Hebrews 11:1-40 NLT
1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. . . .4 It was by faith that Abel. . . Enoch. . . Noah . . .Abraham . . .13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. . . .20 It was by faith that Isaac. . .Jacob. . .. . . Joseph. . .Rahab . . .
It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
We have seen up through chapter 10 in Hebrews that the writer was laying out the foundation for understanding life-changing faith. He ended by identifying us who follow Christ as "The faithful ones" (vs 39). Subsequently, in chapter 11, he begins to walk through Biblical history pointing out the heroes of faith. These major names in the Jewish Bible preflected the faith of Christ, who is reflected in the Christian New Testament.
Suffering whatever comes our way and maintaining our trust in Christ as Lord and Savior is that same faith. There could come persecution against Christians in our nation as there now is in nations around the world. I recently viewed a video placed on the Internet by proud and brash Islamic terrorists. It showed ten of them beheading a Christian pastor-- one of 12 they beheaded-- because they believed in Christ and would not denounce the call to Islam. The pastor, hands tied behind him, could be seen praying quietly as they performed their grisly act upon him. His tormentors acted in grisly violence, while He trusted Christ and exhibited Godly peace in response to their violence. He reached the better thing that God had in store for him, and for us. I've read of Christian church members in a the largest nation on earth being tortured and killed for their Christian faith. They found God's eternal joy.
You and I could also one day face persecution. Will our faith keep us peaceful and grant the ability to love our persecutors in spite of their Godlessness and their heinous evil? Are you ready to lay aside pursuit of our own ways and comfort and stand firm in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of where that may lead? Why not stand firm in Christ and share faith with others today? There is nothing worth while to be lost and everything worth while to be gained!
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Trust and Believe and Receive All He has Promised
(Heb. 10:35-39 NLT)
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
We continue our stroll through the Book of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The writer has been teaching us about sacrifice-- God's great sacrifice, and that of Christ, the Son of God. Sacrifice was made to ensure relationship with God could be restored between the Lord and us, his created children. This restoration was accomplished by Christ on the cross and in His resurrection. It is done, completed, needing no further resource to be brought forth. The only thing necessary is for you and me to receive by faith the fact that this sacrifice was, indeed, necessary and was made on our behalf by God because of His gracious love.
The early Jewish Christians-- so used to trying to 'earn' their way to God, as many others today also erroneously believe, started returning to their old ways of favored traditions and practices as a means of proving themselves righteous. They forgot that it never helped them before. We often forget, as well, that we are not capable of 'earning' salvation. We forget that it is an affront to God for us to try because it ignores His great sacrifice for us. When we try to earn salvation we are, in fact, throwing away 'confident trust in the Lord.' It is by our faith that we actually receive "all He has promised." It is by faith that the truly righteous have always lived and continue to live today.
Shall we consider this day to be righteous through persistent faith, rather than turning to works of our own hands. Turning like that earns only our own destruction. Ask the Lord to help you remain faithful this day.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
37 “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
39 But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
We continue our stroll through the Book of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The writer has been teaching us about sacrifice-- God's great sacrifice, and that of Christ, the Son of God. Sacrifice was made to ensure relationship with God could be restored between the Lord and us, his created children. This restoration was accomplished by Christ on the cross and in His resurrection. It is done, completed, needing no further resource to be brought forth. The only thing necessary is for you and me to receive by faith the fact that this sacrifice was, indeed, necessary and was made on our behalf by God because of His gracious love.
The early Jewish Christians-- so used to trying to 'earn' their way to God, as many others today also erroneously believe, started returning to their old ways of favored traditions and practices as a means of proving themselves righteous. They forgot that it never helped them before. We often forget, as well, that we are not capable of 'earning' salvation. We forget that it is an affront to God for us to try because it ignores His great sacrifice for us. When we try to earn salvation we are, in fact, throwing away 'confident trust in the Lord.' It is by our faith that we actually receive "all He has promised." It is by faith that the truly righteous have always lived and continue to live today.
Shall we consider this day to be righteous through persistent faith, rather than turning to works of our own hands. Turning like that earns only our own destruction. Ask the Lord to help you remain faithful this day.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Friday, May 7, 2010
Motivate Each Other to Acts of Love and Good Works
Hebrews 10: 22-25 NLT
We have been walking threw the Epistle to the Hebrews-- ancient Christians in the first century who turned from traditional Judaism to believe in the Messiah their race had awaited for the previous four thousand years. The writer explained, step by step, how Christ fulfilled the role of ultimate Prophet, ultime King, of ultimate High Priest, and of ultimate sacrifice for sin-- not only of the Hebraic people but of all people. In chapter 10 the writer explains that because of this great sacrifice we are cleansed from all sin so that we can even enter directly into the very presence of God. And, we can do so with full sincerity, free from any and all guilt over our past, our failures, our self-centered ways, and even our evil thoughts. All was cleansed from us through our faith in Christ the 'perfect sacrifice.'
