After a long week at my new job, I am very glad to be posting the Weekend Sermon. This is my favorite part of the week when I get a chance to do what I believe God has called me to do on His behalf.
I want to thank the Lord for helping me to get the bills paid this month. With my new job and my writing income, my finances have improved somewhat. Thank you to all of those who prayed on my behalf on this matter.
This week, I would like our prayer focus to be on the nation of Thailand. Thailand is a country where about 95 percent of the people are Buddhists. Only about 4 percent of the population is part of the Christian faith. Let us all pray for the missionaries and others who are trying to spread the good news of the love of Jesus in this country.
In last week's message, we finished our discussion of the superiority of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. We also saw that Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant. This new and better covenant was sealed by the shedding of Jesus' own blood on the cross. We can have a relationship with the Father and have the forgiveness of sins because of what Jesus accomplished on our behalf through His death and resurrection.
Today, we will see that the book of Hebrews describes Jesus as the superior or ultimate example for life and faith. Hebrews chapter 11 is one of the great chapters in all of the New Testament. Some have called this chapter the Hall of Fame of Faith.
Hebrews 11 begins by giving the reader examples of Godly individuals who by faith lived lives that were pleasing to the Lord. Abel is commended because he offered an excellent sacrifice that was pleasing to God. Enoch was a prophet and man of faith who did not die but was taken to Heaven by the Lord.
Noah is a great example of faith. God told Noah that it was going to rain and flood the world. Noah was ordered to build the ark and bring the animals into the ark for safety. Noah proclaimed God's message of warning to the people for years, but only Noah and his family heeded the Word of the Lord and were saved in the ark.
Abraham was a great example of a person living a life of faith and righteousness. God called Abraham to leave the city of Ur and go into a land that God would show him. Abraham by faith believed in the Lord's word and left all of the things of Ur behind to follow the Lord's promise.
Abraham also demonstrated great faith and trust in God when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham was willing to do what God asked of him, but Abraham knew in his heart that God could raise Isaac back to life again if need be.
Jacob and his son Joseph are also listed as examples of faith and righteousness. Joseph could have become discouraged and given up on doing right many times. However, Joseph believed in God, and Joseph always did what the Lord required.
Moses is one of the Old Testament's great examples of a man of faith. He led the people of Israel through the difficult times when they were wandering in the wilderness for forty years. Moses received the Law of God on Mount Sinai. He is the author of the first five books of the Old Testament.
The writer of the book of Hebrews goes on to mention several other people who are examples of faith and goodness. Rahab, Gideon, David, Samuel and the prophets are mentioned. David was called a man after God's own heart. Many of the prophets served the Lord faithfully. Many even sacrificed their lives in God's service.
Each of these individuals is an example for us in our lives today. We should read the Scriptures and learn about how these people lived out their lives in obedience to the Word of the Lord.
As great as these people were, Jesus is the superior example of faith and righteousness. Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one that we should look to as our ultimate example.
Jesus lived a perfect, holy and sinless life. He always obeyed and fulfilled the will of the Father in Heaven.
Being a Christian means asking the question what would Jesus do in the situations we face in life. We are to be true followers of Jesus. I John 2:6 says that we are to walk in the same way that Jesus walked. What does this mean?
This means that we should follow the example of Jesus in everything that we do. The way we do this is by finding out what Jesus did while He was here on earth. The Bible records much of what Jesus did and taught in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I encourage you to read and study diligently the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus. We as His followers are called to be imitators of our Lord. The only way that we can do what Jesus did is if we know what Jesus did when He ministered on earth. Please, study the Scriptures. Make it a point every day to read and study the words of Jesus in addition to any other Bible reading that you do. Following Jesus is what the Christian faith is all about.
One thing that we know that Jesus did and we are to do as well is that Jesus loved everyone. He did not discriminate against any person. Jesus said that whosoever will may come unto the Him. He would not cast anyone out. We need to share the message of Jesus' love with everyone. Many people in this world feel as if no one cares about them. Jesus cares. He clearly demonstrated His love and concern while on earth. Jesus healed the sick, He feed the hungry and He preached a message of love. We as Jesus' followers must be His ambassadors on earth caring for the hurting and helping those who are in need.
