His Hold On Me

Knowing the gospel is not my strength in holding on to God, but his hold on to me!

2 Timothy 1:12 (New International Version)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Philippians 1:6 (Amplified Bible)
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Romans 8:29-39 (The Message)
God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.

Song of Solomon 4:9-16 (English Standard Version)
You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace.

How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!

Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits, henna with nard,

nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices—a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.

Awake, O north wind,

and come, O south wind!

Blow upon my garden,

let its spices flow.

Our Champion and High Priest

Hebrews 2:16 (New King James Version)
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

The writer of Hebrews continues to encourage the first century Christains that this Jesus they are so willing to abandon came for one thing - to come to their rescue. In Hebrews 2:10-18, he describes Jesus as our Champion and our High Priest.

As our Champion, we looked at the life of David (1 Samuel 17) in fighting Goliath. He went to battle line, defeated Goliath and all of Israel shared in the victory. That is the picture the writer of the Hebrews gives to the church, Jesus went to the battle line, defeated our enemy and we all share in his victory. Hebrews 2:14-15 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

As our High Priest, we looked at the line of Aaron (Exodus 28:1, 29-30; 29-34). He was chosen of God to represent the people before the throne; atoning for their sins by the blood of animals. Yet for Jesus, the atoning sacrifice was his own life - he was the spotless lamb and it was his blood that atoned for our sins. Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. See also Hebrews 5:1-10; 7:23-38.

For the Hebrew Christians (and us), no matter what we face, Jesus experienced it, conquered it and will see us through whatever we face. We can have a quiet confidence that in all our experiences of testing and trials, Jesus is at our side.

Not Losing Hope

As we opened our study today in Hebrews 2:5-9, it was necessary for us to do a short history lesson (Genesis 1:26-28 and Psalm 8:4-6). This history lesson was used by the writer of Hebrews to remind the persecuted first century church that God's original plans for man was not thwarted by Adam's sin nor would it be thwarted by Roman persecution. God had graciously addressed man's failure to achieve the destiny he marked out for them by providing a Redeemer, Jesus Christ, through whose death many will be led to share in his glory.

The encouragement for these Hebrew Christians and for each of us at the study - everything, everything, everything will be in subjection to him. In Jesus, we find the solemn pledge of our own entrance into the glorious destiny intended by God for each of us.

Romans 8:31-39 (New Living Translation)
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Greater Weight

For the last two weeks we looked at this "greater weight" that is emphasized in Hebrews 1-2:4. In spite of the current and pending persecution this church was facing, the writer of the Hebrews wanted them to know (and us) what we have in this great salvation won for us through Jesus Christ, pales in comparison to any light and momentary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17) we may be experiencing.

The assurance if this hope we have was "declared first by the Lord" (Hebrews 2:3a). We look to the activity of the Lord while he was with us. For the three years of ministry Jesus was resolute as to his purpose - "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness" (John 12:45).

"And it was attested to us by those who heard" (Hebrews 2:3b). We have many accredited witnesses "which have heard, which have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life" (1 John 1:1).

"While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by the gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will" (Hebrews 2:4). A confirmation and validation of this great salvation by God in the works of the apostles, disciples and children of God throughout the ages.

In the face of such evidence, the writer to the Hebrews poses the question. "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"

Found Alone

All the things that we hold dear, do they pale in comparison to what we have in Christ? That is the question that confronted the first century Hebrew Christians. That is also the question before each of us today.

The Message Bible translation puts it in plain speak for us as to what our answer must be.

Hebrews 12:28-29.
Do you see what we've got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be? Not only thankful, but brimming with worship, deeply reverent before God. For God is not an indifferent bystander. He's actively cleaning house, torching all that needs to burn, and he won't quit until it's all cleansed. God himself is Fire!

An Exhortation to Steadfastness

We finished our study on the Cross of Christ. All the blessing of the cross are mine, but I must take hold of it by faith alone in the finished work of Christ. This pulls at us because by nature we think we have to do something. Well, the "do something" is to believe.

This week we began a study of the Book of Hebrews. I sensed that the Lord is preparing us for the trials that are to come as His return draws near. Hebrews is one continued plea to cleave to Jesus. Our faith in Christ will be severely tested. What we have in Christ is superior than anything this world can offer us. In fact, Hebrews 13:14 tells us that For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

So the exhortation to us in these last days is to be steadfast, patient and hopeful in all that God has revealed and won for us in His Son, Jesus Christ.

I am a Friend of God!

Today during devotion, the Lord said he is able to say it best and so again this week, I let his Word speak to us.

Romans 5:9-11 (The Message)
Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!

The Final Verdict is in and it is in Today!

For the last 2 weeks we have looked at the Doctrine of Justification. A truth that is simple, yet profound. As His word tells us, "then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). So, the Lord had us read his Word, from several versions, and he gave us understanding.

Romans 3:21-24 (The Message)
But in our time something new has been added. What Moses and the prophets witnessed to all those years has happened. The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

How does this gift become ours? Our faith. Faith means the acceptance of this work of God in Christ, complete reliance upon it and utter abandonment of any individual work as the basis of justification (right standing with God).

Now that is Good News. As Brenda said at bible study - "Just delight in God!" Amen.

The Cross of Christ - Triumphant Until The End!

If you remember the television series called Branded with Chuck Connors, you will remember the opening scene in which Connors was stripped of all his insignia from his Army uniform. He was the sole survivor at the battle of Bitter Creek and was accused of being a coward, abandoning his unit. It was a powerful scene, as the commanding officer walked around him and ripped each insignia off, then taking his saber, breaking it in half, and throwing it outside of the gate. Connors then walks out slowly, a defeated man.

