Podcasts about great high priest

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16-5:10Speaker: Brandon EggarSeries: Hebrews

Rev Sam Bostock considers the four steps to our perfection through Jesus Christ.  Leviticus 8 vs 1 - 13, 22 - 36; Colossians 3 vs 1 - 11

Do you know that feeling you get when you've been planning a great vacation and there are only a few more days before you go? Your heart begins to fill with excitement at the thought of what it will be like. The rest, the comfort, the joy, the peace. In much the same way, the author of Hebrews wants us to anticipate and experience three incredible benefits Jesus makes possible for us because he is our "Great High Priest".  

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Title: Eyes to See and Ears to Hear Text: Acts 28:23-31 FCF: We often struggle humbly heeding the Word of God. Prop: Because God alone acts to save sinners, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Acts chapter 28. In a moment we will read from the Legacy Standard Bible starting in verse 23 and going to the end of the book of Acts. You can follow along in the pew bible or in whatever version you prefer. Today is a bittersweet day. Today we close out our exposition of the text of the book of Acts. Next week we will do one final review sermon as we provide a bird's eye view of the major themes in the book. It will be difficult to move on from this two-year study, but very soon we'll begin our next sermon series on the letters to the Thessalonians. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let's be reminded of where we are in the book of Acts today. Paul has just settled in to his situation in Rome. He is under house arrest, guarded constantly by a Roman sentry. He does not have the freedom to leave his home to do any sort of preaching ministry within the city, but he has called the Roman Jewish leaders of the synagogue to come to him in his home. He has explained why he is here so they wouldn't think he was a criminal. Of course, they hadn't heard anything about Paul coming to Rome. But they had heard about the Nazarene Sect and how much trouble it has caused the Jewish communities around the Empire. They are very curious to learn more and understand why there is so much contention. Paul will now have an opportunity to meet with these Jewish leaders at length to speak about the hope of Israel. Which is the gospel of Jesus their Messiah. Please stand with me to give honor to and focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Savior God, You are our Redeemer. Father You have planned our redemption within the counsel of Your will since before the dawn of Your creation. Jesus You have been eternally begotten of the Father to go and accomplish this Redemption for a people You have elected before the foundations of the world. Spirit You have proceeded from the Father and the Son and like the Son You raise us up and wash us in the waters of regeneration so that we may be united to the redemption provided to us by the Son. Savior God, You, and You alone, are our Redeemer. Nothing can save us but You. Help us then Lord to hear from Your Word today and believe that You act alone in our salvation, so that we can respond to this great salvation by humbly heeding Your Word. We pray this in Jesus' name… Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] Augustine of Hippo: “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation but makes them so.” Benjamin Beddome “God's grace can save souls without preaching, but all the preaching in the world cannot save souls without God's grace.” W.E. Best “The sinner apart from grace is unable to be willing and unwilling to be able.” These thoughts are fundamental to the message Paul has for the Roman Jews. Let's look at what he says. I.) Mere logic and persuasion cannot move the heart of sinful man to repent and believe the gospel, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (23-24) a. [Slide 3] 23 - And when they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly bearing witness about the kingdom of God i. So, the Jews return in great numbers to Paul's rented abode. ii. They are highly motivated to learn about the Nazarene sect and why they are hearing reports against it from everywhere. iii. Paul begins by speaking intently with them. The one Greek word translated here “solemnly bearing witness” implies not simply testifying or giving of information but urgent reporting on matters of grave importance. iv. What is so important? v. It is the coming of the Kingdom of God. vi. This eternal Kingdom that is spoken of by their own prophets, greatest of which was John the Baptist – has now come. And they need to respond. This promise IS for the children of Israel. vii. But entry into this Kingdom is not granted based on that status. viii. Being born of Abraham is not enough to inherit this Kingdom. ix. So how do you enter? b. [Slide 4] and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, i. You must be born of the Spirit. You must go through Jesus. ii. As has been a central theme to the book of Acts since the beginning, the Jews have a unique position in the redemptive plan of God, in that Jesus is their Messiah. iii. Jesus is the central and key figure to gain access to God and to this eternal Kingdom. iv. Jesus is Yahweh's Servant who has borne griefs and healed wounds. He has purchased Israel's pardon. v. And they have been granted the Scriptures which contain prophesies concerning this one who will come to redeem not just them, but the whole world. vi. Paul takes them through these books to show them Jesus. c. [Slide 5] from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, i. What do they need to do then? ii. They do not need to join a new religion in order to inherit the Kingdom. iii. No. iv. They need simply to realize that to repent and believe on Jesus as the Christ is what their own law and prophets have told them to do since the beginning. v. If they intend to continue to be Jewish, in the truest sense of the word, they must repent and trust in their own Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. d. [Slide 6] from morning until evening. i. Paul earnestly contended with them on this point for many hours. ii. He probably showed them from their own scriptures how Jesus had fulfilled over 300 prophesies by his birth, life, death, and resurrection. iii. How Jesus becomes our new Adam, our new representative. How Jesus is the new Abraham in establishing a New Covenant. How He is the new Moses, being the Great Prophet. How Jesus is the Great High Priest offering a sacrifice that does not need to be repeated since He was the sacrifice. How Jesus is the Son of David and that human King prophesied to reign over Israel forever… and the whole world. iv. From morning until evening Paul gave it all he had. He preached, he discussed, he debated, he argued, he strove, with all the persuasiveness that he could. v. What were the results? e. [Slide 7] 24 - And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others were not believing. i. Well, the results were decidedly… mixed. ii. Some of them were being persuaded. Notice the passive voice here. 1. While it largely depends on context, many times in scripture when the passive voice is used, it is what we call a divine passive. 2. This occurs when God does something but does not wish to overtly say He is doing the action in that specific context. 