Whenever you are faced with a challenge in life, or you wonder how you should act in any given situation, look to Jesus. Go to the Bible and find out how Jesus responded in a similar situation, and then go and do likewise. Also, be in prayer and communion with the Lord Jesus every day. Ask Him to lead you and guide you so that you can know what to do. If you tell Him that you want to act in a way that is pleasing to Him, Jesus will help you to do the right thing.
Always look to Jesus. I can't emphasize that enough. He is the one who the Christian faith is all about. Follow the superior example of Jesus, and be His true disciple.
Next week, I will post a book review on Wednesday. I am currently reading some good animal books, and I will review one of them. Next Friday, I will conclude our series of messages from the book of Hebrews. May God bless you. Amen.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Review
Today I am not reviewing a book. I would like to recommend a study Bible that I have found to be very helpful and informative. The Nelson Study Bible is one of the best study Bibles I've come across. I have a whole collection of different study Bibles, and I find that the Bible that gives me the most information on a topic is the Nelson Study Bible. If you are considering purchasing a study Bible, consider the Nelson Study Bible. It is solidly conservative and evangelical in its outlook. This Bible is filled with notes, charts and articles.
This Friday I will try to post the Weekend Sermon. We are expected to have bad winter weather Friday through Monday. I will do what I can.
This Friday I will try to post the Weekend Sermon. We are expected to have bad winter weather Friday through Monday. I will do what I can.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Weekend Sermon-- Hebrews (pt. 7)
It is good to be here again this week for another edition of the Weekend Sermon. It has been a good week in many ways. I want to start out today by thanking the Lord for a good week of work. I've been working at my new job for two weeks now, and things seem to be going fairly well. I am also getting quite a bit of writing work as well.
I would like to thank everyone who prayed on my behalf that I would be able to find a job to help make ends meet. It seemed like it took a long time, but the Lord has provided. Praise be to the name of the Lord.
For our prayer focus country this week, I would like us to pray for the nation of India. India is the second most populous country in the world, but only about 2 percent of the people in this vast nation are Christians. Let us all pray for the Lord to move in this nation that many people might come to faith in the Risen Lord Jesus.
In last week's message, we studied the way that Jesus is our high priest. Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are, yet Jesus was completely without sin. Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because He lived as a human being experiencing what we experience. We also saw that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek and not a Levitical priest. The priests in the Old Testament were required to continually bring the sacrifices to the altar. Jesus was the once for all time sacrifice for sin. Jesus was the spotless and sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Because of this, Jesus has a superior priesthood.
Today, we will explore a little more of what Jesus' high priesthood entails. We will also see that the book of Hebrews says that Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant.
The Old Covenant that the people lived under before the coming of Jesus was based upon the law. God revealed to Moses that the people were to obey the laws that God had given to them. When the people broke the law and sinned against the Lord, they were to bring a sacrifice in offering for their forgiveness. These sacrifices could only cover sin, they could not remove sin and deal with the problem of sin on a permanent basis.
The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were signs and symbols of the new and better way that would be inaugurated at the coming of the Messiah. The first covenant was not sufficient. The Lord told the people through the prophet Jeremiah that a day of a new covenant was coming. Hebrews 8: 8-12 records this prophesy from Jeremiah that states, "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Jesus is the mediator of this new and better covenant. And this new and better covenant was sealed by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. Now, what is superior about this new covenant? First of all, under the sacrificial system, animals had to continually be offered in sacrifice. Year after year, atonement had to be made. The blood of these animals could not take away sins. It was a temporary solution to the problem of sin. Now, when Jesus came, His sacrifice solved the problem of sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to deal with the problem of sin. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.
Jesus died once for all. When we accept Jesus into our lives as Savior and Lord, our sins are not covered up, they are washed away. We don't have to keep asking Jesus to save us from our sin. When a person comes to Christ, he becomes a new creation. The old sinfulness is wiped away. We are forgiven of our sins past, present and future because of what Jesus has accomplished for us.
