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.)

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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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3 comments:

  1. DocApril 27, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    11 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
    because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest.

    Matt , can you shed some light on this verse ? What does it mean to us ?

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  2. MattMay 2, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Jeremiah's text (Jer. 31:31-34) becomes the main text the author of Hebrews uses to explain the very personal difference that comes with the new covenant in Jesus. He's not saying the teaching role of Christians is no longer needed, in fact he says the opposite throughout Hebrews. We should teach, encourage, exhort, guide, correct, prod, challenge, and build each other up. But it is ultimately the Spirit of God (now poured out Joel 2 and Acts 2) who speaks into a person's heart. And this speaking activity of the Spirit is not dependent on a priest, a cleric, or a pastor. Every follower of Jesus who is growing in the faith and has fed on solid food rather than just milk can (should be) a teacher. The Spirit is near to everyone and available in a personal way.

    See also Paul's reflections in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DocMay 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    How does one determine if he's a milk or meat guy ?

    ReplyDelete

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