Morning Message: Sacrifice of Praise

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Sacrifice of Praise"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The final portion of The Epistle to the Hebrews is upon us. And it’s a fitting time of the year, as Christmas is just a week and a half away. “The sacrifice of praise” begins this passage, and we are encouraged to communicate to others the reason for our joy in Christ. That’s evangelization, pointing others to Christ for all the wonderful gifts He has given us.

There are two amazing days each year when we are truly motivated to Praise our Lord Jesus: Resurrection Sunday when He overcame death, and on the day of Christmas when we celebrate His coming to Earth to live among His Creation!

These are the days when we proclaim the prophecies of His coming; Isaiah spoke of the virgin birth, and what Christ would be called. Micah declared where He would be born. And Daniel pointed us to the day that Christ would come into Jerusalem. These were just a few of the “Holy Men of God” that would write of His coming to save His own Creation. (2 Peter 1: 21)

The Gospels give us many more details, building upon the foundations of prophecy and their fulfillment. The days were to be in troublesome times, and attempts would be made to kill Him before He took His throne.

For us though, these are days of rejoicing and praise, for Our King was born and the peace and joy that He has supplied to us is beyond measuring. The celebrations of Jesus’ Birth have already begun, praise songs before service turn into Carols and Hymns of praise, hope, and deliverance.

The Christmas Season is celebrated by Believers around the world beginning with the religious celebration of Advent, starting four weeks before. But in reality, Christians can be celebrating Jesus’ birth all year long, if for no other reason than we do not know the actual date of His Birth. Every day is a new day to praise Him and give Him glory, 365 days-a-year!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and

his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The

Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 13:15-25 - "Sacrifice of Praise"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In this final message from the study of the book of Hebrews, the writer will draw our attention to a summary of the Christian life.    Believers are urged to live a life of sacrificial praise and good works, rooted in Jesus' finished sacrifice, while submitting to leaders and looking forward to the eternal city, receiving God's equipping grace and a final blessing.  

Key themes include continually offering praise (the "fruit of lips"), doing good and sharing (acts pleasing to God), obeying spiritual leaders, enduring reproach for Christ, and relying on God's promise, "I will never leave you nor forsake you, "to find strength and joy in our unchanging Christ. 

In essence: The passage summarizes the Christian life as a transformed existence, fueled by appreciation for Christ's ultimate sacrifice, expressed through ongoing worship and service, and anchored by faith in God's everlasting presence, all while awaiting a future heavenly home.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Praise . . . Thanks (13:15) - As seen throughout the Book of Hebrews, sacrifices were extremely important under the Old Covenant.  Under the New Covenant, God desires the praise and thanksgiving of His people rather than offerings of animals or grain.  Since New Testament believers are all priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9), they have offerings of praise and thanks to God (cf. Romans 12:1).  The "sacrifice of praise" is also mentioned in Leviticus 7:12; Psalm 54:6. For "fruit of the lips," see Isaiah 57:19; Hosea 14:2.

Do Good . . . Communicate (Share) (13:16) - The sacrifice of praise coming from the lips of God's people please Him only when accompanied by loving action (cf. Isaiah 58:6, 7; James 1:27; 1 John 3:18).

Rule Over You (13:17) - The leaders of the church (pastors/elders) exercise the very authority of Christ when they preach, teach, and apply Scripture.  They serve the church on behalf of Christ and must give Him an account of their faithfulness.  These may include both secular and spiritual rulers.  Even those who do not acknowledge God are nevertheless ordained and used by Him (cf. Romans 13:1, 4).

Joy (13:17) - The church is responsible to help its leaders to their work with satisfaction and delight. 

Restored (13:19) - The author had been with these Hebrews and was anxious to once again be in their fellowship.

God of Peace (13:20) - Paul uses this title six times in his epistles (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Great Shepherd of the Sheep (13:20) - See Isaiah 63:11. This is Jesus, the Good Shephard who cares for His people (the flock). The figure of the Messiah as a Shepherd is found frequently in Scripture (cf. Psalm 23; Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4).

Through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant (13:20) - This must refer, in the context of Hebrews, to the New Covenant that is eternal (in a future sense) compared to the Mosaic covenant that was temporary and had been abrogated.

