Hebrews 10 - 1.28.25
SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 10:24 – 25 (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
OBSERVATION
This scripture is full of action words. We are to think (consider), spur (motivate or provoke) each other to love and good deeds. We are being asked to carefully plan, to be mindful of one another, and intentionally stimulate others to love and doing good deeds. We are being called to actively participate in meeting the needs and help with the spiritual well-being of other believers.
The other action in this scripture is to not give up getting together. Most importantly, we should not neglect coming together in fellowship in church and other activities. Interestingly it says “as some are in the habit of doing” which means not coming to church or being around other Christians can become a habit. Just the same way you can be in the habit of coming to church, the habit of not attending church can become a habit. It all begins with not giving up… don’t step into the trap of giving up trying, persevering, and being faithful to the Lord, his church, and the body of Christ.
We are also charged to do all these things “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Each day we’re closer to Christ’s return means we need to be more diligent and purposeful in spreading God’s love, encouragement, and bringing people to church.
APPLICATION
This scripture reminds me how much we need one another and how important the church body is to each of us. I have experienced the lack of this scripture in action and also the wonderful example of this scripture in action. This last Sunday is one of many examples from my DSC family. I wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t make it to church. Later in the day several sweet ladies reached out saying they missed me and wondered how I was doing. Their intentional action, and the many other times this happened in the past, has touched my heart, encouraged me, and spurred me on to love others – just as Hebrews 10:24 says. A simple act of a text, a call, a card, or visit can mean the world to someone. You just never know how much a loving act will affect others.
Verse 25 is especially important because it not only speaks to those who have fallen into the habit of not attending church, but also to us who know of these people and need to “encourage one another” back into fellowship. God created us to be social, to have relationships, and to need them because they’re an important part of our life. In the same way, our church relationships are an integral part of our faith and growth. It’s important that we take the time, be intentional, reach out to others who are not In a church fellowship and invite them to church. Your call or text might be all they need to spur them on, to know they are loved, and to encourage them back into fellowship with God and the church body.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Word and the encouragement it provides to us. Thank you for your love and showing how we can love others. In that love, help me to always be an encouragement to others to spur them on to love and do good deeds. Please give me your insight, wisdom and words to reach out to those who have fallen away from church / fellowship, to gently and lovingly encourage them to return into fellowship not only with others but in fellowship with You. In Jesus name, amen!
- Mary Oberg
Hebrews 9 - 1.27.25
Scripture
Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)
“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Observation
This chapter is comparing what worship looked like through the old covenant, to how it changed because of the blood of Christ.
The high priest was the only one who could enter the inner room of the tabernacle, every year with blood, to offer up for his sins and the sins of others (vs. 7)
However, Jesus’ sacrifice started the New Covenant and He became our new High Priest! The sacrifice of His perfect blood paid the penalty of all past, present and future sins! It had to be done only once, instead of every year in the old covenant, from the earthly high priest. Thank You Jesus and praise God!
Application
Praise God for being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins!
Build our hope and praise on Jesus, who sacrificed for our sins. He will also return a 2nd time, so let’s continue to be hopeful for that as we continue to work for Him and bring others with us!
I love the words of this hymn:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for taking the penalty of my sins, past, present and future! Thank You for doing away with the Old Covenant, where only priests could enter your Holy Place and had to offer blood atonement for the people’s sins every single year! I’m so grateful for the New Covenant where your sacrifice of perfect blood was sufficient for me! You are worthy of my praise always! I confess that I sometimes take for granted how much You have done for me. Help me to always remember. I pray for myself and my church family, that we would continue to be grateful for Your sacrifice and hopeful for Your promised 2nd return. In Your name I pray Jesus, Amen.
- Michelle Gaddi
Hebrews 6 - 1.24.25
Scripture: Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Observation:
The word anchor stood out to me. It is something that keeps a vessel from drifting. Likewise hope will keep us from straying. It says this hope is an anchor for our soul, firm and secure. With hope we are unmovable.
I like the way The Passion Translation puts it: “We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us. He is now and forever our royal Priest like Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20 TPT
God gives us so many things to hope in. What is the author referring to here? It is God’s promises found in His Word. The most important one is Jesus is our High Priest and has entered the inner Sanctuary on our behalf. The inner Sanctuary was the place of sacrifice and God’s presence. He is in the order of Melchizedek who is a “type” or foreshadowing of Jesus. Some even think he could possibly be Jesus Himself. He had an interaction with Abraham after he rescued people who had been taken captive including Lot his nephew.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:18-20 NIV
So many amazing things in this Scripture too. I noticed for the first time: Melchizedek brought bread and wine, the elements of communion. He also spoke blessing over him.
Application:
So many things try to pull us away from God or get us off course. I am so glad we have hope as an anchor and a High Priest who has gone before us. Romans 8 talks about the hope we have and mentions that the Holy Spirit also as a priest intercedes for us. How amazing is that? I want to fix my eyes daily on this hope and stay on the path God has prepared for me.
Prayer:
Father God, thank you for all you have done to set your people free. There are so many promises in your Word. You ordained your son as our High Priest and He died to redeem us. We now have your Spirit as our guide and comforter. Thank you that as I hope in you, I will be anchored and secure. Please alert me when I start to stray. May I glorify you in all I do. Amen
- Cindy Howard