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The Mountain Of God–Hebrews 12 Part 3

23 Wednesday Aug 2017

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We often forget that our God is awesome. We focus upon the grace and mercy he has offered us as his children, and forget that he is the creator and all powerful God.  The children of Israel were very aware of the awesomeness of God.  They saw first hand as they came to Mount Sinai.  They knew not to touch the smoking and trembling Mountain of God–for to do so, would mean certain death.

Then Christ came and changed the relationship.  We no longer focused upon his power and wrath; instead, we were able to focus upon his desire to have a relationship with us.  He demonstrated that love by sacrificing his life while we were yet sinners.  Romans 5:8.  None the less, we who are able to meet God at Mount Zion–the mountain of promise, still need to show the respect and reverence deserved by the mighty God of Mount Sinai.

There is no wiser, no more powerful, no more knowledgeable being in the universe–than our awesome God.  We simply need to trust him, follow him and believe he is the mighty God of the Heavens and Earth. 

God Bless You 

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy;without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Mountain of Fear and the Mountain of Joy

18 You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; 19 to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, 20 because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”[c] 21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”[d]

22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

The Discipline for Champions–Hebrews 12 Part 2

22 Tuesday Aug 2017

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In keeping with the thought of racing before the “Faith Hall of Famers”  the writer of Hebrews reminds us of the discipline it takes to win a race.  We want to be done with the training and to lay by the pool as some sort of spiritual Diva.  We do not want to fight in the war, we want to minister in our wealth.  We want to entertain and speak of the great blessings we receive from God…

One need only to have raised children to realize that it is the scrapes, the tears, the struggles and the discipline that makes our kids great–not the toys, the trips to the amusement park or the bowing to every whim.  In fact, the latter make the kids soft, spoiled and unruly.  Further, when we see the training of professional soldiers, athletes and doctors–it is rigorous and often seemingly unbearable–but produces the best people to fulfill their mission.

In our journey, we need to welcome the training and the discipline.  Rest assured, it will be unpleasant, and often seemingly unbearable. But, as we work through the daily struggles, we see God making us into the professional soldiers we need to be to complete the mission for which we are called.  His spirit comforts us, guides us strengthens us and carries the work to completion until his return. 

I Corinthians 10:13 promises our discipline is common. We won’t be pushed beyond our abilities.  And we will have a way to walk away.  He will prepare us, build us and train us so that we can finish the race and keep the faith.  Welcome the training and the discipline–then we can truly see God’s plan worked in our lives!

God Bless You

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

What God Accomplishes With Our Faith–Hebrews 11 part 4

17 Thursday Aug 2017

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As we continue to look at faith–so far we see that without it it is impossible to please God.  We have seen that people of faith show up when the going gets tough, the we have seen that it is inevitable, that faith impacts those whose lives we encounter.  Finally, there is a certain set of things that faith accomplishes.  

As one studies the folks that make up the faith hall of fame, by the world’s standard–they were not much to speak of.  Wanderers–like the Israelites, prostitutes–like Rahab, mild mannered  farmers–like Gideon, shepherds–like David, temple boys–like Samuel.  None were “SuperHero” prototypes. Yet, in each of their lives, God accomplished mighty things because they trusted Him.  Walls fell, nations rose, kingdoms were established and the salvation of the world accomplished–not because of their profiles; but, but all because of their faith.  In each scenario, It was ultimately God who was highlighted–not the person he used.

In our time, if we–who are simple, allow God–who accomplishes great things; to simply take control and take the glory–then, like the people described in Hebrew 11, God can use us to complete his plan.  We must brace for battle–our enemy does not like to be defeated. We will encounter trials, tribulations, taunts and temptation. We also must grasp that we accomplish most by stepping back and allowing God to work.  At any point, if we try to take control or take the glory; then, we nullify our ability to be used by him.  He simply seeks our availability–if we oblige, then he will provide the means and the result–and we will be blessed.

It won’t be easy, and it won’t be obvious–but, when God uses us to execute his plan–we will be a part of something so much greater than we could ever hope or imagine.  

God Bless You

It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.

31 It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.35 Women received their loved ones back again from death.

But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half,[d] and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.

The Life of Faith–Hebrews 11 Part 1

14 Monday Aug 2017

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The life of faith is not a new advent from the time of Christ’s resurrection.  The life of faith has been a critical component of man’s relationship to God from the very beginning.  The “Faith Hall of Fame” in Hebrews 11, looks at the difference faith has made in the lives of believers.  It is most enlightening,in fact, that–as the discussion begins, it begins with Cain and Able–back at the very beginning.

Faith is a combination of trust and action.  It is not that people simply believe what God says; they also live and walk in a way that demonstrates that belief.  Able demonstrated his faith by giving his first and best sacrifice.  Enoch demonstrated his faith by walking so closely with God, that God literally brought him on up to heaven without him having to experience death.  These demonstrations of faith simply represent the the core truth–without faith, it is impossible to please God! 

In our lives, faith looks different for each of us.  Like Enoch and Able, the demonstrations are dramatically different.  The core, however, is the same–“Do I believe God, and believe he will reward those that diligently seek him?”  In each of our lives, we choose daily to walk by faith.  As we make the choice; the things we say and do stand out as unique and glorifying to God.  Acts of faith are not rated as big or small; awesome or OK–they are simply signs that we have moved out of the way and allowed God to lead.  In God’s eyes, that is huge!

God Bless You

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.”[a] For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

The Gift of Community–Hebrews 10 Part 2

11 Friday Aug 2017

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In God’s eyes, it is all good news.  He never promised the journey would be easy, nor did he promise that following him would come without trial, temptation and spiritual battle.  What he has promised, is that he will walk with us through the battle and will provide, protect and prepare his people for the journey ahead.  But, God knew that people needed community to be able to face the issues and battles of life.  
 
So, while he cleanses our hearts of the sin that separates us from him; he also provides a community of believers that will come along side to meet us where we are, and provide the encouragement necessary to face the trials set before us. As a family, we have seen God send people in to literally make possible what at the time seemed absolutely impossible.  Time and again, it has been the fellowship of believers that have restored lives, saved families, healed the sick and mended the broken-hearted.
 
The writer reminds us that we are to encourage, and come along side one another–not to judge, but to build up, spur-on and provide the support that only a person with skin on their face and arms to hug with can do. We have to get a little messy and love those that need it–because , rest assured, the world will not!!! We are warned not to forsake meeting together–that is what charges our batteries, and makes us ready to face this journey to the end.
 
God Bless You
 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Great Mediator–Hebrews 8

08 Tuesday Aug 2017

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It is overwhelming to understand the depth of the difference Christ made as a mediator between God and men.  When Abram met Melchizedek, it was clear he was set apart from other high priests.  It was his relationship with God and the person he was that made him the mediator between God and Abram.  The Levitical priests were mediators by heritage–Moses, Aaron and those that came after learned to serve by the tradition of their lineage.  Their personal sin made their mediation temporary and men’s atonement only a stop gap without permanent change of heart or position.

Christ, from the tribe of Judah became the great and last mediator between men and God.  His personal sacrifice was the game changer that resolved men’s sin once and for all. his death and resurrection made the old sacrificial system useless.  If men would receive his gift, their sin would be forgiven once and for all.

We need to celebrate and worship the true mediator that has changed our heart and our relationship with God.  He now draws us directly into the Holy of Holy’s with God.  We can communicate and seek God directly. Because of Christ, our sin is forgiven and our life restored to its eternal condition.  The old is gone and the new has come. 

God Bless You

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah,and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”[a]

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless. 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

God’s Grace Saves Us–Hebrews 6 Part 1

04 Friday Aug 2017

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There are passages in scripture that make us scratch our heads…This passage has been the center of all kinds of controversy. Some use this scripture to speak of losing their salvation.  Others use it to support the idea that there are proper rules and traditions that belong to the faith.  As I have studied this scripture, I am continually reminded that once you have been saved by God’s grace, it is not a change that one can alter by their choice or actions.  

