John part 2

Hello again, I am so glad you have joined us again for the study of John 1,2,&3. We learned a lot about the apostle John last week. He was one of the 12 disciples who followed Jesus, he was a fisherman, son of Zebedee, brother to James, one of the 3 closest disciples to Jesus and he could run faster than Peter, just to name a few. We also know he wrote the book of John and the letters to the church named 1,2 and 3 John and Revelation. We know that he was the only disciple who died a natural death and he was the last disciple alive. We also talked about how John wrote his book and letters w an emphasis on love and a sensitivity and artistry that adds to the more factual accounts in other books of scripture. As we move into chapter 2 of 1 John remember the first 2 verses finish a thought started in chapter 1. The addresses ( the numbers creating chapter and verse ) are added later by scribes and scholars making it easier to locate texts and were not part of the original writings.

1 John.2.1-29.ESV My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Propitiation is a big word, beautifully illustrated by our Pastor John, in his sermon on Leviticus Dec 21st. (If you did not hear it or want to listen again here is the link- https://vimeo.com/115119331 ) He talked about Jesus as the sacrificial lamb, whose blood cleanses our sins, as well as the scapegoat, who takes our sins out side of the camp, as far as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

Also notice that He died for the sins of the whole world. Not just believers, but the whole world. Think about how the sin in your life separates you from God. Realize that all of that sin was part of the pain Jesus bore on the cross. Now think of 10 people you know and love and their sin. Add that pain. Then imagine the people in your faith family and add their sins. Now think of all the people who ever have and ever will live and add that sin. No wonder Jesus felt forsaken on the cross. That is a black cloud of evil and wickedness. When I think about those of us who come to notice that fabulous gift He gave us I am so grateful we have eyes to see. When I think of how many people I know are not aware that gift is available and already paid for by His pain, I feel sorrow for them and for Jesus,who suffered whether or not we notice. I am so glad that John writes about love .

3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.

Here our great and wonderful God has John tell us how to show love to Him. Keep HIs commands, obey. Interesting, that is not a word I hear  describing love in many romance novels or love songs…..

(5)By this we may know that we are in him:6 whoever says he abides in him(Jesus) ought to walk in the same way in which he(Jesus) walked.

Our actions will match His. What does love look like by Jesus definition?John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commands.”

7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.

The old commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength Deut. 6:5. And “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” Lev 19:18. (Pastor TIm’s sermon on Leviticus 19 is a great resource for this verse.https://vimeo.com/116016388)

8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you,

Once again Jesus upped the ante, He took the old covenant and expanded on us.

John.15.12-14.ESV “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. We no longer love as ourselves but lay down our lives for our friends. If Jesus is our friend, there is nothing we will hold back.

 8 At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Jesus is the true light in our dark world. Our love, our obedience, shines His light in the darkness.

 12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.  I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.

13 I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

The words little children refers to believers in Christ and the young men and fathers differentiate between mature and immature believers. It may seem abrupt but this is where we are stopping today. There is a lot of good food for thought here. How does love look in your life? Do you love God enough to obey His commands? How does your love for yourself and others look sacrificial? Ask God to show you who you love well and who you can love better.

That is the end of this week, see you next time! love h

2015 John part 1

Welcome to 2015 and our new study of John 1,2, and 3! I am excited to get started w John. I think it will help us to know a bit about John, even starting w which John are we talking about! So lets look at Matthew 4:19-22

Matthew 4:19 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

What do we find out about John in this passage? Family members? Occupation? Friends? And who he set out to follow?

In Matt 10:1-4 we see him listed as one of the 12 disciples. Luke 10:1-11 gives us more details about Jesus personal call to Peter and Andrew, James and  John and in Mark5:35-43 we see that John present at another miracle and with a select group of 3 disciples. Take some time to read these on your own.

Now lets read  1 John verses 1-3

1 John 1.1-10.ESV That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

How well does John know Jesus? How close has he been to Jesus?  What words does he use to describe what he knows about Jesus? What does John have w Jesus and the Father God that he wants us to share?

One point of clarification that might be helpful is the difference between the book of John and 1,2 and 3 John?

The book of John is the story of Jesus life and teaching as recalled by John. It is written as a personal historical account. John 1,2 and 3 are letters John wrote to believers towards the end of his life. These letters are important because John is the last man standing. All the other 12 disciples have died and John is the only disciple left who walked w Jesus throughout his whole ministry. This eye witness account is very important. Especially as we will see later, there are false teachers around trying to change the truth of Christ, His being and His teaching.

The scene at the last supper in John 13 gives us some new thoughts about John and Jesus relationship. Reading from  John 13: 21-25 we see this: One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?”