3. We know from the greater context of scripture, and even in this very text, that natural man is spiritually dead and unable to hear and respond to the gospel message unless the Holy Spirit actually enables them to hear it and respond to it. 4. No matter what theological background you come from, everyone prays for the lost the same. We all pray that God would open the eyes of sinners to help them receive the gospel. 5. Christians may define what happens there differently. But the long and the short of it is, that God must move first and God must move in an individual's heart not just in an event for a broader people group. 6. It is not Paul's words that are persuading them… it is God's Spirit opening their eyes to see the truth of what Paul is saying. iii. But the others, the majority, do not believe on Jesus. iv. But how does this happen? v. How can the apostle Paul, a skilled Rhetorician, speak for hours, expounding from the scriptures how Jesus is the Messiah, and yet many do not believe, and the ones that do believe do not do so because of Paul's persuasiveness? vi. If Paul cannot convince his own kinsmen, what hope do we have to convince anyone of the gospel? f. [Slide 8] Summary of the Point: In the last episode of Luke's record of the early formation of the church and the Kingdom of God expanding to the uttermost parts of the earth, Luke chooses to conclude on a sermon by Paul. It is a sermon preached over several hours to his own kinsmen, Jews of the city of Rome. Luke says he spoke passionately and urgently to them communicating from the Mosaic law and the prophets how Jesus was the Messiah and the King promised of old who would bring with Him a New Kingdom. Paul preached passionately that this kingdom has come and is here and the evidence that this is so, is the expansion of the church throughout the Roman Empire. But despite all his theological arguments, despite his rhetorical skill, despite his logic, despite his passionate pleas, most of those listening did not believe. Only some were persuaded as God opened their eyes and ears to receive the truth of what Paul spoke. Luke's purpose in this book is to give Theophilus assurances that what he has believed is true. One great assurance to Theophilus is that the wisdom of men in logic and persuasion cannot actually convince sinners to repent and believe the gospel. Theophilus was not conned by skilled speakers to believe a lie. Instead, his eyes were opened to believe the truth by God Himself. This is true of everyone who receives the gospel. God calls and draws. Then and only then do we respond. And so, what is our application to such a point? We must humbly heed the Word of God. We must be the kind of people who are ready to listen and to obey what God reveals. Transition: [Slide 9 (blank)] Still, our curiosity forces us to ask why don't they believe? Is there something deficient in them? What qualities make up a person who will not believe? And how do we avoid that? II.) God hides the gospel from the arrogant and disobedient, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (25-27) a. [Slide 10] 25 - And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one word, i. So, this devolves fairly quickly. ii. We have these once loosely untied Roman Jews, coming to Paul for information on the Nazarene sect of Judaism, and as the hours go on, now they are disagreeing so sharply that those who do not believe Paul abandon him and their fellow Jews and leave the house. iii. Luke records that they did this especially when Paul said one word. iv. Well which word? v. What follows is a sermon from Isaiah 6. vi. So which word makes them leave? vii. Well, the word translated “word” can mean a single word or it can mean a message. viii. In the expression “what's the word?” we are not asking what is the single word. We are asking, what is the news? ix. In a similar way, Luke records this mini-sermon that Paul spoke that turned out to be too much for the unbelieving Jews to handle. x. What did Paul say that chased them away? b. [Slide 11] “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, i. First of all, Paul goes to the prophet Isaiah. ii. Psalms and Isaiah account for half of the citations of the Old Testament in the New Testament. iii. Some commentators refer to the book of Isaiah as the fifth gospel. iv. Secondly, Isaiah's prophesies include both strong warnings and judgment proclamations as well as great and wonderful promises to the children of Israel. v. Paul is probably not going to the promises here. He is responding to the unbelieving Jews and their slowness to receive the message of their own Messiah. vi. In this way, he says that the Spirit of God inspired Isaiah rightly when he spoke to their ancestors. vii. This is a euphemistic way to say, in so many words, you are behaving just like your ancestors… that's good right? WRONG! viii. Notice that Paul does not claim them to be his own ancestors because he does not behave like them. ix. So, what does Paul quote for them? c. [Slide 12] 26 - saying, ‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND; AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE; i. Paul is quoting from Isaiah 6:9-10. This is the initial call of Isaiah to be God's prophet to Judah during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. ii. We'll take a look at this passage in a moment, but why is Paul quoting this passage? iii. Because he feels similar to Isaiah. Isaiah was told that he would proclaim the Lord's message but that Judah as a whole would not listen to him. There would no doubt be some who would and remain faithful to Yahweh, but the majority would not. iv. Paul has experienced the exact same thing as he has traveled through three different missionary journeys across the Roman Empire. Some Jews heard and believed on Jesus… but most did not. And it seems like the same will be true here in the city of Rome. v. So Paul quotes this passage to try to expose why these people are so slow to believe in Jesus. vi. Paul, through quoting Isaiah, gives two interconnected reasons that they do not believe. vii. First, though they will able to hear the truth of the gospel message, they will be unable to understand and perceive it… let alone believe it. viii. If we were to put this in medical terms, we would conclude that something in the brain is broken. ix. All the biological necessities are there for them to hear and see but something is broken to the point that the brain cannot interpret the signals coming from the eyes or the ears. x. They will be rendered unable to believe. xi. Well, why will this be their condition? d. [Slide 13] 27 - FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, i. Now it is interesting here that Paul quotes the Septuagint of this text. ii. Paul would have been familiar with the Hebrew version, but his hearers would not. iii. So, what are the differences between the Hebrew and the Septuagint? iv. [Slide 14] The Hebrew version puts these verbs in the imperative. They are commands of God to the people and to the prophet Isaiah. Let's look at the LSB's translation of Isaiah 6:9-10 to see the difference. 1. God tells Isaiah to tell the people… Keep hearing but do not understand 2. Keep seeing but do not know 3. These commands are given to Isaiah to tell the people. To command them to keep hearing and seeing without understanding or perceiving. 4. The next command seems to be issued to Isaiah with regard to his role in preaching this message. 5. Render the hearts of this people (notice God does not say my people) insensitive (or fat – full to the point of not being able to take any more in) 6. Render their ears dull and their eyes dim. Make them unable to perceive. 