Dr. Vincent Valentyn talks about life, the church, the kingdom of God, and leadership.

Hebrews 13:7-24 provides final guidance and encouragement to early Christians, urging them to remember and imitate their leaders' faith while emphasizing the unchanging nature of Jesus. The passage warns against strange teachings and highlights that spiritual strength comes from grace, not dietary laws. It contrasts Jesus' sacrifice with that of Jewish high priests, encouraging believers to embrace the challenges of following Him. The author calls for continual praise, good deeds, and sharing as acts pleasing to God, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting and obeying their leaders. The section concludes with a request for prayers, a blessing for peace from God, and a final exhortation for grace. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 13:1-6 highlights important values such as love, kindness, loyalty, being satisfied with what you have, and having faith in God. It offers advice on how to live a life that is pleasing to God and confident in His support. Essentially, it encourages people to treat others well and to trust that God will take care of their needs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 12:14-17 urges believers to pursue peace and holiness, as these are essential for seeing the Lord. It warns against allowing bitterness to take root, which can cause trouble and defile many. The passage also references the story of Esau, who traded his birthright for a single meal, illustrating the danger of making impulsive, short-sighted decisions. Esau later regretted his choice but found no opportunity to reverse it, highlighting the seriousness of spiritual neglect and the consequences of missing out on God's grace. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 12:4-13 focuses on the theme of discipline and endurance in the Christian life. The passage encourages believers to persevere through struggles and hardships, reminding them that these difficulties are a form of God's loving discipline, meant to shape and strengthen their faith. It calls for endurance and trust in God's purpose, as His discipline leads to growth in righteousness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages Christians to stay faithful and persevere in their spiritual journey by shedding distractions and sin. The passage likens the Christian life to a race that requires endurance, urging believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Reflecting on His perseverance helps Christians avoid discouragement and fatigue in their own walk of faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 11:23-40 is part of the famous "Faith Chapter" in the New Testament, where the author of Hebrews highlights various examples of faith from the Old Testament. These verses specifically recount the faith of key biblical figures and emphasize the endurance and sacrifice they demonstrated despite not receiving the full promise of God's plan in their lifetime. The passage calls Christians to persevere in faith, following the example of those who came before, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled, even if not fully seen in this life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 11:1-3 focuses on the nature of faith and its foundational role in the Christian life: Verse 1 defines faith as the "assurance of things hoped for" and the "conviction of things not seen." Faith involves trusting in God's promises and unseen realities. Verse 2 explains that through faith, the elders (or people of old) were commended by God for their trust and obedience. Verse emphasizes that by faith, believers understand that the universe was created by God's Word, and that what is seen was made from what is not visible. These verses highlight faith as confidence in God's promises and as the lens through which believers understand the world. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 10:26-39, the passage warns against deliberately continuing to sin after receiving knowledge of the truth, emphasizing that there will be no more sacrifice for sins. The passage also encourages believers to persevere in faith and righteousness, reminding them of the reward that awaits those who endure trials and remain faithful. It emphasizes the importance of faith and patience, urging readers not to shrink back but to live by faith in order to receive what has been promised. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 10:19-25 the author encourages believers to have confidence and boldness in approaching God through Jesus Christ. The passage emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus as providing access to God and forgiveness of sins. Believers are urged to hold fast to their faith and continue encouraging one another, especially as they see the day of Christ's return approaching. The author also urges believers not to forsake gathering together for worship, but rather, to encourage and support one another in love and good deeds. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 10:1-4 the author discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The passage explains that the repetitive nature of these sacrifices could not ultimately take away sins, but rather served as a reminder of sin. It emphasizes that the blood of animals could not effectively atone for human transgressions, and concludes that it is impossible for such sacrifices to make people perfect before God. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 9:11-28, the author of the Book discusses Christ's role as a High Priest who offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This passage emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice is superior to the old rituals and is able to cleanse our consciences and provide eternal redemption. It also explains that Christ entered the Heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption and putting an end to sin through His sacrificial death. The text highlights the significance of Christ's atoning work in fulfilling God's plan for salvation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 9:1-10 describes the earthly tabernacle and its components as a comparison to the heavenly sanctuary. The author emphasizes that the tabernacle was a physical representation of spiritual realities. The tabernacle was divided into two sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place contained items like the lampstand, altar of incense, and table of showbread, symbolizing various aspects of worship. The Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, was even more sacred and represented the direct presence of God. However, the author highlights that these earthly elements were merely copies of heavenly realities. They served as temporary arrangements and could not truly cleanse the conscience or remove sin. This sets the stage for the introduction of Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest and the true sanctuary in the next verses. Essentially, this passage reveals the insufficiency of the Old Covenant and its rituals, pointing towards the superior and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 8:7-13, the author discusses the establishment of a new covenant by God and contrasts it with the old one. The passage emphasizes that the new covenant will be different in that God's laws will be written on people's hearts, their sins will be forgiven, and there will no longer be a need for sacrifices or offerings. It also highlights that with the establishment of this new covenant, the old one becomes obsolete. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In Hebrews 8:1-6, the author describes Jesus as the High Priest who is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. The passage explains that Jesus serves in the true tabernacle, and not on Earth like other priests. This is because He has obtained a more excellent ministry as He is also the mediator of a better covenant which is established on better promises. The passage contrasts this with earthly priests who serve in a copy and shadow of heavenly things. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 7:20-28 explains the superiority and permanence of Jesus Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus' appointment as a priest was not based on lineage but on a divine oath from God, signifying an unchangeable and eternal priesthood for Jesus (verse 20). This sets him apart as the guarantee of a better covenant between humanity and God (verse 22), unlike earthly priests who were subject to death. Additionally, while human high priests had to make daily sacrifices for their own sins before offering for others, Jesus did not need to make such offerings because He was sinless. Instead, He offered Himself once-for-all (verses 26-27). Furthermore, this passage emphasizes that Christ's priesthood is characterized by perfection – holy, innocent, unblemished by sin – qualities which contrast sharply with those attributed to ordinary high priests under Mosaic law. Due to His sinlessness and sacrifice, Jesus is able to save those who draw near unto God through Him forever since He always lives making intercession for them (verse 25). The passage concludes by highlighting Christ's ultimate qualification—His exaltation beyond all heavens where He now ever lives after being perfected fully. In essence: This passage underscores several key themes related to Christ's superior priesthood: 1) Its establishment through divine decree rather than legal requirement; 2) Its immutable nature as secured by divine oaths; 3) Its role in establishing an everlasting covenant, 4). It's ultimately superior quality due mainly its completeness evidenced particularly through its absolute efficacy especially seen through his death burial resurrection ascension glorification The message encourages stronger faithfulness among believers and leads them into living out life victoriously until they meet Him face-to-face. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 7:1-19 speaks about the greatness of the priest Melchizedek and how Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek. The passage explains that Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, and he blessed Abraham, who then gave him a tenth of everything he had. The author of Hebrews points out that this demonstrates Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham.The passage goes on to explain that Jesus is also a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, and his priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood because it is eternal. It further discusses how Jesus' priesthood has replaced the old system because it brings perfection and allows people to come to God through him.Overall, Hebrews 7:1-19 emphasizes the superiority of Jesus as a high priest in comparison to other priests, particularly highlighting his connection to Melchizedek and his eternal priesthood. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

