Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for November 9

“Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! They say of me, ‘Does he not speak parables?’” (Ezekiel 20:49 NKJV)

From: November 9, 2015

Ezekiel was frustrated by Israel’s elders who belittled his message, accusing him of speaking in “parables,” rather than speaking plainly. He expressed his feeling to the Lord, repeating their whispered words back to God. The Lord responded to Ezekiel, whom He called, “Son of Man,” by giving him a more plain word of prophecy (Ezekiel 21). When Jesus came preaching, He often referred to Himself with the same title, “Son of Man,” and often preached in “parables” (Matt.13:13). Then, afterwards He would privately explain the parables to His disciples. The key to understanding the Word of God is believing the Son of God and receiving the Spirit of God that makes things clear. As the apostle Paul explained, those without the Spirit can’t understand the truths of God (1 Cor. 2:14), for they are “foolishness” to them. Yet, those who have the Spirit, also have the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16), and are able to understand God’s Word. It is Christ and His Spirit that gives us “ears to hear.”

“Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28 NLT)

From: November 9, 2014

Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for the salvation of all who would receive it. He has paid our debt in full. When Christ returns, it will not be to “deal with our sins,” for He has finished that work. Jesus has already brought us out from under sin’s penalty. He will return to bring us into His glory and presence forever.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble” (Psalm 107:2)

From: November 9, 2013

If you’ve been redeemed (bought back, ransomed, delivered) by the Lord, the Psalmist encourages you to “say so!” We can never repay the One who gave His life as a ransom for us, but we can certainly give Him thanks and praise. We were sinful, separated and spiritually dead, but Christ has redeemed us, granting us His righteousness, sonship, and life. So, if you know so, SAY SO!

“Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28)

From: November 9, 2012

Christ has already dealt with sin’s penalty of death. Now we await His promised return to remove us from sin’s presence and to unite with Him in glory.

“Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28)

From: November 9, 2011

Christ’s return is as certain as His first appearance. Meditate on this. When expecting guests, do you not get your house in order and prepare to meet them? Are you ready for His return?