Now that Jesus has accomplished the work of redemption through His death and resurrection, He is seated at the right hand of the Father where He is our advocate with the Father, and He makes intercession for us with the Father.
Jesus will remain at the Father's right hand until the time comes for Him to return to earth and entirely complete the redemptive program. When Jesus comes again, the final part of the redemption will be enacted. The world will be restored by Jesus to the way that it was before sin entered into the world. All of the consequences of sin will be removed from the world, and ultimate deliverance will be obtained for all of creation. There is no way that an earthly high priest could do that. Jesus is superior in every way.
You can experience the forgiveness and grace of the Lord Jesus. If you repent of your sins, believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He rose bodily from the grave, you can receive new life in Christ. Also, you must be willing to accept Jesus as the Lord of your life. You must be willing to follow Him in the way that He leads.
Next week, we will study the way that Jesus is our superior example as we look at Hebrews chapter 11 and 12. On Wednesday, I will post a review. May God bless you. Amen.
I would like to thank everyone who prayed on my behalf that I would be able to find a job to help make ends meet. It seemed like it took a long time, but the Lord has provided. Praise be to the name of the Lord.
For our prayer focus country this week, I would like us to pray for the nation of India. India is the second most populous country in the world, but only about 2 percent of the people in this vast nation are Christians. Let us all pray for the Lord to move in this nation that many people might come to faith in the Risen Lord Jesus.
In last week's message, we studied the way that Jesus is our high priest. Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are, yet Jesus was completely without sin. Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because He lived as a human being experiencing what we experience. We also saw that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek and not a Levitical priest. The priests in the Old Testament were required to continually bring the sacrifices to the altar. Jesus was the once for all time sacrifice for sin. Jesus was the spotless and sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Because of this, Jesus has a superior priesthood.
Today, we will explore a little more of what Jesus' high priesthood entails. We will also see that the book of Hebrews says that Jesus is the mediator of a new and better covenant.
The Old Covenant that the people lived under before the coming of Jesus was based upon the law. God revealed to Moses that the people were to obey the laws that God had given to them. When the people broke the law and sinned against the Lord, they were to bring a sacrifice in offering for their forgiveness. These sacrifices could only cover sin, they could not remove sin and deal with the problem of sin on a permanent basis.
The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were signs and symbols of the new and better way that would be inaugurated at the coming of the Messiah. The first covenant was not sufficient. The Lord told the people through the prophet Jeremiah that a day of a new covenant was coming. Hebrews 8: 8-12 records this prophesy from Jeremiah that states, "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Jesus is the mediator of this new and better covenant. And this new and better covenant was sealed by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. Now, what is superior about this new covenant? First of all, under the sacrificial system, animals had to continually be offered in sacrifice. Year after year, atonement had to be made. The blood of these animals could not take away sins. It was a temporary solution to the problem of sin. Now, when Jesus came, His sacrifice solved the problem of sin. Jesus sacrificed Himself to deal with the problem of sin. Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.
Jesus died once for all. When we accept Jesus into our lives as Savior and Lord, our sins are not covered up, they are washed away. We don't have to keep asking Jesus to save us from our sin. When a person comes to Christ, he becomes a new creation. The old sinfulness is wiped away. We are forgiven of our sins past, present and future because of what Jesus has accomplished for us.
Now that Jesus has accomplished the work of redemption through His death and resurrection, He is seated at the right hand of the Father where He is our advocate with the Father, and He makes intercession for us with the Father.
Jesus will remain at the Father's right hand until the time comes for Him to return to earth and entirely complete the redemptive program. When Jesus comes again, the final part of the redemption will be enacted. The world will be restored by Jesus to the way that it was before sin entered into the world. All of the consequences of sin will be removed from the world, and ultimate deliverance will be obtained for all of creation. There is no way that an earthly high priest could do that. Jesus is superior in every way.
You can experience the forgiveness and grace of the Lord Jesus. If you repent of your sins, believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He rose bodily from the grave, you can receive new life in Christ. Also, you must be willing to accept Jesus as the Lord of your life. You must be willing to follow Him in the way that He leads.
