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). 

Morning Message: A Great Cloud

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "A Great Cloud"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

To the Hebrews that the writer addresses in this Epistle, Chapter 11 serves as a reminder of their history, and to God’s faithfulness to them, through each individual listed in the text. And today in Chapter 12, those Heroes of Faith have become a great cloud of witnesses. Each of the names listed in the last chapter are familiar to every Jew, their stories fill the Old Testament, indeed their stories are the Old Testament: the battles, the successes, the failures, the victories and the defeats. And still, God has exhibited a faithful, gentle leading to the Promised Land that they inhabit today.

Their history has become the cloud of witnesses mentioned in the opening verses of Chapter 12. But interestingly, God has used His Chosen People as examples of unfaithfulness, when compared to His faithfulness. It makes for an interesting understanding of God’s relationship to what He calls a “stiff-necked” people. Their lives have brought us the Redeemer of every race, and creed! God’s purpose will always prevail!

Yes, they were Chosen to bring the promised redeemer into the world, but other than that, they are representative of every other race on the planet. God’s grace and mercy are evident throughout their history, and His plans for them dictate His continued faithfulness as they rule over His Holy City on Earth. And like every race, every religion, there are those who are committed to their people and to their faith, and those that identify as followers but lack the depth of commitment.

They are not alone, for the New Testament introduces us to a second great cloud of witnesses, as the Apostles took the Gospel to the ends of the known world, and still others have taken it to the four corners of the Earth today.

In Ephesians 4:11, Paul writes to that church, “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” God’s work among mankind is not finished yet, so in every generation, man will continue to hear the voices pointing us back to God, and to His Son, Jesus Christ. 

“But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth." - Acts 1: 8

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 12:1-17 - "A Great Cloud"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This morning, we will take a look at the first 17 verses of chapter 12 of the book of Hebrews.

This is a powerful exhortation for believers to persevere in their faith journey, drawing inspiration from the witnesses of the past, shedding hindrances, running with endurance, and fixing their eyes on Jesus.

This cloud of witnesses, the author of Hebrews illustrates so eloquently in chapter 11 expounding on the Heroes of Faith and then ends the chapter by telling us that the forefathers had faith to guide and direct them, but God had something better planned. He begins chapter 12 with a reference to these faithful men and women who paved the way for us. What the Old Testament believers looked forward to in faith—the Messiah—we look back to, having seen the fulfillment of all the prophecies concerning His first coming.

This passage encapsulates the essence of the Christian life as a race that requires steadfast commitment, discipline, and unwavering trust in God’s providence and promises. Believers equip themselves to navigate the challenges of life with faith and endurance by internalizing these timeless truths, keeping their eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of their faith, Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Wherefore (12:1) - A transitional word offering an emphatic conclusion to the section which began in Hebrews 10:19.

Witnesses (12:1) - The deceased people of chapter 11 give witness to the value and blessing of living by faith.  Motivation for running "the race" is not in the possibility of receiving praise from "observing" heavenly saints.  Rather, the runner is inspired by the godly examples those saints set during their lives.  The great crowd is not comprised of spectators but rather is made up of ones whose past life of faith encourages others to live that way. 

Let Us (12:1) - Reference to those Hebrews who had made a profession of Christ, but had not gone all the way to full faith.  They had not yet begun the race, which starts with salvation.  The writer has invited them to accept salvation in Christ and join the race.

Every Weight (12:1) - This refers to the main encumbrance weighting down the Hebrews which is the Levitical system with its stifling legalism.  The athlete would strip away every piece of unnecessary clothing before competing in the race.  the outward things emphasized by the Levitical system not only impede; they also "ensnare."

Sin (12:1) - In this context, this focuses first on the particular sin of unbelief - refusing to turn away from the Levitical sacrifices to the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ (John 16:8-11), as well as other sins cherished by the unbeliever.

Patience (12:1) - Endurance, the steady determination to keep going, regardless of the temptation to slow down or give up (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25).

Race (12:1) - The athletic metaphor presents the faith-filled life as a demanding, grueling effort.  the English word agony is derived from the Greek word used here.

Looking (12:2) - They were to fix their eyes on Jesus as the object of faith and salvation.

Author (12:2) - The originator, or preeminent example.

Finisher (12:2) - The term is literally "perfecter," having the idea of carrying through to perfect completion (cf. John 19:30).

The Joy (12:2) - Jesus persevered so that He might receive the joy of accomplishment of the Father's will and exaltation (Psalm 16:9-11; Luke 10:21-24).

Consider Him (12:3) - Jesus is the supreme example of willingness to suffer in obedience to God.  He faced hostility and endured even the cruel cross.  The same opposition is faced by all who follow Him (Acts 28:22; Galatians 6:17; Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Wearied and Faint (12:3) - Discouragement. Believers' pressures, exhaustion, and persecutions (cf. Galatians 6:9) are as nothing compared to Christ's.

Resisted Unto Blood (12:4) - Bloodshed. None of the Hebrews had experienced such intense exhaustion or persecution that it brought them to death or martyrdom.  Since Stephen (Acts 7:60), James (Acts 12:1), and others (Acts 9:1; 22:4; 26:10) had faced martyrdom in Jerusalem, it would appear to rule out that city as the residence of this epistle's recipients.

Scourgeth (12:6) - Flogging with a whip, a severe and painful form of beating that was common Jewish practice (cf. Matthew 19:17; 23:34).

Sons (12:7, 8) - Because all people are imperfect and need discipline and training, all true children of God are chastened at one time or another, in one way or another.

Bastards (12:8) - Illegitimate. The word is found only here in the New Testament, but is used elsewhere in Greek literature of those born to slaves or concubines.  There could be in this an implied reference to Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 16), Abraham's concubine and illegitimate son.

Subjection (12:9) - Respect for God equals submission to His will and law, and those who willingly receive the Lord's chastening will have a richer, more abundant life (cf. Psalm 119:165).  

Father of Spirits (12:9) - Probably best translated as "Father of our spirits," it is in contrast to "human fathers."

Our Profit (12:10) - Imperfect human fathers discipline imperfectly; but God is perfect and therefore, His discipline is perfect and always for the spiritual good of His children.

Exercised (12:11) - Meaning "trained."

Follow peace . . . Holiness (12:14) - Pursue it. Drawing near to God with full faith and a cleansed conscience, and a genuine acceptance of Christ as the Savior and sacrifice for sin, bringing the sinner into fellowship with God.  Unbelievers will not be drawn to accept Christ if believers' lives do not demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness (cf. John 13:35; 1 Timothy 4:3; 5:23; 1 Peter 1:16).

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).