Make You Perfect (Complete) (13:21) - This is not the Greek word for "perfect", or "perfection" used throughout Hebrews to indicate salvation, but is a word which is translated "prepared" in 10:5 and "framed" in 11:3.  It refers to believers being edified.  the verb has the idea of equipping by means of adjusting, shaping, mending, restoring, or preparing.

Suffer (13:22) - Means to bear with. Readers are encouraged to receive this message with open minds, and warm hearts, in contrast to those who " will not endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3).

Word of Exhortation (13:22) - This is the writer's own description of his epistle.

Set at Liberty (13:23) - Meaning set free. The details of Timothy's imprisonment are unknown (cf. 2 Timothy 4:11, 21).

They of Italy (13:24) - The group to which the author wrote may have been in Italy, or the meaning might be that Italian Christians who were with him sent their greetings. 

Morning Message: One To Come

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "One To Come"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As we open the 13th Chapter of Hebrews, we are closing out this wonderful Epistle. It is filled with good things for us to keep in mind daily. The writer opens up with, “Let brotherly love continue.” That command is the second half of The Great Commandment. That’s not a coincidence. It is one of the hardest things to do, especially given Jesus’ description of brothers, and of neighbors. A neighbor might live next door, or be someone in a store check-out line. And a brother may well be a Christian stranger, or a family member. Nonetheless, let brotherly love continue.

The first half of The Great Commandment is about our love and respect for Jesus. It is repeatedly quoted in Mtatthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27 as well as a Jewish prayer in Deuteronomy 6: 4, 5: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

The phrasing describes our Triune God, and the Holy Spirit spoke it to the Jews. Verse 4 says, “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.” He is the Almighty Three-in-One-Lord and God.

With Christmas coming soon, we will read of all three members of the Godhead. At the same time, we have read of the relationship of Christ and His church in Ephesians 5:21-33, with specific directions to the Church as The Bride of Christ, and other specifics to the husband. This passage is about love and respect, and they are not reciprocal; they are God’s command to the husband, and God’s command to the wife.

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;” - Romans 12:10

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 13:1-14 - "One To Come"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The final chapter of the book of Hebrews is a powerful call to live out Christian faith practically focusing on living a life of brotherly love, hospitality, sexual morality, and contentment. It urges believers to remember prisoners, and respect their spiritual leaders. The writer makes a strong point about the constancy of the gospel. Jesus Christ does not change, and neither does the truth. Christians, therefore, ought to be careful not to follow novel, strange, or changing doctrines

From there, the writer returns to drawing comparisons between elements of the old covenant and the ministry of Jesus Christ. Earlier in this book, it was explained that rituals and sacraments of the Levitical law were meant to symbolize the "real" plan, enacted through Jesus (Hebrews 8:5–6). In this section, a parallel is shown between the disposal of sacrificed animals and the crucifixion of Christ. Animals offered to consecrate Aaron's priesthood were burnt outside the borders of Israel's camp (Exodus 29:14). Jesus, whose sacrificial death reconciled us to God (Hebrews 2:10; 9:24–26), was executed outside the borders of the city of Jerusalem (John 19:17–20).

In making this comparison, the writer once again encourages the reader to "hold fast" in the face of persecution, choosing to be identified with Christ rather than with the world (Hebrews 11:24–26). This leads back to another reference to spiritual leadership, reminding believers to cooperate with teachers, rather than frustrating them (Hebrews 13:10–17).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Brotherly Love (13:1) - brotherly affection, brotherly kindness. This is an expressed love between people who have Christ in common. Those who know Christ, and are in Christ, Jew and Gentile, ought to love each other as members of the incredible family of God.

Entertain Strangers (13:2) - The extension of love to those who were strangers (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2). Hospitality in the ancient world often included putting up a guest overnight or longer.  This is hardest to do when experiencing a time of persecution.  The Hebrews would not know whether a guest would prove to be a spy or a fellow believer being pursued.

Angels (13:2) - This is not given as the ultimate motivation for hospitality, but to reveal that one never knows how far-reaching an act of kindness might be (cf. Matthew 25:40, 45).  Examples:  Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1-3), Lot (Genesis 19:1,2), Gideon (Judges 6:11-24), and Manoah (Judges 13:6-20).

Yourselves (13:3) - Believers should be able to identify with the suffering of others because they also suffer physical ("in the body") pain and hardship.

