ONCE WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHRIST THERE IS NO TURNING BACK

Proclamation:

“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’”  Luke 9:62 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke begins this chapter by recounting when Jesus sent His twelve disciples out to the surrounding towns to proclaim the gospel, heal the sick, and to cast out demons. (Luke 9:1-6)  Luke also reports that Jesus fed five thousand men, not counting the women and children who were also in the crowd, with two small fish and five barley loaves of bread. (Luke 9:10-17)  He said that then Jesus predicted His death twice. (Luke 9:21-27 and 43-45)  Luke then presents the transfiguration of Jesus and the appearance of Moses and Elijah with Him. (Luke 9:28-36)  Later Jesus healed a demon possessed boy who the disciples could not heal. (Luke 9:37-43)  Luke end this chapter by explaining the cost that men bear for following Jesus. (Luke 9:57-62)

Application:

Nothing on earth is more important than following Jesus, The Christ.  That includes taking care of and burying a family member (Luke 9:59-61) or delaying following Him to go and say goodbye to your family. (Luke 9:61-62)  The Apostle Paul made it clear that he feels nothing is more important than following Christ. (Philippians 3:13-14)  Once we have committed to following Him, we cannot look back on our past life and long for any of it.  After being warned not to look back, (Genesis 19:17) looking back and longing for what she left behind is what cost Lot’s wife her life. (Genesis 19:26)  Wanting things from our past life after committing to follow Christ makes us unfit for service. (Luke 9:62)  Our worldly concerns should not interfere with our heavenly focus.  However, there are some Bible scholars (like John Gill) who think that this last section refers to preachers and their ministry.

NON-BELIEF IN JESUS THE CHRIST IS A PROBLEM OF THE HEART

Proclamation:

“… Jesus … told this parable: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path … some fell on rocky ground … Other seed fell among thorns … Still other seed fell on good soil …’”  Luke 8:4-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  In this chapter Luke begins by stating that as Jesus was travelling one town and village to another, a large crowd was gathering (Luke 8:1) and Jesus told them this parable, the parable of the sower.  Afterwards His disciples asked Him what this parable meant and He explained it to them. (Luke 8:9-15)  Later in this chapter Luke records the events around the calming of the storm by Jesus, (Luke 8:22-25) His healing and  restoring a demon-possessed man containing a Legion of demons, (Luke 8:26-38) His healing of a woman who had a twelve-year-long bleeding disorder, and raising the twelve year old daughter of Jarius from the dead. (Luke 8:40-53)

Application:

The “seed” here is The Word of God.  The “path,” the hard packed ground represents the hard hearts of the non-believers who hear The Word of God but refuse to accept it.  The “rocky ground” represents the hearts of those superficial folk who receive The Word of God with joy but it does not take root in their lives and they quickly fall away.  The “thorns” represents the hearts of those who receive The Word of God but are so caught up in and chocked by their concerns for things of this world that they produce no fruit.  The “good soil” represents the hearts of those who hear The Word of God, retain it, live it, and produce fruit because of it.  All of us fall into one of these groups.  Group one, the hard-hearted folk, believe in anything but Jesus.  Group two, the fair-weather folk, celebrate during the worship service but there is no evidence of Christ in their life outside of church.  Group three, the worldly concerned folk, care more about everything else than they do The Word of God and they cannot be productive Christians because of their outside influences, cares, and pleasures.  Group four, the productive believers, these are the ones who hear The Word of God, believe it, keep it in their hearts, live by it, and who let their light shine for the glory of God.  

