1) The presence of God: my one desire.
2) The will of God: my one choice.
3) The help of God: my one trust.
4) The likeness of God: my one hope.
5) Faith must be in our spiritual life as natural as breathing is to our natural life.
6) Faith finds no confidence in itself, but in God.
7) Faith is the eye with which we can see God in all.
8) Faith gives us revelation of the nearness and goodness of God.
9) Faith draws us near to God through sacrifice.
10) Continuous fellowship with God is the fruit of Christ’s and our self-sacrifice.
11) The only safety and strength we have as Christians, is to be strong in faith.
12) Living a life of faith is the only way we can please God, and abide in His presence and favor.
13) The material (visible) world is a great temptation for us to forget God.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 12)
Chapter summary:
Faith is especially needed when we face experiences intended to discipline us. Yet Jesus Himself endured extreme suffering and opposition; setting an example for us of perseverance, to the very point of death (12:1-3).
What we must remember when difficulties come is that, any good parent will discipline their child. So hardships are evidence that God is treating us like the children we are (vv. 4-7). Surely if we respect human parents who discipline us, we must respect God, whose discipline is wiser and directed toward a greater goal (vv. 8-11). So let’s not crumble under difficulties, but proceed with courage and hope (vv. 12-13).
The writer now pauses to introduce a final warning. Faith calls for us to live with others in holiness and peace (vv. 14-17). The first covenant was given to a frightened mob that stood before an earthly mountain that trembled and shook. Our covenant was given by Jesus who opens heaven itself (vv. 18-24). God now intends to shake not just a mountain but the earth and heavens as well and we alone will inherit the unshakable kingdom of our God (vv. 25-27). Holy lives and fervent worship are our offerings to our awesome Lord (vv. 28-29).
The believer’s personal application: Struggles strengthen and purify us.
INSIGHT
"Cloud of witnesses" (12:1):
The text of Chapter 11 offers a list of names; people that believed God and acted upon what they believed. Their reward: the manifestation of God’s faithfulness.
"Author and perfecter" (12:2):
As we live we can look back and see how Jesus lived His life. When we look ahead we can see His exaltation. He is our example of a starter and finisher.
“Consider Jesus” (12:3):
To "become weary and lose heart", to relaxed or collapse along the way. When we take into account how much Jesus endured, we'll realize that suffering and hardships are no excuse for giving up and dropping out.
“Discipline” (12:5):
While God's discipline may often be experienced as hardship, this passage makes it clear that divine discipline is:
• a responsibility that God fulfills as a Father toward those who are His true children.
• expresses love and not anger.
• is directed toward a specific purpose, to shape us toward holiness.
“Punishes” (12:6):
Spanking or whipping was one tool that Jewish parents used to train their children. But the overall context of the discipline was to be loving, and every punishment to be for the child's good.
“Bitterness” (12:14-15):
If we fail to sense the love, and the purposefulness that motivates God's discipline, we are likely to become bitter and "miss the grace of God."
If we see our trials, and difficulties in the proper perspective provided by God's grace, discipline will be welcomed.
“Esau” (12:16):
Esau is an example of the godless in that he saw absolutely no value in spiritual things and so traded his birthright to God's covenant promise for a bowl of stew. If we value only the material rather than the spiritual, we too will miss the blessing.
“Created things to be removed” (12:18-27):
Moses gave the Law before a mountain that burned with fire and shook the earth. The terror felt by that generation will be nothing to that which will be felt by those who cannot see spiritual realities, and fail to enter the kingdom of God. That kingdom alone will remain when the universe itself is shaken, and all creation disappears. It’s wonderful to be a citizen of God’s kingdom.
Faith is especially needed when we face experiences intended to discipline us. Yet Jesus Himself endured extreme suffering and opposition; setting an example for us of perseverance, to the very point of death (12:1-3).
What we must remember when difficulties come is that, any good parent will discipline their child. So hardships are evidence that God is treating us like the children we are (vv. 4-7). Surely if we respect human parents who discipline us, we must respect God, whose discipline is wiser and directed toward a greater goal (vv. 8-11). So let’s not crumble under difficulties, but proceed with courage and hope (vv. 12-13).
The writer now pauses to introduce a final warning. Faith calls for us to live with others in holiness and peace (vv. 14-17). The first covenant was given to a frightened mob that stood before an earthly mountain that trembled and shook. Our covenant was given by Jesus who opens heaven itself (vv. 18-24). God now intends to shake not just a mountain but the earth and heavens as well and we alone will inherit the unshakable kingdom of our God (vv. 25-27). Holy lives and fervent worship are our offerings to our awesome Lord (vv. 28-29).
The believer’s personal application: Struggles strengthen and purify us.
INSIGHT
"Cloud of witnesses" (12:1):
The text of Chapter 11 offers a list of names; people that believed God and acted upon what they believed. Their reward: the manifestation of God’s faithfulness.
"Author and perfecter" (12:2):
As we live we can look back and see how Jesus lived His life. When we look ahead we can see His exaltation. He is our example of a starter and finisher.
“Consider Jesus” (12:3):
To "become weary and lose heart", to relaxed or collapse along the way. When we take into account how much Jesus endured, we'll realize that suffering and hardships are no excuse for giving up and dropping out.
“Discipline” (12:5):
While God's discipline may often be experienced as hardship, this passage makes it clear that divine discipline is:
• a responsibility that God fulfills as a Father toward those who are His true children.
• expresses love and not anger.
• is directed toward a specific purpose, to shape us toward holiness.
“Punishes” (12:6):
Spanking or whipping was one tool that Jewish parents used to train their children. But the overall context of the discipline was to be loving, and every punishment to be for the child's good.
“Bitterness” (12:14-15):
If we fail to sense the love, and the purposefulness that motivates God's discipline, we are likely to become bitter and "miss the grace of God."
If we see our trials, and difficulties in the proper perspective provided by God's grace, discipline will be welcomed.
“Esau” (12:16):
Esau is an example of the godless in that he saw absolutely no value in spiritual things and so traded his birthright to God's covenant promise for a bowl of stew. If we value only the material rather than the spiritual, we too will miss the blessing.
“Created things to be removed” (12:18-27):
Moses gave the Law before a mountain that burned with fire and shook the earth. The terror felt by that generation will be nothing to that which will be felt by those who cannot see spiritual realities, and fail to enter the kingdom of God. That kingdom alone will remain when the universe itself is shaken, and all creation disappears. It’s wonderful to be a citizen of God’s kingdom.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 11)
Chapter summary:
The theological foundation laid, the author now describes the life of faith he expects his Christian readers to lead. First he reminds them that throughout sacred history faith in God has been the key to the achievement of Bible heroes. Faith has always involved confidence in the unseen (11:1-3). It has also been expressed in action: whether by those who lived before the Flood (vv. 4-7), by Abraham and Sarah (vv. 8-19), by the patriarchs (vv. 20-22), by Moses (vv. 23-28), or by the Exodus generation (vv. 29-31). These and others (vv. 32-38) won commendation for their faith, even though what God has given us is much better than what He provided for them (vv. 39-40). Christ has died for us. We exercise faith—and live for Him.
The believer’s personal application: How can faith be expressed in my daily life?
INSIGHT
"Faith" (11:1):
While the object of faith by its very nature cannot be seen, the writer will go on to remind us that its presence has a vital impact on our lives and character. Real faith produces startling results.
“An example” (11:3):
Creation is one of those things that by its nature cannot be seen (cf. v. 1). No one was there; no evidence available today can demonstrate origins. Throughout history various theories of origins have abounded, including the modern theory of macroevolution or theorized large-scale evolution. The believer, however, shapes his or her view of origins by revelation, and so understands all came into being by God's command. It is a peculiar thing that everyone holds his or her view by "faith," for no one can adduce, or offer evidence of proof. Only the believer who trusts God's Word really understands. So the faith that produces heroes is not a subjective thing, but confidence in God and His Word.
“We come to know God through faith” (11:6):
Stripped down to its basics, faith is confidence in God and His existence; believing with corresponding action. God "rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Only those who know God as a Person that loves, will dare to truly seek Him.
“Faith exhibited: persistent obedience” (11:7-16):
The writer goes on to further develop our grasp of this illusive thing called "faith." Noah and Abraham both show us that faith is exhibited as an obedient and persistent response to God's Word. For Noah faith meant a 120-year commitment despite popular ridicule to the construction of a great boat. For Abraham faith meant a lifetime living a nomadic life—and seeing his son and grandson live that same kind of life. Faith obeys God and keeps on obeying.
“Faith exhibited: an exalted vision” (11:17-23):
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses' parents all looked beyond present circumstances to a future shaped by God's promise. Abraham's vision is most stunning. Told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was so totally convinced that God would keep His promise to give him offspring by Isaac that he concluded God would raise his son from the dead. Abraham knew that the vision God gave of the future would come true—as he continued to obey God.
“Faith exhibited: difficult choices” (11:24-28):
As "son of Pharaoh's daughter" Moses was in line to inherit Egypt's throne. Yet he chose to cast his lot with the slave people of his parents, valuing God's promises more than earthly treasures. Faith transforms our values and shapes our choices.
“Faith exhibited: victories and defeats” (11:29-38):
Faith is no guarantee of earthly success, though faith has won great victories. Our faith guarantees that we will please God, and ultimately He will reward us.
“Faith's fulfillment” (11:39-40):
It's easy to wonder at the Bible's heroes of faith. Especially when we realize they had relatively little knowledge of God. We should be motivated by the fact that we know Jesus; living a life of faith every day.
The theological foundation laid, the author now describes the life of faith he expects his Christian readers to lead. First he reminds them that throughout sacred history faith in God has been the key to the achievement of Bible heroes. Faith has always involved confidence in the unseen (11:1-3). It has also been expressed in action: whether by those who lived before the Flood (vv. 4-7), by Abraham and Sarah (vv. 8-19), by the patriarchs (vv. 20-22), by Moses (vv. 23-28), or by the Exodus generation (vv. 29-31). These and others (vv. 32-38) won commendation for their faith, even though what God has given us is much better than what He provided for them (vv. 39-40). Christ has died for us. We exercise faith—and live for Him.
The believer’s personal application: How can faith be expressed in my daily life?
INSIGHT
"Faith" (11:1):
While the object of faith by its very nature cannot be seen, the writer will go on to remind us that its presence has a vital impact on our lives and character. Real faith produces startling results.
“An example” (11:3):
Creation is one of those things that by its nature cannot be seen (cf. v. 1). No one was there; no evidence available today can demonstrate origins. Throughout history various theories of origins have abounded, including the modern theory of macroevolution or theorized large-scale evolution. The believer, however, shapes his or her view of origins by revelation, and so understands all came into being by God's command. It is a peculiar thing that everyone holds his or her view by "faith," for no one can adduce, or offer evidence of proof. Only the believer who trusts God's Word really understands. So the faith that produces heroes is not a subjective thing, but confidence in God and His Word.
“We come to know God through faith” (11:6):
Stripped down to its basics, faith is confidence in God and His existence; believing with corresponding action. God "rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Only those who know God as a Person that loves, will dare to truly seek Him.
“Faith exhibited: persistent obedience” (11:7-16):
The writer goes on to further develop our grasp of this illusive thing called "faith." Noah and Abraham both show us that faith is exhibited as an obedient and persistent response to God's Word. For Noah faith meant a 120-year commitment despite popular ridicule to the construction of a great boat. For Abraham faith meant a lifetime living a nomadic life—and seeing his son and grandson live that same kind of life. Faith obeys God and keeps on obeying.
“Faith exhibited: an exalted vision” (11:17-23):
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses' parents all looked beyond present circumstances to a future shaped by God's promise. Abraham's vision is most stunning. Told to sacrifice his son Isaac, he was so totally convinced that God would keep His promise to give him offspring by Isaac that he concluded God would raise his son from the dead. Abraham knew that the vision God gave of the future would come true—as he continued to obey God.
“Faith exhibited: difficult choices” (11:24-28):
As "son of Pharaoh's daughter" Moses was in line to inherit Egypt's throne. Yet he chose to cast his lot with the slave people of his parents, valuing God's promises more than earthly treasures. Faith transforms our values and shapes our choices.
“Faith exhibited: victories and defeats” (11:29-38):
Faith is no guarantee of earthly success, though faith has won great victories. Our faith guarantees that we will please God, and ultimately He will reward us.
“Faith's fulfillment” (11:39-40):
It's easy to wonder at the Bible's heroes of faith. Especially when we realize they had relatively little knowledge of God. We should be motivated by the fact that we know Jesus; living a life of faith every day.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Powerpoints from Hebrews (Chapter 10)
1) Jesus is a Priest forever; able to save completely.
2) We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus to enter into the presence of God.
3) The law (Old Testament system) was only a shadow of things to come; Jesus is the very image. The law (Old Testament system) was a shadow, not the substance.
4) Jesus Christ makes us perfect.
5) The believer once cleansed has no more conscience of sin; sin is put away, and we have spiritual fellowship with God.
6) The Old Testament system reminded the people that they were sinners.
7) What was impossible for the law, Christ has done.
8) Those of us that come to God via Christ are made perfect; the conscience of sin is gone, and our sin is not remembered any more.
9) We can walk in perfect conscience before God.