As we continue our teachings from the Book of Hebrews we find the author now shifting his methods of motivating his audience by employing the 'stick and carrot' method. So he's now shifting from the stick and he's now beginning to show them some of the benefits of their salvation. Initially he expressed his concern regarding the spiritual immaturity of a people with whom he was well acquainted. They were in real danger of falling into apostacy and now he expresses great confidence about their ultimate salvation by expounding on the basics for spiritual security --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Following on from the previous teaching, this session reveals a third warning in the Book of Hebrews addressed to Jews who had converted from Judaism to Christianity and who were being persecuted for deserting their faith. They were now considering reverting to the Jewish faith for safety reasons. The passage warns that this action would result in persecution by the world shifting to discipline and correction by the Lord—a 'problem' far greater than what they were currently experiencing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Presenter: Elder William Olivier In this episode we review the six foundational aspects of Christ that we've learnt in the preceding teachings on the Book of Hebrews as we press on beyond the doctrine of the first principles of Christ unto maturity in our journey of faith, viz. repentance from dead works Faith towards God the teaching of Baptisms the Laying on of hands resurrection of the dead eternal judgment --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

What is a kingdom man? A kingdom man places himself under God's rulership and submits his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ. He also understands the important role his wife plays in his success. God told the Israelites, that three times a year all of their males were to appear together before Him to receive instructions from Him. Yet when God told them to appear, He specifically called them out before the “Lord God, the God of Israel.” He called them to submit themselves to His complete authority. If the men submitted, they were told that they, and those connected to them, would receive God's covering, protection and provision. But they would receive this only if they positioned themselves under His absolute rule. So essential was this element of rulership that God used three of His names as a reminder. The Israelites were told to appear before: In using three different names for himself, God emphasized His supreme authority over the men of the nation and their accountability to Him. The same principle of God's rulership that applied to the Israelites is no different from God's rulership today. He is God — Lord God, God of Israel, master, supreme God, ruler and judge.  A kingdom man, therefore, is one who places himself under God's rulership and submits his life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  A kingdom man is a man who rules according to God's rule. Keep in mind, that to rule something does not refer to domination or illegitimate control. Mankind's misuse of the term rule through dictatorships and abusive relationships has distorted the legitimate call on man to rule under God's sovereign rule and according to His principles. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Anyone who takes God's command to seek the Kingdom seriously should most decidedly be interested in this topic. Why should we be interested? Because men were never intended to pursue dominion apart from having the assistance of a wife. 1.     So, for the married man, it is profitable for you to understand what your wife can and should be doing. 2.    For the unmarried men listening, you should be keenly interested in the Scriptural demands for being a wife and mother to pursue a qualified candidate and make a righteous selection. 3.    For unmarried women, becoming well versed in applying God's Word will make you better able to step into a godly and fulfilling marriage to a man you can honestly submit to. So, I want to assure you that this message is for all of us, not just for the mothers. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Elder William Olivier The Seats of Judgement The New Testament reveals 3 main, successive scenes upon which eternal judgment will be carried out. Each of these is marked by the type of seat that the Judge sits upon to execute judgment: 1. the judgment seat of Christ 2. the throne of Christ's glory 3. the great white throne. Different groups of people are judged at each seat of judgment. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Elder William Olivier There are two aspects of Eternal Judgment: 1. General revelation of God as judge of all, and 2. The main principles which administrate God's judgment. Hebrews 12:22-24 But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (23) To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (24) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Three main parts to these scriptures: A) Description of God's dwelling place 1. Mount Zion 2. city of the living God 3. the heavenly Jerusalem B) Listing of those who dwell there with God 1. innumerable company of Angels a) Angels who kept their first estate 2. general assembly and Church of the first-born a) new testament saints 3. spirits of just men made perfect a) saints of previous ages C) Presentation of God Himself 1. God, the Judge of all 2. Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant 3. the Blood of sprinkling These scriptures reveal GOD THE JUDGE which leads us to JESUS THE MEDIATOR which leads us to THE BLOOD--the means and price of reconciliation. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are bound together by the logic of the scriptures. Eternal judgment always follows the resurrection of the dead. Resurrection always precedes eternal judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (ASV) And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment; To properly address these we need to look first at two areas: Time and Eternity · Eternity is not endless time, although that is the way that we tend to think of it. · Eternity is the nature and mode of God's own being · It's the uncreated realm in which God Himself exists. WHEN DID GOD CREATE TIME? · Time was created by God as part of the creation of the world. · Before the fall of Lucifer, everything in creation functioned by the principle of eternity. · Today we refer to this dimension as the space-time continuum. · Times and seasons are a direct result of the motion of time. · While we live our lives by the clock, there comes a point in our life that time shall be no more. · At our physical death, we step out of time and into eternity. · When our life ends on earth, time stops for us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

