Press On!

If I had to summarize a New Year's thought or admonition in two words, I would say, "press on!" As you look to a new year in Christ, as given to you by His grace, "press on!" As you contemplate your relationships with your spouse, your children, your family and your friends, "press on!" As you consider your involvement in you local church, your ministry, your brothers and sisters in Christ, your neighbors, your employment, your employees, "press on!"

We find the Apostle Paul using these words twice in Philippians 3:12-14, where he is inspired to write, "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." As we look to a new year; as we are challenged to "press on" in our faith, to know Him better, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, let us not miss this important point presented in this passage of scripture.

As Paul wrote of pressing on he noted that a condition of doing so was "forgetting what lies behind". I think God intentionally left out a list of "what lies behind" but I believe Paul was referring to those things that cause us to stumble in our walk with the Lord. The list would be quite long and each of us could find those things that have or perhaps are hindering our walk in Christ. What lies behind for you may not be that which lies behind for your brother or sister in Christ. But they are the things that can upset one's faith. The things that will cause difficulties in our relationships with those around us. Our family, our friends, our employers, our employees, our co-workers, our neighbors, our church families.

This "forgetting" can be difficult and I will say that it cannot be accomplished in the flesh. This is not the sort of forgetfulness that some find quite easy to come by in their lives. Forgetting your car keys. Forgetting to take the trash out. Forgetting something at the store. Forgetting someone's name. We all know this sort of forgetfulness and how prone we can be to practice it.

But the "forgetting" referred to here by Paul is active, determined and purposeful, and can only be accomplished as we walk in the Spirit. It is the spiritual warfare that we are engaged in that makes this sort of forgetting difficult. The enemy will be quick to bring that which "lies behind" to your mind and will do so frequently in hopes of causing you to stumble. The scripture speaks of this striving, this incompatibility, this opposition. Believers and unbelievers. Righteousness and lawlessness. Light and darkness. Christ and Belial. Spirit and flesh. Our gracious and merciful God so works in our lives that we might "share His holiness". But our enemy's hope is to distract us from a devotion to the Lord; to lead us "astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ". 

Our enemy is intent on destroying all that is good and all that brings glory to the Lord Jesus. Our marriages. Our families. Our friendships. Our local congregations. The body of Christ. The enemy is well pleased with divorce, broken family relationships, broken friendships, lost reputations, discouragement and disharmony in the body of Christ. There may be something that you are not free to forget. Let me explain. It may be that the Helper desires to bring you to remembrance of something that you need to confess before Him. Perhaps He is bringing you to a place of Godly sorrow as He graciously leads you to repentance. Perhaps an apology is in order, I do not know. But after a wrong has been righted, press on and "do not give the devil an opportunity". 

Through prayer, His word, His grace and His power we can forget those things that wage war against our soul and hinder our walk with the Savior. Know for certain that our enemy will use our rememberance of these things against us and against those we care for. Our family. Our friends. Our neighbors. Our church. The body of Christ. As we consider "forgetting what lies behind", may we seek help from the One who remembers no more our sins and lawless deeds. And in Christ, press on!

Merry Christmas!

I recently read a news story where government officials in Sonoma County, California had ordered that stars and other religious emblems be removed from Christmas trees in all government buildings within the county. They took this action following the complaint of a citizen that an angel atop a Christmas tree in the lobby of a county office was "extremely offensive" and part of the "cult" of Christianity. These sorts of stories are not new and seem to make the headlines more and more each year.

Public displays of manger scenes and other "Christmas symbols" may be forbidden and even private displays of the same may be frowned upon. Our government may offer a variety of "holiday stamps" to choose from as you send your "holiday greetings and gifts". In the religion of political correctness, many will wish you a "happy holidays" as they determine to not use that word, "Christmas" or that name, "Jesus".

But rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! Try as some might, as the waters cannot be removed from the oceans, Christ can never be removed from Christmas! He is Christmas. The angelic announcement, Mary and Joseph, the virgin birth, the shepherds in the field, the manger scene, the wise men; these are forever truths of human history. Questioning or mocking these cannot detract from their truthfulness. Political correctness may rule the day but all men and governments are still subject to His rule. He is forever sovereign over the affairs of men.

Although futile in their efforts, these attempts to remove Christ from Christmas have their origin in the very purpose of His birth that we celebrate at Christmas. Sin. As recorded in Matthew 1:21, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins". Salvation from sin was the purpose of His birth. There was and is, a necessity to be saved from sin. Sin is all around us. Sin is on every side. Look to the right or to the left and it will be there. It matters not if you look forwards or backwards, sin will be there. It is within and without. It may be subtle and overt, hidden or exposed.

But the story of Christmas is a story of salvation. It is the story of Emmanuel; God with us. God in a manger. In Luke's Gospel we read, "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". Salvation from sin. In Acts 4:12 Luke was also inspired to write, "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.". The significance of the Christ of Christmas is seen here. 

The story of Christmas will be told this year and next. It will be told worldwide and it will be told year round. This One who laid in a manger is the One through whom "all things came into being"; the One who holds together all things. He was "God with us". The baby, whose birth we celebrate, grew to become the man we are called to imitate. He is the "only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth".

As we observe a lost world continue to proclaim that there is "no room" for Him in their hearts, may this final thought cause us to pray and perhaps weep for them. The world can never remove Christ from Christmas but one day Christmas will be removed from the world. May we continue to boldly proclaim the Christmas story! "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". Merry Christmas! Yes, Merry Christmas.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts are from Hebrews 10:3-4 where the author is inspired to write, "But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

The first thought that comes to my mind is that under the Law, there was a "reminder of sins" and in Christ there is the "remission of sins". The contrast is in the sacrifices that were offered "year by year" and the sacrifice that was offered "once for all". It was simply impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. But we must not miss the truth implied here. In light of the holiness of God, the need for something to "take away sin" was paramount.

Do not mistakenly think that God intended for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. We must remember that the Law was a tutor, or a school master to lead us to Christ. As the Apostle John was inspired to write of concerning Jesus; the Lamb of God appeared to take away sin. In Christ alone is there remission of sins and not the reminder of sins.

Short Thoughts for Today

As I continue my attempt to "blog" my short thoughts through the Book of Hebrews, I begin the 10th chapter today, and its first two verses. In Hebrews 10:1-2 we read, "For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never by the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have consciousness of sins?"

This is not a new truth being spoken of by the Hebrew author in this 10th chapter. He has written of it already in the preceding chapters. But it seems clear that God has inspired him to write of this truth in different ways, with each proclaiming the supremacy of Christ. The contrast is evident. The Law, though ordained by God to be a "school master", could never bring about perfection for the person or the people through the observance of its sacrifices. The continuance of the "same sacrifices year by year" was itself a testimony to this truth. It was "only a shadow of the good things to come" and these would be found in Christ.

The question posed in the second verse makes the point again. If the sacrifices which had been offered under the Law could make the worshiper "perfect", no longer with "consciousness of sins", they simply would have ceased to be offered. They would have accomplished their purpose. But again, this was not their purpose. Their purpose was to point to a day in which the One who knew no sin would become sin for us. The day in which He would die once for all. Oh, to be thankful for the Lord Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from the final two verses of Hebrews chapter nine. Here, in verses 27 and 28 we read, "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."

Perhaps to all, these are sobering words. Perhaps to some, they are words that promote fear and uncertainty. "It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment". But within the verse the Gospel rings out! Christ was "offered once to bear the sins of many" and in Him we find hope. Because He bore my sins on Calvary's cross I need not bear my own.