7. Lest (to keep them from) seeing with their eyes, and hearing with their ears, and understanding with their hearts, and return and be healed. 8. In other words, this doesn't read like a prediction but a judgment. v. So, does this mean that the Septuagint corrupted the text? No. vi. The translators of the Septuagint were obviously uncomfortable with assigning to God the blame for their condition of not hearing and obeying His Word. vii. Their dynamic interpretation of the Hebrew then, is to assume that God uses these words in hyperbole to get them to respond. viii. By setting the verbs into the indicative mood, the translators place the blame on their ancestors. ix. [Slide 15] But they do not remove God's role in this entirely. 1. Notice that the heart of this people has become dull. 2. Well, who made their heart dull? 3. The subject is not identified. 4. The Septuagint translators softened the text but did not completely change it. 5. They simply inserted a divine passive to take the place of the harshness of God's commands. 6. Meaning that within this last segment of Acts 28 those who are persuaded of the truth of the gospel and those who's hearts have become dull to the gospel are both activities God does but does not overtly say He is doing. x. But we need to understand the WAY Paul is using this. xi. Paul quotes the LXX which changes the commands into future tense verbs. That something WILL happen to the people. And why is he quoting it? He is quoting it because at this moment what WAS said in Isaiah, is being fulfilled. xii. In other words, God commanded Isaiah to render their hearts dull and eyes dim… and now Paul says… that has happened. Their heart has become dull. xiii. Paul uses the intentional softening of the Septuagint to pierce the heart of these Jews… showing them that they have succumbed to what God commanded Isaiah to accomplish by preaching to them. xiv. What Paul is saying is that the blindness of the Jews to the gospel in the 1st century AD is the fulfillment of Isaiah's preaching ministry in the 8th century BC. xv. By extension, of course, the Jews who have believed are also the fulfillment of that same preaching ministry. xvi. Again – Isaiah is the fifth gospel. And the gospel divides. xvii. So, how did they come into the state in which they could not believe? Well, in fulfillment of the preaching ministry of Isaiah, their hearts have become dull. And what else? e. [Slide 16] AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES; LEST THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES, AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I HEAL THEM.' i. As the quote continues, and as we analyze the context of Isaiah 6 and the whole book itself, we recognize that God has only decreed this end upon them after the people have been continually a people characterized by unbelief and disobedience. ii. There is a necessary correlation here between God making their hearts dull and their rebellion and disobedience. iii. The sun's rays both hardens the clay and causes fertile soil to spring forth vegetation. iv. Already barren and rocky soil will only be baked in the sun's heat while fertile soil will produce crops and a harvest from the same sun's rays. v. In the same way, the Word of God preached, warnings given, commands expressed, to the heart of one who is humble and obedient will produce more of the same. vi. While the same words will produce resentment and disdain from those who are arrogant and rebellious. vii. Again, Isaiah's preaching ministry has two outcomes and both of them are present in this text. The Jews who believed on Jesus inherit the promises of the Servant songs in the latter half of Isaiah. But those who do not believe the gospel inherit the judgments of the same book. viii. So, although the first reason they do not believe is that they are not able to… the second reason is that they are unable because they are also unwilling. They are characterized by continued pride and disobedience. f. [Slide 17] Summary of the Point: Through the text of Paul's sermon from Isaiah, Luke stresses the key reason that these Jews, and by extension every other unbeliever, do not believe the gospel when it is preached. Why is it that two people can hear the same message and one believes and the other does not? We've already seen how those who believe do so because God enables them to. What about those who do not believe? Is that God's fault too? The scriptures are quite clear on this. Those who continue in obstinate rebellion and self-determined beliefs and values are not able to understand and perceive the gospel message. God only hides the gospel message from those who are arrogant and disobedient. God does not allow people to understand or perceive the gospel message who continually refuse to be humble and listen to Him. Paul says this is why these Jews today were walking away in disbelief. It is because the Holy Spirit prophesied rightly through Isaiah to their fathers whom they are living like. God has had enough and will not let them see or hear the truth. This is why it is abundantly necessary for all those under the sound of my voice to humbly heed the Word of God. Always. Not just the gospel itself but all that God has said, we must humbly heed it. Transition: [Slide 18 (blank)] So, what is the application of this text from Isaiah 6? How does Paul apply this harsh reality to them? III.) God saves all men by grace through faith in Christ, so we must humbly heed the Word of God. (28-31) a. [Slide 19] 28 - Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles—they will also hear.” i. Because they have continually closed their eyes to the gospel and shut their ears to scarcely hear… ii. Because the soil of their hearts, the land of their souls has been polluted. iii. Because the hearts of the Jews have become rocky ground where little grows. iv. God has turned aside to shine His gospel light on different fields. v. This is not necessarily God turning his back on the Jews forever. We've seen this in Jeremiah where the Lord continues to call those whom He has divorced, to repentance. vi. But it is God leaving behind the Jews, extending the gospel to the gentiles, to make the Jews jealous. vii. And Paul's final comment is what ultimately forces the unbelieving Jews to walk away in disgust. viii. It isn't necessarily that the gospel will go to the gentiles. ix. But Paul says, they will also hear. 1. The word hear, is the same word used before to communicate their ability to hear even though they didn't understand. 2. But Paul uses the middle voice of this verb. 3. Middle voice is when the subject does the action… to or for themselves. 