WE NEED TO INCREASE OUR FAITH IN THE LORD GOD

Proclamation:

“… A centurion’s servant … was sick and about to die … The centurion sent some elders … asking Him to come and heal his servant … ‘Lord … I do not deserve to have You come under my roof … But say the word, and my servant will be healed’ … When Jesus heard this … He said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’”  Luke 7:1-10 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke begins this chapter by presenting the great faith of a humble centurion whose valued servant was very sick.  He asked some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come and heal his servant, then sent some of his friends to ask Jesus not to come to his house but to speak the word and heal his servant. (Luke 7:1-10)  After this Luke recounts how Jesus spoke and raised up the widow’s dead son who was being carried to his grave. (Luke 7:11-17)  Luke then presents the discussion which occurred between Jesus and some of the disciples of John, the baptizer. (Luke 7:18-35)  The chapter ends with the discussion that Jesus had with the Pharisee about the sinful woman who anointed His feet while He was having dinner at the Pharisee’s house. (Luke 7:36-50)   

Application:

Most believers only have a little faith in The Lord God. (Matthew 6:30, 8:26, and 16:8)  Our faith is smaller than a grain of mustard seed. (Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6)  We say that we have faith in Him but our actions and our behavior say otherwise.  This centurion had such great faith that it even impressed Jesus. (Luke 7:9)  He was humble.  He wanted Jesus to help him by healing his servant but he did not feel that he was worthy enough to approach Jesus himself so he asked others to go to Jesus for him. (Luke 7:3-7)  He believed that Jesus could speak the word and heal his servant.  The Word of God is powerful.  He spoke and created something out of nothing. (Genesis 1:3-14)  He spoke and controlled the wind and the sea. (Mark 4:39)  On three separate occasions Jesus spoke and raised the dead. (Luke 7:14, Luke 8:52, and John 11:43)  We ought to increase our faith in Him and exercise our faith more often.

ON CHRIST THE SOLID ROCK I STAND

Proclamation:

“As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like.  They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.  When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”  Luke 6:47-48 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke begins this chapter by presenting what Jesus, The Christ, did on two separate Sabbath days which upset the Pharisees and the teachers of the law. (Luke 6:1-11)  Then he recounts how Jesus repeated the Sermon on the Mount to a large crowd which had gathered on the level plain who had come to hear Him speak, the Sermon on the Plain, and be healed. (Luke 6:17-26)  Jesus taught them to love their enemies, (Luke 6:27-36) not to judge others, (Luke 6:37-42) and that like a tree, a man is known by the fruit he produces. (Luke 6:43-45)  He ends this chapter with the example which Jesus gives of those who come to Him, hear His words, and applies them to their life as opposed to those who don’t. (Luke 6:46-49)

Application:

Those of us who believe, who have heard The Word of God and applied it in our lives, are like the man who built his house on a solid foundation.  When the storms of life came up against the house, it was able to stand strong and was not shaken.  The solid rock of our foundation is Jesus.  Those who do not have Jesus in their lives are like the man who built his house on sinking sand. (Matthew 7:26-27)  They have no foundation to their house.  When the storms of life come up against them, they will collapse and be completely destroyed. (Luke 6:49)  These “storms” include the trials, tribulations, and temptations of Satan, the persecutions of the world, the corruptions of men’s heart, and the errors of false teachers.  Where are you building your house?  As for me and my house, like the song says, “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

THE SIN-SICK PEOPLE OF THE WORLD NEED THE WORD OF GOD

Proclamation:

“Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’”  Luke 5:31-32 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  In this chapter he begins by presenting the events around the calling of the first disciples of Jesus, The Christ.  After He had finished teaching the people while sitting in Simon Peter’s boat at the edge of the lake, He told him to push out into the deep water and cast his nets.  Although he was reluctant, Simon Peter did as he was instructed and caught such a large load of fish that his nets broke and he had to get help from his partners. (Luke 5:1-7)  Seeing this, he worshiped Jesus, who told him that He would make him fishers of men. (Luke 5:8-11)  After this Jesus healed a man with leprosy (Luke 5:12-14) and a paralyzed man (Luke 5:17-25) before He saw Levi, the tax collector, and told him, “Follow me.” (Luke 5:27-28)  It was at a banquet at Levi’s house that the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to question Jesus about the company that He was keeping.  Jesus defended Himself and His disciples and told them that the sick people need a doctor, not the healthy. (Luke 5:29-39)

Application:

Jesus, The Christ, spent time with outcasts and sinners because they were the people who needed to be saved.  He changed them, they did not change Him.  If we are going to spend time with the unsaved people of this world, then we need to be strong enough in The Lord and The Word of God that we can help them out and not get pulled down into their sins.  If our purpose is not to take The Word of God to them, then we do not need to be where they are.  However, if the sinners are in our homes or our place of employment, then we need to stay “prayed up” and walk and talk in such a way that they can see The Christ in us.  Remember, only those who recognize that they have a problem will seek assistance.

JESUS THE CHRIST READ AND TAUGHT FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Proclamation:

“He went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom.  He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him.  Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of The Lord is on Me because He has anointed Me …’ Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down … He began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.’”  Luke 4:16-21 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke begins this chapter with the temptation of Jesus, The Christ, by the devil. (Luke 4:1-12)  After being tempted He returned to Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, before going to Nazareth. (Luke 4:14-15)  There Jesus read from The Old Testament Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2) and then told them that Isaiah’s prophesy would be fulfilled in front of them that day.  They wanted Him to repeat the miracles which He had performed in Capernaum, and when He would not do so they became furious with Him, turned on Him and wanted to kill Him. (Luke 4:23-29)  Jesus left there and went back to Capernaum, taught in their synagogues, cast out demons, and healed all of people that were brought to Him. (Luke 4:31-41)

Application:

There are many believers who feel that because today we under grace and not the law that The Old Testament is not relevant.  Jesus, The Christ, read from The Old Testament and taught from it.  He also said that He did not come to destroy the law or what the prophets had taught but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17)  We no longer have to perform the various sacrifices mentioned in The Old Testament because Jesus was the ultimate sacrificial lamb who paid it all once and for all of us.  However, there is much to be learned from The Old Testament and the prophesies contained therein.  The whole Bible is the inspired Word of God and it would be good for us to read it, study it, (2 Timothy 2:15) and apply it to our lives. (James 1:22)

THE WORD OF GOD CAME TO JOHN THE BAPTIZER AND TO US

Proclamation:

“… The Word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.  He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way for The Lord …’”  Luke 3:2-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  In this chapter Luke presents the beginning of ministry of John, the baptizer.  Luke identifies the time period by naming the leaders who were ruling at the time. (Luke 3:1-2)  Then he states that when The Word of God came to John while he was in the wilderness, that he got busy working for The Lord. (Luke 3:3)  His message was clear, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2)  Luke noted that John’s preaching in the wilderness fulfilled the prophesy which was written by the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 40:3)  John not only baptized people but he also told them what they must do to produce good fruit in keeping with repentance. (Luke 3:7-14)  Many thought that he was the Messiah but he made it clear that he was not Him. (Luke 3:15-17)  Luke ends this chapter by recounting the lineage or genealogy of Jesus, The Christ, back to David, and continuing back to Abraham, and then all the way back to Adam.

Application:

Unfortunately, today too many believers are just “bench members” in church.  We pray when we get up, when we go to bed, and before we eat, and we attend worship services on Sunday.  The Lord God has kingdom building work for each of us to do.  Who did we share The Word of God with this past week?  What good work did we do that men might see and give God glory? (Matthew 5:16)  The Lord God has given each one of us a gift (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) which we are to use for His glory.  When The Word of God came to John, the baptizer, he got busy working for The Lord.  What did you do when The Word of God came to you?  Kingdom building is not just for preachers, all of us have work to do.

IS THERE ROOM IN YOUR LIFE FOR CHRIST

Proclamation:

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth … He went to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child … While she was there … she gave birth … She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  Luke 2:4-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  In this chapter Luke presents the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, The Christ, and his early childhood years.  Luke reveals the reason that caused Joseph and Mary to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:1-5)  While they were there, she gave birth, wrapped Him in cloths, and placed Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)  Luke then goes on to discuss the shepherds who were told of His birth by the angel. (Luke 2:8-20) He ends the chapter by describing several events which occurred during the childhood life of Jesus.

