Pause for thought

Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish converts to Christianity to holdfast to their Heavenly calling. Because of their Jewish heritage it was relatively easy to give in to the pull of their former Jewish religion. Although Hebrews was written to Jewish believers its message is for every christian wether Jew or gentile in every age.

As Apostle of our confession Jesus represents God to His people (is the message and the messenger) As High Priest Jesus represents His people to God ( Jesus is able to represent us because he experienced all our frailties without sinning) 3:1-2

Moses was greatly revered by every Jew as a servant who served God’s Jewish household. But Jesus Christ is not only in charge of God’s entire household that now includes both Jew and Gentile, Jesus is the builder of that household, yet another reason for every believer to maintain their hope in Jesus Christ. 3:8

Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness happened in spite of seeing many miraculous signs and wonders, the final straw was broken when they refused to enter the promised land ( a type of Gods rest) The writer to the Hebrews uses this as a warning to Jewish Christians not to turn back but to keep on believing in Jesus Christ as the only WAY to enter God’s true rest. I think that rest refers to our present rest as we trust or rest in Christ. And can also refer to a future heavenly rest. 3:18-19, 4:1

memory verse

But Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God’s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident of our hope in Christ. Hebrews. 4:6 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Pause for thought

We must pay attention to the truth that God has spoken to us through the bible (putting into practice what we’ve heard. James 1:22-25) if we do we shall be able to stand firm against the tricks of the devil if we don’t we are in danger of drifting away from not only the truth of the gospel but from God himself 2:1

Hebrews makes it clear that the message of salvation was spoken by Jesus Christ. This is why we must be even more diligent to believe it. God verified the message with signs wonders and miracles, anyone who drifts away after hearing the message of Gods Son is in grave danger.

Truth’s to hold firmly from this chapter. 1 The gospel message was brought from heaven to earth by Jesus v3 2 The world to come will be ruled and controlled by Jesus v8 3 Jesus became a human like us (lower than Angels) so that he could taste death for every human v9 4 Jesus the holy Son of God is able to make believers as holy as himself v11 5 Jesus calls us His brothers v11 6 Jesus became like us so that by his death he destroyed the devil and the fear of death in us v14-15 6 Jesus had to become like us so that He is able to aid us by being a merciful and. faithful High Priest v17

We can avoid drifting if we not only remember all that Jesus has done for us but keep thanking Jesus for everything He has done for us.

memory verse

Since He himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Although Hebrews was written to Jewish believers in Jesus Christ. (author unknown possibly Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos?) whoever it was this book is relevant not only to Jews and early believers in Christ it is thoroughly up to date. Hebrews was written to those Jews who may of been considering returning to Judaism perhaps because of their lack of understanding of who Christ was. Hebrews was written to reveal Jesus true identity as God. It keeps todays believer Jew or gentile rightly focussed on Jesus and His ongoing ministry for His church 1:3.

As wonderful as were the many ways God spoke in time past, now God has not only spoken but revealed His own self through His Son. Jesus is the express image of who God is which is why every word He spoke and every thing he did, he did exactly as God His Father would of done Jesus did not do anything say anything His Father was not saying! Jesus did not only speak the word of God He is the word, Jesus always was the word from before the universe which was created by Him 1:1-3.John 1:1-14. Mathew 21:33 onwards.

The first born 1:6 could refer to Christ’s incarnation, or second coming. but in the context of this chapter probably means His preeminence. We must never forget that Jesus God the Son, has no beginning or end He always was and existed long before His incarnation 1:12

Jesus as ”Lord of creation” laid out the foundation of the earth, and He created everything in the universe and the universe itself. One day this ageing heaven and earth will pass away and in its place will be a new heaven and earth a home for God and His new creations. question as Christ created and sustains the whole of creation by His Word of command. How big a part did/does the Word play in your life?

A verse to remember

The Son reflects God’s own glory, and everything about Him represents God exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of His command. After He died to cleanse us from the stain of sin. He sat down in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God of heaven. Hebrews 1:3 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Pause for thought

Do you long as in the words of an old hymn “ Here from the world we turn Jesus to meet” ? then you would of enjoyed the company of the writer of Psalm 84 who was longing to meet God in the Temple courts. We can meet with God at any place at anytime, but as many have found stepping aside from the world to meet with God involves much more than finding a space in a church building or a even a place in the countryside. Do you remember the words of Jesus when speaking to the Samaritan woman? teaching us that whatever the perceived benefits of a quiet location its the preparation of the heart that counts. ” Neither on this mountain or in Jerusalem, the true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth for the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (my paraphrase of John 4:21-24)

