SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
December 20, 2013
A STEADFAST FAITH
I begin with the conversation Jesus had with the woman of Samaria, ”I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” Jesus saith unto her, “Woman. believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship what ye know not what: we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:19-24
In this text, Jesus is speaking to a woman, a Samaritan, who worshipped God under the law of Moses. She knew that the Jews worshipped in Jerusalem, while they, not being welcome in Jerusalem, had their own place in Samaria that they offered sacrifices to God.
But: Jesus moved the conversation, not to places, but forward to a time what would be yet to come. Yes, the church would begin at Jerusalem soon, but after that it’s first growth would encompass Samaria, and soon afterwards the Roman empire, and ultimately the world.
Having laid this first foundation, let us move on to the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 10:19-27
A VAST NEW ERA
Jesus Christ has died on the cross, resurrected, and established a new era, not under the law, but under grace. Because of the blood of Christ, daily sacrifices on an altar are no longer offered. His death on Calvary fulfilled that need, and in doing so God is now approachable by all Christians! On his death the Veil between the Holy place and the Holy of Holies was torn apart by God. That which had only been accessible to Christ, now is open to all. We can pray directly, not through a go-between priest. We are all priests!
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
(Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:12)
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
(John 14:6)
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
AS PRIESTS, WE ARE TO LIVE A SANCTIFIED LIFE
Under the law, only Levites, could be priests, and before they could serve, they were required to be ceremonially cleansed.
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 7:19, Hebrews 10:1)
Whether the phrase “Our bodies washed with pure water” is in reference to baptism or not directly refers to our baptism, is not really important as there are many references that clearly indicate that this is where we are cleansed of our sins, Acts 2:38, being but one. As priests, we became so, when we were baptized and our lives and hearts made clean in God’s sight. Being clean, we may approach Him in prayer.
STAY SANCTIFIED (DEDICATED/SET APART)
Hold fast, don’t lose faith. That is where satan will attack first, as he did with Christ. No sooner was Jesus baptized until Satan came to tempt him. We can not expect any less
attention.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(Ephesians 3:12)
GOOD WORKS
Good works are not a means of attaining salvation, but they are a means of sharing faith.
You can not hide your good deeds, but neither should you flaunt them. Just make them a way of life.
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
(1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 10:13)
Your faithfulness in worship says a lot. Encourage one another that both you and your friends may stay safe in the flock of the Lord, until He separates the sheep from the goats at judgment time. Live in anticipation of that time.
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.
(Acts 2:42, Romans 13:11, Philippians 4:5)
The back slider may say, “Oh, I will be saved.” but the truth is that he is not very likely to return.
26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
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