Next week, we will study the way that Jesus is our superior example as we look at Hebrews chapter 11 and 12. On Wednesday, I will post a review. May God bless you. Amen.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Book Review--For Bea
The book that I am reviewing today is "For Bea: The Story of the Beagle Who Changed My Life" written by Kristen Von Kreisler. Kristen Von Kreisler is also the author of the book "The Compassion of Animals" that I reviewed a few weeks ago. In this book, the author tells about how a rescued beagle made a big difference in her life. The author and her husband were out walking their German shepherd one evening when they came across a stray beagle. They took the beagle home, and they later learned that the dog was once used as a laboratory animal.
When Bea the beagle first came to live with the author, the dog was distant and really didn't respond to people. Over the course of the book, the author reveals how Bea came around from an early life of abuse.
I highly recommend this book. It is well written, and it contains much information about the horrible treatment of animals used in experimentation.
When Bea the beagle first came to live with the author, the dog was distant and really didn't respond to people. Over the course of the book, the author reveals how Bea came around from an early life of abuse.
I highly recommend this book. It is well written, and it contains much information about the horrible treatment of animals used in experimentation.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Weekend Sermon--Hebrews(Pt 6)
Welcome today to the Weekend Sermon. I am glad to be with you. I had to post the sermon today instead of on Friday because I started a new job this week, and my schedule is changing. I am very grateful to the Lord for my job, and I am thankful to all of those who prayed that I might find another job to supplement my writing income and help make ends meet.
I also want to thank the Lord for something that I think is quite miraculous. I prayed this week that I would have the resources to pay my car insurance bill at the end of the month. Today, someone who I only met once in my life gave me some money to help me out. I was thankful and in shock. May the Lord be praised for this answer to prayer.
For the past couple of weeks, we have been praying each week for a different country of the world where their are only a few Christians. This week, I would like us to pray for the spread of the Gospel in Bhutan. Bhutan is a mountain kingdom whose official religion is Buddhism. Less than 2 percent of the people are Christians. Let us pray for Bhutan.
In last week's message, we looked at the fact that Jesus provides a superior rest. The people of Israel were not able to fully enter into the rest that was promised to them. Jesus provides rest. Jesus said that we should come to Him, and He would give us rest for our souls. The nation of Israel will receive the rest of security and the fulness of dwelling in the land of promise at Christ's return. All of the created order will know rest from turmoil, strife and war when Jesus comes again.
Today, we turn our attention to Jesus as High Priest. This subject actually takes up several chapters in the book of Hebrews, so it may take us more than one or two weeks to fully cover the idea that the high priestly ministry performed by Jesus is superior to the high priestly ministry of the high priests who ministered in the earthly temple. Hebrews will also tells us that Jesus has a superior high priesthood because He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek and not part of the Aaronic priesthood.
To really understand all that Hebrews is teaching on this subject, a person should be familiar with the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. This book describes in detail the requirements for the priests and the high priest and the way in which the sacrifices and the offerings were to be administered.
Unfortunately, many people do not read this important book. I have actually heard ministers talk about how boring it is to read Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. First of all, the Bible is not boring. Every word that God has graciously provided for us is given for a reason. When ministers say things like this, it discourages people from reading the Bible. I want to encourage you to read the Bible. Read the entire Bible. Start with the Gospels. This is the most important thing. However, read and study the whole counsel of God.
The high priest's main duty was to go into the Holy of Holies in the innermost part of the Temple once a year on the Day of Atonement. The high priest went into the presence of God with the blood to make atonement for the sins of the people. This was done on an annual basis. The offering had to be given over and over again.
Another important thing to understand about the priests was the fact that all of the priests were to come from the tribe of Levi. No one except a Levite could serve as a priest or as high priest. Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. Jesus is not part of the Aaronic priesthood. The Bible says that Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus' high priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because it is divinely established and not based on human heredity.
