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Rejoice as You Share Christ's Suffering - by Richard Neufeld

12/10/2021

1 Peter 3-5

Observe:

                Chapter 3 begins with Peter instructing how women ought to relate to their husbands and how husbands should relate to their wives (there is SO much I would like to dive into on this section alone, however the scope of these blogs isn’t geared towards such a volume of commentary!). Peter goes on to dictate that all those who are of the brotherhood of believers ought live with unity of mind, not repaying evil with evil but to bless instead. He adds encouragement here to those who are undergoing persecution on behalf of Christ, telling them not to fear for God cares for and blesses specially those who are suffering for the sake of His Son. He points out that Christ suffered, the righteous for the unrighteous, indicating that those who do the same are in the best company.

                Going on to the fourth chapter, Peter continues in teaching and encouraging them to stop living according to earthly passions but for God; for the time of living in sensuality, drunkenness, and lawless idolatry is gone. They are to be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of their prayers, not grumbling whilst showing hospitality to one another, but to be cheerful stewards of God’s grace. He goes on to say that no Christian ought be surprised when they suffer for the Gospel, for such things are happening to their brothers and sisters all over the world. Rather, they should glorify God in and through their suffering.

                The final chapter exhorts the shepherds of the flock to do their jobs willingly and cheerfully and with proper motives. It wraps up with one of my favourite verses: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

Interpret/Application:

                1 Peter is easily the most underlined and circled book in my own Bible. There’s just something about the way Peter speaks that is clear, no-nonsense, and cuts to the core of our hearts as we read. He is obviously writing to an ancient audience in and around Asia Minor, however we know that these words carry with them truth unbounded by time and space. This entire book is meant to be encouragement for suffering and flagging Christians, bolstering them with the good news of Christs mission and how suffering engages them with it.

                My question today is simple – have you ever suffered for the sake of Christ?

                This may not actually be the simplest question to answer. Suffering doesn’t just mean having tomatoes thrown at you as you proclaim the Gospel on a street corner or being let go from your job because of your Christian beliefs. Though it very well may mean that for some, we generally don’t see that kind of reaction in our mild-mannered, lukewarm 21st century North American town of Winnipeg. But we can still suffer in other ways.

                For instance, when it comes to identifying sin in your life and taking action against it, that is a type of suffering. True, it isn’t exactly what Peter is talking about in this book, but we should start there today. Do you have any desire to seek sinful pride and action out in your own heart and mind and go to war with it? Have you owned up to a particular sin committed against a loved one? Have you had enough of secrets and lies and finally decided to drag them out into the light no matter the cost? Or does sin sit quietly in the corner, unbothered by any true conviction on your part?

                I mentioned our time and place these days as lukewarm and I level that warning at Christians in particular. How on fire for God are you really? I’m not talking so much an active feeling right this very second, rather I’m referencing the overall direction of your life and conviction of heart. Do you care for the things He cares about, or do little things get you twisted out of shape? Do you seek one more fight against that one sin, or have you given sin the keys to your heart and never fought to get them back? Does God’s word have any bearing on your life at all?

                My point is this – if you haven’t suffered in the fight against our own sinful nature, how could you ever expect to stand up to the sins of the time in which you live?

                The Gospel of Jesus Christ changes hearts and minds. It liberates the soul from the power of sin and death, dousing us in the Holy Spirit who works in us until the end of our days. Those who don’t stand upon the foundation of Christ, those who don’t put roots down in rich soil will only be swept away, and greater will be their fall.

                The fight against sin starts in our own hearts as we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It can’t come about any other way. In order to be of use in the world around us, in order to aid our brothers and sisters as government policy and cultural sentiment steadily becomes more hostile to the truth of God, we need to clear out our own houses first and now! We need to truly bend our knee to God Almighty and train up in His Word every single day, take action against our sin, and learn to fight the good fight in the armor of God.

Prayer:
                Father God, teach us to wage war on the sin which runs rampant throughout our world. Teach us to care about the things that matter to you and break our hearts for the unsaved. Thank you for walking with us forever, for going first in our place and providing not only an example but eternal life after anything we face in this life. Make us uncomfortable with remaining comfortable and teach us to need you more. Amen!

