Speak His Word Only

Genesis 1:14–16 — Lights in the Firmament of Heaven “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.” — Genesis 1:14–16 (KJV) And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. Genesis 1:14–16 begins the fourth day of creation . God now appoints lights in the firmament of heaven and gives them specific functions: they are to divide day from night, give light upon the earth, and mark signs, seasons, days, and years . One of the most important observations is that light already existed before the sun, moon, and stars were appointed . God commanded light in Genesis 1:3, and Day and Night were named in Genesis 1:5. The heavenly lights therefore do not create God's order; they are placed wi...

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (KJV) 1. The Structure of the Verse “Blessed be God…” – This is a doxology, a statement of praise. Paul begins his letter not with requests but with worship. The word blessed here means to speak well of or to praise . Paul magnifies God as the source of all blessings. “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” – Paul roots blessings in relationship. God is revealed not in abstract terms but as the Father, through whom Christ mediates all grace. “Who has blessed us…” – Notice the past tense . The blessings are already given, secured in Christ. Believers do not strive for them as future promises only, but live in the reality of what Christ has already accomplished. “With all spiritual blessings…” – This shows the richness and completeness of what is granted to the believer. Nothing is lacking. These blessings are spiritual, not...

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” — 1 Peter 1:3, KJV Peter begins with praise because salvation originates in God’s abundant mercy , not human merit. God “hath begotten us again,” describing the new spiritual birth and new life believers receive in Christ. We are born again “unto a lively hope.” Lively means living . Biblical hope is not merely wishing circumstances will improve; it is a living confidence grounded in what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ. The foundation of this hope is “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Our hope lives because Christ lives . Death did not defeat Him, and because He rose, believers can know that present suffering is not the end. This was especially meaningful to Peter’s readers, who were experiencing trials. Circumstances could change and possessions could be lost, but their...