Today's short thoughts will focus on Hebrews 11:7 as I continue my journey of blogging through this wonderful Book of the Bible. It is here that the writer references one of the most dramatic events of human history when he writes of Noah and his faith. It is here that he is inspired to write, "By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith."
In Noah we see the consistency of God's word. Noah is named amongst those who inherited righteousness through faith. Again we see faith and obedience, or faith and reverence working hand in hand. After being warned by God of something that Noah had never seen, Noah obediently carried out the building of the ark, anticipating that what God had spoken of would become a real part of history. Remember, in the definition given in the first verse of this chapter, we saw that faith involves the "conviction of things not seen". Noah had never seen with his own eyes the sort of event that God had spoken of, but he was convinced that it would be so. God had said it and he believed God!
Although it is another topic altogether, I feel I should comment briefly on another portion of this verse. I think sometimes that we tend to believe that the ark was so large because it had been built to carry so many people who had failed to respond to some invitation to enter it. In the Genesis account we see God instructing Noah to "make for yourself an ark" and that those who would enter would be himself, his wife, his three sons, their wives and the multitude of animals.
There were no empty rooms that lay unoccupied by those who had made some choice about entering or not. It seems clear that even Noah's wife and his sons and their wives had been chosen by the Lord to enter the ark on the basis of their relationship with Noah, the one man living at that time who "found favor in the eyes of the Lord". All of the glory belongs to the Lord God Almighty, but I believe that in Noah, God has profoundly demonstrated how significant the faith of one man might be. It is a high calling to be people of faith.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Hebrews 11:6 will be the passage of scripture for today's short thoughts. It is here where the Hebrew author writes as follows; "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." Throughout scripture we find instances where specific word meanings are necessary to rightly understand a particular passage. In the present case, I doubt that one would need to explore the Greek or Hebrew language to understand the truth of the passage.
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him" declares the Lord through the Hebrew writer. The word of God establishes this as both a positional and experiential truth for the believer in Christ. Positionally and once for all time I have been found pleasing to the Father as He has clothed me in the righteousness of His Son Jesus by grace and through faith for salvation. As Peter spoke of Christ to the religious leaders in Jerusalem; "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"
We are often prone to make the same mistake as the Galatian believers, having begun in the Spirit through faith and then taking on the task of being perfected by the flesh. But "without faith it is impossible to please Him" the scripture echos. At the time of our salvation we "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand." We may continue to live by faith as there is more grace! Salvation itself was only our introduction to it. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, "Therefore as you have receive Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him". By faith we received Him and by faith we are to walk in Him.
Through Paul's letter to the Galatians, the Lord graciously gave us these words describing the Christian life of faith; "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
"Without faith it is impossible to please Him" declares the Lord through the Hebrew writer. The word of God establishes this as both a positional and experiential truth for the believer in Christ. Positionally and once for all time I have been found pleasing to the Father as He has clothed me in the righteousness of His Son Jesus by grace and through faith for salvation. As Peter spoke of Christ to the religious leaders in Jerusalem; "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"
We are often prone to make the same mistake as the Galatian believers, having begun in the Spirit through faith and then taking on the task of being perfected by the flesh. But "without faith it is impossible to please Him" the scripture echos. At the time of our salvation we "obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand." We may continue to live by faith as there is more grace! Salvation itself was only our introduction to it. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, "Therefore as you have receive Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him". By faith we received Him and by faith we are to walk in Him.
Through Paul's letter to the Galatians, the Lord graciously gave us these words describing the Christian life of faith; "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 11:5, the passage for today's short thoughts, we read, "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God."
As I considered this passage I concluded that I have something in common with Enoch and that I may one day yet have even more in common with him. By faith alone I am able to please God. By faith in Christ, His only begotten Son. By faith in the One of whom He said, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Through the kind intention of His will, by grace and through faith, I am in Christ! What a position is mine. What a position is ours! May we never cease to marvel at this most grandest of truths.
There is also a chance that one day I will be amongst those who are living at the time of His coming. Speaking of our Lord's return, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, saying that "we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." Yes, one day, like Enoch, I may be "not found" because I have been taken up. And like Enoch, faith (in Christ) will precede my being taken up. My He be praised!
As I considered this passage I concluded that I have something in common with Enoch and that I may one day yet have even more in common with him. By faith alone I am able to please God. By faith in Christ, His only begotten Son. By faith in the One of whom He said, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Through the kind intention of His will, by grace and through faith, I am in Christ! What a position is mine. What a position is ours! May we never cease to marvel at this most grandest of truths.
