Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin to salvation.”
Simply put, Jesus Christ, by one sacrifice, has destroyed the works of the devil, that believers may be made righteous. He will appear a second time as the Lord of his people, and the Judge of the living and the dead (Matthew 25:31, Acts 1:11) and to receive his followers into eternal salvation.
The Truth
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. “ (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
The Great High Priest
Hebrews 7:28
“For the Law makes men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the Law, makes the Son, perfected for evermore.”
Here we see that the “ceremonial law” constitutes (sets up) high priests (men) who are subject to weakness, and thus also to sin, for which they were to offer their propitiatory sacrifices to God, as well as for the people; but were sinful, dying men.
The word of the oath, on the other hand (Hebrews 7:21), which annulled the law, ordains as high priest the Son (Hebrews 1:1), who is forever perfected, without sin (Hebrews 4:15) and is eternally seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus our Great High Priest.
The Truth
“The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
“For the Law makes men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the Law, makes the Son, perfected for evermore.”
Here we see that the “ceremonial law” constitutes (sets up) high priests (men) who are subject to weakness, and thus also to sin, for which they were to offer their propitiatory sacrifices to God, as well as for the people; but were sinful, dying men.
The word of the oath, on the other hand (Hebrews 7:21), which annulled the law, ordains as high priest the Son (Hebrews 1:1), who is forever perfected, without sin (Hebrews 4:15) and is eternally seated at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus our Great High Priest.
The Truth
“The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Promise Fulfilled
Hebrews 6:15
“And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
God has His own timetable, His own way of acting in our lives. Yes God would "multiply" Abraham, but he patiently waited (25 years) for the unfolding of His promise.
Thus, the patriarch Abraham became an example of what faith is all about. He believed in the character, the honesty, the goodness and capability of the Lord, that He could and would do what He said.
God hasn't changed and never will. His intention for Abraham and all who came before and come after him, is that we are to be rescued from the curse of this world on the basis of faith.
Place your hope in the Lord—He will never let you down.
The Truth
“And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.” (Genesis 21:1-4)
“And so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.”
God has His own timetable, His own way of acting in our lives. Yes God would "multiply" Abraham, but he patiently waited (25 years) for the unfolding of His promise.
Thus, the patriarch Abraham became an example of what faith is all about. He believed in the character, the honesty, the goodness and capability of the Lord, that He could and would do what He said.
God hasn't changed and never will. His intention for Abraham and all who came before and come after him, is that we are to be rescued from the curse of this world on the basis of faith.
Place your hope in the Lord—He will never let you down.
The Truth
“And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.” (Genesis 21:1-4)
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
A Priest Forever
Hebrews 5:6
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Here in our text the writer of Hebrews (thought by many to be Paul) quotes from Psalm 110 (a Psalm of David) where David referred to the Lord, the Messiah who was to come, a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek appears in Genesis 14, seemingly coming out of nowhere, ministering bread and wine to Abram. His name means “king of righteousness” and his position was king of Salem meaning “peace.” Abram, realizing he was in the presence of no ordinary man, worshiped and paid tithes to him.
This is most likely a Christophany – an Old Testament appearance of Christ. Two thousand years before Christ came to die for our sin, Melchizedek brings the symbols of his death – bread and wine, the elements of communion. Abram partook of Melchizedek’s bread and wine in anticipation of Jesus – just as we now partake in looking back to Christ’s death for us on the cross.
The Truth
“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:8-10)
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Here in our text the writer of Hebrews (thought by many to be Paul) quotes from Psalm 110 (a Psalm of David) where David referred to the Lord, the Messiah who was to come, a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek appears in Genesis 14, seemingly coming out of nowhere, ministering bread and wine to Abram. His name means “king of righteousness” and his position was king of Salem meaning “peace.” Abram, realizing he was in the presence of no ordinary man, worshiped and paid tithes to him.
This is most likely a Christophany – an Old Testament appearance of Christ. Two thousand years before Christ came to die for our sin, Melchizedek brings the symbols of his death – bread and wine, the elements of communion. Abram partook of Melchizedek’s bread and wine in anticipation of Jesus – just as we now partake in looking back to Christ’s death for us on the cross.
