Dear brethren,
Today's readings
Leviticus 26,27; Psalm 112; Hebrews 10
Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We often use this verse to encourage brethren to attend services, and rightly so, since we have the examples in the first century of brethren gathering frequently (c.f. Acts 2:42, 46). But perhaps specific to the context is not forsaking the church. It is easy for us to forget that as Christians, we are the body of Christ. Paul gave the same excellent analogy on multiple occasions, most notably in 1Cor 12:12-27. Brethren, let us be reminded that just as different parts of the body, we need one another! A body part that is detached is dead! And without the joining together, we cannot live! Wherefore if we were to forsake that bond, we will ultimately die spiritually. And as the Hebrew writer warns subsequently, the consequences are dire.
And yes, since we are one body, since we all share the common blood in Christ, since we are God's family, why should we not look forward to anytime and everytime there is an opportunity to gather with the saints? From the example in Acts 2, it seems to be a daily affair! And why would we not even meet for twice a week? Not forgetting the various fellowship and care group activities! If anything, it is a great encouragement to one and all. Personally I have experienced it time and again, the warmth and the appreciation of the brethren wherever I visit other congregations. It is always an encouragement both to myself and the fellow brethren, especially when they meet someone from overseas.
Brethren, let us not merely profess Christ in word but to show it in our lives. (1Jo 3:18) As Jesus said in Jn 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. And if we would not even gather or look forward to gathering, what kind of love are we professing? What kind of message are we sending to the world? And if we cannot bear to be one another in this life, what shall we do in eternity?
It starts from every single one of us, and let me assure you perhaps more so from new babes in Christ! It is always extremely encouraging to see zealous and eager new converts!
So let us start today! Make it a point to attend all services and activities where possible. Reach out to fellow brethren even on a daily basis. Don't wait for people to come to us. Be proactive and reach out! You will be amazed how sometimes the simplest gesture can have a great and lasting impact. God help us all to encourage one another even as we aim for our heavenly goal.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Monday, February 25, 2019
No second chance
Dear brethren,
Today's readings
Levitivus 24-25; Psalm 81; Hebrews 9
Heb 9:26 — Heb 9:28
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
It is vital to note here of the sacrifice that Christ had to make since the foundation of the world (c.f. Rev 13:8). In context, the writer is making a contrast of the animal sacrifices made by the priests under the old law verses the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the latter meant that can be and will be no other.
Christ's sacrifice had the power to save on both sides of the timing! Wherefore giving hope to those before Christ's death. Although the law of Christ would not have applied to them, the concept of being faithful to God, i.e. Following God's word and doing His will remains the same. And such are upon whom the blood of Christ is applied backward.
Just a quick note about the "world" in v. 26. The KJV unfortunately did not do justice to the original Greek words as do some of the newer translations. The first "world" is "kosmos" which refers to the physical realm thus alluding to creation. While the second one is "aion" which has more a reference to a time period or age. Thus the "end of the world" here really refers to the "end of the age" which is what the writer referenced to right at the beginning in 1:2 of the "last days" or the time of Christ and beyond. And thus it all makes perfect sense to talk about Christ's sacrifice in that time.
And what is this "second time without sin"? Does it mean Christ appeared the first time with sin? Far be it! The writer had already established the sinlessness of Christ in v. 4:15. Again the KJV is a little ambiguous here. The idea is really "apart from" sin or in other words not having to do with sin. Christ first came to seek and save the lost (Luk 19:10). He came to offer the ultimate sacrifice. But when he comes again, it will not be for that purpose but for judgement (1Th 4:15-17).
Wherefore we can better understand what the writer meant about not being able to "renew again unto repentance" (Heb 6:6) and there being "no more sacrifice" (Heb10:26) those that reject Christ again, because there will be no other! There will be no other chance when Christ comes again.
