Category: Authority

In verses 1-5 the Hebrew writer described the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings. In verses 6-10, he describes the actions of the priests as they ministered in that holy place under the law of Moses.

The sanctuary, the holy place, was a location of daily worship. The lamp was trimmed, incense was burned, and the shewbread was renewed each Sabbath day.

The holiest of all, behind the veil where the ark of the covenant resided could only be entered by the High Priest. He entered this sacred place once a year to offer blood sacrifices for himself and the people on the Day of Atonement.

This prohibition against entering was symbolic regarding our access to God. It is only under the New Covenant that the Holiest of All can be entered by God’s people. This is the victory of Jesus Christ. Through Him we can come “boldly to the throne of grace” (4:16).

The sacrifices and ministrations of the old covenant, which can not bring perfection, are no longer valid. The time of reformation has come!

In 1 Corinthians 14:36-37, the apostle Paul had an interesting question he asked the Christians there, “Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.”

The Corinthians were altering their worship. The church had begun in Jerusalem, and spread outward. A model of worship had been established. And now they were changing it. And Paul was letting them know it was wrong for them to do so. His pen had a real bite!

In effect, by changing the worship, with the confusion it was causing, and the arrogance they were showing, they were sinning. They were doing something of their own invention. So, Paul asked, Do you really think that you are the originators of God’s word? Or did God only send His messages to you? The answer of course, is no!

So, Paul wanted them to realize their ignorance! They were practicing their own desires rather than acknowledging, as Paul wrote, that his epistles contained, “the commandments of the Lord.” May we all study God’s word, and submit to God’s commandments in scripture. Jesus is our Lord. We have no business changing His will!

We know that truth (no matter the discipline) is objective. Truth is defined by Webster: “the body of real things, events, and facts; the real facts about something; the state of being the case.”

It can be simple or complex mathematics, scientific discovery, or spiritual truth. In all cases it is real and certain. Let’s give an example. Some people claim the earth is a flat, stationary disk with the North Pole at its center and Antarctica functioning as an ice wall around the edges. The recent scientific achievement of Artemis II (the trip to the moon) was accomplished by knowing the true nature of the earth. Further, photographs clearly show the spherical nature of the earth. It is a fact. (Actually a fact that has been known for hundreds of years, despite the claims of the Flat Earth Society).

When we get into the realm of religion, people deny that objective truth still remains. People began to claim that “your truth is different from my truth.” This type of Postmodern thinking is unacceptable to most, except when it comes to God. But it must be noted that thinking the earth is flat does not make it so. Thinking 2+2=5 does not make it so. And thinking that there is no objective truth about God and His will for man does not make it so! Continue reading “The Objective Truth of God” →

There is a difference between the traditions of men, and Divine traditions. It is a difference that we must be able to discern to please Him. (Mark 7:1-13)

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The wise man who wrote the book of Proverbs said, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14).

Thousands of years after the creation of man, many think themselves very capable of identifying what is truly evil. Yet with this supposed knowledge of right and wrong, it is obvious that evil persists and even flourishes in our day.

I submit that people are less knowledgeable than they think. For every condemnation of murder there is a rationalization of the act in any particular circumstance. Too often men designate what they do not like as evil, and pronounce what they desire as good. In effect, the concept of right and wrong varies depending on who you talk to. Few will accept the contention that right and wrong can be objectively attained, or know how it can be done! Continue reading “Knowing Right Before God” →

Two major points are made in this part of our text. First, the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection. The thought is introduced here, and more is said later. Consider, the high priest himself was a sinful man, and the sin offerings were inadequate (cf. Hebrews 10:4). So, the more perfect priest, Jesus, was important. With a new priest and priesthood, it is necessary to change the law under which they serve.

The second point enlarges upon this truth. It would be a violation for Jesus, as a member of the tribe of Judah, to serve as a priest under the law of Moses. We know this because God specified the Levitical tribe to produce priests. As the Hebrew writer notes, there was no precedence for one from Judah to serve.

The principle of silence is established here. In verse 14 we read, “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” When God has not spoken it is presumptuous for any to speak for Him. “…Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11b). In effect, to speak where God has not is to violate God’s law, which is sin!

“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Our text is an important one in establishing the authority of Jesus Christ. The idea of headship indicates that in all things Christ reigns supreme over His church. This position of authority was given Him by His heavenly Father.

Christ’s authority is not found only in the church. As verse 21 indicates, He is preeminent over all. “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.”

Finally, as we take the beginning at the end, Christ is reigning on His throne over His kingdom. That is the nature of His authority. God “raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (20).

I say it often, but too many show themselves willing to accept Jesus as their Savior, but not as their Lord! Paul called Him the “blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). May we all respect the headship of Christ both as His church collectively, and individually as His subjects in His kingdom!

The Bible is inspired of God.  As such we know that the acceptance of various conflicting interpretations of scripture to be absurd.  The truth of God is both objective and obtainable as we study the Bible.  This lesson gives insight into the process of interpreting God’s Word.

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A discussion of the question whether Gentiles should be allowed in the Messianic Kingdom (Acts 10, 14, 15)

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You are familiar with Jesus’ words to the Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…” (John 8:31-32). These words create what amounts to a litmus test to establish discipleship.

Let’s define a couple of terms. The first is litmus test. It is “a test for acidity or alkalinity using litmus.” Litmus is a dye that is added to paper, that when touched by acidic liquid turns red, and when touched by alkaline liquid turns blue. It is completely reliable and definitive. As such, the phrase “litmus test” has come to mean a test that decisively indicates a particular nature. Continue reading “The Litmus Test of Discipleship” →

In Proverbs 22, a section of scripture begins which is headed in the NKJV Bible, “Sayings of the Wise.” While this heading is given by men rather than inspiration, it is certainly applicable to the passages which follow.  An example:

“Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28)

A landmark is a boundary. It is used to determine the limits of property. Here it is used to express the importance of respecting boundaries. In ancient times, this was the only way of authoritatively establishing ownership. In other words, removing or relocating a boundary that had been long established was tantamount to robbery! A similar prohibition can be seen at Deuteronomy 19:14.

Our application? God’s word. God has established, in olden times, the boundary of right and wrong. Today our tendency is to remove that ancient landmark to satisfy our own desires and whims. Just like any effort to move a boundary to gain advantage, altering or ignoring God’s word is disrespectful, devious and plain wrong.

It’s fine for the worldly to be progressive, and ancient teachings are not always the best way to go in modern culture.  That is, if they are written by men.  But, the Bible is God’s word.  It is timeless!  It must be respected!

When David determined to move the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he first disregarded the “proper order” but later acknowledged his error as the Ark was brought by the Levites into the city.

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A wonderful passage of scripture, Psalm 119:97-104 is discussed, showing the benefits of immersing yourself in God’s law, and proper attitude of the disciple.

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There are some terms that are used in scripture to explain how God’s authority works, and how it affects the Old and New Testaments.

In the NKJV of the bible, there are three primary words that are used to describe what these are.  They are the words testament, covenant and will. Let’s define each.

In Galatians 3:17 Paul wrote, “And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.” The word covenant (diatheke) is a term with legal ramifications, defined by Thayer as “a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid…especially the last disposal which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will.” Continue reading “Talking about Covenants” →

A discussion of Psalm 110, the Psalmist identifies the coming Christ as one who would serve as both King and Priest, and rule with a rod (indicating authority and strength).

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