The Truth
“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:8-10)
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Our Compassionate High Priest
Hebrews 4:14
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.”
Our text is not referring to a mere human priest, pastor or minister but to Jesus Christ who came and died for you and me. As our priestly Representative, He Himself became the Sacrifice needed...He satisfied the holiness, justice and righteousness of God, fulfilling the Law on our behalf.
The confession to hold fast to hear is found in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Hold fast to Jesus Christ our compassionate High Priest. He knows what we are going through. Trust in Him and receive His rest.
The Truth
“Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.”
Our text is not referring to a mere human priest, pastor or minister but to Jesus Christ who came and died for you and me. As our priestly Representative, He Himself became the Sacrifice needed...He satisfied the holiness, justice and righteousness of God, fulfilling the Law on our behalf.
The confession to hold fast to hear is found in Romans 10:9, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Hold fast to Jesus Christ our compassionate High Priest. He knows what we are going through. Trust in Him and receive His rest.
The Truth
“Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Monday, March 23, 2015
Unbelief
Hebrews 3:19
“So we see they could not enter because of “unbelief.”
The sin of Hebrews 3 is unbelief. The only thing that kept the children of Israel from the promise land was their lack of faith. Likewise the only sin, which will keep us from all that God has for us is, unbelief.
The Truth
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
“So we see they could not enter because of “unbelief.”
The sin of Hebrews 3 is unbelief. The only thing that kept the children of Israel from the promise land was their lack of faith. Likewise the only sin, which will keep us from all that God has for us is, unbelief.
The Truth
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” (John 6:47)
Sunday, March 22, 2015
How Shall We Escape
Hebrews 2:3
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him.”
There is no avoiding the righteous punishment of God, if we neglect the light of the gospel (His salvation).
This salvation; spoken of by Him, confirmed by the disciples (and the apostles) who heard Him and did bare witness to it by preaching, writing and sealing it with their blood, showed us the way. For there is no other name given among men by which we are to be saved.
How shall we escape? Accept His gift of salvation and escape the righteous punishment for all who neglect the gospel.
The Truth
"Salvation is a gift from God, not of works, less any man should boast."
“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by them that heard him.”
There is no avoiding the righteous punishment of God, if we neglect the light of the gospel (His salvation).
This salvation; spoken of by Him, confirmed by the disciples (and the apostles) who heard Him and did bare witness to it by preaching, writing and sealing it with their blood, showed us the way. For there is no other name given among men by which we are to be saved.
How shall we escape? Accept His gift of salvation and escape the righteous punishment for all who neglect the gospel.
The Truth
"Salvation is a gift from God, not of works, less any man should boast."
Friday, March 20, 2015
Jesus Is God
Hebrews 1:8
“But unto the Son He says; Your throne O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”
Here God, refers to Jesus, as God. In speaking to the Son, God says, “You’re on the throne and You rule righteously.” Finally righteous justice will prevail combined with compassion and love perfectly.
The Truth
“And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” (Revelation 16:7)
“But unto the Son He says; Your throne O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.”
Here God, refers to Jesus, as God. In speaking to the Son, God says, “You’re on the throne and You rule righteously.” Finally righteous justice will prevail combined with compassion and love perfectly.
The Truth
“And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” (Revelation 16:7)
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Put It On My Account
Philemon 1:18
“But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account”.
Here Paul tells Philemon, to forgive the debt of his (Philemon’s) ex-slave Onesimus, by transferring the debt to his (Paul’s) account.
This is a beautiful picture of reconciliation. How a debt was paid, by someone willing to pay the price, to give new life freed from the past and to make peace.
The Truth
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account”.
Here Paul tells Philemon, to forgive the debt of his (Philemon’s) ex-slave Onesimus, by transferring the debt to his (Paul’s) account.
This is a beautiful picture of reconciliation. How a debt was paid, by someone willing to pay the price, to give new life freed from the past and to make peace.
