Vantage Point Devotional
  • More Than a Carbon Copy

    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.        Hebrews 1:3

    Hundreds of books have been written and probably millions of sermons have been preached on the mystery of the triune nature of God. The mystery of the Trinity has been debated by such historical persons as John Calvin and Martin Luther. In the fourth century church of Cappadocia in Turkey, Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, “The one Godhead and power, found in the three in unit, and comprising the three separately; not unequal, in substances or natures, neither increased nor diminished by superiorities nor inferiorities; in every respect equal, in every respect the same.“

    There are many places where Scripture reinforces the truth of the Trinity. There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3). Jesus is fully God (Titus 2:13). The Holy Spirit is God (Hebrews 9:14, Acts 5:3-4). While one, they are distinct (John 14:16-18, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Theologian Dr. John Stott said the nature of God’s unity is not mathematical but organic. He wrote, “Within the complex mystery of the infinite God are three eternally distinct personal modes of being.” 

    The book of Hebrews, from which today’s verse comes, clearly spells out the completeness of the deity of Jesus – His nature, His essence, and His power. Faith in God makes it possible for you to accept and acknowledge the truth of the Trinity. As you express your awe and adoration, wonder and worship in your prayers today, remember to intercede for pastors and teachers in churches across America to preach the eternal truths of God. 

    Today’s Verse: Hebrews 1:3

    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 

    All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 11:1-12

    1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 

    5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, 

    “You are my Son, 
        today I have begotten you”? 

    Or again, 

    “I will be to him a father, 
        and he shall be to me a son”? 

    6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 

    “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 

    7 Of the angels he says, 

    “He makes his angels winds, 
        and his ministers a flame of fire.” 

    8 But of the Son he says, 

    “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, 
        the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 
    9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; 
    therefore God, your God, has anointed you 
        with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 

    10 And, 

    “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, 
        and the heavens are the work of your hands; 
    11 they will perish, but you remain; 
        they will all wear out like a garment, 
    12 like a robe you will roll them up, 
        like a garment they will be changed. 
    But you are the same, 
        and your years will have no end.” 

    All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


TODAY’S NATIONAL LEADER FOR PRAYER


  • Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management
    • Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management

      Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary, Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management


      • Education – B.S., Georgetown University; M.A., Johns Hopkins University
      • Military Service – None
      • Profession – Energy management
      • Political Experience – National Coal Council, Great Plains Institute
      • In office since – 2022
      • Family – Married, 1 daughter
      • Religious Affiliation – Undisclosed


TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

Vantage Point Devotional
  • More Than a Carbon Copy

    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.        Hebrews 1:3

    Hundreds of books have been written and probably millions of sermons have been preached on the mystery of the triune nature of God. The mystery of the Trinity has been debated by such historical persons as John Calvin and Martin Luther. In the fourth century church of Cappadocia in Turkey, Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, “The one Godhead and power, found in the three in unit, and comprising the three separately; not unequal, in substances or natures, neither increased nor diminished by superiorities nor inferiorities; in every respect equal, in every respect the same.“

    There are many places where Scripture reinforces the truth of the Trinity. There is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:3). Jesus is fully God (Titus 2:13). The Holy Spirit is God (Hebrews 9:14, Acts 5:3-4). While one, they are distinct (John 14:16-18, 2 Corinthians 13:14). Theologian Dr. John Stott said the nature of God’s unity is not mathematical but organic. He wrote, “Within the complex mystery of the infinite God are three eternally distinct personal modes of being.” 

    The book of Hebrews, from which today’s verse comes, clearly spells out the completeness of the deity of Jesus – His nature, His essence, and His power. Faith in God makes it possible for you to accept and acknowledge the truth of the Trinity. As you express your awe and adoration, wonder and worship in your prayers today, remember to intercede for pastors and teachers in churches across America to preach the eternal truths of God. 

    Today’s Verse: Hebrews 1:3

    He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 

    All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 11:1-12

    1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 

    5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, 

    “You are my Son, 
        today I have begotten you”? 

    Or again, 

    “I will be to him a father, 
        and he shall be to me a son”? 

    6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 

    “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 

    7 Of the angels he says, 

    “He makes his angels winds, 
        and his ministers a flame of fire.” 

    8 But of the Son he says, 

    “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, 
        the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 
    9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; 
    therefore God, your God, has anointed you 
        with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 

    10 And, 

    “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, 
        and the heavens are the work of your hands; 
    11 they will perish, but you remain; 
        they will all wear out like a garment, 
    12 like a robe you will roll them up, 
        like a garment they will be changed. 
    But you are the same, 
        and your years will have no end.” 

    All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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