Devotionals

Daily readings to encourage your heart and mind in the pursuit of God and his glory.

  • Capital Crimes and Punishment

    Numbers 35:9–34

    Many people accuse Christians of being inconsistent in our stance against homosexuality because we believe it immoral, like the Old Testament, but, unlike the Old Testament, we do not call for the death of those who commit sexual sin. This ...Read More

  • The Sixth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:17

    Some have expressed legitimate concern as to whether capital punishment is always applied in a just manner under our legal system. That is far different, however, from saying that capital punishment is inherently unjust, oppressive, and barbaric. God, in His ...Read More

  • Submitting to Earthly Authorities

    Romans 13:1–7

    Those who are under the authority of others are not allowed to wait for perfect leadership before they honor their supervisors, parents, church elders, and other leaders. Insofar as our leaders do not command us to do something God forbids ...Read More

  • The Fifth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:16

    John Calvin writes, “We should look up to those whom God has placed over us, and should treat them with honor, obedience, and gratefulness.” He goes on to say that this entails “that we are forbidden to detract from their ...Read More

  • The Fourth Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:12–15

    In one sense, all of life is worship (1 Cor. 10:31). At the same time, however, it is fitting that we set aside time to gather with God’s people to remember His salvation and to thank Him for His deliverance. ...Read More

  • Sacred Oaths and Vows

    Numbers 30:1–2

    This quote from William Shakespeare All’s Well That Ends Well captures an important insight: “‘Tis not the many oaths that makes the truth, but the plain single vow that is vow’d true.” Sacred vows are not to be taken carelessly, ...Read More

  • The Penalty for Blasphemy

    Leviticus 24:10–16

    The issue of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a difficult one, but commentators agree that we have not committed this sin if we feel remorse and want God to forgive us. Only those whose hearts have been completely ...Read More

  • The Third Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:11

    In a culture such as ours, we easily fall into the trap of speaking of God irreverently. Even preachers can sometimes fail to give the Lord due reverence in their preaching and teaching, which is why they must take care ...Read More

  • Images vs. Idols

    2 Kings 18:4–5

    Biblical ethics ultimately address the heart. Images in themselves are indifferent; it is what we do with them that matters. The worship of physical images is a problem in many places, but we tend to be more “sophisticated.” We often ...Read More

  • The Second Commandment

    Deuteronomy 5:8–10

    As finite beings who still suffer the presence of sin, we cannot bear to see God face to face. Such a vision will be our privilege when we are glorified (1 Cor. 13:12), but until then we have to be ...Read More

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