Song: His Mercy is More (Matt Boswell)

Living Free

12/9/2021

1 Peter 1-2    (Ps 33)   Lynne McCarthy     12/9/21

Observe   Peter’s letter offers hope for the church suffering under persecution. They will enjoy salvation in the end times, for God’s promise through Christ’s death and resurrection is a reality for them.

The ‘elect exiles’ (1:1) are Gentile believers, God’s new chosen people, the Church scattered through the known world, known by God from the beginning. Peter acknowledges the Trinity and the atoning work of Jesus (2). Painful various trials test their love and faith, shot through with joy, salvation the outcome (1:6-8). Their faith-fiplled lives will end in praise and glory when Christ is revealed. As He suffered, so will his followers; as Christ sits enthroned in the heavens, so will his elect -- incentive to holy living as they set their minds on His grace. (13-16) God is Father, but on the last day He is also Judge (17). ‘Fear’ is not ‘terror’ but that reaction of sheer awe at His holiness. Taking His displeasure seriously, they will avoid sin.

Peter urges a stop to hidden sins that spring from the heart (2:1; Mt 12:34). The Lord’s goodness sets up a longing for Him. They are becoming God’s house, stone by stone, priests in a life of sacrifice; the passage from Isa. 28:16 is a reminder of their source of strength. (5,9) But unbelievers stumble by their disobedience.

For those who defy authority, Peter has crisp words: Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… (13). Peter reminds his readers that they are free; in choosing to submit to authority, from emperor down, they serve the Lord and one another. They counter opposition by being mindful of God (19) while enduring injustice. (Being authors of their own suffering is also possible; there, punishment is just (20a).) Suffering without retaliation is a part of new life because Jesus suffered and died for His humanity (21-24) enabling a return to Christ, gracious Shepherd. (25)

Interpret At this time there were sporadic, localized bursts of persecution by Rome against Christians, as they would not bow to the emperor as god. In this, there were opportunities for believers to articulate reasons for their faith, to practise what Peter was preaching.

The priesthood of all believers is exactly that: all who submit to God’s authority and accept the Lordship of Christ in His sacrifice have access to Jesus, the great High Priest, humbly living under the constraints of this present life to witness to Christ’s Lordship
.
Peter references Isaiah 53:5c when he speaks of healing -- not physical (24), but Christ’s complete repair of all brokenness, His punishment enabling a confident return to the gracious Shepherd. (24-25).

Apply We’re not under Rome, but the culture we live in bears much resemblance, ‘bread and circuses’ as distractions from resolutely remaining in Jesus, our model and true Centre. We as a believing church are counter-cultural, but we can’t stay the course without His grace, corporate worship and prayer in His Spirit who is our Advocate.
We are meant to be witnesses, not just to our church enclave but to those far from faith. The way we live out our love for God and others will speak, as will gentle, persevering persuasion of the truth of the gospel. It takes grace and love, both abundantly supplied when we ask.

Ask How should I then live among unbelieving family members, neighbours or friends who may be indifferent, offended, or hostile to the Gospel? As I consider what Jesus has done for me, what steps will I take towards holiness? Do I want to be holy, set apart, different?

Pray Lord Jesus, in my short exile in this world, in the life You have bought for me by Your death and resurrection, You alone enable me to live Your life. I look to You as my High Priest, my Saviour, my King. Help me to humbly submit to human authority, however difficult, by grace submitting to Your authority. I entrust my life to You, with deep thanks.

Sing   Ps 33   Unfailing Love - Jason Silver
youtu.be/hbuqv1z3SZA

1 Peter 1      I Want to be Holy - Matt Papa
youtu.be/xiMeELH7fgA

1 Peter 1:1:9   (spoken)   Shift Worship
youtu.be/QL7D7Uv62PY

1 Peter 2:24     By His Wounds
youtu.be/XVePxkoCsUs

Great encouragement for difficult times by Pastor Dave

12/8/2021

“Come near to God and He will come near to you……..Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.”
James 4: 8a, 10

James 4-5 (Psalm 32)