The Psalmist envies the sparrow and swallow who could just fly into Gods presence at will! consider the obstacles the OT worshippers had to overcome to be allowed into the temple? Hebrews 5. In a sense we Christians have more in common with the sparrow that flew at will into the temple and build its nest in Gods very presence than with the OT worshippers. Think how Jesus compared believers to the sparrow Mathew 10:29-31

The pilgrims way up to Jerusalem and the Temple passed through the Valley of Baca which was a dry desolate valley. This valley has become symbolic of times of extreme struggles and tears that every genuine pilgrim has to face. Those who ” set their hearts on pilgrimage” know that their pilgrimage leads them closer to God not away from Him. The pilgrim way passes through the valley of baca we don’t camp there!

As you pass through your valley trusting in the Lord it will become barren no longer but be filled with springs of rejoicing 5-7

Chorus to sing?

As I walk through that dark lonesome valley the Saviour will walk with me there, and safely his good hand will guide me to mansions he’s gone to prepare. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

memory verse

No good thing will the Lord with-hold from those who do what is right Psalm 84:11 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

pause for thought

The writer of this psalm felt overwhelmed by trouble and afflictions, problems and difficulties of life can often weigh heavy and it’s in times like these that we are more likely to believe our feelings and think that even God has deserted us, instead of knowing that it is only God who is able to comfort and strengthen us 102:1-2

Whatever we go through in life we need to remind ourselves of three things. One we are not the first or indeed the last believer to be tested in this way. Two Jesus Christ experienced everything and more during His time on earth. Three Because Jesus went through the same experiences that we do, but without sinning He completely understands how we feel He not only sympathises but is able to help us in our need, there is still a throne of grace available to us. Hebrews 4:15-16

The whole Bible is the WORD of GOD this psalm underlines this ”let this be recorded for future generation” surely the nation yet to be created is the Christian Church? 102:18, 2 Corinthians 5:17. The apostle Paul wrote that the Old Testament scriptures were written for the benefit of the church Romans 15:4

God is eternal He has no beginning or end He will never age! He was around to help every generation that ever lived. He is not subject to change or decay, He’s never old fashioned He knows about every invention before mankind claims the patent. He is always the same and His years will never end PTL!

Like the Psalmist we can count our years how short they are! Our achievements seem nothing in the great scheme of things only what God does has any real value Psalm 127:1. God the Son, Jesus is the member of the trinity who laid the foundation of the earth 102:25, Hebrews 1:10-12. This creation will one day be no more, in its place Jesus the eternal son of God will complete a new creation 102:27 see Hebrews 13:8

Memory verse

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever Hebrews 13:8 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

David wrote this psalm from his own experience when as a shepherd boy he looked after his fathers sheep, and from his personal relationship with his heavenly Shepherd. Jesus the good Shepherd went further than David could imagine by giving His life for the sheep 1:1, John 10:11

Every Shepherd knows that his sheep need the right nutrition, but there are often discontented sheep amongst the flock ( speaking from my experience from my farming days as a shepherd) for whom the grass always seemed to look greener on the other side of the fence! David is making the point that only God knows what is best for His Sheep, When Jesus came He said he knew his own sheep by name and that He would be known by them John 10:14. We can rest assured that the Lord has prepared the very best for all who follow Him and that the grass that the restless sheep forage after may sometimes look greener but will always disappoint, in contrast here are the blessings that pursue those who follow the Great Shepherd of the Sheep our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ Hebrews 13:20

Sheep who follow the Good Shepherd will never be in want 23:1

lie down in green pasture rest, contentment, led beside still waters refreshment 23:2

He restores my soul free from anxiety, Leads me in the right path Jesus the WAY 23:3

For the Christian death is just a shadow death is no longer to be feared because Jesus has given eternal life 23:4

Rod and Staff for direction, examination and healing

Table and oil provision and Strength 23:5

Gods goodness and mercy (grace) will always be with us and we have the promise of our heavenly dwelling 23:6

memory verse

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 N.L.T.

please send any questions or feedback to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Pause for thought

Don’t get sucked in by those you socialise with into compromising with the standards of the world, no christian can afford to live with one foot in the world, if you meet one and there are many, you will find an unhappy discouraged person who has lost their way.

A Christian deceives himself if he thinks he cannot be influenced by others. Do your friends build you up in your faith, or do they tear it down? Do not be misled: “bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33.

The more we delight in obeying Gods Law and meditating on it the more fruitful we will be. This ”Law” means all Scripture, we should be reading and meditating on the whole of Gods Word both Old and New Testaments. As we do this the Holy Spirit is able to bring back to our memory a Word that will guide and help us in our daily decisions 1:2-3.

