Sound Teaching

One synonym of “covenant” is “testament.” The Hebrew writer uses that concept here. As we know, a testament (or will) goes into effect at the death of the one making the testament (or will). As it relates to Jesus’ testament, will, covenant – it was not until Jesus died that it came into being or “in force” (17).

This means that when Jesus died, the Old Testament was no longer in force. It was superseded by the New Testament of Christ. Christ’s testament is superior to the Old Testament, ratified by God’s servant Moses. Moses took the blood of calves and goats, sprinkling it on the covenant, tabernacle and the people to solemnize the agreement that the Jews had with God. “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you” (20).

Blood is required for there to be remission of sins. Such remission is found under the New Covenant, rather than the Old Covenant. This shows that the blood of the bulls and goats that Moses used could not solve the problem of sin (cf 9:13-14; 10:4). Only in Christ’s blood, in the New Covenant, can remission be found! (cf. 10:10).

The lessons we learn from God’s judgment of Belshazzar, King of Babylon, in Daniel 5 are invaluable to us as we deal with our own sins in God’s presence.

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We are familiar with Peter’s use of God’s words in the book of Leviticus (11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7), “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Here we see that our own holiness has a compelling reason. We are imitating God! This was Peter’s thesis in his text, “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1:15).

While we may have some concept of holiness, let’s consider God’s definition as found in the Greek language. The Greek word hagios denotes something that is sacred. It has reference to an object that has been separated from what is common, and is therefore worthy of veneration. In reference to a man, it is used to indicate moral goodness. Someone who is pure, sinless, upright. The Old Testament Hebrew word qados is used essentially in the same way. Continue reading “Be Holy” →

One of the things that stands out for me in Paul’s personal letter to Philemon, is the character of the one to which he is writing. He called Philemon his beloved friend. These words were not mere flattery. Rather they were true praise for a man of strong character.

We acknowledge Paul’s purpose in writing. He wanted Philemon to do as he asked. Philemon’s slave, a man called Onesimus, had run away. While on the run, he met Paul and was converted. Rather than receiving punishment, Paul not only wanted Philemon to forgive the slave, but all to relinquish him to Paul, so that he might assist Paul in his work. This was a big ask, but Paul had confidence and his carefully worded letter would be successful. He believed this because he knew Philemon well. Continue reading “An Example of Christian Character” →

Christ as a High Priest is here compared to the service rendered in the tabernacle under the old covenant. Christ serves in the “more perfect tabernacle not made with hands” (11). This is a reference to the throne room of God in heaven itself.

Christ’s work as High Priest was to offer His own blood for our redemption. This was an act that was done only once. Jesus’ blood (unlike the blood of “goats and calves”) could truly redeem man. His blood (the blood of God’s son in the flesh – an unblemished and sinless sacrifice – was sufficient to purchase us from sin’s bondage.

There is a contrast here between the physical sacrifices offered under the Old Covenant. It is said they only sanctify “for the purifying of the flesh” (13). This indicates a physical and symbolic work, that fell short of full and complete redemption from sin. In contrast, the blood of Christ, offered to God in heaven itself, has the power to “cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (14). We are truly cleansed spiritually. Because of this we “may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance” (15).

Q: What has an outside that you cook and eat, and an inside that you throw away? A: An ear of corn! Maybe kind of lame, but just one of the riddles we read and tried to answer with our grandkids early this week. We had a lot of fun! There was laughter and ribbing, and a good time had by all. I asked my grandson what was his favorite riddle, and he said the one that his sister had challenged us with. Q: What has hair but is not human? A: MY GRANDSON!

I am often reminded of Proverbs 17:6, “Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” Those of us who have grandchildren, whether one or a dozen, are truly blessed by our God. They bring us so much joy with their vitality, purity and loving nature.

We are also to consider their vulnerability, and the importance of being a godly influence to all who are young. The Psalmist wrote, “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them” (Psalms 103:17-18).

May all who read this be on guard for the spiritual welfare of our children and grandchildren! They are the next generation of soldiers in the army of the Lord!

In this lesson we examine Matthew 11:20-24.  All of us have received so many blessings in Christ.  Our great blessings bring great responsibilities. We must all repent and serve God!

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We just celebrated our 250th birthday as a nation on July 4th. If you are like many, it was probably a enjoyable day of family, patriotism and fireworks. It is also an opportunity for reflection for the child of God. Consider what crossed my mind on that day.

I am amazed at the size of the celebrations. They went all out in Washington D.C. with a speech from the President, the honoring of centenarian veterans of World War II, and what was billed as the biggest fireworks display ever in the history of the world! (President Trump likes big things).

Debbie and I went with six of our grandkids (and their parents) to a bridge near downtown Fort Worth to watch our city’s fireworks display. There were hundreds of people on that bridge watching with us. I wondered what it would be like if I had the opportunity to talk to so many non-Christians at one time about our Lord. Continue reading “Observations About the Fourth” →

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount we read His teaching on the subject of swearing (5:33-37). By this we do not mean profanity, which is condemned elsewhere in scripture (Colossians 3:8).

What is under consideration is the taking of an oath to establish the verity of your words. This was actually a practice that had authority under the Old Covenant. “If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth” (Numbers 30:2).

In Jesus’ time swearing was a common practice among both Jews and Gentiles. Vows were not made solely in God’s name, but by physical things, as alluded to by Jesus in (5:34-36): heaven, earth, Jerusalem, even by your own head. Continue reading “Swear Not At All” →