http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+6/
This passage shows that when Paul speaks of slavery, it is far different than that of the triangle trade and modern day slavery. Slavery at the times of Paul was something more pleasant, and the slaves had more freedom and were treated respectfully. Paul says that between slaves and masters who believe, there should be a mutual respect because they mean so much to each other. Slaves who believe should also serve masters who don't believe with respect so as not to slander the name of Jesus.
If anyone teaches other than what stands in faith, and they do not agree with the Good News, then they are only opening themselves up to the evils of contraversies and malicious talk. They have been robbed of truth because they seek financial gain. Godliness with contentment is great gain. We start life in this world with nothing and we leave the world with nothing. As long as we have food and clothing, which the Lord says He will provide for us, we should want for nothing. The desire to be rich leads to unright financial gain, and those people open themselves up to all kinds of evil. Many people hurt themselves in the pursuit of riches.
Paul commands Timothy as a man of God to stay away from such things, and that he should stay ahead as a good leader in faith. He should make a good confession when he makes his public confession, just as Jesus did before Pontius Pilate. Stay on the mark and in God's purpose until the second coming, which will only come in God's timing. God alone deserves all of the praise. Being rich is not a sin, but those who are rich should place their trust in God, who is stable, instead of money, which is unstable. They should be generous and willing to share so that they store up treasures in Heaven, which are far more valuable that those on Earth.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
1 Timothy 5
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+5/
We should respect our elders, treating them kindly and not harshly. We should treat young men as brothers and share with them brotherly love. We should treat older women as mothers and show them the same kindness. We should treat young women as sisters and live with them in purity. Paul gives a lot of instruction on what to do about widows. He says that we are to help widows who are in need, but it is up to them to get right with their faith if they really want to live right. She should continue to pray for God to provide for her. She should not engage in unholy pleasures. If she does, she should be reprimanded as an example for all. A woman should not be placed on the widow list unless she is over sixty because the younger women can and most likely will wish to remarry. This is fine as long as they do not break the church's trust. Elders who help with the church are worth a lot of honor. They should be treated the best, but if they sin openly as witnessed by two to three credible witnesses, they should be reprimanded first as an example to others. If such honorable people find trouble from their sins, no one is safe. Leaders should pray over others often. They should never take part in the sins of others but should keep themselves pure. Paul also points out that drinking in moderation is not a sin. He does point out in other parts, however, that drinking to get drunk is sinful.
We should respect our elders, treating them kindly and not harshly. We should treat young men as brothers and share with them brotherly love. We should treat older women as mothers and show them the same kindness. We should treat young women as sisters and live with them in purity. Paul gives a lot of instruction on what to do about widows. He says that we are to help widows who are in need, but it is up to them to get right with their faith if they really want to live right. She should continue to pray for God to provide for her. She should not engage in unholy pleasures. If she does, she should be reprimanded as an example for all. A woman should not be placed on the widow list unless she is over sixty because the younger women can and most likely will wish to remarry. This is fine as long as they do not break the church's trust. Elders who help with the church are worth a lot of honor. They should be treated the best, but if they sin openly as witnessed by two to three credible witnesses, they should be reprimanded first as an example to others. If such honorable people find trouble from their sins, no one is safe. Leaders should pray over others often. They should never take part in the sins of others but should keep themselves pure. Paul also points out that drinking in moderation is not a sin. He does point out in other parts, however, that drinking to get drunk is sinful.
1 Timothy 4
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+4/
Paul says that many people will leave the faith to pursue false teachings taught by demons through the mouths of hypocritical liars. These teachings don't allow people to marry and stop them from eating food that God has made and declared to be good. These people believe that actions and works are enough to get them into Heaven, but we Christians know that this is not true. There is no list of silly little rules to follow that will get you into Heaven. Jesus declares that He is the only way to Heaven, and the Bible echoes that again and again.
Paul says that a good Christian leader points out these things to the congregation. The leader should not fall pray to myths and old wives' tales.Instead, leaders should train themselves in godliness. Physical training has some value, but godly training has value no matter how you look at it. It holds great promise for this life and the one after. We should put hard work and dedication into spreading the Gospel because our hope is in the living God, who came to save all people, especially those who believe. Paul encourages Timothy, who is much younger than Paul by telling him not to let anyone look down on him for his age, but he should instead set an example for others in every way. Do not think that you are unqualified to lead or set an example for other Christians. As long as you believe, and the Holy Spirit dwells inside you, God can and will use you for great and many things. We learn that Timothy has the gifts of teaching and preaching, and Paul tells him not to forget those which the Spirit has given him. We all have gifts that only God can give, so we should never cease to use them for His great purpose. Finally, we should pay attention to what we do because we are examples of Christ in everyday life to those around us. People should be able to see the noticeable difference in the way we live our lives, so that we make Christ look good.