Honorable (13:4) - God highly honors marriage, which He instituted at creation (Genesis 2:24); but some people in the early church considered celibacy to be holier than marriage, an idea Paul strongly denounces in 1 Timothy 4:3.

Covetousness (13:5) - Lusting after material riches is "a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness" (1 Timothy 6:10; cf. 1 Timothy 3:3).

I Will Never (13:5) - Quote from Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Chronicles 28:20.  Believers can be content in every situation because of this promise.  Five negatives are utilized in this statement to emphasize the impossibility of Christ deserting believers.  It is like saying, "there is absolutely no way whatsoever that I will ever, ever leave you."

Boldly (13:6) - Not the usual word for boldness, this word has the idea of being confident and courageous.

Various and Strange Doctrines (13:9) - These would include any teachings contrary to God's Word.  The New Testament contains countless warnings against false teaching and false teachers (cf. Acts 20:29, 30; Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5; Galatians 1:6-9; Ephesians 4:14; 2 Timothy 3:16).

Established by Grace (13:9) - Those who are experiencing God's grace in Christ have hearts and minds that remain stable.

Foods (13:9) - The Mosaic Law had regulations for everything, including food (Leviticus 11).  But for Christians, those laws have been abrogated (Acts 10:9-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 8:8; Romans 14:17; 1 timothy 4:1-5).

An Altar (13:10) - The altar, the offerer, and the sacrifice are all closely related.  Association with an altar identifies the offerer with the sacrifice.  With certain offerings, the individual further identified himself with the altar and sacrifice by eating some of the sacrifice.  The apostle Paul referred to this relationship to an altar when giving instruction to the Corinthians regarding eating meat offered to idols (1 Corinthians 9:13) and regarding the observation of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 10:18).  Here, the altar is equivalent to the sacrifice of Christ, especially as seen in the comparison to the Day of Atonement.

Morning Message: A Warning Invitation

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "A Warning Invitation"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The Jews were called a stiff-necked people in several places in the Old Testament. They often acted arrogantly, believing that their logic was like God's. But that's a presumptuous conclusion. To think that we mortals can match God with motives, means, and planning seems outrageous to us these days. And Isaiah 55:7-11 confirms that God thinks so too! His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His ways are higher than our ways.

We find a fitting word in today's reading at Genesis 26:29, the word is "sod." Jacob was making "pottage," a lentil soup that was red in color. He saw a chance to take advantage of his twin brother Esau, and he arrogantly and pridefully pressed on; in effect, that is the meaning of the word "sod" in Genesis 29.

With Jehovah changing Jacob's name to Israel, we might understand how Jacob's character might be passed on to the entire nation. the Chosen People of God have been incredibly gifted by God in multiple ways: in business, in inventing things, and having insightful minds, and even marketing skills.

Pharoah was once in several contests with God, and lost miserably. Why would we think that being in any contest with God would be a good thing? His will is perfect, and His plans are always to benefit us. He knows what lay ahead of us, while we can't see around the next corner. We pray to Him for the things we think we need. His answers are "yes," "no," or "wait." We have all experienced the wisdom of His answers. We learn to trust Him, rather than ourselves. Our faith grows.

This is the tangible evidence whereby we define Faith. God's methods are genius, and far above our abilities. He grows on us. We will be His people, and he will be our God! It is a personal relationship meant to grow and to deepen.

"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 10:22

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 12:15-29 - "A Warning Invitation"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 12:15-29 is a powerful warning to Christians to persevere in faith and holiness, avoid backsliding into sin, and appreciate the superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old covenant given at Mount Sinai. It contrasts the fearful experience of the Law with the confident access to God offered through Jesus.

Finally, the author tells us to renew your reverence. If you want to run well, remember the absolute holiness of the one who has fired the starters’ pistol. And for this, the author takes his readers back to Mount Sinai. [12:18–29]

To be at Mount Sinai when God shook the earth was terrifying. But what we now face is even more awesome: “the heavenly Jerusalem” surrounded by “myriads of angels.” Not the old covenant but the new covenant. Not the sprinkled blood of bulls but the sprinkled blood of God’s Lamb. Not Moses but Jesus. Not a temporary kingdom but an unshakable kingdom. Remember who it is we serve: “the living God” who is “the Judge of all.”

