April 17, 2016 | Hebrews 12:1-2 |
We begin our Faith Heroes series with Joseph the dreamer. As we study the life of Joseph, we see the commands of the book of Hebrews very clear in his life. Hebrews shows us three ways to have heroic faith like Joseph.
November 15, 2015
Not only is the “new covenant” sacrifice of Jesus better than the old one instituted under Moses, it is also “better” than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel. While Abel and Jesus have in common that both offered sacrifices acceptable by God and both were killed by their brothers, Christ’s sacrifice is better because both it and the One offering it are better. Jesus is the fulfillment of both Abel’s sacrifice and Moses’ mediation. Without His sacrifice, theirs would be without merit, for theirs is merely a check awaiting His deposit. It is this Jesus that you come “to” when you answer God’s call of salvation.
November 13, 2015
Abraham proceeded to obey God’s instruction to sacrifice his son because he trusted in God’s promise concerning Isaac. He had faith in God’s promises and instructions over his own desires. He reasoned that since God had already promised that Isaac was the son by which he would receive the promised generations (Gen.21:12), then God would have to raise Isaac from the dead in order to fulfill it. Of course, God did not require Abraham to follow through with this test of faith. Yet, the quality of Abraham’s faith was revealed by his willingness. His faith led him to put loving God above his love for his son. Abraham’s faith was rewarded in that not only did God provide a goat to die as proxy for Isaac, He also provided His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the whole world.
November 12, 2015
The assumption that the origin of the universe can be extrapolated from its present visible condition is here denied. The Bible teaches that God spoke the universe into existence, “ex nihilo” (“out of nothing”). We were not there when this happened, but God has revealed this to us through His Word. According to Hebrews, those listed in chapter eleven’s “faith hall of fame” had a faith that included this foundational truth: God created the universe and we are His creation.
November 10, 2015
Not only did God send Christ to die for our sins and sanctify us, but He also sent the Holy Spirit to bear “witness” to us, so that the His righteous laws might be written on our hearts and minds. It is by believing in Christ Jesus that we are saved. And it is by the Holy Spirit that we are assured of our salvation. For the Spirit is the inner witness that gives us the awareness of our adoption as children of God, so that we call Him “Abba, Father” (Rom.8:15-16). It is through His inner witness that our hearts and minds are continually sanctified, so that we love God as Father and desire to do His will.
November 8, 2015
The Tabernacle with all its sacrifices and rituals was “symbolic” for the “perfect tabernacle not made with hands” (Heb.9:11), which is the Christ. It pointed to His fulfillment, which took place when He offered His own blood as redemption for our sins. The sacrificial system with its rules and regulations is no longer necessary. It has been replaced with Christ. The old covenant has been fulfilled and replaced by a new covenant. The old covenant which could not perfect the “conscience,” has been replaced with the blood of Jesus, which can.
November 4, 2015
Our hope is like a rope, anchored in the historical resurrection of Christ in the past, taken hold of by our hands of faith in the present, and proceeding into the future beyond the veil of heaven where the risen Lord has entered on our behalf. This hope is not ethereal, but both “sure and steadfast.” It is not hanging unhindered, but anchored at both ends. It is drawn taut between Christ’s resurrection and return. We cling to this cord of hope with hearts of faith, trusting His promises and assured by His Spirit’s presence within. Our hope is made of sturdy stuff.
November 1, 2015
Just as the Israelites wandered the wilderness for 40 years and died because they didn’t believe that God could give them rest in the promised land, so today unbelief keeps people from entering God’s rest. This rest is not a place, but a person, for Christ is God’s sabbath rest. Those who come to Him believing will find rest for their souls. They can stop their wandering and enter in believing.
October 31, 2015
Praying to Jesus, we do not pray to one who is distant and unaware of our feelings and temptations. He has suffered and been tempted, yet without sin. He is well acquainted with our griefs. Do not try and overcome temptation alone. Cry out to the One who knows and cares. He is the Overcomer and in Him, so are we.
October 30, 2015
This Hebrews passage is one of the four pillars of Christology (John 1, Phil. 2, and Col.1 are the other three). Here, we see His threefold office of Prophet, Priest and King revealed.
1) Prophet: “spoken to us by His Son.” He is God’s ultimate, supreme and final revelation.
2) Priest: “purged our sins.” He is both God’s great high priest and perfect sacrifice.
3) King: “heir of all… made the worlds… brightness of His glory… express image… upholding all… right hand of Majesty.” He is owner, creator, God of very God, sustainer and king.
This is whom we have believed and received. This is our Redeemer and Friend, Jesus Christ. There is no other name by which we may be saved (Acts 4:12). Worship Him!