John 1: 35-51

I vowed to read John as if it were the first time I had done so, but it's harder than I imagined.

I read passages like the following and my only thought is "Uh huh. yes. Indeed. Go on."

Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" They said to Him, "Rabbi (which translatedmeans Teacher), where are You staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which translated means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you shall be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).

Ideas such as "Lamb of God" and "Messiah" are too familiar to me. At least, my immediate understanding of the words makes it difficult to force myself to dig deeper; to take the role of one who has never heard.

Why is it important to understand the reference to lamb of God here? Well, lambs are sacrificed unto God as a sin offering and Jesus is God's own sacrifice to erase the sin of the world and fulfill the promise of the law of Moses. If we know that, then the reference in this chapter is a foreshadowing of what's to come.

But what does it mean to us if we don't know? Nothing?

The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip And Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these." And He said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

All it takes for Nathanael to believe that Jesus is the Son of God is that Jesus says he saw him under the fig tree? A little clairvoyance. That's the least of the miracles we'll see! Jesus says as much to Nathanael. "You will see greater things than these.

I know that Jesus' first miracle is understood to be the changing of water to wine, but this is the first one in the book of John and I think it's important. Some people don't need much convincing. There's something to be said for knowing and it's clear that Nathanael knows what's what.

John 1: 19-34

I want to really hear what John says - what both Johns say. I want to understand how he says it and why. I want to know what it was like to hear the gospel for the first time; to not have preconceived notions about the message.

This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not " "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." Then they said to him, "Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,' as Isaiah the prophet said."

Make straight the way of the Lord. John is not concerned with anything other than the truth. He's not the Christ, he's not Elijah. He's a messenger and his message is to get ready for the coming of the Lord.

Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, and said to him, "Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" John answered them saying, "I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. "It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! "This is He on behalf of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.' "I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water." John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' "I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

John was given a vision by God and here it is realized. John recognizes Jesus as the sacrificial lamb who comes to take the sin from the world.

John actually tells us a lot of what we can expect in the coming story. If I were hearing this for the first time, I might not understand the foreshadowing here. John's comparison to Jesus with a lamb is important as is the note that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

Something tells me we'll hear that again and that it'll be important.

John 1: 1-18

I said before that I'd go through John's gospel and focus on the following questions:

• What is Jesus doing?
• What is Jesus saying?
  What are his followers doing/How are they following him?

I'll do that, but, of course, I will feel free to write what I feel led to write.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come intobeing. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

The Word has always been with God because the Word is God. God made everything through the Word.
This is one of the most complex and densest pieces of scripture, I think. It says so much and means even more. I don't even know how to unpack it!
I think about it a lot, though. People often use Word to mean Bible or the things therein. "You'd better get into the Word."
But it's so much more. Word here is the very method of God. The mechanism through which he created the world and everything that exists. That Word is the light of men, life itself.

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John the Baptist testified about the Light (the Word), but he was not the Light only a messenger. Just as today, we may spread the gospel of Jesus, but we are not the gospel.
If this book stood alone and it was all we had, we'd know immediately what God was trying to tell us: If we accept the Light, we have been given the right to become children of God.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we sawHis glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace andtruth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For theLaw was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

Here we see that the Word that was with God in the beginning became flesh in Jesus. Jesus is the Word of God. The same method that He uses to create the world, He uses to save and redeem it.

The Promise

Readers, this site hasn't been updated in a while, but it will be again soon.

Previously, I worked through the book of Hebrews because itwas important to me. Next, I'll be working through the book of John.

With the gospel of John, I want to focus on three things:

• What is Jesus doing?
• What is Jesus saying?
• What are his followers doing/How are they following him?

I think it should be very interesting, so stick around.

My Desire

I was listening to the following song this morning and thinking about why it always creates such a strong reaction in me.

It came to me quite simply. This song is the desire of my heart. It's what I desire from my God. It's why I serve Him. It's why my motives get screwed up sometimes and I can be so easily frustrated.

I find that I get caught up in what I have to do and I try to earn it from God, but He gives it freely. He's given it to me before and it's those experiences that I strive to gain rather than striving to gain the Lord.

The song is "Welcome Home" by Dolly Parton.

I wanted just the song, but the video was what I could find.

I remember once when I was first earnestly seeking to learn about the Lord, I prayed on a treadmill. I felt God hold me hand and comfort me.

That's why I am a Christian. God cares for me.

I want to know He's here everyday. I want to see Him and feel Him. Like the song, I long to hear Him say I knew that you'd return to me the place where you were meant to be. Rest now, for you've been gone too long .

Well done my faithful son...Welcome home.