This may be a race but it’s not game! The holy God of the universe is our Master. Run as though you belong to him, are pursuing him, want to please him, and will answer to him. Run with reverence and awe, something that needs to be renewed in us, day by day.

The Holy Spirit of God wants you and I to be world-class Christians, running with endurance the race set before us, pressing on to maturity with determination. We can do that by having heroes in the faith, by taking sin seriously, by considering the crucified Christ, by keeping a proper perspective, by knowing what discipline does, by treating our team well, and by renewing our reverence. But all of these habits support the urgent command: Press on to maturity with endurance!

I want to encourage you to review these seven habits in the days ahead and ask God to highlight one that, perhaps, needs shoring up in your life. Perhaps you’ve been neglecting your team. Maybe you’ve been spurning God’s discipline. Maybe you’ve lost sight of Christ. Whatever it is, take that habit before the Lord and consider how you may strengthen your walk with him, your ability to run well the race of faith set before you.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Looking Diligently (12:15) - Looking Carefully. Believers are to watch their own lives in order to give a testimony of peace and holiness, as well as to look out for and help those in their midst who are in need of salvation.

Fail of the Grace of God (12:15) - Fall short, miss the mark. This means to come too late and be left out. Here is another mention of the intellectually convinced Jews in that assembly who knew the gospel and were enamored with Christ, but still stood on the edge of apostasy.

Root of Bitterness (12:15) - This is the attitude of apostates within the church who are corruptive influences.

Fornicator (12:16) - The sexually immoral in general. Apostasy is often closely linked with immorality (cf. 2 Peter 2:10, 14, 18; Jude 8, 16, 18).

Mount Zion (12:22) - As opposed to Mount Sinai, where God gave the Mosaic Law which was foreboding and terrifying.  Mount Zion here is not the earthly one in Jerusalem, but God's heavenly abode, which is inviting and gracious.  No one could please God on Sinai's terms, which was perfect fulfillment of the law (Galatians 3:10-12).  Zion, however, is accessible to all who come to God through Jesus Christ (cf. Psalms 132:13, 14; Isaiah 46:13; Zechariah 2:10; Galatians 4:21-31.

City of the Living God...Heavenly Jerusalem (12:22) - These are synonyms for heaven itself.  For a description of the abode of God, the city of Jerusalem in heaven see Revelation 21:1-22:5.

Innumerable (12:22) - The Greek word is often translated as "10,000."  See Revelation 5:11, 12.

General Assembly (12:23) - The term here means "a gathering for public festival."  It does not likely describe a distinct group as if different from the church, but describes the attitude of the innumerable angels in heaven in a festal gathering around the throne of God.

Church of the Firstborn (12:23) - The firstborn is Jesus Christ.  The church is comprised of believers who are fellow heirs with Christ, the preeminent One among many brethren (Romans 8:17, 29).

Just Men Made Perfect (12:23) - These are the Old Testament saints in distinction from the "church of the firstborn," who are the New Testament believers.

Better Things (12:24) - Abel's sacrifice was pleasing to God because it was offered in faith and obedience, but it had no atoning power.  Jesus' blood alone was sufficient to cleanse sin (cf. 1 John 1:7).  the sacrifice of Christ brought redemption (9:12), forgiveness 9:26), and complete salvation (10:10, 14).

Abel (12:24) - The blood of Abel's sacrifice only provided a temporary covering, but Christ's a blood sacrifice declares eternal forgiveness (cf. Colossians 1:20).

Refused (12:25) - The same word describes the conduct of Israelites at Mount Sinai.

Much More (12:25) - The consequence for apostates is dire indeed.  The judgment to be experience and the expected terror is far in excess of that on Mount Sinai.

Shook the Earth (12:26) - At Mount Sinai, God shook the earth.  From Zion, He will shake the heavens, the entire universe (cf. Isaiah 13:13; 34:4; 65:17, 22; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 6:12-14; 20:11; 21:11).

Kingdom (12:28) - God will create " anew heaven and a new earth - - - the holy city, New Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:1,2).

With Reverence and Godly Fear (12:28) - The second word has to do with the apprehension felt because of being in God's presence.

Consuming Fire (12:29) - See Deuteronomy 4:24.  God's Law given at Sinai prescribed many sever punishments, but the punishment is far worse for those who reject His offer of salvation through His own Son, Jesus Christ (cf. Luke 3:16, 17).