Listen-in to the recent Monday This Day in Prayer and in The Word Podcast, "What Did God Give Us?"

Rome takes over and makes the new "Sabbath" a law which if broken is punishable by excommunication and death.

A brief bit of encouragement for the journey from God's Word. Today's Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 11 To support this devotional ministry: https://faithbaptiststerling.com/give/ Music: "Awaken the Dawn" by Stanton Lanierhttps://www.stantonlanier.com CCLI #20109360

What hope can Job have in the midst of his pain in this world? Job 13:20–14:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the believer's hope is in God Himself, Who makes us new, forgives our sins, and desires us as the work of His hands. The devotional explores Job's desperate plea for God to reveal his sins and cease terrifying him, highlighting the brevity and misery of human life compared to the regenerative power found in Christ. Job's hope is the believer's assurance of fellowship with God through Jesus. Pastor emphasizes that while humans cannot cleanse themselves from sin, God offers forgiveness as the ultimate refuge. Believers are encouraged to maintain their hope in God's kindness and salvation regardless of earthly circumstances. The message concludes by urging his family to live and die with faith in Christ's covering of their iniquities.

Sunday evening service, looking at the Heidelberg Catechism, or the Orthodox Catechism, Lord's Day 7 - #20-22 Q. ARE ALL MEN THEN SAVED BY CHRIST AS THEY PERISHED IN ADAM? A. No, only those who by true faith are grafted into him and receive all his benefits. Q. WHAT IS TRUE FAITH? A. True faith is not only a sure knowledge whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word; but also a hearty trust, which the Holy Spirit works in me by the gospel, that not only to others, but to me also, forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness and salvation are freely given by God, merely of Grace, only for the sake of Christ merits. Q. WHAT MUST A CHRISTIAN BELIEVE? A. Everything that is promised to us in the gospel, as summarized briefly in The Apostles' Creed – the catholic and undoubted confession of faith of all true Christians.

The sermon explores the principles for selecting an English Bible translation, emphasizing that readability and formal equivalence are crucial for accurate understanding. It contrasts word-for-word translations with thought-for-thought versions, arguing that literal approaches preserve the original text's structure and details better than interpretive ones. The speaker critiques the King James Only movement as historically unsupported and theologically unnecessary, advocating instead for the use of multiple translations to gain a fuller perspective on Scripture. Drawing from Nehemiah 8, the message highlights God's desire for His people to understand His word in their own language. Ultimately, the preacher urges believers to prioritize love and unity over preferences regarding Bible versions.

The sermon examines King Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15, where he partially obeys God's command to destroy the Amalekites by sparing their king and best livestock. This act of partial obedience stems from pride and a desire to please the people rather than submit to divine authority. The preacher emphasizes Samuel's declaration that obedience is superior to sacrifice, warning that rebellion against God is equivalent to idolatry. Saul's attempt to justify his actions through religious ritual highlights the danger of elevating outward worship over genuine faithfulness. Ultimately, Saul's rejection as king demonstrates that true devotion requires complete submission to God's word rather than self-willed compromise.

Cain brought of the fruit of the ground. Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof, and the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering. Why was the one received and the other refused? Why did God reason with Cain, and comfort him, before ever a hand was raised? And when his brother's blood cried unto God from the ground, what did the judgment of God leave him? The text answers every one, verse by verse.

Is praise awaiting your Lord and Savior from your heart tonight? Can you see the importance of and are you willing to engage in worshipful silence that reverently prepares for praise? Do you look forward to the occasions to thank God for His grace and the practical evidence of it in your life? Take this glorious Word with you tonight of divine mercy in Christ and give God all the glory for the great and many detailed things He has done for you through Christ and His finished work for your salvation!

Pray for Yourself as you serve God's Calling for You. Pray for the Power of Christ to Rule Over Your Flesh. Pray for the True Christ to be Made Known. Pray for the Finished Work of Christ to be Known, Believed, and Received. Pray for the Father to be Glorified through the Glory of the Son! Pray for God's People to Hear the Comforting Words of Jesus. Pray for Faithfulness in Moments of Weakness. Pray for Faithfulness in Keeping the Words of the Apostles. Pray for Your People. Pray for God's People to Deeply Know God's Love for Them. Pray for God's People to be One. Pray for Perseverance. Pray for the Scriptures to be Fulfilled. Pray for Christ's Joy to Be Fulfilled in Our Lives. Pray for God's Word to be our Constant Strength. Pray for God's People to be Kept from Evil. Pray for Christlikeness. Pray for Sanctification in the Truth. Pray for Unity. Pray for God's Glory to be Magnified.