There is also a chance that one day I will be amongst those who are living at the time of His coming. Speaking of our Lord's return, the Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, saying that "we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." Yes, one day, like Enoch, I may be "not found" because I have been taken up. And like Enoch, faith (in Christ) will precede my being taken up. My He be praised!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's "short thoughts" come from one of my favorite verses of scripture. The passage is found in Hebrews 11:4, where the author begins to write of specific people and incidents of faith. In this verse we read, "By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." Forgive me if my thoughts are a little lengthy today.
It appears obvious that Abel's sacrifice was better than Cain's because it was offered by faith. And perhaps equally obvious, is that Cain's sacrifice was inferior to Abel's because it was not offered by faith. In this account, faith and an obedient heart appear joined together as one. We cannot point to a particular verse of scripture and say for certain that God had given instructions regarding sacrifice.We might assume that He had revealed this to Adam and that Adam had taught his two sons. However, it does appear from the context of the account that each brother knew what God required. Abel had offered his sacrifice accordingly while Cain had not. Abel had believed God. Cain however, had chosen to sacrifice in a different manner, one of his own choosing. Cain failed to believe God.
But the lesson I would like to focus on today is the one that we find in the latter part of today's verse in Hebrews. It is a vital lesson for believers to learn. I have come to believe that it is one of the most important matters for the child of God to consider. It is a lesson that I know about, but one I am still in the process of learning. Today, I find myself in the year 2010 and through faith, Abel is still speaking. We must not allow this to go unnoticed. Abel has been dead for a few thousand years and yet he still speaks!
In short, here is the lesson I wish to convey. One day, save His coming, you and I will experience death. And we must understand, that though we lie dead one day, we will continue to speak. What will I speak? What will you speak? Will you and I be among those who speak through faith, of Christ and the riches of knowing Him? Will we speak of the glories found in serving Him and in enjoying fellowship with His people?
Perhaps you will speak to your spouse, your children, and your grandchildren or to other family members. Or maybe you will speak to a brother or sister in Christ, or to someone who knows not Christ now, but presently lies in darkness. I suggest that we will speak to many who remain after us. There is another side to this that I must address. Cain is also still speaking. He speaks not through faith and the glories of obedience but he speaks nonetheless. He speaks of disobedience and a life not of faith.
Like Abel and Cain, what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the life that we live now. We have not the option, after death, to speak something different than what we have spoken in life. May we consider this matter with sober mindedness and look to Christ and all He provides to live lives of faith. What a privilege will be ours; to live lives of faith in Christ and then continue to speak of Him through faith after we are gone. Praise God!
It appears obvious that Abel's sacrifice was better than Cain's because it was offered by faith. And perhaps equally obvious, is that Cain's sacrifice was inferior to Abel's because it was not offered by faith. In this account, faith and an obedient heart appear joined together as one. We cannot point to a particular verse of scripture and say for certain that God had given instructions regarding sacrifice.We might assume that He had revealed this to Adam and that Adam had taught his two sons. However, it does appear from the context of the account that each brother knew what God required. Abel had offered his sacrifice accordingly while Cain had not. Abel had believed God. Cain however, had chosen to sacrifice in a different manner, one of his own choosing. Cain failed to believe God.
But the lesson I would like to focus on today is the one that we find in the latter part of today's verse in Hebrews. It is a vital lesson for believers to learn. I have come to believe that it is one of the most important matters for the child of God to consider. It is a lesson that I know about, but one I am still in the process of learning. Today, I find myself in the year 2010 and through faith, Abel is still speaking. We must not allow this to go unnoticed. Abel has been dead for a few thousand years and yet he still speaks!
In short, here is the lesson I wish to convey. One day, save His coming, you and I will experience death. And we must understand, that though we lie dead one day, we will continue to speak. What will I speak? What will you speak? Will you and I be among those who speak through faith, of Christ and the riches of knowing Him? Will we speak of the glories found in serving Him and in enjoying fellowship with His people?
Perhaps you will speak to your spouse, your children, and your grandchildren or to other family members. Or maybe you will speak to a brother or sister in Christ, or to someone who knows not Christ now, but presently lies in darkness. I suggest that we will speak to many who remain after us. There is another side to this that I must address. Cain is also still speaking. He speaks not through faith and the glories of obedience but he speaks nonetheless. He speaks of disobedience and a life not of faith.