Observe

James calls for believers to submit to and humble themselves before God. He warns against quarrelling, slandering and judging one another. Resisting Satan and ensuring good motives is also encouraged. Believers are to put their faith in God rather than boasting about themselves or what they will do tomorrow (4)
Rich oppressors are warned in this last chapter; they have trusted their wealth and not just neglected the poor but abused them. Conversely the church is encouraged to persevere under suffering without grumbling against or judging one another. Knowing that Christ will return should impact present behaviour positively. Finally the prayer of faith, especially for the sick, is detailed along with the encouragement to keep fellow members of the church from wandering from the truth (5)

Interpret
     Conflict is a natural part of life and actually growth; some fear it, some relish it, most would rather not face it unless absolutely necessary. Conflict is unhealthy if it results in division, harm and regression. If handled correctly it leads to maturity, deepening relationships and a greater trust in God. James shows us the root cause of inappropriate conflict: selfish motives; judgement of others; infighting; slander; wrong desires; and inappropriate prayers. The solution and encouragement is to resist our old nature, Satan and pride. Instead we are to draw close to God and humble ourselves before Him. Fear can often be at the root of conflict. James warns of a tendency to counter this by having ill placed confidence in ourselves and what we will do; instead we are to simply trust God for His provision and all our tomorrows.
     Another source for false confidence is worldly riches. James condemns these rich unbelievers for their abuse of the poor and tendency towards injustice. Please note he is not addressing those within the Church who are wealthy. Rather this piece of advice is there to encourage all believers not to envy the rich or seek wealth as a solution. Instead we are to persevere and live in harmony with one another as Christ will return and judge accordingly; the long view is essential.
    James concludes with the encouragement for prayer, especially for the sick. The prayer of a believer who is right with God, through Christ, accomplishes much!

Application
     With my first car I purchased a Haines Manual; it was the ‘how to’ book for vehicle maintenance that, if followed, led to trouble free motoring. Well that was the theory! The manual had to be read closely and applied properly and fully to achieve its goals. This beautiful letter from James is the ‘how to’ manual for Christian living within the Church. Yes you got it, for it to work it has to be read properly and applied fully. In today’s chapters James essentially identifies our hearts as being at the heart of most problems and conflicts. Wrong motives lead to wrong desires and damaging conflict. Conflict where we slander, judge and quarrel with our fellow believers. The antidote is a close, trusting relationship with God wherein we humble ourselves before Him. This leads to a healthy prayer life that bears fruit. Positive guidance and encouragement that will bless in these times of challenge if followed.

The Question of Application
     Think of any fear or conflict that you are experiencing. What is at the heart of this fear or conflict? How might you submit to God, what might you pray and then what action could you take?

Prayer
     Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after you, and in affectionate walking with you, every day of our lives; that when you come, we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious God for ever. Amen
Richard Baxter (1691)

Praise
God of Grace and God of Glory sung by Megan Parks
Gracefully Broken by Matt Redman

A Book of Wisdom

12/7/2021

December 7th – Les Kovacs James 1 - 3
Observe: James, a half-brother of Jesus, wrote this letter to all the Christian communities as a collection of Godly advise on various practical matters, much like the Wisdom Books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, with a focus on faith in God. He may not have a running narrative, but he does have that underlying theme of true faith in God, and he uses a lot of poetic imagery throughout his letter to get his points across.

James starts by challenging his brothers and sisters in Christ to count as joy all the hardships that come their way because by persevering through these difficulties, our faith in God will increase as we put our trust in Him more and more. Christians that trust God will seek His wisdom for dealing with life’s ordeals, and not the wisdom of the world. He confirms that it is our own desires that tempt us to sin, not God tempting us. Only good and perfects gifts come from our heavenly Father.

James encourages Christians to not only listen to scripture, but to live it out by actively doing the things it says, and you will be blessed in what we do. We are not to show favouritism in our actions, but are to treat everyone equally, thereby keeping the law of loving your neighbour as yourself. He says that “mercy triumphs over judgement”.

James insists that true faith shows itself through our deeds. Faith without action is dead. Even demons believe in God’s existence. A Christian’s faith and trust in God is demonstrated by their actions, and he gives the examples of Abraham being willing to offer Isaac on the altar, and Rahab when she sheltered the two spies.