And what now awaits those who "eagerly await Him", those who find themselves "hidden with Christ in God"? When He appears again, and He will, our salvation will take that final step beyond positional truth and be realized in its fullest sense when we see Him, "face to face". "When this perishable will have put on the imperishable and this mortal will have put on immortality", then we will know fully our victory in Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts find there source in Hebrews 9:25-26 where we read, "nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

No, He would not offer Himself often but only once. Sufficient! Satisfied! Finished! The degree that He suffered when He "became sin" and the sufficiency of His sacrifice would negate forever any further suffering for Him to endure. And He would not enter the holy place with "blood not his own". The high priests who entered the holy place year after year served as a copy, or shadow of what He would do one day. Their sacrifices could not "put away sin" but they did look forward to the one that would. The sacrifice of Himself.  "Oh, precious is the flow. That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from the passage of scripture found in Hebrews 9:23-24 where the author writes, "Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us."

Again, the Hebrew author is inspired to write of that which is better in Christ. In these verses we see an emphasis on the origin of the "holy place" in which Christ entered and the better sacrifice that He offered. The earthly tabernacle is described as a "mere copy of the true one". Without a doubt this "holy place made with hands" had great significance and was ordained by God. But its significance was based on what it represented, what it was a copy of; heaven itself.

Where no other high priest could have ever entered, Jesus entered the very throne room of God to offer a better sacrifice. Into heaven itself, Jesus appeared in the very presence of God with an all sufficient sacrifice. And how can we not marvel at the last words seen in today's passage? "For us" the writer declares under divine inspiration. Yes, for you and for me. Praise God! 

Short Thoughts for Today

As I continue to "blog through Hebrews", several verses in chapter nine will serve as the source for today's short thoughts. In Hebrews 9: 16-22 we read, "For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, "THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU." And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

If I had to summarize my short thoughts regarding this portion of scripture with a single word, I would choose the word necessity. It speaks to the necessity of a new covenant. The necessity of validity. The necessity of a death. The necesesity of shed blood. The necessity of forgiveness. The necessity of cleansing. Yes, it speaks to the necessity of Christ!

Short Thoughts for Today

The passage of scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 9:15. Here the author writes, "And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

This is one of those "gold mine" passages of scripture. It is a Bible verse that you could spend days or months or even years exploring its depths. Without a doubt, much has been written about the many truths that it speaks of. A sound preacher of the Gospel would find sufficient material to preach sermon upon sermon. In keeping with my desire to share only "short thoughts" in this forum, I will simply touch a few of the topics on which one might ponder the wonders of our Lord.

"This reason": The efficacious blood of Christ.

"The mediator": "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

"A death": A most unique death. "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

"The redemption": Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ.

"Transgressions": Our sins.

"Those who have been called": Sovereign election. Lavished grace. The kind intention of His will. Predestined.

"The promise of eternal inheritance": His promise. His children. His presence.

Praise the wonderful and gracious word of God!

Something to be Thankful For

It is referred to as "The Last Supper". Countless authors have written about it. Innumerable preachers have preached messages regarding it. And for centuries artists have attempted to capture images of it. But for my "Thanksgiving" thoughts, I would like to look at what I will refer to as "The First Supper". The event that I am referring to does not actually have a name at all and I am not suggesting that it should be given this title. I have just chosen to call it this for my own reference.

The "supper" that I speak of is recorded for us by three of the Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Each gives a very similar description of the event with little variation of the details. The following are their separate accounts as found in scripture.

Matthew 9:9-13 And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man, called Matthew, sitting in the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose, and followed Him. And it happened that as He was reclining at the table in the house, behold many tax-gatherers and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" But when He heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick."But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Mark 2:14-17 And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he rose and followed Him. And it came about that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax-gatherers and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. And when the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax-gatherers, they began saying to His disciples, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Luke 5:27-32 And after that He went out, and noticed a tax-gatherer named Levi, sitting in the tax office, and He said to him, "Follow Me." And he left everything behind, and rose and began to follow Him. And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax-gatherers and other people who were reclining at the table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

It is evident that this occurs following the calling of Matthew to be one of the twelve. The incarnate Son of God had spoken two very powerful words to Matthew when He said to him, "Follow Me". There is no doubt in my mind that these were the words of the Sovereign One. This "tax-gatherer", who had been sitting in the tax office, then "rose and followed Him". I don't suppose that Matthew could have refused any more than the sun and moon could have resisted their creation and placement in the heavens. I will not deny it, I am one of those who believe in, trust in, and find great comfort in His sovereignty over all His creation.

At some point they precede to Matthew's house for what Luke calls a "big reception" for Jesus. We are not really given a description of Matthew's house but we can make at least one assumption about it. It appears to have been a large house as the Gospel accounts speak of "many" or "a great crowd of' tax-gatherers and sinners who were in the house and "reclining at the table" with Jesus and His disciples.

We see in the text that the Pharisees and their scribes became witnesses to this "reception" and in their grumbling, they asked His disciples a question. Matthew records the question in this way, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax-gatherers and sinners?" Mark's gospel reads, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" And in Luke's gospel we read, "Why do you eat and drink with the taxgatherers
and sinners?" At first one might criticize them for asking the question. But perhaps we should be thankful that they did. In fact, I am very glad that they asked this question.

If you have read this scripture before, perhaps you have already noticed this. Although the disciples are the recipients of the Pharisee's question, neither of them appears to have given a response. I have a couple of thoughts about this. First of all, I would suggest that none of the disciples would have known how to rightly answer the question. Perhaps they even looked at one another in anticipation of one of them responding to the question for the others. We really don't know. But then Jesus spoke. Jesus provided the answer.

As we should be, I am sure that each of the disciples was thankful that Jesus responded to the question Himself. After all, it was His conduct that was really being questioned. In the thirty-three years that He walked on this earth, Jesus never shied away from giving a truthful answer. I so much appreciate the picture that we see here. The disciples are questioned and Jesus intercedes. Praise the Lord! He is our intercessor and advocate!

And don't you love His answer? Should we not be forever thankful for the answer that He gave? Jesus said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick." And He continued, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." He did not deny or try to make excuses for it. He reclined at this table in Matthew's house, in the midst of tax-gatherers and sinners because of their need of Him. Those who surrounded Him at this ordinary table were representatives of you and I. We all share in the same sickness which is nothing less than sin itself. No, their was no one at the table who fully understood who He was, and what He had came to do. But He was the Physician they all needed. And we need Him too.

The "table" is not limited to the one that sat in Matthew's house so many years ago. If Jesus were walking on earth today, I have no doubt that the Holy and sinless One would recline at your table or mine and eat with the sinners gathered around it. He would do so, not to condone the sin in our lives, but for the same reason that He reclined at the table with tax-gatherers and sinners. Sin has brought a sickness to each of us that only this Physician can heal.

As you gather around your table this Thanksgiving, together with family and friends, remember to give Him thanks for His willingness to eat with tax-gatherers and sinners! If you sense that you are not well; if the sickness and burden of sin is upon you; come to His table and dine with the One who is able to make you well. And give Him thanks everyday! God bless.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 9:13-14. Here the author writes, "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"

The writer continues to contrast the differences between that which occurred in the earthy sanctuary and that which occurred in the heavenly one. Remember, the gifts and sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary could not make the worshiper perfect in conscience. They related "only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation." As seen in today's passage, they were for a cleansing of the flesh, an outer or surface cleansing if you will. And although they were a shadow of what would come to pass in Christ one day, they lacked the power to address the root problem, defilement from sin.

