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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
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".
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".
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 27, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, July 24, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, July 20, 2009
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!
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!
Friday, July 17, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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.
"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.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
As I share my short thoughts for today I will be concluding the fifth chapter of the Book of Hebrews as I look to its final verse. In Hebrews 5:14 we read, "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." The writer has already spoken to the importance of spiritual maturity in the preceding passages. He has exhorted them regarding their inability to be teachers even though sufficient time had passed for them to be able to do so. They had remained babes in Christ past the time of infancy and had not matured and "become accustomed to the word of righteousness".
In today's verse of scripture he speaks further on the subject of maturity, stating first that "solid food is for the mature". I think there are two aspects for us to consider regarding this truth. First, mature Christians are those who have been prepared through the word and the sanctifying work of the Spirit to partake of solid food. And secondly, they have the necessity to partake of solid food. And there must be a "practice" of partaking in solid food in order for the benefit that the verse speaks of to have its effect. As we undergo the process of having our minds renewed, we must have our "senses trained" according to God's truths.
It is clear that one of the largest problems the Church faces in these days is that many of its members struggle with discerning "good and evil". This is a matter of great importance for the spiritual health of the body of Christ. Perhaps we cannot concern ourselves with the entire body of Christ being mature and discerning, although we might pray to that end. But we can start with ourselves, our families and our local churches in this important matter of discerning good and evil. May we mature in our faith through the partaking of solid spiritual food and by practice of the same have our "senses trained to discern between good and evil."
In today's verse of scripture he speaks further on the subject of maturity, stating first that "solid food is for the mature". I think there are two aspects for us to consider regarding this truth. First, mature Christians are those who have been prepared through the word and the sanctifying work of the Spirit to partake of solid food. And secondly, they have the necessity to partake of solid food. And there must be a "practice" of partaking in solid food in order for the benefit that the verse speaks of to have its effect. As we undergo the process of having our minds renewed, we must have our "senses trained" according to God's truths.
It is clear that one of the largest problems the Church faces in these days is that many of its members struggle with discerning "good and evil". This is a matter of great importance for the spiritual health of the body of Christ. Perhaps we cannot concern ourselves with the entire body of Christ being mature and discerning, although we might pray to that end. But we can start with ourselves, our families and our local churches in this important matter of discerning good and evil. May we mature in our faith through the partaking of solid spiritual food and by practice of the same have our "senses trained to discern between good and evil."
Friday, July 10, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
So much can be taken from today's passage of scripture out of Hebrews chapter five. In verse thirteen we read, "For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe." I will endeavor to keep today's short thoughts brief.
There is much to rejoice about when someone is brought to faith in Christ by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Yes, it is good to be a babe in Christ! But we must acknowledge that remaining a babe is not consistent with the will of-God. As we saw in yesterday's passage, sufficient time had passed since learning the elementary truths of the faith, that they should have been teachers of what they knew. There should have been a maturation process whereby God could use them to teach others. But this had not happened, and consequently those who should now be teachers had the need to be taught again themselves the elementary principles.
Oh, how we ought to long to be "accustomed to the word of righteousness". Not for knowledge sake, but for the sake of knowing the Savior more intimately. I'm mindful of the Apostle Paul's purpose statement in Philippians chapter 3 which includes, "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection". As we grow in our faith in Christ, the milk of the word nourishes us and as we mature through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, prepares us to partake of solid food, the more weighty truths of the word if you will.
The pure milk of the word and the solid food of the word are each important and are intended to work together. The milk prepares us for the solid food and the solid food is dependent upon the nourishment and growth that has come from the milk. By His mercy and grace let us seek to grow in Christ and not remain babes, well past the time of our infancy. This will be well pleasing to Him.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
In yesterday's short thoughts I commented on the Hebrew writer's indictment against them in regards to their having "become dull of hearing". In Hebrews 5:12 the author continues by stating, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food."