In Chapter 3, James tackles words and wisdom. His imagery for words is the tongue, and how small an organ of the body it is, yet so powerful and uncontrollable. He compares it to the bit in a horse’s mouth, the rudder of a ship, and the spark that ignites a forest. He argues that it is untameable, because both blessings and curses come out of the same mouth. The same tongue that praises God also curses our brothers and sisters, and that shouldn’t be.

He then compares two kinds of wisdom. Worldly wisdom, which is based on envy and selfish ambition, is a source of disorder and evil in the world. But Godly wisdom, which is faithful and self-sacrificing, is the source of peace, gentleness, mercy and, ultimately, righteousness.

Interpret: The first chapter in the book of James sets the tone for the rest of his letter to his Christian brothers and sisters. He says that God wants us to trust Him more as we learn more about Him. This is so important that he calls on us to find joy, even in hard times, because hardships help us develop our trust in God. Those who really trust God will ask Him for wisdom, will recognize Him as the source of all the good in their lives, and will actively do the things they read in His Word. As a follow-on to these ideas, James insists that ''faith'' which doesn't result in good works is dead. This kind of faith is really only an intellectual agreement with the ideas, but it is not a God-trusting, saving faith. James doesn't deny that belief in God is essential to salvation, and he doesn’t claim that works are necessary to obtain salvation. Instead, he makes the case that works are to faith what breath is to the body: a sign of life. A ''faith'' without works is like a body without breath: dead. He calls out those who judge by outward appearances alone as being influenced by sinful values.

In Chapters 1 and 2, James introduces the idea of how one's actions demonstrate the reality of their beliefs or faith. In Chapter 3, James continues to explore this connection as he explains how powerful our words are and the lasting effect they can have, both for good or evil. He then delves into the sources of wisdom available to us: the wisdom of the world with its “me-first” attitude, and is the source of conflict between us; or the wisdom of God, with its self-sacrificing humility and is the source of peace and harmony.

Application: The book of James is about understanding what saving faith looks like. How does faith in Christ reveal itself in a believer's life? What choices does real trust in God lead us to make? Those are the questions that James answers.

The world is full of people “looking out for #1”. P.T. Barnum is credited with saying “there’s a sucker born every minute”. And there are hundreds of thousands of social media influencers, who pedal the latest and greatest “next thing”. All of them relying on the wisdom of the world and grabbing for themselves whatever fame and fortune they can amass while doing it. They are only concerned with what was in it for them, and yet how often have we fallen for a slick sales pitch?

Compare that with the life of Jesus Christ. In His entire earthly life, His only concern was the reconciliation of a broken humanity with our heavenly Father. He took nothing for Himself. “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage”; (Philippians 2:6.). His life was all about obedience to God out of love for His Father and His children. It was accomplished through perseverance and humility. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to do no less. We are to grow in our faith and trust in God’s provision for our lives. We are seek true wisdom which comes from God alone. And we are to live that faith by meeting the needs of others in humility.

Questions: How often have we spoken words that have hurt others beyond any physical harm we could do to them? How often have we passed up the chance to help someone else because it wasn’t convenient?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we realize how dangerous pride is in our lives and how important true faith and humility is to your heart. Keep us from falling prey to the many temptations that pride seems to scatter in our paths, where we want to be the centre of attention, and desire to receive all the acclaim and glory that rightly belongs to you. Help us to clothe ourselves in humility and truth, by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us so deeply, that others will start to see Jesus in our works, and not the old prideful people we used to be. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Song: Fix My Eyes – For King and Country
youtu.be/iXGuWHb5INk

One Hope; One Faith (Chris Barnes)

12/6/2021

Text: Hebrews Chapter 11-13

OBSERVE: After concluding the theological homily on Christ’s high priesthood in chapter 10; the author of the book of Hebrews then offers an impressive list of biblical heroes. These heroes were individuals whose lives had testified to faith as the assurance of things hoped for. The author urges the readers to endure their trials just like the heroes of the faith and reflects briefly on the positive role that suffering can play. The letter draws to a close in chapter 13 with numerous admonitions.