So the question posed in today's passage is "if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer" could sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ cleanse one's conscience, whereby instilling in the one cleansed, the ability to serve the living God? The implied answer can only be, infinitely more! The one could not make the worshiper perfect in conscience while the blood of Christ cleanses one's conscience from dead works and empowers them to serve the living God!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts will be based on the passage of scripture found in Hebrews 9:11-12. Here the author writes, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption."

In the first ten verses of the chapter we read of the "earthy tabernacle" and now we read of the "more perfect" one.  What a difference is found in the two! Into the "earthly tabernacle" the high priest would enter once a year and he would do so year after year. The gifts and sacrifices that he offered were not able to "make the worshiper perfect in conscience." There was no power in the blood of goats and calves; it only looked forward to the blood of the Lamb."

But Christ entered to minister in "the more perfect tabernacle", one that is "not of this creation". He entered this tabernacle through His own blood once and because of His efficacy, redemption is secure for eternity. As the great hymn proclaims, "There is power, power, wonder working power; In the blood of the Lamb. There is power, power, wonder working power In the precious blood of the lamb."  

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 9: 1-10. Because of its length I will not include it with this post but I will encourage you to read it. The Hebrew author is inspired to take the first ten verses of the chapter to describe various aspects of the "earthly sanctuary". He speaks of "regulations of divine worship" and notes specific truths which are pertinent in revealing the better priesthood of Jesus. As he provides details concerning the "earthly tabernacle", he points out the presence of an inner and outer tabernacle. More specifically, he speaks of the inner or secondary tabernacle where only the high priest could enter, and that, only once each year. He indicates that these regulations of divine worship governing the earthly sanctuary had signified that the way into the holy place had not yet been revealed.

But again, the writer is clearly being inspired to teach and proclaim the more excellent priesthood of Christ. The way into the holy place has now been disclosed and it is found only in Jesus. He is "the way" and He is "the door". Gifts and sacrifices offered in the earthly sanctuary could not "make the worshiper perfect in conscience". In Christ, each "worshiper" is now "perfect in conscience", forgiven of all their sins. The One who bore our sins on Calvary has clothed us in His own righteousness. No longer is the "holy place" an earthly sanctuary and no longer is it exclusive for one man to enter just once a year. All who are in Christ may "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need". Praise God! Praise our more excellent High Priest!

Violence in Another Domicile

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and much has been written and voiced about the effects of domestic violence on our families and in our culture. As a Christian, I believe that the real answer to lessening incidents of domestic violence is for people to know Christ and to love and care for one another according to God's word and the love with which He calls us to love one another. There may be legal and just consequences for those who are the perpetrators of domestic violence. There will always be an aftereffect in the lives of those involved in domestic violence, including victims, perpetrators, other family members, friends, etc. When appropriate, I support programs to assist offenders from continuing their pattern of abuse. I also welcome efforts to provide women and children with assistance in achieving safety and support when they find themselves victims of domestic violence.

In my profession I have come to know several people who have a commendable desire to prevent and/or stop domestic violence and who work to provide resources to those who are its victims. But I am greatly conflicted with those who are often the greatest champions in this fight against domestic violence. Bear with me as I attempt to explain this conflict. I will not be unwise in proclaiming that all, but I must say that in my own experience, most of the men and women that I have known over the years who are the most outspoken against domestic violence, are the same people who are strong supporters of abortion "rights". A small group of people often found among them are those who would never be an advocate for the unborn, but who will devote their time and resources to save a tree or a bird or a fish. To me this is one of the greatest of ironies. How can one decry a culture of violence and at the same time be a proponent of one of the most violent acts committed; that which occurs in the domicile of the unborn?

There can be no harmony in these two positions as they are at odds with one another. I know that many who attempt to hold these two positions simultaneously, often say that they support a woman's right to choose and not necessarily abortion itself. So I must ask a question. Why is it not be those who speak out against domestic violence the ones who are most passionate about women "choosing" life for the unborn? How can they be so heartfelt against domestic violence and a culture of violence, and yet, at best sit back quietly, and at worst, advocate ardently for the practice of abortion?

I am convinced that no amount of talking or twisting of words can persuade me to believe that the killing of more than 2,000 unborn children every day in our country does not contribute to our domestic violence problem and a culture of violence in general. Because its victims are the most vulnerable, and those making the decision to terminate their existence are those they depend on most, some would say that abortion is the most cruel of acts. The procedures employed to fulfill this "choice" only add to the horrific nature of the event. While seemingly safe in the domicile of the womb, these smallest members of our communities, whose lives are taken commonly, know a domestic violence like no other group.

It is quite alarming when you take the time to consider the reality of it all. Statistics indicate that even though thousands of women in America are pregnant today and that each has an individually unique person developing in their womb, more than two thousand will cease to exist tomorrow as their life is terminated. They will not have a chance to recover from this action taken against them. None of them will ever have the opportunity to tell others of their trauma in an effort to save others from it. May God open the hearts and minds of the men and women in our country. May He start with those who profess faith in Him.

For a moment I would ask that you forget the arguments for and against the legalization of abortion. The sobering truth is, that with some restrictions, abortion is legal in America. One may certainly argue the moral right to abortion but presently women do have the "right to choose" it. But as sure as they have the right to choose abortion, they have the right to choose life. May those who passionately oppose domestic violence be consistent in their concern for the violence perpetrated against women and children and passionately encourage the choice for life. Life that is free from the devastating effects of all forms of domestic violence, including that which occurs in the domicile of the womb.

Sin Is Not a Four Letter Word

For the past several years I have heard stories of churches who are endeavoring to refrain from speaking of sin. Instead, it is said that they only wish to speak of love. Topics such as one's purpose, self-esteem, self-enhancement, self-realization and just simply being a better person fill the pages of their sermon notes. I must admit that I do not understand, and nor do I seek to, this philosophy of preaching and ministry that has found its way into some of our churches.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Why was "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" the focus of Paul's message? Can any reputable answer to this question leave out the matter of "sin"? Did Paul not know the sobering truth that the "the wages of sin is death"? And was he not inspired to proclaim that "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord".

In 1 Timothy 1:15 Paul wrote, "It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am the foremost of all." I write this article believing wholeheartedly that one cannot rightly preach about God's love without addressing the matter of sin. One might say that it is impossible to truly know God's love without knowing of sin. I'm not suggesting that sin is a good or positive thing, but it is on account of God's dealing with sin that we can know His love.

There is an unwavering truth spoken of in Romans 3:23 where we read, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". But in Romans 5:6-8 we read the following glorious account of God's provision. "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

We do not tell the truth about sin to trample upon the sinner. Or to be like the Pharisee who went up to the temple to pray and proudly thanked God that he was not like the "tax-gatherer" who was also there praying. We do not speak of sin to promote some false sort of self-righteousness. We include the matter of sin in our preaching and teaching so that by God's grace the sinner may be brought to gaze in awe at the sinless One. That by faith, he or she may come to believe in and adore the One who died for their sins.

In 1 John 3:16 the beloved apostle was inspired to write, "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us". And in 1 John 4:10 we read, "In this is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." So how can men stand in the pulpits of our churches and preach about love while purposely neglecting to address the issue of sin? Apart from knowing sin, its consequences and God's provision in Christ, we can not even know the highest form of love, God's love.

For those who have been granted the privilege and responsibility to speak or to write in the name of Christianity; Do not neglect to speak of sin and thereby fail to tell the whole glorious truth of God's love that is in Christ. The Apostle Paul was inspired to give his "true child in the faith", Timothy, many exhortations that were intended to be beneficial to both Timothy and the body of Christ. I will close with one that is found in 2 Timothy 4:2 where Paul wrote, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 8:7-13 which includes a lengthy recitation of old testament scripture. Here the Hebrew author wrote, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, say the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; For they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for 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 into their minds, and I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."