Hebrews 5: 5-6 make it clear that Jesus' high priestly role and calling were given to Him by the Father. Hebrews 5:6 says, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
So, now that we have seen the importance of the high priest and something of the ministry the high priest performed, let's examine what Hebrews has to say about Jesus as our high priest in some more detail.
First of all, Jesus is a compassionate high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. What does this mean? Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. He knew what it was like from living as a man to experience what we as human beings go through. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted in all manner like we are, yet He did not commit any sins. In other words, Jesus understands what we are going through. He can help us in our times of trial and trouble.
I find this thought very comforting. Jesus understands what it is like to mourn. When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. He knows what it is like to experience the death of someone close to Him. Jesus knows what it feels like to be misunderstood. His closest followers didn't understand many of the things He tried to tell them. Jesus knows what it feels like to be betrayed by a friend. Judas was one of the original twelve disciples, and he sold Jesus out for a little bit of money. Jesus experienced pain and hurt, so he knows what we feel. Anytime that we are facing a hard time and wonder if anyone understands what we are going through, rest assured that Jesus knows, He understands and He cares. He's been there as well.
Because Jesus is our high priest and knows what we go through, the Bible says that we can come to the throne of God to receive mercy and grace. As children of God, we should never fear to come into the presence of the Lord. Jesus understands and wants to help us when we need help. He wants to forgive us and make us whole again.
Now, why was a new priesthood necessary? The old priesthood ministered under the old covenant. Under the old covenant, the people were required to continuously make sacrifice for sin. When a person sinned, a sin offering was made, and that particular sin was atoned for. If another sin was committed, another sin offering must be made. Each year, the high priest had to go into the holy place with the blood for the people's atonement. There was no completion under the Old Covenant.
Jesus' priesthood is superior to the priesthood of the Old Covenant. Jesus does not have to continually make a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the high priest of a New Covenant, Jesus was the sacrifice for sin. Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. When Jesus was on the cross, He bore our sins in His body. He then took His own blood and applied to the mercy seat in Heaven as a once and for all final sacrifice of atonement for sin. No more lambs and bulls needed to be sacrificed. Jesus' blood does not have to be offered up over and over again to the Father. Jesus has completed the work of redemption. We have a new and better covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus. The problem of sin has been dealt with by Jesus Christ who is the Great High Priest. He is the administrator of a better covenant.
There is quite a lot more that Hebrews describes about the high priestly ministry of Jesus, and we will get into that more next week. Just let me say this. Jesus is the way of salvation. He shed His blood for the redemption of all the created order. Those who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus will be forgiven and they will have eternal life. If you have never trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord, I invite you to do so today. If you would like to accept Jesus, and you need answers to questions, don't hesitate to contact me. I am willing to talk with anyone who desires a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Next week, I will try to post a review on Wednesday. Next weekend, I will post a sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
I also want to thank the Lord for something that I think is quite miraculous. I prayed this week that I would have the resources to pay my car insurance bill at the end of the month. Today, someone who I only met once in my life gave me some money to help me out. I was thankful and in shock. May the Lord be praised for this answer to prayer.
For the past couple of weeks, we have been praying each week for a different country of the world where their are only a few Christians. This week, I would like us to pray for the spread of the Gospel in Bhutan. Bhutan is a mountain kingdom whose official religion is Buddhism. Less than 2 percent of the people are Christians. Let us pray for Bhutan.
In last week's message, we looked at the fact that Jesus provides a superior rest. The people of Israel were not able to fully enter into the rest that was promised to them. Jesus provides rest. Jesus said that we should come to Him, and He would give us rest for our souls. The nation of Israel will receive the rest of security and the fulness of dwelling in the land of promise at Christ's return. All of the created order will know rest from turmoil, strife and war when Jesus comes again.
Today, we turn our attention to Jesus as High Priest. This subject actually takes up several chapters in the book of Hebrews, so it may take us more than one or two weeks to fully cover the idea that the high priestly ministry performed by Jesus is superior to the high priestly ministry of the high priests who ministered in the earthly temple. Hebrews will also tells us that Jesus has a superior high priesthood because He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek and not part of the Aaronic priesthood.