INTERPRET: The heroes of the faith have constituted a great cloud of witnesses. In which Jesus may be added as the ultimate example of one who proved faithful in suffering and prepared the way for others to follow. These exhortations to faithfulness give way to a contrast between the covenants of Mount Sinai and Mount Zion: the readers are now receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, but those who fail to obtain the grace of God offered through this new covenant will not escape God’s judgment. The concluding admonitions to the readers include: following the examples of former leaders, avoiding strange doctrines, willingness to suffer, worshiping God with praise and good works and the encouragement to submit to current leaders.

APPLICATION: Although the writer and the audience of this letter are not known for sure; the purpose of the letter is quite clear. The letter to the Hebrews proclaims the superiority of Christ as the divine Son of God; and the superiority of faith in Christ over all other confessions. This provides an encouragement to persevere to forestall apostasy. Such perseverance is justified in light of what the earthly Son has done to bring believers into God’s favor, and it is sustained through the intercessions that the exalted Son continues to offer on our behalf.

The heroes of the faith can give us great confidence for the trials that we will face. All of these individuals were humans just like us and managed to persevere through faith in the one true God. Whether it was Abraham or Moses or David; we see individuals who had great flaws yet today stand as individuals who lived lives of great faith. But of course; Jesus is our ultimate example. His perfect example has brought all those who have faith in his perfect faith into favor with God. He is the divine Son of God; our one and only mediator; our one and only hope.

REFLECTION: Do you find encouragement in the examples of the biblical heroes? Who can you most closely relate with? Does their need for God provide more clarity and urgency for your need for God? Is Jesus your living hope??

PRAYER: Heavenly Father; thank you for the examples we have in scripture that testify to the hope we have in the one true living hope. Give me great confidence in this hope and help me to live a life that testifies to my faith in the Son of God. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN.

Song: Living Hope

The Anchor of our Soul - by Richard Neufeld

12/3/2021

Hebrews 5-6

Observe:

                Beginning halfway through the last paragraph of chapter 4, Hebrews 5 details Jesus as the great high priest who is greater than any other high priest that has come before Him. Jesus is able to sympathize with our weakness yet never sinned in weakness. He did not exalt Himself to this position but went as an obedient Son at the appointment of His Father. It is Jesus who stands as the perfect mediator between God and Man, having always been the former and has lived as the latter.

                This is followed by a warning against apostasy, which means to abandon the faith. The author of Hebrews writes their desire that we grow into maturity and, having had our fill of elementary doctrine and spiritual milk, feast on the deeper truths of Christ as if it were solid food. They indicated that some will fall away and will not be restored once they have done so, for they act in contempt of the grace of God and crucify once again His Son.

                Chapter 6 ends with a celebration of the certainty of God’s promises, that He is unchanging and unchangeable, and will always be a strong refuge that will hold fast to any who come to Him, “… we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Interpret:

                What is our one great hope as Christians? It is that we are in Christ and will abide in Him forever. We have Him as our Great High Priest, the one upon whom the salvation of the world depends. He is the one who daily bears us up and tends to our needs, calms our fears, and trains us in salvation. He is the one who takes the punishment for our sin, taking our filthy rags and giving us new, white robes. He has satisfied the good and proper wrath of God against our sin and in exchange given us new life on His terms. At the end of our days, we will stand before God and declared righteous because of the work of His Son.

                What an incredible truth we read in Hebrews! Philippians is certainly a joyful book, but make no mistake: Hebrews gets us back to the basics in a much deeper way, organizing our thoughts according to the Holy Spirit and showing us that Jesus has paid it all. He is the anchor of our soul in the worst of times, absolutely sure and unchanging, the only thing upon which we can depend. I dare say that if we read this wonderful book without our hearts being stirred, we must fall before the throne of grace once more and every day, asking Him to open up our eyes to the wonder and joy that is Jesus Christ.

