I am about to start a sermon series on the book of Hebrews, and will endeavor to share those messages here. Hebrews ties together the Old and New Testaments by showing how Jesus is carrying forward into the church age the work started by God among the Hebrew people. Written to a Jewish audience, the letter to the Hebrews strives to prove that Christianity is the continuation of Judaism, and not something else entirely. If you have ever questioned why a Christian should read or study the Old Testament, this book will be an eye-opener. Quite simply, most of what God was doing in the Old Testament was meant to help us understand the work of Christ in the New. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Christ
The Importance of the Resurrection
There was a time I wondered why so much emphasis was placed on the resurrection. Jesus died on the cross as the all-sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the world. Even if there had been no resurrection, his sacrificial death would have brought salvation; what could be more important than that?
The blood of Jesus was a more excellent sacrifice than that of bulls, sheep and birds. His death on the cross brought an end to the temple sacrifice system. The entire Gospel pivots around the cross. It is the universal symbol of Christianity. But the implications of resurrection are equally powerful, a fact that I can now appreciate as well. Continue reading
Jesus’ Example: Ministry
I have written many posts under the heading of Jesus’ Example. So much of what Jesus did during his earthly ministry was to give us the examples to follow. After washing the disciples feet, he actually told them it was an example and they were to do the same. It was a dramatic demonstration of humility and service to one another. We are commanded to imitate Christ by doing the things he did. It should go without saying that must study his words and actions so that we can model our actions after his. Continue reading
Jesus’ Example: Knowing When to Shut Up
Jesus certainly developed the reputation of knowing how to say exactly the right thing at the right time. On many occasions the Pharisees tried to trap him with rhetoric, only to have Jesus make them look foolish instead. His words could condemn with their harshness or heal with their gentleness, depending on what the situation called for. We have all wished at one time or another that we could do that. Yet Jesus also knew when it was appropriate to say nothing at all. Continue reading
Jesus Was Not Religious
I’ve said before that the problem with religion is that it’s easier than following Jesus. It is usually a given that something is wrong with us, wrong with the world, perhaps critically or else just a little off, but most people agree that something must be done because all is not right in the world as it is. Religion, in most cases, offers us the chance to do something. If we read the right book, say the right things, act right, talk right and treat each others the right way we can “fix” what is wrong. Religion, as such, is worthless. But what could I mean that Jesus was not religious? Continue reading
Can A Person Get Saved Reading the Old Testament?
I certainly teach that the whole Bible is about Jesus. The Bible, on the whole, is the story of how a holy God relates to a sinful and fallen people. Jesus is at the center of that story. You’ve heard all this before.
The question I heard raised this morning is “Can a person get saved only reading the Old Testament?” II Timothy 3 tells us that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. Obviously the New Testament is God-given, and we need to read and study it. If the Old Testament was sufficient, why would God give us another? But still, if the gospel is all over the Bible, is there enough there to lead a person to Christ? And I say, yes it is possible. Continue reading
The Jesus Disconnect
This blog has two stated purposes, clearly displayed in the headline banner: to be God honoring and Christ centered. Those words are written there to both advertise what this blog is about, but also to remind the author what this blog is supposed to be about. We must keep our eyes on the prize; so said the Apostle Paul, in a manner of speaking. For the Christian – take note of the first five letters of that word – Christ must be the central theme running through everything we do, from studying the Bible to blogging on the internet.
I’ve written on this several times before (read the About page) and have to fight the temptation to repeat everything. InternetMonk has posted on nothing but the Jesus Disconnect for the past couple of days. He notes that many professing Christians show interest in the death and resurrection of Jesus, but are less focused on his actual ministry. Some do not see his ministry as having any relevance to “our ministry” at all. Continue reading
An Easter Sermon
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth. -Isaiah 53:5-7
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. -Acts 2:22-24
In John 10, Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd; and we are very much in need of a shepherd. He is also described as the Lamb of God, the perfect sacrificial lamb that takes away the sin of the world. When we need a shepherd, he is our shepherd. But when we need a sacrifice… Jesus is that for us too.
Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. He is the Lamb that was slain, but he is so much more. In short, he is an all sufficient savior.
Listen to the sermon Jesus, Sheep or Shepherd
Thoughts on Holy Week: Jesus’ Prayer from the Cross
In his first sermon (Mark 1) Jesus offers a simple message: “Repent and believe the gospel.” As he hangs on the cross some 3 years later, what is Jesus doing? We have only a handful of words spoken by Jesus during the crucifixion, but there are some powerful lessons to be shared in them.
As he hangs on the cross, he was in between two thieves. One of them mocked Jesus, but the other asked to be remembered by him. Jesus replied that he would be with him in paradise. Even while dying on the cross, Jesus won a convert!
But even more amazing: Jesus said the prayer of intercession for the very people crucifying him that day. Not just of the Roman soldiers, but for those really responsible, including the Jewish people, the priests and the Sanhedrin. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He prayed for the very people taking his life. Taking the form of a servant is one thing. Washing feet is another. Praying for those that despitefully use you is another entirely. But none of those compare to asking forgiveness for the very people that are nailing you to a cross, where you will slowly bleed and die.
Jesus, Sheep or Shepherd?
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
The 23rd Psalm; a very familiar passage and perhaps the most quoted poetry from the Old Testament. In John 10, Jesus explains that he is the good shepherd. He is not a hireling, but loves the sheep, and would lay down his life for them. He has been entrusted by the Father to care for the sheep. And of course, we’re the sheep.
We’ve all seen pictures of Jesus holding a lamb. But it’s more than a cute analogy. Sheep must be cared for. They have few natural defenses, and are very near sighted. They need the shepherd. We too are no match for the devil, often nearsighted (or blind), and desperately need the Good Shepherd. Continue reading
The Master's Table 