What’s So ‘Good’ About Good Friday?

Why do we call Good Friday “good,” when it is a such dark and bleak event commemorating a day of suffering and death for Jesus?

For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is followed by Easter, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Rom. 6:5).

Still, why call the day of Jesus’ death “Good Friday” instead of “Bad Friday” or something similar? Some Christian traditions do take this approach: in German, for example, the day is called Karfreitag, or “Sorrowful Friday.” In English, in fact, the origin of the term “Good” is debated: some believe it developed from an older name, “God’s Friday.” Regardless of the origin, the name Good Friday is entirely appropriate because the suffering and death of Jesus, as terrible as it was, marked the dramatic culmination of God’s plan to save his people from their sins.

As Doug Wilson recently wrote on the Resurgence, in order for the good news of the gospel to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. This is simply another way of saying that it is important to understand and distinguish the Law and the Gospel as the “two words” of scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then the gospel of Jesus’ grace comes and brings us relief and salvation.

In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out on the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.

The cross is where we see the convergence of great suffering and God’s forgiveness. Psalm 85:10 sings of a day when “righteousness and peace” will “kiss each other.” The cross of Jesus is where that occurred, where God’s demands, his righteousness, coincided with his mercy. We receive divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because Jesus willingly took our divine punishment, the result of God’s righteousness against sin. “For the joy set before him” (Heb. 12:2) Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation, and the beginning of God’s reign of righteousness and peace.

Good Friday marks the day when wrath and mercy met at the cross. That’s why Good Friday is so dark and so Good.

Article by Justin Holcomb, Executive Director of Resurgence and Leadership Development at Mars Hill Church, a large church made up of smaller congregations and that meet in multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, California and New Mexico.

WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!

I've seen this with the letters out of order, but this is the first time I've seen it with numbers.

It is a good example of how wonderful the human brain is: If you can read this you have a strong mind:

7H15 M3554G3

53RV35 7O PR0V3

H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N

D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5!

1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5!

1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG

17 WA5 H4RD BU7

N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3

Y0UR M1ND 1S

R34D1NG 17

4U70M471C4LLY

W17H 0U7 3V3N

7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17,

B3 PROUD! 0NLY

C3R741N P30PL3 C4N

R3AD 7H15.

The more times you read it, the easier and more obvious it becomes!

What a mighty God we serve, that He could make us like that!

AN EFFECTIVE, FERVENT PRAYER

Hi, Lord, its me.

We are getting older and things are getting bad here. Gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating costs too high.

I know some have taken you out of our schools, government and even Christmas, but Lord I'm asking you to come back and re-bless America . We really need you!

There are more of us who want you than those who don't!

Thank You Lord, I Love you.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Hallelujah, Praise the Lamb-The Talleys

A Study in John Week 5

John Chapter 21 (Due to my surgery, this lesson is being taught in church by my class member, Steve Bruzik)

Many scholars believe John added this “chapter” some time after the events of chapter 20.

There are 3 incidents recorded in this chapter: 1) the fishing experience on the lake (showing us that Jesus is to be the Lord of our wills); 2) the breakfast on the sea shore (showing us that Jesus is Lord of our hearts); and 3) the announcement of the death of Simon Peter and call him to service (showing us that He must be Lord of our minds).

Verses 1-3 – This is sort of the convention of the problem children: Simon Peter (impulsive and impetuous); Thomas (the skeptic, who had a question mark for a brain); Nathaniel (“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth); the sons of Zebedee (James and John) and two other disciples (maybe they represent you and me).

Peter, perhaps in an attempt to soothe his nerves, announces, “I’m going fishing.” It’s what he knew how to do. Remember, Jesus had said He would make him a fisher of men. The others volunteer to go with him. Although they were expert fishermen, they caught nothing.

Verses 4-14 – The disciples did not recognize Jesus standing on the shore. (Why not? Maybe He was too far away to be recognized.)

As they came in, Jesus asked, “Catch anything?” They answered, “Nope.” Jesus said, “Cast your net on the other side of the boat and you will find some.”

So, here’s this guy on the shore, telling the expert fishermen, now that they are in shallower water, to fish on the other side of the boat. That must have gone over well. But they did it.

When they did, they could hardly haul the net, there were so many fish! When you follow Jesus and allow Him to direct you, you can expect results!

Then John recognizes Jesus…whether by sight or by the miraculous experience, and shouts, “It is the Lord!” And they fellowship together around a camp fire…sharing their hearts. What stories there must have been around that camp fire!

Verses 15-17 Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him. It went like this:
Jesus Peter Jesus
Do you agapao1 me? You know I phileo2 you. Feed3 my little lambs (newborn Christians).
Do you agapao1 me? You know I phileo2 you. Disciple4 my sheep (growing Christians).
Do you phileo2 me? You know I phileo2 you. Feed5 my sheep (maturing Christians).

We hear a lot about the words for “love” in the Greek. But there are some other important words used in this passage as well, as knowing them helps us understand the meaning better. They are:

1agapao – the highest, Godly love;
2phileo – strong “brotherly” affection;
3Feed – provide infant nourishment;
4poimaino – disciple or shepherd;
5Feed – provide adult nourishment.

Verse 19 – Jesus tells Peter that there will come a time when he (Peter) will follow in Christ’s footsteps in death, and then exhorts him to follow Him.

Verses 20-23 – Peter asks about John, whose special bond with Jesus Peter did not miss. Jesus tells him not to worry about others’ relationship to Him, but his own. Then He repeats, “Follow me.”

Followship is superior to “fanship.” To be a fan requires little commitment. To be a follower requires 100% commitment.

Verses 24-25 John identifies himself, and tells us there were many other things Jesus did.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Thank You, Lord-Don Moen

A Study in John Week 4

( Due to my surgery, this lesson is being taught in church by my class member, Steve Bruzik)

Between the crucifixion and the resurrection

The Jews never refused to bury any executed criminal, but instead of allowing the bodies of such sinners to be placed in family tombs, where they might desecrate those already buried, they provided a burial site for criminals just outside the city

Most of the disciples were keeping their distance from Jesus at this point in time. It does not even appear to be possible for any of Jesus’ disciples or family to secure His body and give it a proper burial. And to make the situation even more difficult, time to give Jesus a proper burial had virtually run out.

After His death He was given a rich man’s burial. We might even say that Jesus was given a burial “fit for a king.”

Even though the disciples had forgotten our Lord’s words about His resurrection, the Jewish religious leaders had not: they went with the soldiers of the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Once the stone was “sealed,” no one would dare to try to steal the body of Jesus, to make it look as if He had been raised from the dead in fulfillment of His own prophecies. And to be doubly sure, guards were posted at the tomb so that no one could gain access to the body of Jesus.

John Chapter 20

Verse 1-9 – It was on Sunday, early in the morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. Joseph and Nicodemus had prepared the body for burial (John 19:40). They sealed in the body with 100 pounds of ointment, wrapped it with strips of linen cloth, and prepared it like a mummy. Each finger was wrapped separately, then the hand, then the arms were strapped to the body and the body was wound.

John and Peter knew that He could not have gotten out of that encasement. It would have been physically impossible to get that body out of graveclothes without unwinding them. John got to the tomb first, but would not go in. Peter (the impetuous one) had no trouble and went right in.

Verses 10-18 – Everybody but Mary Magdalene went home, presumably to mourn.

Jesus appeared to Mary, but would not allow her to touch Him. He told her to go tell the others, which she did.

Verses 19-23 – Jesus appeared to the disciples, who were overcome with elation. “…He breathed on them them…” is a reference to the other Scriptures that speak of the Holy Spirit being invisible like the air, but powerful like the wind.

Verses 24-31 – Thomas, being a “realist,” did not believe the disciples’ report. A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples and offered physical proof of His resurrection.

Many say, "If I just had physical proof of the resurrection, I would believe."

No, you wouldn't. Thousands saw proof of His power and diety face-to-face and still didn't believe.

Belief yields faith, and faith does not require proof.

YOUR PRAYERS ARE SOLICITED

I'll be going in for hip replacement surgery in the morning, and will not be blogging until at least Friday, and maybe longer.

If you would like to see what it is like, watch the following.

If you don't like watching this kind of thing, don't.

I find it interesting, neat, and I am looking forward to it.



I built a cabinet one time with tools very much like those used in the video.

See you soon!

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Four Days Late-Keren Peck

A Study in John Week 3

John Chapter 19

Pilate faces Jesus

Verses 1-3 – Pilate should have released Jesus. He had found Him innocent of wrondoing. Instead he had Jesus beaten to unrecognizability. Jesus did not even look human after the scourging (See Isaiah 52:14). Even after the beating, Jesus was mocked and struck.

Verses 4-7 – Pilate once again said that he could find no fault with Jesus. It was the religious leaders who called out for His crucifixion. Pilate bascically said, “You want Him crucified, you do it. I find no basis for any charge agains Him.”

The Jews had a law with which to charge Jesus, but they did not have the authority to carry out an execution. Their charge was blasphemy, a capital offense. This is direct evidence that Jesus had claimed to be God.

Verses 8-11 – Pilate then tried to intimidate Jesus with his political power. Jesus would have none of it, and told him where his power came from. But notice that Jesus accused the religious leaders of being guilty of greater sin than the pagan, Pilate.

Verses 12-16a – Pilate continues to “get Jesus off,” but ultimately turned Him over to the Jews, who proclaimed their allegience to Ceasar.

The Crucifixion

Verses 16b-25 – Hebrew (Aramaic) was the language of religion; Greek was the language of culture, philosophy and learning while Latin was the language of law and power.

The inscription over the cross, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews, was written in all three languages.

The Jews didn’t like it, but Pilate had had enough of them. “It is what it is, “ he said.

While Jesus was on the cross, dying a torturous death, the Roman guards shot dice for His garment to fulfill the prophecy of Psalm 22:8. While He was on that cross, 28 prophecies were accomplished and He proclaimed His work done.

For three hours, God pulled a veil of darkness over the land while He and Jesus completed the transaction that would set you and me free from the sin that besets us.

So, a carpenter who built His life on integrity, developed a significant local following but was otherwise unknown in the world, died a criminal on the cross, a criminal who had done nothing illegal.

More than 2,000 years later, in a world of turmoil, He is still the Hope of the world, the only hope for humanity.

The Jews, by crucifying their own Savior, trying to observe the Passover that speaks of Him, they are fulfilling prophecy. Compare John 19:36 with Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20; and John 19:37 with Zechariah 12:10 and Revelation 1:7.

Verses 38-42 – Because He was only going to need it for three days, Jesus was placed in a borrowed tomb. The Jews only allowed Jesus to be burried there because they did not have time to carve a new tomb, it being the day of Preparation for Passover.

Jesus was dead, and it looked like Satan had won the battle. Great sadness filled the hearts of Jesus’ followers, while great joy filled the crevaces of Satan and his minions.

It was Friday.

But Sunday was on the way.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Agnus Dei-Andreas Scholl

A Study in John Week 2

John Chapter 18 - The Passion

The Verses

Verses 1-3 – Judas led the soldiers and priests to the olive grove. He knew the place, since he had been there before. Why torches and lanterns? Why weapons? Because they feared the power of Jesus.

Verses 4-9 – “Who is it you Want?” Didn’t Jesus know? Why did they fall back and to the ground? Jesus demonstrated that if He was arrested it was because He allowed it to happen. He even told them who they could and could not arrest.

Verses 10-11 – Peter drew his sword…why? Jesus told them not to fight the enemy. Jesus  had to “drink the cup.” The cup is the cross: Jesus came to die.

Verses 12-14 – The same Annas who had operated the Bazaar of Annas at the temple when Jesus overthrew the tables of the thieves. We don’t have a temple today. But if we did, it would be thievery if we sold things there at usury prices. Annas is the one who plotted the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus. The trial was a mockery; they had already decided that He was going to die.

Verses 15-18 – Peter chose to align himself with the servants and officials. He not only denied that he knew Jesus, he identified with Jesus’ enemies. He denied Jesus three times. Some have said it was one denial for each of the three persons of the Trinity.

Verses 19-24 – When questioned, Jesus pointed out that his preaching was open and to the public. Being struck by one of the officials demonstrates the length to which the religious leaders were willing to go to protect their religious system…even to violence. Jesus challenged them to actually verbalize what He has said that was wrong or untrue. They could not.

Verses 25-27 – Peter’s second and third denials of Jesus. It’s easy to love and admire Jesus. It is not so easy to follow Him. Recommendation: the book, “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman. What do you suppose went through Peter’s mind when the rooster crowed? What goes through your mind when you don’t follow Jesus?

Verses 28-32 – The Jews “did not want to be forbidden to eat the Passover. In the name of religion they were plotting the death of the very One who is the fulfillment of Passover! They “made” Pilate come out to them. Good Jews, those guys. They pointed out that they, of course, were right or else they wouldn’t have done what they did. Their response to Pilate showed that they had already made up their minds about Jesus’ fate. This was the fulfillment of the prophecy of His mode of death thousands of years before He was born.

Jesus before Pilate.

Verses 33-40 – Jesus knew how to handle Pilate. His question in verse 34 both embarrassed and enraged Pilate. He professed to know nothing of Jewish Law. Jesus makes a pretty bold statement: If you want the Truth, listen to Him (“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life…”).

Like all liberal politicians, Pilate twists the issue into a philosophical question. In the end, though, he could find no fault with Him.

Pilate offered the crowd a choice: release a known killer, extortionest, leader of a rebellion and thief or release an innocent man. The crowd chose to have the killer released. They wanted Jesus to be crucified.

Every person has a choice: the murderous; extortionistic, rebellious and thieving way of the world or Jesus. Most, sadly, reject Jesus. The way to eternal life is narrow, and it is a one way street.

Be sure you make your choice for Jesus.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-He Reigns-Newsboys

A Study in John Week 1-The Passion

John Chapter 17

Jesus is facing the cross and He knows it.

It is not the pain of the cross He fears. It is not the nails, the humiliation or the injustisce of the cross He fears.

Jesus is about to suffer something unimaginable. While on the cross, God will turn His back on Christ. Jesus will bear the very penalty for all sin…sin He never committed.

Before all of this happens to Him, He prays a prayer unique in all of creation’s history.

His prayer has three parts: 1) He prayes for Himself; 2) He prays for His disciples and 3) He prays for His church.

The Verses

Jesus’ prayer for Himself

Verses 1-5 – Notice that Jesus looked up. He didn’t bow or kneel, He lifted up His eyes, which were apparently open. The position of prayer is secondary to the purpose of prayer. Prayer can happen with eyes wide open while standing, walking, driving or whatever. (Psalm 25:1, 123:1 & Psalm 121)
.
“Father the time has come.” Before the foundation of the world, Christ was the Lamb of God slain. This was the plan from before time began. But in the midst of time, it was time for Christ to pay a debt He did not owe.

“Glorify Thy Son.” All of the glory of the heavens and the universe belongs to Jesus. And Jesus simultaneously glorifies the Father.

John explains that those who come to Christ constitute the church, that is: Those that you have given Him.

The church can be seen as God’s gift to Christ; His elect; His bride.

“…with the glory I had with you before the world began.” If you cannot see that this is a reference to the Trinity and the creative activity of Christ before time began, then I guess you’ll just have to go back to school to learn to read.

Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples

Verses 6-12 – Jesus gave His disciples the words God the Father gave Him to give to them.

Here Jesus once again identifies himself as one with the Father and the one able to protect them. He did it in the interest of their unity (“unity” is one of the major themes of Scripture).

Verses 13-19 – We are not of this world. The world hates the Word of God. The disciples were to spread the gospel. That gospel would be rejected by the world.

Jesus prays for his coming followers…us.

Verses 29-26 – We are one in Him. We are to be in Him and united in Him.

God’s love is shown to us in Jesus. He is both the source of love and the essence of love, for God IS love.

A Study in Hebrews-Week 15

Hebrews Chapter 13

Chapter 10 was the “privileges” chapter; chapter 11 was the “faith” chapter; was the “hope” chapter. And now we come to chapter 13, which is the “love” chapter.

You will remember that it was chapter 13 of I Corinthians that was its “love” chapter. In Romans, it was chapter 12. In II Corinthians chapter 8 was the love-in-action chapter, as was Galatians 6b. In Ephesians the practical aspect of love was emphasized.

Paul was big on love. And so he is in Hebrews.

The Verses

Verses 1-3 – We are to love each other. Paul also emphasizes the importance of loving strangers, in order that we might witness to them as he admonished us in chapter 12:15.

Verses 4-6 – Here Paul speaks of marriage as he did so often, particularly in Ephesians 5:21-32. and Colosians 3:16-25. Because he is speaking to Jews, he keeps it short and to the point: you be personally responsible for keeping your marriage honorable…free from adultery (in thought or deed), and don’t make money the central theme around which it is built.

Verses 7-8 – This love is to extend to your leaders (and here he is talking about your church leaders.

You owe “followship” to your spiritual leaders, so long as they do not lead you away from God’s Word, into illegality or to immorality.

Verses 9-10 – DO NOT BE INFLUENCED BY THOSE WHOSE DOCTRINES ARE DERIVED FROM SOME PERVERSION OF THE MEANING OF GOD’S WORD OR BY SOME VISION OR “SPECIAL” REVELATION.

Christian fellowship is when you are around the Word of God and when it brings you to the person of Christ.

The priests of the Old Covenant made their sin offerings in a specific place. We have an altar without and “address.” It is the Throne of Grace.

Verses 11-14 – The priests of the Old Covenant made the sin offering outside the city walls.

Jesus made his sacrifice outside of the city. He was the sin offering. We are to go to Him.

Verses 15-16 – The only sacrifice we have is ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-4) and our praise that confesses His name.

Verse 17 – We are to make our pastor’s work an absolute joy. We are to help him and stand beside him.

Verses 18-19 – Paul desired the prayers of God’s people.

Verses 20-21 – Paul asks that God would equip us with everything we need to accomplish His will, and that we will strive to do what is pleasing to Him.

Verses22-25 – Paul actually had much more to say, but he wanted to get this much out immediately.

He also reminds the reader to lovingly greet their leaders and God’s people from Italy, who send their greetings.

He closes with a prayer for God’s GRACE to be with every one of them.

That's love.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Praise the Lord-Imperials

A Study in Hebrews-Week 14

Hebrews Chapter 12 Part 2

The Verses

Verse 14 – Living in peace with one another does not come easily, automatically or by magic. It takes work. We must strive to overlook and forgive one another’s foils and fables.

Our holiness comes from God through Christ, and is not the result of our own efforts.

Verse 15 – We are to be a constant witness of the grace of God to everyone.

Verse 16 – We are our brothers’ keepers. If they are not saved, we must introduce them to Christ.

Verse 17 – There is a point at which it is no longer possible to reach some people because they have rejected God’s Spirit so often that their hearts are hardened to the gospel.

Verses 18-21 – Here is reference to Moses at Mt. Sinai. Mt. Sinai represents the Old Covenant. A believer is not brought back to the legal system of the Old Covenant (see Exodus 19).

Verses 22-24 – “You have come to Mt. Zion, “Ye are come” indicates position. A believer is
brought to the New Covenant:

(1) “Mt. Zion,” the heavenly city;
(2) “city of the living God”;
(3) “heavenly Jerusalem”;
(4) “angels” in joyful assembly;
(5) “general assembly and church of the first-born” — New Testament church;
(6) “God, the Judge” — the Lord Jesus Christ;
(7) “spirits of just men made perfect” — evidently a reference to Old Testament saints;
(8) “Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant”;
(9) blood of Jesus — better than Abel’s blood.

Verse 25 – This is warning against failing to hear the voice of Jesus through the Holy Spirit, both for the unsaved and the saved. We are to pay attention to God’s voice in our lives.

Verses 26-27 – This reminds us that privilege creates responsibility. God has nothing more to say. The Word of Jesus is final. There is danger of not hearing Him. He is shaking the world that men might see some things unshakeable.

Verse 28-29 – We are reminded that what we have in Christ is “earthquake proof.” It is set on a firm foundation (who is Christ), and therefore should fall down in worship with reverence and awe.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE--JESUS IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE-He Is-AaronJeoffrey

The Bible is God's revelation of His character, His love for
His creation and His plan for its redemption. It's not me, it's not about you. It's all about Him.

A Study in Hebrews-Week 13

Hebrews Chapter 12 Part 1

The Verses

Verse 1 – Once again Paul uses his signature connective “Therefore”(“Wherefore in KJV). Since all of these Old Covenant people had joined us in their faith in Christ, as “witnesses” (not spectators, but active in their lives), we are to throw off those things that attach us to the world.

Verse 2 – “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” is a continuation of the “therefore” in verse 1. He is the Pioneer (KJV “author”). That is He is the originator of and the focus of our faith. He authored our faith before the beginning of time. He is also the “Perfecter” (KJV: “finisher”) of our faith. He has finished the work of redemption and now sits at the right hand of God.

Verse 3 – Believers are now in both a contest and a conflict. Jesus knows our struggle and the hurdles we have to overcome.

Verse 4 – There is still a struggle with sin in our lives and we are tempted just as He was in His 40 days n the wilderness. But the shedding of our blood is insufficient to cover sin. Only the shedding of HIS blood is adequate.

Verse 5 & 6 – We have been made God’s children.

It is a mistake when the world says, “We are all God’s children.” Only those who have received the gift of His salvation through faith in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary are His children.

He quotes from Proverbs 3:11 & 12.

The word “discipline” does NOT mean “punishment.” It is the same root as “disciple,” one who trains Himself to follow Christ. However the word for “punishment” used in verse 6 means to train (Greek-paideuo) and the word “punishes” or “scourgeth” (Greek-mastigoo) means to press into your mind by force, in a whip-like manner.

(NOTE: Almost all translations try to make this verse mean “gives a whipping to,” which is not the picture it is conveying).

Verse 7 – This really clears the matter up, as it is a continuation of the same thought and tells us that when hardships occur we should see them as opportunities to deepen our faith.

Verse 8 – Further explains that if you are not disciplined (properly trained), you are a fake Christian. (Could this be a strong argument for a Discipleship Training Ministry?)

Verse 9 – Fathers discipline [train (as in Proverbs 22:6)] their children. Properly disciplined (trained) children respect their fathers more than untrained children do. Likewise, we should be trained by God and should submit ourselves to His training.

Verse 10 – As with high school or college, there is an end to the training period, but the learning never stops.

Verse 11 – Discipline is hard to endure. An athlete must train for his sport with weight lifting, running, pushing the blocking sled, etc., and it is tough. But the rewards are great when he gets to play in the Super Bowl.

Discipline in God’s ways produce “…a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who are trained by it.”

Verses 12-13 – Do what it takes to strengthen yourself so you can be useful in the healing of others by introducing them to God’s salvation.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-The Lighthouse-John Starnes

A Study in Hebrews-Week 12

Hebrews Chapter 11

This chapter is often called “The Hall of Faith.”

Verse 1 – The definition of faith is found in this verse. In the King James, faith is “substance” (Greek: hupostasis-a scientific term meaning the opposite of a theory or title deed). Faith is also “evidence” (Greek elegchos) is a legal term; it is evidence that is accepted for conviction.

Verse 2 – It was their faith that got the “ancients” (also called “Elders”) that got them “commended” in God’s eyes, not their behavior.

Verse 3 – This is a critical verse regarding the application of our faith. This verse reminds us that God creates, He does not just rearrange what already is.When there was no such thing as light, God spoke it into being.

Verses 4-32a – Each of these people represent a different characteristic of faith:

Abel – the worship of faith (Genesis 4:1-5);

Enoch – the walk of faith (Genesis 5:21-24);

Verse 6 – tells us we come to God only by faith. The emphasis is not on His existence or His rewards, but on His being.

Noah – the witness of faith;

Abraham – the obedience of faith;

Sarah – the power of faith;

Isaac – the willingness of faith (Isaac was grown when Abraham offered him on the altar. Abraham believed in the resurrection.);

Isaac and Jacob – the future of faith; Joseph – the fulfillment of God’s promises;

Moses – the sacrifices of faith;

Joshua – the foolishness of faith (How absurd to think one could bring down a city by marching around its walls);

Rahab – the unlikely place of faith;

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel – faith in action.

Verses 32b-38 – The persecution in store for people of faith.

Verses 39-40 – These are not necessarily heroes of faith, but this is what faith has done in the history of man under different circumstances in different periods through different individuals.

Faith has no merit in itself; merit is in the object of faith.

In other words, we musn’t have faith in our faith, but in Christ, His finished work at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Just Hold On-The Nightingales

A Study in Hebrews-Week 10

Hebrews Chapter 10 (Part 2) – Verses 19-39

Verse 19-22 – In typical Pauline fashion, he begins this section with “Therefore,” a conclusion to be drawn from the fact that we are now engaged in a New Covenant through Christ.

Since we have been saved, let us be confident in our salvation. Let us realize that the tearing of the veil in the temple was a picture of Christ’s physical death and His spiritual opening of the gates of heaven. Thus we can draw confidently in faith to God.

Verse 23-25 – The hope we have must be unswerving. If it swerves, it was false hope. We can draw near to God in our hope (ourselves) and in love (others).

We are to meet together for worship, to encourage one another and to demonstrate our steadfast hope. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and (His) righteousness.”

Verses 26-31 – The phrase “no sacrifice for sin is left” gives us the explanation of what verse 26 is about: Going back to the sacrificial system, which would mean that Christ’s death had no purpose and was futile. But it did have purpose, was complete and will not have to be done again.

In verse 28 we see the Pauline doctrine that the Mosaic Law exacted the death penalty (Numbers 15:30 & 31; Deuteronomy 17:2-7). There is no comparison between rejecting the Law and rejecting God’s provision of salvation through Christ.

The sanctifying blood of the New Covenant is Holy, and to reject it is to “reject” the Holy Spirit, calling Him who He is not…the unpardonable sin.

Verse 30 reminds us that God has the right to judge. He is the perfect judge and His judgements, when contrasted with ours, are right and ours, if they contradict His, are wrong.

God is awesome, that is: He demands our fearful awe because of who He is (verse 31).

Verses 34-34 – Remember, Hebrews is written to the Jews as a commentary on Romans. When Jews turned to Christ, they were severely persecuted. They suffered. They were insulted, their land and property was confiscated and they were treated to all sorts of indignities.

But when one comes to Christ, one is given a strength that is supernatural. And the Jews were able to stand their ground in His power and were able to hold one another up. They knew that they had a posession that was superior to any earthly possession they could own.

Verses 35-39 – Here is Paul’s encouragement for the Jews to remain faithful (confident). The Lord will return and those who have exercised their faith will be vindicated (see Habakkuk 2:3 & 4).

Paul is certain that those who have truly accepted the claim of Christ on their lives will remain steadfast in their faith.

Thus we have the groundwork for the Hall of Faith, perhaps the most famous full section of the book of Hebrews.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Midnight Cry-John Starnes

A Study in Hebrews-Week 10

Hebrews Chapter 10 (Part 1)

In this chapter we find a continuation of the theme of “superior sacrifice” of Christ and a comparison of the New Covenant with the Old Covenant.

The Verses

Verse 1 – The Law was only a shadow (Greek skian - a hazy outline). It is an image (Greek eikona - likeness) of things to come. Old sacrifices were a shadow, not substance. You cannot live in the shadow of a house…you need the real house. Likewise, we cannot live in the shadow (OC), we need the real thing (NC).

Verse 2 – Under the Old Covenant, sacrifices had to be repeated over and over because they never accomplished the remission of sin. Being aware of sin is not the same as being cleansed of sin. Christ is the only one who provides cleansing from sin.

Verses 3-4 – Each OC sacrifice was a reminder of sin, not a removal of it. Christ blots out our sins and remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12).

Verses 5-8 – This is a quotation from Psalm 40:6-8; cf. Isaiah 50:4, 5. “A body hast thou prepared me” is in the Old Testament, “Mine ears hast thou opened” (Psalm 40:6; see also Exodus 21:1-6). A slave had his earlobe pierced if he had married a woman in slavery and chose to stay in slavery with her. Christ was crucified in a body that He might redeem the church.

Verse 9 – It is God’s will to do away with animal sacrifices, sacrificing Himself instead.

Verse 10 – We are consecrated through the offering of Christ by the will of God. You, if you are truly saved, are “positionally sanctified.”

Verse 11 – The priests stood of the daily offerings, and they were never completed…that is, they did not accomplish salvation.

Verse 12 – Jesus sat down (at the right hand of God). His work was finished – “one sacrifice for sins forever.

Verse 13 – As evidenced in Psalm 110:1, this is a reference to the second coming of Christ.

Verse 14 – The one offering of Christ did what many offerings could not do. If Christ cannot save you and keep you, then God has no way to save you and keep you.

Verses 15-17 – The Holy Spirit is God. This repeats Hebrews 8:10-12 and comes from Jeremiah 31:33 & 34. Verse 17 is added as the essential part of the Jeremiah quotation.

Verse 18 – Once sin is forgiven, it does not have to be forgiven again. Many times we pray for forgiveness for some sin and then hold on to it as though it has not been forgiven. We need to assimilate this verse into our lives and live as though the sin has been forgiven…it has!

To Be Continued

SOUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-What Salvation's Done for Me-Booth Brothers

A Study in Hebrews-Week 9

Hebrews Chapter 09

The Verses

Verse 1 – Here we see a contrast being set up to distinguish the “earthly” sanctuary from the heavenly sanctuary. We also see the contrast between the “first” covenant (Old Covenant) and the new.

Verse 2 – The tabernacle is used to picture the spiritual. Here we see the floor plan and the furniture. (Don’t ever tell me that God is not organized or concerned with details).

Verses 3-4 – The “Golden censer” (KJV) is the Most Holy Place. It is an altar of incense. It speaks of prayer.

Verse 5 – Paul (whom I believe wrote Hebrews as a commentary on Romans to the Jews) does not want to go into detail about the tabernacle because it is not the subject. The subject is the priesthood…specifically the priesthood of Christ.

Verses 6-10 – The “Holy of Holies” was a temporary, makeshift arrangement. Only Christ can bring us to God (John 14:6)

Verse 11 – The better tabernacle does not belong to this natural creation. The better tabernacle is both spiritual and literal…it is real.

Verse 12 – Christ did not depend on the blood of animals, but on His own blood. “…having obtained eternal redemption…” is not a reference to Christ being redeemed, but of the completeness of His work to obtain redemption for His redeemed. His is a superior sacrifice to the earthly sacrifices of animals.

Verses 13-14 – If the blood of animals could produce redemption, there would have been no reason for Christ to die on the cross.

Verse 15 – Christ is now the mediator of the New Covenant.

Verses 16-17 – When we make a will, it does no good while we are yet alive. So Christ’s will was “made active” through his sacrificial death.

Verses 18-22 – The word “blood” occurs six times in this section. There was the ritualistic blood of the Old Testament contrasted with the saving power of the blood of Christ under the New Covenant.

Verse 23 – Earthly things need cleansing because of “original sin.” The Old Testament holy sacraments, artifacts and ceremonies were only pictures of the spiritual things to come.

Verse 24 – Christ did not enter heaven through earthly, man-made sacrifices, but through the perfect sacrifice of Himself. It is through Him that we, too, must enter the heavenly sanctusry.

Verse 25 – The priest had to repeatedly enter the sanctuary.

Verse 26 – Christ entered only once…and that for eternity.

Verse 27 – Christ had failed to save in His death at His first coming, there would be nothing afterward but judgment. He is not coming back to die.

Verse 28 – This is not a reference to the Rapture, but His coming as Sovereign to
judge the earth. Believers will not come into judgment.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-I Will Be Here-Steven Curtis Chapman

A Study in Hebrews-Week 8

Hebrews Chapter 08

Chapter 7:25 begins the high water mark of Hebrews He died down here to save us; He lives up there to keep us saved. He is able to keep on saving us. “To the uttermost” is all the way through; completely; perfectly. “Intercession” is intervention. “We shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).

The Verses

Verses 1-5 – “The true tabernacle.” He is the real/genuine tabernacle. A priest must offer gifts and sacrifices. Christ offers gifts and sacrifices. Christ did not offer gifts and sacrifices on earth. On earth HE was the sacrificial Lamb of God.

The earthly priesthood was a shadow (a picture) of the tabernacle of Heaven. Christ serves in the real tabernacle (Hebrew: משכן‎, mishkan, "residence" or "dwelling place").

Here we have a better sacrifice, a better priest, and a better tabernacle. He died down here to save us; He lives above to keep us saved.

Verses 6-13 – There are two covenants. Christ is the Mediator of the better covenant…the NEW COVENANT.

The first covenant was not adequate. It sought a righteousness grounded in the Law.

In Romans we learned that if we depend on the Law of the Old Testament we are doomed. Romans 3:21-23 – “But now a righteousness from God, apart from the Law has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteous from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

There is nothing wrong with the Old Covenant, but it could only save perfect people. Romas 3: 20 – “Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the Law; rather, through the Law we become conscious of sin.”

The New Covenant causes people to be seen as perfect by God through Christ’s eyes when we place our faith in Him, His death, burial and resurrection.

Jeremiah 31:31-34 told us that the New Covenant was coming. 31 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

The church (a group of people redeemed from sin by Christ’s sacrificial death) is the beneficiary of the New Covenant. The Greek word "ecclesia" is correctly defined as: "The called-out (ones), gathered"

Verse 13 is important: "By calling this covenant ‘new,’ He has made the first one obsolete, and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear."

We are bound by the New Covenant, not the Old Covenant…and that should be shouting ground!

A Study in Hebrews-Week 7

Hebrews Chapter 07

In Hebrews 5:10 and 6:20 we were told that Jesus is “…in the order of Melchizedek” (refer to Genesis 14:17-24).

In Chapter 7, Paul (whom I believe to be the author of Hebrews and uses it as a Hebrew commentary on his letter to the Romans), expands on the Melchizedek analogy.

The Verses

Verses 1-3 – “Melchizedek” means my king is righteous. He was king of Salem (Jerusalem), which means peace.

He was not a priest by virtue of the Mosaic Law, but of the “most high God.”

We have no record of his parentage, and had no “pedigree.” There is no record of the end of Melchizedek’s priesthood.

Verses 4-12 – Abraham had given Melchizedek a tenth of the spoil (Genesis 14:20).

Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priesthood. You and I are in Adam (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:22). You and I are in Christ (Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:1).

Aaron’s priesthood belonged to the Mosaic Law. Christ has delivered us from the Law.

The purpose of the priesthood is to bring perfection— to restore and continue the relationship to God. The Levitical priesthood was powerless.

Verses 13-19 – This section shows us a contrast between two types of priesthood: Law vs. Power (Law restrains — power enables); Commandment (external) vs. Life (internal); Carnal (flesh) vs. Endless (eternal life); Changing vs. Unchanging; Weakness and un-profitableness vs. Nigh to God; Nothing perfect vs. Better hope.

Verses 20-24 – Here we have a quote from Psalm 110. The “better covenant” in verse 22 is the New Covenant. The Levitical priesthood was interrupted by death. Christ is the perpetual, perfect priest (vs 23-28).

Verse 25 – This is the key verse of this section and the center of the gospel. Christ is not dead, but living. Emphasize the death and resurrection of Christ — but go on from there (see Romans 8:34; Revelation 1:18). He died down here to save us; He lives up there to keep us saved. He is able to keep on saving us.

“To the uttermost” is all the way through; completely; perfectly. “Intercession” is intervention. “We shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10).

Verse 26 – Christ “became us,” that is, He is just what we needed. He is “Holy” in relation to God. “Harmless” is free from malice, craftiness, or cleverness. “Undefiled” is free from moral impurity. “Separate from sinners” — He is like us, yet He is unlike us.

Verses 27-28 - This underlines the value of the sacrifice. Christ is the sacrifice that the Aaronic priesthood could not provide.

Christ is the final word in priesthood.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION-The University of Nebraska Lincoln's UNIVERSITY SINGERS-Dr. Peter Eklund

CHRISTMAS SONGS OF PRAISE-Where's the Line to See Jesus-Becky Kelley

A Study in Hebrews-Week 6

Hebrews Chapter 06

Many Hebrew Christians wanted to go back to Judaism, with its rules and regulations.

Verses 1-3: Let’s grow up! Grow up from the works of the Law. Israel was in a pattern of keep-break-keep-break…baby stuff.

This is a reference to the ceremonial washings of the Old Testament-they wanted to go back and do those things (see the book of Galatians). The “laying on of hands” sprung from ceremonial washings in OT.

Verses 4-9: Is this about whether it is possible for a saved person ever to be lost?

Many theologians have shied away from this passage.

Some hold the position that it is possible to lose your salvation.

Some contend that the “if” is hypothetical. Others say this is talking about those who “profess” but have not really accepted Christ.

Some theologs hold that it is impossible for those who have turned away from Christ to be brought “back” to Him because they never were with Him to begin with.

Still others teach that we have a sure salvation (Romans 8:1 & 33-37; “My sheep hear my voice…eternal life…they shall never perish…”). It is about His ability to hold on to you. “it is impossible for those who have tasted (not eaten)…” the gospel and who do not embrace it to come back to it.

Some theologians say this is not about salvation at all. They say this is about believers and their rewards. This is for the repentance of believers. It is about the fruit, not the root, of salvation. Paul is talking about the things that accompany salvation. They are in danger of losing their reward.

(Verse 6) “fall away” is the Greek word, “parapipto,” which is the same phrase used of Christ in the Garden when He “fell” on His face in prayer. It means to fall down, and does not refer to apostasy.

(Verse 8): Works do not save you, but they give evidence of your salvation. Before you are born, heredity determines your life. After you are born, your environment determines your life. Before you are born again, works do not enter into your “goodness.” After you are born again, works are important to witness to your salvation.

Verses 10-20: We are to minister to the saints. We are not to be lazy Christians. We must not say, “OK, I’m saved. Now I’ll sit back and enjoy my salvation.”

(Verse 15): After waiting Abraham received his promise. And he had to wait a LONG time.

(Verse 18): The two unchangeable things are: the death of Christ and the resurrection of Christ These are the condensation of the four principles in Romans 8.

We are approaching the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is important to remember the following:
1) The birth of Jesus is important, but not the point; 2) Christ (the Greek word for the Hebrew Messiah) always has been (John 1:1ff); 3) He came for one reason...to die a sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary for the remission of sins and sealed that deal with His resurrection (Romans 10:9 & 10).

Trusting in the birth of Jesus will gain you nothing. Trusting in, and only in, Christ's finished work at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection will gain you eternal life.

CHRISTMAS SOUNDS OF FAITH-God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-Mannheim Steamroller

NOTE: Today's Bible lesson in Hebrews will appear next Saturday due to special programming at our church this week.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF FAITH-O Come, O Come Emmanuel-Celtic Christmas

A Study in Hebrews-Week 5

Hebrews Chapter 05

Definition of a priest. Important, because Paul calls Christ a priest. A priest engages in Sacrifice; Substance; and Prayer. A Priest is one who offers gifts and sacrifices. He is: 1) Taken from among men…he must be a person; 2) Be acceptable to God…ordained by God and 3)Be ordained for man…Representing man to God

A priest goes from man to God to represent man to God. A prophet comes from God to man with a message from God. A priest does not tell us what God has to say. He represents us before God. The only one who can represent us is the Lord Jesus, Christ. The priesthood is not for lost sinners but for saved sinners.

We tend toward either an emotional or a ritualistic approach to worship. We need to come to Him simply and rid ourselves of the meaningless trappings.

The verses:

1. The gift Christ offers to God for the forgiveness of our sins is Himself. No other gift would have been sufficient. He is our advocate (lawyer), and the best one there is.

2. Jesus was sinless, but can have compassion on those who commit sins of ignorance (Leviticus 4:2.). Christ takes care of those sins. He does not lecture us about how badly we have behaved…he just cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

3. The priest had to sacrifice for himself as well as for others. Christ did not have to make an offering for Himself.

4. He is the highest priest because He is acceptable to God

5. The beginning of His priesthood has to do with the resurrection.

6. Aaron’s order is not adequate…Christ is a Son, Aaron was just a servant. Melchizedek is only mentioned in Genesis 14. He brought forth food and wine for Abraham as the priest of the Most High God. Psalm 110 the prophecy of Christ in the order of Melchizedek.

7. Three occasions Jesus wept: Grave of Lazarus; over Jerusalem; Garden of Gethsemane. Some theologians teach that “Let this cup pass” refers to His dying in the garden. He did not want to die there. If He prayed in the garden to “let this cup pass” and that meant He didn’t want to die on the cross, His prayer was not heard. In a very real sense, He wanted to go to the cross! He found the cross joyful…He submitted to God. That is unfathomable to us.

8. He only offers eternal salvation. If you can lose it tomorrow, it wasn’t eternal, was it? (See John 3:16)

Why did the Son of God need to learn obedience by suffering? The only answer is that God got
something out of the death of Christ that has made Heaven more wonderful.

9. Why did the one who was perfect need to be made perfect? These are two significant mysteries. Lots of theologians have given their answers, but none of them satisfy me.

10. “Designated” comes from the word for “salute.” Melchizedek was a “type” of the priesthood of the Lord, Jesus, Christ.

11. As a group, we are not very good learners. We are “dull of hearing.”

12. We ought to be teachers, when we, ourselves still need to be taught. What we need to learn is not the depth of the Word. Paul says we need to learn the elementary truths of the Word…milk, not solid food. And we need it again and again.

13. Turn this around and realize that too many of us teach what we call “righteousness” when it is really nothing more than “behaviorism.” Not the same thing at all.

14. Ask yourself the question: Am I mature enough to absorb the solid food of the Word?

If we are not growing, we are dying, both personally and corporately as the church. Let us grow as the Body of Christ, into mature, Word-filled people of God.

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-My Name Is Lazarus-Greater Vision

A Study in Hebrews-Week 4

Hebrews Chapter 04

Verse 1: “Let Us” be careful (KJ: fear)that we are really saved. So many people call themselves Christians without the slightest idea what that really means.

A Christian is one who has believed in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary, His resurrection, and who has recognized and repented of sin in his life giving himself over to Christ in all areas of his life.

Verses 2-3: (Vs 2)We have heard the gospel. We will never be able to stand before God and say that we have not heard the good news.

This has to do with putting your absolute trust in Christ.

Verses 4-8: This references Sabbath rest.

The Sabbath is not a day you keep. The real Sabbath is knowing what it is to trust Christ and find eternal rest in Him. It is a day of grace for every day. (God rested, not because he was tired, but because he had completed the work of salvation).

Verse 7: “Today” is emphasized because TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.

Verse 8: “Joshua” means “Jesus” or “Savior.” But Joshua was not able to secure salvation. Jesus is.

Verse 9: People of God will find a heavenly rest…deep joy.

Verse 10: Once you enter into the rest of salvation, you realize that your own works are virtually worthless.

The rest here is the rest of completeness.

The only work God is involved in now, is the work of a “new creation.” Romans reminds us: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation…”

Verse 11: This is not a suggestion that one can work for salvation. It is a recognition that one cannot rest from rest, one can only rest from work.

The “disobedience” referenced here is the unpardonable sin: the sin of unbelief. It is the Greek word, apeitheia, which means “unbelief.” In fact, the King James has this properly translated as “unbelief.”

Verse 12: “For” is the cement that holds Paul’s argument together. It is the conclusion from what came before.

We serve a living (quick) Savior, and He is active in the lives of His children.

God knows your heart…He really knows it. You cannot hide anything from God: no thought; no deed; no attitude…nothing.

Verse 13: When the Bible says something once it is important. When it says it twice, you better listen up! The idea here of being laid bare is that God can “see right through you.” Don’t you think you can compartmentalize you life and keep some of it from God.

Verse 14: Jesus is our Great High Priest. He is superior to the Levitical priesthood.

Paul’s conclusion is that because of all he has written in verses 1-13, we must hold fast; trust in; live by our faith…not our faith in our faith, but our faith in Him.

Verse 15: Jesus knows every struggle we go through. He was tempted in every way in the wilderness, but He did not succumb to the temptation.

Verse 16: We do not serve an unapproachable God. He is the One we can come to with confidence and assurance that He will receive us. He understands us. He gives us mercy and grace in our times of need.

The Word of God will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Word of God.

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-No More Night-David Phelps

A Study in Hebrews-Week 3

Hebrews Chapter 03

In chapter 1 we found Christ superior to prophets. In chapters 1 & 2 we found Him superior to the angels. Now we find Christ superior to Moses.

Verse 1: “Therefore” is Paul’s way of presenting his linear logic (just as he did in Romans). “Holy” means separated or set apart unto God.

Israel had an earthly calling. Messianic Jews (we, too) have a heavenly calling in Christ. “...fix your thoughts on Jesus”…He must be our constant focus.

He is the high priest to whom we must confess our sins. There is no longer an earthly priest to whom we confess.

“Apostle” is one who is sent. Earthly apostles saw Jesus, Jesus is THE sent one. Apostle comes from God to man. High priest represents man to God. That’s Jesus.

Verses 2-5: Moses was the one chosen to bring God’s Law to His people.

Jesus must be greater than Moses, or he is not a useful savior.

Moses made mistakes: smiting the rock when he was told not to; he lost his temper; but he was faithful to God.

Who built your house? Most people know, and more people know the builder than know about your house.

So it is with Jesus. He is the builder of everything (John 1:1ff).

Verse 6: Moses was a servant in God’s house. Jesus is the Son in God’s house. To whom does a good father give more honor, his son or his servant? “…if we hold on…” is not the conditional, but the logical.

The proof that you are a child of God is your faithfulness, not the faithfulness of your own power, but of His.

Verse 7-11: As we learned from Jeremiah, we must not harden our hearts against God as the Jews did when they heard His Word. (Psalm 95:7). They doubted God and never entered the land of Canaan.

Vs 10. I was grieved by their unbelief.

Verse 11: The “rest” referred to here is the “rest” of salvation.

Verse 12: We are to encourage one another so that we will be certain that our salvation is not only head knowledge of Christ but is unwavering heart knowledge of Him.

Verse 14: Here is one of the strongest passages in all of scripture that once we are saved we cannot come unsaved. “If we hold firm till the end…” we are saved. If we do not hold firm to the end, we are not saved.

Verse 15: From Psalm 95:7-8. Be certain that when He speaks, you hear His voice and when you hear His voice that you listen and follow Him.

Verses16-19: The Jews were the very people God had led out of Egypt…His chosen people. Yet, they did not trust Him.

Unbelief will keep a person from Heaven. Trusting Him will open the gates of Heaven and you will hear God say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Be Ye Glad-Glad

A Study in Hebrews-Week 2

Hebrews Chapter 02

The key concept in the book of Hebrews is "better." Thirteen times Paul exalts Jesus as “better than.”

Jesus is better than angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron. He has better promises, is a better sanctuary, a better sacrifice, and achieves better results.

Chapter two continues the comparison of Jesus to the angels and then turns the corner to His power to save.

Verses 1-2 “The ‘attention’ we must pay” is referring to what we have heard about Jesus. Paul’s “For if the message spoken by angels was binding…” tells us that nothing else can provide salvation for us.

“What we have heard” is a reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s Word
spoken by and through the prophets.

Verses 3-6 If we don’t accept the salvation offered by Christ, there is no hope for us. We will perish with all of those who reject Him.

Not only did those who listened to God’s Word hear about His salvation plan, it was testified to through His miracles and by the fact that the Holy Spirit has given us gifts, according to His will.

Verses 7-9 Again, Hebrews makes it clear that we are not saved by angelic beings, or by some adherence to a set of rules, but by the power of Jesus, Himself.

Paul quotes Job 7:17ff and references Psalm 144. This helps us remember our deep need for salvation, as well as reiterating Christ’s position above all things, us included.