Paul says that many people will leave the faith to pursue false teachings taught by demons through the mouths of hypocritical liars. These teachings don't allow people to marry and stop them from eating food that God has made and declared to be good. These people believe that actions and works are enough to get them into Heaven, but we Christians know that this is not true. There is no list of silly little rules to follow that will get you into Heaven. Jesus declares that He is the only way to Heaven, and the Bible echoes that again and again.
Paul says that a good Christian leader points out these things to the congregation. The leader should not fall pray to myths and old wives' tales.Instead, leaders should train themselves in godliness. Physical training has some value, but godly training has value no matter how you look at it. It holds great promise for this life and the one after. We should put hard work and dedication into spreading the Gospel because our hope is in the living God, who came to save all people, especially those who believe. Paul encourages Timothy, who is much younger than Paul by telling him not to let anyone look down on him for his age, but he should instead set an example for others in every way. Do not think that you are unqualified to lead or set an example for other Christians. As long as you believe, and the Holy Spirit dwells inside you, God can and will use you for great and many things. We learn that Timothy has the gifts of teaching and preaching, and Paul tells him not to forget those which the Spirit has given him. We all have gifts that only God can give, so we should never cease to use them for His great purpose. Finally, we should pay attention to what we do because we are examples of Christ in everyday life to those around us. People should be able to see the noticeable difference in the way we live our lives, so that we make Christ look good.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
1 Timothy 3
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+3/
Paul writes about church leaders. He says the bishops or other top leaders must have good reputations, be sober, have one wife, use good judgement, be hospitable, be respectable, and be able to teach. He must not drink excessively or be violent. He should be gentle. He should not be quarrelsome or love money. He should be able to manage his family well and his children should respectfully obey him because if he can't control his own family, how can he control the church. He must not be a new Christian or the devil could corrupt him with arrogance. People who are not Christians should speak well of him or he will bring down the reputation of the church. Deacons must also be of good character. They cannot be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. They must have clear consciences of the mysteries of faith. He must be evaluated, and if he has a good reputation, he may be a deacon. Their wives must also be of good character, and they should not gossip or be quick to anger. A deacon is to have only one wife. He must manage his children. Paul says he hopes to visit but is sending the letter in case he can't. He wants Timothy to know how the members of God's church should live. God's family is the church. God is acknowledged to be great. He appeared in human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to Heaven in glory.
Paul writes about church leaders. He says the bishops or other top leaders must have good reputations, be sober, have one wife, use good judgement, be hospitable, be respectable, and be able to teach. He must not drink excessively or be violent. He should be gentle. He should not be quarrelsome or love money. He should be able to manage his family well and his children should respectfully obey him because if he can't control his own family, how can he control the church. He must not be a new Christian or the devil could corrupt him with arrogance. People who are not Christians should speak well of him or he will bring down the reputation of the church. Deacons must also be of good character. They cannot be two-faced or addicted to alcohol. They must not use shameful ways to make money. They must have clear consciences of the mysteries of faith. He must be evaluated, and if he has a good reputation, he may be a deacon. Their wives must also be of good character, and they should not gossip or be quick to anger. A deacon is to have only one wife. He must manage his children. Paul says he hopes to visit but is sending the letter in case he can't. He wants Timothy to know how the members of God's church should live. God's family is the church. God is acknowledged to be great. He appeared in human nature, was approved by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was announced throughout the nations, was believed in the world, and was taken to Heaven in glory.
1 Timothy 2
http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+2/
Paul encourages Timothy to make prayers, petitions, and intercessions, and prayers of faith for all people. Pray that the people can live peaceful and quiet lives in a godly and reverent way. Prayers are good and pleasing to God. He wants all people to be saved and learn the truth. There is one God and one mediator between God and the humans, a human named Jesus. He sacrificed Himself to free us from our sins. This message is true always. Paul was appointed to share the truth with people who are not Jewish. He tells the truth. People everywhere should offer up prayers on every occasion. Women should dress appropriately because they show their true beauty by what they do, not what they wear.
Paul encourages Timothy to make prayers, petitions, and intercessions, and prayers of faith for all people. Pray that the people can live peaceful and quiet lives in a godly and reverent way. Prayers are good and pleasing to God. He wants all people to be saved and learn the truth. There is one God and one mediator between God and the humans, a human named Jesus. He sacrificed Himself to free us from our sins. This message is true always. Paul was appointed to share the truth with people who are not Jewish. He tells the truth. People everywhere should offer up prayers on every occasion. Women should dress appropriately because they show their true beauty by what they do, not what they wear.