The Truth
“Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Saved By His Mercy
Titus 3:3-5
“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”
This should remind us that, although we may still have fleshly tendencies, we have been washed and renewed. Not because of anything we have done but because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. And because we are forgiven, we should forgive others.
The Truth
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1)
Monday, March 16, 2015
Elders
Titus 2:2
“The older men” (elders) are to “be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love (and) in patience."
Here Paul gives us the sound qualities of the church elder:
1) He avoids excess, extravagance and over-indulgence of appetites and passions.
2) He conducts himself with a dignified behavior.
3) One who is self-controlled, self-restrained and discreet.
4) He is uncorrupt, healthy and wholesome in mind.
5) He lovingly forgives and lovingly serves.
6) He does not lose heart when things do not turn out the way he had hoped and expected, but has a perfect confidence in God.
The Truth
“Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.” (Job 12:12)
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Disqualified For Every Good Work
Titus 1:16
“They profess to know God, but in words they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”
The world is unfortunately full of such people, who might wear certain clothing, have religious titles, act in a way that suggests they are holy men and women, and they might say that they are leading others closer to the God who made us but they are disqualified for every good work.
The scriptures tell us, what they do is going to reveal who they are – or aren’t. They are not to be “self-willed… quick tempered… given to wine… violent… greedy for money” and such as that. They are to be “just, holy (and) self-controlled” (Verses 7-8).
Watch, listen and pray, and avoid those who are disqualified for every good work.
The Truth
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
“They profess to know God, but in words they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”
The world is unfortunately full of such people, who might wear certain clothing, have religious titles, act in a way that suggests they are holy men and women, and they might say that they are leading others closer to the God who made us but they are disqualified for every good work.
The scriptures tell us, what they do is going to reveal who they are – or aren’t. They are not to be “self-willed… quick tempered… given to wine… violent… greedy for money” and such as that. They are to be “just, holy (and) self-controlled” (Verses 7-8).
Watch, listen and pray, and avoid those who are disqualified for every good work.
The Truth
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
Saturday, March 14, 2015
He Fights For Us
Zechariah 14:3
“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle.”
In the previous verse God gathered the nations against Jerusalem, ending in its defeat (v.2), but then He will fight against those very same attackers as we see in our text.
This illustrates how God may, as a last resort, allow great trouble into our lives, with the intention that our self-righteousness and pride will be done away with and replaced by the faith, hope and love we were always meant to have.
Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair. When your feeling defeated, look up and know that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will never give you more than you can bare and He will always provide a means of escape.
The Truth
“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you.” (Joshua 23:10)
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
A Fountain Shall Open
Zechariah 13:1
“In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.”
Our text speaks to the future event when the Lamb of God shall be offered up as a sacrifice for all mankind, the blood of Christ (the fountain opened), shed for the Jews first and then the Gentiles, for the purging away of all sins. Hallelujah!
The Truth
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
“In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.”
Our text speaks to the future event when the Lamb of God shall be offered up as a sacrifice for all mankind, the blood of Christ (the fountain opened), shed for the Jews first and then the Gentiles, for the purging away of all sins. Hallelujah!
The Truth
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
A Heavy Stone
Zechariah 12:3
“It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.”
There will come a time when ALL nations will turn against tiny Israel, and yet the little nation will be "a heavy stone" to them. Injuring all who will try and lift it. And during this time, the conflict will not be local but a great battle of the world against the church.
The Truth
“And whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew 21:44)
“It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.”
There will come a time when ALL nations will turn against tiny Israel, and yet the little nation will be "a heavy stone" to them. Injuring all who will try and lift it. And during this time, the conflict will not be local but a great battle of the world against the church.
The Truth
“And whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” (Matthew 21:44)
Monday, March 9, 2015
The Idol Shepherd
Zechariah 11:16
“For, see, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.”
Here the prophet Zechariah warns, because God’s people rejected the Good Shepherd another shepherd will raise up, the idol shepherd (v.17), one who won’t care for the flock (God’s people) the antichrist. He is called the idol shepherd in 2 Thessalonians 2 because he will set up an idol of himself in the temple and demand to be worshiped and many will be deceived.
The Truth
“I am come in my Fathers name, and ye received me not; if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43)
“For, see, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.”
Here the prophet Zechariah warns, because God’s people rejected the Good Shepherd another shepherd will raise up, the idol shepherd (v.17), one who won’t care for the flock (God’s people) the antichrist. He is called the idol shepherd in 2 Thessalonians 2 because he will set up an idol of himself in the temple and demand to be worshiped and many will be deceived.
The Truth
“I am come in my Fathers name, and ye received me not; if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” (John 5:43)
Friday, March 6, 2015
The Corner Stone
Zechariah 10:4
“Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.”
Simply put, from Juda will come the Prince or ruler who will fasten or hold the house together, who will defend/protect, even subjugate their enemies, and extract tribute from them.
The Truth
"This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ( Acts 4:11-12)
“Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.”
Simply put, from Juda will come the Prince or ruler who will fasten or hold the house together, who will defend/protect, even subjugate their enemies, and extract tribute from them.
The Truth
"This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” ( Acts 4:11-12)
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Thy King Cometh
Zechariah 9:9
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.”
Here the prophet Zechariah calls for a “shout” of joy because their King, the promised Messiah, the Son of David comes to them, full of righteousness, to redeem and to save. Not a conqueror like Alexander the Great but one of a different fashion; meek, lowly, riding on a colt the fold of an ass.
This declares that they should not look for such a king as would be glorious in the eyes of man but, he should be poor, and yet in himself have all power to deliver his own - Jesus.
The Truth
“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Matthew 21:5)
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.”
Here the prophet Zechariah calls for a “shout” of joy because their King, the promised Messiah, the Son of David comes to them, full of righteousness, to redeem and to save. Not a conqueror like Alexander the Great but one of a different fashion; meek, lowly, riding on a colt the fold of an ass.
This declares that they should not look for such a king as would be glorious in the eyes of man but, he should be poor, and yet in himself have all power to deliver his own - Jesus.
The Truth
“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Matthew 21:5)
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Promise Fulfilled
Zechariah 8:8
“And I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.”
God being faithful to His everlasting covenant brought the Jewish people back into the land, who reconstructed the temple and returned to their worship. The foundation of this Second Temple was laid in 535 BC and finally finished (after delays) on March 12, 515 BC.
The Truth
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
“And I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.”
God being faithful to His everlasting covenant brought the Jewish people back into the land, who reconstructed the temple and returned to their worship. The foundation of this Second Temple was laid in 535 BC and finally finished (after delays) on March 12, 515 BC.
The Truth
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Hear The LORD
Zechariah 7:8-10
"Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah saying, Thus has the Lord of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another."
Our religious acts, our treatment of others and our words about them—all of this is important—but our hearts, our motives and our intentions must be right before a holy and loving God. That we are to help those in need is seen throughout the Bible - use what you have and are to help others. As the Lord leads you—do it.
The Truth
"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: "to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world". (James 1:27)
Monday, March 2, 2015
The Branch
Zechariah 6:11
“Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.” "Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Behold, a man whose name is the Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord.
These verses actually do relate to the current high priest named Joshua, and that the Temple would be completed during his term of office. This prophetic word not only authenticates the restoration of the office of the High Priest (represented by the man named Joshua) but it also looks ahead to the Messiah, the Man Christ Jesus – “The Branch” (Isaiah 11:1) - who would build the true Temple that exists elsewhere. (Rev. 11:19)
The Truth
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. “ (Jeremiah 23 5-6)
“Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest.” "Then say to him, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'Behold, a man whose name is the Branch, for He will branch out from where He is; and He will build the temple of the Lord.
These verses actually do relate to the current high priest named Joshua, and that the Temple would be completed during his term of office. This prophetic word not only authenticates the restoration of the office of the High Priest (represented by the man named Joshua) but it also looks ahead to the Messiah, the Man Christ Jesus – “The Branch” (Isaiah 11:1) - who would build the true Temple that exists elsewhere. (Rev. 11:19)
The Truth
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. “ (Jeremiah 23 5-6)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)