It thus remains for us to continue to abide and abound in His Word and do His Will, and not be distracted by the wiles of the devil even to the point of rejecting Him altogether, but to press on and help one another in our journey, that we may "look for him" and "love his appearing" (2Ti 4:8) and not stand in fear of "judgement and fiery indignation"(Heb 10:27).
Today's readings
Levitivus 24-25; Psalm 81; Hebrews 9
Heb 9:26 — Heb 9:28
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
It is vital to note here of the sacrifice that Christ had to make since the foundation of the world (c.f. Rev 13:8). In context, the writer is making a contrast of the animal sacrifices made by the priests under the old law verses the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the latter meant that can be and will be no other.
Christ's sacrifice had the power to save on both sides of the timing! Wherefore giving hope to those before Christ's death. Although the law of Christ would not have applied to them, the concept of being faithful to God, i.e. Following God's word and doing His will remains the same. And such are upon whom the blood of Christ is applied backward.
Just a quick note about the "world" in v. 26. The KJV unfortunately did not do justice to the original Greek words as do some of the newer translations. The first "world" is "kosmos" which refers to the physical realm thus alluding to creation. While the second one is "aion" which has more a reference to a time period or age. Thus the "end of the world" here really refers to the "end of the age" which is what the writer referenced to right at the beginning in 1:2 of the "last days" or the time of Christ and beyond. And thus it all makes perfect sense to talk about Christ's sacrifice in that time.
And what is this "second time without sin"? Does it mean Christ appeared the first time with sin? Far be it! The writer had already established the sinlessness of Christ in v. 4:15. Again the KJV is a little ambiguous here. The idea is really "apart from" sin or in other words not having to do with sin. Christ first came to seek and save the lost (Luk 19:10). He came to offer the ultimate sacrifice. But when he comes again, it will not be for that purpose but for judgement (1Th 4:15-17).
Wherefore we can better understand what the writer meant about not being able to "renew again unto repentance" (Heb 6:6) and there being "no more sacrifice" (Heb10:26) those that reject Christ again, because there will be no other! There will be no other chance when Christ comes again.
It thus remains for us to continue to abide and abound in His Word and do His Will, and not be distracted by the wiles of the devil even to the point of rejecting Him altogether, but to press on and help one another in our journey, that we may "look for him" and "love his appearing" (2Ti 4:8) and not stand in fear of "judgement and fiery indignation"(Heb 10:27).
Friday, February 22, 2019
Unblemished service
Dear brethren,
Today's readings
Leviticus 21-23; Hebrews 8
Hebrews 8:5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Leviticus 21:17
Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.
Leviticus 22:20
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
As Paul wrote in Rom 15:4 and 1Co 10:11, indeed there is much value in us even today to study the old testament. The one unmistakable thing is the fact that the pattern of God is to be respected and adhered to. Any departure from it always results in undesirable consequences.
Just as we have been reading from the book of leviticus, we see the detail and how God took the guesswork out from man. God's demand for detail remains today (Mal 3:6; Jam 1:17; Heb 13:8). It is up to follow His Plan and not be wise in our own sight (Rom 12:16).
It is interesting to note, even as we observe the patterns in the old testament, that both the priest and the offering are to be blemish free. Obviously, as the writer of Hebrews has been so painstakingly establishing thus far, the Aaronic priesthood had been done away. Yet we can't help but notice the pattern of concepts therein.
We are reminded by Peter that, as Christians we are the "royal priesthood" with Christ as our high priest (1Pe 2:5,9). The manner that we conduct ourselves and the quality of service to God remains an crucial aspect in our lives. God is not expecting us to be void of character flaws. God is not even expecting all of us to be serving at the same capacity. But God is expecting us to continually strive to better ourselves and to serve to our best ability individually and collectively.
God gave us His Son, doesn't that deserve our very best service?
Today's readings
Leviticus 21-23; Hebrews 8
Hebrews 8:5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Leviticus 21:17
Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God.
Leviticus 22:20
But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.