We are still in the process of studying Hebrews 6: 1-2. Thus far we dealt with repentance from dead work, faith towards God, three of the 7 baptisms (water, Holy Spirit and Body) Today we continue with the 4th major principle, the “laying on of hands”. In some churches, this whole concept is ignored while in others it suffers abuse and excess. We need to understand and apply this “elementary principle” in a biblical manner. We need to know who, when and how to lay hands and understand the grace given us so that we do not refrain from exercising our faith, nor act presumptuously. You would have noticed by now that we do not lay hands in a slothful manner in our spiritual family. I hope you will gain an understanding of why we function in this manner. · In Scripture, hands are generally symbolic of action and ability Exo.15:17 · The right hand is particularly significant of power and authority Exo.15:6 The laying on of hands signifies one of three things: 1. transmitting blessing or authority, 2. public acknowledgement of blessing or authority already received by the one receiving the laying on of hands, or, 3. publicly commit the one on whom hands are laid to God for some special task or ministry. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Apostle Bo Salisbury --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Apostle Israel Onoriobe --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Teaching by Apostle Israel Onoriobe --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In the previous session I taught on the evangelical perspectives on water baptism, in this session we deal with the apostolic perspectives of water baptism. a) Man's basic problem (1) Man's basic problem is not primarily his acts of sin, but the fact that by nature he is a sinner (2) He is not a sinner because he sins, but rather he sins because he is a sinner. That is his nature(Psa.51:1-6) (3) His nature is sinful, that is what he inherited from his parents (Rom.5:12) Romans 5:12 (KJV) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (4) Iniquity is his nature and the natural product or fruit of it (Psa.51:2,5; 32:2; Rom.5:) Psalm 51:2 & 5 (KJV) Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In the last session we examined the second aspect of the foundation of Christ mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-3 which is “faith toward God”. In this session will continue our study with the third foundational stone “the doctrine of baptisms. In our foundation text, the Greek word for “baptisms” is plural, implying that there is more than one baptism. I will take the time in the future to explain the meaning of Eph. 4:4-6 where the scripture states that there is but one baptism. SEVEN TYPES OF BAPTISM In our foundational text, the Greek word for “baptisms” is plural, implying that there is more than one baptism. There are seven types of baptism mentioned in the New Testament. Each of those mentioned has different meanings. 1. The Baptism of John 2. Water Baptism (baptism into the Name) 3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit 4 Baptism with Fire 5. Baptism into the Body of Christ 6 Baptism into his death 7. The Baptism of Suffering --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

There are more disastrous things happening around the world simultaneously right now than I can ever remember in my lifetime. There is refining and shaking that is taking place both in the world and in the church, the dross is being brought to the surface, that which has been hidden is being exposed. Amid all this chaos, we have an UNSHAKABLE HOPE AND A ROCK upon which to stand, Jesus Christ the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:4 “…for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” This just may be our finest hour, just maybe this new age could be the age during which His Glory fills the whole earth. Listen to the words of Jesus recorded in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus is inviting us to come to the place of rest that He prepared for us. That place of rest is in His finished work at Calvary that poised us for life and victory in this world. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Hebrews 6:1-3 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. DOCTRINE OF CHRIST 1. Repentance from dead works, 2. Faith towards God, 3. The doctrine of baptisms, 4. The laying on of hands, 5. The resurrection of the dead, 6. And eternal judgment. Contextually the Hebrew writer desired to proceed to the exposition of the doctrine of Christ's priesthood, but he takes a "short detour" explaining to them that Christian maturity is not to be attained by going back to subjects that belong to the ABC's of the Faith. He was doing his utmost to shift the focus and faith of his audience from the rudimentary principles of Judaism. However, what does it look like for us in the 21st century, we didn't practice the Jewish faith before we put our faith in Christ. Many of us came into the house of God as a result of incorrect or incomplete gospels, such as the gospel of salvation. Most of us came into the Christian faith without anyone laying foundations within us concerning Christ, making us vulnerable and susceptible to deception and half-truths. For many of us, foundations have to be laid for the first time, we are living in a house built on shifting sand. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

