Coram Deo: As creatures, our view of others is limited. We can only evaluate outward appearances. Thus, when someone seems to fall away, all we can surmise is that the faith we thought we saw was likely an illusion. Yet even here we must not assume that a fall from grace is final. There is always the chance for repentance and restoration up until the point of death. Thus, we should pray for people who seem to have fallen away, asking God to grant them repentant hearts.
At times, Jesus allows His bride’s imperfections to be revealed publicly in a way that is best described as scandal. How should we respond in the midst of church scandal? —Elliott Grudem in Tabletalk Magazine
Coram Deo: Do you have other “irons” in your life who can help in sharpening you? We are blessed indeed if we have at least one friend upon whom we can count for loving, constructive criticism. If we do not have any such people in our lives, we should be looking for them. We should also be asking the Lord to help develop us into people who can offer such criticism to others and to enable us to persist in love toward our friends and others.
A good study Bible can encourage people in our congregations to discover new authors and ideas that can help them to have a deeper understanding of the gospel and its implications. A study Bible can also be the first step toward cherishing sound theology. —Victor Cruz in Tabletalk Magazine
Coram Deo: The Lord detests pride because it indicates that we do not have an accurate understanding of just who we are in relation to Him and to the rest of creation. When we exalt ourselves at the expense of another, we sin greatly against our neighbor. Placing confidence wholly in ourselves and what we can do is the precise opposite of the humility and fear of the humility and fear of God that is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7).
Coram Deo: Jesus tells us that all sin begins within (Matt. 15:10–20). The heart that devises wicked plans and the eagerness to run swiftly to evil reflect inward corruption that the Lord hates just as much—if not more—than sinister actions. Sin is not merely an outward phenomenon; rather, it is something deeply rooted in us. Thus, we should be praying that the Lord would cleanse us of this inward corruption, and we should ask Him for the strength to fight it.
Coram Deo: God’s omniscience is a scary attribute for those who do not also know His grace. All too often, our sin goes unnoticed by others, but the Lord is always aware of it. Thankfully, however, if we are covered with the blood of Christ, we know that there is forgiveness even for the transgressions we commit in secret. We need only to confess and forsake our sins. Let us not try to hide sins from God, and let us never fail to repent when it is necessary to do so.
There is distaste in our day, even in the church, for doctrine. People say, “I can live the Christian life without being concerned about doctrine.” Well, if you are not concerned about doctrine, then the best thing you can do with your Bible is throw it away, because that is what the Bible is—it is sixty-six divinely revealed books of doctrine. —R.C. Sproul in Tabletalk Magazine
Coram Deo: We cannot isolate ourselves fully from others. Our decisions invariably affect other people, and their decisions affect us. The church as a whole may go through trials and tribulations, and when this happens, even the most faithful servants of God will suffer. In the midst of such pain, the faithful will continue to hold fast to the promises of the Lord, believing that He will bring restoration. In so doing, they will be assured of their salvation and will grow in their love for Christ.
Coram Deo: Scripture frequently compares God to a rock, and with good reason. Rocks are strong and stable, and so is our Lord. But that is where the similarity ends. For even rocks are subject to the changes wrought by erosion and other natural phenomena. But our Maker cannot change or be changed. He is the only security in which we can trust without reservation. He alone is fully dependable. Truly, we are blessed to know that God never changes.
Without a good working knowledge of theology, we will never understand how the gospel works, nor what the causes of spiritual sicknesses are, nor what gospel remedies to apply. —Sinclair Ferguson in Tabletalk Magazine
Coram Deo: Jesus, who is God Himself, tells us that He is the “truth” (John 14:6), so it is clear why our Creator hates the lying tongue. To tell untruths is to manifest opposition to the One who is truth Himself and to show no regard for the sanctity of His character. Being pure and holy, God is ever true in His speech, and when we lie, we show utter disdain for His truthful character. Moreover, lying also brings great harm to others. A false witness can destroy the reputation and livelihood of another person made in God’s image, and our Lord takes very seriously threats to His image bearers.
Coram Deo: Wise people put up safeguards in their thoughts and actions to help keep them from being ensnared by a root of bitterness. Lest our minds lead us astray, it is wise to think on what is true, good, and beautiful so that our thoughts are not filled with curses and other unclean things (Phil. 4:8). At the same time, we should endeavor not to listen to or repeat uncertainties that we hear about others or otherwise gossip about our neighbors.
The fundamental issue is this: is the basis by which I am justified a righteousness that is my own? Or is it a righteousness that is, as Luther said, “an alien righteousness,” a righteousness that is extra nos, apart from us — the righteousness of another, namely, the righteousness of Christ? —R.C. Sproul in Tabletalk Magazine
Each week we are provided with an opportunity to gather together as a fellowship, a family, with Jesus as our Elder Brother. Our Father calls us together for worship—to sing, to pray, to read Scripture and hear it expounded, and to baptize and share a meal together—signs and seals of all the blessings and privileges of the gospel and of the covenant of grace that lies behind it. Sundays are fitness enhancing, ensuring the health of our souls. It is a time of spiritual nourishment, to be used wisely and with discipline—profiting from the Lord’s Day does require effort and resolve on our part, including preparation and expectation. Here, as elsewhere in the Christian life, the saying is true that “you do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2). —Derek W.H. Thomas in this month's Tabletalk Magazine
Coram Deo: Humanly speaking, there seems to be no hope for the self-deluded fool. Given the omnipotent grace of Christ, however, the gospel can break through and reach the hearts of even those who are the most hardened in their folly. God often chooses to redeem those who are the most self-deluded, so we should not believe that He cannot save the fools we know. Instead, we should pray for them. Also, let us pray for ourselves that we would not repeat our folly.
Coram Deo: Scripture repeatedly encourages us to take a long-term perspective. Divine wisdom will on many occasions bring success in this world; however, there is no guarantee that following the Lord will make life easy on this side of glory. Sometimes we will suffer greatly for doing what God says. When this happens, we are to remember what the Lord actually promises, namely, that serving Him brings eternal blessing (Matt. 19:29).
When the gospel is at stake, everything is at stake. —R.C. Sproul
Coram Deo: We must be reminded that the good news of Christ’s work is as necessary for us as we live the Christian life as it was when we were converted. Constant reflection on our Savior’s cross is the fuel that sustains our Spirit-animated gratitude, which is necessary if we will remember our need for God to sanctify us. As we resolve to serve the Lord, may we ever remember what Christ has done that we may be empowered by thankfulness to stand firm against sin.
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