Hebrews 10:14-18 (New American Standard Bible)
14For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
15And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,
16"THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,"
He then says,
17"AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."
18Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.
It is interesting that in this passage God not only promises that He will forget our sins and remove them, but that He will replace them. God promises that through the Spirit, we will have His righteousness engrained in our hearts. We are eternally forgiven of our sins, but there is still the responsibility to live for God. This new covenant is a repeated theme throughout the letter to the Hebrews. The message is that the old Hebrew system of sacrifices is gone, and instead Jesus' single sacrifice has sealed us for eternity.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Cleansing of Spirit
Heb 9:10-14
10 since they {relate} only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.11 But when Christ appeared {as} a high priest of the good things to come, {He entered} through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?(NAS)
In this passage, the "they" is referring to the old covenant of animal sacrifice in the tabernacle and the annual visits to the Holy of Holies. Christ's coming changed everything. With the old covenant, sins were forgiven, but the guilt remained. Christ sacrifice not only removes the sin, but the guilt along with it. We no longer have anything to fear, Jesus has taken care of it. The old system cleaned the flesh, the new cleanses the spirit.
10 since they {relate} only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.11 But when Christ appeared {as} a high priest of the good things to come, {He entered} through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?(NAS)
In this passage, the "they" is referring to the old covenant of animal sacrifice in the tabernacle and the annual visits to the Holy of Holies. Christ's coming changed everything. With the old covenant, sins were forgiven, but the guilt remained. Christ sacrifice not only removes the sin, but the guilt along with it. We no longer have anything to fear, Jesus has taken care of it. The old system cleaned the flesh, the new cleanses the spirit.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
What's Better?
What could be better than an overnight gaming session with FPS (first person shooters) for the PC, Smash Bros. Melee, and lots of candy and soda? The above event followed the next day by an airsoft game.
The airsoft scenarios could have been more exciting, but to everyone's credit (myself included) it was hot, especially with full camoflauge on. The best game was probably the one where two of us from each team separated, formed our own team, and proceeded to take out the other two teams, sending our former teammates into mass confusion. I think some of them are still confused from that one.
Also, because of the airsoft game, we got to bed relatively early Friday night before the airsoft game: around 12:00 am, which I suppose has its positives and negatives.
The airsoft scenarios could have been more exciting, but to everyone's credit (myself included) it was hot, especially with full camoflauge on. The best game was probably the one where two of us from each team separated, formed our own team, and proceeded to take out the other two teams, sending our former teammates into mass confusion. I think some of them are still confused from that one.
Also, because of the airsoft game, we got to bed relatively early Friday night before the airsoft game: around 12:00 am, which I suppose has its positives and negatives.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Sorry It's Been So Long
Ephesians 5:1-2
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.(NAS)
I suppose I haven't been doing a terrific job lately of following this through. Perhaps because I've been "too busy." I haven't blogged recently. That in itself isn't really a problem, but I also have drifted away from the Word. Tonight is the first night this week I've been there (besides at youth group).
Thursday night for youth group we had a guest speaker. John Piper talked to us about the Gospel. Okay, so he wasn't actually there, it was a video.
His primary text was:
2 Corinthians 4:3-7
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;(NAS)
The main point: the Gospel is salvation from hell, eternal life, redemption, Jesus' death and resurrection, but the common theme that brings all of this together is the opportunity to know the glory of Jesus. Without that, eternal life doesn't mean much.
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.(NAS)
I suppose I haven't been doing a terrific job lately of following this through. Perhaps because I've been "too busy." I haven't blogged recently. That in itself isn't really a problem, but I also have drifted away from the Word. Tonight is the first night this week I've been there (besides at youth group).
Thursday night for youth group we had a guest speaker. John Piper talked to us about the Gospel. Okay, so he wasn't actually there, it was a video.
His primary text was:
2 Corinthians 4:3-7
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus' sake.6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;(NAS)
The main point: the Gospel is salvation from hell, eternal life, redemption, Jesus' death and resurrection, but the common theme that brings all of this together is the opportunity to know the glory of Jesus. Without that, eternal life doesn't mean much.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Pleasing to Him
2 Cor 5:6-9
6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.9 Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.(NAS)
The goal as a believers is to live for God, not for our flesh. As we walk more and more by faith, we will be more at home doing God's will, and less at home in the world.
