Hebrews 10: The Better Covenant - in color!

This chapter in Hebrews is part of the larger context of the letter that is talking about the new covenant, the better covenant. One of the powerful things I noticed in it the last few days is the comparison between the two. Observe with me the way that this chapter

Hebrews 6: Making sense of Hebrews

Last Friday I began reading the intensely Jewish take of the gospel through Jesus Christ as Paul communicated it to the Hebrews. To but it briefly, “I am quite certain you cannot discuss these themes briefly.” For that reason I have had trouble both reading through each chapter for the day and summarizing them in any way. Each verse or at least each paragraph is filled with compelling intrigue and requires you to look through two lenses: the lens of the gospel of Christ and the lens of the Old Testament and its incomplete sacrificial system. Without the latter we don’t understand in full extent how the former brings complete clarity to our understanding and to our salvation.

Let me help you see my viewpoint of Hebrews. If you have ever looked through a telescope

Jesus washing feet: A lesson in humility, honor, and serving

Had you ever been in a service that gave the opportunity of washing feet? It is interesting the reactions this activity can elicit: “No way!” “What a blessing!” “That’s disgusting.” “I was humbled” “Why?” “I am not participating.” “I’m curious.” Some consider it one of the church ordinances while others consider it a mystical event on par with handling snakes.

This past Sunday we were studying in John 13 and learned several things about Jesus and even utilized the illustration He gave us to further understand His words. We allowed for people in our church who so desired to take part in actual foot-washing. I believe I would describe it from two different vantage points: it was both unusual and very humbling.

As we studied the passage we were shown that while washing feet is not a part of our culture anymore, it does help us understand several things. It shows us the extreme humility of Christ, that as Master, he truly became servant to all. For those of us who are uncomfortable with the idea, we join Peter in that discomfort, he obviously did not want to participate either. Jesus’ object lesson was also a reminder for those who are his followers to find unique ways to serve each other, washing feet was just one example he gave.  

But most of all we were reminded Sunday of the spiritual truth that while we have been washed thoroughly clean by trusting Christ for our salvation, we still have sin and temptation come along and dirty our daily walk. So every day we do some spiritual cleansing by confessing those areas we “got dirty” in and experiencing His “faithful and just” forgiveness. 

Regardless of what your reaction to foot washing is, and there are many; I trust that we don’t quickly forget the larger truths Jesus was teaching: humility, service to one another, and our need for His daily cleansing.

Acts 24: Measure our words

I love this chapter. It is complete with so much: the brash, slanderous report of Ananias as he flattered the governor. The outright denial of Paul and his obviously Christocentric view of the Old Testament scriptures.

What is most beautiful is the way in which Paul declares what he believes: discerningly and yet descriptively demonstrating the similarities (the Old Testament Scriptures) he has with his accusers while decisively revealing where they differ, namely the belief in the coming resurrection. What boldness we find as Paul clearly denies the accusations against him and them firmly advances the consistency in which he honors the Old Testament scriptures. He openly declared again and again the truth of a coming resurrection. And what bothered them the most is that this belief was staked on this Jesus.

He placed Felix, the governor, in a very tight spot. Here these Jewish lovers of the law were bringing someone to him seeking his execution and as Felix cross examines him, he openly declares his love for the exact same thing, the Old Testament scriptures. Is Felix punish Paul for loving the scriptures? for believing in a resurrection? or for disagreeing with the chief priest?

What is then the icing on the cake is the way in which Paul’s integrity and message affected Felix: He trembled. I am resolved to learn from this chapter that I must be this discerning. Paul was not quick to dump all Biblical knowledge on Felix, but carefully was led by the Spirit of God to share what was needful: truth that defined and differentiated. His calm and steady approach in neither an offensive or defensive manner spoke volumes about his violent accusers. Let us be this clear with the truth, this honest with what we believe, this measured with our words, and this effective when speak for our Lord and our faith in Him.

Acts 20: Our family thoughts about Eutychus

Thoughts with the family tonight regarding Acts 20:

Why did the story of Eutychus falling asleep while Paul spoke make it into the Bible?

So we would realize that our services don't really least that long, Paul spoke at least till midnight.

To caution us not to fall asleep in church, ouch.

To remind speakers to keep the welfare of the congregation in mind.

To show how much they wanted to hear the truth, as most of them stayed awake that long. What churches do you know that go till midnight because they have a hunger for God.

To encourage every pastor that has had someone fall asleep during their message. Let's be honest now!

To show that Paul had power to raise the dead.

To help us be thankful for the fact that Sunday is now a day of rest for most of us. In Eutychus`s day they worked the first day of the week and then gathered to worship after the day had ended. That's one reason he fell asleep.

Bad reason: to encourage pastors to not go too deep, or too long, and instead keep it light, funny, entertaining, and short.

Acts 8: Strange scriptures lead to life

This chapter`s theme is about the growth of the gospel despite attempts to squelch it by Saul and the establishment. Philip the evangelist moves as he is led sharing the gospel even in Samaria. He is then led south of Jerusalem where he finds an usual situation.

What he finds is an Ethiopian court official of the Queen of Ethiopia.  The official is on his way back to his country after visiting Jerusalem. While in Jerusalem he has secured a copy of some of the Scriptures, including the writings of the prophet Isaiah. No doubt he was curious about things he had been hearing from Jerusalem. He had probably heard about this controversial teacher and healer named Jesus, and upon inquiring more, could have been told that this man's appearing and life was actually forertold in the Scriptures. A much sought after copy of those writings are now in his hands as he makes his way back home. Little did he know how this reading material would transform his life.

What followed would do just that. He comes to a section that describes that someone would die as a lamb and that his death serve a significant purpose. As he pauses to ponder what this could mean, a stranger approaches their caravan. This stranger ends up answering all his questions and helps him begin a personal relationship with this lamb-like Savoir. He believes, he is baptized, and he carries this mysterious and live changing message to his nation and Queen.

Who may God want to use you to be a Philip to, and will you follow his lead?

Acts 7: History haters never learn.

Stephen preaches one of the most accurate and concise overviews of Hebrew history ever recorded. In it he does not diminish the law and in fact honors the role of Moses in their history, and yet these are the two things the people are holding against him.

The truth is that what engaged them in this sermon was when they are called out as stiff-necked people and uncircumcised in heart and ears. If any thing he is upholding the law and showing them how they had failed to keep it. (Vs 53). Then in their response they reveal that the accusation they hated so much was spot on, so proud of themselves and so stiff-necked that they killed him for calling attention to their character flaws. And yet in a fashion that we should be getting use to, God glorifies his truth even through death and chooses the one holding the coats of the stoner's as the next evangelist to rise up and fill Stephen`s place. So whether it be Candace Cameron speaking up about her biblical values as a wife or Natalie Grant walking out of a godless Grammy awards night be assured that as Christ-followers, we will be hated. Stephen is an example to us today that truth, morals, and biblical values will be misinterpreted and misunderstood. Haters will get offended and will go to unusual means to shut the mouths of those that live out the truth. Its really an age old story.

And so it is time and again, Satan tries to use death to bring an end, and over and over again God uses it as a beginning and to expand the Kingdom. And over and over again history haters are shown that the best, that is ahead, can only be found by looking back.