4. To hear for yourself… implies not just a perception of sound or noise, but to receive or heed it. x. This is quite shocking. xi. It is probably difficult enough for the Jews to accept that God is sending the message of salvation to the Gentiles. xii. But Paul intentionally, by wordplay, makes a direct comparison. xiii. The Jews before him today, what they cannot and will not do, the Gentiles will do. xiv. This last comment is too much for these Roman Jews to take. xv. This is the “word” that forces them to walk out. b. [Slide 20] 29 - [When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.] i. You'll notice that I have this verse in brackets and in yellow on the screen. ii. Many of the oldest, and most reliable manuscript copies of the book of Acts that we have are missing this verse. iii. When the chapter divisions and verse numbers were assigned, we had not yet discovered these manuscripts and therefore had no reason to question the authenticity of this particular verse. iv. Since the KJV was translated we have discovered almost 6,000 manuscripts of the New Testament. Most of which affirm and authenticate the manuscripts that the KJV translators had available to them. v. But occasionally, we find a verse like this where the evidence does not support a verse being included. vi. As to the motive of the addition it is actually fairly obvious. vii. If this verse isn't in the text, we must make an intuitive leap that it was the fact that Paul said the Gentiles would believe the gospel that caused these Roman Jews to leave Paul's residence in frustration. viii. Everything in verse 29 is mentioned earlier which again reinforces the idea that this was probably added as a comment to remind the reader or point out to the reader that this was the real reason the Jews left. c. [Slide 21] 30 - And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, i. Finally, Luke concludes his book with a look to the remaining two years of ministry Paul has in the city of Rome. ii. For the next two years Paul welcomes all who came to him and we should very much see this as Luke's assertion that Jews and gentiles alike were welcomed to come and visit with him. Not just the gentiles. iii. Many of his visitors were his companions visiting with him and ministering to his needs. iv. From his letters we know that Paul had sent many of his visiting companions to relay messages all around the Roman Empire to various churches. v. We are reasonably sure that Paul wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon during this time. d. [Slide 22] 31 - preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, unhindered. i. But Paul was not merely writing letters and entertaining Christian guests. ii. He was also preaching the gospel to all who would hear. iii. He did this boldly and without any restraint on him. iv. And so, the gospel goes to the Jews and the Gentiles of Rome, and Paul ministers to the church there while he awaits his trial. v. This is how Luke's record for Theophilus ends. vi. And we know that Paul will be released and will travel on a 4th missionary journey after this, and possibly even to Spain after that. vii. And so, the promise of Jesus from Acts 1, that His church will take the kingdom of God to the uttermost parts of the earth, has been fulfilled. viii. And with that bookend, the book of Acts is complete. e. [Slide 23] Summary of the Point: Luke finishes his book declaring the wonderful grace of God. Though the soil of the Jews had grown rocky and hard, God is still gathering a people to himself from all nations. Jews and Gentiles will be gathered in by His grace. He will open their eyes and allow them to understand and perceive the truth of the gospel. He will enable them to believe on Jesus of Nazareth as their Lord and Savior. He will graciously create a Kingdom of Priests who are the bride of His dear Son. As John the Baptist said, he could raise up stones to declare His praises to Him if He desired. So, God has determined to raise up a people that were not a people to be His people. A people made of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, rich and poor, from every tribe, tongue, nation and culture. And Paul spends the next two years in Rome with that application. That God is shining the light of the gospel to the gentiles and that they will hear it. So, what must we do today? Humbly heed the Word of God today my friends. Join this Kingdom that is and will be forever. Conclusion: So, what have we seen here today CBC that corrects and informs our beliefs and shapes and guides our lifestyles? Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 24] How fitting it is for Luke to conclude his two-scroll tome to Theophilus with a scene in which Paul continues the same ministry he always had. Preaching the gospel to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. Paul's sermon demonstrates the final word to Theophilus on why he must hold fast to what he has believed. He did not believe because of the persuasive power of those who preached the gospel to him. Instead, he believed because the Lord opened his eyes so he could humbly heed what the Word of God said. He, like all other believers, was saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus of Nazareth. All these points combine together to deliver to us a single message of truth. Theophilus must know the certainty of the gospel because… the gospel is that God alone acts to save sinners. He does so by the washing of regeneration so a sinner can grasp hold of the purchased redemption of Christ by faith. This is all according to the power of God to change people who are dead in their sins and children of wrath by nature… into sons and daughters. Theophilus must know that the gospel is true, because he has been brought to life by the power of God. No man can do what has been done to him. In fact, the litmus test for the true gospel, is how much of man's power is in it. If there is any at all… it is not the gospel. So, we must humbly heed the Word of God. Certainly, we must hear and heed the gospel command to repent and believe on Jesus Christ. But also, in every facet of life, we must humbly heed God's Word. No matter what it says no matter how much we naturally disagree, and no matter how much it means we must change. Let God's Word be true and everything else be a lie. But let me attempt to apply these concepts to our everyday life. 1.) [Slide 25] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that salvation is accomplished in an individual's life by God alone. a. Paul's sermon to the Roman Jews consisted of several hours of preaching the kingdom of God manifested in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth, which was predicted in the Mosaic law and the Prophets. b. For hours he reasoned with them passionately. c. In the end some did come to faith in Jesus Christ. But Luke does not give credit to Paul for this. d. God opened their eyes to the truth of what Paul taught. e. We saw this in Acts 16 when Lydia did the same. f. And Paul himself says this in I Corinthians 2, that this was true when he preached in Corinth. g. Paul didn't convince anyone of the gospel. Paul didn't lead anyone to Christ. h. The scriptures teach us that GOD draws sinners to Himself. How? Through the word of God being proclaimed. i. In this the preacher is merely the means God uses to connect those whom He is calling to faith in Jesus Christ. j. You see, not only has the price been paid through the redemption of Jesus Christ, but God even acts to bring sinners to that realization. k. If your view of the gospel has any whiff of man's effort, man's work, man's action, or man's ability… it is not the gospel you are believing. l. If your gospel says that God has done everything except for… you can stop right there… because it isn't the gospel anymore. m. God did not do 99.99% of your salvation and awaits you to contribute your .01%. n. God accomplished EVERYTHING. o. In Romans 8 we see that God foreordained, predestined, called, justified, and glorified His people. p. Paul takes us from before the foundations of the world to the eternal kingdom and shows that in an individual Christian's life… God has done everything. q. When He desires you to be connected by faith to the redemption Jesus has purchased with His blood, He will enable you to believe by opening your eyes to see the truth of the gospel and believe it. r. The scriptures clearly teach us that salvation is not of works, it is all a gift, so much so that even repentance and faith are called gifts of God in the New Testament. s. So, my friends, we must, for the sake of the purity of the gospel, we must eradicate every last shred of human work, no matter how small, from our understanding of the gospel. t. For if we don't… it just isn't the gospel anymore. 