Application:

Jesus was born in a place where the animals were kept and placed in a feeding trough.  The guest rooms were all filled and there was no room for Him in the inn.  Today, Christ stands at the door to our hearts and knocks. (Revelation 3:20)  I wonder how many of us will open the door and invite Him to come in.  Is there room in your life for Him?  Some of us are too busy with earthly concerns to go to church or to read The Word of God.  Our behavior suggests that we don’t have room or time for Him.  We need to adjust our priorities and make room for Him in our lives.

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD

Proclamation:

“The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of The Most High will overshadow you.  So The Holy One to be born will be called The Son of God.’”  Luke 1:35 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Each of the three synoptic gospels was written to a specific audience and presented Christ in a manner which would best appeal to that audience.  The gospel of Luke was written to the Greeks and presented Christ as the perfect man.  Luke began by giving his reason for writing the account of the life of Jesus, The Christ, in light of the fact that others had already written their accounts. (Luke 1:1-4)  Then he presents the events surrounding the prediction of the birth of John, the baptizer, (Luke 1:5-25) and the prediction of birth of Jesus, The Christ. (Luke 1:26-45)  He then presents Mary’s thoughts on the events. (Luke 1:46-56)  He later recounts the birth of John, the baptizer, (Luke 1:57-66) and the reactions of his father Zachariah. (Luke 1:67-80)

Application:

Mary questioned the angel (Luke 1:34) after he told her that she was going to conceive and bare a son (Luke 1:31) but she accepted his explanation and consented. (Luke 1:38)  Her response was “I am The Lord’s servant” and “May your word to me be fulfilled.”  This should be our response to the work which The Lord God has for us.  We should respond like the prophet Isaiah did when he said, “Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)  As believers we know that The Holy Spirit of God dwells within us. (Ezekiel 36:27)  We should take heed to what He says and follow His direction.  We know who Christ is and if we truly love Him then we should obey His Word. (John 14:15, 14:21 and 15:10)  

PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD SO THAT YOU CAN STAND

Proclamation:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this final chapter of his letter to the believers in Ephesus by addressing the children.  They are told to obey and honor their parents. (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Then he tells the parents not to provoke their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of The Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)  After this Paul provides directions to servants and masters, which applies to workers and supervisors. (Ephesians 6:5-9)  Then he encourages the believers to be strong in The Lord and to put on the whole armor of God so that they may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-17)  He ends this chapter and the letter by encouraging them to pray on all occasions and asking them to pray for him. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

Application:

As believers we need to understand that we are constantly under attack by the forces of evil.  The only way that we can protect ourselves is by putting on the whole armor of God.  That is the only way that we can stand our ground when we are attacked.  We need to make sure that we are completely wrapped up in truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, and The Word of God.  Additionally, we should always pray about everything. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

THE SECRET TO HAVING A HAPPY HEALTHY CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE

Proclamation:

“However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.”  Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul begins this chapter continuing his dialogue regarding the Christian walk and life stating what one should do and what to avoid. (Ephesians 5:1-20)  Then he switches up and begins to discuss the Christian household, specifically, the relationship between husband and wife and he compares it to the relationship between Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:21-33)   Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25) and they ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. (Ephesians 5:28)  Wives would have no problem submitting to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22) if he would love her as Christ loved the church and has he loves himself.

Application:

More than half of the marriages today fail.  The problem boils down to the fact that men do not love their wife as Christ loved the church.  We do not love our wives as much as we love ourselves.  If more men made their wife their number one priority, more women would respect and gladly submit to their husband.  The Bible describes what love is in First Corinthians, (chapter 13:4-7) but here Paul provides practical examples of how love is demonstrated.  The example that we are to imitate is the love which Christ had for the church.  Paul ended this chapter urging men to love their wife as they love themselves and for women to reverence their husbands.  There would be many more happy Christian households if we all would follow this advice.