One of the things I had not commented on yesterday was the writer's assertion that the recipients of the letter had "become" dull of hearing. It seems that there had been a time when their "hearing" had been better. When we look at today's passage it seems clear that they had once had an understanding of the foundational truths of the faith. And clearly, sufficient time had passed where God had inspired the writer to say that they "ought to be teachers" now.
It is worth noting that since they had not matured in their faith, there existed the need to be taught again the "elementary principles". How quickly one can drift away from the fundamental truths of the faith when we fail to grow in Christ. We read in Paul's letter to the Ephesian believers that we are "to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ". Our sanctification is the will of God.
We should see the great importance of the many scriptural admonitions we have to this end. To pray without ceasing, to accurately handle the word of truth, to not forsake the assembly of ourselves together, to be renewing our minds, to be setting our mind on things above, to fix our eyes on Jesus, etc.. Without these disciplines the believer will struggle with maturing and find him or herself "needing milk and not solid food".
One of the things I had not commented on yesterday was the writer's assertion that the recipients of the letter had "become" dull of hearing. It seems that there had been a time when their "hearing" had been better. When we look at today's passage it seems clear that they had once had an understanding of the foundational truths of the faith. And clearly, sufficient time had passed where God had inspired the writer to say that they "ought to be teachers" now.
It is worth noting that since they had not matured in their faith, there existed the need to be taught again the "elementary principles". How quickly one can drift away from the fundamental truths of the faith when we fail to grow in Christ. We read in Paul's letter to the Ephesian believers that we are "to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ". Our sanctification is the will of God.
We should see the great importance of the many scriptural admonitions we have to this end. To pray without ceasing, to accurately handle the word of truth, to not forsake the assembly of ourselves together, to be renewing our minds, to be setting our mind on things above, to fix our eyes on Jesus, etc.. Without these disciplines the believer will struggle with maturing and find him or herself "needing milk and not solid food".
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
As I continue "blogging" through the book of Hebrews, today's short thoughts will come from chapter five, verses 1 0-11. Verse 10 is the completion of a sentence began in verse 9 while verse 11 ends on a matter that will be continued in verse 12. In reference to the source of our eternal salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, in verse 10 we read, "being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek." And in reference to Melchizedek, verse 11 reads, "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing."
Briefly, in regards to verse 1 0, we again see the Hebrew writer declaring that Jesus' high priesthood is according to the designation of such from God and also again, that His priesthood is according to a particular order. Although the repetition of this truth is in part a reflection on the original recipients of the letter, it is in general an indication of the significance of the truth. As previously indicated, the writer will go into more detail regarding His unique role as high priest and this "order of Melchizedek".
But I will focus today's thoughts primarily on verse 11. The author indicates that he has much to say to the Hebrew believers regarding Melchizedek but indicates a situation that makes it difficult for him to explain this matter. I must wonder how much this same situation is found in the Church today. So many wonderful truths that the Holy Spirit wishes to impart to the hearts and minds of its members but the members have become dull of hearing.
We could go into the many different things that have brought about our hearing impairment, but this is not the forum for such. I simply hope that when necessary we would willingly acknowledge our dullness of hearing and humbly ask God to so work in our lives that we might have ears to hear and humble hearts to receive the wonderful truths of His word.
Briefly, in regards to verse 1 0, we again see the Hebrew writer declaring that Jesus' high priesthood is according to the designation of such from God and also again, that His priesthood is according to a particular order. Although the repetition of this truth is in part a reflection on the original recipients of the letter, it is in general an indication of the significance of the truth. As previously indicated, the writer will go into more detail regarding His unique role as high priest and this "order of Melchizedek".
But I will focus today's thoughts primarily on verse 11. The author indicates that he has much to say to the Hebrew believers regarding Melchizedek but indicates a situation that makes it difficult for him to explain this matter. I must wonder how much this same situation is found in the Church today. So many wonderful truths that the Holy Spirit wishes to impart to the hearts and minds of its members but the members have become dull of hearing.