2.) [Slide 26] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God resists the proud and disobedient and hides the gospel from them. a. Do you remember the parable of the soils which Jesus taught. b. It is one of the few parables where Jesus actually explains its meaning to His disciples. c. The farmer is the same. The seed is the same. The distribution of that seed is the same. d. The only thing that changes is the soil in which the seed is cast. e. The first soil is soil that is hard. It is a pathway. It is not tilled. It is not soft. It is not open to receiving the seed. f. On this soil the devil comes and snatches away the seed scattered there because it did not penetrate the soil. g. This is essentially what Paul says has happened to the unbelieving Jews. They are so arrogant and so disobedient that though they have eyes, they cannot see, though they have ears they cannot hear… though the soil of their heart has dirt… it is hard, beaten down, and eroded. It is incapable of receiving the seed. h. James says that God resists the proud. i. The fact of the matter is that a heart that is proud, self-focused, self-ruled, disobedient and defiant… such a heart can never receive the gospel message. j. But there is a tension here that we need to recognize. 3.) [Slide 27] Refutation: “What lies must we cast down” or “What do we naturally believe, or have been taught to believe, that this passage shows is false?” We must deny that God has given salvation to only one specific people group. a. As shocking as it was for the Jews to hear that God is giving salvation to the gentiles, so it will be just as shocking for us to hear that God is not giving salvation to one kind of people. b. God is giving salvation to Muslims, Mormons, Buddhists, Atheists, Agnostics, Hindus, and even Satanists. c. God is giving salvation to homosexuals, pedophiles, transgenders, murderers, adulterers, thieves, traitors and liars. d. God is giving salvation to Democrats, Republicans, Rich people, poor people, black people, red people. e. As long as the heart of that person is soft to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ… they will receive it. f. But all these labels along with their beliefs, allegiances, and practices, all bow to the Lordship of Jesus Christ when one truly receives the gospel. g. Gentiles will hear the gospel… but that doesn't mean they can keep worshipping their pagan gods. h. But God is not just saving those who attend church all their lives. i. His people are scattered throughout the world. j. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers, your family, your friends, your nurses, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors. k. They may have a different political party than you. They may currently be practicing a different religion. l. We don't know who they are. So we preach Christ crucified and rely on God's power to change them. m. It is a lie for us to believe that anyone is beyond the reach of the gospel. n. Look at Paul… how many times has he preached to the Jews in various cities and how many times has the result been the same? Very few believe. Many do not… And then they oppose the gospel. o. Yet here he is again… preaching to Jews in Rome. p. May we have the same drive of Paul to preach the gospel to any and all we come into contact with. 4.) [Slide 28] Exhortation: “What actions should we take?” or “What is this passage specifically commanding us to do that we don't naturally do or aren't currently doing?” We must humbly heed the Word of the Lord. a. Generally speaking, God resists the proud but exalts the humble. b. True and humble belief in His Word is always accompanied by obedience. c. James says we must be doers of the word and not hearers only. d. The Jews had a long history of struggling with this as a nation. e. There were always those who did humbly heed the Word of the Lord. f. They were the remnant. True Israel. g. If we are God's children, we too must humbly hear and heed the Word of God. h. Do you have that view of God's Word? Or do you find yourself always interpreting the of the Word of God to make it fit what you already believe or what you are already doing? i. When is the last time you had to crucify something you believed or practiced because of what God's Word said? j. If you can't think of a time that that has ever happened… or if that has rarely happened in your life…you may want to search your heart. Is it too hard to be molded by God's Word? 5.) [Slide 29] Evangelism: “What about this text points us to Jesus Christ, the gospel, and how we are restored?” Will you humble yourself and obey the gospel? a. The book of Acts really is part two of the gospel of Luke. b. It is a gospel. It makes much of the person and work of Jesus Christ. It does so by way of seeing His followers forever changed by His saving power in their lives. c. This rag tag group of 20 somethings, nothings from nowhere, had suddenly turned the world upside down with the message of the gospel. d. My friends… what will you do with this Jesus? e. He is not a great prophet who spoke many wise words. He is not an example for us to show kindness and love to all people. He is not someone we can quote to support this political position or that… f. He is the Son of God, the Lord of all, and He will come to judge the living and the dead. g. He will judge them according to their works. h. All those who are judged by the books which record their works will be cast into the lake of fire which is the second death. i. Only those who are not judged by those books but by the book of life… only they will enter into His Kingdom. j. So I ask again… what will you do with Jesus Christ? k. What should be done with Him? l. If all that Jesus said, did, and claimed of Himself, the world, and The Kingdom of God is true.. then you must humble yourself before His Lordship… beg for His mercy… and place all your hope in His death and resurrection to be your death and resurrection. m. Jesus Christ should become your… EVERYTHING. That is what it means to obey the gospel. n. It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, what you have believed up to this point, or where you think you are going… o. Humble yourself, repent and believe on Jesus and you will have life in Him. p. If this is you today – don't leave without talking to an Elder. We'd love to hear and help in any way we can. [Slide 30 (end)] Let me close with a prayer by the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs. Lord, today you have set before me out of your word a glorious mystery—a righteousness of your Son that I did not know or care about before. I see now my happiness lies there. No matter what happens to me in the world, and no matter what happens to my name or my worldly possessions, I am forever secure if I have Christ to clothe me. Lord, if righteousness did prevail, then you would be honored more than ever. We would have the joy of our hearts, we would be delivered from the temptations we encounter, and your saints would not suffer as they do. We pray that you would make righteousness prevail in our hearts, in Jesus' name, Amen. Benediction: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Until we meet again, go in peace.

