Tag Archives: Salvation

The Blessing of the Lord in Our Security and Protection

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1b ESV) Last time we considered the Lord’s providence in our daily labors, or vocation. Now the broader issue of our safety and security is addressed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark, Matthew, Psalms | Tagged Bible, Blessing, Bold Prayer, Faith, Faithfulness, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Salvation, Sin, Solomon, Vocation, WSC | Leave a comment

Jerusalem Praise Psalms (93-100): God Knows—what a relief!

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Is he deaf—the one who made your ears? Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes? (Psalm 94:9 NLT) What great questions… with obvious answers to each. NO! NO! What a relief and what a consolation to know that God … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Courage, Evil, Faith, Fear, God's Glory, Goodness, Gospel, Grace, Holiness, Jesus, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Prayer, Psalms, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: Astonishment at Jesus’ Teaching

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. (Mark 1:22 CSB) It seems that Jesus preached without notes. He had no study filled with commentaries and systematic theologies. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark | Tagged Authority of Scripture, Christ's Divinity, Demons, Divine Authority, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Jesus' authority, Jesus' divinity, Mark, Mark's Gospel, Salvation, Unclean spirits | Leave a comment

Jerusalem Praise Psalms: God’s Holy Attire

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 96:9a CSB) J. A. Motyer notes that there are smaller collections of psalms within the five divisions of the Psalter. He lists, for example, Psalms 93-100 as Jerusalem Praise. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Obedience, Obeying God, Praise, Praising God, Prayer, Psalm, Salvation, Witness, Witness for Christ, Worship | Leave a comment

The Only Remedy

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:3; repeated in vv. 7 & 19 ESV) Thank you, Lord, for Asaph’s psalms. After an opening request: Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel … Show … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Bold Prayer, Confession, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Pray, Prayer, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

Remember, Partake, and Tell

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

They spoke against God; They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” (Psalm 78:19 NASB) Can he? Our answer to that question reveals our faith. Psalm 78 offers historical information for the purpose of spiritual transformation. God’s great … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, John, Psalms | Tagged Character of God, Depending On God, Faith, God's Family, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Conviction in the Ten Words (and a Case Study in Expository Brilliance)

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Do not commit adultery. (Exodus 20:14 CSB [Cf. Deut. 5:18 & Matt. 5:27-30]) The framers of the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Longer and Shorter Catechisms convened as called together by Parliament at Westminster Abbey in London between 1643 … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion | Tagged Faithfulness, Grace, Marriage, Salvation, Sanctification, Sex, Sexuality, Sin, The Ten Commandments | Leave a comment

The Preaching of Christ

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15 CSB) John the baptizer had been arrested. The final Old Testament prophet proved faithful to his calling. His task … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark | Tagged Belief, Believe, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Repent, Repentance, Salvation, Sin, Sinful Nature | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: Jesus’ Forty Days

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

And he was with the wild animals. (Mark 1:13b ESV) Mark tells us that while Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness he was with the wild animals. Writing with Mark’s gospel likely before them, neither Matthew or Luke mention … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Devotion, Hebrews, Isaiah, Mark | Tagged Faith, Fear, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, persecution, Perseverance, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: His Thesis Statement

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 ESV) Mark was a no-nonsense writer. He had a story to tell and he tells it. He does not take us back to eternity past like … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts, Bible Study, Devotion, Mark | Tagged Belief, Believe, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Resurrection, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment