Category: Study

See (7:1-10) for an explanation of Jesus’ standing as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” The emphasis of the writer here is that such a concept was difficult to understand because they were “dull of hearing.”

He explains their problem in verses 12-14. They were spiritually immature. They had been taught the rudiments of the gospel, but had not fully retained that teaching, nor had they learned more. A diligent and consistent study of God’s word is needed by His people. It contains the mind of God, and if I am diligent as a child, I will hide them “in my heart, that I might not sin against You [God]” (Psalm 111:11).

The writer describes those who know only the milk of the word to be babes. While we all have different capabilities, God expects us all to grow in faith! This is commanded by Him, but it is a commandment with benefits to us. The more we know and understand of God’s will, the more capable we are to share that message, and to inoculate ourselves against the wiles of the devil. As the Hebrew writer says, “by reason of use [we] have our senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (14).

It is obvious that the physically healthiest among us (setting aside unfortunate genetic illness or injury) are that way because of a good diet, sober life and appropriate exercise. There is a spiritual equivalent to this revealed in the New Testament.

Consider first Jesus’ description of Himself in John 6:35, “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.’” It is correct to note that every aspect of our spiritual sustenance comes directly from Jesus. We are without strength without Him. But as Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Continue reading “Spiritual Growth” →

The common characteristic of men who pleased God in the Bible is the devotion they showed to God. For example, Abraham’s son Isaac, “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening…” (Genesis 24:63). Or, David’s practice of prayer and meditation. “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice” (Psalm 55:17). “When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches” (Psalm 63:6). Our greatest example, the Lord Himself, customarily sought solitary places at times where he could immerse Himself in His devotions to His Father. “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35).

While I am typically unimpressed with the books and helps that are supposed to facilitate “devotional time”, the private efforts to focus our minds on prayer, meditation, and Bible reading are a laudable endeavors. Those who seek to draw near to God are successful! As David told his son Solomon, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9). God wants this closeness, but it takes effort on the part of man to obtain it. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). Continue reading “A Life of Devotion” →

In our distraction filled society, the Christian needs to be sure not to be distracted from serving God. Four items are discussed: Morality, Attendance, Worship and Study.

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“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” (Psalms 119:9).

Our encouragements to read and study God’s word are constant.  That is because they are important. It only takes a few minutes to consider why:

1. God is in control.
2. God requires us to do His will in order to please Him.
3. His will is wholly contained in scripture which is readily available to all, and we are encouraged to use it!

It is like being able to take an open book test in school.  Even the smart kids are going to take advantage of the open book.  However, religiously many feel free to guess, to assume, to opine, to invent—all when God’s word is easily opened, and God’s will is easily found.

So, consider these truths while thinking about whether you are interested in reading the Bible through in this next year. It only take a few moments a day.  It shouldn’t be the sum total of your Bible study in the new year, but it is a good place to start.

If you were to read the title, and not realize this was an article dealing with a Bible subject, you might think that Jethro had reference to the Jethro of the Beverly Hillbillies.  That guy was not smart at all.

But, the Jethro that was Moses’ father-in-law was a smart man. He was a priest of Midian and well respected by Moses. While there is no revelation given as to whether Jethro ever fully rejected idolatry, he certainly came to realize the preeminence of the God of the Hebrews. He was a just man, kind and generous to his son-in-law. Continue reading “Jethro Was A Smart Man” →

One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.

It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark.  At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read.  If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.

If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…

• Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month.  If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
• Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
• Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!

The Psalmist asked God to “show me Your ways”, “teach me Your paths”, “lead me in Your truth.” Jesus has done all of these things for us!

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A discussion (borrowed from Jeremiah Cox’s sermon of the same name) of men’s self-imposed impediments to understanding God’s word.

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It is right to emphasize the importance of gaining knowledge of God’s word.  The Psalmist expressed the proper attitude toward seeking such knowledge when he wrote, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).  However, it must be recognized that gaining knowledge is the means to an end in its impact on the Christian’s faith.  It is not an end in itself.  Our standing with God is not dependent upon of our knowledge of truth per se, but upon our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord.

One might object that knowledge of Christ is necessary for that acceptance, and that is entirely true.  Jesus affirmed this very thing when he said to a group of Jews who expressed their faith in 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).  We are to be disciples of Christ.  To be His disciples, we must know and adopt His teachings.  However, it is important to remember that the newborn babe in Christ is as accepted of God as the most mature Christian.  Immediately upon being washed in the blood of the Lamb, we receive the forgiveness of our sins, and can claim the right to an eternal inheritance.  The Ethiopian Eunuch who “went on his way rejoicing” (cf. Acts 8:39) immediately following his baptism, had equal claim to the heavenly Father as the aged Paul, who had “fought the good fight” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:7) as a learned and mature apostle of the Lord. Continue reading “Proper Attitudes Toward Knowledge” →

The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.

Continue reading “Devoted Disciples” →

An exegesis of Hebrews 5:11 – 6:3, with applications.

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In spiritual matters, we must be moved by faith’s constant desire to know God’s will. We must be true disciples (learners) of Jesus Christ.

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There are consequences to men who do not understand their place in relation to God. Too often men seek their own counsel, and pay no respect to the One who made them. “Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, ‘Who sees us?’ and, ‘Who knows us?’ Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, ‘He did not make me’? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, ‘He has no understanding’?” (Isaiah, 29:15-16).

Continue reading “Depending Upon the Word of God” →