The Writer cheers us on to fulfillment of God's promises--"hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm." He challenges us to 'think of ways' by which we can positively motivate each other. We are to encourage one another 'to do acts of love and good.' We are now capable of good acts-- of loving acts, whereas before faith in Christ we were not. He ends this challenge by reminding us that we really do need to be in mutual fellowship with other believers for this mutual encouragement. I pray that you are able to be an encouragement to another today in his or her journey with Christ.
22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
We have been walking threw the Epistle to the Hebrews-- ancient Christians in the first century who turned from traditional Judaism to believe in the Messiah their race had awaited for the previous four thousand years. The writer explained, step by step, how Christ fulfilled the role of ultimate Prophet, ultime King, of ultimate High Priest, and of ultimate sacrifice for sin-- not only of the Hebraic people but of all people. In chapter 10 the writer explains that because of this great sacrifice we are cleansed from all sin so that we can even enter directly into the very presence of God. And, we can do so with full sincerity, free from any and all guilt over our past, our failures, our self-centered ways, and even our evil thoughts. All was cleansed from us through our faith in Christ the 'perfect sacrifice.'
The Writer cheers us on to fulfillment of God's promises--"hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm." He challenges us to 'think of ways' by which we can positively motivate each other. We are to encourage one another 'to do acts of love and good.' We are now capable of good acts-- of loving acts, whereas before faith in Christ we were not. He ends this challenge by reminding us that we really do need to be in mutual fellowship with other believers for this mutual encouragement. I pray that you are able to be an encouragement to another today in his or her journey with Christ.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Christ Offered Himself for You to Be Completely Purified
Heb. 9:13-15 NLT
13 Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. 14 Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. 15 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.
The old religion of Judaism was a foreshadowing of the Coming of Christ for redeeming not only them but people of all the world. The animal sacrifices were symbolic of the coming sacrifice of God's son. Faith in them was parallel to our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ-- perfect in all his ways as a human-- 'died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed' and we ourselves as well. Now they (and we) are to be completely purified because of Christ's sacrifice.The writer to the Hebrews spent three chapters reminding them of the role of a high priest and then laying out Jesus as the ultimate 'high priest.' That was all in preparation for him to say this-- that Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the Old sacrificial system and there would never again be need for a sacrifice to forgive sin. The death had been accomplished and His resurrection to demonstrate His superiority over death to prove our redemption to be eternal. That is way, as we discussed last time, that Christ mediates for us continuously.
What does this all mean to you today? It can mean that you can be at rest-- at peace-- in spite of all the challenges and confusions you face today. It also means that you can be a vehicle for Christ's peace to reach out to another who needs ultimate peace. It also means that there is a very high calling upon you and I must ask you-- are you listening to it?
Your Servant
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Jesus Guarantees Your Better Covenant with God
(Hebrews 7:22-24 NLT)
We've looked through Hebrews to see how its writer has aimed our attention at Jesus Christ, God's Son made human to become our sacrifice for sin. He was also made to be come our advocate, our high priest who continuously implores God our Father on our behalf. Unlike the shadow-priests of old religions who eventually died, our 'high priest' eternally presents us to the Father. According to the writer, the purpose of our Lord's ongoing eternal life is precisely to intercede with God on our behalf (see vs 25).
Sometimes we feel left alone and seek to have an advocate represent our cause to others who are in power or authority over us. But such thoughts are fleeting at best when we realize this truth. We have the best advocate one could have--The Son, who is imploring His Father, on our behalf. And it is to the eternal Father, the creator of all, that we are ever being presented in the light of the holiness of Christ Himself.
Why not rest this new day in God's hands as you begin it, knowing that your redemption is solid and plans for your blessing have been achieved by the Lord and the Father. Share joy in Christ with someone who needs to know this truth.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Heb. 7:22 Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God.
Heb. 7:23 There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. 24 But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
We've looked through Hebrews to see how its writer has aimed our attention at Jesus Christ, God's Son made human to become our sacrifice for sin. He was also made to be come our advocate, our high priest who continuously implores God our Father on our behalf. Unlike the shadow-priests of old religions who eventually died, our 'high priest' eternally presents us to the Father. According to the writer, the purpose of our Lord's ongoing eternal life is precisely to intercede with God on our behalf (see vs 25).
Sometimes we feel left alone and seek to have an advocate represent our cause to others who are in power or authority over us. But such thoughts are fleeting at best when we realize this truth. We have the best advocate one could have--The Son, who is imploring His Father, on our behalf. And it is to the eternal Father, the creator of all, that we are ever being presented in the light of the holiness of Christ Himself.
Why not rest this new day in God's hands as you begin it, knowing that your redemption is solid and plans for your blessing have been achieved by the Lord and the Father. Share joy in Christ with someone who needs to know this truth.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Have You Fled to God for Refuge? Today Would be Good!
Hebrews 6:17-19 NLT
Having 'fled to him for refuge. . .' Christ followers are eternally safe in the Lord. We can take this assurance on the strength of the very witness by Creation itself. God who created will also protect. That creation is so vast, so massive, so minute, and so detailed is, itself, our proof, should we need any. But it is through faith that our assurance comes. There will be arguments from those opposed to God, yet we can exercise faith and trust in God anyway.
