Unlike the priests under Moses’ law who “in their weakness” were sinners and thus had to offer daily sacrifices for themselves as well as for the nation (vs. 27-28), it is “fitting” that our high priest is sinless and exalted (v. 26). Thus, his sacrifice at Calvary was offered “once for all” (literally, one time for all time). Christians should thank God every day for Jesus, the perfect high priest!… Read More Hebrews: The Perfect High Priest
Our Lord purchased the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28). He has revealed in Scripture what he wants concerning how we are saved, how we worship, and how we organize and conduct ourselves in his church. If we add anything to what he has revealed he has wanted, we sin and displease him even if he had not condemned what we do with a “Thou shalt not” (Galatians 1:6-9; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). … Read More Hebrews: Moses Said Nothing About Priests From Judah
Melchizedek, described as “this man who does not have his descent from” Abraham’s descendent Levi, both received tithes from Abraham and also blessed him, the very one whom God reminds us had “received the promises” (v. 6; cf. Romans 4:13-25; Galatians 3:29; Hebrews 11:8-19; Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1ff; 17:1ff; 22:17-18). As Hebrews points out, blessings are only given by those who are superior to those who are inferior to them (v. 7). Thus, Melchizedek was superior to Abraham. This would have undoubtedly raised the eyebrows of the first-century Jewish Christians who first read Hebrews.… Read More Hebrews: The Importance Of Melchizedek
The Old Testament mentions Melchizedek only twice. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was captured in a war between Sodom and several other cities (Genesis 14:1-12). Abraham and his forces defeated the kings who had kidnapped Lot and rescued him (14:13-16). After this Melchizedek, king of Salem (thought by some to eventually become Jerusalem), met with Abraham. Cited by Moses to be both a king and “priest of God Most High,” he blessed Abraham (vs. 18-20). Abraham in return gave him a tenth of all of his possessions (v. 20). … Read More Hebrews: Who Was Melchizedek?
Be balanced, preachers. Don’t get hung up on a particular topic to the neglect of others. Do your best to teach everything in that Bible you carry. Do so with foresight, purpose, and wisdom.… Read More “I Have Heard You”
Sometimes when life is hard, we find it easier to focus on our own failures and insecurities and overlook the good found in ourselves and others. By focusing only on the perceived (and oftentimes imagined) negatives, we can much readily lose hope and give up. Thus, the author of Hebrews was inspired by God to remind his readers about the promises God had given to them. Under tremendous pressure from persecution to renounce Christianity and return to Judaism, they needed assurance that the hope of eternal life in Christ which motivated them to initially obey the gospel was sound and not a false dream. … Read More Hebrews: God Keeps His Promises
Christians serve a just God who will not fail to take note of our progress while also always exhorting us to push forward and overcome our obstacles and weaknesses. With his help, we can accomplish all he has set out for us to do!… Read More Hebrews: “We Feel Sure Of Better Things”
Have we gotten too comfortable in our religion? Could that be that the reason behind many churchgoers’ lack of spiritual growth in spite of years of church attendance? God seems to think so.… Read More Hebrews: Are We Too Comfortable With Our Religion?
Dull of hearing. You know all those jokes you give to the preacher about dozing off during the sermon? Are you the kind of person who sits in the pew at church but never opens their Bible or pays attention to the sermon or the classes? Does your Bible sit in your car or on your coffee table unopened throughout the week? If so, you are dull of hearing and that means you’re not learning nor growing.… Read More Hebrews: Have We Graduated From Elementary School?
Pre-Denominational Christianity 
You must be logged in to post a comment.