Dave Bindewald, founder of the Center for Play and Exploration, continues our series through Hebrews. Dave highlights the role of the priest, to intercede between us and God, and how Jesus not only was that intercession, but was God brought near to us. Passages: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Call: Isaiah 11:1-4 Scripture: Psalm 110 NASB Psalm 110, the most frequently quoted Old Testament passage in the New Testament, reveals the exalted reign of Christ as both King and eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. The New Testament writers—Jesus, Peter, the author of Hebrews, and Paul—use this psalm to affirm Christ's resurrection, ascension, and ongoing rule at God's right hand, where He subdues His enemies and establishes justice in the world. This reign is not merely future but present, as Christ's scepter extends from Zion, conquering through conversion and conversion, with His people freely volunteering in His power. The ultimate fulfillment is the complete subjugation of all enemies, culminating in the defeat of death, after which Christ hands the kingdom to the Father, demonstrating the coherence of Scripture's eschatological vision.

Hebrews 4:14-16 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In this sermon on Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement, Pastor Matt Looloian reveals God's answer to our greatest dilemma: how sinful people can be in relationship with a holy God. He unpacks the ancient ritual's three phases—purification, the scapegoat, and burnt offerings—which gave the Israelites complete assurance of atonement. Then, he shows how this ritual is perfectly fulfilled in the Final Day of Atonement: Good Friday. Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, secured eternal redemption by His own blood, serving as both the sacrifice and the scapegoat. The result for us? Full assurance of faith. Pastor Matt encourages listeners to embrace this confidence by learning to repent boldly and pray boldly.