In old doctrinal speak–the phrase is “once saved always saved.”  If you truly give your life to Christ, then in his words, nothing can take you from his hand. The writer of Hebrews is reminding us that if we are unable to earn salvation through our actions; how much more difficult would it be to treat the faith like an open house–come and go as you please. If you could lose your salvation by your actions, it would be impossible to regain it again–that would mean Christ’s initial sacrifice was not sufficient to save you from all your sin.

Simply put, God loves us and if we surrender our lives to him, we will be different. We will never be completely perfect–but, we will be a work in progress. If there is never a change, we need to reflect on the decision to follow him and determine if we chose truly to do so. It is not about the words, it is about life change. Paul said it best–“If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation! The old is gone and the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

God Bless You

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God,2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting,we will do so.

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Fat Little Baby Christians–Hebrews 5 Part 2

03 Thursday Aug 2017

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It is so tempting to keep it light and just stay on the fringes of faith.  So many Christians go to church once a week, acknowledge their faith if pressed, and they “don’t do anything wrong”.  But, in their mind, truth be told, their faith does not sustain their life.  It is a necessary but only small part of their daily routine. They still pick themselves up each day and do life on their own! The writer of Hebrews saw several people in that position.  He made clear that this walk needed to be active and maturing.  Christians must not try to nourish our spiritual lives on the baby food of the faith.  We need to dig in to the meat of God’s word and live in the battle of life–as his child; growing and becoming spiritual ladies and gentlemen.

To accomplish that feat, we have to realize that we are not samplers of God, but we place our lives in his trust and follow him into battle daily.  To do that successfully, we need to learn seek and know Him.  We need to embrace the faith we have been given, and allow Him to mature and complete us. We then will be ready to eat the solid food of our faith!  In fact, we can go strictly fruit…of the spirit! LOL.

God Bless You

 

 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Jesus Our Great High Priest–Hebrews 4 Final

28 Friday Jul 2017

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The role of High Priest is to be the liaison between God and Man.  Often, there was a disconnect between the high priest and those for whom he bridged the gap.  Being raised in a priestly household and serving in the temple since youth, gave a narrow perspective; and so often, the priests would not be responsive–nor would they relate to the needs of the people in their community.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was a high priest that understood the people he shepherded.  He experienced every pain, trial and temptation his people faced.  He understood the power of temptation and the chaos of the human experience.  He endured pain, rejection and a spiritual onslaught of attacks from the enemy. Still, he came through that sinless and even more committed to people’s salvation and abundant life of purpose.

When we come to Christ, we do so knowing he is passionate about filling the gap between God and man.  He is neither surprised by our unique circumstances; nor, do they cause him to walk away from us.  He is an ardent advocate for us, and he wants nothing more than to restore the personal and eternal relationship between us and the Heavenly Father.  He only asks us to trust him and follow him humbly and gratefully.  As we do he will fill the gap between a holy God and a sinful community of folks like us.  What a great high priest!

God Bless You

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[f] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

God’s Greatest Weapon–Hebrews 4 Part 2

27 Thursday Jul 2017

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It is the greatest weapon of all.  God’s word prepares us to face the world, face our own issues, face the enemy and ultimately come face to face with God.  Throughout scripture, God has made it clear that this book is more than a nice read.  It is a living and active source for power in the believer’s life.  Psalms 119-the longest Bible chapter is a chapter about, the Bible. In His description of spiritual armor,Paul makes the Bible the only piece used offensively, the remainder is defensive armor.  The Bible not only gives us God’s history of men on earth, it gives us a sense of his love and commitment to the relationship between us and him.

So what does that mean for us? We need to hide His word in our heart–then we will be prepared for life, for ministry and for Heaven.  We can face any issue,trial or temptation–armed to be victorious.  And when all hope seems lost–it is his word that reminds us to stand firm and never lose hope.  We have been gifted with new life, a spirit to guide us, and his word to lead, guide and direct us.  Thanks Lord, for Your word, the greatest battle tool of all.

God Bless You

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.