Salvation Belongeth Unto The Lord

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Psalms 1-3 and Act 9:1-21

Psalm 2 contains the Messianic prophecy that bro Patrick Swayne mentioned in Wed night class last week (the series of which you are missing a lot if you are not already attending!).

The super script of Psalm 3 mentions that this was penned when David was running away from his own son Absalom. A consequence of his sins resulting from the Bathsheba incident (c.f. 2Sa 12:11,12; 2Sa 15:14 ff).

Among other things, we note that we have a choice over our actions. We just can't choose the consequences! It is obvious that David repented after the incident, but he still had to pay for his actions. In spite of his trials, observe how he has remained faithful and every trusting in God.

Often, we take for granted the blessings of God that we fail to acknowledge the source! Even now as you read this, many things had to happen, starting with being able to get off from bed! (c.f. Psa 3:5) There are just so many things that God has put in place just so we can survive that have become so common place, we seem to let them fade into the background. Just recently, a couple of brethren commented on how much we appreciate the blue skies and rain as a result of a particularly serious haze.

And mostly importantly, salvation, even that of our souls, is from God and God alone. This simple yet powerful statement once again drives home the fact that men is helpless to the fact of his spiritual condition, without the help of God. This is not to say we cannot do anything to lay hold onto salvation, but that we of ourselves cannot create the conditions and the plan of our salvation (c.f. Eph 2:8,9; Eph 1:3-5). It is God who has purposed from the foundation of the world, the wonderful, glorious plan of salvation, found only in Christ Jesus, through His Church (1Pe 1:18-20; Eph 3:10,11; 5:23).

Let us not be deceived by the diverse doctrines of man (Eph 4:14) but recognize and hold fast the one sure and true way, only which we can lay hold unto eternal life (Heb 10:23; 1Ti 6:12)

In Him

Paul

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ~ 2John 9-11
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~ 3John 4