THE OPENING WORDS OF THIS SECTION ARE SURPRISING. He has just told his readers that they are not able to assimilate solid food which he would like to give them but can't because they are immature. We might have expected him to say, as Paul says to the Corinthians in a similar situation: 1 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV) I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; But he doesn't say this, instead, he says, "Let us press on." · This was the solution to their problem. · If they progressed properly, they would avoid the dangers of immaturity. Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, · The word "leaving" is the Greek word aphiemi. o It is a verb meaning: "to put or to place". o Thus the word means: "to send away, depart, let go, to disregard." The word "perfection" is teleiotes, which means: "completeness." This is not the same as the word teleios used in Heb 5:14, meaning "full age" or mature. Maturity is the first step towards completeness. The words "let us go on" are passive, which gives us the idea of "being carried on." · It is a word taken from the progress which a ship makes when under sail. · It most likely suggests that God is the actual agent in the advance. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Many people claim to be Christian, but there is a significant difference between being a fan of Jesus and a follower of Jesus. · Just like in sports, many have their preferred team that they support along with all the regalia, however, they are not involved in the physical aspect of the game, they are just fans. · Christianity is not a spectator sport, it requires participation in all that Christ represents and demands to be successful. · To be a follower of Jesus, you must deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow him. Listen to the words of Jesus, the head of the Christ recorded in Mark 8:34 (ASV) And he called unto him the multitude with his disciples, and said unto them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Jesus was primarily addressing the multitude, explaining to them how to become His disciple. Spiritual maturity is achieved through becoming more like Jesus Christ. According to the apostle Paul, it's an ongoing process that will never end in this life. Philippians 3:12-14 (ASV) Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. · I believe Paul is speaking amongst other things of the full representation of Christ that we are called to in the world. · Like Paul, we have to press continually toward a deeper knowledge of God in Christ. · Christian maturity requires a radical reordering of one's priorities, shifting from pleasing self to pleasing God, and learning to obey God. · The key to spiritual maturity is consistency, perseverance in doing those things we know will bring us into a deeper walk with God. · These practices are referred to as the spiritual disciplines and include things such as Bible reading/study/meditation, prayer, fellowship with God and the brethren, service in various spheres of life, and stewardship of time, energy and money. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