The focus of my short thoughts today is not on all of the Old Testament scripture that is reference here but on a simple truth. Fault was found in the first covenant because of the faults of sinful men. And the new covenant is faultless because it is based on the One who was without sin, Jesus, the incarnate Son of God. He will never grow old, never become obsolete and He will never disappear. As the Lord allows me to continue this "blog through Hebrews", I pray that Christ remains the focus and the recipient of the glory and honor due Him.

Found Quotes

Several years ago I had the privilege of meeting and listening to Pastor Lee Toms teach from God's word. Pastor Toms served the Lord as Pastor of Arcade Baptist Church in Sacramento, California for 40 years. Founding the church in 1952, Pastor Toms shepherded this congregation as it grew to consist of over 1900 members in 1992 when he retired. Pastor Toms was 80 years of age when he went home to be with the Lord in 2007.

Before and since I had the opportunity to meet this servant of the Lord, I have never been in the presence of another believer whom Christ seemed so evident in. Anyway, today I found a piece of paper that I had written down some quotes from Pastor Thoms from when I had heard him speak once and thought I would share them. They are still relevant and I believe will remain so.

"This is not the time for a timid Church of Christ."

"Now is the time for Godly living, prayer and bold speak."

"God would have us give earnest heed and careful attention."

"Not fans, but followers are wanted by Christ."

"God does not desire a tip of the hat in patronage, but a bowed life."

And this great reminder;

"The world has never been cordial to God, the Church and Grace."

Thank you Pastor Toms.

Short Thoughts for Today

It is often referred to as the "better than" book of the Bible. As I have been "blogging through" Hebrews, the writer has spoken of Jesus as being better than the angles and better than Moses. He has spoken of the better hope that is found in Him and how it is that He is a better high priest.

In Hebrews 8:6 we read, "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises." Through the ages, different men of God had undoubtedly been used by Him to serve in various ministries. But Christ has "obtained a more excellent ministry". In this forum, time does not allow me to address His role as mediator or the matter of covenants. But know that it is a "better covenant" that He mediates. And this covenant, well, it is enacted on "better promises".

Praise the Lord! There is no mistake about this truth that the Hebrew writer conveys. Everything about Christ is better!

Short Thoughts for Today

"Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when He was about to erect the tabernacle; for "SEE" He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN." These are the words written in Hebrews 8:4-5 and will be the basis for today's short thoughts.

Earth was not the place for Him to serve as high priest. As seen previously, He is a minister in "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." This testifies to the truth of His resurrection and the position which is His; seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high. To serve as our high priest He must serve in a tabernacle not made with human hands and not on earth. Moses had been warned by God to construct the tabernacle exactly as he had been shown because of the heavenly things it represented.

The passage tells us that if He were on earth He would not be a priest at all. But praise God He is not on earth, He is risen and is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". And He did not offer gifts according to the Law but has fulfilled the Law and offered Himself according to Grace!

Short Thoughts for Today

As I continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews, today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 8:3 where the author writes, "For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer."

As the writer continues to compare and contrast the "former priests" with Jesus, our high priest, we see, like the former, "it was necessary that this high priest also have something to offer". Where does one start to explain all that He has to offer!

A list would include but not be limited to the following. A perfect sacrifice. Sinlessness. Righteousness. Holiness. Justice. Innocence. Propitiation. Access to the Father. Love. Hope. Peace. Forgiveness. Eternal life. Abundant life. Sin bearer. Savior. Helper. Victory over death. A promised return. A home in heaven.

Oh yes, this high priest has something to offer!

Beyond What They Asked or Thought

With pen in hand he wrote words to describe it. With power from above God wrote it with his life. I am speaking of the great truth and promise we find in Ephesians 3:20-21 where God had inspired the Apostle Paul to write, "Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

He had stood by "in hearty agreement" with putting Stephen to death. With the smell of anger and death in the air, he had witnessed the stones striking Stephen, one after another until he lay on the ground lifeless. It is likely that he had heard Stephen call out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" and I am certain that he heard Stephen as "he cried out with a loud voice, Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"

This was only the beginning as Saul began to ravage and persecute the church, trying "to destroy it". The scripture tells us that he entered "house after house" and drug off men and women to put them in prison. The cries of their children were ineffective in deterring him from this course of zealous aggression. But Jesus had promised to build His church and that "the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."

It was no secret who Saul was and what it was that he was intent on accomplishing. I am convinced that Christians were imploring the Lord to stop him. To intervene and by whatever means necessary, keep him from continuing his attack on the Church. I suppose that members of the body of Christ were praying this in Jerusalem as well as in Damascus.

The believers in Damascus knew why he was coming to their city. They were aware that he had been granted authority from the Chief Priests to bind all who called upon the name of Jesus and return them to Jerusalem for punishment. Surely there were saints in Damascus asking the Lord, pleading with the Lord, to intercede on their behalf and on the behalf of all who called on His name.

But I don't suppose that any of them (no not one) would have ever thought of what God was going to do. Perhaps there was some dear saint who quietly prayed for Saul's salvation. But like us, I would suggest that most were just asking God to intervene and stop his assault upon the Church.

God answered their prayers, but He most assuredly did so, "exceeding abundantly beyond" all that they asked or thought. God did indeed stop Saul's assault on His Church and its people. He did so by revealing to him the truth of Jesus and as Paul would later write, putting him into service. Not only did He cause him to be born again, He made him an Apostle. He made him a preacher of the Gospel, a steward of the gospel of grace, a writer of at least 13 New Testament epistles; 14 if you include Hebrews. In Christ, he was a tremendous evangelist and mentor to others. He was used by God to be the teacher of many, if not most, of the fundamental truths of our faith. He was "caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak." He contended for the truth as he fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith. He was poured out as a drink offering.

Believers wanted God to intervene and stop Saul from persecuting His Church. But in time they would learn a great lesson that we can all rejoice with confidence in. God "is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think". This is worth a resounding hallelujah from His children!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 8:2 where the author continues speaking of Jesus our high priest, "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man." Not only is our High Priest unique, so is this place where He ministers.

The sanctuary, the true tabernacle that he writes of had never been entered by any other high priest. Unlike the tabernacle on earth which had been pitched by men, this one had been pitched by the Lord Himself. It is in heaven. High priest after high priest had served in the tabernacle on earth but only One would enter to minister as high priest in the "true tabernacle".

While on earth Jesus never entered the earthly tabernacle to serve as high priest. But as He was crucified for our sins, the curtain that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. What He did in the earthly tabernacle was to symbolize that entrance into the very presence of God was now open and that He was accessible to all who come in and through Christ.

Rare and Infrequent - Thinking Out Loud

Please bear with me as I think out loud for a few moments. In America we have unfettered access to God's holy word. Although many are seldom used, perhaps dust covered or in an unknown location, multiple bibles can be found in our homes. The Bible is on our computers, our media players, our phones, etc. Christian bookstores are filled to the rafters with all kinds of books, both fiction and non-fiction. There are books about the Bible, its passages, its authors, its origin, its prophecies, etc. If you look hard, you can even find various translations of the Bible in a small section of the bookstore. Christian books and/or Bibles can be found in some secular bookstores, department stores and even your local grocery or convenience store.

