What this blog is about and what I hope it does...

I hope this will be a simple fun tool for us to grow in our understanding and surrender to God through the Bible as we connect over the web. Reading the Bible is both simple and difficult. What could be easier than opening a book and reading? Yet we've all done that and wondered what sections of the Bible mean? What's with the book of Leviticus? What is Revelation really about? Is the Song of Songs about marital love or is it supposed to be more 'spiritual' than that?

So, my intent is for this blog to be a tool that helps us in our faith. A forum for better understanding. An honest place of sharing that nurtures us as we follow Jesus together.

(There are a few resources I have included under "PAGES" that may be a helpful start, especially to those newer to reading the Bible. It's located just below this and to the right. Also included is a READING OUTLINE. If you miss a day, go on to the next rather than trying to catch up.)

ONE LAST NOTE: you don't have to join or set up an account to share comments. Just click 'comment' at the bottom of a post, click the drop down and click 'anonymous.' Then write your post and if you want sign it with your first name and finish by clicking 'Post comment.' I would love to hear your thoughts.

4.18.2011

Hebrews 8:1-13

For NIV reading click here

Author highlights here more benefits that are ours because of who Jesus is and what He has done:
He writes, 'the point of what we are saying is this:'
(1) we do have such a high priest!
What we have read in chapter 7, about Jesus being a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek (that He is a priest forever, that His offer a new covenant is based on God's oath/promise and thus is a better covenant, and that the result is that Jesus is able to save completely), all of this is for us!!! 'We' have such a high priest! That 'we' is for you!
(2) Jesus' high priestly work for us is triumphant symbolized by Him being seated at the right hand of the throne of Majesty
(3) the context of Jesus' work is in the heavenly sanctuary which has cosmic significance
(4) the new covenant was foreshadowed in Jeremiah 31:31-34 (longest quote from the OT in all the NT) which is necessary because of human failure with the old coveanant (see 8:8)

So, I hope we are encouraged because of the work that Jesus has done on our behalf. I hope we are reminded that salvation is about what God has done for all of us. I hope we see how privileged we are. I hope this drives us toward deep celebration on EASTER Sunday for all Jesus has done for us.
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4.08.2011

Hebrews 7:11-28

For NIV reading, click here

Though I don't mind lingering over a passage, long or short, we should move on, so let's finish Hebrews 7

The author makes several arguments for the superiority of Jesus' high priesthood over what had been in place as the Levitical priesthood. Maybe the main issue is that the old priesthood and the law that went with it served an important funciton, but it didn't/couldn't actually make anyone whole, perfect, mature or fully draw anyone near to God. Thus the change in priesthood, the change in law, and the nature of it all as Jesus assumes the role of High Priest. Not only that, but Jesus can guarentee that His ministry is eternal, truly saves, and truly draws people to God based on His perfect sacrifice.

I know Hebrews 7 comes across as strange to us. It is for me one of the more difficult chapters in Hebrews to get my mind around. Nevertheless, it is a really powerful and unique chapter in the New Testament and has encouraging implications for our own growth in faith.
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