This message reminds us that we serve a God who hears. Once, access to God's presence was restricted to priests—but through Jesus, our Great High Priest, the veil is torn, and we now have direct access to the throne of grace. Because of His sacrifice, we can approach God with confidence, not fear.He understands our struggles, sympathizes with our weaknesses, and welcomes our honesty. When words fail, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. In every season, we find mercy for our failures and grace for our need. No credentials, no clearance—just Jesus.

Order a hymnal for your home Upcoming Events Monday, 6:00 pm: Dinner followed by a Missions presentation by Paul and Becky Abel @ Ny Stavanger Free Lutheran Church, Buxton, ND Wednesday, 6:00 pm: Faith, Family, Food, and Fellowship @ Christ the King Free Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks Sunday, 10:00 am: Service of the Word No Sunday School Monday, October 20, 6:30 pm: Deacons meeting 7:00 pm: Council meeting

One of the beautiful pictures in the Bible is that of the Lord Jesus Christ as our great High Priest. Priests represent people before God – they stand in the place of the people. Did you know that Christ does that? Because He is sinless, He can come before God and plead for us. He does not need a sacrifice for His own sins. He had none. Instead, He has become a great sacrifice himself. He presented himself to God in our place and became a substitute for us, dying in our place on Calvary's cross. We don't need an earthly priest to bring us to God – we just need Christ! 