As Paul wrote in Rom 15:4 and 1Co 10:11, indeed there is much value in us even today to study the old testament. The one unmistakable thing is the fact that the pattern of God is to be respected and adhered to. Any departure from it always results in undesirable consequences.
Just as we have been reading from the book of leviticus, we see the detail and how God took the guesswork out from man. God's demand for detail remains today (Mal 3:6; Jam 1:17; Heb 13:8). It is up to follow His Plan and not be wise in our own sight (Rom 12:16).
It is interesting to note, even as we observe the patterns in the old testament, that both the priest and the offering are to be blemish free. Obviously, as the writer of Hebrews has been so painstakingly establishing thus far, the Aaronic priesthood had been done away. Yet we can't help but notice the pattern of concepts therein.
We are reminded by Peter that, as Christians we are the "royal priesthood" with Christ as our high priest (1Pe 2:5,9). The manner that we conduct ourselves and the quality of service to God remains an crucial aspect in our lives. God is not expecting us to be void of character flaws. God is not even expecting all of us to be serving at the same capacity. But God is expecting us to continually strive to better ourselves and to serve to our best ability individually and collectively.
God gave us His Son, doesn't that deserve our very best service?
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Go on unto perfection
Dear brethren,
Today's, readings
Leviticus 15-18; Psalm 31; Hebrews 6
Heb 6:1 — Heb 6:2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Aha! There you have it! We are not to lay again the doctrine of baptisms therefore baptism is not important!
Really? Well first of all we are also told not to "lay again" repentance from deadworks (or sin, c.f. Heb 9:14) Faith toward God, of resurrection of the Dead, and of eternal judgement, too!
So obviously, if this was the one baptism unto salvation as taught in the bible (and btw it's plural here), it is as important as faith, and the doctrines of the resurrection and eternal judgment.
Secondly, "baptisms" here really should be translated as "washings" as we read later in Heb 9:10. That is to say the various OT ceremonial washings that we read of in Exodus 29 and following.
So how do we make of this? We need to go back to the context of the writer rebuking the people for not growing. So these were still struggling with the basics of the doing away with the OT and accepting the law of Christ.
We are not to "leave" the principles as in to discard them but to grow from them. The foundation of a building is the most important part but a building cannot stay in the founfation state!
Part of the "confusion" in this passage is also the mix of what we already know to reject and what we already know is established. But which can be easily resolved by understanding what the writer is trying to put across. And most importantly all part and parcel of the basics just expressed in the dos and don'ts.
Repentance of sin, faith toward God, established. Basic step toward salvation (act 2:38, Eph 2:8)
Baptisms - part of old law already known to be rejected.
Laying on of hands - not about performing miracles but as read earlier about ordination of priests. Which is no longer linked with the levitical linneage.
And of course the resurrection and eternal judgment had been established.
So at the end of the day, is the writer trying to emphasize the fact that the Christian needs to learn and move on from the basics. Otherwise we will always be babes and might even find ourselves looking for alternatives if we do not fill up with the proper doctrine (c.f. V. 6)
Let us not remain as spiritual babes but continue to nourish ourselves by feeding on the Word AND applying it that we may continue to maturity and perfection.
Today's, readings
Leviticus 15-18; Psalm 31; Hebrews 6
Heb 6:1 — Heb 6:2
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Aha! There you have it! We are not to lay again the doctrine of baptisms therefore baptism is not important!
Really? Well first of all we are also told not to "lay again" repentance from deadworks (or sin, c.f. Heb 9:14) Faith toward God, of resurrection of the Dead, and of eternal judgement, too!
So obviously, if this was the one baptism unto salvation as taught in the bible (and btw it's plural here), it is as important as faith, and the doctrines of the resurrection and eternal judgment.
Secondly, "baptisms" here really should be translated as "washings" as we read later in Heb 9:10. That is to say the various OT ceremonial washings that we read of in Exodus 29 and following.
