If we would grow, we must be on our guard here” ( Holiness, p. Here is a snare into which too many professing Christians fall. Ryle cautioned us against when he wrote: “The regular return of the same voice, and the same kind of words, and the same ceremonies, is likely to make us sleepy and callous and unfeeling. Thus, I speak of familiarity here in the negative sense, and in a way that Bishop J. Now, to be sure, familiarity can result in great help to the people of God by calling to our minds afresh God’s blessings to His people and renewed hope in His mercies. Nonetheless, bankrupt of the effect, calculated under the blessing of God, to produce good for our souls. Familiarity can breed not only contempt, but it can inculcate an indifference that lulls us into a spirit of unresponsiveness, where the words are still embraced with a form of godliness. de Witt, who often admonished us as seminary students against the tendency of becoming so familiar with holy things in an academic or ministerial setting, that we begin to regard them no longer as being particularly holy. I can still recall and appreciate the warning of my systematic theology professor, Dr. Indeed, such words can become so familiar to us that we are able to recite them with scarcely any mental effort, and thereby run the risk of drawing from them little or no benefit beyond a passing thought of nostalgic reflection and/or ephemeral good feeling. However, it is often the case that we yield but a cursory consideration to familiar words when we hear or read them. For reformational churches, the use of the Aaronic benediction can be traced as far back as the Genevan Psalter of 1542. These familiar words constitute one of several scriptural forms most commonly used by Reformed pastors as a benedictory pronouncement upon the congregation at the conclusion of a Lord’s day worship service. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, ‘The Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.’ So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them” (Num. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go guard it well, for it is your life. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered when you run, you will not stumble. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. I thank my God every time I remember you. They are new every morning great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23īecause of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The LORD is my strength and my shield my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. Ephesians 2:10įor we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Commit your way to the LORD trust in him and he will do this. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD. Proverbs 9:11įor through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. I have made you and I will carry you I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4Įven to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 91:11įor he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Jeremiah 29:11įor I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |