Posts from October 2022

Posts from October 2022

Basic Facts from Hebrews (Part 6)

One of the hardest ideas for many people to grasp is that Jesus – God in human form – CAN “relate to,” can “understand” the challenges, trials, and temptations we face every day. We read passages like 2 Corinthians 5:21 (“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”) and can be so overwhelmed by the idea that Jesus never sinned that we assume that He…

Basic Facts from Hebrews (Part 5)

In Hebrews 4, verse 11 forms the “backdrop” for verse 12’s description of God’s word (“living and powerful, sharper…a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”). When we recognize the point the Holy Spirit is making in verse 11, then we can appreciate the actual lesson in verse 12: Christians are supposed to “be diligent” (NKJ) about entering the “rest” God has prepared for us! To the Jewish Christians who first read this letter, the word “rest” corresponded…

Basic Facts from Hebrews (Part 4)

Among the many titles and descriptions we find for Jesus throughout the scriptures, perhaps none were so vivid to the mind of first-century Jewish Christians as those found in Hebrews 3:1 – the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. The Holy Spirit urges these Christians to contemplate, gaze upon Jesus in these roles. He wants them to focus their attention carefully and seriously, taking in all the significance for them of Jesus, compared to Moses (as persecuted Jewish Christians…

Basic Facts from Hebrews (Part 3)

Hebrews 2 presents what is perhaps the most concise explanation and the most vivid illustration of God’s justice and mercy. After reminding us that history (the events mentioned in chapter 1) should motivate us to “pay special attention,” the Holy Spirit defines what justice actually means; “…every transgression and disobedience [receives] a just reward…”. The Greek word for just means “according to what is right” – a “just” reward (for sin) is exactly what is deserved by the sinner. Ezekiel…