Christmas Break

Hello everyone...is anyone still out there? I wouldn't blame you if you have surfed away because the freakin' blog hasn't been updated for almost a month! Man time sure flys! We will be picking it up in the new year starting January 7. Our first order of business will be to re-visit chapter 3:1-6 in review and then launch into 3:7-19.

Hebrews 3:1-6 takes us through yet another comparison. Here we find Jesus being compared to Moses. Now for us living in the Lower Mainland we might not understand the impact of what the author is doing. So think of it this way - what he is doing is essentially taking Jesus and comparing him to anyone whom we find to have any historical, political, religious and social importance. For this church Moses was regarded as 'the man'. No one could measure up to what Moses had done, seen, spoke about or did. There is even the suggestion that Moses was so highly thought of that some people may have even been in danger of worshipping him. And here we have the author saying that this Jesus is more important than Moses himself. Here's a short list;

Moses - administered the covenant throughout the household of Israel. But was himself only a part of that household.

Jesus - rules over the household as one appointed by the builder - namely God.

Moses - was not the author of the covenant he administered.

Jesus - was and is the author of what is called the 'Mosaic Law' as well as the new covenant. (which was inaugurated at the last supper)

So, here we have Moses who was very important to the historical, political and religious traditions of the Israelites. And now someone more worthy, more important, one who was and is closer to God than Moses could ever have been; Jesus of Nazareth.

Moses was considered a faithful servant. Jesus is called the apostle and High Priest of our confession. Jesus was more faithful over the house of Israel like a son. Moses was good - but Jesus is better.

I wonder how this might look in our context? Who is the most important person, the most influential person, of your life? In an age where we look to others 'higher' than ourselves for inspiration, motivation, liberation...Hebrews is telling us Jesus is better.

I love Jesus. I love the Bible. I love opening up God's word and teaching through it's pages. Won't you join us? We'll be starting again on January 7 - 7:15pm to 8:30pm. We would love to have you join us.

And in case I don't get to it before the 25th, have a very blessed Christmas!

Chapter 3:1-6

Tomorrow we will be walking through a comparison between Moses and Jesus. Talk about two giants! One thing that sticks out (although I have to confess that the previous statement seems to be one that is understated by me all the time - lol) is the statement that "...Moses was faithful in all God's house...". Really? Moses was considered faithful? Isn't this the man that murdered an Egyptian? Didn't he argue with God on several occasions? I remember something about a rock and Moses getting so mad at the people that he struck the rock instead of speaking to it. But, as someone in our care group wisely said,'doesn't that also demonstrate the awesome love and grace of our God?' - absolutely. And that is what is so amazing about the Bible. In no way shape or form does it try to hind the human failings. We humans are on display in all our ugliness. And God still chooses to use the weak, the frail, the scared, the inadequate, the marginalized, to work within His plan. And as that person lives out their life for God and dependant upon Him, they are considered faithful. So as I read through this section again and again I pause when I read that Moses was faithful - because he knew God and more importantly, God knew Moses. Warts and all. What a wonderful gift of grace.

Have fun in chapter 3.

This Thursday...

Last week we moved through the remaining portion of chapter 2. We had some fantastic discussions surrounding the topic of Jesus and what it means for us in the post-modern world to know Him as our High Priest. If you are curious to study further there is some great material on this in Leviticus. Specifically around the 16 & 21-22chapters. As yo read through this think about Jesus fulfills this role for you.

This Thursday we will have to postpone as I will be unavailable to teach. So, your homework over the next week or so is to read Hebrews 3. Read it in two parts. First read 3:1-6 (this about Jesus and Moses) then read 3:7-19 (this is the second warning)And I'll look forward to walking through this with you next Thursday.

To recap...Thursday, November 19th - postponed
...Thursday, November 26th - resume with chapter 3:1-6

Feeling Better...Finding God

Hello everyone. Well this week was really great as we sat down, drank some coffee (Thanks B)and conversed our way through chapter 2:5-9. We spent most of our time discussing the idea surrounding verses 8b and 10-12.