The goal is always to be pleasing God. With that goal, how can you lose?
6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.9 Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.(NAS)
The goal as a believers is to live for God, not for our flesh. As we walk more and more by faith, we will be more at home doing God's will, and less at home in the world.
The goal is always to be pleasing God. With that goal, how can you lose?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Guidance
Today the message in church is one I really needed. It was titled "Seeking the Leading of God."
The primary passage was Proverbs 3:5-6:
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.(NAS)
God will "clear the path," so to speak. He will make it clear which way to go, but there's a part we have to play, too. Only after trusting in God's timing and perfect understanding, acknowledging that He knows better than us, then we can know God's will and submit to it.
The four major points were:
1. God leads through His Word. (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2. God leads through the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 37:4)
3. God leads through circumstances.
4. God leads through counsel. (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 13:10&20)
The primary passage was Proverbs 3:5-6:
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.(NAS)
God will "clear the path," so to speak. He will make it clear which way to go, but there's a part we have to play, too. Only after trusting in God's timing and perfect understanding, acknowledging that He knows better than us, then we can know God's will and submit to it.
The four major points were:
1. God leads through His Word. (Romans 12:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
2. God leads through the Holy Spirit. (Psalm 37:4)
3. God leads through circumstances.
4. God leads through counsel. (Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 13:10&20)
Busy
I haven't posted in a few days because I've been extremely busy and fairly tired. Just thought I'd mention that.
I have a Spanish quiz and another Indiana Jones movie to watch, so I'm going to leave now.
I have a Spanish quiz and another Indiana Jones movie to watch, so I'm going to leave now.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Burnout
I am completely burned out. I've had enough of school and am desperately waiting for summer. What with homework that is causing less and less enthusiasm, projects getting more and more difficult, things are getting crazy.
Burned out on sleep. We had a guest speaker in Spanish class today. He was talking about harmful mining in his country. It was a subject that probably makes him angry and sad and growl (not literally) and cry all at the same time, and I was nodding off. I felt rather guilty. Maybe I didn't agree with everything he said (or maybe I did. Who knows? I wasn't awake enough to understand much of it), but I still felt bad.
Other miscellaneous things in my life have been burning the fuse more than usual lately, and I'm emotionally, physically, and mentally worn out. In short, I need prayer. Just as important, I need to pray, which I haven't been doing as much lately.
Isa 40:28-31
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.29 He gives strength to the weary, and to {him who} lacks might He increases power.30 Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly,31 Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up {with} wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.(NAS)
Burned out on sleep. We had a guest speaker in Spanish class today. He was talking about harmful mining in his country. It was a subject that probably makes him angry and sad and growl (not literally) and cry all at the same time, and I was nodding off. I felt rather guilty. Maybe I didn't agree with everything he said (or maybe I did. Who knows? I wasn't awake enough to understand much of it), but I still felt bad.
Other miscellaneous things in my life have been burning the fuse more than usual lately, and I'm emotionally, physically, and mentally worn out. In short, I need prayer. Just as important, I need to pray, which I haven't been doing as much lately.
Isa 40:28-31
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.29 He gives strength to the weary, and to {him who} lacks might He increases power.30 Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly,31 Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up {with} wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.(NAS)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Can't Quite Believe I'm Doing This
The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 4 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.
Start:
1. What was I doing 10 years ago (year 1998)?
- learning "useful" math, like addition, subtraction, etc.
- learning how to sit in a chair without spinning around in circles (thanks Mrs. Butler)
- driving above mentioned teacher crazy
- watching Power Rangers, and being one for Halloween multiple years in a row (as much as I hate to admit)
- watching other such shows that are rather embarrassing to admit to
2. 5 things on my to-do list today.
- school
- school
- homework
- visit Paul (old friend)
- clean at MCCS (nephew's school)
3. 5 snacks I enjoy.
-pizza
-chips
-tortillas (mostly corn, but flour too)
-fruit
-candy of almost any kind
4. 5 things I would do if I were a billionaire.