Application & Question:

                It is all too easy to skim the words of the New Testament especially and walk away thinking we have done enough study, or to think that we’ve read these words a thousand times and there is nothing more to be gained. Let me assure you that A) I have done this more times than I can count, and B) those assumptions are a bull-faced lie. Our souls yearn to be satisfied and to have their cuts and scrapes covered in the soothing balm of the peace of Christ, yet we are obstinate and train ourselves in everything besides Godliness. If the words of this Bible are bouncing off our hearts, allow me to challenge you and say that the Bible is working just fine; we are the problem.

The solution, I believe, is to take time and look at ourselves in the light of scripture and conviction of the Spirit. Be honest with the state of your own heart and mind before the holy light of God and see just how corrupt we are by nature. This is one of the best ways to humble ourselves, and yes, it can hurt a lot. It is in humility that we find our hearts soft and our ears alert, for God gently tends those who humble themselves and begin to pray. If we find ourselves impassive at the love of God or the wonderful work of Jesus Christ, I dare say we have grown proud and arrogant. The fastest way out of this state of mind is to acknowledge just how much we need Him!

                He is always gentle, never mocking, and rejoices when a sinner repents. If you find yourself empty and at the foot of the cross, then rejoice – is it not the emptiness of the vessel that makes it useful?

Prayer:

                Father God, the fear of you is the beginning of wisdom. Teach us to live in a state of confident humility before you, that we live our lives sure of nothing but the cross of Christ and our new life in Him. Thank you for doing away with the biggest weight on the world – for destroying the power of sin and death and raising us to new life in you. I pray that we all take your Word to heart and live in a way that makes others want to do the same

Song: Because He Lives (David Crowder et al)

Better (By Lynne McCarthy)

12/2/2021

Text Hebrews 3-4   (Ps. 26)
Observe This ‘Book of Better Things” asserts Christ’s sovereignty and superiority over everyone and everything, from angels to patriarchs.

The ancients regarded Moses as greater than the angels. The writer of Hebrews, however, places this servant of God in his proper relation to Jesus, the Son of God (3:3-6). The quote from Psalm 95:7-11 warns against hardening hearts to Jesus, as the Israelites hardened theirs against God and Moses. The urgency is to seek God today, lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (12).

“Therefore…” Israel took 40 rebellious, unbelieving years to enter the Promised Land. The writer warns readers to be careful, or they will meet the same end as that generation. But for faithfulness and obedience to His Law, His Word, God offers something far better -- real rest.

What is this rest? Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, a new Sabbath rest. Joshua, (Yeshua) led into that rest, but Jesus (Yeshua), greater than Joshua, is our rest (Mt. 11:27-28). We no longer work at righteousness (10). It’s Jesus’ gift; we simply believe (11) and find our rest, in Him.

For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.(12,13) This passage cuts deeply to convict, if we’re alive to the Word. That is its purpose.

Interpret   Hardening our hearts -- a subtle, terrifying, deceptive process: lapsing into indifference; presuming on God’s mercy (What I do doesn’t matter; God has to forgive!); unbelief; living without Him. Sin = deceit, in the way it comes to us, its promises, what it calls itself in rationalizations before and after sin is done. The Spirit invites us to abandon that deadly equation and let God soften our hearts, today. Or, better, Now.

Those tough verses in 4:12-13? The Word pierces festering hidden sin, drains lies and falsity, heals and makes right. If we submit to God’s scrutiny, we find He longs to set us free from our dodgy motives, our willed deceptions, our hiding from Him (remember Genesis 3?). These chapters don’t mince words. Divine surgery excises sin to restore His real life.

Apply People who prayerfully and carefully exhort and rebuke are rare and precious. Our hard hearts resist their Spirit-discerned correction, but how we need them!

Accountability is significant to fellowship -- if we are in fellowship. Loner Christians are in a precarious place. We, God’s family members, offer gentle reminders to get back into community, worship, the Word, prayer, whatever has been neglected (while so aware of our own flaws). The Spirit writes the mercy script and we, His family, act out of His sometimes-tough love. It’s God’s counter-cultural way, His Spirit of love and humility returning us to better things!

“I’m trying to believe!” “I wish I could believe!” Really? Grinding effort, wishful thinking – don’t bother. Faith is God’s gift. Unbelief, disastrous to our spiritual lives, requires others to remind; prayer to focus; the desire to change; the Spirit to gently bring us back home – into the heart of Jesus.