To really understand all that Hebrews is teaching on this subject, a person should be familiar with the book of Leviticus in the Old Testament. This book describes in detail the requirements for the priests and the high priest and the way in which the sacrifices and the offerings were to be administered.
Unfortunately, many people do not read this important book. I have actually heard ministers talk about how boring it is to read Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. First of all, the Bible is not boring. Every word that God has graciously provided for us is given for a reason. When ministers say things like this, it discourages people from reading the Bible. I want to encourage you to read the Bible. Read the entire Bible. Start with the Gospels. This is the most important thing. However, read and study the whole counsel of God.
The high priest's main duty was to go into the Holy of Holies in the innermost part of the Temple once a year on the Day of Atonement. The high priest went into the presence of God with the blood to make atonement for the sins of the people. This was done on an annual basis. The offering had to be given over and over again.
Another important thing to understand about the priests was the fact that all of the priests were to come from the tribe of Levi. No one except a Levite could serve as a priest or as high priest. Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi. Jesus was of the tribe of Judah. Jesus is not part of the Aaronic priesthood. The Bible says that Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus' high priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because it is divinely established and not based on human heredity.
Hebrews 5: 5-6 make it clear that Jesus' high priestly role and calling were given to Him by the Father. Hebrews 5:6 says, "You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."
So, now that we have seen the importance of the high priest and something of the ministry the high priest performed, let's examine what Hebrews has to say about Jesus as our high priest in some more detail.
First of all, Jesus is a compassionate high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. What does this mean? Jesus was both fully divine and fully human. He knew what it was like from living as a man to experience what we as human beings go through. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted in all manner like we are, yet He did not commit any sins. In other words, Jesus understands what we are going through. He can help us in our times of trial and trouble.
I find this thought very comforting. Jesus understands what it is like to mourn. When His friend Lazarus died, Jesus wept. He knows what it is like to experience the death of someone close to Him. Jesus knows what it feels like to be misunderstood. His closest followers didn't understand many of the things He tried to tell them. Jesus knows what it feels like to be betrayed by a friend. Judas was one of the original twelve disciples, and he sold Jesus out for a little bit of money. Jesus experienced pain and hurt, so he knows what we feel. Anytime that we are facing a hard time and wonder if anyone understands what we are going through, rest assured that Jesus knows, He understands and He cares. He's been there as well.
Because Jesus is our high priest and knows what we go through, the Bible says that we can come to the throne of God to receive mercy and grace. As children of God, we should never fear to come into the presence of the Lord. Jesus understands and wants to help us when we need help. He wants to forgive us and make us whole again.
Now, why was a new priesthood necessary? The old priesthood ministered under the old covenant. Under the old covenant, the people were required to continuously make sacrifice for sin. When a person sinned, a sin offering was made, and that particular sin was atoned for. If another sin was committed, another sin offering must be made. Each year, the high priest had to go into the holy place with the blood for the people's atonement. There was no completion under the Old Covenant.
Jesus' priesthood is superior to the priesthood of the Old Covenant. Jesus does not have to continually make a sacrifice for the sins of the world. As the high priest of a New Covenant, Jesus was the sacrifice for sin. Jesus was the spotless Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world. When Jesus was on the cross, He bore our sins in His body. He then took His own blood and applied to the mercy seat in Heaven as a once and for all final sacrifice of atonement for sin. No more lambs and bulls needed to be sacrificed. Jesus' blood does not have to be offered up over and over again to the Father. Jesus has completed the work of redemption. We have a new and better covenant sealed by the blood of Jesus. The problem of sin has been dealt with by Jesus Christ who is the Great High Priest. He is the administrator of a better covenant.