A recurring theme in this epistle is that of Jesus as our High Priest. He has been described as: a. A "merciful and faithful High Priest" - He 2:17 b. The "High Priest of our confession" - He 3:1 c. A "great High Priest who has passed through the heavens" - He 4:14 d. A High Priest who can "sympathize with our weaknesses" - He 4:15 This is in keeping with the overall purpose of the epistle which is to show the superiority of Jesus and His new covenant Thus far We have considered Jesus' superiority to... 1) The Prophets - He 1:1-3 2) Angels - He 1:4-2:18 3) And Moses - He 3:1-6 It is only natural that A COMPARISON to Aaron and his priesthood be made. The actual comparison with Aaron will follow later in chapter 7, but first, there is a need to... a. Review the qualities required in high priests b. Establish that Jesus does indeed qualify as a High Priest This is exactly what we find in the text for our study today in He 5:1-10 For us as NON-JEWISH readers who may be unfamiliar with the role of HIGH PRIESTS, this portion of Scripture can be ENLIGHTENING and increase our appreciation of Jesus as our High Priest. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In our study thus far we have seen the concern of the author of "The Book Of Hebrews" on two specific aspects. a. That the Jewish Christians remain steadfast in their faith. b. That they do not make the same mistake of departing from the living God, as did many of their ancestors His "MODUS OPERANDI" has been two-fold. a. Illustrate the superiority of Jesus (e.g., to prophets, to angels, and Moses) b. Exhort them to faithfulness. In the previous two exhortations we have seen thus far, to remain faithful we must... a. He 2:1-4 "...give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard" b. He 3:12-14 "...exhort one another daily..." To put it another way, to remain faithful we must be diligent... a. In our study of the Word of God b. In exhorting one another daily Today we come to another necessary aspect of our walk with God recorded in the passage read earlier in Heb 4:14-16. The main thought in this passage is that we should "come boldly to the throne of grace" WE WILL SET OUT TO ANSWER TWO VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS: 1. But what does that mean to come boldly to the throne of grace? 2. And why should we be diligent to do this? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In He 4:11, we find a succinct summary of all that has been said in He 3:7-4:10... a. We need to be diligent to enter "the rest that remains", our heavenly rest b. Or we may fall short of our rest, just as many Israelites fell short of their Canaan rest... "Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience." - He 4:11 To stress the need for diligence, we are reminded regarding the Word of God - He 4:12-13 a. That Word which provided the example of the Israelites' disobedience b. That Word which is now warning them not to emulate the Israelites' example In this passage, the Word of God is described in amazing terms... a. It is "living" b. It is "powerful" c. It is "sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit" d. It is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" At a time in which God's Word is so often neglected, even by some Christians, it never hurts to contemplate the wonder of God's Word... a. And so we take this opportunity to reflect upon what is said in this passage b. With a desire to renew and increase our appreciation of the power of God's Word! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In chapter three of Hebrews we saw... a. A comparison of Christ to Moses b. How the comparison led to a warning based upon the example of Israel in the wilderness The Appeal to the example of Israel's fall in the wilderness is a critical one... a. For despite Moses' leadership, most died in the wilderness and did not enter the promised land for lack of faith b. Now under Christ's leadership, we face a similar danger of falling short of our "promise" through a lack of faith - He 3:14-15; 4:1 Chapter four continues the warning with a focus on the promised "rest" which awaits the faithful Christian... a. This promised "rest" is one of several "rests" found in the Scriptures b. It is a "rest" that Moses and Joshua did not provide, which is just another reason why the Hebrew Christian should not forsake Jesus and return to Judaism c. It is "The Rest That Remains" for the people of God today! Today, we shall address two questions... a. What is "The Rest That Remains"? b. What essential elements are necessary to enter "The Rest That Remains"? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In the previous study, we considered "The Supremacy Of Jesus Over Moses"... a. Jesus was superior, not in faithfulness, but in His person and service b. Moses was a servant in the house of God c. Jesus, however, is the builder of the house and serves as the Son over the house! In He 3:6, the writer to the Hebrews affirms that "we" are the house of Christ... a. Referring to the church, which is the house of God - 1 Tim 3:15 1 Timothy 3:15 (HCSB) But if I should be delayed, ⌊I have written⌋ so that you will know how people ought to act in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. b. For in Christ, we are now "members of the household of God", and together with the faithful saints of old(including Moses), we are now "fellow-citizens" in the commonwealth of Israel! - cf. Ep 2:11-22 Citizens are not asylum seekers or illegal immigrants, nor are they tourist. They became citizens by birth or naturalization. If your life has been submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ you have been born into the kingdom of God and are a citizen with all rights and privileges. In Christ, you have obtained the status of Joint-heir with access to an inheritance. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

