Hebrews 7:11–19

Thank You Father for the New Covenant purchased by the perfect sacrifice of Your only begotten Son, our Redeemer King, Jesus. 

In and through Jesus we have reconciliation with You. In and through Him we have access to Holy Spirit who will teach us Your ways and safely deliver us into our forever home!

Christ within is our only hope of Gods’ glory.

Hebrews 7:11–19

11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 

17 For He testifies:

“You are a priest forever

According to the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

If the Levitical priesthood had been able to bring people to perfection, then a superior priest from the order of Melchizedek would not have been needed. If the priests under the Law of Moses could offer permanent reconciliation between God and His people, there would be no need for a coming Messiah, One who would restore the Israelites to their relationship with God.

Change means “removal”. If the Melchizedek priesthood removed the Levitical priesthood, then the Mosaic Law is also removed. In short, the believer is not under the Law but instead relies on the righteousness of Christ. He of whom these things are spoken is the Lord, who arose from another tribe, namely Judah. According to the Law, the tribe of Judah had nothing to do with the priesthood. If the OT said that another priest was coming from another tribe, then clearly the Law was going to be superseded.

The law, which regulated the priesthood, was fleshly in the sense that it regulated a person’s external actions. The Lord, however, is a Priest according to the power of an endless life. Jesus is a different kind of Priest, another indication that the Law has been changed. There has been an annulling, a putting away, of the Law. NKJ Bible.

The Greek word used here, teleiōsis, for perfection, refers to the qualifications required to draw near to God. The author of Hebrews denies the Levitical system’s ability to produce perfection. God established it as a means for His people to maintain relationship with Him. The Order of Melchizedek Replaces the Order of Aaron. Jesus, who like Melchizedek did not belong to the lineage of Levi and Aaron.

The law was a temporary provision given to God’s people until the arrival of Christ. Since the law was maintained by the Levitical priesthood, it must change now that a superior priest (Jesus) has arrived. Jesus belonged to the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Judah had no role in the religious activities of the tabernacle or temple. The Israelite kings from Judah, David and Solomon, may have provided precedent for someone from Judah to serve at the altar. That is, served as a priest. Jesus defeated death through His resurrection. His priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, endures forever. The priestly functions of the OT are no longer necessary because of Jesus’ priestly work. The greek term Athetēsis refers to the annulment or cancellation of something—in this case the former commandment. The author of Hebrews reasons that God has the right to annul what He has instituted. Faithlife Bible.

The better covenant, of which Jesus was the Surety, is not here contrasted with the covenant of works, by which every transgressor is shut up under the curse. It is distinguished from the Sinai covenant with Israel, and the legal dispensation under which the church so long remained. The better covenant brought the church and every believer into clearer light, more perfect liberty, and more abundant privileges. In the order of Aaron there was a multitude of priests, of high priests one after another; but in the priesthood of Christ there is only one and the same. This is the believer’s safety and happiness, that this everlasting High Priest is able to save to the uttermost, in all times, in all cases. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Psalm 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not relent,“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.

Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Mark 3:20-21

Some of those whom you love with an agape love…will not extend that to you.

Hold fast to those revelations that God gives you.

Love God above all and love your neighbor as yourself.

Mark 3:20–21

20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. 21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”

The Greek idiom used here for “his family” meaning “the ones from his side,” can refer to anyone who is closely related to a person, whether by blood or voluntary association. Jesus’ family might have wanted to preserve their reputation. The political ramifications of Jesus’ actions and teaching also could have caused His family to attempt to restrain Him, for fear of reprisal from Roman authorities or local Jewish leaders. Alternatively, they might have not have believed that Jesus was the Messiah and so attempted to silence Him to avoid being ostracized from the religious system (believing that it, too, would reject Him). 

Since Jesus has been at the center of a crowd almost continuously since His first teaching in Capernaum, it is unclear why His family reacts now. Faithlife Bible.

Opposition to Jesus came not only from His enemies. Jesus’ own people, no doubt close friends and perhaps even relatives, heard of His teaching and assumed that He was out of His mind. NKJ Bible.

Those who go on with zeal in the work of God, must expect hinderances, both from the hatred of enemies, and mistaken affections of friends, and need to guard against both. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 13:55 Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?

Mark 6:3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him.

John 7:5 For even His brothers did not believe in Him.

Luke 21:34–36

Lord, I am not worthy to receive You but only say the word and my soul will be healed!

Luke 21:34–36

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Reminiscent of the seed sown among the thorns in the parable of the sower. There will be a  universality of judgment by God. Faithlife Bible.

