An expository study of the book of Hebrews.
The book of Hebrews, in its context, was written to Jewish Christians. It is written to those who are dealing with a tremendous struggle, those who are leaving Judaism for Christianity. In today’s world this is no easy thing, however to do in the 1st Century, was even more difficult. If one were to leave Judaism for Christ, his family would disinherit him, cast him out of the family and outside the camp, hold a funeral for him, and consider him dead. No doubt the temptation was very strong to back, to go back to what merely the shadow. The book of Hebrews was written to challenge these Jewish believers not to go back, to trade the shadow of Judaism for the substance of Christ, to become better on the journey. Don’t settle for less, is the message of this epistle. read more…
Nehemiah 8-10
When it comes to great revivals that we read about in the Bible the book of Nehemiah may not be the first book that comes to mind. However when one reads chapters eight through ten, there is doubt a revival taking place. During Nehemiah’s day Israel was under the captivity of Babylon. Nehemiah served as a cup-bearer in the king’s court. However, Nehemiah had a burden to return to his home land, and restore the wall of Jerusalem. Despite much persecution, the wall was restored. After the wall was restored we can see revival breaking out among those that were in Jerusalem.
Economically, Israel was not in their glory. Socially, they were outcasts; slaves and captives to the Babylonians. Politically, well again they had been defeated by an enemy nation. Religiously, they were in dire straights, for the captivity was punishment from God.
It seems that there are many parallels between Nehemiah’s day and the present. Financially we are in a mess. It seems that Satan is winning and the world is creeping into churches. And as a nation the fastest growing religion is “no religion.” Many of our churches today have forgotten their purpose and that is why things seem so dire. However, we can see revival happen! read more…
The following is written on the tomb of an Anglican bishop in the crypts of the Westminster Abbey.
When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew in my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, read more…