We have seen that the writer to the Hebrews sought to encourage faithfulness to Jesus by illustrating His superiority... a. Firstly over prophets - He 1:1-3 b. And secondly Over angels - He 1:4-2:18 Both of which were very important to the Jewish people Highly revered also by the Hebrews was Moses... a. The author of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament b. The deliverer, who led them out of Egyptian bondage and to the promised land c. The Law-giver, through whom God revealed so much of the Jewish religion If the writer was to be successful in encouraging his brethren to remain faithful to Jesus... a. He would have to compare Jesus with Moses b. He would have to illustrate "The Supremacy Of Jesus Over Moses" This he does, especially in He 3:1-6. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Following his warning against drifting recorded in (He 2:1-4), the author of Hebrews continues to illustrate Jesus' superiority to angels... In chapter one, the writer brilliantly demonstrated from the Scriptures the deity of Jesus and His superiority over all angels. Here in chapter 2 he demonstrates the humanity of Jesusfrom the Scriptures and applies the implications of Jesus' humanity. . It is Biblically wrong to think of Jesus as merely God, or merely a man. · It is wrong to think of Him as half God and half man (or any other percentage split). · It is wrong to think of Him as “man on the outside” and “God on the inside.” .The Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, · That a human nature was added to His divine nature, · And both natures existed in one Person, Jesus Christ. The early church fathers considered the Incarnation to be one of the most important truths of our faith. Because of this, they formulated what has come to be called the Chalcedonean Creed, a statement that sets forth what we are to believe and what we are not to believe about the Incarnation. This creed was the fruit of a large council that took place from October 8 to November 1, 451 AD, in the city of Chalcedon and “has been taken as the standard, orthodox definition of the biblical teaching on the person of Christ since that day by” all the major branches of Christianity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

The author of "The Epistle To The Hebrews" was concerned about the spiritual well-being of his initial recipients... a. They were fellow Jews who had become Christians b. His concern is that they not drift back into Judaism c. He deals with this problem in two ways: 1) By emphasizing the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant 2) By a series of exhortations for them to remain steadfast In chapter one we saw... a. The superiority of Christ to the prophets - He 1:1-3 b. The superiority of Christ to the angels - He 1:4-14 Today we come to the first of several exhortations - cf. He 2:1-4 The use of therefore in Hebrews makes us pay attention to a point of application after the writer develops a principle. The Scriptural fact of Jesus' superiority over the angels has a life-changing application – and now we must consider the application. a. In the passage we read we find a warning about the danger of "drifting" b. If we do not give the more earnest heed, we will drift away. The writer had the drifting of a boat in mind, and such drifting happens naturally without an anchor to something solid. If we are not securely set in the truth of the supremacy of Jesus, we will drift into danger with the currents of 1) the world, 2) the flesh, 3)and the devil. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

ANGELS WERE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE JEWISH RELIGION... a. “The Jews venerated angels because of their place in the giving of the Law (Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19), and it was essential that Jewish Christians should learn by this comparisonsomething of the infinite superiority of our Lord over those heavenly beings that held such a prominent place in Jewish life.” b. Angels appear throughout the history of Israel, coming to Abraham, Moses, Daniel and many others conveying messages from God. SINCE THE PURPOSE OF "THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS" IS TO SHOW THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST AND THE NEW COVENANT TO THE LAW OF MOSES... a. It is of the utmost importance that the writer has something to say about angels b. So in the first few verses of Chapter 1 we find the comparison of the Son to prophets, followed now by the comparison to angels. THE AUTHOR NOW SETS OUT TO ESTABLISH THE PREMISE THAT THE SON IS "MUCH BETTER THAN THE ANGELS". a) Having become so much better than the angels: This description of Jesus in previous verses shows us that He is far superior to any angelic being. Yet this verse tells us that Jesus became better than the angels. b) We could say that He is eternally better than the angels, but He also became better than the angels. i. Jesus became betterin the sense that He was made perfect (complete as our redeemer) through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10) – something no angel ever did. ii. Jesus is better than angels because the descriptions of Jesus given in the first few verses, culminates in Hebrews 1:4 identifying Him as: · Christ the Heir. · Christ the Creator. · Christ the Revealer. · Christ the Sustainer. · Christ the Redeemer. · Christ the Ruler. · Christ is Supreme. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Heb. 1:1-3 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high Introduction: 1. In our introduction last week, we saw how "The Epistle To The Hebrews" is unique in its construct, authorship and intend. a. Firstly, there is no mention of the author's name, nor the recipients b. Rather, it starts like an "essay" (first 3 verses in chapter 1) 2. We also noted that the purpose of the epistle is: a. To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith b. To demonstrate the superiority and supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant over that of the old. 3. That superiority is demonstrated through several contrasts... a. The very first contrast begins in these first 3 verses in which Jesus is contrasted with the prophets of the Old Testament --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Followers of Christ have suffered persecution throughout history. Stolen property, beatings, imprisonment and martyrdom have been the fate of countless Christians. And by some reports, Christ's followers are being persecuted more than ever in our day. For those of us who aren't suffering in these ways, it's hard to imagine the temptations that persecution brings. Christians who live in peace and safety often compromise their faith even without threats. But can you imagine how tempting it would be to compromise what you believe to protect yourself, your spouse, your children and your closest friends from serious harm? · How could we possibly encourage fellow believers in these conditions? · This was the challenge that faced the author of the book of Hebrews. He wrote to a group of Christians who had suffered in the past and were now threatened with even more suffering. · They'd done well years ago, but the author of Hebrews feared that they might now turn away from Christ to avoid further persecution. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