Those who refuse to believe in redemption through Jesus Christ are pictured as chaff scattered by the wind chaff is the fruitless part the outer husk this is how God sees sinners unfruitful and destined for the judgement 1:4-5

Don’t you just love Gods promises in Psalm 92:12-15 Those who delight themselves in the Lord are like trees planted by rivers of water that bear fruit and continue being fruitful in old age!

Memory verse

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing their fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1.3

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

End time false teachers ridicule the promise of the coming of the Lord failing to understand 1 That by the word of God the former world was destroyed by water and that by the same word of God this present world will be destroyed by fire on the day of judgement. 2 That our time scale is not the same as Gods. 3 That God has not forgotten His promise to bring fire on the earth, but is patiently waiting for the last sinner to come to repentance. 4 That the coming of the Lord will be sudden and unexpected. 3:4-11

Here are just a few ways we can hasten the coming of the Lord 3:12

Something to look forward to a new heavens and a new earth where only righteousness dwells 3:13

Something to live for Jesus is coming when we least expect Him to, let Him find us living peaceful lives that bring Him honour 3:14

Something to avoid don’t let yourself be led away from your faith in the coming of Jesus by false teachers who water down and compromise the truth of the gospel, please don’t pay them any attention 3:17

Something to grow in and Someone to know better never think you’ve arrived! keep on growing in the grace and in the knowledge of our wonderful saviour the Lord Jesus Christ 3:18

Verse to remember

Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living! 2 Peter 3:11 N.L.T.

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Robert and Pam wish you all every blessing through Jesus Christ throughout 2022

Pause for thought

Jesus had already warned His disciples of false prophets, see Mathew 24:11. Peter now warns of false teachers who will bring secret destructive heresies. Beware of such teachers who mix a little error with the truth, they do this because the truth of the true gospel is to much of a challenge to many of their hearers who only want teachers who will tell them what they want to hear 2 Timothy 4:3

Jesus said that false prophets can be identified by their fruit much like a tree Mathew 7:15-20. Peter describes the sort of fruit false teachers produce in their own lives and attempt to seed into the lives of their hearers. They teach ”cheap” grace that leads to immorality, they tell clever stories that are really lies and they are full of greed as they try to get hold of your money 2:2-3, Jude 1-25

God has not left us to the mercy of such wicked people, we have the person of the Holy Spirit and the Word, reread 2 Peter 1:20-21 and remember the true ministers of Jesus Christ are also validated by the good fruit they produce.

Just as God rescued Noah and his family and Lot and his family God is able to rescue true believers from the wickedness that seeks to entrap them. Some see these past events as pointing to a pre tribulation rapture, its a possibility? However Peter is reminding believers of the redeeming work Jesus Christ and the Cross. Just as God was able to rescue Lot He is able to rescue us from trials and temptations 2:9

The more we keep growing in our knowledge of Jesus Christ and experience His grace and peace the less likely to fall into the deception of the devil and see through the false teaching brought by false teachers and false prophets.

Never let the fear of the false cause any one of us to reject the genuine!

A Verse to remember

So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 2 Peter 2:9 N.L.T.

please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com

Robert and Pam wish you all a very Happy Christmas and every Blessing throughout the coming year.

If any teachers message contradicts the scripture then their message cannot be from God 1:16-21.

Mathew 16:28- 17:8 is the account of the transfiguration of Jesus as witnessed by Peter, James and John. the appearance of Moses and Elijah reveals that both the Law and the Prophets pointed to and affirmed the redeeming ministry of Jesus. When Peter said ”we have the prophetic word confirmed” he meant the Old Testament scriptures. As eye witnesses of the transfiguration what the three disciples witnessed was the affirmation of the Fathers pleasure in His Son and a foreshadowing of the return of Jesus in all His radiance and glory 1:16.

When Peter says that the Prophetic word was confirmed (NKJ) or ”more sure word of prophecy” (KJ) meaning the Scriptures were confirmed at the transfiguration he is making a point that His experience with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration is subordinate to the more sure word of scripture. No experience be it miracle, dream, vision or prophetic word holds more authority than the Scriptures 1:19.

Peters letter is never meant to put us off of experiential christianity or to stop us seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit or receive and minister spiritual gifts. These words are written for are own good, and although written 2000 plus years ago they are exactly what we need to know and take to heart right now! Taking heed of the sure Word of Scripture will keep us from falling into error 1:20-21

memory verse

For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 1:21

Please send any feedback or questions to jesusinprint@gmail.com