August 4, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:32-39

“The writer encourages his readers not to forsake Christ, by reminding them of what they have suffered for his sake. They have persevered through insults, violence, imprisonments and robberies, because of their confidence of a lasting reward. Endurance is essential, since there must always be some waiting time before a promise can be fulfilled. For Christians the promised reward will be at Christ’s return, when he judges between those who persevere in faith and those who turn back.” (Bridgeway Bible Commentary)

In a while, Christ will come. We do not know when, but Christ will come again. Until then, we continue in the journey – living the Christ-like life – sustained by faith. This is not an easy life, if we are truly living the life of a disciple. There are so many temptations – so many voices that want us to follow a different path – an easier path than the path of following Jesus. We will be made fun of by some, and will be considered an oddity by others. We may not be thrown to the lions, literally, but we know what it is like to hear the biting comments of non-believers. As such, we continue knowing that when Christ comes, then comes our victory. It is the love, mercy and Grace of Christ that keeps us on the path – to the end.

Pastor Dave

August 3, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 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 10:19-25

“The book of Hebrews was originally written to Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution. They were under pressure to return to a more popular, easier religion. Namely, Judaism. Much of the letter, to this point, has been explaining reasons to be confident that Jesus Christ, not the old covenant priesthood, is God’s ultimate plan for mankind’s salvation. Part of the encouragement to “hold fast” given here comes from that perspective (Hebrews 3:14). Christ is the fulfillment of God’s will for mankind, so we should resist the pressures of anything which tries to take us away from Him.” (bibleref.com; Hebrews 10:23)

There was a study completed in this country among judges in courtrooms. They were asked how well they could determine a person’s remorse when they stood in front of them during a court proceeding. Most of the justices said they could tell definitively when a defendant was showing remorse. About half of the justices said: “When the defendant looks me in the eye and tells me how sorry they are, I believe they are showing remorse.” The other half of the justices said: “When the defendant cannot look me in the eye, and continues to look to the ground and tell me they are sorry, I believe they are showing remorse.” The truth of the matter is this: one cannot tell by a person’s body language whether they are truly showing remorse. Remorse is something we all (well most) can come to – but it takes time, and years before true remorse can be felt for many people.

How a believer approaches G-d in worship is dependent upon the believer – some come with boldness – others in fear and trepidation. There is no right or wrong – G-d just wants us to come to G-d with boldness of faith, and a contrite heart. It may take years to find this boldness or this contriteness – G-d just seeks a relationship with us that is based on faith, love, trust and humility.

Pastor Dave