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Archives For Bible – Hebrews

Boot Camp #2: Triune Love & Covenant Life

April 20, 2013 — Leave a comment

Introduction
The Gospel that we looked at last week implies a certain view of God and therefore of man made in His image. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and was raised again for our salvation is only the tip of the iceberg.

The most famous Bible verse: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16)

Notice two things: God has an “only begotten son.” This implies that there is already community/family in God Himself. Second, notice that God loves. In 1 John, it says that God is love. Furthermore, here, John says that God’s love extends to the world. Last week we established the fact that ever since the first sin of Adam, man has been ungodly, sinners, and enemies of God. This has brought death and destruction and confusion and pain into the world. Again, John says that because of God’s great love for the world, He gave His only Son (cf. Rom. 5:8). And we know that this love is an overflow of the love God the Father has for His Son (Jn. 3:35, 5:20, 10:17, 17:24).

Finally, we have the final marching orders of Jesus after His resurrection: “Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” (Mt. 28:19-20)

Putting all of this together, we should make several points: First, here we have what Christians call the doctrine of the Trinity. This is a word that the Church coined early on to describe the One, True God as a “Tri-Unity” – God is three persons that exist eternally as only one God. We do not worship three gods. Nor are we Unitarian. Much could be said on this, but we’ll keep our comments short: 1. There is only one God because this is how God revealed Himself to Israel (Dt. 6:4). 2. This one God exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. The Father is God. The Son is God. The Spirit is God. Three persons in One God. 3. The Trinity is how love and community are inherent in the nature of God. God is Himself a community of persons that share eternal love with one another. 4. Man was created to share in this Triune community of love. But we rebelled and rejected God’s love and built our own cities and kingdoms in anger and bitterness and bloodshed. But God in His mercy came and sought us by His own Son who suffered in our place, rose up victorious over the curse of death, ascended to heaven and poured out His Spirit upon all who believe. Continue Reading…

In Bible - 1 Corinthians, Bible - Hebrews, bible - John, Bible - Romans, Manalive, Theology - Ecclesiology, Theology - Sacraments, TRC

Jesus is Enough Forgiveness: Col. 2:8-15

February 18, 2013 — Leave a comment

Introduction

Today we continue Paul’s letter to the Colossians, particularly looking at Paul’s warning to be on guard against empty philosophies and traditions. Instead, Paul urges us to rest secure in the fortress of forgiveness because Jesus is enough forgiveness.

Summary of the Text: Paul has already alluded to the possibility of “enticing words” (2:4), but now he’s zeroing in on his point. The Colossians have received Christ and all of his treasure (2:3, 6), but Paul warns them about being robbed of those riches through philosophy, empty lies, traditions of men, and the basic elements of the world (2:8). Instead of those things, they ought to be taken captive completely by Christ (2:8, cf. 2 Cor. 10:5, Rom. 6:16ff). While Paul is less direct in Colossians (than say Galatians), he knows that the Judaizing heresy is in the air (e.g. Col. 2:11, 16). But this concern could include all sorts of political, social, religious pressures exerted from any direction: the “traditions of men” and the “rudiments of the world” (2:8). And Paul gives basically three reasons why they are safe in Jesus. First, Paul reiterates that Jesus is God and rules over all the powers (2:9-10). They are not missing any information, lacking any crucial practice, or vulnerable to their attacks. Second, Paul insists that the fundamental practice Jesus commanded to identify with Him was baptism (cf. Mt. 28:18-20), and if they have been baptized, they have been joined to the fulfillment of the Jewish sign of circumcision (2:11-12). Finally, Paul explains that the fundamental reason they can be confident that Jesus is enough is because they have been forgiven all their sins (2:13-15). And this forgiveness has accomplished three things: it raised them from the dead, destroyed the condemnation of the law, and disarmed the principalities and powers (2:13-15). Continue Reading…

In Bible - Colossians, Bible - Hebrews, Jesus is Enough, Sermon Outlines, TRC, Wisdom

Fifth Sunday in Trinity: Exodus 21-23: Lessons: Ex. 21:1-14, Heb. 10:1-25, Lk. 6:27-45

June 30, 2012 — Leave a comment

Introduction
Last week we framed this covenant renewal scene as God’s aim to clothe His son, Israel, in His glory. The wind and words of Sinai were ultimately accomplished at Pentecost, through the Spirit of Jesus, undoing all guilt and shame. The initial commands regarding worship are an invitation into this glory. We continue into the “judgments” today.

