HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May The Good Lord bless you with a healthy, happy, and prosperous year in 2018, and for all of the years to come.  Remember, we cannot have a better year in 2018 than we did in 2017 if we continue to do the same things that we did in 2017. (Ephesians 4:22-27)  We must stop doing some of our old non-productive ways and get a new way of doing things with a new attitude and a new spirit. (Ezekiel 18:31)  Some of our blessings are based upon our choices, like who we chose to walk with, stand with, sit with, hang-out with, and how we spend our time. (Psalms 1:1-2)  If we put God first in 2018, I am sure that we will have a much better year. (Matthew 6:33)  

May you have a blessed new year!!!

LET US PERSEVERE AND HOLD ON TO OUR FAITH

Proclamation:

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings … Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:22-25 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  The author begins this chapter by continuing the discussion of Christ’s sacrifice once and for all and the covenant He made with His people. (Hebrews 10:1-18)  Then he presents a call to the believers to persevere in the faith. (Hebrews 10:19-25)  After this he discusses the implications which could result if they keep on committing the same sin and falling away from God after they have received the knowledge of the truth. (Hebrews 10:26-35)  He ends the chapter encouraging them to persevere and not to shrink back from their faith. (Hebrews 10:36-39) 

Application:

We need to hold on to our faith and exercise it, for The Lord God who made the promise to us is coming back. (Hebrews 10:36-37)  He will not be pleased with us if we shrink back from our faith. (Hebrews 10:38)  Not only are we to keep the faith, we are to encourage one another to do likewise, and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24) so that God may be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)  Instead of tearing one another down, we ought to be encouraging one another.  The “Day” is approaching; the end is closer than we think.

AFTER DEATH THEN THE JUDGMENT

Proclamation:

“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”  Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by discussing the early earthly tabernacle. (Hebrews 9:1-7)  Then he goes on to discuss the blood of Christ versus the blood of ceremonial animals. (Hebrews 9:11-14)  Then he presents the importance of the blood and concludes by stating that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)  He ends the chapter stating that Christ did not offer Himself again and again as the high priest did by entering The Holy of Holies in the tabernacle each year. (Hebrews 9:25)  Christ came to earth once to sacrifice Himself for all sin. (Hebrews 9:26)  He will come again, but that time will not be to sacrifice Himself for sin, it will be to gather the believers unto Himself. (Hebrews 9:28)

Application:

As we think about the birth of Christ, we need to remember that He came to earth to redeem us and pay the price for our sins.  The price for sin is death. (Roman 6:23)  Jesus, The Christ, shed His blood and died for our sins. (John 1:29 and 19:30-34)  The next time that He comes it will be to gather His believers and we will meet Him in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)  He will also come back again to bring judgment to non-believers.  Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee put it this way, “either your sin is on you, or it is on Christ.”  If you have not accepted Christ as your personal savior then you must pay the price for your sins and you will see Him after death as judge at the Great White Throne judgment. (Revelation 20:11-15)  Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

OUR CONFESSED SINS ARE FORGIVEN AND FORGOTTEN

Proclamation:

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  Hebrews 8:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the unknown human author of The Book of Hebrews under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by talking about the new high priest, Jesus, and the new covenant. (Hebrews 8:1-9)  Then, according to the author, The Lord God said that He would write this new covenant on the minds and hearts of His people, and He will be their God. (Hebrews 8:10)  Then The Lord God said that He would not only forgive the sins of His people but that He would also no longer remember their sins.

Application:

This text indicates that as believers when we confess our sins and ask to be forgiven that there will be a full forgiveness and complete pardon for our sins. (1 John 1:9)  The Lord God will not bring our forgiven sins to His mind.  He will be merciful unto us.  This does not give us the right to go out and continually repeat our sins.  If our prayer request to be forgiven is not sincere, then they will not be answered.  Jesus said that some who calls upon the name of The Lord will be told to depart from Him because they were workers of iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)  Only the fervent prayers of the righteous are effective and very productive. (James 5:16)

JESUS THE CHRIST IS THE PERFECT PERMANENT HIGH PRIEST

Proclamation:

“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.  Such a priest truly meets our need; one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”  Hebrews 7:23-26 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author begins by describing Melchizedek and how great he was. (Hebrews 7:1-10)  Then he compares Jesus to Melchizedek. (Hebrews 7:11-16)  Jesus was declared a priest by an oath and not by His pedigree. (Hebrews 7:17-22)  Jesus is greater than all of the other priests because He lives forever, He can save a person completely, and He is always available to intercede for them.  Unlike the other priests, Jesus does not need to offer regular sacrifices because He offered Himself as a sacrifice for all sins on Calvary. (Hebrews 7:27)  Men are appointed as priests with all of their weaknesses and shortcomings, but The Son of God, who is perfect, was appointed as the perfect priest forever. (Hebrews 7:28)

Application:

Human priests and pastors, with all of their sins, weaknesses, and shortcomings, can help us with The Word of God but they come and go, and they die, and they cannot save themselves or us.  Only Jesus, The Christ, can save us.  We can pray to God anytime that we want but we can only come to Him through Christ. (John 14:6)  He is our perfect high priest who lives forever and who sits at the right hand of God, The Father, making intercessions for us. (Hebrews 7:24-25)  Thank God for Jesus.

