visible church and the invisible church with the latter embodying those whose faith emanates from God's writing His law in the heart. With this in mind, let's continually lift up our brothers and sisters in the Lord within the visible church, trusting God has written His law on their hearts, according to His promise.

The church can and has survived and even flourished in catacombs and concentration camps. But hiddenness is not the ecclesial norm. Since the church is a public body, it is better for her to have an inescapable public presence, as she has had throughout the centuries. The grandeur and beauty of traditional church buildings gives visible architectural expression to the glory of the Triune God.

Great advice. God’s promises are always “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5, imperfect earthly types and foreshadows, God promised national Israel that He would never leave nor forsake them. But, as we know, those promises were administered on conditions, and regrettably both the northern and southern kingdoms went into exile because of disobedience in 722 BC and 586 BC respectively. But to us, who are “….. are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation….” (1 Peter 2:9), descendants of Abraham, in Christ, according to promise from among Jews and Gentiles (Galatian 3:28-29), that same promise (Hebrews 13:5) cited from Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5, is eternally secure "to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4).

Do not be defeated if you realize you are moving away from God and a strong spiritual life. Jesus assures us that his Holy Spirit dwells within us and will never abandon us. It is never too late to return to the Lord. He is always there to embrace you in his love and mercy.

Amen. Let's also remember that in Christ, both faithful Jews and Gentiles are counted as Abraham’s descendants according to the promise (Galatians 3:28-29). Therefore, let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, knowing that all the promises of God of an everlasting inheritance pronounced in both the Old and New Testaments are to Abraham and his offspring according to the eternal covenant of promise (Romans 9:6–8). The meek, the humble, and the faithful shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5), when, on that final day, the New Jerusalem from above descends and unites with the present earth , and we dwell forever in the "new heavens and the new earth” (Revelation 21:1-3, etc).

What believers are "in Christ": - Chosen (Eph. 1:4) - Forgiven (Eph. 1:7) - Justified (Rom. 5:1) - New creations (2 Cor. 5:17) - Children of God (Gal. 3:26) - Free from condemnation (Rom. 8:1) - Sealed with the Spirit (Eph. 1:13) - Raised with Christ (Col. 3:1) - God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10) - More than conquerors (Rom. 8:37) Christian, remember who you are.

Good question. It is all of grace. He alone is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), for the One who began the good work of leading us out of Egypt, baptizing us in the Red Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-2; cf. 1 Peter 3:20-21), and leading us through the wilderness journey, will for sure, bring us into eternal Canaan. "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Not by law or by works, but by Christ alone. He not only saves those who display true faith today, but He also saved His elect from among the Old Testament saints, for by virtue of the eternal nature of the covenant of promise (Galatians 3:15; Hebrews 13:20, etc.), of which Christ is the head, they too received a new heart by the law of Christ written in their hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3ff). "For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17; cf. 2 Corinthians 3:3ff). through His Spirit dwelling in them "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST WHICH WAS IN THEM [OT saints] did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1 Peter 1:10-11). "For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me” (John 5:46). "Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad” (John 8:56).

Many people in the pews of the Catholic church think the way to heaven is through works. Why is that?

Amen. “But it is not as though the Word of God has failed. For it is not all who are descended from Israel [Israel A] belong to Israel [Israel B; cf. Galatians 6:16], and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring……This means it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise [cf. Gal. 3:28-29] are counted as offspring” (Romans 9:6, 7, 8). Stated differently, God’s promises are effectual and unfailing to those who are counted as children of Abraham according to the covenant of promise (Galatians 3:28–29). As we reach out to our unbelieving friends, neighbors, and people across the nations, let’s do so without distinction, believing that God is gathering His children of promise from all races and peoples (Revelation 7:9), those who may potentially be Abraham’s descendants according to the promise.

“Every promise of God's Word belongs to all those who have the faith to grasp it.” — Charles Spurgeon

Amen. Those whom God loves with an everlasting love, He draws by efficacious grace according to His wise counsel and eternal mercies. "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have DRAWN you with loving devotion'” (Jeremiah 31:3). "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me DRAW him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Let us therefore reach out to all people everywhere, believing that God is also drawing them, just as He has drawn us to know Him truly.

“The love of Jesus is the source of salvation. He loves, he looks, he touches us, we live.” — Charles Spurgeon

Amen. The weapons of our warfare are not missiles, bombers, or vast armadas, but the Spirit of the Lord, who has made His dwelling, His tabernacle within us. "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). When some Christians understand this, they may actually see true spiritual revival sweeping the nation and the world.

David to Goliath: “You come to me with a sword and with a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied . . . that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear.” 1 Samuel 17:45–47 The weapons of our warfare are not of this world.

The Pentecost event in Acts 2 is best read through the mountain–temple framework developed most fully in Hebrews, where redemptive history is structured by the contrast and transition from Sinai (depicting Law) to Zion (the law of Christ). Hebrews presents Sinai as the archetypal mountain-sanctuary marked by fire, darkness, trumpet blast, and divine speech (Hebrews 12:18–21; Exodus 19–20), and interprets Zion as the heavenly temple-mountain already accessed by believers in Christ: “Mount Zion…the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (Heb. 12:22–24). Pentecost functions within this same theological movement. The wind, fire, and articulate divine speech of Acts 2 deliberately echo the Sinai theophany, yet now occur not to establish a covenant mediated by distance and fear, but to inaugurate the eschatological temple in which God dwells directly with His people by the Spirit. The “tongues as of fire” signify the descent of heavenly-sanctuary presence upon the gathered community, effecting the transfer of God’s dwelling from the fading Jerusalem temple to the Spirit-indwelt church. As Hebrews teaches that believers already participate in the heavenly cultus through Christ’s priestly mediation (Hebrews 9–10), Pentecost marks the historical inauguration of this reality, anticipating the final unveiling of the heavenly Holy of Holies (Revelation 11:19) and the consummation in which the entire new creation becomes the temple of God and the Lamb (Revelation 21).