So how do we make of this? We need to go back to the context of the writer rebuking the people for not growing. So these were still struggling with the basics of the doing away with the OT and accepting the law of Christ.
We are not to "leave" the principles as in to discard them but to grow from them. The foundation of a building is the most important part but a building cannot stay in the founfation state!
Part of the "confusion" in this passage is also the mix of what we already know to reject and what we already know is established. But which can be easily resolved by understanding what the writer is trying to put across. And most importantly all part and parcel of the basics just expressed in the dos and don'ts.
Repentance of sin, faith toward God, established. Basic step toward salvation (act 2:38, Eph 2:8)
Baptisms - part of old law already known to be rejected.
Laying on of hands - not about performing miracles but as read earlier about ordination of priests. Which is no longer linked with the levitical linneage.
And of course the resurrection and eternal judgment had been established.
So at the end of the day, is the writer trying to emphasize the fact that the Christian needs to learn and move on from the basics. Otherwise we will always be babes and might even find ourselves looking for alternatives if we do not fill up with the proper doctrine (c.f. V. 6)
Let us not remain as spiritual babes but continue to nourish ourselves by feeding on the Word AND applying it that we may continue to maturity and perfection.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Taking Stock
Dear brethren,
Today’s readings:
Leviticus 4-7; Hebrews 3
Hebrews 3:12-13
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
How does an evil heart of unbelief develop?
One of the main drivers is allowing sin to rule in our lives again. Sin wants us to say "it's ok", "just this once", "God will understand", and before we know it, we become calloused and insensitive, as Paul put it in 1Ti 4:2, having one's conscience seared with a hot iron, and here (if you believe Paul as the writer of Hebrews!), hardened, no longer even ashamed of sin in our lives.
And as the spiritual cirrhosis progresses, unbelief sets in and slowly but finally, a total departure from God.
As the medical adage goes - prevention is better than cure! The solution here is frequent stock taking and exhortation. Obviously, personal evaluation is important and most readily executed. Yet oftentimes, it just takes a outside view to identify our errors. And that’s what brethren are for! To exhort, remind, encourage, comfort, help one another along in our Christian race.
To the giving end, always in meekness and with grace and love (Gal 6:1; Col 4:6; Eph 4:15). To the receiving end, always with a humble and contrite heart (Psa 51:17).
Wherefore let us take heed and take stock, even on a daily basis, upon ourselves, with one another, that we remain sensitive to sins and never be hardened unto unbelief.
Today’s readings:
Leviticus 4-7; Hebrews 3
Hebrews 3:12-13
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
How does an evil heart of unbelief develop?
One of the main drivers is allowing sin to rule in our lives again. Sin wants us to say "it's ok", "just this once", "God will understand", and before we know it, we become calloused and insensitive, as Paul put it in 1Ti 4:2, having one's conscience seared with a hot iron, and here (if you believe Paul as the writer of Hebrews!), hardened, no longer even ashamed of sin in our lives.
And as the spiritual cirrhosis progresses, unbelief sets in and slowly but finally, a total departure from God.
As the medical adage goes - prevention is better than cure! The solution here is frequent stock taking and exhortation. Obviously, personal evaluation is important and most readily executed. Yet oftentimes, it just takes a outside view to identify our errors. And that’s what brethren are for! To exhort, remind, encourage, comfort, help one another along in our Christian race.
To the giving end, always in meekness and with grace and love (Gal 6:1; Col 4:6; Eph 4:15). To the receiving end, always with a humble and contrite heart (Psa 51:17).
Wherefore let us take heed and take stock, even on a daily basis, upon ourselves, with one another, that we remain sensitive to sins and never be hardened unto unbelief.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Wait on the Lord
Dear brethren,
Today’s readings:
Leviticus 1-3; Psalm 27; Hebrews 2
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
The Hebrew word here for “wait on” or “wait for” is qawah, which is from the word qaweh, referring to the twisting of a cord. Within which, qaw refers to a measuring line, a plumbline, as used in construction purposes.