Everything is subject to Him.

Jesus became lower than the angels to be born a man, and did so for the crown of glory that would be His for what He accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection.

Verses 10-13 Jesus’ suffering (not our own) is what makes us perfect, if we are in right standing with Him.

He tells us that we are all one family…joint heirs with Jesus.

Verses 14-18 Continues the “family” theme and describes what Christ has accomplished through His sacrifice: absolute power over Satan (death); and the freedom of His disciples (us).

He did this, not for the angels, but for those who would accept His offering of salvation through trusting in, and only in, His finished work at the cross of Calvary.

By His suffering, He identifies with and understands everything man has ever been through, is going through now and ever will go through.

A VETERANS' DAY TRIBUTE

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF FAITH-Go Light Your World-Kathy Troccoli

A Study in Hebrews-Week 1

Hebrews Chapter 01

From the earliest times, the church acknowledged Paul as the author. Some however, in the third and the fourth century, did not regard Paul as the author, but Luke, or Clement, or Barnabas.

I subscribe to the idea of Paul as the author.

Scholars divide Hebrews into two main sections: 1. The didactic (designed or intended to teach), made up of the ten first chapters and the parainetic (offering strong encouragement) from the 19th verse of the tenth chapter to the end of the Epistle.

Verses 1-2 The prophets, such as Jeremiah, whom we just studied, were God’s vessels to
carry His message. But now He has spoken through His Son, Jesus.

Verses 3-4 Jesus is the exact representation of God. Here is a strong Biblical declaration that God and Jesus are one.

We are under the authority of Christ, not the Law.

Do not think that the Law has been done away with. It has been fulfilled in Christ, that is: He does the fulfilling because we can’t. According to Romans and Galatians, the purpose of the Law is to reveal our sin and to point us to Christ.

Verses 5-12 Here Paul “compares” Jesus to the angels by pointing out that there is no comparison between Him and the angels.

Here we also find that Christ is the perfect embodiment of God.

In Him the majesty of God is seen. In Him the glory of God is shown. Until Christ, one could not look upon the glory of God. In Christ we can see it plainly.

He is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

In Him what had always been a mystery is solved. In Him is life.

Verses 13-14 Jesus’ position is equal to God and no angel can say that. The angel’s purpose is to serve you and me (“…those who will inherit salvation”).

This comes from Psalm 110:1, a direct reference to Christ.

No angel can experience salvation, and thus they miss the joy of being saved.

But they can assist us in opposing Satan and can defend us from him.

Because of sin, mankind has been banished from God’s kingdom. But through Christ, we can find reconciliation with Him.

This, by the way, is pictured in many Old Testament accounts, some of which immediately come to mind. One I find interesting is Jacob’s ladder, a vision of the possibility of attaining the Kingdom of God. (Genesis 28:10-19)

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 11

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 11 (

Jeremiah Chapters 51-52

Chapter 51

This is a continuation of the prophecy against Babylon begun in the fiftieth chapter.

You can compare Jeremiah 50 and 51 with Isaiah 13, 14 and 47.

Jeremiah’s prophecies can be found in Daniel 5.

The record of the fall of Babylon is a picture of the overthrow of the antichrist’s kingdom.

Chapter 52

Many scholars believe that Jeremiah 52 was written by someone other than Jeremiah (Probably Ezra) as a historical supplement to the Prophecies.

This is about the destruction of Jerusalem.

You can see more about this in II Kings 24 & 25; II Chronicles 36 and Jeremiah 29.

Review of Jeremiah

The Lord's call to make Jeremiah His prophet summarized the message of the man of God: "See, I have set you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant." (Jeremiah 1:10)

It was primarily a message of doom, but it included hope.

Jeremiah was the prophet of DOOM.

He called Judah to repent (3:1; 7:4-7), but they refused (6:16-17; 20:1-2; 32:2-5; 37:11-21; 38:1-13; 43:1-7).

Thus, Jeremiah foretold their destruction (5:9-10,14-18,29; 6:22-26; 7:16,32-34; 14:15-16; 25:8-10).

Israel was to be so destroyed as a nation that they could never be made whole again (19:10-11).

But Jeremiah was also the messenger of HOPE. He preached that Israel should place their trust in the Lord (9:23-24).

A faithful remnant would be restored (23:3; 31:7-9).

Ezra's record of the fulfillment of the restoration promise means this prophecy has been fulfilled.

Jeremiah also prophesied salvation in Christ (23:5-6; 33:15-16).

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Amazing Grace-Wintley Phipps

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 10

Jeremiah Chapters 46-50

The Prophecies, Forty-sixth through Fifty-second Chapters, Refer to Foreign Peoples.

Chapter 46: Jeremiah begins with Egypt, the country to which he had been removed.

The forty-sixth chapter contains two prophecies concerning Egypt: 1) the defeat of Pharaoh-necho at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar, and 2) the long subsequent conquest of Egypt by the same king.

Jeremiah also speaks of the preservation of the Jews

Chapter 47: Prophecy against the Philistines.

Who are the Philistines?

They occupied the southern coast of Canaan and were considered Israel’s most dangerous enemies.

Who can forget Samson tearing down the Philistine temple with his bare hands? Or the
ultimate long-odds battle: young David versus the Philistine Goliath.

Chapter 48: Prophecy against Moab.

Moab is the historical name for a mountainous strip of land in Jordan.

The Moabites had taken part with the Chaldeans in war against Judea.

Five years after the destruction of Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar attacked and defeated the Moabites.

Chapter 49: Predictions as to Ammon, Idumea, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam.

As to Ammon, Jeremiah predicts that their day of judgement is coming.

In verse 12 we learn that what we do as a nation affects the rest of the world…indeed, what any nation does affects the rest of the world, even the “innocent” ones.

A nation that turns from the Lord hurts not only itself, but other nations as well.

As the poet, John Donne, said in “Meditation XVII,” “no man is an island.

Chapter 50: Jeremiah’s predictions of Babylon's coming downfall and Israel's redemption.

There are many repetitions of the coming destruction of Babylon.

Remember: repetition in the Bible is tied to importance.

Babylon is representative of the sin nature of man, which is dealt with in the resurrection of Christ.

It is Israel’s rejection of Messiah that continues to bring them war and disorder.

That is true of every living, breathing human being.

There is redemption for the remnant Israel that turns to Messiah in the future.

There is redemption for ANYBODY who turns to Messiah…right now!

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-He Is Jehovah-Kenneth Copeland

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 9

Jeremiah Chapters 41-45

Here are the major events of each chapter:

Chapter 41
a. Ishmael Murders Gedaliah and Others.
b. Ishmael then Flees to the Ammonites.
c. Johanan Pursues Ishmael, Recovers the Captives, and Decides to Flee to Egypt for Fear of the Chaldeans.

Key Truths: No one can prosper who hardens his heart against God.

The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many.

Only those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways are happy and steady.

Chapter 42
a. The Jews and Johanan Inquire of God, through Jeremiah, as to Going to Egypt, Promising Obedience to His Will.
b. Their Safety on Condition of Staying in Judea, and Their Destruction in the Event of Going to Egypt, Are Foretold.
c. Their Hypocrisy in Asking for Counsel Which They Meant Not to Follow, if Contrary to Their Own Determination, Is Reproved.

Key Truths: God is ever ready to return in mercy to those who are afflicted; and he never rejects any who rely on his promises.

We don’t know what is best for ourselves; and what we are most fond of, and have our hearts most set upon, often proves hurtful, and sometimes fatal.

Chapter 43
a. The Jews Carry Jeremiah and Baruch into Egypt.
b. Jeremiah Foretells the Conquest of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar, and the Fate of the Fugitives.

Key Truths: God can find his people wherever they are.

Chapter 44
a. Jeremiah Reproves the Jews for Their Idolatry in Egypt.
b. Jeremiah Denounces God's Judgments on Them and Egypt Alike.

Key Truths: To mingle idolatry and superstition with Divine worship, and to reject the mediation of Christ, dooms one to an eternity separated from Him.

Having a part in God’s mercy is always united with repentance and obedience.