THE LORD GOD WILL NOT FORGET OUR GOOD WORK AND OUR HELP OF OTHERS

Proclamation:

“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”  Hebrews 6:10-12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this chapter the author urges the people of God to move on “from milk to meat,” from the elementary teachings of God to the more mature doctrine. (Hebrews 6:1-2)  He then begins to discuss those who have been enlightened by The Word of God and then fallen away. (Hebrews 6:4-8)  Although The Bible makes it clear that once we are saved, we cannot lose our salvation.  We cannot be taken out of the hand of God. (John 10:27-29)  Then he goes on to say that The Lord God will not forget their good works. (Hebrews 6:9-12)  He concludes the chapter by encouraging them to persevere in faith because of the certainty of God’s promise. (Hebrews 6:13-17)

Application:

The Lord God knows everything about everything, and He remembers all that we do.  We are encouraged to do good so that men can see our good works and give God glory. (Matthew 5:16)  Our good works will not save us.  Our salvation is based upon our belief in Christ.  However, we will be rewarded for doing good works when we have to give an account of our stewardship. (Luke 16:2 and Matthew 25: 21 and 23)  The Lord considers the good that we do to those who are in need as if we had done it unto Him. (Matthew 25:35-40)  So, keep on doing good works and helping God’s people and we will receive God’s promise.

WE SHOULD BE TEACHING OTHERS INSTEAD WE NEED TO BE TAUGHT

Proclamation:

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s Word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”  Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  This chapter begins with the author describing Jesus, The Christ, as the ultimate high priest and compares Him to Melchizedek, whose name literally means “king of righteousness or justice.”  Melchizedek was a Canaanite king who reigned in Salem, and who kept up religion and worship of the true God, and was honored by Abraham for doing so. (Hebrew 7:1-2)  Here the author states to the Hebrews that he was addressing, who had a number of advantages over other people including being descendants of Abraham, being exposed to the law of Moses and the writings of The Old Testament, having heard the ministry of Christ directly or from His apostles, having received the gift of The Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and having had thirty years past in which they should have grown, instead of being teachers they were in need of being taught the basics principals themselves.  Instead of being ready for meat, the advanced course, they were in need of milk, the basic beginning lessons. 

Application:

There are many adult Christians who can say that they were “brought up in the church” or that they have “been in church almost all of their life.”  This text proves that just being around The Word of God for a long period of time does not mean that a person has grown in knowledge and understanding of if.  Considering the number of years that we have exposed to the teaching of The Bible, we should be Bible scholars now and teaching others.  Unfortunately, too many Christians have heard many sermons preached but have not internalized what they heard.  Also, too many believers only open their Bibles on Sunday while they are in church.  If we want to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Holy Word and to rightly apply it to our lives, then we need to study it on a regular basis. (2 Timothy 2:15)

THE WORD OF GOD JUDGES THE THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART OF MAN

Proclamation:

“For The Word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  In this chapter the author begins by addressing the Sabbath-rest for the people of God.  He attempts to explain what God meant when He said, “… They shall never enter My rest.”  He refers to it as a heavenly rest, the rest of salvation for believers, as opposed to a state of labor and trouble during this life.  This was not a reference to the Sabbath Day, the day of worship, this reference was to salvation for those who heard The Word of God and believed. (Hebrews 4:3-4)  He goes on to say that The Word of God will judge the heart and soul, and the thoughts and attitudes of man.

Application:

The Word of God is so powerful that it enters into the deepest part of the heart, the secret and most intimate part, and it fatally wounds the stubborn and hard-hearted while it revives and renews the believer.  The Word of God can affect the mind and heart, the spirit and the soul, of those who hear it and those who preach it.  Only non-believers are unaffected by it and they will have to deal with the consequences of their choice.  The Word of God is the bases for dividing right from wrong, good from bad, and righteous from sinful.  It applies not only to our actions but also to our spoken words and our thoughts.  Thinking sinful thoughts is committing a sin. (Proverbs 23:7 and Matthew 5:28)  God knows everything that we do, say, and think, and we will have to give an account for them. (Matthew 12:36 and Hebrews 4:13)  So, when we pray, we should ask to be forgiven for all of our sinful thoughts, words, and actions.

HOLD ON FIRMLY TO YOUR BELIEF IN CHRIST NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS

Proclamation:

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from The Living God.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.”  Hebrews 3:12-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the unknown human author of The Bible Book of Hebrews to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  He begins this chapter stating that Jesus, The Christ, is greater than Moses. (Hebrews 3:1-6)  Then he warns the people against unbelief by quoting Old Testament scriptures. (Hebrews 3:7-11 is taken from Psalm 95:7-11)  He goes on to tell them not to turn away from God and not to let their hearts be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.  After that he encourages them to encourage one another and tells them to hold on to their beliefs and convictions.

