Devotionals

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

  • The Mystery of the Faith

    1 Timothy 3:9

    John Calvin also says, “It would be exceedingly absurd to hold a public office in the Church, while they were ill-informed in the Christian faith, more especially since they must frequently be laid under the necessity of administering advice and ...Read More

  • Qualifications for Deacons

    1 Timothy 3:8

    The “Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matt. 20:28) and so to be called to serve the church as a deacon is one of the highest callings Christ can give to us. But even those ...Read More

  • When the Outside Looks In

    1 Timothy 3:6-7

    Non-Christians should be able to look at a Christian leader and say that he lives according to his profession and is quick to repent when he fails to do so. Yet all believers should be known by their exemplary lives, ...Read More

  • Caring for God’s Church

    1 Timothy 3:4-5

    John Calvin comments that Paul recommends for eldership a man “who has learned to govern a family by wholesome discipline.” If you are a parent, are you consciously trying to lead your child in the faith in a way that ...Read More

  • An Example to Be Followed

    1 Timothy 3:2-3

    As we consider the qualifications for the offices of elder and deacon over the next few days, note that what the church is to look for is the quality of life since the candidate has professed faith. A man married ...Read More

  • The Desire for Ordination

    1 Timothy 3:1

    John Chrysostom notes that in wanting the office of elder “what is terrible is to desire the absolute authority and power of the bishop but not the work itself” (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, NT vol. 9, p. 168; ...Read More

  • Order in Creation

    1 Timothy 2:13-14

    As we consider the many cries for equality in our day, we must always test them against the authority of Scripture. Equality of worth is not grounded in the ability for men and women to serve in any office they ...Read More

  • Female Authority

    1 Timothy 2:11-12

    Dr. John MacArthur says, “Paul is forbidding women from filling the office and role of the pastor or teacher. He is not prohibiting them from teaching in other appropriate conditions and circumstances” (The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1,783). All of ...Read More

  • Jesus Commissions the Twelve

    Matthew 10:1–15

    Jesus’ selection of twelve disciples is intentional and patterned on the twelve tribes of Israel. Just as God once formed His people from the twelve sons of Jacob, so too does Christ form a new people starting with the twelve ...Read More

  • The Origin of Simony

    Acts 8:1-25

    In a lesser way, simony is still a problem in the church. All too often those who are elected elders, deacons, or vestrymen in the church are voted in almost entirely because they are successful at business or have important ...Read More

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