An Overview
We already considered the introductory directions concerning worship (20:18-26). But the judgments themselves begin with instructions for the care of male and female servants (21:1-11). This may seem random, but it fits with the historical context, as Israel has just been redeemed from slavery. But the law of love of God and neighbor is also illustrated here: you can’t say you love God if you don’t love your neighbor, and this particularly includes the most vulnerable neighbors around you (servants, women, elderly). The judgments begin here and then proceed from the most severe abuse of neighbor (murder) (21:12) to the less severe crimes (accidental damage of goods) (22:15). We should note that these commands are connected to the introductory instructions of worship since all of life is before the “altar” of God (21:14). While penalties are provided for the most severe crimes (22:14, 16, 17, etc.), the principle is stated at the end of the section covering direct physical harm: eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth (21:24-25). Some acts of scorn amount to murder, such as cursing or striking one of your parents (21:15, 17), and this is consistent with Jesus’ teaching that hatred and cursing is a form of murder (Mt. 5:21-22). Likewise, kidnapping amounts to taking life (21:16). The Bible considers animals and property to be extensions of their owners, and this is the basis for restitution. Owners are liable for the actions of their animals (21:28-32, 35-36) or anything else under their control that may cause physical harm (21:33-34). Likewise, stealing and property damage are considered lesser but still real attacks on a neighbor, and justice requires restoration and healing (22:1-17).

The Gods
The instructions for building the altar include the prohibition against making gods of sliver and gold, and this is at least in part because God has spoken directly to them from heaven (20:22-23). The word “elohim” is a common designation for God/gods through the Old Testament, but it is used several times in the Book of the Covenant to describe the judges (Ex. 21:6, 22:8, 9, 22:28(?)). This should not seem that strange since people are made in the image and likeness of God. This goes back to the garden where the serpent said that Eve would become “like God” if she ate from the fruit (Gen. 3:5) and apparently this was true (Gen. 3:22). The early chapters following the Fall trace the story of the “sons of God” (Gen. 5:1-3ff, 6:2), and Israel is explicitly called the “son of God” (Ex. 4:22). Likewise, Psalm 82 refers to judges and rulers as “gods” (Ps. 82:1-8, cf. Ps. 58:1-3). Therefore, God making covenant with Israel is bringing them back into an Eden-like relationship with him. He speaks to his people on the mountain as he did in Eden, and gives them tasks to guard and keep. Continue Reading…

In Bible - Exodus, Bible - Hebrews, Bible - Luke, Sermon Outlines

Assurances of Salvation

June 6, 2012 — 1 Comment

Pastor Jim Wilson has a great little booklet entitled Assurances of Salvation, available here in Kindle format and available here for free download, along with a few other goodies.

The booklet lists 8 ways to have assurance of salvation but begins with the recommendation to read 1 John which is written “so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:13).

Pastor Wilson continues with the following assurances:

1. The Holy Spirit seals, guarantees, and assures us (1 Jn. 4:13, Rom. 8:16-17, Eph. 1:13-14, 2 Cor. 5:5, 1 Cor. 2:11-16).
2. Change of Character: read the lists of the works of the flesh and the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-25. Which list characterizes you? Jesus saves out of the first list into the second.
3. Confessing Jesus as Lord (1 Cor. 12:3, Rom. 10:9-10, Lk. 6:45).
4. Obedience: People who are saved obey Jesus (1 Jn. 3:6, 3:9-10, 5:18, 2:3).
5. Discipline: If you are getting away with disobedience, you are not a child of God. If you are being disciplined, pay attention and repent (Heb. 12:5-11). Continue Reading…

In Bible - 1 Corinthians, Bible - 1 John, Bible - 2 Corinthians, Bible - Colossians, Bible - Ephesians, Bible - Galatians, Bible - Hebrews, bible - John, Bible - Luke, Federal Vision, Pastoral Theology, Theology - Pneumatology, Theology - Soteriology

Fourth Sunday in Lent: Sixth Commandment II: Prov. 4:10-5:6, Heb. 13:1-17, Jn. 10:7-18

March 20, 2012 — Leave a comment

Introduction
We could go in numerous directions with the sixth commandment, but I want to focus our attention this morning on the connection between our duty to honor life and human sexuality.

