Devotionals

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

  • An Abomination in the Temple

    Mark 13:14–20

    The temple in Jerusalem may no longer be standing, but that does not mean that desecrating holy things is now impossible. Throughout history, heretics have sometimes attained leadership or other positions of influence in Christ’s church, corrupting people with their ...Read More

  • The Anointing of Saul

    1 Samuel 10:1–16

    Pastors, elders, and other church leaders are not kings like Saul. However, their authority is similarly limited by what God has revealed. Church leaders may not go beyond what God has spoken, and church leaders who try to impose unbiblical ...Read More

  • Apostles

    Ephesians 2:19–20

    The prophets and apostles have given us a sure foundation—the inerrant and infallible Scriptures. We do not expect God to give us new revelation today but only to lead the church into a deeper understanding of the truth He has ...Read More

  • Bishops/Elders

    1 Peter 2:12

    We are to take the words and example of our elders seriously because they prepare us for the judgment seat of Christ. They preach the gospel, administer the sacraments, and discipline us so that we might be converted, brought back ...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

  • Creation Ordinances

    Genesis 1-2

    In this day and age, there is a great temptation for the church in the United States to think that its mission is coextensive with the platform of one or more of the political parties in this country. Yet while ...Read More

  • Deacons

    Matthew 25:31–46

    Jesus tells us very clearly that those who want to be great in the kingdom of God must serve others (Matt. 23:11). None of us should ever think that we are too good or hold too high of a position ...Read More

  • The Deacon’s Home

    1 Timothy 3:12

    We who belong to God’s household need to keep in mind that a person’s way of life identifies him as a potential church servant, not his charisma, social influence, or good looks. Our culture prizes these things, but we must ...Read More

  • A Deacon’s Reward

    1 Timothy 3:13

    Our reticence to serve others may be one of the many things that can prevent us from serving Jesus boldly. Whether we are ever ordained to the office of deacon or not, we must never forget that greatness in the ...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

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