BELIEVERS SHOULD ENGAGE IN WHOLESOME HELPFUL CONVERSATION

Proclamation:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter urging the believers in Ephesus to live worthy of being called Christians.  He said that they should be humble, gentle, patient, and loving. (Ephesians 4:1-3)  Then he said that Christ gave gifts to His people to equip them for works and service. (Ephesians 4:11-13)  That they would no longer be blown over by false teaching or deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:14-16)  Paul then gave them some instructions for Christian living. (Ephesians 4:17-32)  Included among them was the instruction that they were not to speak unwholesome or unhelpful words.  They should build up all who listen to them.  He ended this chapter by encouraging them to get rid of all bitterness and every form of malice and to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Application:

When we become believers and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are changed.  Our conversation should be different as well as our behavior.  The Bible says that a man is defiled by that which comes out of his mouth and not that which he eats or drinks. (Matthew 15:11)  Our conversation should reflect the grace of God and be seasoned with salt, that is to be helpful, to bring purification to a sin-sick world. (Colossians 4:6)  Our intentions should always be to help others, to build them up and not to tear them down.   

A PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL STRENGTHENING

Proclamation:

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all The Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge; that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul wanted the Gentiles in Ephesus to know that he was called of God to preach the gospel to them. (Ephesians 3:1-9)  After he explained his purpose for writing to them, he prayed for them. (Ephesians 3:14-19)  He ended the chapter with a doxology and a benediction. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Application:

In Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian believers we should be mindful of four requests.  First, he wanted God to strengthen them spiritually.  Second, he wanted Christ to dwell in their hearts.  Third, he wanted them to know the vastness of the love of God.  Fourth, he wanted them to be filled with all the fullness of God.  This petition is a prayer that we could pray today for all of our Christian brothers and sisters, and for ourselves.  We could all benefit from being strengthened spiritually, having Christ in control of our heart, having a better understanding of the love of God, and having our entire being filled and consumed with the love and grace of God.

WE ARE SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Proclamation:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith; and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul wanted them to know that they used to live in sin, following the thoughts and desires of the flesh, (Ephesians 2:1-3) but now they were saved because of God’s great love. (Ephesians 2:4-5)  It was by the grace of God that they were saved.  It was God’s gift to them, it was not something that they earned or deserved. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  They were created to do good works, but the good works did not earn them salvation. (Ephesians 2:10)  For the remainder of the chapter Paul states that both Jews and Gentiles were reconciled through the blood of Christ.

Application:

We all were lost in sin in the past.  Now we are saved by the grace of God.  In the future we will reside in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:4-7)  The Lord God has given us this gift, it is now up to us to show our appreciation by performing the good works which we were created to do. (Ephesians 2:10)  We are to do good works so that men may see them and give glory to God. (Matthew 5:16)  The Lord God will reward us for our good works (Matthew 16:27) but they have nothing to do with our salvation.

WE ARE GOD'S POSSESSION BECAUSE WE HEARD THE GOSPEL AND BELIEVED

Proclamation:

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory.”  Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Ephesus. (Ephesians 1:1-2)  After greeting them, Paul began praising God for the blessings which He had bestowed upon him and them. (Ephesians 1:3-10)  Then he stated that they were chosen and predestined according to God’s plan. (Ephesians 1:11-12)  He made it clear that they were God’s possession from the moment that they heard the gospel and believed. (Ephesians 1:13-14)  The Holy Spirit which they had received was like a down payment which secured them for The Lord God until the day of redemption.  He ends this first chapter stating that he prays and gives thanks for them.