There is quite a lot more that Hebrews describes about the high priestly ministry of Jesus, and we will get into that more next week. Just let me say this. Jesus is the way of salvation. He shed His blood for the redemption of all the created order. Those who put their faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus will be forgiven and they will have eternal life. If you have never trusted in Jesus as Savior and Lord, I invite you to do so today. If you would like to accept Jesus, and you need answers to questions, don't hesitate to contact me. I am willing to talk with anyone who desires a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Next week, I will try to post a review on Wednesday. Next weekend, I will post a sermon. May God bless you. Amen.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Book Review -- Red Dog Rising
For the book review today, I would like to write about a book entitled "Red Dog Rising" written by Jeff Schettler. This is a book about a police officer and his police dog named Ronin. Ronin was a bloodhound who was trained by Jeff to follow the trails of criminals and missing persons. The book begins with Jeff obtaining Ronin as a puppy. Jeff didn't know all the ins and outs of training a bloodhound, but he found some mentors who steered him along the right course. After much persuading, Ronin was allowed to become part of the Alameda Police Department. Much of the book is Jeff's account of the many cases that he and Ronin took part in. They were called upon to find missing persons, murderers and various other criminals.
I highly recommend this book. Most books about police dogs are about German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, so it was interesting to read about the work of a police bloodhound. All of the stories in the book are interesting, and they are written in a way that makes the reader feel drawn into the adventure.
I highly recommend this book. Most books about police dogs are about German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, so it was interesting to read about the work of a police bloodhound. All of the stories in the book are interesting, and they are written in a way that makes the reader feel drawn into the adventure.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Weekend Sermon--Hebrews (pt. 5)
We had a lot of snow and bad weather this week. This has been one of the coldest winters that I've ever experienced in my 40 years in the Midwest. I am glad that I was finally able to get out after 13 inches of snow. It is good to be with you again to post the Weekend Sermon.
I was not able to post last week due to sickness and my car broke down again. Thankfully, I am once again on the mend and feeling better. I am thankful to the Lord for providing me with the resources to get my car fixed.
On Monday, I start a new job. For the first two days, I have to go downtown in the big city, and I am not looking forward to it. Please pray that I make it down there safely and that I don't get lost. I get lost easily.
Let us continue to pray for peace in Syria, and let us pray for the safety of the Winter Olympics. Also, let us pray this week for the people of Bangladesh that many of them might hear the Gospel and come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
When we last looked into the book of Hebrews, we saw that Jesus is superior to Moses. Moses was a faithful servant of the Lord. However, Jesus is Lord. He has greater glory than Moses because Jesus is divine. He is Moses' master which was clearly demonstrated in the Transfiguration of Jesus. Also, Jesus demonstrated His superiority to Moses in that while Moses received the Law, Jesus as the originator of the Law had the power to change the Law as He did in His teachings given in the Sermon on the Mount.
Today, we will continue to look at the superiority of Jesus. When Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, the people came to the land of promise. Spies were sent into Canaan. Ten of the spies came back and said that the land could not be overcome. Only Joshua and Caleb came back with a good report. The people rebelled and decided to listen to the report of the majority. This angered the Lord who punished the people by making them wander in the desert for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb survived from that generation of rebellion to enter into the land of promise.
Joshua then had to go about subduing the inhabitants of Canaan. Even though the people of Israel had many victories, the land was not completely conquered. The people of the Lord were not completely able to enter into the rest that had been promised to them by God. Hebrews 4:8-9 says, "For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterword have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God."
None of the leaders of Israel were ever able to provide a true rest for the people of God. It was not within their power to do so. However, Jesus demonstrates His superiority by being the one who is able to supply rest for the people of God that others could not obtain.
What is this rest to which the writer of Hebrews is referring, and how does Jesus provide it? I believe that the concept of rest has at least three meanings. The first meaning has a fulfillment with the nation of Israel itself. Never in its history has the nation of Israel been safe and secure within its own borders. Enemies have always tried to extinguish it from existence. When Jesus returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He will rule and reign in righteousness. At that time, the nation of Israel will be given the glory, safety and rest that was promised by the Lord.
Rest also refers to the rest of redemption that is available to all of creation at the Second Coming. When Jesus comes again, the world will know perfect peace. All of the created order will be restored to the state that existed in the Garden of Eden. The animals will not fear man, and they will not prey upon one another. No person will harm another person. Anxiety, fear, depression, pain, suffering and sorrow will all be banished. That is truly rest.