Application:

The storms of life can sometimes knock us down, and sinful temptations can test us, but we should never let go of our belief and conviction in Christ.  Even if we fall into sin, we should never turn away from Christ, and we should never doubt Him.  The devil can tempt us and test us because he knows our weaknesses.  However, there can be not testimony without first having to pass a test.  Since we all have our temptations, let us encourage each other daily.  Let us also share The Word of God with others.  Failure to believe in Christ is the reason for the loss of salvation.  Those who have heard The Word of God and who choose not to believe are lost.

THE LORD GOD FREED US FROM BEING SLAVES TO THE FEAR OF DEATH

Proclamation:

“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants.”  Hebrews 2:14-16 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by an unknown human author to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  The Bible Book of Hebrews was not written by one of the apostles, but by someone who heard The Word of God spoken by the apostles. (Hebrews 2:3)  The “children” referred to here are the children of God (Hebrews 2:13) whom Jesus, The Christ, calls His brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 2:11-12)  Jesus took on humanity and shared our human experiences so that He might be merciful unto us. (Hebrews 2:17-18)  Then He conquered death for our benefit in order to free us from it.  Again the author quotes the Old Testament to make his point. (Hebrews 2:6-8 is Psalm 8:4-6; Hebrews 2:12-13 is Psalm 22:22; and Hebrews 2:13 is taken from Isaiah 8:18)

Application:

When we as believers pray, we pray to God, The Father, in the name of His Son, Jesus, because it was Jesus who was tempted and suffered.  He is able to relate to and help those of us who are suffering, being tempted, and in need of His help. (Hebrews 2:18)  Jesus said, whatever we ask for in His name would be granted to us if it gave glory to God. (John 14:13)  What He did by His death and resurrection was to free us from the penalty of sin (Roman 6:23) and to free us from the fear of death knowing that we have the victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57 and Romans 8:37)  With our physical death, we just pass from labor to reward, and from an earthly struggle to a joyous eternal life.  

GOD SPOKE TO US THROUGH THE PROPHETS THEN THROUGH HIS SON AND NOW THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD

Proclamation:

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at various times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe.”  Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by an unknown human author to the Hebrew believers, and indirectly to all believers.  The Bible Book of Hebrews begins with two assumptions.  The first is that there is a God, and the second is that God speaks to His people.  God spoke to His people through the prophets. (Hebrews 1:1)  Later, He spoke to His people through His Son, Jesus, The Christ. (Hebrews 1:2)  Now He speaks to us through The Holy Bible.  For most of this first chapter, the author provides evidence that Jesus, The Christ, is superior to the angels (Hebrews 1:5-14) by quoting Old Testament scriptures. (Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:12-14, Psalm 97:7, Psalm 104:4, Psalm 102:25-27, and Psalm 110:1)

Application:

This epistle provides Biblical evidence that Jesus, The Christ, is the Son of God.  By His spoken word He is the creator and sustainer of all things. (Hebrews 1:3)  Before Christ came to earth, God provided guidance to His people through His chosen prophets, from Moses to Malachi. Then He spoke through Jesus, The Christ, who spent most of His earthly ministry teaching.  After He had finished the redemptive work on the cross to save our souls and pay for our sins, Christ returned to heaven and now sits at the right hand of God, The Father. (Hebrews 1:3)  Now, God speaks to us through His Holy Bible.  If we want to know what “thus sayeth The Lord,” we need to read and study The Word of God.  The guidance and direction we need is contained therein.

THE POST RESURRECTION FISH FRY BREAKFAST WITH JESUS

Proclamation:

“This was now the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.  When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’  ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘You know that I love You.’  Jesus said, ‘Feed My lambs.’”  John 21:14-15 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded by the Apostle John under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this the final chapter in the Gospel according to John, he records the conversation and the events related to the post resurrection fish fry breakfast that Jesus had with His disciples.  Jesus appeared to His disciples a third time by the Sea of Galilee.  They had been fishing all night and had not caught anything. (John 21:1-3)  Early the next morning, Jesus told them to cast their nets on the right side of their boat and they caught more than they could haul in. (John 21:4-6)  When they landed, Jesus prepared a fish breakfast for them. (John 21:9-14)  Jesus feed them physically and then tells them to feed His sheep, speaking figuratively. (John 21:15-17)  Most of the Bible scholars think that Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him three times, and Peter responded “yes” three times, to clearly reinstate Peter who had denied Him three times. (John 18:15-17 and 25-27)

Application:

There are times when we think that we know what we are doing but The Word of God tells us to do something which is contrary to our way of doing things, as Jesus did here with these fishermen. (John 21:5-6)  We will be much more productive and effective if we would do things His way.  We would also be much more effective if we would feast on God’s Holy Word before we try to share it with others.  None of us is perfect; we all sin and occasionally break our fellowship with The Lord God and we have to be “reinstated”.  Our family membership status does not change but we can lose the joy of our fellowship with Him.  We need to pray as David prayed, “… Create in me a clean heart … Restore unto me the joy of Your salvation …” (Psalm 51:9-13)