Application:

While this letter was written to the believers in Ephesus, it also applies to us today.  The moment that we heard The Word of God preached and believed it, we also became God’s possessions.  We have been chosen and we each have work to do which will give God glory. (Ephesians 1:11-12)  We have been signed for, our names have been written in The Lamb’s book of life. (Revelation 21:27)  We have been sealed by The Holy Spirit.  Now we are signed, sealed, and awaiting delivery when we meet Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AND BE KIND TO STRANGERS

Proclamation:

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this final chapter of the Book of Hebrews, the author begins by telling them to love one another as brothers and sisters.  In chapter eleven he dealt with faith, in chapter twelve he dealt with hope, and here he deals with love.   He reminds them to be kind to strangers who unbeknownst to them may be angels.  He told them to be kind to those who are incarcerated and those who are mistreated. (Hebrews 13:3)  He also told them to honor marriage and that God would deal with those who commit adultery and the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)  Then he told them not to be in love with money and that they should be content with what they have. (Hebrews 13:5)  He reminded them that The Lord God said that He would never leave them or forsake them.  After that he goes on to tell them to remember, honor and pray for the man who taught them The Word of God. (Hebrews 13:7-18)  He ends the chapter with a thoughtful benediction, (Hebrews 13:20-21) a word of encouragement, (Hebrews 13:22) and the wishes them well.

Application:

It is easy to love our family members, even though sometimes they make it difficult for us.  It is much more challenging for us to love all of our church members.  However, it requires a special effort to be kind to, love, and be hospitable to complete strangers.  The author offers practical examples for Christian living and behavior.  To do this we need His help and He is always with us. (Hebrews 13:5-6)  We need to pray for our leaders, teachers, preachers and our pastors. (Hebrews 13:18)  We should be careful not to be caught up in strange, non-Biblical teachings. (Hebrews 13:9)  We should compare what we are taught and told with what The Bible says.  It is our guide as we travel on our Christian journey through this sin-sick world.  We are to love one another as Christ loves us. (John 13:34-35)  Christ said that as we have done things for the less fortunate people, we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:35-40) 

WE SHOULD BE AND LIVE AS HOLY AS WE CAN

Proclamation:

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see The Lord.”  Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter of The Bible Book of Hebrews, the author begins by telling them to throw off sin and everything which hinders them as the run their Christian race and to focus on Christ. (Hebrews 12:1-2)  Then he tells them that in their struggle against sin that they have not yet experienced the worst of things. (Hebrews 12:4)  He reminds them, as he quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 to them that no matter what they are going through or what is to come, that God disciplines His children because He disciplines those that He loves. (Hebrews 12:5-6)  The author then goes on to encourage them to live as holy as they can. (Hebrews 12:14)

Application:

Some people will not let you live in peace with them because they are not at peace with themselves.  It is better for us to avoid those people. (Proverbs 21:9 and 21:19)  While none of us is perfect, we should strive to be as Christ-like and as holy as we can.  We should all strive to be holy because The Christ which is within us is holy. (1 Peter 1:16)  We should treat people as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12) and not as they treat us. (Romans 12:17)  When we know better, we should do better. (2 Peter 2:21)  Striving for peaceful living is a good thing, however striving to live holy is even better and much more important.

WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD

Proclamation:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”   Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)  In other words, “Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter he discusses “faith,” including what it is and how it is put into action.  He begins with a definition of what “faith” is.  Faith depends on The Lord God and He is the object of our faith.  It is based upon our belief in Him and not in the things that we can see.  The author then presents several practical examples of how faith was demonstrated in the past by certain individuals. (Hebrews 11:2-11 and 11:17-31)  Then he mentioned some of the things that people went through and endured because of their faith. (Hebrews 11:32-38)

Application:

Faith requires a belief in God.  Our salvation is based upon our belief in The Lord God.  Our earthly and heavenly rewards are based upon our works, living a Christian life.  Our salvation comes by faith, and our Christian walk also depends on our faith.  It was by faith that Enoch walked with God. (Genesis 5:24)  The faith which guides our walk cannot be seen, but the people around us can see the effects of our faith in our behavior and actions.  We are blessed for believing without seeing. (John 20:29)  The only way we can please The Lord God is by having faith in Him.  If we have faith, then we must walk and act in such as to demonstrate it because faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)