10) The human body of Jesus was to God what our bodies are: the dwelling of the soul; the means by which He was connected to this world, subject to impressions of pleasure and pain; able to be tempted; a part of His human personality and life. Jesus was in danger, just like us, able to use His body for self-service or pleasure, gratifying himself.
11) This was Christ’s mindset: God prepared this body for me; I’ve been given this body for God’s service and glory. It is ready at every moment to be a sacrifice to Him. The body comes from God; it belongs to Him. My only existence is to please God. The one true value of my body is this; I can offer it as a sacrifice to God.
12) Substitution and consecration were symbolized at the altar.
13) We are sanctified and perfected by the one offering; Jesus offering Himself.
14) Jesus Christ is our path to perfection.
15) For many believers, the body is the greatest hindrance regarding their Christian life; simply because we have not learned from Jesus the highest use of the body; to offer it to God.
16) When we are controlled by our body - allow the body to have its way, are brought into bondage.
17) The Holy Spirit is specially given for the body, to regulate its functions, and to sanctify the body wholly – completely.
• The mystery of the incarnation is that: the Godhead dwelt in a body.
• The mystery of atonement: the one offering of the body of Jesus Christ.
• The mystery of full redemption: the Holy Spirit dwells in and sanctifies the body also.
18) Jesus has perfected all that are sanctified; He has finished and completed for us all that we need.
2) We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus to enter into the presence of God.
3) The law (Old Testament system) was only a shadow of things to come; Jesus is the very image. The law (Old Testament system) was a shadow, not the substance.
4) Jesus Christ makes us perfect.
5) The believer once cleansed has no more conscience of sin; sin is put away, and we have spiritual fellowship with God.
6) The Old Testament system reminded the people that they were sinners.
7) What was impossible for the law, Christ has done.
8) Those of us that come to God via Christ are made perfect; the conscience of sin is gone, and our sin is not remembered any more.
9) We can walk in perfect conscience before God.
10) The human body of Jesus was to God what our bodies are: the dwelling of the soul; the means by which He was connected to this world, subject to impressions of pleasure and pain; able to be tempted; a part of His human personality and life. Jesus was in danger, just like us, able to use His body for self-service or pleasure, gratifying himself.
11) This was Christ’s mindset: God prepared this body for me; I’ve been given this body for God’s service and glory. It is ready at every moment to be a sacrifice to Him. The body comes from God; it belongs to Him. My only existence is to please God. The one true value of my body is this; I can offer it as a sacrifice to God.
12) Substitution and consecration were symbolized at the altar.
13) We are sanctified and perfected by the one offering; Jesus offering Himself.
14) Jesus Christ is our path to perfection.
15) For many believers, the body is the greatest hindrance regarding their Christian life; simply because we have not learned from Jesus the highest use of the body; to offer it to God.
16) When we are controlled by our body - allow the body to have its way, are brought into bondage.
17) The Holy Spirit is specially given for the body, to regulate its functions, and to sanctify the body wholly – completely.
• The mystery of the incarnation is that: the Godhead dwelt in a body.
• The mystery of atonement: the one offering of the body of Jesus Christ.
• The mystery of full redemption: the Holy Spirit dwells in and sanctifies the body also.
18) Jesus has perfected all that are sanctified; He has finished and completed for us all that we need.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 10)
Chapter summary:
The writer continues to identify ways in which the sacrifice of Christ is superior. The endless repetition of sacrifices made under Mosaic Law is proof they could not perfect the worshiper. In the same way, Christ's offering of a single sacrifice is proof that He makes men holy! (10:1-10) After making one sacrifice, Jesus "sat down" at God's right hand, signifying that His work was finished (vv. 11-14). And Scripture adds its testimony. It reminds us that under the New Covenant sins are forgiven. Once truly forgiven, no more sacrifice is required (vv. 15-18).
The writer then pauses again. He urges his readers to draw confidence from Christ's High Priesthood and so "hold steadfastly to the hope we profess" (vv. 19-25). There are terrible consequences for anyone who refuses to respond to God's saving act in Christ (vv. 26-31). But the writer knows his audience has made a very different choice—a choice exhibited in their commitment to Christ despite persecution, prison, and confiscation of property. He urges them to hold on to their initial confidence, sure that soon Jesus will come, and we will be ready for Him then (vv. 32-39).
The believer’s application: Confidence leads to commitment.
INSIGHT
“Make perfect” (10:1):
The word is used in the common biblical sense of bringing someone or something to an intended goal.