The Text
Solomon pleads with his son to listen to his instructions so that his life may be blessed (Pr. 4:10). This reminds us of the fifth commandment, but suggests that the fifth and sixth commandments are actually closely related. When a father teaches and leads his children, he is giving his children the gift of life (Pr. 4:11-13). The father who fails to instruct his children is sinning in a way that amounts to murder (Pr. 19:18). This means warning children about where the dangers and pitfalls of life are (Pr. 4:14-15) and recognizing the religious dedication the wicked have for their way of life (Pr. 4:16-17). In the Old Covenant law a homeowner could be held liable for the death of someone who fell off his roof/balcony if there was no railing (Dt. 22:8). Keeping the sixth commandment means putting up guard rails and watching out for our children and one another. The difference between the righteous and the wicked is startling and clear: it is the difference between day and night, light and darkness (Pr. 4:18-19). The wicked stumble in their darkness and can’t ever figure out where they got their bruises (Pr. 4:19). The words of a faithful father are life and health to children (Pr. 4:20-22), and this extends to the depths of our souls and difficult matters (Pr. 4:23). This is why our mouths need to be guarded against perverse jokes and lies (Pr. 4:24), and we need to pay close attention to what we are looking at and where we are walking (Pr. 4:25-27). The key to this is listening to our fathers (Pr. 5:1-2), and one of the most deadly dangers is the immoral woman (Pr. 5:3). She is an assassin leading her victims to hell (Pr. 5:4-6). Continue Reading…

In Bible - Exodus, Bible - Hebrews, bible - John, Bible - Proverbs, Sermon Outlines

First Sunday of Advent: Seeing the City: Gen. 22:1-17, Heb. 11:8-22, Mk. 12:39-13:13

November 28, 2011 — 2 Comments

Introduction
Advent means “coming,” and Advent celebrates God as the God who comes near to His people. This year we are using Heb. 11:10 as the thematic touchstone for the season: “For he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

Summary of the texts: Hebrews describes the faith of Abraham in terms of cities and homelands. By faith he obeyed when he was called to go out to a foreign land (11:8-9). He and all his descendents died in faith, confessing that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a homeland (11:13-14). Had they thought about it, they may have wished to go back to where they came from (11:15). Instead, they were looking for a heavenly city, and that’s exactly what God was preparing for them (11:16). Wound through this city/homeland language are specific instances of faith particularly tied to Sarah conceiving and bearing a son (11:11) and Abraham offering up Isaac and receiving him back (11:17-19). In other words, the kind of city/homeland he was seeking is one characterized by obedience and the powerful working of God. This is faith.

In Genesis 22, Abraham is commended by God particularly because he obeyed the voice of the Lord (Gen. 22:18). As Hebrews has noted, Abraham obeys in confidence believing that God will provide one way or another (Gen. 22:5, 8). Abraham was no stoic; when God provides the substitute ram, Abraham’s worship is shaped by God’s provision (Gen. 22:14). The other thing to note is that Abraham’s test takes place on Mt. Moriah, the later site of the temple (Gen. 22:2, 2 Chr. 3:1). Continue Reading…

In Advent, Bible - Genesis, Bible - Hebrews, Bible - Mark, Church Calendar, Sermon Outlines

God With Us in Our Waiting

October 11, 2011 — Leave a comment

“And it will be said in that day: Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Is. 25:9)

Christian life is a life of faith; which is to say that Christian life is a life of waiting. Hebrews says: all things have been put in subjection to Jesus, but we do not yet see all things put under Him. What we see now is Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone (Heb. 2:8-9). Jesus is our icon, our story, our sacrament. Jesus displays for us the way God has been pleased to conquer sin and death and every hardship. God was pleased to conquer death by tasting death Himself, and by doing so, He has taken away the sharpness of death, the curse of sin that was the sting of death. But when God conquered death, He did not end the reality of suffering and pain and physical death. After Jesus burst out of the grave on that first, glorious Lord’s Day, there would still be pain and brokenness in the world. But God is not content to remain outside of any experience. He is not content to allow any square inch of human existence to be God-forsaken. Rather, God is determined to fill all things. God is determined to become all in all. God is and has always determined to be God-With-Us. And this means that in the very darkness of confusion, the very darkness of pain, the very darkness of betrayal, the very darkness of loss and grief: in all of that darkness God is determined to fill it with His own presence, to be God-With-Us there in that darkness. Isaiah 25 describes a city destroyed, a city in ruins. You can imagine the ruin, the grief, the destruction, the bloodshed and suffering, and yet Isaiah 25 is a song of praise. In the ruins of your life, in the ruins of your family, in the brokenness of our lives together and in the brokenness of our neighbors and friends in this city, can you sing with Isaiah? Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation. To wait is not to proclaim a truce with sin and death and pain; to wait in faith is to see Jesus who in the very suffering of death was crowned with glory and honor, taking away the curse that tried to keep God out of our pain. But God in His mercy has invaded our darkness; He has determined to fill all things, to be God-With-Us. And therefore, we wait in confidence, trusting that He will save us.