And contained in “waiting” is the idea of a looking forward to, to hope for. As Paul wrote in Rom 8:24, we are “saved by hope”, or rather in the hope of Christ lies salvation. It is an iron clad promise given by God, not yet fulfilled, but for sure to come to pass.
It is interesting that the root word is of a cord. Firstly, is the idea of a standard (c.f. 2Ki 21:13). The only genuine and relevant hope is given through God’s Word! His gold standard. Secondly, perhaps is found in Ecc 4:12 where the writer expresses the notion of a three-fold cord being not easily broken. God’s promise is secure! He NEVER goes back on His Word.
So let us hope! And be comforted and encouraged to never falter. But to lean upon the strength of the Lord, to hang on to the Cord of promise and He shall finally pull us up to our eternal glory in heaven.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Today’s readings:
Leviticus 1-3; Psalm 27; Hebrews 2
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
The Hebrew word here for “wait on” or “wait for” is qawah, which is from the word qaweh, referring to the twisting of a cord. Within which, qaw refers to a measuring line, a plumbline, as used in construction purposes.
And contained in “waiting” is the idea of a looking forward to, to hope for. As Paul wrote in Rom 8:24, we are “saved by hope”, or rather in the hope of Christ lies salvation. It is an iron clad promise given by God, not yet fulfilled, but for sure to come to pass.
It is interesting that the root word is of a cord. Firstly, is the idea of a standard (c.f. 2Ki 21:13). The only genuine and relevant hope is given through God’s Word! His gold standard. Secondly, perhaps is found in Ecc 4:12 where the writer expresses the notion of a three-fold cord being not easily broken. God’s promise is secure! He NEVER goes back on His Word.
So let us hope! And be comforted and encouraged to never falter. But to lean upon the strength of the Lord, to hang on to the Cord of promise and He shall finally pull us up to our eternal glory in heaven.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Monday, February 4, 2019
Grace according to measure
Dear brethren,
Today’s readings:
Exodus 16-18; Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4:7
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
At first glance, Paul seems to be suggesting that there are different measures or degrees of “grace”!
Quite obviously, “grace” here cannot refer to that of the salvation planned for us (c.f. Ti 2:11), but more of allowance and blessing (c.f. 1Co 3:10; 2Co 8:1).
Rather than looking upon it as personal limitations attached to us, the subsequent verses in the chapter explains to us that Paul is merely trying to emphasize the fact that all of us have different roles (v.11,12) that we are all part of the body of Christ (v.16), that we be not divided in spite of our differences but on the contrary be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (v.32).
Wherefore let us be reminded that all of us have our individual strengths and weaknesses, yet let us neither use them as excuses to not give our best nor look down on others who may not share our abilities, but use our talents to the best of our ability, helping and encouraging one another, all to the edifying of the body of Christ, to the Work of the Lord and to the glory of God.
Today’s readings:
Exodus 16-18; Ephesians 4
Ephesians 4:7
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
At first glance, Paul seems to be suggesting that there are different measures or degrees of “grace”!
Quite obviously, “grace” here cannot refer to that of the salvation planned for us (c.f. Ti 2:11), but more of allowance and blessing (c.f. 1Co 3:10; 2Co 8:1).
Rather than looking upon it as personal limitations attached to us, the subsequent verses in the chapter explains to us that Paul is merely trying to emphasize the fact that all of us have different roles (v.11,12) that we are all part of the body of Christ (v.16), that we be not divided in spite of our differences but on the contrary be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (v.32).
Wherefore let us be reminded that all of us have our individual strengths and weaknesses, yet let us neither use them as excuses to not give our best nor look down on others who may not share our abilities, but use our talents to the best of our ability, helping and encouraging one another, all to the edifying of the body of Christ, to the Work of the Lord and to the glory of God.
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