“A reminder of sins” (10:3):
A person who takes an insulin shot daily has protection from the disease. But each shot he or she takes is a reminder of the illness. In the same way the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament covered the sins of Old Testament people—but reminded them that they were still in sin's grip. Christ's one sacrifice has a different message. It does not need to be repeated. Our sins are gone—and we are free.
"Made perfect" (10:14):
Christ's sacrifice brings us to the place God has always intended for us.
"Being made holy" (10:14):
Christ not only makes us righteous in God's sight. He has power to make us progressively holy in our lives here on earth.
"No longer any sacrifice" (10:18):
To "forgive" means, literally, to cancel or to send away. Since our sins themselves are canceled in the death of Christ, and so completely "sent away" that we no longer bear any guilt, there is no need for any further sacrifice. As the hymn says, God has redeemed us "once for all."
"Washed" (10:22):
We who hold fast have been cleansed within by God and have made a public profession through baptism.
"Encourage one another on" (10:24-25):
Here is another brief picture of an early church meeting. Believers met not just to hear preaching, but to encourage each other "toward love and good deeds." Don't overlook such relationships if you expect to live a vital, successful Christian life.
"Deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26-31):
Here the writer confronts apostasy, a deliberate choice to return to the old system of sacrifices and so "trample underfoot the Son of God." For such sin many will be judged.
“Perseverance”: the consequence of confidence (10:32-39):
The word hypomeno means to "patiently endure." It involves overcoming difficulties and withstanding pressures. The writer reminds his readers that they have demonstrated this quality, an expression of their confidence in Christ. They stood their ground despite suffering. They remained faithful despite insult, persecution, and even the loss of property. And they took a stand beside those in prison. The challenge now is to hold on, confident, till Jesus comes.
The writer continues to identify ways in which the sacrifice of Christ is superior. The endless repetition of sacrifices made under Mosaic Law is proof they could not perfect the worshiper. In the same way, Christ's offering of a single sacrifice is proof that He makes men holy! (10:1-10) After making one sacrifice, Jesus "sat down" at God's right hand, signifying that His work was finished (vv. 11-14). And Scripture adds its testimony. It reminds us that under the New Covenant sins are forgiven. Once truly forgiven, no more sacrifice is required (vv. 15-18).
The writer then pauses again. He urges his readers to draw confidence from Christ's High Priesthood and so "hold steadfastly to the hope we profess" (vv. 19-25). There are terrible consequences for anyone who refuses to respond to God's saving act in Christ (vv. 26-31). But the writer knows his audience has made a very different choice—a choice exhibited in their commitment to Christ despite persecution, prison, and confiscation of property. He urges them to hold on to their initial confidence, sure that soon Jesus will come, and we will be ready for Him then (vv. 32-39).
The believer’s application: Confidence leads to commitment.
INSIGHT
“Make perfect” (10:1):
The word is used in the common biblical sense of bringing someone or something to an intended goal.
“A reminder of sins” (10:3):
A person who takes an insulin shot daily has protection from the disease. But each shot he or she takes is a reminder of the illness. In the same way the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament covered the sins of Old Testament people—but reminded them that they were still in sin's grip. Christ's one sacrifice has a different message. It does not need to be repeated. Our sins are gone—and we are free.
"Made perfect" (10:14):
Christ's sacrifice brings us to the place God has always intended for us.
"Being made holy" (10:14):
Christ not only makes us righteous in God's sight. He has power to make us progressively holy in our lives here on earth.
"No longer any sacrifice" (10:18):
To "forgive" means, literally, to cancel or to send away. Since our sins themselves are canceled in the death of Christ, and so completely "sent away" that we no longer bear any guilt, there is no need for any further sacrifice. As the hymn says, God has redeemed us "once for all."
"Washed" (10:22):
We who hold fast have been cleansed within by God and have made a public profession through baptism.
"Encourage one another on" (10:24-25):
Here is another brief picture of an early church meeting. Believers met not just to hear preaching, but to encourage each other "toward love and good deeds." Don't overlook such relationships if you expect to live a vital, successful Christian life.
"Deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26-31):
Here the writer confronts apostasy, a deliberate choice to return to the old system of sacrifices and so "trample underfoot the Son of God." For such sin many will be judged.
“Perseverance”: the consequence of confidence (10:32-39):
The word hypomeno means to "patiently endure." It involves overcoming difficulties and withstanding pressures. The writer reminds his readers that they have demonstrated this quality, an expression of their confidence in Christ. They stood their ground despite suffering. They remained faithful despite insult, persecution, and even the loss of property. And they took a stand beside those in prison. The challenge now is to hold on, confident, till Jesus comes.
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