Ask Lord, do You have anyone in mind who loves You (and me) enough so when my heart hardens, this saint and You can help me humbly undergo Your surgery?

Pray Test me and know my heart that I may not sin against You, Lord of my heart.

Sing Heb 3:1-6   Psallos Maker of the Stories https://youtu.be/Zl8tNuPJtZU
Heb 4:9 Donald Lawrence A Rest https://youtu.be/rVkAA82A-4A
Heb 4:12 Brentwood Benson   https://youtu.be/Ikkckwy3ruk
Heb 4:15-16 Winter Haven Redeemer Throne of Grace https://youtu.be/NvKKfL-PszI
Ps. 26: Ben and Noelle Kilgore    https://youtu.be/iXCYEHdoRqY

It doesn't get much better than this! by Pastor Dave

12/1/2021

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Hebrews 1: 3

Hebrews 1-2 (Psalm 25)

Observe

Jesus Christ’s supremacy is described in a beautiful way as He is identified as God’s Son and the means of salvation. Particular emphasis shows that He is superior to angels, who are ministering spirits, sent to serve those who have been saved (1)
The message of salvation in and through Jesus is clear and substantiated; it should not be ignored. God is over all and in all; from His position of sovereignty He has made everything subject to Christ. The fulfilment of this Kingdom will come on His return. Jesus, the author of humankind’s salvation, was made perfect through suffering. Jesus became of the same family, human, and so calls those who put their trust in Him brothers and sisters. Jesus suffered as a man and so is able to understand and help those who face temptation. He is THE merciful and faithful High Priest who has made atonement for the sins of His people (2)

Interpret
     I encourage you to watch the video summary of this book, (click here).
     Neither the author nor the recipients of this letter are confirmed; what is clear is its aim. The letter seeks to prove Jesus Christ’s supremacy and encourages the readers to hear, understand, believe and obey.
     The letter confirms Christ’s identity as God’s Son, His superiority over angels and the fact that He is the only source of salvation for humankind. The emphasis on angels is probably due to the recipients being Jewish and the connection with the Law (the Torah). We are told that multitudes of angels appeared when God gave the Law to Moses (Deut. 33: 2). As Jesus fulfils the Law (Matt. 5: 17), His supremacy to angels is crucial.
     God’s salvation of grace is truly explained in chapter 2. Jesus became one of us and lived a perfect life giving His life in self-sacrifice to be an atonement for our sins. Christ was and always has been perfect. His suffering made perfect His sacrificial death on our behalf. He had not sinned so did not have to face death; He faced it in our place. The wonderful result is that we have a Saviour who truly understand us. He intercedes for us on our behalf before God and makes atonement for our sins. He is also the perfect image of God the Father in a way that helps us to ‘see’ and know God. There is a clear warning in this blessing; do not ignore this confirmed and substantiated salvation – it does not get any better or more clear than this!

Application
     The Earth and the Universe shout out the truth of a Creator God. Prophets, signs and wonders have, over the millennia, confirmed this truth; there is one God. The Bible from Genesis to Revelation makes Him known to us along with His plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ and His resurrection prove the truth. Since then millions of lives have testified to and proved this salvation. Our own hearts confirm that there is a God. HOW CAN WE IGNORE THIS WONDER??? It is as plain as the noses on our faces with bells and whistles!
     There are big lessons of application in these two chapters: put your faith and trust in God through Jesus Christ, do not ignore the gift of life; secondly, in Jesus we can truly know God; thirdly God uses suffering to perfect us and help us become what we were always meant to be in His image; and finally if you have made this step of faith, do not drift away. The Greek words for ‘drift away’ imply ‘slipping away,’ such as an arrow slipping from the quiver. Departure from the faith usually comes from slow drifting, not a sudden departure. A timely word of warning in our current circumstances.

The Question of Application
     Hebrews calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. What causes you to take your eyes of our Saviour and drift away; how might you refocus on our Lord?

Prayer
   Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13: 20-21

Praise
Turn your eyes upon Jesus by Lauren Daigle

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