Sound Teaching

Another thought (“Let us”) that comes from the reality of our ability to come boldly to God because of the blood of Jesus, we are to consider one another. God loves us, and sent His Son. Our responsibility in return is to love one another (cf. 1 John 4:11).

A part of love is edifying one another. Putting others before ourselves. We are fortunate for God’s wisdom in establishing our assemblies to allow for such expressions of love and fellowship. The Hebrew writer stresses the importance of our “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” In this context it is not because by missing we miss out on God’s blessings, or our benefit. It is an outgrowth of what God has done for us in sending His Son. We owe Him so much for His love that we are to respond to His love by showing love for each other.

The “Day” of verse 25 might have reference to the judgment of the Jews in A.D. 70. The time of the writing of the Hebrew letter was probably just a year or so before this event which would have been a great discouragement to all Jews (including Jewish Christians). The need remains for us as we contemplate the nearing of the final judgment.

The transfiguration of Christ before Peter, James, and John is a significant event in His life and ministry. It is related by Matthew (17), Mark (9), and Luke (9). Peter mention it as well during his second letter (1:16-18).

In relating the experience, Matthew notes that Jesus in the transfiguration had a face that shined like the sun, and His clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared before the apostles, and talked with Jesus. Peter marveled at the site, and proposed to erect three tabernacles, one for each individual. Though an understandable reaction, this was not what God wanted at all. Jesus was transfigured, and Moses and Elijah appeared, to exclusively magnify Jesus as the Son of God. When Peter made his suggestion, God took Moses and Elijah away, leaving Jesus alone. He said from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!” (17:5). Continue reading “A Lesson from the Transfiguration” →

In one of David’s Psalms, he was contemplating the difficulty of his life. He seemed about ready to give up. His plaintive cry to God is found in the early part of Psalm 55. “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest” (6-8).

Paul had something similar to proclaim in Philippians 1, for the same reason – the treachery of another person or persons. For David it was a trusted friend (13-14). For Paul it was those who taught the gospel specifically to add to his chains while under house arrest in Rome.

Regardless, they had the right idea on how to handle it or any other burden in their lives. We too have burdens, whether it be the treachery of men, our age or poor health, the burdens of poverty, or any other trial.

David wrote, “As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (16-17). Life wearies us for many reasons. Our plight may call us to cry out in despair. “If I had wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest.” But, remember God is always with us, today and forever. Call upon God and be at peace!

An examination of Romans 10, where Paul establishes clearly the limitations of justification by the Old Law of Moses, as contrasted with salvation through faith in Christ. 

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One of the most helpful studies that can be done in the Old Testament is God’s establishment of the concept of sanctification for His people. The principle of sanctification is a primary theme, and one that is established just as prominently for us as His children in Christ.

The Hebrew word for sanctified is qadosh, and is defined “to set apart, consecrate. To make hallowed.” As it refers to God, He sets apart objects, days, people, offices, as holy, or for a holy purpose. In this, what is sanctified belongs to God, and so it to be respected and revered. In this way, God demonstrated the proper attitude the people should have for Him. Continue reading “A Study of Sanctification” →

In Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, we are introduced to a diligent minister by the name of Epaphras. He was one who was with Paul during certain parts of his journeys. We know very little about him. He is referenced twice in Colossians, and once in Paul’s letter to Philemon, a personal letter which Paul wrote while imprisoned in Rome. In this letter he mentioned Epaphras, telling Philemon, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you” (Philemon 23). So, he was with the great apostle at least part of the time Paul was under house arrest during his first imprisonment. Perhaps while there he was among the brethren, “having been confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:14). Continue reading “Epaphras – A Servant of God” →

Because the problem of sin’s guilt has been dealt with in Jesus’ offering of Himself, we can now truly have an intimate relationship with God. Unlike under the Old Covenant where access to God was limited, the Christian can be bold to appear in God’s presence!

This is the the new and better way brought to us by Jesus. By His flesh (in His sacrifice on the cross) the Hebrew writer tells us we can pass through the veil (symbolized by the tent separating the Jews from the Holiest of Holies in the tabernacle). This “new and living way” has been consecrated by Jesus, meaning He has dedicated it exclusively for the one who comes to Jesus through faith.

Therefore, we approach God completely cleansed of sin. In baptism, our sins are “washed away” (cf. Acts 22:16). We are pure heart and soul. In other words, it is no longer figurative, we are literally cleansed from our sins. This allows us full assurance as we approach God.

It also gives us a reason for full confidence regarding our salvation. God has promised it to the faithful God keeps His promises!

When the remnant was allowed to return to the promised land following the Jew’s 70 years in Babylon, the people settled in the cities that were initially theirs before the captivity. However, we are told in the seventh month, they with one accord traveled to Jerusalem. On that occasion leaders of the people had an altar built to offer sacrifices to God. This despite the fact that the foundations for a new temple had not yet been laid. It was important for them to begin their worship of God. We are told, “Though fear had come upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and the evening offerings” (Ezra 3:3).