1 Timothy 1
Next up is the Epistle to Timothy. Timothy was saved during Paul's first missionary journey. He later became a companion and assistant to Paul. He pastored the Church at Ephesus, where the Epistle to the Ephesians went. Themes for both 1 and 2 Timothy are qualities of Christian leadership, how to serve God and serve others, and how to live a Godly life. In the letters, Paul writes to help keep Timothy physically and spiritually fit to lead a formerly misguided church that still has many problems. Now, without further ado, http://www.esvbible.org/1+Timothy+1/.
Paul starts with a pretty standard greeting that it is He who wrote the letter to Timothy by command of Jesus. Good will, mercy, and peace from God the Father are yours.
Paul writes that He instructed Timothy to stay in Ephesus because he felt God telling him that the city needed a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith from love to flow from. It takes a person like this to lead a group away from false doctrines The people in the Church at Ephesus got caught up in myths and genealogies that only bring up questions and don't promote God's plan, which centers on faith. These are the first qualities of a church leader that Paul mentions. Paul says that the former leaders of the church have gotten bogged down in Moses's Laws. He says that the more mature Christians know that the laws are good, but they are not for those who have God's approval. Those people don't need laws because they are one with the will of Jesus Christ. They follow His heart and yearn for what He yearns for without instruction because they are so one with Him. Laws are instead for the sinners trying to fix their broken lives. They are for the lawbreakers and the lawless. Moses's teachings were intended to be used with the Good News.
Paul is so thankful that Jesus entrusted the Good News to him and even strengthened him to do the work. In the past, Paul cursed Jesus, persecuted Him, and acted arrogantly against Him. Jesus treated Him with mercy because Paul did all of that in his unbelief. Once forgiveness comes, it washes us clean. Through kindness and grace, the Lord showed Paul love. Paul says that Jesus came into the world to accept sinners. Paul had been the foremost sinner, but Jesus used him to show an example of His patience. This shows other who desire this patience and the chance to live forever. Worship and glory belong to the eternal King, the immortal and invisible God forever.
Paul instructs Timothy to listen to the prophesies and use them with a clear conscience because they are from God. They will help him win this noble war. Some refuse to let faith guide them, and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship. Among those are two people who are either friends or followers of Paul: Alexander and Hymenaeus, who Paul says he had to hand over to Satan to teach them not to dishonor God.
Paul starts with a pretty standard greeting that it is He who wrote the letter to Timothy by command of Jesus. Good will, mercy, and peace from God the Father are yours.
Paul writes that He instructed Timothy to stay in Ephesus because he felt God telling him that the city needed a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith from love to flow from. It takes a person like this to lead a group away from false doctrines The people in the Church at Ephesus got caught up in myths and genealogies that only bring up questions and don't promote God's plan, which centers on faith. These are the first qualities of a church leader that Paul mentions. Paul says that the former leaders of the church have gotten bogged down in Moses's Laws. He says that the more mature Christians know that the laws are good, but they are not for those who have God's approval. Those people don't need laws because they are one with the will of Jesus Christ. They follow His heart and yearn for what He yearns for without instruction because they are so one with Him. Laws are instead for the sinners trying to fix their broken lives. They are for the lawbreakers and the lawless. Moses's teachings were intended to be used with the Good News.
Paul is so thankful that Jesus entrusted the Good News to him and even strengthened him to do the work. In the past, Paul cursed Jesus, persecuted Him, and acted arrogantly against Him. Jesus treated Him with mercy because Paul did all of that in his unbelief. Once forgiveness comes, it washes us clean. Through kindness and grace, the Lord showed Paul love. Paul says that Jesus came into the world to accept sinners. Paul had been the foremost sinner, but Jesus used him to show an example of His patience. This shows other who desire this patience and the chance to live forever. Worship and glory belong to the eternal King, the immortal and invisible God forever.
Paul instructs Timothy to listen to the prophesies and use them with a clear conscience because they are from God. They will help him win this noble war. Some refuse to let faith guide them, and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship. Among those are two people who are either friends or followers of Paul: Alexander and Hymenaeus, who Paul says he had to hand over to Satan to teach them not to dishonor God.
