Hebrews
A Better Covenant (Hebrews 7:20-28)
Few things better illustrate anticipation than a child on his way to Disneyland. Yet, by the end of the day, there are fewer places where you will hear more whining and complaining than Disneyland. Life is full of examples when reality does not live up to our expectations. We build up our goals and spend so much energy trying to achieve them, only to be left disappointed that the reward was not worth the effort. It is difficult to imagine…
A Better Hope (Hebrews 7:4-19)
When Marshall McLuhan argued that “the media is the message,” he was suggesting that you cannot separate the content of the message from the means by which it is received. He emphasized the fact that new technology can change the values and norms of society over time. The means through which we approach God is critical to our understanding of the content of his revelation. The means by which the Old Testament saints approached God was different. While they belonged…
The King Of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:1-3)
When a writer for a Christian magazine asked N.T. Wright which books were the most important in his thinking and work, he told them it was the reference works that he always keeps near his desk. He noted how the dictionaries and encyclopedias, especially those dealing with the original languages, help bring the darkness of another world to light. I probably would not have answered that way, but I think he makes a great point. I might miss those reference…
Sure Of Better Things Hebrews 6:9-20
There is a growing body of research on the concept of hope. There is even scientific research suggesting that those who have hope are better off physically, psychologically, and socially. Researchers acknowledge that trauma can have a negative impact upon the capacity for some to experience hope. For instance, a fatal diagnosis from your doctor can deplete every ounce of will power to pursue every other goal in life. Chan Hellman, a professor at Oklahoma State University, studied the power…
Is It Possible To Fall Away? Pt. 2 Hebrews 6:4-8
The author warns his readers to grab their attention. The audience had yet to mature beyond milk to solid food (Heb 5:11-14). They were stuck still learning the elementary doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-3). Pray & Read Hebrews 6:1-8. Three primary interpretations of this passage: 1. Genuine Christians who lose their salvation which would be contrary to Scripture that speaks to the perseverance of the saints (Phil 1:6). 2. This is only a hypothetical description. However, nothing in the text indicates…
Is It Possible To Fall Away? Pt. 1
Jesus is greater than the angels and Moses. He is a superior high priest. But before he can elaborate upon Christ’s superiority, he warns his readers to grab their attention. The audience had yet to mature beyond milk to solid food (Heb 5:11-14). They were stuck still learning the elementary doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-3). Pray & Read Hebrews 6:4-8. In 1981, Rev. Mansfield Kaseman, of National Capital Presbytery, was charged with apostasy because he denied Christ’s sinlessness, bodily resurrection, vicarious…
The Elementary Doctrine Of Christ
Native Americans have a practice of planning for their future with the seventh generation in mind. In other words, tribal leaders expect their actions to impact their people for the next 150 years. Not only do they keep future generations in mind, but they also reflect upon past generations with gratitude. Considering the fact that God “has put eternity into man’s heart” (Eccl. 3:10), it is natural to desire to have an enduring impact. The reformed catechisms have passed on…
Got Milk?
T. David Gordon, under a fatal diagnosis of cancer (25% chance of survival and two months to live), wrote some choice words for preachers in his book, Why Johnny Can’t Preach. Here’s a brief sampling of what I read as an aspiring preacher in seminary… “[T]he entering seminarian today has the faculties of a sixth- to eighth-grader sixty years ago, and the seminary curriculum cannot make this seminarian an adult by the time he graduates.” “What I care about is the average…
The Book That Reads Us
Cornell University social psychologist David Dunning, studied the tendency for people to overestimate themselves. He found that those who were the least competent performers have the most inflated view of themselves. The study also revealed that their over-inflation wasn’t due to arrogance, but ignorance. Obviously, this can be true for Christians as well. We routinely flatter ourselves with false assessments of our own competence. We aren’t even aware of our pride, because we think we’re simply being honest. Jeremiah 17:9 ESV…
Striving For Rest
What are you hoping to change in 2023? Do you ever wish you could enjoy more rest (physically, psychologically, and spiritually)? “Rest” occurs 12x Hebrews 3:11-4:11. Primary application. Goal = why it’s important and how you might find it. Jesus > Everything • 1-2 Angels (Jesus speaks a better word, 1:1-2, 2:1-3) <<< Pay much closer attention! • 3-4 Moses (Jesus is worthy of more honor, 3:3) <<< Do not harden your hearts! We are too easily distracted by what is worldly and…