Power of Knowing the True God:

Psalm 9:10 ESV
[10] And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
 
Throughout Scripture, Jesus warns us of the persecution and difficulties that believers will face. For example, when Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the regional officials surrounding the city stood against him. They resorted to mocking him (Neh. 4:1-3), deceptively lying to his superior, the king, about Nehmiah's "true" intentions for rebuilding the walls (Neh. 6:5-9), and hiring someone to trap him into sinning so that they could discredit him (Neh. 6:10-13). All of these were attempts to hinder the work that God had given Nehemiah to accomplish though eventually their efforts proved futile (Neh. 6:9; 6:15-16).  

Because of this, believers have become discouraged and stumbled for a time. Yet ultimately, it is their knowledge and understanding of God that allows them to stand firm and take action through it all (Dan. 11:31-35). Let us remember God's faithfulness throughout the ages for those who know Him and place their trust in Him–knowing that not once has He abandoned those who seek Him (Psalm 9:10).
 
Father, we praise you and rest on your faithfulness. Scripture bears witness, as do the lives of your people, of your sovereign will over those who know and trust you. Though the evils of the world might fall on us, let us remember who you are. As you empowered those in the past, remind us that the same Holy Spirit of power that lived in them lives in us today by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Fruit of Applied Revelation for the Glory of God and the Redemption of the Nations:

Psalm 96: 3-5 ESV
[3] Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
[4] For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.
[5] For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.  
 
God, by His great love for us, has preserved His message from times of old until the modern age through His Word. This revelation has produced a response in His people that has led men and women to go to the ends of the earth to share God's message of hope. This is what we call Applied Revelation, which is the church's practical response to God's special revelation in the Holy Scriptures.  

We, as believers, are called to declare God's Glory amongst the nations and proclaim all his marvelous works. Works that through Christ have freed us from darkness unto union with Him, causing us to walk in His light. For this reason, He alone is to be praised and worshiped. Though there appear to be many different gods among the religions of the world, it is only through Jesus Christ that there is true salvation for mankind. Soberly, there is the reality of judgement for those who reject Christ and His righteousness alone. Outside of Christ, each individual will have to answer before God for all their sins. Because of this the Lord alone is the true God. He is to be feared as much as He is to be loved, for all other "gods" are worthless idols who have no authority over the eternal state of our souls. In the Triune God alone is there hope of Salvation from His inevitable final judgement.
 
Since the light of Christ has shone in our hearts, let us then gladly be the salt and light of the earth. For as it is written, no town built on a hill can be hidden. Neither does anyone light a lamp to put it under a bowl. Instead, the light that God has kindled in us is to shine before others, bringing glory to God as our savior from darkness (Matt. 5:13-16). Therefore, it is our responsibility as believers to proclaim God's truth in the gospel, for He is glorified not only as the Redeemer of our souls but also as the Redeemer of all creation. As is written in Isaiah 45:22, "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other." For if light truly abides in us, how can this light not shine unto others?

Father, we call upon you in our inability to serve you according to your perfect standards. Yet your faithfulness and light of salvation have so much more abounded in our hearts. Bringing our hardened and stubborn hearts into softened union with you. Help us, O Lord, to share the light of the gospel, our only hope and comfort, with those who walk in darkness. All for your praise and glory, for you alone are the true God and Redeemer of the nations. Amen. 

Philippians 2:14-15
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (ESV).

Paul calls believers to live “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation,” and then adds that we are to “shine as lights in the world.” God’s revelation is not given merely to inform our minds. His truth is meant to shape our choices, character, and conduct.

Christians live in a fallen society, but we are not called simply to complain about its darkness. We are called to choose righteousness and live according to God’s Word within it. Every act of honesty, mercy, justice, faithfulness, purity, and love demonstrates what life under God’s rule looks like.

Jesus makes the same point in Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world.” Our good works are to be visible so that others “may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

This is how applied revelation influences society. God changes people through the gospel; changed people then live according to His truth in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. As Christians faithfully obey Scripture, the light of God’s truth pushes back against the surrounding darkness.

We cannot transform society merely through political power or cultural influence. Lasting change begins with transformed people faithfully living out God’s revealed truth.

God’s Word received, believed, and obeyed produces lives that shine. And lives that shine point a watching world to God.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. - Matthew 16:15-18

Jesus asks His disciples the most important question anyone can answer: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession stands at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; He is God’s promised Messiah and eternal Son.

Jesus then tells Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” As R. T. France observes, all the apostles would serve as the church’s foundation, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone. Yet historically, Peter would have a unique leadership role in the church’s earliest days. His name, meaning “Rock,” fittingly anticipated the part he would play as the gospel first advanced in Jerusalem and beyond.

Yet notice whose church it is: Jesus says, “I will build my church.” Peter and the apostles were instruments, but Christ is the Builder, cornerstone, and Lord of His people.

And His promise remains: “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Churches and leaders come and go, but Christ continues building His church. Our confidence, therefore, is not ultimately in human leaders, programs, or institutions, but in the risen Christ who builds and preserves His people.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. -Deuteronomy 6:6-7

As parents, or those who one day hope to be parents, we must accept that it is our God given mandate to teach our children the commandments of God. Not to antagonize  their hearts with a lengthy set of rules, but rather to illuminate their path that they might have sure footing as they move toward spiritual maturity. We can clearly see the fruit of that effort in 2 Timothy 3:14-15. Paul notes that Timothy should “...continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Note that, before we are to teach the words of God to our children we are to first hold them dear in our hearts (Deuteronomy 6:6). Otherwise how can we teach our children to trust in Christ if our own lives do not reflect that same faith?

Verse 7 emphasizes that we be diligent in making time to teach our children about God. Despite our career, or social obligations, we must prioritize that continual practice of our faith throughout our day to day. Whether sitting at our house, going about doing errands, lying down to rest, or rising up to start the day we are to be a living example of God's word applied to our lives.
 
Father, we are unable and oftentimes unwilling to walk according to your commandments. Our flesh afflicted by many worries, anxieties, and problems can so easily be brought low by our baser impulses and instincts. Only through You, O Lord, through Your Son and our Savior Jesus Christ is it possible to do that which is impossible to us. Help us, Father, to hold Your Word dear to our hearts and be a shining light of your love and wisdom to our families. Amen.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. -John 1:12

John 1:12 contains one of the most remarkable promises in all of Scripture: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Through faith in Christ, sinners are not merely forgiven or pardoned—they are adopted into the family of God.

By nature, we are estranged from God because of sin. No amount of good works, religious activity, or moral effort can make us His children. Sonship is not earned; it is received as a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who receive Him and trust in His name are given the privilege and legal standing of sons and daughters of God.

What a profound change this brings to our lives. The Creator of the universe becomes our Father. We are no longer spiritual orphans, slaves to fear, or strangers to His promises. We belong to Him. We have access to His presence, the assurance of His love, the discipline of His care, and the hope of an eternal inheritance with Christ.
This truth also shapes our identity. The world may define us by our successes, failures, possessions, or reputation, but God calls us His children.

Today, rest in this wonderful reality: if you belong to Christ by faith, you belong to the Father forever. This is where the description goes.