I share this because this is the picture the Lord gave me as we looked at Colossians 2:15 (He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him). The word disarmed means to "strip off." At the cross, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers, stripping them of their insignia of rank. Christ triumphed over his spiritual enemies, winning divine triumph over the cosmic powers.

This victory is ours too. Satan is a defeated foe and the battle is won. We persevere against Satan's "parting shots" at us, knowing with certainty that God will never be defeated. As the Message Bible translation so aptly shares with us "He's wild and raging with anger; he hasn't much time and he knows it (Revelation 12:10).

The Only Cleansing Agent - The Blood of Jesus

This was another week where I wondered out loud to the Lord about how "short" the lesson was. We soon discovered that He had much more for us than what was found in our outline. First, we had the largest group of ladies to attend our bible study since we began last September. It was wonderful to see Donna bringing out more and more chairs and each of us making room at the dinner table for all the sisters. Isn't that the big picture he wants us to see - there is always room for one more. And what a feast He prepared for us! Isn’t that what He wants to do – yet we just settle so often for the scraps.

Last week's lesson looked at the Doctrine of Redemption, yet this week the Lord wanted us to know that not only were we purchased out of slavery with the death of Christ, but the blood of Christ is a daily cleansing agent for us as we walk out our life on this side of salvation. We avail ourselves of this through His life giving Word.

Philippians 4:4-9 from the Message Bible helped us to truly visualize this life giving and cleansing work of His Word. Ask Debby. She testified that 12 years ago after receiving heart wrenching news, the dead works (Mark 7:15-23) in her life was a "six lane highway." The life giving Word in her life was just a worn beaten path. Yet, when she took hold of Philippians 4:4-9, the "six lane highway" is now the "peace of God that surpassing all understanding."

It was just a wonderful time to hear the sisters encouraging one another. He made the lesson short so that we might hear and know "The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

A Paradox

Today we examined the doctrine of redemption. Our slavery to sin could not be broken but for the intervention of Jesus Christ who could pay the price we were unable to pay.The ultimate cost was his life. The resultant state of the believer is that we are redeemed to freedom, but this freedom means slavery to God. "You are not your own; you were bought at a price" (1 Cor 6:19-20). The redeemed are saved to do the will of our Master. May we continue to seek him in all things.

The Supreme Revelation of the Love of God

How is the infinite divide between a Holy God and vile humanity reconciled? Through the death of Jesus Christ. God's word to us today was that this truth must be settled in our spirit. The days are short.

Romans 5:6-11 (Amplified Bible) While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly. Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a noble and lovable and generous benefactor someone might even dare to die. But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. Therefore, since we are now justified (acquitted, made righteous, and brought into right relationship with God) by Christ's blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the indignation and wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life. Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation.

I Will Be Feared!

We walked through the lives of Abram, Moses, Isaiah, Daniel and Saul and as each one was in the presence of God Almighty, they were undone. Men called of God, personal and intimate in their relationship with God, yet each one possessing a reverential fear of the God they served.

This awesome divide between a Holy God and sinful man was brought near by the cross of Jesus, yet I sensed the Lord wanted us to understand that He is God Almighty and there is no casual entrance into His presence. "Thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb 12:28b).

The Condition My Condition Was In

The mission of Jesus was (is) the preparation of a people for the future Kingdom of God. The death of Christ was the most essential event in accomplishing His mission. But why the cross?

For the next several lessons we will be looking to the cross, But, I sensed that the Lord wanted us to begin with "the condition my condition was in." The title comes from a song written by Mickey Newbury as he tried to describe his experience on LSD. I have to say it was the Lord that brought this to my mind and would not let it go until I finally looked up the lyrics. One line in the song is very telling with respect to our condition before Christ. "I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole, and then I followed it in. I watched myself crawling out, as I was crawling in."

The condition my condition was in was absolutely hopeless. The Word of God reminds us that we were enemies of God (Ephesians 2:12); in a state of death (Romans 5:14; Colossians 2:13); under the ever present wrath of God (Romans 5:9) and lawless (Romans 6:19).

It is only when we have a biblical and revelatory understanding of the state of our condition can we ever appreciate the significance of the cross.

So As Not To Be Carried Away

We began our study with a reminder from the Lord of what we can expect during these last days (2 Timothy 3-4:8; 2 Peter 3). As we read in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, there will be an intensity of societal degeneration and there was agreement that we are witnesses to this on a daily basis. Yet it was the admonition of 2 Peter 3:17 that caused many to examine themselves. "You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability." The Greek word for the phrase "carried away" is the same phrase that was used to describe how in Galatians 2:13 Barnabas and many other Jews were led astray by the hypocrisy of the Apostle Peter in his relationship with the Gentile Christians when he was in the presence of Jewish Christians. We were able to see that the Apostle Peter knew firsthand how easily we can lose our footing when we yield ourselves to the influence of lawlessness.

Lawlessness can be obvious in many instances and we can quickly make the decision to walk away from it and its influence. Yet, when it is masked in the words and behaviors of our family, close friends and associations, we all agreed we are challenged and surely need our Lord's wisdom.

The Lord's wisdom for us in these perilous times is to gaze upon Him who is our Hope. As the Message Bible so colorfully puts it in 2 Peter 3:11-13, "Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we'll hardly notice. We'll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness."