Hebrews 13:7-17; Life Outside the Camp

These things preserved for us in the Word of God will cause us to live differently from those whose home is this world – if we are indwelt with His Spirit. Jesus was taken outside the camp to be sacrificed for us; we are called to go to Him, outside the camp. We have no eternal city here, inside the camp of the world. As the disciples of Jesus went back into the city to carry on their lives and witness for the Lord, so we maintain our presence in this world, the city of man, to carry on our lives in honor of the One who gave Himself for us, doing good to all – especially those within the household of faith. 

Galatians 3:12 - Law is not Faith

Galatians 3:10-12 (HCSB)

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written: Everyone who does not continue doing everything written in the book of the law is cursed. Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith. But the law is not based on faith; instead, the one who does these things will live by them. 

 

Hebrews 13:1-6; Love and Money

The tone and structure of this chapter is remarkably different from the preceding 12 chapters. Some think it was actually a “cover letter” for the epistle, others think another human author wrote it. But what I think we see here is the outworking of the new priesthood that has been established in the earlier chapters. In this world, you can’t live without money. How much is the question. In eternity, you can’t live without the love of God. How we handle money reflects, in part, how we view God. This is immensely practical! 

 

Hebrews 12:14-29; A Tale of Two Mountains

Here's my message, A Tale of Two Mountains. The Spirit makes clear: One cannot live with one foot on Sinai and the other on Zion.

 

Hebrews 12:1-13; Consider Him!

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.

If the encouragement is to look unto, to consider the Lord Jesus; the problem we have is focusing on something lesser.

Hebrews 11:30-40, Our Trials Have Purpose

The Bible makes clear that God is sovereign over all created things, including time. As we close the Hall of Faith chapter, we will see a summary of the trials that befell ancient saints. Each trial, each set-back was part of God’s decree to provide a savior. We are to learn from this historical account how to see such trials in our own lives; never to think of them as “chance” or “bad luck” – all is from the hand of God, including the throw of the dice - The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord (Prov. 16:33). We may not see the results determined by God, but we need to be confident that our trust is in Him and not in the circumstance we face. 

 

Tradition! - Little Children and Baptism

Traditions seemingly based on Scripture but not taught therein occupy and often dominate Christian thought and practice. A previous book written by this editor[1] examined many of these traditions; there are more that have entangled many over the years.

New book looks at the Vanity of Childish Baptism, Christ's "Little Ones," Are Infants Innocent?, and Rethinking Baptism.

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[1] Tradition! When Men Make Rules.