“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6 NLT).

November 7, 2019

CHRIST OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST AND MEDIATOR The old covenant was a foreshadowing of the new one, which has now come into view through Jesus. The old covenant was a “copy” of the real one in heaven that was revealed to Moses. It acted as a tutor, teaching and pointing to its fulfillment in Christ.

“Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough?” (Psalm 106:2 NLT).

November 6, 2019

WHO CAN EVER PRAISE THE LORD ENOUGH? The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows what He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of these miracles would needs be infinite too. And how can we

“Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3 NLT).

November 5, 2019

IDOLATRY OF THE HEART HINDERS PRAYER There is a type of idol that is unseen, but is just as surely built and worshiped in the human heart. This idol of the heart comes between us and God. Those elevated to leadership must recognize their particular vulnerability to this type of idolatry. These idols are not

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary” (Hebrews 6:19 NLT).

November 4, 2019

CHRISTIAN HOPE IS LIKE A ROPE Christian hope is not like the world’s hope. It isn’t like saying “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend.” For that hope is a mere wish built on nothing.   Christian hope is like a rope, anchored in the historical resurrection of Jesus Christ in the past, taken hold

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds” (Psalm 105:1-2 NLT).

November 3, 2019

FOUR WORDS FOR WORSHIPING THE LORD There are four words for worshiping the Lord given in the first two verses of Psalms 105. Do you see them?   Let’s name them: 1) THANKS – Give God your gratitude for everything. 2) PROCLAIM – Proclaim the greatness of God in Christ Jesus. 3) SING – Sing

“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (Ezekiel 3:17 NLT).

November 2, 2019

WHO ARE THE WATCHMEN FOR OUR TIME? God called Ezekiel to be a prophet and a “watchman” for Israel. A “watchman” was to keep watch over the camp during the night to sound a warning should danger appear. Ezekiel’s “watchman” duties however, were to keep watch to warn his people of sin and judgment, and

“So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters” (Hebrews 2:11 NLT).

October 31, 2019

OUR CHANGE OF STATUS AS GOD’S CHILDREN Receiving Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins we are made children of God. This spiritual transaction changes our status in at least three ways: 1) Righteousness – Christ took our sin upon Himself and the Father counted His righteousness as ours for our justification.

“I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” (Lamentations 3:24 NLT).

October 30, 2019

THE LORD HIMSELF IS MY INHERITANCE The prophet Jeremiah cried out to God for the fallen city of Jerusalem, and for his own homelessness and suffering. Yet, in the midst of this sorrowful lament, Jeremiah looked to God for his inheritance. Rather than look to worldly things, he looked to the Lord Himself as his

“Your prophets have said so many foolish things, false to the core. They did not save you from exile by pointing out your sins. Instead, they painted false pictures, filling you with false hope” (Lamentations 2:14 NLT).

October 29, 2019

BE WARY OF PREACHERS THAT GIVE FALSE HOPE Jeremiah lamented the failure of Judah’s prophets to preach God’s Word and to call His people to repentance of their sin. Instead they filled the people with false hope. The last days of Jerusalem before its fall to Babylon were marked by a people with “itching ears”

“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5 NLT).

October 28, 2019

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED IN CHRIST ALONE Be careful not to judge unbelievers as if you are better than they. Remember that God saved us not according to us, but according to Jesus. We have not earned salvation, nor are we able to work at keeping it. It is the mercy and grace of God which