Here are the lyrics:

With great anticipation he waited at the door
His only son was due from overseas
For months now he'd been waitin' since he'd gone off to war
And his eyes were filled with tears of great relief

Welcome home, son
His loving arms held open and his heart so full of love
Welcome home, son
I've been praying and been hoping and I never did give up
I knew that you'd return to me
The place where you were meant to be
Rest now, for you've been gone too long
I heard him say as they embraced
"I've waited so long for this day
My son, my very own...Welcome home."

But a dreary rain was falling while another soldier fell
And a mother wakes up cryin' in the night
She thought she'd heard him calling in that moment she could tell
Her only son had passed into the light

Welcome home, son
His loving arms held open and his heart so full of love
Welcome home, son
As Jesus stood there glowing, their hands reached out and touched
I knew that you'd return to me
The place that you were meant to be
Rest now, for you've been gone too long
As they embraced, I heard him say
"I've waited so long for this day
My son, my very own...Welcome home."

Now I think of all the families that have lost a darling one
And I think how Jesus died for all our sins
And I think how much God loved us to send his only son
To live and die, and then to live again

Welcome home, son
I hear God saying when they nailed Christ to the cross that day
Welcome home, son
And when he sent his angels to roll that stone away
I knew that you'd return to me
The place where you were meant to be
Rest now, for you've been gone too long
I hear God say as they embrace
"I've waited so long for this day
Well done my faithful son...Welcome home."

Welcome home
I hope to hear God sayin when it's my time to go
Welcome home
While the angel band is playin' and God comes to claim my soul
The angels will be singing and joybells will be ringing
Rejoicing I'll shout and sing along
When there are no more wars to fight
And we're all children of the light
When the father and the Son say
"Welcome home"

Welcome home, welcome home, welcome home

The Crabslide

Once there was a crabslide blog that never quite caught on...

Now that list has come here to rest.

In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

Envy

The Lie: God doesn't have good plans for my future.
This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

The Scripture: John 21:18-19, Psalm 73:25-26, Romans 10:12

John 21:18-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!”

Psalm 73:25-26

Whom have I in heaven but You?

 Romans 10:12

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

Despondency

The Lie: God is incapable to provide a good future.

The Scripture: Philippians 4:4, Romans 12:12, Hebrews 10:35-38

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Romans 12:12
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,

Hebrews 10:35-38
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 was promised.

For yet in a very little while,
He who is coming 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.

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Impatience

The Lie: God doesn't know the right time. He isn't quick enough. He isn't doing anything.

The Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Isaiah 55:7-9, Romans 8:28

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Listlessness

The Lie: Since God has no plan for me, there's nothing I can do which will fulfill me. God has nothing for me to do to fulfill me.

The Scripture: Psalm 16:11, John 4:34, Psalm 23:2-3

Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

John 4:34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.

Psalm 23:2-3
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Bitterness

The Lie: You deserve revenge. God doesn't care.

The Scripture: Matthew 18:35, Romans 12:19-21

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Anxiety

The Lie: What concerns you does not concern God.

The Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7

1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Regret

The Lie: Past mistakes rule out a promising future.

The Scripture: Jeremiah 38:20

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Covetousness

The Lie: Your life is found in the abundance of your possessions. God doesn't care enough to meet your needs.

The Scripture: Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Timothy 6:5-6, Ephesians 5:5

Note: In December 2005, I was first introduced to a study either based on or directly from Unity of the Bible written by Daniel Fuller. The study is also written by Fuller, though, even if it's not directly from the book.

Oversimplified, the study is about the various ways one defies God by disbelieving His promises and reminds how we can fight disbelief in God - which leads to death - by remembering God's clear promises to us.

This post is a reminder of a lie and a promise. 

Hebrews 13 - The Finale

Let love of the brethren continue.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

so that we confidently say,

"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.

For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.

And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.

Greet all of your leaders and all the saints Those from Italy greet you.

Grace be with you all.

I don't think it's coincidental that this chapter comes at the end of Hebrews and the end of my time in Kurdistan. These are the things I want to say to my teammates and my friends here as well.

OK, in honesty, I probably wouldn't mention the marriage bed thing. And I probably wouldn't mention Timothy or the saints in Italy.

But the rest. The rest is appropriate.

Hebrews 12

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin (True); and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons

"MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,
NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;
FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.

If you've read "Wild at Heart," then you're familiar with the idea that it' s difficult for many people to understand God as the Father because they're own fathers wounded them in some way that drastically affected them and their lives.

I think this is true for most people. I was lucky enough to have a great father, but he was human and he made mistakes that did, in fact, wound me. As a 30-year-old man, I'm still trying to come to terms with it and I'm still trying to find the true face of God as my father.