Some churches will be full this coming Sunday while others will have only a handful in attendance. The numbers, large or small, will not necessarily be indicative of the truth being proclaimed or tell you if the congregation is walking in love. Some will be preaching the gospel of Christ while others will be perverting the Gospel. Some will be striving to teach the whole counsel of God's word while others will be mishandling the work of life.

I was recently reading in 1 Samuel and a portion of the first verse in Chapter three caught my attention and is the cause of this "thinking out loud". Most of us know the story. Hannah's prayer to the Lord has been answered and she has given birth to Samuel. As she had given her word to the Lord, Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord and was in the care of Eli the priest and being raised in the temple. In Chapter two we find Samuel being described as one "growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men". And then in 1 Samuel 3:1 we read, "Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord before Eli. And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent."

"And word from the Lord was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." As I considered these words written so long ago, I could not help but wonder at their relevance for today. Oh, I know they are words that were not to the Church or its members directly. But I have often asserted the biblical truth that all scripture is profitable although it may not be directly applicable.

As indicated above, the word of the Lord is not rare in our day but I must ask if "word from the Lord" is? I fear that much of what is said to be from the Lord is not from Him at all. On any given Sunday many will stand in the pulpits of American churches preaching and teaching things that cannot stand the test of careful scriptural examination. It seems as if more time is spent reading what men have said about the inspired word of God than is spent reading the word itself. The Church needs humble men who have a desire to be vessels of His truth. To hold His word up as the highest authority in all matters. To be good stewards of the Gospel and of the doctrine of grace. To preach Christ and Him crucified. To be messengers of a "word from the Lord" as established in His written word and revealed by His Spirit.

In regards to that portion of 1 Samuel 3:1 where we read, "visions were infrequent", I would simply say the following. Our vision should be narrowly focused and it should be on Christ. Our vision ought to be His will as revealed in and through His infallible word. May we share this vision together.

We must not forget another part to this story of Samuel. In the 9th verse of 1 Samuel 3, we see Samuel responding to a "word from the Lord" as instructed by Eli. "Speak Lord, for Thy servant is listening." May each of us respond in kind as God speaks to us through His word and through His servants. May we boldly ask that He speak to us and that He instill in us a desire to listen with eager anticipation. And then may we dare ask the Helper to empower us to be "doers of the word, and not merely hearers".

As I conclude this "thinking out loud" I will share a final thought. Perhaps it is the dust on my bible that God is speaking to me about. Perhaps it is my vision. Perhaps it is my focus that needs adjusting so that my eyes may look on the glorious Christ and His will for my life. Oh, that we might humbly and boldly speak the word of truth, eagerly listen to the Lord as He speaks to us through His word and His people and have as our vision His will for our lives. By His grace, may a word from the Lord, spoken or heard, be a regular occurrence in our lives. And may a correct vision of Christ and His will for our lives be frequent in our walk of faith.

Short Thoughts for Today

We began the 8th Chapter of the Book of Hebrews by considering the powerful statement found in the first verse where the writer was inspired to declare that the main point of what had been said was that "we have such a high priest". As he continues speaking of Christ in the second verse, he concludes the sentence began in verse one and states that Christ is "a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man."

Although I did not take the time to comment on it, verse one of Chapter 8 had again spoken of Christ having "taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens". This was a reminder of the truth spoken of in the first Chapter where he wrote that "He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" after He had made purification of sins.

This "sanctuary", this "true tabernacle", is where He is seated. It is where He ministers as a "priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek". It is in the very throne room of God where He sits in "His seat". This is not a tabernacle made by men but one "which the Lord pitched". A better sacrifice. A better hope. A better priesthood. A better intercessor. A better tabernacle. We are so blessed in Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

Preachers and teachers of God's word often struggle with determining and then conveying the main point of their message or lesson. As I continue my attempt to "blog" through the Book of Hebrews, I begin chapter eight where we read in the first verse, "Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens".

It is not necessarily always spelled out for us so clearly. But here it is clear and precise. In fact, as I consider all that the Hebrew author had been inspired to write about Christ in the first seven chapters, I began to wonder if we could determine any other "main point" than what is stated. In fact, it seems to be a statement that we can not give sufficient importance to. We have such a high priest!

The Hebrew author is not finished with his inspired words about the One who abides forever and holds His priesthood permanently. But as we read through these first seven chapters we should each come to the same enthusiastic conclusion. We have such a high priest! Praise God for Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 7:28, the final verse of this great chapter of scripture which exalts the "better hope" we have in the One who "holds His priesthood permanently". The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."

The Lord Jesus was not appointed high priest according to the Law. Through the Law came high priests who were weak. Their weakness was found in their own sins and resulted ultimately in their deaths which prevented them from continuing their priesthood. One after another. Far from weak, one might say at the opposite end of weak, our high priest is the Omnipotent One. His is the power of an indestructible life and since He lives forever He holds His priesthood permanently.

Christ was appointed high priest by the word of an oath, the oath of His Father. Rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! The One who has been made perfect forever, holds His priesthood forever and saves forever!

Short Thoughts for Today

As the Hebrew author continues to describe the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ's priesthood he continues to point out the stark differences with those who had served at the altar before. In the twenty seventh verse of Chapter 7, as he speaks of Christ he wrote, "who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself."

The Hebrew believers were accustomed to a law that required the offering up of sacrifices on a regular and on-going basis. Those who offered the sacrifices were themselves sinners and their sacrifices could only look forward to the One that would be made by our High Priest. The thought in the verse is clearly tied to the previous one that spoke of Christ's holiness, innocence, sinlessness and absence of defilement.

The sacrifice that He offered was Himself and He needs never to be offered again! "Once for all" the scripture proclaims assuredly. Though it may have been difficult for the Hebrew believers to comprehend, the completeness and sufficiency of His sacrifice is indisputable. May we rest in the assurance it provides.

Short Thoughts for Today

The scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 7:26 and says so much in one single verse. As the Hebrew author continues to speak of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, he writes in this passage, "For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens."

On the one hand it seems to be an odd fit, and on the other hand it is the perfect fit. All that we were not, He is. Our sinfulness necessitated that our high priest be all that we were not and could not be. We were void of any holiness. Innocence is far from each of us but all are pronounced guilty. By thoughts and actions alike we are defiled in so many ways. Sin has been an ever present factor since we took our first breath.

But praise God that He has provided a "fitting" high priest for us. He is the perfect fit. Oh, the joy of being "in Christ", clothed in His righteousness and sharing in His holiness.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's passage of scripture is found in Hebrews 17:25. It is a passage of great hope and assurance for the believer in Christ. As we saw yesterday, "because He abides forever" He "holds His priesthood permanently". And today we read, "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

The basis of the believer's hope and assurance is found in the One who "always lives"! Because He "abides forever", because "He always lives", He is able to "save forever" you and I and all who have drawn "near to God through Him". May we rest in the supremacy of our High Priest. He lives forever. He holds His priesthood forever. He intercedes forever. He saves forever. Praise God.

Short Thoughts for Today

Forever and permanently is the priesthood of Jesus! We are assured of this in today's passage of scripture in Hebrews 7:23-24 where we read, "And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing, but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently."

It seems that it their truest sense, forever and permanently are words that can only be attributed to the things of God. We see this truth with the comparison found in today's scripture. The "former priests" were numerous because of the reality and power of death. No matter how good he served in his priesthood or how well he may have been adored by the people, death ended the priesthood of those who had formerly served as priests. The death of one would usher in the priesthood of another.

