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).

Morning Message: Heroes of Faith

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Heroes of Faith"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

We finish up the 11th chapter of Hebrews today. We left off in the middle of the story of Moses, at verse 27. As the leader of the Jews that God chose to bring them out of Egypt, Moses continues in faith. He kept the Passover. And the Passover itself was done by faith, because that is what the Lord told Moses to tell the people that they should do to save their firstborn.

Except that it was directed by God, what could a lamb’s blood possibly do when splashed on the doorposts and lintel over the doors of Jewish homes? But here is a question for us today: Does the Holy Spirit see the Blood of the Lamb on our doorposts and lintel of our lives? If we give our hearts to the worship of God’s Son, then the sacrifice of Christ Jesus is at work in us.

This is the Faith that God looks for in us. He sees the evidence of our faith by our actions of faith that He sees in us. It is His perfecting work in us! Following Jesus’ manner of living, He will take note of us being a new creature in Christ, His Son. Submitting ourselves to Jesus’ commands is what makes our invisible faith have substance, and that substance is meant to grow and perfect us ‘til the day of the Lord. The Apostle Paul wrote of this promise in Philippians 1: 6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

He begins it; He performs it; He completes that good work. His work on the cross is sufficient for our salvation, and that of the whole world! Faith is His gift to us! It is invisible to the natural man, but to Jesus, it has substance. It is Spiritually discerned, and He knows our hearts.

The writer continues in his journey through the heroes of faith: Moses and Joshua, and then continues but in reverse chronological order. Through faith they subdued kingdoms, endured hardships and persecutions of many kinds: from mockery to death, and received the promises made to their fathers.

Their combined experiences show us the way to receiving the same promises of salvation, deliverance, and eternal life.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” - John 6:63

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 11:27-40 - "Heroes of Faith"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 11 is a powerful chapter in the Bible that showcases the incredible faith of our spiritual ancestors. It’s a reminder of the importance of trusting in God and His promises, even when we can’t see the outcome.

Through this chapter, we see examples of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things through their unwavering faith. From Abraham to Moses, and from Rahab to David, these heroes of the faith demonstrate what’s possible when we fully surrender to God’s will.

Remember, the book of Hebrews was written to Jews who had professed faith in Christ but were experiencing persecution that could be avoided if they would simply go back to the Old Testament system of law and sacrifice. In the first century, this may have been the result of direct Jewish persecution, but it may also have been the result of Roman persecution.

The writer of Hebrews warns that there is no going back, now that Christ has come. Relationship with God has always been by God’s grace through faith, and has ultimately always relied on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Romans 4:1–16; Ephesians 2:1–10). The Old Covenant pointed to Christ, and He is the fulfillment of it. A proper understanding of the Old Testament will not draw anyone back to Judaism and the temple and the law and the sacrifices. Rather, it will push one forward to faith in Christ.

The testimony of those in the Hall of faith should encourage all of us to press on, even in the face of persecution. God is faithful and always has been.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Reproach of Christ (11:26) - Moses considering the suffering and disgrace he faced for God and his people as a greater treasure than the riches of Egypt. Moses suffered reproach for the sake of Christ in the sense that he identified with Messiah's people in their suffering (v.25).

Seeing Him (11:27) - Moses' faith was such that he responded to God's commands as though God were standing visibly before him.  This was the basis for his faithfulness to God, and it should be every believer's example for faithfulness.

Passover (11:28) - Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) is a Jewish festival celebrating the exodus from Egypt and the Israelites’ freedom from slavery to the Egyptians. See Exodus 12.

Red Sea (11:29) - See Exodus 14, 15. When the Israelites reached the shores of the red sea they feared for their lives until hearing Moses's pronouncement of God's protection (Exodus 14:13).  God's word is powerful, and His people went forward in faith.

Jericho (11:30) - See Joshua 6.  Simple obedience to God's instruction in faith. They didn't have to pick up a weapon; God toppled the walls of Jericho.

Rahab (11:31) - See Joshua 2:1-24; 6:22-25; Matthew 1:5; James 2:25. Rahab is considered a hero of faith for her act of believing in God, hiding Israelite spies in Jericho, and disobeying her own king, which saved her and her family.

David (11:32) - See 2 Samuel 23:1-3; Mark 12:36. David is considered a "hero of faith" because of his life of faith in God, even though he was flawed and made mistakes. Key aspects of his story include his faith as a young shepherd who defeated Goliath, his repentance and renewal after sinning, and his identity as a man after God's own heart who wrote many psalms. David is the only king mentioned in this verse.  All others are judges or prophets.

Samuel and the Prophets (11:32) - Samuel was the last of the judges and the first of the prophets (cf. 1 Samuel 7:15; Acts 3:24; 13:20).  He is considered a hero of the faith for his obedience to God, acting as a priest, prophet, and the last judge of Israel who anointed the first two kings, Saul and David. His story highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being willing to respond with obedience, even from a young age. His faithfulness is also evident in his service to the people and his role as an intercessor on their behalf.