Opposition from the Gentiles in the land was fierce. This is seen clearly from details supplied concerning the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls. However, in these early days the zeal of the people was commendable and they determined to do God’s will despite their fear of reprisal.

This attitude was mimicked by the apostles in the early history of the church (Acts 4 & 5). They determined, though threatened by the Jewish leaders, to serve God without compromise in their preaching of the gospel.

Great examples for us! What about you?

The study of Nebuchadnezzar (the arrogant king of Babylon) is used to introduce important teaching for the Christian about the sin of pride.  Its dangers, other sins it produces, its consequences, and practical suggestions on how to handle the problem. 

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Preparation is important for most things. It is important to prepare remarks before public speaking. It is important to train and practice before athletic events or dramatic performances. Preparation helps proficiency in almost every circumstance. There is nothing more humiliating than to enter any endeavor and show yourself to be ineffective simply because you did not put in the effort to succeed.

The importance of preparation is a central theme of Jesus regarding the coming judgment. The parable of the virgins in Matthew 25 is an example of His teaching. Five virgins went to a wedding feast without sufficient preparation. They had lamps, but did not take oil with them to replenish the vessel. The other five, took the time and effort to take oil in vessels in addition to their lamps. When the feast was delayed as the bridegroom had not arrived, their lamps all went out. The foolish virgins had to go buy more oil, and while they were absent, the bridegroom arrived, and the doors were shut to the feast. Jesus’ lesson from this simple illustration, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 15:13). Continue reading “Prepare!” →

The scripture reveals that Moses led the people of Israel to the promised land, but was unable to to enter the land of promise itself as punishment for his sin against God at Kadesh, Numbers 20. Moses in anger struck a rock to bring forth water, disregarding God’s words to speak to the rock. It is interesting to note that previously the striking of the rock was indeed God’s instruction. However, on this occasion He required something different from Moses. In response to this disobedience, in Numbers 20:12 God spoke to both Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

Moving forward in time to Joshua 12, a list of accomplishments is given both of Moses (who had died), and Joshua, the next leader of Israel. The text begins by noting kings who had been defeated on the east side of the Jordan. This is where Moses led the people. We are told, “These Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel had conquered; and Moses the servant of the Lord had given it as a possession to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh‘’ (12:6). Then the narrative continues with Joshua’s leadership in Joshua 12:7. “And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions.”

Such an interesting phrase, “on this side of the Jordan.” It is a contrast to the phrase used in 12:1 when Moses was in charge, “on the other side of the Jordan toward the rising of the sun” referencing the land just east of the river. It is not a surprising thing that the Jews having entered and conquered, would now refer to their promised land as “this side” of the Jordan and the land they had left as “the other side.” Canaan now belonged to them. Their perspective had been altered at the fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham back in Genesis 12, 15 and also in 17:8, where we read “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

A worthy lesson for us. For the child of God, this side (the side God has promised and where we belong) is heaven. The other side is this physical world. It took a while for the children of Israel to get to Canaan, and it may take us a while to get to the place God has promised for us! We need to remember we are on a pilgrimage until we reach our place of rest. May we steadfastly go that way until we reach the gates!

Having established that Jesus’ one offering of Himself brought our sanctification, the writer supplies the witness to this truth from the Holy Spirit. He has reference to a passage from Jeremiah 31:33-34.

Two points are made from the Holy Spirit’s testimony. First, this new covenant the Hebrew writer has been affirming supplants the old is one prophesied from old. The basis for standing under this new covenant is faith in Christ. “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them.”

Second, the true sanctification to which the Hebrew writer refers in verses 11-14 is fully accomplished in the sacrifice of Jesus. The Lord’s word’s through Jeremiah, “Their sins and the lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Under the old covenant there was a reminder of sins on each Day of Atonement, every year. With Christ’s sacrifice there is no longer that requirement.

Why? Because of Jesus’ sacrifice there was true remission! Since that happened, the final sacrifice for sin has been achieved.

An interesting aspect of Moses’ institution of the first Passover feast, as God prepared to take them from Egypt and its bondage is a statement of accommodation in Exodus 12:3. Moses related God’s command that one lamb per household be offered as a part of Passover. However, in verse 4 God instructed Moses, “And if the household is too small for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the persons; according to each man’s need you shall make your count for the lamb” (Exodus 12:4).

Two thoughts to consider here. First, God understood the privation of the people, and was willing to make accommodations to those who were too poor (their household “too small”) to offer a full lamb. By application, we know that God will accommodate any limitations we ourselves have. For example, if we are poor (just like the widow with two mites, Mark 12:41-44), God does not require what we are incapable of offering. This principle is true with our health, age, talent, and any other aspect of our service to Him. He only requires what we can offer.

Second, God accommodates our needs, but that does not give us an excuse not to strive for zeal and liberality in our service to Him. You must not try to take advantage of God!