But Jesus rose victoriously from the dead, obtaining victory over death as He triumphed over it, taking away its fear and sting. Death had no ending effect on His priesthood because He lives on. And so, permanent and forever is His priesthood! Praise God.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today, in Hebrews 7:20-22 we read, "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER' "); so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

My son works for a company who has slogan which says, "If we can't guarantee it, we wont sell it". We are all somewhat familiar with guarantees. Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes. All sorts of products and services may come with some sort of guarantee. Some may report to be good for 30 days while others may claim to be for a lifetime. Most come with fine print that explain the exception clauses of the guarantee.

Today's passage speaks of a guarantee like no other. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and is said to be so according to the order of Melchizedek. Yesterday we saw that His priesthood brings a "better hope" and that it is the means by which men can "draw near to God". Previously in chapter six we saw the importance of God interposing with an oath. And again in today's scripture we see the importance of His oath that Christ is a priest forever. But in the last part of today's scripture we see that Jesus Himself is "the guarantee of a better covenant". This guarantee has no hidden exclusionary clauses. There is no fine print. There is no limitation to its durability. The guarantee is the One who "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"! Oh, the blessed assurance that is found in Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

As I resume posting my "short thoughts for today" I will continue to blog through the Book of Hebrews. Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 7:17-19 where we read, "For it is witnessed of Him, "Thou Art A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."

The writer continues to proclaim the forever priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see in today's passage that the writer is inspired to write about the "setting aside" of that which was weak and the "bringing in" of a better hope. Make no mistake, only God Himself can set aside "a former commandment" and bring in that which is new. The "better hope" He affords is the priesthood of Christ. It is through this (and we might rightly say this alone) that we "draw near to God"!

May we rejoice in the better hope of Christ and may we appreciate God's provision to draw near to Him.

Resuming Short Thoughts

After a busy summer I anticipate resuming my "short thoughts for today" posts and continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews. I am praying that the Lord will direct my thoughts and use them to edify members of His Church. God bless!

Treasure Hunting

It is Labor Day and summer has gone by so quickly. My daughter begins her 3rd full week of classes at college this week while students all over the country begin their return to school tomorrow. May we take the time to pray for the students who attend the schools in our communities. May those who know not the Lord Jesus come to know the truth of the Gospel. Let us pray especially for those students who know the Lord Jesus. May they be strong in their faith and may their walk be pleasing to Him.

For the past two Sundays I had the opportunity and priviledge to preach at my home church as my pastor and his wife were away celebrating their twenty-fifth aniversary. The focus of my two-part message was the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus”. In a portion of the message I shared some thoughts from a portion of Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

In Colossians 2:3, speaking of Christ, Paul was inspired to write, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This is a truth that we ought to pause and take special notice of; all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ! Believers all over the world can testify of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge they have found in Christ.

This "hidden treasure" hunt is unlike any other. God has revealed to us the exact location of the treasure. There is no need for guessing or for plotting the location. Though we often do, time should not be wasted looking elsewhere. These treasures are in Christ and can be found nowhere else.

We need no other map or directions. No special eyeglasses. No secret code to be found only in some remote location in the world. No special key. We cannot hire someone else or send someone else to find these treasures for us. But we may find them in Christ and He desires that we do.

In the passage itself we see that there is no guessing at what treasures will be found there. He has told us clearly. It is wisdom, and it is knowledge. Not man's wisdom or knowledge but God's. There are no high expectations of this treasure that will not be satisfied. It is quite the opposite. Our highest expectations will pale in comparison to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in Christ.

There is a way in which this hunt for hidden treasure is like those that we read about or watch movies about. The "treasure hunter", if you will, is one that has a passion to search for the treasure. They are willing to go to great lengths to find that which they believe is of great value. But in the usual hunt for hidden treasure, it is often the treasure itself that is the object of those who pursue it. But the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge ought not to be the object of the believer's passion and pursuit. That belongs to Christ alone!

But when our passion to know Him is realized and we grow in our knowledge of Him, we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him! We know the treasures. We know where they are hidden. We know how to get there. But we must consider our own answers to some questions. "Do I have the passion to go there?" "Do I have the passion for Christ?" "Do I want to know Him better?" May we pray for and encourage one another in this important matter. May the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge edify the body of Christ as its members grow in their knowledge of Him.

Busy Summer/Daughter to College/Vacation Time

I apologize for not posting more regularly these past two weeks. I have been busy being busy and also doing some fishing. Getting ready to take my daughter a few hundred miles away to college and will be gone for a couple of days and then back to take some vacation time and get some chores done around the house while summer lasts. Pray for my daughter and pray for my wife and I. I hope to "pause and ponder" the wonders of our Lord and His word and get back to writing soon. God bless!

Short Thoughts for Today

Hebrews 7:12-16 will be the passage of scripture for today's short thoughts. As the author continues to describe the uniqueness of Christ's priesthood, he is inspired to write, "For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life."

Yes, the priesthood changed and there was a change of law also. No one from the tribe of Judah had ever held the position of priest and yet this was the tribe from which our High Priest would come from. Although it is clearly noteworthy that Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, it is not His tribal lineage that makes Him a "high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek".

It was not on the basis of any physical requirements that He could be our Priest forever, but because He possesses a "power of an indestructible life". Indestructible is our Lord Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today I begin the 7th chapter of the Book of Hebrews as I continue to "blog" my way through this portion of God's precious word. Back in chapters five and six we saw the author make mention that the Son of God was a high priest "according to the order of Melchizedek". The first ten verses of this chapter are used to go into more detail regarding "this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God". I will not take the time to comment on these first ten verses but look to the question posed in verse eleven and the answer that follows.

In Hebrews 7:11 the author is inspired to write, "Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?"

As we prepare to look at the remainder of this chapter and the chapters to follow, I would like to consider three matters from this verse. First of all, that a way of "perfection" was necessary. Secondly, that "perfection" had not been and could not be found through the Levitical priesthood. Thirdly, that the need for another priest to "arise according to the order of Melchizedek" was of the utmost importance. And lastly, that this other priest through whom would come perfection was Jesus.

Short Thoughts for Today

Yesterday I began to look at the last two verses of Hebrews chapter six. In verses 19-20 we saw the author's words, "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Is it not Christ Himself who is our hope? Our Hope has entered within the veil as a forerunner for us. Webster's defines "forerunner" as "one that precedes and indicates the approach of another". Yes, Jesus has preceded us to the holy place but has also prepared our way and indicated our approach. I so much appreciate that thought. We are welcome at the throne of grace and He bids us come. The Father expects us there. Lord willing, in the days ahead we will look more at the high priesthood of our Lord Jesus and this Melchizedek order spoken of.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today and tomorrow I will conclude the sixth chapter of Hebrews as we look to the final two verses for the days short thoughts. In these last two verses we read,"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

I do a lot of fishing/boating in the lower Columbia river in Oregon and appreciate the importance of a quality anchor. On more than one occasion I have witnessed fisherman lower their anchor to the river bottom only to find out that it would not hold them in the powerful current. On the home page of my blog, "Pause and Ponder", I have a picture of the huge ship anchor that is on display at the Maritime Museum in Astoria. For me it is a visual reminder of the great truth found in today's verse of scripture.

The hope previously spoken of by the Hebrew author was based on God's faithfulness, His unchangeableness and the oath of His word. The writer now states that this hope is the "anchor of the soul" for all who possess it. And unlike an anchor that may not be able to hold in a strong current or violent storm, ours is both "sure and steadfast". No matter how strong the currents of life run against you and the storms of this world assail you, your soul is well anchored in Christ!

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts will combine the two verses of scripture found in Hebrews 6:17-18. Here the author writes, "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us."

