Our son Nathan is on a one year internship with Urban Promise, a ministry “that exists to proclaim the love of Jesus, and to express it through the spiritual, social and educational development of children, youth and families living in government housing.” December 21, 2010 Season Greetings, I just got home on the Friday the 17th…
a God-pleasing life
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. [Hebrews 13:16] The letter finishes with practical encouragement for God-appropriate living. This is connected to what was written earlier in the letter, the old testament sacrificial system. Here doing good and sharing with others…
a consuming fire?
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. [Hebrews 12:15] Several times so far the writer of Hebrews has talked about those who have turned away from God’s grace [Hebrews 6:4-8, 10:26-31], and appeals to Jesus followers to stay…
enter the new year with God
seeking God by faith
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. [Hebrews 11:1] Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” [John 20:29] The heart of faith is confidence in something or…
do not give up…
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. [Hebrews 10:35-36] The writer of Hebrews is encouraging Jesus followers to persevere in their confidence, no matter what happens, because…
taking sin seriously
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. [Hebrews 9:22] This idea lies at the heart of the message of the bible: we have committed crimes (sin) that must be punished, and the punishment is death (the shedding of…
the better way
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. [Hebrews 8:10] Under the old covenant, people related to God…
christmas in iraq
Iraqi Christians gather defiantly to mark Christmas in church where many killed Saturday, Dec 25, 2010 | Rebecca Santana, The Associated Press BAGHDAD – Iraqi Christians gathered Saturday to mark Christmas in the same church where less than two months ago dozens from their beleaguered community were killed by Muslim extremists intent on driving them from Iraq….
the perfect saviour
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. [Hebrews 7:22] In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. [Luke 22:20] Jesus introduces a new and better way to relate to…