- buy a really nice car with at least a V-12
- pay for gas and insurance
- oops, I'm out of money
-
-
5. 5 of my bad habits.
- procrastinating (filling out a blog questionnaire when I should be working on Spanish)
- playing too many computer games
- being impatient with people
- being critical of people
- leaving empty milk cartons in the refrigerator (sorry mom)
6. 5 places I have lived.
- Washington
- California
- Washington
- Washington
- California
7. 5 jobs I've had:
- Scotch Broom Assassin (I hate that stuff)
- student
- lawn mower (or weed eater, not a big difference)
-unofficial audio-video tech guy for my class/school (always on call, never paid, but it was fun)
-Ambassador for Christ (trying to rearrange my schedule to fit more hours in, but not always succeeding)
8. The 4 fortunate people who I spread this contagion to are the owners of:
- http://thelittlethingsthatkeepmeupatnight.blogspot.com/
- http://underyourshadow.blogspot.com/
-don't know that I know anyone else that might not already getting this
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 4 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.
Start:
1. What was I doing 10 years ago (year 1998)?
- learning "useful" math, like addition, subtraction, etc.
- learning how to sit in a chair without spinning around in circles (thanks Mrs. Butler)
- driving above mentioned teacher crazy
- watching Power Rangers, and being one for Halloween multiple years in a row (as much as I hate to admit)
- watching other such shows that are rather embarrassing to admit to
2. 5 things on my to-do list today.
- school
- school
- homework
- visit Paul (old friend)
- clean at MCCS (nephew's school)
3. 5 snacks I enjoy.
-pizza
-chips
-tortillas (mostly corn, but flour too)
-fruit
-candy of almost any kind
4. 5 things I would do if I were a billionaire.
- buy a really nice car with at least a V-12
- pay for gas and insurance
- oops, I'm out of money
-
-
5. 5 of my bad habits.
- procrastinating (filling out a blog questionnaire when I should be working on Spanish)
- playing too many computer games
- being impatient with people
- being critical of people
- leaving empty milk cartons in the refrigerator (sorry mom)
6. 5 places I have lived.
- Washington
- California
- Washington
- Washington
- California
7. 5 jobs I've had:
- Scotch Broom Assassin (I hate that stuff)
- student
- lawn mower (or weed eater, not a big difference)
-unofficial audio-video tech guy for my class/school (always on call, never paid, but it was fun)
-Ambassador for Christ (trying to rearrange my schedule to fit more hours in, but not always succeeding)
8. The 4 fortunate people who I spread this contagion to are the owners of:
- http://thelittlethingsthatkeepmeupatnight.blogspot.com/
- http://underyourshadow.blogspot.com/
-don't know that I know anyone else that might not already getting this
Monday, May 12, 2008
Find Life
Matt 16:24-25
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.25 "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.(NAS)
Salvation is a free gift, as the faith required to receive salvation is also a free gift. But that does not mean that we as Christians have no obligations. Jesus asks us to give up our lives here on earth in service to Him. We will suffer for Jesus while we are on this earth, but eternity with God is on the way.
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.25 "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.(NAS)
Salvation is a free gift, as the faith required to receive salvation is also a free gift. But that does not mean that we as Christians have no obligations. Jesus asks us to give up our lives here on earth in service to Him. We will suffer for Jesus while we are on this earth, but eternity with God is on the way.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
All Scripture (Again)
Our new memory verse for Sunday school is 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
*("guest" in quotes because he's a member gone off to college again and back visiting for a month or so)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.(NAS)An interesting thing to note is that ALL scripture is profitable. Like our "guest" pastor* today said, and demonstrated, something being in the old testament or even in Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, or any other book that has a "bad rep," does not make it any less profitable to study. We can learn from any verse as long as we're willing to listen.
*("guest" in quotes because he's a member gone off to college again and back visiting for a month or so)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Almost a Break
It seems like there's a break in the steady barrage of homework this weekend. Or is there? I have a rough draft due sometime next week for my next English paper, and since it involves watching a specific film, I should probably get started soon. Then there's the trip to the garbage dump tomorrow. Yipee...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Dead To Self
2 Cor 5:11-15
11 Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but {are} giving you an occasion to be proud of us, that you may have {an answer} for those who take pride in appearance, and not in heart.13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;15 and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.(NAS)
This was the lesson in youth group tonight. The main focus was verse 14. Jesus died for us, but we die the moment we come believers. We die to our old sinful selves. As Christians we are under "new management." God is in control of our lives. Our old selves still get in the way sometimes, but the norm should progress more and more towards Christlikeness.