Chapter 45
a. Jeremiah Comforts Baruch.
b. After the completion of the prophecies and histories pertaining to the Jewish people and kings, Jeremiah adds one referring to an individual, Baruch.
c. Baruch seems to have been regularly employed by Jeremiah to commit his prophecies to writing

Key Truths: Young beginners in Christianity may be discouraged with small difficulties, which they first begin servicing God.

Serving God, whether in the “professional” ministry or as a lay person, is never easy. It requires the leadership of the Holy Spirit and perseverance beyond measure.

SENT TO ME IN AN EMAIL

APHORISM: A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE THAT EXPRESSES A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH.

1. The nicest thing about the future is . . . that it always starts tomorrow.

2. Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

3. If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.

4. Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

5. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

6. How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

7. Business conventions are important. . .because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

8. Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

9. Scratch a cat . . . and you will have a permanent job.

10. No one has more driving ambition than the teenage boy who wants to buy a car.

11. There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

12. There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 a.m. - like, it could be the right number.

13. No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team is winning.

14. I've reached the age where 'happy hour' is a nap.

15. Be careful about reading the fine print. . . . there's no way you're going to like it.

16. The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

17. Do you realize that, in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos?
(And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)

18. Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a Yugo.

19. After 60, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you're probably dead.

20. Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind . . . . and the ones that mind don't matter.

21. Life isn't tied with a bow . . . . . . . . but it's still a gift.

SUNDAY SONGS OF PRAISE-Soon and Veery soon-Jessy Dixon & Andre Crouch

Beloved gospel singer, songwriter and musician, Jessy Dixon, died Monday in his Chicago home.

During the lifetime of a career that spanned upwards of five decades, Dixon wrote more than 200 songs. Author of gospel classics such as ‘I Love To Praise His Name’ and ‘, ‘He’s The Best Thing…To Happen to Me’, Dixon was perhaps most known for his 1993 hit ‘I Am Redeemed’ a song that impacted audiences worldwide, and held a top-ten position on the gospel charts for over five years.

Dixon began studying music at the age of five, and his original aspiration was to become a classical pianist. However, during a 1997 interview with the associated press, Dixon revealed that since early childhood, he knew he wanted to use his gifts and talents in the church. Dixon was catapulted into a broader gospel scene after being discovered by gospel music legend, James Cleveland, but remained dedicated to his desire of sharing that gospel he heard about as a youth.

For the past 16 years, Jessy Dixon had been a cherished fixture on the Bill Gaither Gospel Hour television series, and concert tours. His unbridled enthusiasm for sharing the gospel, and the boundless energy he brought to the stage made him an instant favorite to all who knew and loved him, both in the United States and in Europe. "Nowhere else in the world will you find such a delightful, pure, and honest performance, ingeniously combining brilliant vocalizing, and high energy excitement as when you listen to Jessy Dixon. When your feet begin to tap with the beat, the desire to get up and dance becomes overwhelming, and maybe a tear comes to your eyes; that is when Jessy Dixon's performance has reached its pinnacle," (International Herald Tribune).

Over the course of his career in gospel music, Dixon received several Dove award nominations for his work, seven Grammy nominations, garnered five gold albums, and was a 2008 Christian Music Hall of Fame inductee.
In addition to his accomplishments in the realm of gospel, Dixon also enjoyed success in other genres of music. Dixon was well known for his collaboration and friendship with Paul Simon, with whom he toured for eight years, and was contributor on several of Simon’s albums.

Aside from his work with Paul Simon, Dixon also wrote numerous songs for such artists as Cher, Natalie Cole, Amy Grant, and Diana Ross. In addition to singing and songwriting, Dixon played keyboard with Earth, Wind, and Fire, and guitarist Phillip Upchurch, as well as piano for gospel legend, Mahalia Jackson.

Despite international recognition and acclaim, Dixon stated the greatest joy of his life was to 'bask in the love of the one whom this gospel music is all about.”

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 8

Jeremiah Chapters 36-40

Here are the major events of each chapter:

36:1-32
a. Baruch writes for Jeremiah, then reads Jeremiah's prophecies publicly.
b. They are collected in a volume (on a scroll).
c. The scroll is burned by Jehoiakim, and written again by Baruch at Jeremiah's dictation.

Significant lessons: Reading the Word is crucial, but can get you in trouble, even today. People have tried to destroy the Word throughout history, but the Word of the Lord has survived.

37:1-21 (Chapters 37-44 are the so-called historical sections.)
a. The Chaldeans raise the siege to go and meet Pharaoh-hophra.
b. Zedekiah sends to Jeremiah to pray to God on behalf of the Jews.
c. Jeremiah tries to escape to his native place, but is arrested.
d. Zedekiah helps soften the rigor of Jeremiah’s imprisonment

Significant lessons: Being a prisoner for the Lord is honorable. In Ephesians 3:1, Paul proclaims himself a prisoner OF Christ Jesus FOR the gentiles.

38:1-28
a. Jeremiah predicts the capture of Jerusalem.
b. He is cast into a dungeon.
c. Jeremiah is transferred to the prison court when Ebed-melech intervenes
d. He has a secret interview with Zedekiah.

Significant lessons: God demands total surrender. If we are not willing to surrender to Him, we need to examine our relationship to Him in Christ (Romans 6:13 and Luke 18:28).

39:1-18
a. Jerusalem is taken.
b. Zedekiah's fate.
c. Jeremiah is cared for.
d. Ebed-melech is given assurance.

Significant lessons: With God there is always the way of escape…not from the day-to-day trials, but from their devastating spiritual effects.

40:1-16
a. Jeremiah is set free at Ramah.
b. He goes to Gedaliah, to whom the remnant of Jews returned.
c. Johanan warns Gedaliah of Ishmael's conspiracy in vain.

Jeremiah was set free from his physical chains. But there are chains more distressing than physical chains. They are the chains of sin. The only way to be free from those chains is by trusting in, and only in, the shed blood of Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection (Romans 10:9).

SUNDAY SOUNDS OF PRAISE-Panis Angelicus-Cesar Frank

A Study in Jeremiah-Week 7

Jeremiah Chapters 30-35

Chapters 30 and 31 are a song of restoration.

Israel would be delivered from the final tribulation at the end of the age.

In Verse 22 we have a prophesy that Messiah would be born of a virgin. This is fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-20.

They will enjoy the blessing of the NEW COVENANT (verse 31). This is fulfilled in Matthew 26:28.

This is a definite prediction that the Mosaic Covenant would be superseded by another.

Chapter 32 Jeremiah, Imprisoned for His Prophecy against Jerusalem, Buys a Patrimonial Property (His Relative Hanameel's), IN Order to Certify to the Jews Their Future Return from Babylon.

A year before Jerusalem fell, God commanded Jeremiah to purchase the field of Hanameel, his uncle’s son.

Here is a good example of the Kinsman Redeemer and a sign that the captives would return and cultivate the land.

(32:17) “…there is nothing too hard for thee.”

Chapter 33 Prophecy of the Restoration from Babylon, and of Messiah as King and Priest.

Verses 14 & 15 tell us that Messiah will be a descendant of David. This fulfilled in Luke 3:23-31

Jeremiah continued the theme of Israel’s restoration through the prophecy of the “BRANCH.”

Here we have a message of salvation and praise.

Chapter 34 Captivity of Zedekiah and the People Foretold for Their Disobedience and Deceitfulness.

The people had promised to free the Hebrew slaves, but did not keep their
Promise, so they, too, would become captives.

Chapter 35 Prophecy in the Reign of Jehoiakim, when the Chaldeans, in
Conjunction with the Syrians and Moabites, Invaded Judea

Here a rebuke was given to Israel through the example of the Rechabites, descendants of Moses’ brother-in-law.

Israel failed again to obey God.

The fact that prophecies are fulfilled is more than an academic exercise. It is evidence that God can be trusted in all that He says.

God has told us that all have sinned and come short of His glory. He has also said that if we will trust in, and only in, the finished work of Christ at the cross of Calvary and His resurrection, we will be saved.

You could trust God to fulfil His prophesies, and you can trust God to provide you with salvation through, and only through, Christ, Jesus, Messiah.