Coram Deo (August 2015)

One of the most significant challenges pastors' kids (PKs) face is a true connection with Jesus Christ. All the knowledge and trivia and Bible memory doesn’t equal a saving relationship with Christ. On the contrary, sometimes knowing all that good stuff actually tricks PKs into thinking they have one. —Barnabas Piper in Tabletalk Magazine

Coram Deo: God often allows earthly justice to be delayed and does not immediately mete out heavenly justice because He is showing kindness meant to lead a sinner to repentance (Rom. 2:4). From our perspective, justice may seem to be delayed, but it always comes at the right time. Our just God will set things right, so we have ample reason to trust in Him.

Coram Deo: Western society places a strong focus on education, but we seldom see a corresponding concern for righteousness. Consequently, while we can benefit from education, we must be aware that education in itself cannot produce wise people. We find wise people only where righteousness has been made a part of education. Parents at home and the corporate body of the church must teach the righteousness of God in order to produce wise leaders of His people.

We live in an increasingly hostile environment toward biblical Christianity where it may be tempting to retreat, circle the wagons, put up walls, and avoid the battle to win souls for Christ. Yet, we need to remember what Jesus prays in John 17, “As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." —Kevin Struyk in Tabletalk Magazine

Faith is the only instrumental cause of justification. —R.C. Sproul

Coram Deo: If we want tangible proof that God always keeps His promises, we need look no further than His promises to David regarding the work of Christ. Our Creator has kept His covenant with David, raising Jesus from the dead as proof of His steadfast love to the Davidic line. The resurrection of Jesus proves, among other things, that our Father is always faithful to His Word. May we trust Him to keep all of His promises to us.

In America, a twenty-year-old living at home might tell her mom, “I’m going to church,” when she’s really going shopping. But in Japan, she might say, “I’m going shopping,” when she’s really going to church. —Dan Iverson in Tabletalk Magazine

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He counsels discouraged disciples in a similar fashion today. He draws us into conversation, teaches us His Word, and discloses Himself as the risen Savior. —Derek Thomas in this month's Tabletalk Magazine

Coram Deo: Humility and meekness are marks of the true believer in Christ. We dare not confuse these virtues with weakness, for humble believers are strong in Christ. These virtues, instead, reflect an honest appraisal of one’s talents and weaknesses. They lead us to rely on other people when it is necessary, and they encourage us to continually cast all of our cares and needs upon the Lord. Are you humbling yourself before the Lord this day?

With each passing day, the biblical sexual ethic is looked upon more and more as not merely quaint and old fashioned but oppressive, bigoted, and immoral. —R.C. Sproul Jr. in Tabletalk Magazine

Coram Deo: Calvin comments that nothing is more profitable for believers “than to spend their lives in the celebration of the praises of God.” Meditating on the works of the Lord reminds us of His greatness and that wise men and women fear Him, showing Him honor and love. If we forget His mighty acts in history, we may be tempted not to fear Him in the manner He is due, and thus meet destruction. Let us take time daily to think on the greatness of God’s works.

If it were left to us, we would all fall away from the faith and perish. —R.C. Sproul

Coram Deo: Scripture does not say it is impossible for us to know anything. Instead, the emphasis is on pursuing knowledge within the boundaries of God’s revelation. Special revelation—sacred Scripture—must guide even our study of “nonreligious” matters such as science, philosophy, history, and so forth. Since God is the author of truth and we are made in His image, we can know truth. We just have to be content to stop our pursuit of understanding where He tells us to stop.

As sons and daughters of the One who is both the eternal King and High Priest, we have assurance that we will never be forgotten or abandoned. We do not need to be absorbed with self-preservation or self-promotion; we are free to live lives shaped by mercy and love for others. —Kelly Kapic in Tabletalk Magazine

Coram Deo: Obeying the law of God is certainly not the means by which we are found righteous in His sight. However, we do grow in holiness as we seek to fulfill His commandments. Moreover, the holiness of the church in its obedience to God is a testimony to the world that He is the just and good King. If the church would have a credible witness to the world, it must obey the Lord and repent whenever it fails to honor Him.

Coram Deo: Augustine of Hippo comments, “Let no man say in his heart, His promise is true; His threat is false: as His promise is true, so is His threat sure.” When we read Scripture, we must take the Lord’s warnings seriously. The elect cannot finally fall away, but all those in whom the Spirit is working heed these warnings. God uses them to keep His elect in the faith. As we are warned not to harden our hearts, may we listen and continue trusting in Christ.

If one seeks to live a life pleasing to God, one will be persecuted, according to no less an authority than Jesus. It is not something to be avoided; it is something to be accepted if the persecution is for the right reason. It validates our life in Christ and His life in us. —Cal Thomas in Tabletalk Magazine

The Lord is more powerful than the earthquakes and forces of chaos in your life. The Lord is more powerful than your circumstances, your sin, your mistakes, your losses, and your failures—and He uses His power to accomplish salvation for His people despite the sin and miseries of this life. He is our refuge and strength. That is why it says, “we will not fear.” —Thomas Brewer in this month's Tabletalk Magazine

Coram Deo: Ultimately, our Creator is the only One in whom we can fully trust for our security. Although we play a part in our perseverance, if we trust in ourselves alone, we do not possess true faith. We must continually look outside ourselves to what God has done, particularly His work in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing that He has faithfully kept His promises to save His people in the past will give us confidence that He will keep His promise to save us.