2:8b - Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside of his control. At, present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.

How can the whole world be in subjection to Jesus yet at the same time we see the "not yet"? It's hard, is it not, for us to see that even though the most difficult times in our lives - Jesus is in control and God is still on the throne. It boils down to the basic fundamental once again - "Do I really trust Jesus to take care of everything?" It might be easy to give up certain things - but there always seems to be that other part that we think we can control. Either the issue seems to big even for God to handle or the issue seems so minuscule that we really don't need to bother God with that one. But whenever we don't relinquish that issue to God we are essentially saying that we trust our own devices more than we trust God's.

2:10-12 - For it twas fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

We worked through the concept of being sanctified. We discovered that the act of sanctification has two sides. One belongs to God and the other belongs to Christians. Being set apart by God to accomplish his purposes. And our continual submission and lifelong pattern of spiritual growth.

Again, I am blown away by the testimonies of those within the group. Stories of how God is moving, how people have struggled and how they have experienced God.

We're going to continue working with 2:5-18 because there is just too much there for us to leave it behind.

This Thursday

Hey Everyone,

Hope you have had a great week, this Thursday we will be looking at Hebrews 2:5-18. This is a great portion of the letter. It's packed with assurances. I'm looking forward to what will happen.

If you can think of anyone who might want to join us, feel free to ask them! We are more than open to having new people join us.

See everyone on Thursday.

This Thursday

Hello everyone, this Thursday will have to turn into a night off for everyone as I have a lot of responsibilities to wrap up for work. I know seems lame but I can't escape - anyways you'll be fine. So, until next week read through chapter two and if you feel adventurous do the following;

1. Look up the references that the author uses. Hint - there are four of them.
2. Think about the implications that will happen in your life when you consider the importance of Jesus being your high priest.
3. Refer to the following and write down how they relate to perseverance.
a. 2 Thess. 1:4/3:5
b. James 1:3-4
c. Rev 2:2,19
d. Romans 5:3-5

I would love to read your comments if you are so inclined. Have a great week.

Pay Stricter Attention - Lest You Drift

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?
The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001, S. Heb 2:1-3

Two weeks on this particular passage and I must confess that it felt like we could have spent another two weeks in it! This small group is really a joy for me to be a part of. If you don't have a small group to belong to come to ours. If you just want to check us out or if you want to dig right in you are most welcome. But be warned - we talk alot about Jesus. We talk alot about the Bible and what Jesus says in it and how every part of it points to him. If you don't want to be challenged, if you don't want to confronted about the false sense of security that apathy is breeding in your life then you might not want to come. But if you are tired with your status-quo, if you feel like there is more to your life with Jesus than just going to church and pretending to be fine, then this is the place for you.

Ignore. It's interesting how Hebrews uses this word to describe the possibility of people's reaction to the gospel. Ignore. Merriam-Webster says that to ignore is to -
refuse to take notice of, to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded

The usage also indicates that there would be some apathy mixed into the ignoring of the gospel. "Who cares about the gospel?, Who cares about Jesus and what he said, I want to live my own life my own way. The Bible isn't really a source of truth - its a collection of stories meant to inspire and it doesn't do that very well"

If you mix this type of apathy with the action of ignoring - the Bible says you are in real danger of slipping away.

One person said, "Some people care so little about salvation that it is neglected to the point of no return. Salvation is neglected to the point where there is no escape from justice."

Someone else said that we must never maximize the grace of God to the neglect of the holiness of God and God's desire for the holiness of His people.

Mk 1:14-15 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001, S.

How will we escape? The Bible says that if we do not pay close attention - we will not escape. After all the gospel message is a message about salvation - a rescue - an escape.

Our homework for next week is to read through Hebrews 2:5-18. Think about how the phase, "I will put my trust in him" will change your whole life.