Reformation Theology Blog

Come and bless your people

September 7—Morning—Malachi 2:16

"For the Lord, the God of Israel, says that he hates divorce."—Malachi 2:16.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you

To achieve the "perfect peace" spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, we must understand what it means to “stay one’s mind on God.” In Isaiah 26:3, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you," the phrase "stayed on you" implies a steadfast, unwavering focus and trust in God. It is more than just occasional thoughts about God; it is a deliberate and continuous mental posture that centers on who God is — His character, His promises, His purposes, and His presence.

Understanding God's Promises of Peace: Objective and Subjective Assurances for Believers

The Bible offers several important promises regarding "peace," which can be categorized into two types: objective peace and subjective peace.

1. Objective Peace

Objective peace refers to peace that exists outside of a person’s feelings or experiences. It is a factual peace established by God and accomplished through Jesus Christ, regardless of personal perception or emotional state.

The Fragile Vase and the Unseen Potter: Discovering Divine Strength in Human Weakness

Human strength, like a fragile vessel, may seem solid and pleasing to the eye, but beneath the surface, it is prone to the slightest fracture. In youth, we may be deluded by the illusion of invincibility, thinking our own resolve and capacity are sufficient to chart the course of our lives. Yet, as years pass and reality sets in, we discern the fine cracks that expose our inherent frailty, reminding us that we are not as unbreakable as we once presumed.

Two Important Theological Truths

- Jesus Christ's work was not to make us God's people; we were already God's people, chosen by God and given to Christ to be redeemed.

- Jesus did not come to make God love us; God already loved us, and that is why He sent Jesus to save us.

---------

I was reading Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exposition of John 17:6 last night where he goes into more detail on this topic:

"thine they were, and thou gavest them me."

Let Him Who Boasts, Boast in This

September 3—Morning—Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man boast in his might; let not the rich man boast in his riches; but let him who boasts, boast in this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord."—Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Pages