Notice where John is seated during the meal. Next to Jesus, so close he is leaning against Jesus.That is a marvelous closeness.  In John 19:25-27 we see another closeness:

,jhn.19.25-27.ESV but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Jesus trusted the care of His mother Mary to John the disciple. His own brothers were not there and were not yet believers. John himself could understand Mary’s spiritual beliefs better than her own sons at that time. In John 20:1-8 we see a woman and 2 disciples at the tomb:

John.20.1-8.ESV Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed;

The “other disciple” is our friend John. He was beloved, trusted and a believer. What he writes is very important to encourage the church in the truth about Christ.

Lets return to 1 John and read 1 John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

In this verse we get a look at purpose of John’s writing. 1 he is an eye witness 2. he confirms Jesus as the earthly revelation of God and  3. so that our joy may be complete by making sure we know about eternal life in Christ. Yes, it is good that John wrote us these letters. 

Lets continue reading:

5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him(God) while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

John loves to paint word pictures. As we read thru John’s letters notice, even count, the times he uses repeated word comparisons like light and dark. See how many of your own you notice.

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he(God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him(God) a liar, and his (God’s) word is not in us.2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

(I added verse one of chapter 2 to this reading to complete the thought. Remember the address, chapter and verse, were added later.)

Before we finish today reread verses 1:-2:1 and notice the pattern of “if” and “but”.

6. if we say____________ 7. but if we walk___________

8. if we say____________ 9. if we confess____________

10. if we say___________ 2:1 but if any one does___________

Remember Pastor John’s sermon on Jesus the scapegoat and sacrificial lamb. That is a great visual definition of propitiation. Jesus paid for the sins of who? Just the 12? Just the Jews?Just the Gentiles? Just you and me? No the whole world. That is the amazing grace of our God. That He would pay for the sins of the whole world in hopes that we would all believe and be saved. That He would be the blood sacrifice for our righteousness and the scapegoat to carry our sins as far as the east is from the west. What a mighty God we serve!

For next week read all of 1 John ( 5 chapters) and 2 and 3 John if you are ambitious, only 1 chapter each. Look for repeated words, comparisons and especially for how well John learned Jesus lessons about love. See you next week. love h

Hebrews 13

Well Ladies, we made it to the end of another book of the Bible. Well done, good and faithful servants!

Heb.13.1-25.ESV Let brotherly(and sisterly) love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I really want to do this sometime, but will I know I did…..?

1. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.

2. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

3.Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”  

4.Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

5.Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.

6. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 6.Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

Think back to the pre-Christmas Dec 21, message from John about the scapegoat and the sacrificial lamb. Once again Jesus is better than the Old Covenant.

7.Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  

8.Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.   

A very  practical to do list for us to remember how to show our love and gratitude to Jesus.

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.  I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

PS You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with all of you.

Our author, like me, has a hard time signing off. So, thank you for your faithfulness in studying God’s word. Happy New Year, love h

Hebrews 12

Welcome back from Christmas, thanks for taking a break w us and looking into the Christmas story in more detail. I hope your Christmas was bright!

As we close out Hebrews w the last 2 chapters, keep in mind the comparisons we have seen, Hebrews 1-Jesus and angels, Hebrews 3 Jesus and Moses, Hebrews 4-9 Jesus and the Tabernacle, the sacrifices and the high priest.Jesus trumps them all. Hebrews 11 gives us the Faith Hall of Fame recalling OT faithful followers who never saw the fulfillment of what they lived believing, the “hope of things unseen”.

Infact 12 starts w reference to 11 by the use of “therefore”.

heb.12.1-29.ESV Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  

Two cool thoughts in these verses, first Jesus the perfecter of our faith. This word “perfect” is from the same Greek word Jesus used from the cross in John 19:30  “It is finished”. Done, perfected, the final product. Nothing left to add.

Second, notice “ for the joy set before him”...what joy did Jesus have set before Him? On the other side of the cross He returns to heaven and waits to spend it w you! and me! and all believers! You are His joy.Check out Isaiah 53:11. What are the fruits of His suffering, again you w Him for eternity.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”  

See Proverbs 3:11-12 same verse that values discipline.

It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

No one likes discipline however we all know the value of good discipline. And the hurt of inappropriate discipline. A good father knows good discipline, our good Father knows good discipline. See Matt 7:9-11

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.

Do not cave in under hard things, persevere.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.

My footnotes referred to Deuteronomy 29:18-20. Bitterness is a bad thing, with bad fruit!

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.  See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

Here is a nice set of OT references which we have studied recently. See how many you can remember!

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

I love the consuming fire of our God, Deuteronomy 4:24. A significant verse in Tabernacle history. Anyone know this bit of trivia? Extra credit if you do :)

Hebrews 11

Today we take a look at the Faith Hall of Fame. This chapter in Hebrews lists the all stars of faith and reminds us what faith is and how it works.

heb.11.1-40.ESV Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is the settled confidence that something in the future, something unseen but promised by God could actually come to pass because Gods will brings it about. Notice all the things unseen the people mentioned in this chapter have faith in….