When we look at the night sky we can trust in God. When we watch a blade of grass spring up overnight we can trust in God. When we face challenges and disasters, we can trust in God nevertheless. The Word of God-- scripture-- here echoed by The Writer to the Hebrews, assures us that there is this oath that God has 'bound himself with.' Our perfect God 'will never change his mind,' we are reminded. Also, the writer tells us that 'it is impossible for God to lie.'
Thus, we have a never-ending hope that provides 'great confidence' to us. It is a 'strong and trustworthy anchor' for us as well. It takes us to that inner place where man and God commune intimately and personally in the Lord's unconditional love and favor. All these metaphors from ancient Jewish religious tradition clearly spoke to the first century Hebraic Christians. And, today they speak to us just as strongly. Today, you and I can be completely assured that God will not desert us, nor will He reject us. He waits patiently for our complete submission and surrender and then He will retain us through whatever might come. If you will rest in this trust today you will find the peace you seek.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.
Having 'fled to him for refuge. . .' Christ followers are eternally safe in the Lord. We can take this assurance on the strength of the very witness by Creation itself. God who created will also protect. That creation is so vast, so massive, so minute, and so detailed is, itself, our proof, should we need any. But it is through faith that our assurance comes. There will be arguments from those opposed to God, yet we can exercise faith and trust in God anyway.
When we look at the night sky we can trust in God. When we watch a blade of grass spring up overnight we can trust in God. When we face challenges and disasters, we can trust in God nevertheless. The Word of God-- scripture-- here echoed by The Writer to the Hebrews, assures us that there is this oath that God has 'bound himself with.' Our perfect God 'will never change his mind,' we are reminded. Also, the writer tells us that 'it is impossible for God to lie.'
Thus, we have a never-ending hope that provides 'great confidence' to us. It is a 'strong and trustworthy anchor' for us as well. It takes us to that inner place where man and God commune intimately and personally in the Lord's unconditional love and favor. All these metaphors from ancient Jewish religious tradition clearly spoke to the first century Hebraic Christians. And, today they speak to us just as strongly. Today, you and I can be completely assured that God will not desert us, nor will He reject us. He waits patiently for our complete submission and surrender and then He will retain us through whatever might come. If you will rest in this trust today you will find the peace you seek.
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Inheriting Gods Promises Because of Faith and Endurance
Hebrews 6: 10-12(NLT)
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Our discussion together in the Letter to the Hebrews, has revealed many rich and deep keys to understanding our faith walk with Jesus Christ. Here is yet another-- that faith and endurance bring an inheritance. Faith and endurance are gifts from The Father that come to the obedient submissive heart. You can't really generate them on your own, but you can desire them and God will grant them. Then, YOU can exercise them. Exercise takes deliberate action. As the writer said, God does not forget how hard we have worked for him. That said, He also will not forget how 'hard' we may NOT have worked as well. Next, the writer makes the link between 'worked for Him' and "loving others as long as life lasts."
There it is-- the work. To exercise the supernatural love that God grants us and aim it at others is 'the work.' The consequence to those failing this exercise, appears to be spiritual dullness and indifference. Have you become indifferent? Are you part of the Christian church crowd that is sleeping and not alert or the ones awakened to the will of God and His call for these days? There are those who are awake. If you would, you could follow their example until it became part of your habit patterns as well. According to the writer, those who exercise this love will inherit God's promises. Conversely, those who do not exercise this love will NOT inherit God's promises. Which category do you wish to be included in this day? Shall we pray to be able to exercise God's love? To whom? Will you permit God to show you now?
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. 11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. 12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Our discussion together in the Letter to the Hebrews, has revealed many rich and deep keys to understanding our faith walk with Jesus Christ. Here is yet another-- that faith and endurance bring an inheritance. Faith and endurance are gifts from The Father that come to the obedient submissive heart. You can't really generate them on your own, but you can desire them and God will grant them. Then, YOU can exercise them. Exercise takes deliberate action. As the writer said, God does not forget how hard we have worked for him. That said, He also will not forget how 'hard' we may NOT have worked as well. Next, the writer makes the link between 'worked for Him' and "loving others as long as life lasts."
There it is-- the work. To exercise the supernatural love that God grants us and aim it at others is 'the work.' The consequence to those failing this exercise, appears to be spiritual dullness and indifference. Have you become indifferent? Are you part of the Christian church crowd that is sleeping and not alert or the ones awakened to the will of God and His call for these days? There are those who are awake. If you would, you could follow their example until it became part of your habit patterns as well. According to the writer, those who exercise this love will inherit God's promises. Conversely, those who do not exercise this love will NOT inherit God's promises. Which category do you wish to be included in this day? Shall we pray to be able to exercise God's love? To whom? Will you permit God to show you now?
Your Servant in Christ's Love
Dan
drdanelliott@gmail.com
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