Posts from November 2020
Hebrews 6: Those Who Were Once Enlightened
I read or hear very little about “those who were once enlightened” (v 4, cf 10:32). When I was studying Hebrews some years ago, the phrase intrigued me, in part because I was still using the King James Version at the time. In a parallel text, the KJV reads “after ye were illuminated.” I was somewhat familiar with the denominational concept of illumination, or at least what I had read or been taught about it. Such was always taught in…
Hebrews 5: I’d like to talk about Melchizedeck, but…
Having begun his defense of Jesus’ superior high priesthood in chapter 4, the author continues the same in chapter 5. However, as he introduces Melchizedek, he realizes his audience lacks the knowledge and discernment needed to receive said teaching. From this point in verse 11, the author transitions to a stern rebuke of his audience for their spiritual immaturity. I love this text, as I am one who speaks repeatedly (some might say incessantly!) on the need for discernment. As…
Hebrews 4: The Word of God and Our Perfect High Priest
God had called Israel out of Egypt (Matt 2:15) and led them by a mighty hand, making a distinction between His people and the nations round about (Ex 8:23). But this did not ensure their security. Only through continued faithfulness to God’s word would they enter the rest He had prepared for them. Moreover, it was God’s word that revealed their unbelief (Heb 4:2). The same goes for us. While we may appear to be separated from the world, we…
Hebrews 3: Warnings Against Apostasy
While the theme of Hebrews is “Jesus is better,” the whole point of the book is to admonish Christians of Hebrew descent not to return to their former religion. To do so would be to desert Christ and abandon all hope of salvation. The very fact that so much time is spent in Hebrews and elsewhere throughout the New Testament warning against apostasy is proof in and of itself that such is possible. Many of these warnings are couched within…
Hebrews 2: Jesus is still better
Pardon the lack of creativity with this title, but the more I read Hebrews 2, the more impressed I am with the author’s theme. Chapter 2 opens with this admonition and warning, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest we drift away.” In keeping with our theme, we see the reason for this “more earnest heed.” If the condemnation was severe for those who disobeyed the word given by angelic…
Hebrews 1: Jesus is Better
“Jesus is better” is the theme of Hebrews. Written to all Jewish converts, its message was given to help them remain faithful to Christ rather than return to the inferior former covenant. The authorship of this great epistle continues to be a source of great speculation and little confidence. There are several great truths found in this first chapter. Among them: God has spoken (v 1). The author affirms the inspiration and former authority of the Old Covenant, noting that…
Philemon: The Bible and Slavery
One attack against the Bible, and one that disturbs and perplexes many Bible believers, is that the Bible does not condemn slavery and in many cases appears to condone it. One should remember that slavery was ensconced among every society in Bible times. While we could write at some length regarding the Mosaic Laws regarding slavery contrasted with the worldwide practice, we will focus our attention on Paul’s little letter to Philemon. Paul’s letter to Philemon provides insight regarding the…
Titus 3: The Washing of Regeneration
One of the most overlooked passages pertaining to the means of salvation is Titus 3:4-7: “4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace…
Titus 2: A Truly Sound Church
“Qualities of a Sound Church” is the heading above Titus 2:1-10 in my Bible. Titus 2 opens with the following admonition: “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.” To be “sound” is to be well, in health, and without corruption. I heard William Woodson tell a story about N.B. Hardeman boarding a train for Nashville. Before it departed, a man walked alongside the train, striking each wheel with a metal hammer. Not knowing the…
Titus 1: Appoint elders in every city
One of the most fundamental differences between the churches of Christ and all other religious institutions can be seen in the matter of church organization. In Titus 1:5, Paul left specific instructions for Titus to appoint elders throughout the island of Crete. Given what the New Testament says concerning elders and local congregations, we understand that Paul here speaks of each city having a single congregation, and not of a hierarchy overseeing a multiplicity of congregations. From the earliest days…
- 1
- 2