For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Imagine that, everything seen made out of things that are not visible….nothing existed before God spoke expect God...

 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.

.Commend: to praise  formally or officially. Watch how often this word appears.It is always in regard to faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he(God) rewards those who seek him.

What 2 things must we believe to draw near to God? I have a hard time accepting that not only does God offer me salvation but He rewards me for having faith. That is one awesome God!

By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Obedience, that is what God desired from Noah. Imagine the difficulty of building the ark. It took 120 years. There had been no rain on the earth, the neighbors had to notice, they were most likely not understanding. Imagine 120 years of #1 news item trending, hashtag: Noah is wacko , the Facebook comments and updates…… Look up John 14:15 Hebrews 10:5, or  Psalm 40:6. God feels strongly about obedience.

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

Abraham looked forward to the city and the nation and the legacy, but did not receive it. Sarah received.Isaac was about 13 when Sarah died. I think Sarah was lucky because she got to hold her “promise” before she died. It is good to be a woman.

Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.  These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

God has prepared for us a city…and a place for us too...John 14:2 ...it’s all ready but we can’t have it yet…..

 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

Look at Genesis 22:5, we will go up and ...we will return. Abraham expected to bring his son back down from the mountain.

By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

Joseph said take my bones to the Promised Land. How do you suppose he knew about the Promised Land? What do you suppose Joe and God talked about when he was in prison all those years?

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

Moses the shadow of Christ, the true Israel, Matt 2:15, called His Son out of Egypt…..***

By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him(God) who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.  By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Three more all stars of  faith. And Rahab was not from any of the tribes of Israel. She had just heard the news of the Israelites travels and favors from God. It is easy to forget that there is more than one thing happening in the world while Israel wandered in the desert. How many nomads saw them from a distance? Could they see the pillar of fire or the cloud of smoke? Was there water still coming out of the rocks after Israel moved on? There are multiple effects of God’s hand on the earth. The obedience of Rahab is one of them.

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Until reading through Hebrews this time I thought those tortured were the Christians of the day, however that is a gross timing error on my part, as this refers to the Old Testament prophets and heroes of the faith. It has always been  rough to be a believer in things unseen.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Commended: praised formally or officially. That’s what we are striving for. Have a great week! love h

*** a note I found on Crosswalk.com

MOSES’ CHOICE GAINED THE BLESSING OF THE GREATER RICHES OF CHRIST.

He considered “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.” The reproach of Christ is a startling phrase! It probably means, “reproach similar to what Christ endured when He was despised and rejected by the world.” How much Moses knew about the promised Anointed One, we cannot know for sure. But Abraham rejoiced to see Jesus’ day (John 8:56). Moses knew that God promised to raise up a prophet like him, who would speak His word (Deut. 18:15). He knew of God’s promise to Eve, that one from her seed would bruise the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15). He also no doubt knew that the sacrificial system pointed ahead to a Redeemer. And so Moses considered that any reproach that he endured for identifying himself with God’s Messiah was far more valuable than the worldly treasures he could amass in Egypt.

Hebrews 10

What a great tour of the OT Tabernacle and comparison of the system required by the law and the completion of the system thru Christ. This week we will look at the sacrifices old and new.

Comparing the law to Christ. Jesus still wins!

Heb.10.1-39.ESV For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.

A reminder… of what? That we sin, that we need a Savior. That God will make a way….

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.  Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;  in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.  Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.”

Psalm 40:6-8 read the notes…

He does away with the first in order to establish the second.

He does away with the first….the old is gone, the new has come.

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet.

( oh we know this quote!! Psalm 110! Hooray for studying and learning!!)

For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.  And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,   “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,”  then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”  

We know this one too! Jeremiah 31:31-34!

Where there is forgiveness of these (lawless deeds and sins), there is no longer any offering for sin.

Once for all….  

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

We see the phrase “Let us…” several times in these 2 paragraphs. Make a list of what we do after ”let us…”

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he(Jesus) who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Meeting together, where do we meet together?  Who does the “we” refer to?  What happens to us when we do not meet together = isolate? Snipers pick off the lone soldier. There is safety in numbers, what is the benefit listed here? This is to encourage us not condemn us.

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

Another thing we get from meeting together, accountability.

.Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.

Consequences for violating the old covenant.

How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.”

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.

How have you struggled since you were “ enlightened” ?

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay;   but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”  But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their soul.

Confidence and reward, God wants us to be sure and solid in the fact that we are His and His is ours. Forever, not based on our works but His sacrifice. That’s what love looks like :)