Subdued Kingdoms (11:33) - Speaking of Joshua, the Judges, David and others.

Worked Righteousness (11:33) - Righteous kings like David, Solomon, Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Hezekiah and Josiah.

Obtained Promises (11:33) - Abraham, Moses, David and Solomon. 

Stopped the Mouths of Lions (11:33) - Samson, David and Daniel.

Quenched the Violence of Fire (11:34) - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. See Daniel 3:19-30.

Escaped . . . the Sword (11:34) - See David (1 Samuel 18:4, 11; 19:9, 10).  Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-3, 10), and Elisha (2 Kings 6:15-19). 

Weakness (11:34) - Ehud (Judges 3:12-30), Jael (Judges 4:17-24), Gideon (Judges 6:15, 16; 7:1-25), Samson (Judges 16:21-30), and Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:1-6).

Women Received their Dead (11:35) - Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:22), Woman of Shunem (2 Kings 4:24).

Tortured (11:35) - Beaten to death while strapped to some sort of rack.

Others (11:36) - Joseph (Genesis 39:20), Miciah (1 Kings 22:27), Elisha (2 Kings 2:23), Hanani (2 Chronicles 16:10, Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-6; 37:15), and others.

Stoned (11:37) - The prophet Zechariah was killed in this fashion.

Sawn Asunder (11:37) - Sawn in two. This was the method Manasseh used to execute Isaiah.

Slain with the Sword (11:37) - Urijah the prophet died in this fashion (Jeremiah 26:23; cf. 1 Kings 19:10).  However, the expression here may refer to the mass execution of God's people; several such incidents occurred during the time of the Maccabees in the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Some Better Thing (11:39-40) - They had faith in the ultimate fulfillment of the eternal promises in the covenant (v. 13).  The faith of Old Testament saints looked forward to the promised salvation, whereas the faith of those after Christ looks back to the fulfillment of the promise.  both groups are characterized by genuine faith and are saved by Christ's atoning work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

Morning Message: The Substance of Hope

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Substance of Hope"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Man’s promises are filled with comfort and convenience, and often come with stipulations. All we have to do is remind ourselves of the New Year’s Resolutions that we promise to ourselves. When those resolutions become inconvenient or uncomfortable, or even just “too hard” to keep, the promises we make to ourselves are usually the first to be set aside. We make them with all good intentions, but a practical examination of those promises, regarding personal goals should be taken into consideration prior to making them. Reality will frequently come back to haunt us.

God’s promises are different, they are based in agape’, that love that comes from God without stipulations, or expectations of reciprocation. His love is based in a pure love that has our best interests in heart. That is the difference. Our promises to ourselves are self-centered, for our own benefit. His are also for us, but they are other-oriented, not self-indulgent for His own glory. And even more, He has a track record of keeping his promises. If you have been a Christian for a while, my words need no further explanation. If you are a new Christian, or a non-Christian, you may want to examine the words more closely to gain an understanding.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is casually known as the Faith Chapter of the Bible. Our faith is in God, not man; our faith is in His promises, not mankind’s. It has a scriptural premise, found in Psalm 118: 8 & 9. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.” These are two very practical verses. We have seen the results of misplaced trust on our election days. Mankind’s words can bring a hidden agenda, and we see that some people believe the lies spoken from campaign podiums.

This is not about partisan politics, it is about misplaced trust, without looking at track records. Or perhaps, deliberately overlooking track records. Mankind is fickle; God is steadfast in all His doings. God is also forgiving, just, and fair. He already knows our shortcomings, yet He blesses His own.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” - Exodus 20: 16

(“Who is my neighbor?" - Ref. Luke 10; 36 & 37)

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 11:1-25 - "The Substance of Hope"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

This morning, we will begin our exposition of Hebrews, chapter 11. It is one of those most loved portions of Scripture. It has various names. The most famous of them are, “The Faith Chapter" and “The Hall of Faith.” It is an entire chapter of the Bible devoted to the topic of faith. Faith is mentioned 26 times in chapter 11. It will be the recurring theme in this chapter again and again and again and again.

In many ways, Hebrews 11 is a treatise upon faith. But more than merely defining what faith is and talking about the characteristics of faith from an abstract perspective, primarily, this chapter is going to show us what faith looks like. The writer highlights for us the faith of a dozen individuals, whose lives are recorded for us in the Old Testament. He puts them on display and shows how through their faith they received the approval of God.

When God calls us to come to Him, He doesn’t call us first to love Him. He doesn’t call us first to obey Him. He doesn’t call us first to serve Him. He calls us first to believe in Him.

Our eternal destiny is based upon our faith (or lack of faith). “Whoever believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life” (John 3:16). It is by believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God that you have life in His name (John 20:31). Jesus said, “He who believes in Him is not judged; He who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18). Our future destiny is dependent upon our faith.

But faith isn’t a mere one-time act. Faith is something that we continually ought to manifest in our lives every day.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Key terms and definitions in Hebrews 11:

• Faith (pistis): The foundational concept of the chapter, defined as a confident belief in things hoped for and a strong conviction about things not seen.
• Assurance / Substance (hupostasis): The Greek word hupostasis is central to the definition of faith. This is from the same Greek word translated "express image" in 1:3 and "confidence" in 3:14.  The faith described here involves the most solid possible conviction, the God-given present assurance of a future reality.  "Assurance," "Confidence," or "Substance," signifying a tangible reality for things hoped for.
• Conviction / Evidence (elenchos): This term means "conviction," "proof," or "evidence," highlighting the certainty and factual basis of faith in things that are not visible.
• Hope (elpis): The act of hoping for or expecting future fulfillment of God's promises.
• Understanding (noeo): The ability to comprehend truths by faith, such as understanding that the universe was created by God's word, even though this is not something that can be physically seen.
  

Evidence of Things Not Seen (11:1) - True faith is not based on empirical evidence but on divine assurance, and is a gift of God.

Elders (11:2) - Meaning "men of old."  In this context, the term refers to all saints, both men and women, under the older covenant, a select few of whom are described in verses 4-40.

Obtained a Good Report (11:2) - God bears witness on the behalf of these saints that they lived by faith and divine approval is granted to them.

Through Faith (11:3) - Each example of faith in verses 3-31 is formally introduced with this specific phrase.  True saving faith works in obedience to God.

We (11:3) - Referring to the writer and all other true believers, present and past.

Worlds (11:3) - The physical universe itself as well as its operation and administration.

Were Framed (11:3) - equipped so that something might be made ready to fulfill its purpose.

Word of God (11:3) - God's divine utterance.

Abel . . . More Excellent (11:4) - Genesis 4:1-15. Though not specifically revealed, it is implied in 12:24.  Both brothers knew what God required.  Abel obeyed and Cain did not.  Abel acted in faith, Cain in unbelief.

By Which . . . It (11:4) - Abel's faith, not his offering.  Through that faith, he left testimony to all succeeding generations that a person comes to God by faith to receive righteousness.

Righteous (11:4) - Abel was accounted as righteous by God because of his faith, evidenced in obedience.

Enoch . . . Impossible to Please (11:5, 6) - Genesis 5:24. Enoch please God because he had faith.  Without such, it is not possible for anyone to "walk with God" or "please Him."

Noah . . . Things Not Seen (11:7) - Genesis 5:28-9:29. The world had not seen anything resembling the great flood, not even rain, yet Noah spent 120 years fulfilling God's command to build the massive ark (Genesis 6:13-22).

Fear (Godly) (11:7) - Treating God's Word with great respect and awe.

Condemned (11:7) - Noah warned the people of his time about God's impending judgment, preaching righteousness.

Abraham . . . A Place . . . Inheritance (11:8) - Genesis 11:27- 25:11. The land of Canaan.  He went out by faith.

Promise (11:9) - By faith Abraham went to the promised land, though he did not possess the land.  Possession of the land would be fulfilled many generations beyond his lifetime.

Sarah (11:11) - Genesis 11:27-23:2. At ninety, Sarah was long past child-bearing age and had never been able to conceive.  God enabled her to do so because of her faith in His promise (Genesis 21:1-3).

As Good as Dead (11:12) - Abraham at 99 years of age, was well beyond the age to father children apart from divine intervention.

Stars . . . Sand (11:12) - (hyperbole) The vastness of the population that would come from Abraham's loins.

These All (11:13) - The patriarchs only (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).

Strangers and Pilgrims (11:13-16) - Their faith was patient and endured great hardships because they believed God. 

Their God (11:16) - God referred to Himself as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6; Genesis 28:13).  People identified with God and He with them.

Only Begotten (11:17, 18) - Isaac was not the only son of Abraham; there was also Ishmael through Hagar (Genesis 16:1-16).  Isaac was the only son born according to God's promise and was the only heir of that promise. 

Even From the Dead (11:19) - Abraham come to the conclusion that God would fulfill all His promise even if it required raising Isaac from the dead (Genesis 22:5).

Isaac (11:20) - Genesis 27:1-28:5.  

Jacob (11:21) - Genesis 47:28-49:33. Both of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, received a blessing from Jacob. 

Joseph (11:22) - Genesis 37:1-50:26. By faith believed God would fulfill His promise to deliver the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage.  Even at death, having never returned to Canaan during his life, Joseph continued to believe in God's promise.  He demonstrated this by making his brothers promise to take his bones back to Canaan for burial.

Moses . . . Beautiful Child (11:23-29) - Exodus 1-15.  He was divinely favored.  Moses refused the fame he could have had in Egypt and suffered reproach because he identified with God's people in their suffering.  He courageously served God and led Israel out of Egypt.