In Bible - Hebrews, Bible - Isaiah, Exhortations

I Will Never Leave You

June 1, 2011 — 1 Comment

In John’s gospel, Jesus says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (Jn. 14:18). In Hebrews, the apostle writes: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb. 13:5).

While it seems likely that the writer of Hebrews is alluding to Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14, it is more specifically a quotation of Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, and Joshua 1:5. In those places, Moses is assuring Joshua that God will continue to be with Joshua, and after Moses’ death, the Lord confirms that promise to Joshua, to be with him as He has been with Moses: The Lord specifically says, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

But of course this is precisely the sort of comfort Jesus is promising His disciples. Jesus says that even though He is leaving, He will not leave them as orphans. He will still come and be with His disciples. Just as Moses went up to Mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah and was taken away from the people of Israel, so too Jesus went up on the mount of ascension and was taken away from the disciples.

In all of these cases though, the presence of God is not merely for comfort in general; it is comfort for leaders in particular. Joshua is the new leader after Moses, the disciples will be the new leaders after Jesus, and in Hebrews the specific command may be directed at leaders or followers but his warning is about covetousness and the following section includes an exhortation to remember those who rule over them and have taught the word to them. Continue Reading…

In Bible - Acts, Bible - Deuteronomy, Bible - Hebrews, bible - John, Bible - Joshua, Church Calendar, Pastoral Theology

Faith that Presses On

April 4, 2011 — Leave a comment

“By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were destroyed.” (Heb. 11:28-29)

Hebrews says that Passover and the crossing of the Red Sea was done by faith. We typically emphasize the unilateral miraculous aspects of these events. God said, I will save you, and then He did. But here Hebrews says that keeping the Passover and sprinkling blood on your door and then walking into the gaping jaws of the sea with the Egyptian chariots at your back took great faith.

Paul in 1 Corinthians 10 says that the Israelite fathers “were under the cloud and passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” Paul says that these things are examples for us so that we might not lust after evil things and become idolaters like some of them.

How do we put these things together? Hebrews says that Israel was walking by faith as they left Egypt and passed through the sea, and Paul says that this was a baptism and later they were eating and drinking of Christ in the wilderness. But then later many of them fell, many of them were not pleasing to God, many of them were idolaters.

In one place Paul says that lawlessness is mysterious. Apostasy is a mystery. But what the Scriptures teach repeatedly is that some people begin to believe, they begin to walk by faith, and some decide to stop believing. Some throw away the gift of faith. Some allow Satan to snatch away their joy. Others stumble because of tribulations and persecution. Others allow the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts for other things to choke the Word, and they shipwreck their faith.

In Baptismal Meditation, Bible - Hebrews

A Little Magic We Call Easter

April 4, 2011 — Leave a comment

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Heb. 11:31)

We all know the story of Rahab. She was a prostitute who did not perish with the rest of those in Jericho. She had lived a life of sin, a life of sexual immorality, idolatry, and one assumes there was a great deal of bitterness and resentment deep in her heart. She was a used and abused woman, and whatever physical beauty she may have had, her life reeked of the stench of death and rotting.

But the thing just amazes me is that the Scriptures refer to her as the harlot. In other places, Paul goes to great lengths to insist that God does not name us after our sin, but He always names us after our Savior. But here the sin of Rahab is practically her title, her first name. Isn’t she forgiven? Isn’t it over? Why keep bringing it up?

The reason the Scriptures keep bringing it up is because she was forgiven. This is the magic of Easter. God takes wounds and pain and agony, and He turns them into glory. And the proof of that is at this table. Our crucified Savior looked defeated, looked condemned, and in fact suffered with horrific agony and shame. But God took those wounds and turned them into glory. He took that humiliation and turned into praise. And in the resurrection the wounds of Jesus have become His trophies. He is seated on the throne in heaven, John says, like a slaughtered lamb.

And that’s what God wants to do with all of us. He invites us here to this table in order to turn our scars into trophies. When sin is forgiven, when we are completely free, all of our failures and weaknesses and sins are turned into glory, because they display the glorious magic of Easter. See that little bit of death there? Then God made me alive. See that anger? God lifted me out of that pit and now I’m at peace. See that porn problem? See that adultery? See that homosexual temptation? See those lies? See my drug and alcohol abuse? See my hands and my side? I was dead, but now I am alive.

So come to Jesus, come to life.

In Bible - Hebrews, Eucharistic Meditations