Hebrews 13
http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+13/
Love is so important in Christianity. Always remember to love other believers, and even nonbelievers. Show hospitality to all believers, even the ones that you do not know because some people have shown hospitality to angels in this way. Remember those in prison as if you are with them. Remember those being mistreated as if you are the one being mistreated. Marriage is honorable in every way because it comes from God, so husbands and wives should love and respect each other. They should be faithful, and we stay away from sexual sin, especially adultery. Don't love money but be happy with what you have because God has provided for you. He will never abandon us. We can confidently say that the Lord is my helper, so I am not afraid because what can people do to me? Remember those who teach you about God's word. Look at how their lives were and imitate their faith. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His word never changes. He never goes back on His promise. We can rest assured in what we know of Him. The chief priest makes the sacrifice in the Holy of Holies but the animals' bodies are burned outside the camp. It is for that reason that Jesus suffered outside of Jerusalem. We don't have a permanent city here on Earth but must wait for the one we will have in the future. We must worship Jesus even outside of the church. We must always sacrifice to Him with our words, sending up praises. Obey your leaders. They care for you because they are responsible for you. Follow them so that they may do their work and not complain about you because that would be to your disadvantage. The author asks for prayers for him, so that he may live honorably and with a clear conscience in every way. I think we should all pray for that. May God prepare us for all the great things He has planned. The same God who brought Jesus back to life. May He work in us through Jesus Christ to do what pleases Him. Glory to Jesus always.
Finally, the farewell. He says he has written a short letter. Timothy is free, and if Timothy goes to visit, so will the author. He says all those in Italy are praying for them. For this reason, many believe that this letter was written by a disciple of Paul but not Paul himself. Paul was imprisoned in Italy, but whoever the author is knows Timothy.
Love is so important in Christianity. Always remember to love other believers, and even nonbelievers. Show hospitality to all believers, even the ones that you do not know because some people have shown hospitality to angels in this way. Remember those in prison as if you are with them. Remember those being mistreated as if you are the one being mistreated. Marriage is honorable in every way because it comes from God, so husbands and wives should love and respect each other. They should be faithful, and we stay away from sexual sin, especially adultery. Don't love money but be happy with what you have because God has provided for you. He will never abandon us. We can confidently say that the Lord is my helper, so I am not afraid because what can people do to me? Remember those who teach you about God's word. Look at how their lives were and imitate their faith. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His word never changes. He never goes back on His promise. We can rest assured in what we know of Him. The chief priest makes the sacrifice in the Holy of Holies but the animals' bodies are burned outside the camp. It is for that reason that Jesus suffered outside of Jerusalem. We don't have a permanent city here on Earth but must wait for the one we will have in the future. We must worship Jesus even outside of the church. We must always sacrifice to Him with our words, sending up praises. Obey your leaders. They care for you because they are responsible for you. Follow them so that they may do their work and not complain about you because that would be to your disadvantage. The author asks for prayers for him, so that he may live honorably and with a clear conscience in every way. I think we should all pray for that. May God prepare us for all the great things He has planned. The same God who brought Jesus back to life. May He work in us through Jesus Christ to do what pleases Him. Glory to Jesus always.
Finally, the farewell. He says he has written a short letter. Timothy is free, and if Timothy goes to visit, so will the author. He says all those in Italy are praying for them. For this reason, many believe that this letter was written by a disciple of Paul but not Paul himself. Paul was imprisoned in Italy, but whoever the author is knows Timothy.
Hebrews 12
http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+12/
We are surrounded with so many examples of faith, so we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin. There are many things that can hinder us from our walks with God. Sin is only one of those. Anything that distracts us from God and does not further our relationship with Him is a hinderance and an obstacle. We must stay focused on Jesus, who is the source and goal of our faith. He always saw the joy ahead of Him, and He endured the death on the cross and ignored the humiliation it brought Him. After that, He received the highest position in Heaven, the one right next to God. Think of Jesus who endured the opposition of sinners, so that you do not give up. You struggle with sin, but that won't kill you. God encouragingly tells us that we, as His children, must pay attention when He disciplines us and not to give up when He corrects us. He disciplines everyone He loves and severely disciplines everyone He loves as a child. If we struggle with sin, it means the God is correcting us and disciplining us for it. If He disciplines and corrects us, He loves us as His children and gives us His approval. If we are His children and have His approval, we have true faith and our reward and inheritance will be eternal life. It's those who don't struggle with sin who must watch out because it is not that they do not sin, everyone sins. If someone does not struggle with sin, it is because Jesus does not discipline them for doing wrong because they are not His children. Look at it this way. We all have parents or some sort of parental figures. When we do something wrong, they discipline us for it. When they do so, it's not because they hate us and they just wait for us to do something wrong, it's because they love us, and they want whats best for us. As we get older, we see this, and we respect them for it. If we're not disciplined, we are not truly part of the family because parents don't discipline other people's children. They don't care if they do what is wrong because it is not their responsibility. When God calls us His children, He takes that responsibility for us. He disciplines us so that we can become more like Him, and who doesn't want that? At first, it causes more pain