The theology is understandable. The call to practicality is clear. What then do we need to “live” the faith? [Thought questions for Exhortations from the Sanctuary December 25, 2013] 1. The Golden Chain. The earthly sanctuary had a High Priest who entered the presence of God as represented in the Most Holy Place. How does … Continue reading –>
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24, NASB). Whereas the exhortation in Hebrews 10:23 focused on the individual attitude, the next one in Hebrews 10:24 has the community of believers in view. We do not walk alone on our path with Christ. We should care for … Continue reading –>
Look up the texts below. What do they all have in common? What should believers hold on to? Heb. 3:6 Heb. 3:14 Heb. 4:14 Heb. 6:18 Heb. 10:23 Besides having the assurance of salvation, it is important to persevere and uphold the hope offered us all. In Hebrews, to hold fast is a serious appeal. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Our faith in God is shown by our care for others. We need each other, and by encouraging others, we strengthen our own relationships with God. [Teaching plan for Exhortation From the Sanctuary December 30, 2013] 1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 4:14-16. a. Ask class members to share a thought on what … Continue reading –>
Read Hebrews 10:19–25 again. One theme appears again and again, and that is “confidence.” The Greek word for “confidence” (Heb. 10:19) refers to a boldness, courage, and fearlessness that in the New Testament describes our new relationship with God. Originally the word referred to an openness of speech, which, in this context, could specifically mean … Continue reading –>
Read Hebrews 10:22. What conditions for approaching God in the heavenly sanctuary are laid down in this verse? According to this verse, worshipers should meet four conditions when they draw near to God: 1. Come with a sincere heart. The heart is our inner being, our thoughts, our motivations, our emotions, our will, and our … Continue reading –>
Read Hebrews 4:16; Heb 6:19-20; and Heb 10:19–21. To what do believers have access, and what does this mean for us? What hope is offered here, and more important, what impact should this hope have on our life and faith? Believers have spiritual access to the heavenly sanctuary, to the very throne of God. We … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 10:19–25; Heb. 4:16; Exod. 24:8; James 4:7, 8; John 13:34; Heb. 10:24-25. Memory Text: “And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and … Continue reading –>
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:13-14 NKJV What a wonderful message from heaven to fallen man! The angels did not come and say, “God is over in Bethlehem, and you better get … Continue reading –>
Further Study: Ellen G. White, “Why was Sin Permitted?” pp. 33–43, in Patriarchs and Prophets; “The Character of God Revealed in Christ,” pp. 737–746, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5. “There stood in the world One who was a perfect representative of the Father, One whose character and practices refuted Satan’s misrepresentation of God. … Continue reading –>
Shortly after my baptism, my father called me to dance in a big ghost festival in our home village. I was shaking as I told my father, “No, I don’t dance anymore.” Father urged me to dance, but I took a deep breath and told him, “I have found a power that is stronger than … Continue reading –>
During this time of year much of the world turns its attention to the Bible account of the first Advent of Christ. You can read about it in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. Just as the angels of heaven brought “good news” to the shepherds, this is a good time for us to share the good news … Continue reading –>