I can take all of the good attributes of my earthly father and project them onto God, but that's not enough; it's a shadow of the real God.

I feel that I was fairly disciplined by my father, but I sometimes feel unfairly disciplined by God. I don't like going through the hard things for my own growth.

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.

Pursue peace with all men (even the ones I don't like. ugh.), and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them.For they could not bear the command, "IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED."

And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling."

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church 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, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

I've only recently taken note of this and it's awesome. We didn't come to something scary and frightening. God is certainly powerful. He still is the mountain and the blazing fire, but we've come to city of the living GOD. We've come to Jesus and the new covenant!

See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.

And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN."

This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

On to Chapter 13!

Hebrews 11

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. I love this passage of scripture from the gospel of John. I know that I am talking about Hebrews here, but aren't the first five verses of John the entire gospel?

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

He is the rewarder of those who seek Him. That's quite a promise. Without faith it is impossible to please Him. No service can win favor.

By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.

Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.

All of these died in faith WITHOUT receiving the promises, but having set their eyes on greater promises that are not found on earth. If they had been thinking of the country from which they came, they could have returned to it. I feel that strongly for myself now. I see the promises of God laid out before me, but I can still feel the pull and call of my family and my home in Ohio. I want to go back there and I know that God will allow me to go back, but I know greater reward lies ahead; fulfillment of the promises of my God.

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 a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.

By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.

By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

No holds barred here. Some received there loved ones back from the dead but others were sawed in half!

I imagine that my life will fall somewhere in between these two extremes, but that's quite pointed. Some received gifts on earth, while others only pain and suffering. All received eternal life, but the earthly bit was different for them.

Hebrews 10:19-39

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

That's so great. We can draw near to God in full assurance of faith. Full. We've been washed in pure water, our sins are gone away.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

As an example, I don't want to meet tomorrow. At all. I would prefer to sleep in and let the fools deal with themselves. But that's not right thinking. Plus, then who'll deal with this fool?

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES.

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

How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted 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 terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

How much more to those who trample the Son of God... The old covenant wasn't just replaced, it was replaced by the SON of GOD. If I disobey the law of Moses, I disobey words, but, if I disobey the law of Christ, i disobey God's own Son.

But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated.

For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.

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 was promised.

FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE,
HE WHO IS COMING 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 to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

You have need of endurance. Truer words were never spoken.

Hebrews 10:1-18

The beginning of this chapter is similar to chapter 9, so I thought I would write about it now to. if nothing else, I want to be reminded of the nature of the sacrifice of Jesus and the intricate plan of God.

For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.

Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins?

But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year.

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says,

"SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME; IN WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE TAKEN NO PLEASURE.

"THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME (IN THE SCROLL OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME)TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.'"

After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND sacrifices FOR SIN YOU HAVE NOT DESIRED, NOR HAVE YOU TAKEN PLEASURE in them" (which are offered according to the Law) then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.

By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

"THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,"
He then says,
"AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.
There is no longer any offering for sin.

Because the perfect sacrifice has been made.

Any sacrifice made by man is futile. It must be made over and over again and even then it can't clear the slate.

When someone fails to understand that "their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more," he or she can fall into regret, thinking that their past mistakes rule out a promising future.*

But what is it called when someone fears making mistakes? Is it simply a fear of looking foolish based in pride? Or is it something else?

Certainly it's an attack from the enemy - the aforementioned footstool.

I feel this fear. I feel like I can see God's perfect plan laid before me, but I am afraid that my touch will mess it up.

But this plan requires boldness of me and intense humility; I will have to ask for and receive help. I can't do this on my own.

This may seem like babbling beyond the scope of Hebrews 10, but that's ok (I do run this blog, after all).

If there is forgiveness, what do I have to fear? If there is eternal life, why should I be afraid of this temporary one?

So, to the one in Egypt, this is what's in it for me. Just like you said.

Hebrews 9

I have taken a sort of hiatus from this. I haven't been reading God's word as much as I should an, honestly, i haven't read anything at all really in the last week.

I skimmed the book of Isaiah yesterday looking for something, but that's hardly intentional study. How does one get fed on that?

One doesn't.

So, I'm back and I'm expecting great things from Hebrews 9.

Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place.

Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle performing the divine worship, but into the second, only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.

The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.

For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying,

"THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD COMMANDED YOU."

And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own.

Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

I have to admit that I have found it difficult to comment on Hebrews. I can only think "Yes, uh huh. That's true. That's good. I like that."

I don't know how to synthesize what I am reading here. The New covenant is more perfect than the old. Christ offers a better sacrifice than the priests can offer.

He is THE perfect, one-time sacrifice for sin. All sin.