than joy, but later, we have a greater peace about doing the right thing. If God corrects you after you sin, you shouldn't be discouraged because that means He cares enough about you that He wants you to have a greater peace that comes with doing what's right. If you keep walking the right way after the wrong way injures you, you will heal and see how much better it is to stay that way. Live peacefully with everyone. Make sure that everyone knows the grace they can receive from God. Don't let the worldly things distract you like they did Esau, who sold his rights as firstborn for a meal. Then, when he lost the firstborn blessing, there was nothing he could do to undo what he had done. When you come to God, you do not come to something you can see or feel on your skin, or hear or smell. You come to the great heavenly city, to the angels gathered together cheering you on towards the goal. You come to all of the other children of God in encouragement. You come to Jesus with the new promise for life and the cleansing blood that carries a greater sacrifice than Abel's. Be careful to listen to God when He speaks. The Israelites refused to listen to Him when He spoke to them form Earth, and they suffered dearly. Think how much more we will suffer if we do not listen to Him speak to us from Heaven. His voice shook the Earth, and He said that once more He will shake not only the Earth but the sky as well. He can shake and change what He has made. All that He has not made can remain permanent. Because we are thankful, we must serve a God we fear with awe. Our God is a consuming fire.
We are surrounded with so many examples of faith, so we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin. There are many things that can hinder us from our walks with God. Sin is only one of those. Anything that distracts us from God and does not further our relationship with Him is a hinderance and an obstacle. We must stay focused on Jesus, who is the source and goal of our faith. He always saw the joy ahead of Him, and He endured the death on the cross and ignored the humiliation it brought Him. After that, He received the highest position in Heaven, the one right next to God. Think of Jesus who endured the opposition of sinners, so that you do not give up. You struggle with sin, but that won't kill you. God encouragingly tells us that we, as His children, must pay attention when He disciplines us and not to give up when He corrects us. He disciplines everyone He loves and severely disciplines everyone He loves as a child. If we struggle with sin, it means the God is correcting us and disciplining us for it. If He disciplines and corrects us, He loves us as His children and gives us His approval. If we are His children and have His approval, we have true faith and our reward and inheritance will be eternal life. It's those who don't struggle with sin who must watch out because it is not that they do not sin, everyone sins. If someone does not struggle with sin, it is because Jesus does not discipline them for doing wrong because they are not His children. Look at it this way. We all have parents or some sort of parental figures. When we do something wrong, they discipline us for it. When they do so, it's not because they hate us and they just wait for us to do something wrong, it's because they love us, and they want whats best for us. As we get older, we see this, and we respect them for it. If we're not disciplined, we are not truly part of the family because parents don't discipline other people's children. They don't care if they do what is wrong because it is not their responsibility. When God calls us His children, He takes that responsibility for us. He disciplines us so that we can become more like Him, and who doesn't want that? At first, it causes more pain than joy, but later, we have a greater peace about doing the right thing. If God corrects you after you sin, you shouldn't be discouraged because that means He cares enough about you that He wants you to have a greater peace that comes with doing what's right. If you keep walking the right way after the wrong way injures you, you will heal and see how much better it is to stay that way. Live peacefully with everyone. Make sure that everyone knows the grace they can receive from God. Don't let the worldly things distract you like they did Esau, who sold his rights as firstborn for a meal. Then, when he lost the firstborn blessing, there was nothing he could do to undo what he had done. When you come to God, you do not come to something you can see or feel on your skin, or hear or smell. You come to the great heavenly city, to the angels gathered together cheering you on towards the goal. You come to all of the other children of God in encouragement. You come to Jesus with the new promise for life and the cleansing blood that carries a greater sacrifice than Abel's. Be careful to listen to God when He speaks. The Israelites refused to listen to Him when He spoke to them form Earth, and they suffered dearly. Think how much more we will suffer if we do not listen to Him speak to us from Heaven. His voice shook the Earth, and He said that once more He will shake not only the Earth but the sky as well. He can shake and change what He has made. All that He has not made can remain permanent. Because we are thankful, we must serve a God we fear with awe. Our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 11
http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+11/
I love Hebrews 11:1: "Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see." God accepts people because of their faith. Faith convinces us that God created the world through His word. This means that everything that can be seen came from what cannot be seen. (Scientists have recently discovered that the universe most likely came from anti matter, meaning that what can be seen came from what cannot be seen. Science is catching up to faith.) Faith led Abel to offer God a better sacrifice than Cain. Faith allowed Abel to receive God's approval. Faith enabled Enoch to be taken instead of dying. God took Enoch because He was pleased with him. No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Faith led Noah to listen to God when He warned him about the future things he could not see. Through faith, Noah condemned the world and and received God's approval. Faith enabled Abraham to leave his own country and go to the place that God told him would be his inheritance. Faith allowed Abraham to live as a foreigner in tents, like his son and grandson would also, waiting for the great city of permanent structure that God promised him. Faith allowed Abraham to become a father despite his old age and the fact that his wife, Sarah could not have children. He was as good as dead, but his descendants are more numerous than the stars in the sky or the sand on the beach. All these people died with faith. They lived as strangers, with no