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Hebrews 11 - How Do You Make It Into the Hall of Faith?

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 11 1 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.” 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. Hebrews 11:1 is probably the best definition of faith in the bible. Faith is about confidence and assurance. We can...

Hebrews 10 - We Are Being Made Holy By Grace Through Faith!

Hebrews 10 - NIV (Clear Here to Read or Listen) 10 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. 4 It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every priest stan...

Hebrews 9 - The Importance of the Tabernacle Then and Now!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 9   Worship in the Earthly Tabernacle 9 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ...

Hebrews 8 - What Was New About the "New Covenant"?

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 8 7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said[b]:  “The days are coming, declares the Lord,  when I will make a new covenant  with the people of Israel  and with the people of Judah.  9 It will not be like the covenant  I made with their ancestors  when I took them by the hand  to lead them out of Egypt,  because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,  and I turned away from them,  declares the Lord.  10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel  after that time, declares the Lord.  I will put my laws in their minds  and write them on their hearts.  I will be their God,  and they will be my people.  11 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’  because they will all know me,...

Hebrews 7 - Jesus Is the Superior Priest!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 7 For it is declared:  “You are a priest forever,  in the order of Melchizedek.”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. 20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” 22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[c] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted ab...

Hebrews 6 - Let's Move Beyond Elementary School!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 6 6 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, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.  These verses contain both a call to grow to maturity and also a warning to those who fallen away from the faith. The term " backsliders " has been used in our day. The writer urgest them to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ.  What does that mean?   Someone has likened it to moving past the "ABC's" and "Times Tables" to spelling, writing and solving math problems. He uses the example of " repentance from acts that lead to death " and " faith in God ".  Today we might characterize this as someone who comes into a personal relationshi...

Hebrews 5 - Who is King Melchizedek And Why Is He Important?

  Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 5 5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.  5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,  “You are my Son;  today I have become your Father.”  6 And he says in another place,  “You are a priest forever,  in the order of Melchizedek.”  7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his r...

Hebrews 4 - Where Do You Find True Rest?

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 4 A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God 4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,  “So I declared on oath in my anger,  ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”  And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”  6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, ...

Hebrew 3 - The Power of "Today!"

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 3 Overview of Hebrews 3 12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. The author calls the Hebrews, his holy brothers and sisters, showing us his personal relationship with them. The author uses the ministry of Moses, one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. Moses was obedient and built God's house, but Jesus is the ruler and owner of God's house. Though Moses delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea, the Israelites forgot about it and soon rebelled in the desert worshipping other gods.  Since he is writing to a Jewish audience, he uses this example to warn the Hebrews of falling into the same trap their ancestors did....

Hebrews 2 - What Makes Christianity Different From Every Other Religion?

Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 2 Click Here for an Overview for Hebrews 2 Verses for Today "16 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:16-18) What Does This Mean?  As you might have read in the overview, the purpose of Hebrews 2 is to show the humanity. It shows how Jesus willingly entered into the human race to identify with us in every way possible, even deat...

Hebrews 1 - Who Is Your Right Hand Man?

Overview to the Book of Hebrews Click Here to Listen to Or Read Hebrews  Verses of the Day: God’s Final Word: His Son 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 , sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. What Does This Mean?  As mentioned in the overview the letter, to the Hebrews is anonymous, though the leading candidate has often been the apostle Paul. The problem is stylistically it does compare very well to his other letters. Also, the major themes and concepts from his other letters are not found in Hebrews. Importantly we know the author of Hebrews is writing to Jewish Christians...

Philemon - The Church Shouldn't Shoot Their Wounded!

Click Here to Read or Listen to Paul's Letter to Philemon Background on the Letter to Philemon 8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. 12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary Philemon was a wealthy slaveowner who also hosted a house church. We know Paul is a brilliant theologian, incredible missionary, but he also had a huge pastor's heart. Onesimus had ended...

Titus 3 - Why You Should Vote on November 3rd?

Click to Read or Listen to Titus 3 Overview of Titus 3 Verses for the Day Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. What Does This Mean? Today there seems to be only distrust by disdain for our government. A lot of people have stopped watching the news. Or, they get in a really bad mood after watching it. Why? Because there is nothing positive or seemingly redeeming about it. However, I believe despite the amount of diviseness and vitriol which spews forth every day from both political parties, we need to both be aware of what is happening in our world and stay involved in the political process. And think today and other biblical passages would back that up. The most obvious way to do this is to vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.   This is one of the most sacred and important rights and freedom we have in our country as we...

Titus 2 - Grace Is Our Teacher!!!

Click Here to Listen to or Read Titus 2 - NIV 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. What Does This Mean? Again today Paul is teaching Titus about the interplay between grace and works. Or, probably more aptly how grace transforms us, so that works flow and our character is displayed. Though we are not saved by works, grace still teaches us to say "no to ungodliness and worldly passions".  You might say that grace teaches to say "no" to things, as it is not a " get of out jail free card ". (Bibleref.com) Grace and godly living are not op...

Titus 1 - What Does Sound Doctrine Mean, And Why Is It Important?

Titus 1 - NIV   Overview of Titus Summary: Paul's letter to Titus was written in the mid-60s AD to establish church leadership and confront false teachers on the island of Crete. Key Verses in Chapter 1:5-9: The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. What Does This Mean? The word " elder " also means " ove...

2 Timothy 4 - Church Shopping Is Not All It's Cracked Up to Be!

2 Timothy 4 - NIV 4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. As Paul closes his second letter to Timothy, he gives him his final charge. Paul feels, " the time of his departure is near" .  Paul is writing from prison and facing imminent martyrdom.  As you read through this whole chapter, you will see several names of peop...

2 Timothy 3 - What Do You Need the Bible For?

2 Timothy 3 - NIV 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. We know from 2 Timothy 1, that Timothy was greatly influenced by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. In Acts 16, we learn that Eunice was a Jewish believer, and Timothy's father was a Gentile. We don't here anything more about him, but we do know that Timothy's grandmother, Lois, also played a major role in his Christian upbringing.  Paul reminds us that Timothy was brought up to know the scriptures even from infancy, which could mean either an infant or young child. In either case, Timothy...