It is hard to read this without asking the question; "Have you laid hold of the hope set before you?" We must lay hold of it and keep clinging to it through this life. Our hope, which again is founded on the One who cannot lie, the unchangeable One, is where we will find "strong encouragement. In this world, where we dwell but for a time, much discouragement surrounds us each and every day. Praise God that he has provided a place of refuge in His Son, and that we can rely upon "the unchangeableness of His purpose" as we anticipate the fulfillment of His promises.

Short Thoughts for Today

Our scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 6:16 where God inspired the author to write,"For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end to every dispute."

With one hand on the bible, it used to be common for all witnesses testifying in courtrooms across America to swear an oath "to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God". There was a genuine sense that in doing so the person would tend to be more truthful in their testimony. They were swearing to tell the truth, not only in the sight of the judge and jury but in the sight of God. Being a man or woman of your word was honorable.

I have worked in the court system for over twenty years and men no longer swear this oath. I'm sure there are still some jurisdictions in our country where men still swear this oath of truthfulness, but it is becoming more and more rare. Perhaps it is due to "political correctness" or the wrongful "separation of church and state" teaching that has been triumphed in our nation's institutions. Now men simply swear an oath to tell the truth and do not swear by the One greater than themselves. I am reminded that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" and read in Psalm 108:4, "For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the skies." May we continue to fear the "God of truth".

Short Thoughts for Today

Perhaps one of the most difficult things for us to do is to wait on something or someone. Even more difficult is for us to do so patiently. Our scripture verse for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 6:15. Continuing to discuss Abraham and the promise God had made to him, the author wrote, "And thus, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise."

I do not believe that Abraham obtain the promise as a reward or merit for his patient waiting. He obtained the promise because of the faithfulness of the One who made the promise. I think this was the source of Abraham's patience and should be ours as well. When it is God who has made the promise, we can be sure of its fulfillment. And more than that, we can be sure that He will do so in the right way and at the right time.

As you read His precious word and become aware of the many promises made to those, who by grace, have found themselves in Christ, may you rest in His faithfulness. Patiently wait on the One whose word is true and promises sure. He will not disappoint, no not once.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts will focus on the encouragement found in Hebrews 6:13-14 where the author wrote, "For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself saying, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply you."

Of course, these words are only an encouragement if you believe them, if you know the One who has no one greater than He. What gave Abraham his assurance was that God had given him His word. He had received a promise from the creator and sustainer of all things. As we look back we are able to see that the promises were fulfilled, but through the eyes of faith, the moment they were made, they were sure to come to pass.

Jesus promised to send a Helper and the Helper was sent. Jesus promised that He would prepare a place for us and He has. We have a promise regarding His return and His receiving us unto Himself. It will happen! As Paul described him to the Galatians, let us be people of faith, like "Abraham, the believer", living by faith in the promises we have from the One who can swear by no one greater than Himself.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts, taken from Hebrews 6:12, is the completion of the author's sentence began in verse eleven. So, although my focus will be on the twelfth verse, I will include both verses in the scripture quotation. "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Have you ever found yourself sluggish in the faith? Perhaps even now sluggishness would best describe your walk in the Lord. Sluggishness might refer to a lack of involvement in ministry, in prayer, in the reading of His word, or a slowness to respond to known needs and concerns within the body of Christ. Without a doubt it is God's will that we not be sluggish in the faith.

I think today's passage suggests that sluggish conduct in the life of a believer is representative of a lack of living by faith. Walking by faith leaves no room for sluggishness while the flesh is prone to find itself in this state. Although each one of us, at one time or another, has found ourselves sluggish in our walk with the Lord, His earthly life was void of sluggish conduct. Always doing the will of His Father was the description of His life.

May we ask God to forgive us for our sluggishness in the faith. May we look to Him and all that He provides us to be actively walking in the good works He has prepared. By faith, may we walk in the Spirit and not give sluggishness an opportunity to ours. May we look to imitate those in the body of Christ who have lived lives of faith and patience in their walk with Him.

Short Thoughts for Today

For today's short thoughts I will be looking at the eleventh verse of Hebrews 6. In this passage we read, "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end".

I find an interesting lesson in this passage of scripture. There is no doubt that the writer is at least in part making reference to his previous comments regarding their love for and ministry to the saints. And there is no doubt that one of the themes contained in the entire Hebrew letter is the assurance of hope that we have as believers.

But here the writer is inspired to speak of the realization of that hope. Over the past several days I believe we have seen several key elements for the believer in Christ to realize the "full assurance of hope" that is afforded those "in Christ". I would suggest that it begins will an understanding of the completeness of His work, His power to save and the sufficiency of His grace. It involves paying close attention to the truths of His word and not drifting away from them. It requires a process by which we mature in our faith, partaking of "milk" and satisfying a growing hunger for "solid food" as we come to know Him better. And it just seems to be more realized when we are engaged in ministry or service within the body of Christ.

Despite living in a world where hopelessness is often the state of mind many have, the child of God has the "full assurance of hope" but we must be diligent to realize the truth of it. And praise God that we can have this hope until the very end of this life. And then we will realize it perfectly as we see Him (our Hope) face to face.

Short Thoughts for Today

"For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints." This is our passage of scripture from Hebrews 6:10 and will be the basis for today's short thoughts.

Certainly God is not unjust in any manner of thinking. But today we see that He is specifically mindful of the labor of love demonstrated by ministry within the body of Christ. Perhaps we are prone to forget the necessity to minister to one another.

But there is much scripture directing us in this matter. The following would not be a complete list but includes much of what we find in His word regarding "ministering to the saints". Certainly we are called to love one another. To encourage one another. To admonish one another. To comfort one another. To bear one another's burdens. The word speaks of stimulating one another to good deeds. Accepting one another. Building up one another. Serving one another. Being kind to one another. Showing tolerance to one another. Bearing with one another. Being hospitable to one another. We see that we are to use our God given gifts for one another. To pray for one another and to have fellowship with one another.

When we are surrendered to the Holy Spirit and Christ is living these truths in our lives, we are found to be showing love towards His name. Those who we have been called to minister to in the body of Christ are each one His children. May we be reminded that we are each one recipients of His grace and He dwells within the brother or sister you are called to minister to.

Short Thoughts for Today

Hebrews 6:9 will be the passage of scripture for today's short thoughts. The author was inspired to write, "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way."

Over the last several weeks we have seen that the Hebrew writer had admonished the recipients of the letter in different areas of their faith. They had been reminded of the necessity to pay close attention to what they had heard in order that they may not drift away from it. They had been challenged in regards to anyone having an unbelieving heart. They had been cautioned against hardening one's heart towards God. They had been encouraged to enter His rest. The writer had spoken to them of their "dull hearing" and the fact that although sufficient time in the faith had passed where they should be teachers, they needed to be taught again the elementary principles and were not prepared for solid food but only milk.

And yet we are reminded today that these first readers of the letter were counted amongst the "beloved". What a reassuring truth for you and I. I am quickly reminded that the Lord disciplines those whom He loves and that He does so "for our good". I think that he both reassured them and challenged them that he was "convinced of better things" concerning them. These "better things" were things that "accompany salvation". By paying close attention to the word of God and having a soft and believing heart towards Him, by entering His rest and maturing in their faith, they would come to walk in these "better things". For His glory, may we seek His guidance and direction that we might do the same.