permanent home. They did not receive great things immediately but rejoiced for the things that they knew were coming because of faith. If they had wanted to, they could have gone home and lived insignificant lives, but they never thought of home because they were searching for their own country, a heavenly country. God is not ashamed to be called their God. When God tested Abraham, faith led Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. God had already promised Abraham that he would have a great many descendants, so Abraham had faith in God that this would happen in some way. Faith led Isaac to bless Jacob. While Jacob was dying, faith led him to bless Joseph's sons. Faith also led him to speak about the Israelites leaving Egypt and left them instructions. Faith led Moses's parents to hide him as a baby for three months because they knew that God had something special planned for him. Faith led Moses to live among God's people instead of as a son of Pharaoh's daughter. He suffered with the Israelites instead of enjoying the luxury of sin for a short time. Faith led Moses to leave Egypt without being afraid of the king. Faith led Moses to establish Passover and spread the blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not claim the Israelites' first born sons. Faith caused the people to walk on the Red Sea as if it was land while the lack of faith caused the Egyptians to drown. Faith caused the walls of Jericho to tumble down after the Israelites walked around them for seven days. Faith caused the prostitute Rahab to welcome the spies as friends, and she was not killed with the faithless people in her city. The author of Hebrews said that he could keep going and tell so many more great stories of faith that he does not have time to tell. Stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.Through faith they conquered kings, did what God approved of, and received what God had promised. They did the impossible. They had strength though they were weak. They had power ion battle. They received loved ones back from the dead. They were tortured but refused to give up what they believed because they knew that they would receive eternal life. They were killed, had to disguise themselves, were poor, abused, and mistreated, but they did it all because they let their faith lead them. All these people were known for their faith. All of the great heroes and people we can name from the Bible, even the Old Testament were great because of faith. If they had not had faith, they would have been done as soon as they died as all of the others who we don't know did. If we have faith, maybe we can leave a lasting impressions like these great people did. Live by faith and just see what God does through you.
I love Hebrews 11:1: "Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see." God accepts people because of their faith. Faith convinces us that God created the world through His word. This means that everything that can be seen came from what cannot be seen. (Scientists have recently discovered that the universe most likely came from anti matter, meaning that what can be seen came from what cannot be seen. Science is catching up to faith.) Faith led Abel to offer God a better sacrifice than Cain. Faith allowed Abel to receive God's approval. Faith enabled Enoch to be taken instead of dying. God took Enoch because He was pleased with him. No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Faith led Noah to listen to God when He warned him about the future things he could not see. Through faith, Noah condemned the world and and received God's approval. Faith enabled Abraham to leave his own country and go to the place that God told him would be his inheritance. Faith allowed Abraham to live as a foreigner in tents, like his son and grandson would also, waiting for the great city of permanent structure that God promised him. Faith allowed Abraham to become a father despite his old age and the fact that his wife, Sarah could not have children. He was as good as dead, but his descendants are more numerous than the stars in the sky or the sand on the beach. All these people died with faith. They lived as strangers, with no permanent home. They did not receive great things immediately but rejoiced for the things that they knew were coming because of faith. If they had wanted to, they could have gone home and lived insignificant lives, but they never thought of home because they were searching for their own country, a heavenly country. God is not ashamed to be called their God. When God tested Abraham, faith led Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. God had already promised Abraham that he would have a great many descendants, so Abraham had faith in God that this would happen in some way. Faith led Isaac to bless Jacob. While Jacob was dying, faith led him to bless Joseph's sons. Faith also led him to speak about the Israelites leaving Egypt and left them instructions. Faith led Moses's parents to hide him as a baby for three months because they knew that God had something special planned for him. Faith led Moses to live among God's people instead of as a son of Pharaoh's daughter. He suffered with the Israelites instead of enjoying the luxury of sin for a short time. Faith led Moses to leave Egypt without being afraid of the king. Faith led Moses to establish Passover and spread the blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not claim the Israelites' first born sons. Faith caused the people to walk on the Red Sea as if it was land while the lack of faith caused the Egyptians to drown. Faith caused the walls of Jericho to tumble down after the Israelites walked around them for seven days. Faith caused the prostitute Rahab to welcome the spies as friends, and she was not killed with the faithless people in her city. The author of Hebrews said that he could keep going and tell so many more great stories of faith that he does not have time to tell. Stories of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.Through faith they conquered kings, did what God approved of, and received what God had promised. They did the impossible. They had strength though they were weak. They had power ion battle. They received loved ones back from the dead. They were tortured but refused to give up what they believed because they knew that they would receive eternal life. They were killed, had to disguise themselves, were poor, abused, and mistreated, but they did it all because they let their faith lead them. All these people were known for their faith. All of the great heroes and people we can name from the Bible, even the Old Testament were great because of faith. If they had not had faith, they would have been done as soon as they died as all of the others who we don't know did. If we have faith, maybe we can leave a lasting impressions like these great people did. Live by faith and just see what God does through you.