We could go into the many different things that have brought about our hearing impairment, but this is not the forum for such. I simply hope that when necessary we would willingly acknowledge our dullness of hearing and humbly ask God to so work in our lives that we might have ears to hear and humble hearts to receive the wonderful truths of His word.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
It is not uncommon for people to cite a certain source in their effort to demonstrate the superiority of a particular product. Take the many varieties of bottled water. Three empty bottles near my desk each cite the source of the water they once contained. One cites its source as Superior Springs, Washington. Another says it is bottled at a source near Mount Shasta, California. And the third touts its source as being Hope Springs, British Columbia in Canada. We hear of California wine, Washington State apples, and Tillamook, Oregon cheese, Alaskan king crab, Copper River salmon and the list goes on and on.
But our scripture for today's short thoughts, found in Hebrews 5, tells us about the source of something much more important to every man. Here the author writes of our source of eternal salvation. In verse 9 we read, "And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation". The Lord Jesus Himself is the source of eternal salvation, to each one who has believed on His name. Our source stands alone in uniqueness. In Acts 4:12 we read, "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." He is the sinless One. He is the crucified, yet risen One. He is the ascended One who lives forevermore. And He is the One who is coming again.
There may be multiple sources of good drinking water found amongst the many springs that are found on the earth. But I am reminded today of Jesus' words recorded by the Apostle John in John 4:14 where He said, "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." May we boldly and lovingly proclaim the source or our eternal salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.
But our scripture for today's short thoughts, found in Hebrews 5, tells us about the source of something much more important to every man. Here the author writes of our source of eternal salvation. In verse 9 we read, "And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation". The Lord Jesus Himself is the source of eternal salvation, to each one who has believed on His name. Our source stands alone in uniqueness. In Acts 4:12 we read, "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." He is the sinless One. He is the crucified, yet risen One. He is the ascended One who lives forevermore. And He is the One who is coming again.
There may be multiple sources of good drinking water found amongst the many springs that are found on the earth. But I am reminded today of Jesus' words recorded by the Apostle John in John 4:14 where He said, "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." May we boldly and lovingly proclaim the source or our eternal salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
I have often found today's passage somewhat intriguing as it speaks of Jesus learning something. We might first think that such a thing would be impossible until we remember that God have never partook of flesh and blood as He did in the person of Jesus. In Hebrews 5:8 we read, "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered."
This verse does not suggest that Jesus was ever disobedient but that there was a process whereby He learned obedience. In His humanity, He was born an infant and matured through adolescence, His young adult years, and eventually grew to be a man. When He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, physically weak from eating nothing for forty days, He looked to what had been written, the Holy scriptures, as He learned obedience. As He dwelt amongst men, seeing first hand the effects of sin in the lives of those He loved, He spent much time in prayer, learning obedience. As He suffered great agony in the garden on that night preceding His crucifixion, He repeatedly sought the Father's strength to do His will as He learned obedience.
Are we learning the lesson of obedience through the things which we suffer? We suffer much in the "body of this death", our own struggles and the effect of sin on a world we live in. He calls us to walk as "children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation". I am not suggesting an obedience to a set of rules and regulations. Ours is a higher calling than that. The obedience that Jesus "learned" was His life of faith. It was marked by His trust in His heavenly Father and His desire to do His will. Time and again He showed us that we must go to the Father and the never faltering truth of His word. May He help each one of us to learn obedience. Trusting in Him is a wonderful joy!
This verse does not suggest that Jesus was ever disobedient but that there was a process whereby He learned obedience. In His humanity, He was born an infant and matured through adolescence, His young adult years, and eventually grew to be a man. When He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, physically weak from eating nothing for forty days, He looked to what had been written, the Holy scriptures, as He learned obedience. As He dwelt amongst men, seeing first hand the effects of sin in the lives of those He loved, He spent much time in prayer, learning obedience. As He suffered great agony in the garden on that night preceding His crucifixion, He repeatedly sought the Father's strength to do His will as He learned obedience.