Though the events of the end times may not come to pass for a long time, believers should continue to look for their arrival. The Day of Jesus’ return should not take us by surprise. We should live as if it is imminent. Jesus encouraged His disciples to be persistent in prayer and faith, looking for the day when the Son of Man exonerates the faithful in the judgment, so that they are able to stand before Him. NKJ Bible.

Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

Mark 4:19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Luke 12:40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Titus 1:1-4

To each believer there is given a spiritual calling, a gift. 

Establishing your gift is a joint effort with you and Holy Spirit. He will teach you, precept by precept, and He will place you where He needs you for your good and the good of the Church.

Titus 1:1-4

1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;

4 To Titus, a true son in our common faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Like many of Paul’s letters, the greeting begins with Paul identifying himself by name. The first line of the greeting he refers to himself as a slave and apostle. An Apostle is a  person designated by God to speak and act with special authority. This letter instructs Titus (and the Cretans) about the proper conduct of believers. Cretans had a reputation for ungodliness. God is trustworthy; His promises are certain.  

Titus was a non-Jewish missionary companion of Paul. Titus  is mentioned only in the apostle’s letters. Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, where the apostles Peter, James, and John affirmed Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. Titus also served as Paul’s representative to the church in Corinth, where he helped collect relief funds for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Because of his character and dedication, the apostle Paul and the churches held Titus in high regard. Faithlife Bible.

Paul introduces the theme of the book, good works, in the first verse with the term godliness. Good works or works appears eight times in this epistle. At least two other phrases parallel the good works theme: “reverent in behavior” and “adorn the doctrine of God”.

The salvation that God has promised to each of us who know His Son will be fulfilled; God is faithful to His promises.

The Greek word translated preaching was the word for the message proclaimed by a public herald. Paul places emphasis on the message, not the messenger. Christians should always focus on Christ, for He is the center of our faith, not any one preacher. The power is in the truth of what is preached, the good news that Christ has saved us from our sins. 

A king’s commission is a definite, official act, giving a person a task and authority to carry it out. Paul’s commission was as God’s “imperial secretary,” carrying the royal message of salvation. NKJ Bible.

All are the servants of God who are not slaves of sin and Satan. All gospel truth is according to godliness, teaching the fear of God. The intent of the gospel is to raise up hope as well as faith; to take off the mind and heart from the world, and to raise them to heaven and the things above. How excellent then is the gospel, which was the matter of Divine promise so early, and what thanks are due for our privileges! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God; and whoso is appointed and called, must preach the word. Grace is the free favour of God, and acceptance with him. Mercy, the fruits of the favour, in the pardon of sin, and freedom from all miseries both here and hereafter. And peace is the effect and fruit of mercy. Peace with God through Christ who is our Peace, and with the creatures and ourselves. Grace is the fountain of all blessings. Mercy, and peace, and all good, spring out of this. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

2 Corinthians 8:23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

1 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

2 Peter 3:14–16

Hold fast to the faith given to you by God…it is your only lifeline!

In Christ, and the unity of Holy Spirit, the Father gives us peace. Gods' peace, not the peace of the world which is unstable and changing but His peace, which never changes and has no beginning and no end.

God wants no one to perish…no, not one!!

2 Peter 3:14–16

14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

knowledge (Gk. gnōsis) Strong’s #1108: This Greek word for knowledge usually connotes progressive, experiential, and personal knowledge; it is knowledge that can grow. We need to grow in our actual, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ; such knowledge is the greatest protection against false teachings. One of the prominent themes in this epistle is Peter’s exhortation to the believers to attain a fuller, more thorough knowledge of Jesus Christ.

We await the Day of the Lord and the new heavens and new earth. Since only the righteous will be at home in the new heavens and new earth, Peter’s audience should take an interest in righteousness in the present. Believers are to be morally pure (living ethically before God), in contrast with the false teachers.

The scoffers regarded the delay in the Jesus’ return as evidence that He would not come after all. Believers should take the delay in Jesus’ return as evidence of His patient desire to save. The recipients of this letter knew Paul, and had received at least one letter from him. Paul expressed a similar view as Peter on the delay of Christ’s return.

Even at this early stage of church history, Paul’s writings were being misrepresented. The comments about Paul’s writings suggest that their misuse was one of the problems underlying the heretical teachings. Like Peter, Paul regularly discusses Christ’s return and uses it to justify paying close attention to God’s work and living a life of integrity. Based on the context, the false teachers were likely either exploiting one of Paul’s teachings on the return of Jesus or using Paul’s theology of salvation to argue that people could now do whatever they wished. Peter expresses a high regard for Paul’s writings, classifying them as part of the sacred writings of the early church. Faithlife Bible.

Note that Peter equates the letters of Paul with the rest of the Scriptures, indicating that Peter considered the apostle Paul’s writings to be the Word of God. Peter considers Paul’s writings on the end times to be hard to understand. This should be a comfort to each of us who attempt to interpret the writings of Paul on the coming of Christ. Even Peter found them difficult. Because of this, however, Peter says some people who are untaught and unstable destroy themselves. Untaught refers to one whose mind is untrained and undisciplined in habits of thought. Unstable refers to one whose conduct is not properly established on the truths of God’s Word. NKJ Bible.

Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

 

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Matthew 26:30-35

Christ within is our only hope to overcome our weakness and live in the Spirit.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

More of You God and less of me!

Matthew 26:30–35

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd,

And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”

34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”

And so said all the disciples.

Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him that very night. Faithlife Bible.

All the disciples, not just Peter, would fall away. 

Several reasons may be offered as to why Christ went to Galilee to meet His disciples: (1) They were all from Galilee; (2) He wanted to be away from Jerusalem, the center of opposition; (3) He wanted to take up the work of shepherding His flock where He had ministered to them before; or (4) the most effective setting for the Great Commission given would be Galilee. NKJ Bible.

Improper self-confidence, like that of Peter, is the first step to a fall. There is a proneness in all of us to be over-confident. But those fall soonest and foulest, who are the most confident in themselves. Those are least safe, who think themselves most secure. Satan is active to lead such astray; they are most off their guard: God leaves them to themselves, to humble them. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

Luke 22:34 | Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.”

John 13:38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times.

Luke 12:22-31

Trust God… no one will ever love you more!!

Luke 12:22–31

22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Luke appropriately connects Jesus’ parable about greed with His teaching on anxiety over material provisions. The parable, it seems, is directed toward the rich, whereas this section addresses the impoverished. The point is that material possessions can overcome the faith of both those who have much and those who have little—both types of people need to seek God and trust him with the outcome.

If God takes care of the birds, He surely will provide for His people. Anxiety accomplishes nothing. Jesus uses this phrase in reference to the disciples when they doubt God’s providence. Faithlife Bible.

Jesus describes God’s care of ravens, unclean creatures according to Jewish law and among the least respected of birds. Yet God even cares for them. How much more value are you, says Jesus, pointing out that God will surely care for the disciple as well.

It is uncertain whether Jesus is saying through His rhetorical question that worry cannot add to one’s physical height or that worry cannot add to one’s life span. In fact, worry can sometimes shorten life. What is clear is that worry is utterly useless and shows a lack of faith in God’s plan for our lives.

Even the wealthy King Solomon did not clothe himself as God has clothed the lilies. The illustration of grass indicates that God cares enough to provide beauty for the parts of His creation that have a short life. Why should we worry if God takes such care of even the smallest blade of grass? The Lord knows our problems and will provide us with what we need.. The materialistic world is like a group of passengers frantically scurrying to get the best deck chair on a sinking ship. When we are consumed with possessions, there can be little left in our heart for God. We can trust God to provide for us because God knows precisely what we need. NKJ Bible.

Matthew 6:30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Matthew 6:32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Daniel 12:7

God is in control…let it be!! Jesus came with shouts of mercy and grace to an already dying world. In Him we are reborn into  Gods’ Kingdom which will never end!

There is a rest for Gods’ people and it begins with Jesus Christ here and continues in that new and bright world to come. He will provide for those who place their trust in Him!

Daniel 12:7

7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished.

A time, times, and half a time, which adds up to three and one-half years, may refer to the period immediately preceding the Second Coming of Christ. Others have suggested that this expression does not refer to a specific number of years but instead a period of time that the Lord would shorten because of His mercy. NKJ Bible.

All opposing rule, principality, and power, shall be put down, and holiness and love will triumph, and be in honour, to eternity. The end, this end, shall come. What an amazing prophecy is this, of so many varied events, and extending through so many successive ages, even to the general resurrection! Daniel must comfort himself with the pleasing prospect of his own happiness in death, in judgment, and to eternity. It is good for us all to think much of going away from this world. That must be our way; but it is our comfort that we shall not go till God calls us to another world, and till he has done with us in this world; till he says, Go thou thy way, thou hast done thy work, therefore now, go thy way, and leave it to others to take thy place. It was a comfort to Daniel, and is a comfort to all the saints, that whatever their lot is in the days of their lives, they shall have a happy lot in the end of the days. And it ought to be the great care and concern of every one of us to secure this. Then we may well be content with our present lot, and welcome the will of God. Believers are happy at all times; they rest in God by faith now, and a rest is reserved for them in heaven at last. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Genesis 22:9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

Daniel 4:34 | And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

Daniel 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law.Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.