Hebrews 10
http://www.esvbible.org/Hebrews+10/
What Moses taught about the holy sacrifices is only a glimpse at what now exists. Once a sacrifice was made, the person was forgiven of all of his or her past sins, but as soon as he or she sinned once more, it meant death once again. It is impossible to stick to all of the Mosaic Laws and never stumble. That is why the sacrifice system exists, and why we need to be cleansed. Those sacrifices lasted but a short moment, but the sacrifice Jesus made of Himself lasts for all of eternity; therefore, the Mosaic sacrifices only show the greatness of what we have in part. The Jewish sacrifices cannot make us whole and perfect again. If they could, all of the people before Christ could have sacrificed one and done. They would be free from sin and have clear consciences after only one sacrifice, but the Mosaic sacrifices happened on a yearly cycle. This cycle not only cleansed them once a year of the previous sins, but it reminded them of their sinful nature. Next, the author quotes a Psalm. Because these former sacrifices could not truly cleanse us of our sins, Jesus said that the people did not approve of the sacrificial system, and He said that He has come to do the work of God. The work of God is to bring God's people back to God, so that they may live eternally with Him. We are all God's people. Jesus came to end the sacrificial cycle. In the old ways, the chief priest and all of the priests would have to do their jobs over and over again in the never ending cycle, from one chief priest to another, but when Jesus came, He sacrificed His own body as a once and for all deal. He established obedience that God wants. We can be holy because of what Jesus did for God. All those other chief priests worked on the cycle but could not truly forgive us our sins, but Jesus, the chief priest of all priests, made a single sacrifice that lasts for all people forever. Now, He sits in the highest place in Heaven, waiting to make His enemies His footstool. God made another promise that He will hold His teachings in our hearts and write them on our minds. Additionally, He will never hold our disobediences against us again. When our sins are forgiven, there is no longer a need for sacrifice. When Jesus died, He took on the sins of everyone who would ever believe in Him onto Himself, so that they would be covered with His blood and forgiven. That is why God had to forsake Him on the cross. God cannot be in the presence of sin. Our disobediences are no longer held against us because they are forgiven from 2000 years ago on the cross. Because of Jesus, we can enter the Holy of Holies. He acts as a new curtain for us to pass through because He is the only way through, and He makes the final judgements. We must stay with Him and keep coming back to Him. We must hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful, but now it is up to us, the ones who received the promise to remain faithful.
We must always love each other and work on ways to encourage one another in the Spirit to show love and do good things. We should not stop gathering with other believers, as some do, but we must always fellowship and encourage one another as we see the day of the Lord approach. Those who continue to sin after seeing the truth cannot bring on any sacrifice to undo their sins. Those who see who Jesus truly is and what He did for us, and do not turn towards Him are just waiting for a terrifying judgement and eternal fire that will consume all of God's enemies. If two or three witnesses accused someone of not following Moses's Teachings under those times, that person was executed. How much worse will a punishment be for someone who does not follow God's Son. Those people look at Jesus' sacrifice and just see the same death as any other person. He insults the Holy Spirit and God's grace. He deserves a worse punishment. God said that He alone has the right to take revenge. He will pay back. He also says that He will judge His people. We have no right to judge others. That is God's job alone. We must encourage and love them and try to lead them to the right path. We should not reject them or execute them. The punishment that they have coming is much worse than any of that. God will implement the punishment, and He can do so much more than we can because it is His right to lay out punishment. When we learn the truth, we experience lot of hardship and pain. We are mocked and laughed at. We may know others treated this way too. We are judged and imprisoned. Yet we smile when we lose all of our possessions because we know that we have things that are so much greater waiting for us in Heaven. Don't lose confidence. Keep going strong. Your reward will come if you just have endurance to do what God wants you to do. He made us that promise. The person who has God's approval will live by faith, but the one who turns back, God will not be pleased with Him. We don't belong with those who turned back and were destroyed, but we belong with those who live by faith. That means that those who turned back persecute us now, but in time, we will come to a place where only people who lived by faith surround us.
