KEEP THE FAITH

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

[41]

Read Hebrews 10: 1-25

     Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.   Hebrews 10:22 NKJV

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     In the midst of persecution and trials the Hebrew believers were struggling to keep the faith. This encouraging letter reminds them that the holiest place of the temple has been opened by the blood of Jesus Christ. Now they can draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith to fellowship with God Himself. Don’t give up, but rather, “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (10:22-23)

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     Perhaps these Christians found themselves irritated with their fellow believers in the presence of all the outside pressure. Maybe they were tempted just like we are, to just drop out for awhile and blend in with the culture. Why put ourselves with a group of people who sometimes don’t even get along?

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     Help us Lord, to remain faithful to you and to our fellow believers. Give us the motivation to follow this admonition in Hebrews:

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     And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.   Hebrews 10:24-25

A PERFECT MEDIATOR

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

[40]

Read Hebrews 7 – 8

       ...He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NKJV

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     These Hebrew Christians were familiar with the sacrificial system and the priesthood. They were also aware that their priests were sinful human servants who had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could approach God for the sins of the people. They were appointed as imperfect mediators between God and men.
     Jesus in contrast, is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (7:26a-27)
     As the ultimate, sinless sacrifice, Jesus became the perfect mediator for all who would believe in Him. On the basis of the cross of Jesus Christ, our sin debt is settled “once for all.” We are sealed with the Holy Spirit unto everlasting life, and when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

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     Lord, how can I express my thankfulness to You for being available every day to intercede for me. Help me to live for You, for I am no longer my own, I have been bought at a price. Help me to glorify You.

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     For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.  1 Corinthians 6:20 NKJV

FAITH AND PATIENCE

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

[39]

Read Hebrews 5 - 6

     For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.    Hebrews 5:12 NKJV

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     In the midst of persecution both physical and spiritual, these Hebrew believers needed encouragement. Some doubted their salvation, perhaps because of the areas where they felt so weak. This letter is to assure them that they have a high priest in Jesus Christ who already paid the price for their sins.
     Those who continue to go back to the beginning to renew their salvation “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” Hebrews 6:6 NKJV

     Instead, they (and we) must press on in patience toward spiritual maturity. “But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.”(6:9) We should not be discouraged because “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (6:10)

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     Lord, I pray that you will help me and the members of my family and church as we grow toward maturity in the things that matter. Help our spirit of apathy when things become difficult and keep us true to Your Word. Thank you for the gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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     And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.    Hebrews 6:11-12

DISCERNER OF THE HEART

LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Hebrews

[38]

Read Hebrews 3 - 4
...exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 NKJV

      Writing to Jewish Christians, the author of Hebrews reminds them of the penalty of unbelief. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years because they did not believe God. “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest. (4:2-3a)
     The rest that comes to the children of God in our day is through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In our struggle against sin, He is the one who gives us rest. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

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      Lord, I come to you today bowing before your throne to find grace to help in my time of need. I pray for discernment that comes through your indwelling Holy Spirit. Examine my heart and thoughts and show me the way you have prepared for me and my family. Thank you that I can enter your presence with boldness because of the intercession of Your Son.

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      For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.   Hebrews 4:12 NKJV