Like Abel and Cain, what we speak after we are dead will be determined by the life that we live now. We have not the option, after death, to speak something different than what we have spoken in life. May we consider this matter with sober mindedness and look to Christ and all He provides to live lives of faith. What a privilege will be ours; to live lives of faith in Christ and then continue to speak of Him through faith after we are gone. Praise God!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
My previous "short thoughts" came from the first verse of Hebrews chapter eleven. Before looking at any of the specific persons, or acts of faith named in the chapter, today's thoughts will come from verses 2-3. As the Hebrew writer continues his introduction to this "chapter of faith", speaking of faith, he is inspired to write, "For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."
I live at a very different time but I share something in common with these "men of old". I have also "gained approval" by faith. Through His grace, and by faith in the Lord Jesus I have been made a child of God. I have been adopted as a son through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for this great truth of scripture! Where would I be if it were not so? It is a dreadful thought indeed. How could I dare seek to gain approval some other way? I am so thankful that I find myself in Christ and sealed therein by the Holy Spirit of promise. I find that I am amongst a small but most privileged group of people in the world to whom God has seen fit to reveal the truth of His Son. Yes, I am amongst those who have found forgiveness of their sins in Christ.
A final thought on a truth the author speaks of in the third verse. The creation that is all around us is awe inspiring. Its vastness, majesty and intricacy is beyond our comprehension. But we must stop for a moment to consider that God created it out of nothing. Look to the highest mountain tops if you will or into the deepest of the seas. Consider man and all other created things that dwell upon the earth. Study their complexity. Gaze into the heavens with the most powerful of telescopes and consider the galaxies He allows us to see. Study the tides, gravity, weather, etc. But remember, "what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." There is no doubt in my mind that in this passage we are being challenged to consider the wonder of our Creator God, that we, along with the "men of old", may live lives of faith. Faith that is directed at Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith".
I live at a very different time but I share something in common with these "men of old". I have also "gained approval" by faith. Through His grace, and by faith in the Lord Jesus I have been made a child of God. I have been adopted as a son through Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for this great truth of scripture! Where would I be if it were not so? It is a dreadful thought indeed. How could I dare seek to gain approval some other way? I am so thankful that I find myself in Christ and sealed therein by the Holy Spirit of promise. I find that I am amongst a small but most privileged group of people in the world to whom God has seen fit to reveal the truth of His Son. Yes, I am amongst those who have found forgiveness of their sins in Christ.
A final thought on a truth the author speaks of in the third verse. The creation that is all around us is awe inspiring. Its vastness, majesty and intricacy is beyond our comprehension. But we must stop for a moment to consider that God created it out of nothing. Look to the highest mountain tops if you will or into the deepest of the seas. Consider man and all other created things that dwell upon the earth. Study their complexity. Gaze into the heavens with the most powerful of telescopes and consider the galaxies He allows us to see. Study the tides, gravity, weather, etc. But remember, "what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." There is no doubt in my mind that in this passage we are being challenged to consider the wonder of our Creator God, that we, along with the "men of old", may live lives of faith. Faith that is directed at Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith".
Friday, February 12, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
As I continue with my hope of "blogging" through the Book of Hebrews, I find myself beginning the eleventh chapter as I share some "short thoughts" today. I will only look at the first verse today, where the Hebrew author writes "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." It is by His grace, that the Lord has given us this biblical definition of faith.
First, a thought about the "things hoped for". As believers in Christ, I suppose that each of us could make a list of these things. The list could be short or be quite long. My short list would simply be the hope of seeing Christ face to face, as this is the hope of my faith. In addition to being "present with the Lord", my long list would include the privilege to serve Him, His promised return, meeting Him in the air, obtaining a resurrected body and eternal dwelling place, and the fulfillment of all He has promised, both in this life and for
eternity.
I have assurance of these things. My assurance is based on the character and attributes of Almighty God, His infallible word, and the finished work of Christ. He is the reason for the strong conviction ofthe "things not seen". I have not yet seen Him face to face but I will do so one day. I have not yet seen what it will be like meeting Him in the clouds but I know it draws nearer each day. I have not yet seen a resurrected body, but one day I will have one and see multitudes of others. I have not yet seen this place He is preparing for me but one day I will dwell there forever. I have not yet seen death, but I know that I have already passed from death unto life and that death has no dominion over me.