Are we learning the lesson of obedience through the things which we suffer? We suffer much in the "body of this death", our own struggles and the effect of sin on a world we live in. He calls us to walk as "children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation". I am not suggesting an obedience to a set of rules and regulations. Ours is a higher calling than that. The obedience that Jesus "learned" was His life of faith. It was marked by His trust in His heavenly Father and His desire to do His will. Time and again He showed us that we must go to the Father and the never faltering truth of His word. May He help each one of us to learn obedience. Trusting in Him is a wonderful joy!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
He cried out loudly and He was heard. Praise God! Today's short thoughts come from Hebrews 5:7 where the author wrote, "In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety."
It is one thing for men to cry out to a God they do not know and do not worship. They may even pray to God, hoping that if He does exist He will hear them and perhaps answer them. The Apostle John was inspired to teach that a man cannot truly know God if he does not know God's Son, Jesus. He wrote that the "one who does not believe God ", regarding the truth of His Son, "has made Him a liar".
But we see in today's passage, that in His humanity, Jesus prayed to "the One able to save Him from death". His was not a prayer of aimless hope and unknowing expectation. No, He knew where to take His prayers and supplications. He went to "the One able to save Him from death" with full assurance that He could. As He bids us to come to the throne of grace, may we go in faith, believing in the One who calls us there!
It is one thing for men to cry out to a God they do not know and do not worship. They may even pray to God, hoping that if He does exist He will hear them and perhaps answer them. The Apostle John was inspired to teach that a man cannot truly know God if he does not know God's Son, Jesus. He wrote that the "one who does not believe God ", regarding the truth of His Son, "has made Him a liar".
But we see in today's passage, that in His humanity, Jesus prayed to "the One able to save Him from death". His was not a prayer of aimless hope and unknowing expectation. No, He knew where to take His prayers and supplications. He went to "the One able to save Him from death" with full assurance that He could. As He bids us to come to the throne of grace, may we go in faith, believing in the One who calls us there!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 5:5-6 we read, "So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, "THOU ART MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN THEE"; just as He says also in another passage, "THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." On the one hand we find the author pointing out a likeness that was shared by Christ and the Old Testament priests regarding their priesthood. On the other hand the writer begins to explain the uniqueness of Christ's high priesthood that he will expound on later.
We already saw that the high priest was called by God and that he did not take the honor unto himself. In like manner, Christ also "did not glorify Himself" but had become high priest at the will of God. This might seem somewhat confusing for us who know Christ to be God Himself and struggle to understand the mystery ofthe Trinity. But it is consistent with other scripture. He did not act independently of the other two persons of the Godhead. The Father, the Spirit and the Son were in harmonious agreement with His coming and with His role as high priest.
We read time and again that Jesus came to do the will of His father in Heaven. We read that He didn't even speak on His own initiative but spoke only the things of His father. He was declared "A PRIEST FOREVER" by the Holy trinity. No, He did not glorify Himselfbut we can rejoice that He has been glorified and that one day we will see Him "face to face in all His glory"
We already saw that the high priest was called by God and that he did not take the honor unto himself. In like manner, Christ also "did not glorify Himself" but had become high priest at the will of God. This might seem somewhat confusing for us who know Christ to be God Himself and struggle to understand the mystery ofthe Trinity. But it is consistent with other scripture. He did not act independently of the other two persons of the Godhead. The Father, the Spirit and the Son were in harmonious agreement with His coming and with His role as high priest.
We read time and again that Jesus came to do the will of His father in Heaven. We read that He didn't even speak on His own initiative but spoke only the things of His father. He was declared "A PRIEST FOREVER" by the Holy trinity. No, He did not glorify Himselfbut we can rejoice that He has been glorified and that one day we will see Him "face to face in all His glory"
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