Revelation 10:6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,

Revelation 12:14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.

The Book of Romans Theology

Gods’ love for His creation covers a multitude of sin.

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans theology

Romans includes the most systematic presentation of theology found anywhere in Scripture. It explains the meaning of the Cross for the believer’s life. While expounding why Jesus died for all of humanity, Paul clarifies the core concepts of the Christian faith: sin and righteousness, faith and works, justification and election. The letter contains (1) a detailed description of the sinfulness of man (2) an extensive discussion of justification by faith, including a clear interpretation of the death of Christ (3) an elaborate explanation of sanctification (4) a strong section on the doctrine of election a developed exposition of what happened to the nation of Israel and the destiny of God’s people (6) an extended section addressing spiritual gifts and (7) instructions on the believers’ relationship to government. Certainly Romans is the most doctrinal book in the Bible. Because it provides a systematic outline of the essentials of the Christian faith, it is as useful to the mature believer as it is to someone who wants a short introduction to the Christian faith.

Paul explains that Jesus Christ is the Second Adam whose righteousness and substitutionary death have provided justification for all who place their faith in Him. By reading Romans we can see how the apostle breaks down a truckload of theological truth into bite-sized installments by using a question-and-answer format.

1:18-23 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

3:21-31 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

5:12-21 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—13 For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

9:14-24 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

12:1-8 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

13:1-7 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

We feel compelled to do that which God has shown us. Becoming all things to all men that we may share the Gospel of Christ. we do this knowing that we will be judged by others but putting that aside and running the race He set before us.

To Him be all the glory!

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Paul put his ministry of the gospel above his personal desires. He was willing to conform to the customs of other people, whether Jew or Gentile, in order to bring them to Christ. For example, in order to relate to the Jews in Jerusalem he made a Nazirite vow in the temple. Around those who were under the Law—the Jews—Paul obeyed the Law. Around those who were outside the Law—the Gentiles—Paul did not observe Jewish custom. Paul clarified this, however, lest anyone misunderstand his actions. He obeyed God’s law through obedience toward Christ. This was a broader law than the Mosaic legislation; this was the fulfillment of Christ’s will. NKJ Bible.

Paul put himself at the service of others in order that God may use him to bring people to Jesus. He does not regard himself as a “savior,” but as an instrument through which someone might hear the gospel and be saved. He adapts to his audience (but not by compromising the gospel or his message) to remove any obstacles to their acceptance of the gospel message. 

 

Paul lived according to Jewish customs not to be saved, but to appeal to those who also lived according to the law.  He was not obligated to live under the law; rather, he used his freedom in Christ to relate to those under the law (Jews). 

Paul did not think it necessary to observe the ceremonial commands of the law in relation to food. Paul demonstrated sensitivity to such believers, but he also desired that they mature in their faith. Paul is not advocating syncretism or compromise of the gospel message. Rather, he is promoting a considerate evangelistic approach—one that accounts for different social circumstances, ethnicities, and religious convictions. Faithlife Bible.

By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Acts 16:3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Acts 21:23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.

Acts 21:24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.

Acts 21:25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

Mark 16:9-18

Just B.E.L.I.E.V.E.

Blessed are those who have not seen with their eyes but by faith believe. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Jesus was seen first by the marginalized of his culture…a woman. Those who are forgiven much…love much!

Mark 16:9–18

9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.

14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

This passage, which has been designated the longer ending of Mark, summarizes the risen Jesus’ dealings with His disciples as narrated in the other canonical Gospels. Based on manuscript evidence, it probably is a later addition intended to harmonize Mark’s account with those of Matthew, Luke, and John. Faithlife Bible.

Although the women had been commissioned to tell of Jesus’ resurrection, none had actually seen Jesus until He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Only this verse and Luke 8:2 mention Jesus’ exorcism of seven demons from Mary, which would explain her strong devotion to Him.

Jesus’ resurrection was evidently not expected by anyone in spite of His repeated predictions. The Resurrection itself resulted in faith, rather than the expectation thereof.

Jesus’ appearance in another form may indicate that He appeared differently to the two on the road than He had appeared to Jesus’ followers before. The identity of the two who walked is not entirely stated. However, one is identified as Cleopas, and it has been suggested that he was accompanied by his wife.