Short Thoughts for Today

Today's short thoughts come from a passage of scripture that has always seemed somewhat mysterious to me. In Hebrew's 6:7-8 we read, "For ground that drinks the rain which often falls upon it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it also is tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

I would like to suggest that we look at today's passage as if the Hebrew writer was inspired to teach through a parable. Please bear with me as I try to explain. Consider the "ground" that he speaks of. Could it not be seen as a picture of you and I? In our new birth, have we not been fashioned in such a way as to consume or "drink the rain" if you will, that is God's word of truth? Does this "rain" not fall from above, where "every good thing given and every perfect gift" is from? Does He not "till" us by His word that is "sharper than any two-edged sword", cultivating us to be fruit bearers for Him? Is not the intended result that we be "useful for service", useful to the body of Christ and to the ministry of reconciliation, the proclamation of the gospel? And do not His children receive a blessing from Him when they are used by Him in His service?

Perhaps we also see a glimpse of the working of the Refiner's fire. Is not this the "fire" which God uses to burn away, or rid us of the things which can prevent the growth of useful "vegetation"? The consumption by fire, of the thorns and the thistles of our lives helps in preparing a fertile ground wherein the Spirit might bring forth His fruit. May we not fear the fire of His word as we are reminded that He desires that we share in His holiness. Let us drink in the rain of His precious word and allow Him to till the soil of our hearts and minds to bring forth that which is useful for service. And may we rejoice in the privilege and blessing of serving Him!

Short Thoughts for Today

Once again I find myself wanting to comment a little further on the passage previously looked at for a prior day's short thoughts. We last looked at Hebrews 6:4-6 and I did not take the time to comment on the latter part of the final verse. Again, the entire passage reads, "For in the case of those who have been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame."

To "put Him to open shame" were the words that the Hebrew writer was inspired to end this passage with. They are strong words. As previously stated, I believe what the writer speaks of as being impossible is so because of the lack of necessity. I believe that the repentance that he speaks of is that which is a part of salvation. One may call it original repentance. That repentance that occurs at the time one has been born again. One cannot return to this place of original repentance and salvation, original birth if you will, because if it has taken place in your life it is for all time.

I have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and I need not be washed again. Sure, I will need to be cleansed periodically as I continue to work through matters of sin. Confession of sin should be a part of the believer's life in Christ. But as Jesus taught Peter when He was washing the disciples feet, those who have been "bathed" are "completely clean" and though they will need to wash the dirt from their feet, they need not to be "bathed" again. His work on my behalf, bearing my sins on Calvary, is sufficient for my salvation. I cannot add to it and I need not repeat it.

But many do not hold to this view of their salvation and to the sufficiency of Christ's work to save completely. When we believe that we could possibly find ourselves losing that which God had completed in our lives, thinking perhaps that we must return to the placed of salvation and be saved again or that we must add the minutest of elements to His propitiatory act to ensure our salvation, do we not put Him to shame? By doing so are we not proclaiming that His work is not sufficient? That His blood lacks the power to cleanse? That He lacks the authority to keep and save to the uttermost all who the Father has given Him? In this or in any other matter, may we never assert that He is somehow less than all that God's word proclaims Him to be. A wonderful Savior is Jesus!

Short Thoughts for Today

As I continue to "blog" through Hebrews, I will look at Hebrews 6:4-6 today for my short thoughts of the day. I will start by acknowledging that we find ourselves in a much debated portion of God's precious word. In these verses we read, "For in the case of those who have been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame."

I would like to share two different thoughts related to this passage of scripture. First I would like to consider who "those who have been enlightened" are. Who it is who has "tasted of the heavenly gift", and who has been "made partakers of the Holy Spirit". Who among us can say they have "tasted of the good word of God" or perhaps "the powers of the age to come". I will start by suggesting who it is not. It is not my lost neighbor or co-worker. It is not your lost brother or sister. It is not your mom or dad who knows not the blessed savior. I do not know one lost person that I could imagine these truths applying too. And they are not the almost saved. Our God does not open only halfway the heart and mind of the one He has drawn to Jesus.

It is you and I who have been enlightened. It is all those who have been made the recipients of His glorious grace. We are the ones who have "tasted of the heavenly gift", been "made partakers of the Holy Spirit", "tasted of the good word of God" and tasted the "powers of the age to come". These are truths that each one who has been made a new creature in Christ share in the Beloved.

The passage speaks of an impossibility. I will simply state that what is impossible, is so because of a complete lack of necessity. In part, the whole of the Book of Hebrews teaches us the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. It appears to be written to triumph the magnitude of His efficacy. We have seen how it is important to mature in Christ and to not remain "babes" in the faith. But we have not been told that our adoption as sons is subject to reversal. We may find ourselves needing to mature from only partaking of "milk" so that we may partake of more solid food. But we do not find that God would cause or allow His born again children to become dead in their sins and trespasses yet again. If you have "fallen away" you need nothing more and nothing less than to go to the throne of grace. You have already been to the cross and you need not go there again. Our Lord suffered there once and will not suffer there again.

As we saw early on in this adventure through Hebrews, may we rejoice in the One who is worthy to have "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high"! And as we rejoice may we understand and acknowledge His sufficiency to save to the uttermost! He alone is worthy to be praised.

Short Thoughts for Today

In yesterday's short thoughts I focused on a small portion of the first three verses of Hebrews Chapter 6. But I felt that I would be remiss if I did not comment further on these three verses. So the scripture for today will again be Hebrews 6:1-3 where we read, "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we shall do, if God permits."

"Let us press on to maturity" was the portion of scripture that I commented on yesterday and believe it is such an important and relevant matter for the Church today. But it is equally important to look at what they were to press on from. Regarding this I will be brief and speak more in general terms as apposed to addressing each matter the writer speaks of individually. Perhaps the Hebrew believers as well as many Christian brothers and sisters today struggle with having a place to press on from.

I believe that He wants us to press on from a place of stability. We must press on from a place of rest. We must press on with our eyes fixed on a goal. As one can see from the entire Book of Hebrews, the believers were struggling with their understanding of Christ's superiority. They had not grasped the depth of His sufficiency. They needed to understand, accept and rest in His finished work on Calvary. They needed to marvel at His grace . They needed to understand the completeness of His sacrifice and His power to save to the uttermost. Yes,there is no more important place to press on to than maturity in Christ. And there is no more appropriate place to press on from than the solid rock which is our Savior. Believe in Him. Believe what God's word says about Him.

Short Thoughts for Today

As I continue to look to the Book of Hebrews to ''blog'' my short daily thoughts prompted by its passages, today I begin with the first three verses of chapter six. Here we read, "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings, and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we shall do, if God permits."

There is much to study in these verses of scripture that we look at today. But as I have prefaced my short thoughts before, this is not an attempt to conduct an in depth study but to simply share some thoughts that the word prompts me to consider. We have seen that God desires that His children grow in their faith and not remain "babes" in Christ. We have seen what can happen when we do not mature in our faith and we have seen that it is instrumental for us to be able to discern between good and evil.

My focus will be on a small portion of today's passage. The writer is inspired to say that we must "press on to maturity". I believe he was inspired to write this, in part, because there will always be something in our way. Our enemies, the devil, the flesh and the world do not wish that we grow in our faith. They do not wish for Christ likeness to be ours. They are contrary to the Helper's work of erecting Christ in us. Oh, how our enemy wishes that we not be discerning. Obstacles abound in this life as we seek to walk in a manner pleasing to Him; As we seek to be "imitators of God as beloved children". But He calls us to press on.

Although we are called to press on we can be assured that He does not call us to do so in our own strength. As those who are called to live by faith, we must believe that He will equip us to do that which He has called us to do. There may come times when it is hard and the struggle may seem great. Through His word and by His power and His grace, let us help one another to "press on to maturity". The Lord Jesus will be glorified as we mature in Him.