Finally, rest refers to the spiritual rest of our souls. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
The only way to find rest from the burden of sin and guilt is to come to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and salvation. By His death and resurrection, Jesus provided atonement for sins. If we confess our sins and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we can be saved. We can be forgiven and find rest in the Lord Jesus. When we have the load of sins removed and take upon ourselves the yoke of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we know what true rest really is. We find what freedom really means.
If you long for rest, true rest is only available in Jesus. He invites you to come to Him and receive the rest that He so graciously provides.
Next week, I plan to post a review on Wednesday and a sermon on Friday. May God bless you. Amen.
I was not able to post last week due to sickness and my car broke down again. Thankfully, I am once again on the mend and feeling better. I am thankful to the Lord for providing me with the resources to get my car fixed.
On Monday, I start a new job. For the first two days, I have to go downtown in the big city, and I am not looking forward to it. Please pray that I make it down there safely and that I don't get lost. I get lost easily.
Let us continue to pray for peace in Syria, and let us pray for the safety of the Winter Olympics. Also, let us pray this week for the people of Bangladesh that many of them might hear the Gospel and come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
When we last looked into the book of Hebrews, we saw that Jesus is superior to Moses. Moses was a faithful servant of the Lord. However, Jesus is Lord. He has greater glory than Moses because Jesus is divine. He is Moses' master which was clearly demonstrated in the Transfiguration of Jesus. Also, Jesus demonstrated His superiority to Moses in that while Moses received the Law, Jesus as the originator of the Law had the power to change the Law as He did in His teachings given in the Sermon on the Mount.
Today, we will continue to look at the superiority of Jesus. When Moses led the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt, the people came to the land of promise. Spies were sent into Canaan. Ten of the spies came back and said that the land could not be overcome. Only Joshua and Caleb came back with a good report. The people rebelled and decided to listen to the report of the majority. This angered the Lord who punished the people by making them wander in the desert for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb survived from that generation of rebellion to enter into the land of promise.
Joshua then had to go about subduing the inhabitants of Canaan. Even though the people of Israel had many victories, the land was not completely conquered. The people of the Lord were not completely able to enter into the rest that had been promised to them by God. Hebrews 4:8-9 says, "For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterword have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God."
None of the leaders of Israel were ever able to provide a true rest for the people of God. It was not within their power to do so. However, Jesus demonstrates His superiority by being the one who is able to supply rest for the people of God that others could not obtain.
What is this rest to which the writer of Hebrews is referring, and how does Jesus provide it? I believe that the concept of rest has at least three meanings. The first meaning has a fulfillment with the nation of Israel itself. Never in its history has the nation of Israel been safe and secure within its own borders. Enemies have always tried to extinguish it from existence. When Jesus returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He will rule and reign in righteousness. At that time, the nation of Israel will be given the glory, safety and rest that was promised by the Lord.
Rest also refers to the rest of redemption that is available to all of creation at the Second Coming. When Jesus comes again, the world will know perfect peace. All of the created order will be restored to the state that existed in the Garden of Eden. The animals will not fear man, and they will not prey upon one another. No person will harm another person. Anxiety, fear, depression, pain, suffering and sorrow will all be banished. That is truly rest.
Finally, rest refers to the spiritual rest of our souls. Jesus said in Matthew 11: 28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
The only way to find rest from the burden of sin and guilt is to come to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and salvation. By His death and resurrection, Jesus provided atonement for sins. If we confess our sins and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we can be saved. We can be forgiven and find rest in the Lord Jesus. When we have the load of sins removed and take upon ourselves the yoke of the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we know what true rest really is. We find what freedom really means.
If you long for rest, true rest is only available in Jesus. He invites you to come to Him and receive the rest that He so graciously provides.
Next week, I plan to post a review on Wednesday and a sermon on Friday. May God bless you. Amen.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Update
Hello, I am recovering from my sickness. Thank the Lord. I just wanted to let everyone know in advance that I am not going to be posting much this week. We are supposed to have three major snowstorms this week starting tonight. I will post when I can, but don't be surprised if you don't see any posts until next week. Hopefully, warmer and better weather is on the way.
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