Tag Archives: hope

Christian Blog

Why Is the New Covenant Our Only Hope?

 

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”

Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:18-22 NIV

A new covenant—how precious and wonderful is that!! A covenant not based on my ability to keep the law; rather, a covenant based on the power of God’s oath. For God, swore on His own name to keep this covenant. There was no higher power than He on which He could have sworn.

Of all the people I know; there is no one less worthy and more in need of grace than I. How quickly do I realize that when I see those selfish thoughts that come into play or the moments of quick judgement that come into my heart! My own battle with sin is much like the constant flapping of my wings in the fashion of a hummingbird, rather than that of a soaring eagle. I am forever needing to return to the nectar to satisfy my thirst. I note the inner turmoil when I with all my heart want to display Christ; yet, become irritated by someone at work or annoyed when waiting in line or traffic.  Why do I who has received so much grace, stumble so quickly at giving that same grace?

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Christian Blog

Is There Any Hope When Hate and Terror Reigns?

For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God…Wherefore he (Jesus) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7: 19,26-27)

As a Christian writer, I have tried to always present the truth of the gospel to the best that I can and not enter into politics nor have I ever tried to be politically correct when proclaiming the truth of the gospel. The tragedies in Orlando on 6/10/2016 and 6/12/2016 caused me to feel helpless and grieved over where our world and our nation are at this time. So many tragedies from hate and division. We seem to be a nation divided by race, by religion, and by ethnicity with little hope being presented to change this. Have we who are Christians failed to represent Christ as so beautiful that we could draw others to Him? Have I failed to proclaim His Love in a way that others would hear and desire Him? As we have reached Hebrews chapter 7 in our study; let, me point out the superiority of Jesus Christ as our High Priest.

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The writer of Hebrews has pleaded with his readers that they needed to mature in their faith so they could begin to understand the truth. They had returned to the rituals and the Laws; yet, the law never was able to save anyone. There was always the need for an innocent sacrifice to cover the sins of man. Yet, Jesus was the hope all of this pointed toward. The law can only condemn and open our eyes to the truth that evil exists in each of our hearts. We are so prone to selfish desires with little hope of truly showing any love. The law points that out with such clarity; yet, can never be the solution. There could be no priests from the tribe of Levi who were the representation of the law and of whom they themselves are all sinners in need of a sacrifice to save them. Yet, then there came Jesus who is named “Priest forever after the order of Melchisidec” who was considered King of Righteousness and King of Peace.

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Christian Blog

What If My Faith Is Stagnant? Is There Hope?

“when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain[c] and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever,” Hebrews 6: 17-20 (CEV)

Hope is the anchor for our souls when fear would try to shake the foundations of our souls. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 5 has just warned his readers of being “dull of hearing.” He is pleading with them to grow—to mature in their knowledge of Jesus. As we turn to chapter 6, he begins with a plea once more. He seems at first discouraging. He has noted that among the congregation that there are some who want to return to a doctrine of works only. Some wanted to return to ceremonial rituals of being saved over and over again; as though that were possible!!

In-need-of-an-anchor-compressor

Christ had paid the price for salvation once and forever on the cross. To suggest that one could be saved, lose that salvation and be saved again was not possible. The writer points this out very clearly in his arguments to follow in Hebrews 6: 4-6

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

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Christian Blog

Warning!! Do You Really Know Jesus in Your Heart?

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it Hebrews 4:1-2 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrew 3:19 (NKJV)

The writer of Hebrews once more comes with a warning. In Hebrews 2:1, he had warned us to “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Both warnings had begun with a therefore, asking us to go back and consider the argument which proceeds. In Hebrews 2, the preceding argument had been: “Since God has now chosen to speak to us through Jesus Christ, we must take earnest heed to listen because Jesus was greater than the prophets and the angels through whom God had previously spoken. If we listened to them, much more we should listen to the truth taught by Jesus, God’s own Son. If we fail to listen, fail to take heed; we may let the only hope of salvation slip away from us.”

For Who He Is

Now, once more Hebrews 4 opens with a grave warning that begins with a “therefore”. This time the warning very specifically is: “Since God’s promise of entering His rest (eternity in Paradise with Him) is on the line; be afraid, lest you come short of it because of unbelief.” Woah! Let’s stop a moment to dissect this. Does this mean I could lose my salvation after I have accepted Christ as my Savior? No!! There is: however, the question of whether you truly have come to a saving knowledge of Christ or not. So, please stay with me here while I try to break this down for you both through the argument made by the writer of Hebrews and by an example from life. Continue reading Warning!! Do You Really Know Jesus in Your Heart? →

Christian Blog

Really, Why Should I Consider Jesus My Greatest Hero?

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him. Hebrews 3:1-2

As you remember all those heroes who died that you might live in freedom, consider Jesus Christ!! Think upon Him, draw nearer to Him, contemplate upon His Glory, and consider Him the Apostle who proclaimed God’s Final word. Consider Him, the perfect radiance of God’s Glory and image of God who willingly traveled far, suffered, and died that He might purchase your freedom from sin’s penalty. He who was higher than the angels, through whom the world was created; bore all the wrath against sin that perfect righteousness demanded so that you and I might be saved. He died for all who would believe upon His name. In Him we are declared righteous, having been clothed in His righteousness. In Him, we become worthy to be partakers of the heavenly calling as holy brothers and sisters of Christ Himself. In Jesus Christ, we are God’s redeemed, dearly beloved child. So, I urge you; if you have never known Jesus Christ as your Savior; consider Him. For those who know Him, “Consider Him as you face trials, sorrows or pains along this your pilgrimage journey toward your eternal destiny!”

consider Jesus

The word consider means “think about and be drawn toward (a course of action)”, “to believe”, or to “think about when making a decision.” How appropriate a command!! Consider Jesus Christ in all that you do or think! Let’s look at 10 examples of how considering Jesus will transform every detail of your life.

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