1. Prophecy is an important gift for the Body of Christ and must not be despised, disregarded or neglected, but heeded. 2. Prophecy needs to be weighed, judged, prayed through and tested because many false prophets, and deceiving, lying spirits are in the world, trying to deceive the righteous. 3. A prophecy can be from God, of the flesh or from the evil one, or a combination, as some people can start in the Spirit, but wander into the flesh as they prophesy beyond their faith. 4. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be confirmed / established. 5. Prophecy is often conditional and we have to fulfil our obligations to our covenant keeping God. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

1. Prophecy is an important gift for the Body of Christ and must not be despised, disregarded or neglected, but heeded. 2. Prophecy needs to be weighed, judged, prayed through and tested because many false prophets, and deceiving, lying spirits are in the world, trying to deceive the righteous. 3. A prophecy can be from God, of the flesh or from the evil one, or a combination, as some people can start in the Spirit, but wander into the flesh as they prophesy beyond their faith. 4. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be confirmed / established. 5. Prophecy is often conditional and we have to fulfil our obligations to our covenant keeping God. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DOUBLE-MINDED (James 1:8; 4:8) Answer: The term double-minded comes from the Greek word DIPSUCHOS, meaning “a person with two minds or two souls.” It's interesting that this word appears only in the book of James (James 1:8; 4:8). Bible scholars conclude that James might have coined this word. To grasp the full meaning of this word, it is best to understand how it is used within its context. James writes of the doubting person that he is: “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6–8). A double-minded person is a doubter. Jesus had in mind such a person when He spoke of the one who tries to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). As such, he is “unstable,”which comes from a Greek word meaning “unsteady, wavering, in both his character and feelings.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

Adversity visits us all from time to time - and in many different ways. It can come disguised as sickness, disease, financial calamity, marriage or family trouble, hardship from personal attacks, the pain of rejection, or even difficulty in the workplace, or the loss of a job. Adversity is no respecter of persons, all of us will face it at one time or another. 1. The important question is; when it happens, how will you respond to it? 2. Your response will reveal your maturity on many different levels. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

The book of James is the New Testament book of Wisdom and is traditionally classified with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. · The message of Christianity, like that of every other religion, is that men are saved by good works. · But the unique message of the Christian faith alone is that salvation comes by the works of the Lord Jesus Christ, not by sinners' works. · That is our faith: it is focused on the good works of the Lord Jesus alone. Then what is James saying in this section of his letter? 1] Firstly, he is stating what the whole New Testament affirms, that every Christian saved through faith in the Son of God has this calling, to do good works. 2] Secondly, it must be said that James is putting A DIFFERENT BUT PROPER EMPHASIS on words that Paul and Peter also use. I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THREE OF THESE WORDS, 1)‘faith,' 2‘justification' and 3) ‘works'. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support

In the doctrines of Christ, divine healing falls under the branch of theology called soteriology. (the study of salvation) The term comes from the Greek soterion, “salvation,” and is also related to soter, “savior.” ... In Christianity, soteriology is inextricably linked with Christology, for both fields centralize the significance of Christ as Lord and Savior. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dr-vincent-g-valentyn/support