After Judas’ demise, the disciples were known for a while as the eleven. Jesus upbraided these disciples for not believing the accounts of eyewitnesses, but He pronounced a blessing on “those who have not seen and yet have believed”.

He who does not believe will be condemned. Those who believe in Christ will be saved.

These signs were evident in the early church. Casting out demons demonstrated victory over Satan. Speaking with new tongues began at Pentecost. Healing the sick occurred in several instances. Taking up serpents occurred in Paul’s encounter with a poisonous snake, which did not produce ill effects.

The final sign that Jesus was the Son of God is that He was received up into heaven to be seated at the right hand (the position of authority and power) of God. The obedience of Christ’s disciples who went out and preached everywhere challenges us to engage in that same endeavor. We can be confident that as the Lord was working with them, He will also work with us. NKJ Bible.

After the Lord had spoken he went up into heaven. Sitting is a posture of rest, he had finished his work; and a posture of rule, he took possession of his kingdom. He sat at the right hand of God, which denotes his sovereign dignity and universal power. Whatever God does concerning us, gives to us, or accepts from us, it is by his Son. Now he is glorified with the glory he had before the world. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Luke 8:2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Acts 1:2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,

John 20:26-29

J.U.S.T. Believe!!

In Christ the Trinity can do in us what we cannot.

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

John 20:26–29

26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas affirms what Jesus has been alluding to throughout the Gospel: Jesus is more than a teacher and a master—He is God. People—like John’s audience, and believers today—who have not seen the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes but believe. Faithlife Bible.

Thomas was not present when Jesus appeared to the disciples in the closed room. When Jesus appeared to the other disciples, He showed them His hands and His side. No doubt they told Thomas about it; hence his request. In awestruck wonder, Thomas not only believed that Christ was risen from the dead, but he also saw that the Resurrection proved His deity. Those who have not seen includes all who have believed in Christ since His ascension to the Father. NKJ Bible.

That one day in seven should be religiously observed, was an appointment from the beginning. And that, in the kingdom of the Messiah, the first day of the week should be that solemn day, was pointed out, in that Christ on that day once and again met his disciples in a religious assembly. The religious observance of that day has come down to us through every age of the church. There is not an unbelieving word in our tongues, nor thought in our minds, but it is known to the Lord Jesus; and he was pleased to accommodate himself even to Thomas, rather than leave him in his unbelief. If we are faithless, we are Christless and graceless, hopeless and joyless. Thomas was ashamed of his unbelief, and cried out, My Lord and my God. He spoke with affection, as one that took hold of Christ with all his might; “My Lord and my God.” Sound and sincere believers, though slow and weak, shall be graciously accepted of the Lord Jesus. It is the duty of those who read and hear the gospel, to believe, to embrace the doctrine of Christ, and that record concerning him. Mathew Henry Commentary.

Mark 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.

Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

1 Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Ezekiel 40:38-43

God is orderly and precise. Everything is in His control!

Everything, down to the smallest detail, is orchestrated to perfection. From the beginning this provided the way for Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords, to sacrifice His life for our salvation.

Jesus’ sacrifice split the veil that separated us from God… allowing us entrance into the most holy place through and in Him.

Ezekiel 40:38-43

38 There was a chamber and its entrance by the gateposts of the gateway, where they washed the burnt offering. 39 In the vestibule of the gateway were two tables on this side and two tables on that side, on which to slay the burnt offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. 40 At the outer side of the vestibule, as one goes up to the entrance of the northern gateway, were two tables; and on the other side of the vestibule of the gateway were two tables. 41 Four tables were on this side and four tables on that side, by the side of the gateway, eight tables on which they slaughtered the sacrifices. 42 There were also four tables of hewn stone for the burnt offering, one cubit and a half long, one cubit and a half wide, and one cubit high; on these they laid the instruments with which they slaughtered the burnt offering and the sacrifice. 43 Inside were hooks, a handbreadth wide, fastened all around; and the flesh of the sacrifices was on the tables.

Ezekiel observes a room near the entrance of the northern gate of the inner court where animals are slaughtered and washed for sacrificial offerings. These sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice: the sacrifice of God’s only Son on the Cross once for all. Christ’s sacrifice of His own life paid for our sins and provides salvation to all those who believe on Him. NKJ Bible.

This chapter describes two outward courts of the temple. Whether the personage here mentioned was the Son of God, or a created angel, is not clear. But Christ is both our Altar and our Sacrifice, to whom we must look with faith in all approaches to God; and he is Salvation in the midst of the earth, Psalm 74:12, to be looked unto from all quarters. Matthew Henry Commentary.

Psalm 74:12 For God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.