What Moses taught about the holy sacrifices is only a glimpse at what now exists. Once a sacrifice was made, the person was forgiven of all of his or her past sins, but as soon as he or she sinned once more, it meant death once again. It is impossible to stick to all of the Mosaic Laws and never stumble. That is why the sacrifice system exists, and why we need to be cleansed. Those sacrifices lasted but a short moment, but the sacrifice Jesus made of Himself lasts for all of eternity; therefore, the Mosaic sacrifices only show the greatness of what we have in part. The Jewish sacrifices cannot make us whole and perfect again. If they could, all of the people before Christ could have sacrificed one and done. They would be free from sin and have clear consciences after only one sacrifice, but the Mosaic sacrifices happened on a yearly cycle. This cycle not only cleansed them once a year of the previous sins, but it reminded them of their sinful nature. Next, the author quotes a Psalm. Because these former sacrifices could not truly cleanse us of our sins, Jesus said that the people did not approve of the sacrificial system, and He said that He has come to do the work of God. The work of God is to bring God's people back to God, so that they may live eternally with Him. We are all God's people. Jesus came to end the sacrificial cycle. In the old ways, the chief priest and all of the priests would have to do their jobs over and over again in the never ending cycle, from one chief priest to another, but when Jesus came, He sacrificed His own body as a once and for all deal. He established obedience that God wants. We can be holy because of what Jesus did for God. All those other chief priests worked on the cycle but could not truly forgive us our sins, but Jesus, the chief priest of all priests, made a single sacrifice that lasts for all people forever. Now, He sits in the highest place in Heaven, waiting to make His enemies His footstool. God made another promise that He will hold His teachings in our hearts and write them on our minds. Additionally, He will never hold our disobediences against us again. When our sins are forgiven, there is no longer a need for sacrifice. When Jesus died, He took on the sins of everyone who would ever believe in Him onto Himself, so that they would be covered with His blood and forgiven. That is why God had to forsake Him on the cross. God cannot be in the presence of sin. Our disobediences are no longer held against us because they are forgiven from 2000 years ago on the cross. Because of Jesus, we can enter the Holy of Holies. He acts as a new curtain for us to pass through because He is the only way through, and He makes the final judgements. We must stay with Him and keep coming back to Him. We must hold firmly to our declaration of faith. The one who made the promise is faithful, but now it is up to us, the ones who received the promise to remain faithful.
We must always love each other and work on ways to encourage one another in the Spirit to show love and do good things. We should not stop gathering with other believers, as some do, but we must always fellowship and encourage one another as we see the day of the Lord approach. Those who continue to sin after seeing the truth cannot bring on any sacrifice to undo their sins. Those who see who Jesus truly is and what He did for us, and do not turn towards Him are just waiting for a terrifying judgement and eternal fire that will consume all of God's enemies. If two or three witnesses accused someone of not following Moses's Teachings under those times, that person was executed. How much worse will a punishment be for someone who does not follow God's Son. Those people look at Jesus' sacrifice and just see the same death as any other person. He insults the Holy Spirit and God's grace. He deserves a worse punishment. God said that He alone has the right to take revenge. He will pay back. He also says that He will judge His people. We have no right to judge others. That is God's job alone. We must encourage and love them and try to lead them to the right path. We should not reject them or execute them. The punishment that they have coming is much worse than any of that. God will implement the punishment, and He can do so much more than we can because it is His right to lay out punishment. When we learn the truth, we experience lot of hardship and pain. We are mocked and laughed at. We may know others treated this way too. We are judged and imprisoned. Yet we smile when we lose all of our possessions because we know that we have things that are so much greater waiting for us in Heaven. Don't lose confidence. Keep going strong. Your reward will come if you just have endurance to do what God wants you to do. He made us that promise. The person who has God's approval will live by faith, but the one who turns back, God will not be pleased with Him. We don't belong with those who turned back and were destroyed, but we belong with those who live by faith. That means that those who turned back persecute us now, but in time, we will come to a place where only people who lived by faith surround us.
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