As I think of the "things not seen", I must say that I'm compelled to consider the things that are seen. I have seen Him change lives, including mine. I have seen Him answer prayers, including those from my lips. I have seen His faithfulness, including His faithfulness to me. I have seen the truth of His word, both in the world and in my life. I have seen Him give peace when there was none to be had. I have seen Him give hope when there was none in sight. I believe you know what I mean.
The assurance and conviction that we read about today does not somehow spring forth from within us, absent the Spirit of God. The flesh is quick to doubt, to question, to second guess and to not believe the things of God. Our assurance and conviction can only be found in Him. This is true because of the sureness and certainty of God. He has proven Himself faithful. It is the Creator, the One and only Sovereign who is our guarantee, our confidence and our security. No, I have not seen Him with my eyes, but I believe Him!
First, a thought about the "things hoped for". As believers in Christ, I suppose that each of us could make a list of these things. The list could be short or be quite long. My short list would simply be the hope of seeing Christ face to face, as this is the hope of my faith. In addition to being "present with the Lord", my long list would include the privilege to serve Him, His promised return, meeting Him in the air, obtaining a resurrected body and eternal dwelling place, and the fulfillment of all He has promised, both in this life and for
eternity.
I have assurance of these things. My assurance is based on the character and attributes of Almighty God, His infallible word, and the finished work of Christ. He is the reason for the strong conviction ofthe "things not seen". I have not yet seen Him face to face but I will do so one day. I have not yet seen what it will be like meeting Him in the clouds but I know it draws nearer each day. I have not yet seen a resurrected body, but one day I will have one and see multitudes of others. I have not yet seen this place He is preparing for me but one day I will dwell there forever. I have not yet seen death, but I know that I have already passed from death unto life and that death has no dominion over me.
As I think of the "things not seen", I must say that I'm compelled to consider the things that are seen. I have seen Him change lives, including mine. I have seen Him answer prayers, including those from my lips. I have seen His faithfulness, including His faithfulness to me. I have seen the truth of His word, both in the world and in my life. I have seen Him give peace when there was none to be had. I have seen Him give hope when there was none in sight. I believe you know what I mean.
The assurance and conviction that we read about today does not somehow spring forth from within us, absent the Spirit of God. The flesh is quick to doubt, to question, to second guess and to not believe the things of God. Our assurance and conviction can only be found in Him. This is true because of the sureness and certainty of God. He has proven Himself faithful. It is the Creator, the One and only Sovereign who is our guarantee, our confidence and our security. No, I have not seen Him with my eyes, but I believe Him!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Short Thoughts for Today
In Hebrews 10:38-39 we read, "BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." Today's "short thoughts" will come from these final two verses of chapter ten. They serve as somewhat of an introduction to Chapter 11, often referred to as "the faith chapter".
It is the will of God that we believe Him, trust Him, have faith in Him. We are called to live by faith and not by sight. As we have received Him by faith we are called to walk in Him by faith. He is worthy to be the object of our faith. He is worthy to be believed. Praise the Lord that ours is a faith "to the preserving of the soul" and "not of those who shrink back to destruction." But we may ask, why is this so? I will caution against any boasting. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write that he would only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord". My faith in Him is victorious because, "He who promised is faithful".
Today's passage does not suggest some sort of perfection that we must attain too in order to avoid "destruction". This "preserving of the soul" kind of faith is possessed by all who have believed, all who have been "born again". I have purposely limited this group to those who have "believed" according to the scriptural truth of salvation by grace through faith. Not all who have made a profession of faith are counted amongst those who have "believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son" and "The Lord knows those who are His". My soul is preserved because of His faithfulness. We are so blessed!
It is the will of God that we believe Him, trust Him, have faith in Him. We are called to live by faith and not by sight. As we have received Him by faith we are called to walk in Him by faith. He is worthy to be the object of our faith. He is worthy to be believed. Praise the Lord that ours is a faith "to the preserving of the soul" and "not of those who shrink back to destruction." But we may ask, why is this so? I will caution against any boasting. The Apostle Paul was inspired to write that he would only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord". My faith in Him is victorious because, "He who promised is faithful".
Today's passage does not suggest some sort of perfection that we must attain too in order to avoid "destruction". This "preserving of the soul" kind of faith is possessed by all who have believed, all who have been "born again". I have purposely limited this group to those who have "believed" according to the scriptural truth of salvation by grace through faith. Not all who have made a profession of faith are counted amongst those who have "believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son" and "The Lord knows those who are His". My soul is preserved because of His faithfulness. We are so blessed!
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