11 Therefore knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.12 We are not again commending ourselves to you but {are} giving you an occasion to be proud of us, that you may have {an answer} for those who take pride in appearance, and not in heart.13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.14 For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;15 and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.(NAS)
This was the lesson in youth group tonight. The main focus was verse 14. Jesus died for us, but we die the moment we come believers. We die to our old sinful selves. As Christians we are under "new management." God is in control of our lives. Our old selves still get in the way sometimes, but the norm should progress more and more towards Christlikeness.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Too Much With Too Little
A lot of bloggers take plenty of time to make their blogs more extensive. They add links, videos, lots of pictures, polls, maps, counters. Maybe I could do some of that, but having dial-up, it's not so much fun for me to try to do some of those things. Especially things like uploading videos. My internet browser has too little speed for so much "extras." Maybe I'll have to try some of these features sometime in the future.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Proverbs
When reading Proverbs, it's easy to get into the pattern of reading each verse by itself. In some cases, the point gets across by doing this, but much more can be learned by putting it into context.
A repeated theme in Proverbs, as well as in Psalms and well... pretty much throughout most of the Bible. Anyway, a repeated theme is that abiding in, and dwelling on the Word is the way to avoid sin.
Prov 6:20-24
20 My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;21 Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.22 When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life,24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.(NAS)
The context is sexual sin, but the concepts apply to all forms of temptation. Relying on the Word and constantly dwelling in it allows us to resist temptation.
A repeated theme in Proverbs, as well as in Psalms and well... pretty much throughout most of the Bible. Anyway, a repeated theme is that abiding in, and dwelling on the Word is the way to avoid sin.
Prov 6:20-24
20 My son, observe the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother;21 Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.22 When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life,24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.(NAS)
The context is sexual sin, but the concepts apply to all forms of temptation. Relying on the Word and constantly dwelling in it allows us to resist temptation.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Well, That's New
Today we had a pulpit exchange with another church. There is a church in Puyallup that has been around for about two years. Our church and their church are kind of "joining forces," so to speak. We plan on sending musicians, helping out with children's events, etc. at their church. Today, sort of as a kick-off I guess, the pastor from their church came to our church, and our pastor went to their church. It was an interresting experience.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Here's the New Wineskin!
Heb 7:18-22
18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.20 And inasmuch as {it was} not without an oath21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,
It is likely that Jesus, our new priest described in the above passage, is what Jesus was referring to in the parable of the wineskins. The old sacrificial system of Moses was never meant to be a permanent fix. That is why Jesus came, to give us a salvation not based on the law or on repeated animal sacrifice, but based on His grace received through the faith given to us by Him. That is the hope that Jesus brings. Believers are eternally saved by Jesus' priesthood, and nothing can take that away.
18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.20 And inasmuch as {it was} not without an oath21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him,
"The Lord has sworn22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.(NAS)
And will not change His mind,
'Thou art a priest forever'");
It is likely that Jesus, our new priest described in the above passage, is what Jesus was referring to in the parable of the wineskins. The old sacrificial system of Moses was never meant to be a permanent fix. That is why Jesus came, to give us a salvation not based on the law or on repeated animal sacrifice, but based on His grace received through the faith given to us by Him. That is the hope that Jesus brings. Believers are eternally saved by Jesus' priesthood, and nothing can take that away.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Home Sick, no... wait
Today I experienced something that I hadn't experienced in a very long time: writer's block. I have a paper rough draft due tomorrow, but for some reason I had trouble with the introduction... okay, and the middle; and while we're at it, let's just say I had trouble with the end too. All told, it took me all day to write a two to three page rough draft, and I'm still not really happy with how it turned out. On top of that, I had to forgo youth group for the sake of finishing my paper. No one sick, no bad weather, just a LOT of homework. And more to come this weekend.
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