Sound Teaching

There is a wonderful passage of scripture in 2 Samuel 22 where David thanks and praises God for his deliverance. David had been through so many trials in his time after being anointed by Samuel to be king. He had to hide from the murderous intent of Saul. He had suffered the great indignity of his son Absalom committing treason, very nearly taking his kingdom away from him. He had battled enemies of Israel throughout his reign. In verse one we are told, “Then David spoke to the Lord the words of this song, on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.” Continue reading “I Will Call Upon the Lord” →

The text of Psalm 110:4, to which the Hebrew writer here refers, contains a direct oath (an affirmation on an oath, this word is only used three times in the New Testament, all in the Hebrew letter). This is a Divine and unbreakable promise that the priesthood of Melchizedek will be eternal. No such promise was made to the priests under the Old Covenant.

This proves that this new covenant is a better one than the old covenant which tempted the readers of the epistle. No just better, but “so much better.”

Jesus is the guarantee that the new covenant is much better than the old. The Hebrew writer’s audience knew just how often death had taken the men who served as priests in the old covenant. In the case of men, “life is even a vapor that appears for a little time” (James 4:14).

But Jesus lives forever, and since this is so, there is never any change in the priesthood. The obvious result of this, as indicated in verse 25, is the inexhaustible ability of Christ to save as He always live to intercede.

A discussion of chapters 1 and 2 of 1 Samuel, examining the promise and prayer of Hannah, the mother of Samuel.  Samuel became a great prophet after being “loaned to the Lord” for all the days of his life.  His mother was blessed by God for devotion and steadfastness.

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The wise man who wrote the book of Proverbs said, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14).

Thousands of years after the creation of man, many think themselves very capable of identifying what is truly evil. Yet with this supposed knowledge of right and wrong, it is obvious that evil persists and even flourishes in our day.

I submit that people are less knowledgeable than they think. For every condemnation of murder there is a rationalization of the act in any particular circumstance. Too often men designate what they do not like as evil, and pronounce what they desire as good. In effect, the concept of right and wrong varies depending on who you talk to. Few will accept the contention that right and wrong can be objectively attained, or know how it can be done! Continue reading “Knowing Right Before God” →

There are several New Testament texts that detail the responsibilities to be found in a family as God would have it. One of these is Colossians 3:18-21, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

In this short text, Paul concisely describes the primary responsibility of each party. He does the same in Ephesians 6:1-ff. Put simply, The husband is to love. The wife is to submit. The children are to obey. The father is to discipline and instruct in a righteous and loving way. If we add to this Paul’s instruction that the older women teach the young women to “love their children” and be “homemakers,” we get a pretty clear role of everyone in a typical family (Titus 2:4). Continue reading “A God Fearing Home” →

Here we have a mention of the strength of the type/antitype argument being made. It is evident that Jesus couldn’t serve as High Priest in the Old Covenant. It is even MORE evident that a priest arising in the likeness of Melchizedek is superior to the old.

The high priesthood of Jesus is eternal. “You are a priest forever…” His life is endless.

Because of this we know that what was former has passed away. It has been annulled. This is significant and important because true perfection could not come under the old law. In Hebrews 10:4 we are told, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.” As is stated here, “because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect” (18-19).

Jesus priesthood, the eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek is the “bringing in of a better hope.” Because of His offering of Himself and His everlasting mediation on our behalf, Jesus supplies for us an intimacy with God that was not possible under the law of Moses. Access is no longer restricted. We can approach God’s throne freely!

The apostle Paul had a strained relationship with the Corinthian church. Because of their immaturity and disobedient behavior, he had to compose a letter to them (1 Corinthians) that was full of admonition and correction. In 2 Corinthians 6 he deals with this reality in verses 11-13:

“O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.”

You may notice that the problem was not caused by Paul. He loved the church there dearly, and expresses this love and care for them by saying “our heart is wide open.” The same could not be said of the Corinthians. It is hard to be thankful and open when you are being criticized. The problem is the attitude that we typically have toward correction. The wise man of Proverbs explained it very plainly, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1).

Paul rightly desired reciprocation on the part of the Corinthians. “Now in return for the same…you also be open” (13). When you receive correction for any foolishness or any sin you commit, remember Paul’s words. When someone shows concern for your soul, open your heart to them. They are showing their love to you!

God expects us to keep our appointments and duties towards Him and His people. We must ask whether if our place is empty, will anyone notice?  We should live our lives in a way to be noticed.  A city set on a hill, which cannot be hidden!

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A discussion of the dangers to others, as well as our own souls if we influence others to evil during these perilous times.  A discussion of 2 Timothy 3:1-9.

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Between the fall of Adam and Eve and the time of Noah, mankind had become very corrupt. The text reveals, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). Because of the evil conduct of mankind, God determined to destroy the world by flood. This included man and beast, creeping things and the birds of the air. Verse 7 of the text says, “for I am sorry that I have made them.” The conclusion in verse 8, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Continue reading “The Rainbow in the Cloud” →

Two major points are made in this part of our text. First, the Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection. The thought is introduced here, and more is said later. Consider, the high priest himself was a sinful man, and the sin offerings were inadequate (cf. Hebrews 10:4). So, the more perfect priest, Jesus, was important. With a new priest and priesthood, it is necessary to change the law under which they serve.

The second point enlarges upon this truth. It would be a violation for Jesus, as a member of the tribe of Judah, to serve as a priest under the law of Moses. We know this because God specified the Levitical tribe to produce priests. As the Hebrew writer notes, there was no precedence for one from Judah to serve.

The principle of silence is established here. In verse 14 we read, “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” When God has not spoken it is presumptuous for any to speak for Him. “…Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11b). In effect, to speak where God has not is to violate God’s law, which is sin!