November 3, 2014
The author of Hebrews explained that the basic teachings about Christ had to be covered again with them, because they were not growing in their understanding of God’s Word. There are believers like this in every generation. They receive the Word, but don’t grow in it. Hebrews does not question their belief, but it does accuse them of spiritual dullness and failure to listen to God’s Word. People who don’t grow in God’s Word are subject to every wind of doctrine and false teaching. Like spiritual babes they only want milk and not the meat of Christian teaching. They are encouraged to grow up in their understanding, so that God’s Word affects their discernment of right and wrong.
November 2, 2014
Jesus is our Great High Priest. He is well acquainted with all of our “weaknesses” because he has experienced them too. Therefore, we can pray with boldness in the Name of Jesus, knowing that he understands and will represent us before the Father. Jesus has opened the way for us, so that we can receive mercy and grace from God. He is our Great Advocate and Perfect Sacrifice because he became like us, yet without sin. We pray knowing that he hears and understands us.
October 31, 2014
Receiving Christ’s sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins we are made children of God. This faith transaction changes our status in at least three ways: 1) Holiness – Christ took our sin upon Himself offering His righteousness in return. 2) Life – Christ took our death, so we might have eternal life. 3) Adoption – Christ was forsaken by the Father, so that we might be adopted as children of God. Christ died to accomplish this and He arose, so that He might lead us into this salvation. Receiving salvation our status is changed forever. And Jesus is “not ashamed” to call us His own.
November 14, 2013
When we get tired or discouraged we can look to Christ’s example. Many a pastor, missionary or Christian worker has quit because of the complaint of one or two people. We tend to over-estimate the number who complain and under-estimate those who encourage us. We say things like, “Everybody is against me” when there are only a few. Looking to Jesus, who endured even unto the cross is more than a model to emulate. He is the risen Lord and therefore able to live in and through us, so that we have His indomitable life and resurrection power available to us. Consider this Jesus who never gave up the next time you feel like quitting.
November 12, 2013
The assumption that the origin of the universe can be extrapolated from its present visible condition is here denied. The Bible teaches that God spoke the universe into existence, ex nihilo – out of nothing. We were not there when this happened, but God has revealed this to us through His Word. According to Hebrews, those listed in chapter eleven’s “faith hall of fame” had a faith that included this foundational truth: God created the universe and we are His creation.
November 11, 2013
Like the antelope that wanders off from the herd on its own and is eaten by the lion, so is the vulnerability of the believer who begins to isolate from gathering with other believers. Being stirred up to “love and good works” may disturb us, but it is necessary for our growth and maturity.
November 6, 2013
Jesus is our Great High Priest. He stands between God and man as our Mediator. His salvation is not partial or temporary but to the “uttermost.” Jesus saves us by His sacrificial death and then He keeps us by the power of His resurrection life.
November 2, 2013
The Bible is not just some old, hard-to-read, leather bound book. It is living and active. It is like a scalpel in the hands of the Great Physician when we submit to His Lordship, allowing Him to cut away the flesh and give us a new heart. Don’t handle this Book flippantly. It’s not a coffee table book or coaster. It’s not just a wedding or graduation gift. When unsheathed, it’s sharper than any two-edged sword that never needs sharpening. Handle it with care.
November 1, 2013
Hearing and listening are not the same. Our ears may hear a sound without tuning in to understand. But listening goes to the heart and produces understanding. This understanding at the heart level makes it possible to respond to God’s voice. What causes hard hearts? Hearing God’s voice without leaning in to understand and reply with obedience. This continual turning away instead of turning towards results in callused hearts and spiritual deafness.
October 31, 2013
Praying to Jesus, we do not pray to One who is distant and unaware of our feelings and temptations. He has suffered and been tempted, yet without sin. He is well acquainted with our griefs. Do not try and overcome temptation alone. Cry out to the One who cares. He understands and will help.