In Genesis 14, Abraham encountered Melchizedek, the king of righteousness and peace, who blessed him in the name of God Most High. In gratitude, Abraham gave a tithe of all. This moment foreshadows Jesus, our Great High Priest, who blesses us so we can bless others. As we receive and give, God's love and provision flow through us, spreading His goodness to the nations. In this sharing, Pastor Kong Hee presents a “report card” of how God has been using the church to bless nations in South Asia and even the Middle East.

The High Priest pictured Jesus in his current heavenly ministry as a our Great High Priest. This is often the office of Jesus that we give the least attention to. We think of Him as Savior and King, but we often fail to emphasize and partake in His ministry as our Great High Priest. He is our representative before God the Father, and Jesus represents the Father before us. Because He lived life as man He is sympathetic to our needs. Because He arose from the dead He has the power to meet any and every need. Therefore, we can come to Him and find grace and mercy to help in time of need.

This fall we're looking at the book of Hebrews. This week Cameron Beaty looks at the remarkable truth that Jesus in his humanity allows us to access the mercy and grace of the Lord. In considering the imagery of the priesthood and the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, here we will discover the unique work of Christ Jesus and what this means for our live

In week 4 of our Hebrews series, Pastor Mike shows that Jesus is our Great High Priest who fully sympathizes with our weakness. He knows hunger, thirst, betrayal, rejection, grief, and temptation—yet without sin. Because of this, we can confidently approach the throne of grace for mercy and help in our time of need. Pastor Mike walks us through the role of the high priest and the temple—from the altar and laver to the showbread, lampstand, and incense—culminating in the torn veil and the mercy seat. Jesus is the Gate, the Lamb of God, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, and our Intercessor who declares, “It is finished.” His perfect sacrifice ends the old system and gives us full access to God. Now we are called priests who study the Word, share the good news, and keep our temples holy. ____ Partner with New Tribe: Give | https://newtribe.church/give/ ____ Connect with New Tribe: Website | https://newtribe.church/comeexperience/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/newtribechurch Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/newtribechurch YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/newtribechurch

Pastor Justin Karl preaches on Leviticus 8-15

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is the holiest day in the biblicalcalendar, a time of fasting, repentance, and seeking God's mercy. In thisteaching, Dr. Kenny Russell reveals how every detail of Yom Kippur points toYeshua the Messiah as our Great High Priest and perfect sacrifice.Discover:· The High Priest's role inLeviticus and how Yeshua fulfills it once for all (Hebrews 9).· The prophetic meaning ofthe two goats, one sacrificed, one carrying sins away, and how Messiah embodiesboth (John 1:29, Isaiah 53).· Why Yeshua's blood doesn'tjust cover sin but removes it, giving us direct access to the Father (Hebrews10:10, Hebrews 4:16).· How believers today canapproach Yom Kippur with humility, repentance, and joy, knowing our redemptionis complete in Him.You'll also learn how to intercede for the lostsheep of the house of Israel:· Standing in the gap inprayer (Ezekiel 22:30).· Asking for eyes to beopened and the veil lifted (2 Corinthians 3:14-16).· Declaring God's covenantpromises (Jeremiah 31, Ezekiel 36, Romans 11).· Praying for repentance,protection from deception, and bold laborers for the harvest (Hosea 14, 2Thessalonians 2, Matthew 9:37-38).Romans 11 reminds us: “You do not support the root, but the root supports you.” Theroot of the olive tree is God's covenant with the patriarchs, fulfilled inYeshua, the life-giving source for Judea and Israel, and all who are graftedinto the commonwealth of Israel.Be encouraged: On Yom Kippur, we don't fear judgment - we rejoice in forgiveness throughthe finished work of Messiah!

Hebrews: The True and Better - Hebrews 10.19-22Jobey McGintyThe finished work of the Great High Priest has inaugurated a new and living way, granting us the audacious confidence to draw near to the Holy of Holies—not through our own fragile righteousness, but solely "by the blood of Jesus." This assurance is full and unwavering, a covenant sworn by God to Himself, securing our perseverance against every tribulation, persecution, and doubt.Our salvation is revealed to be imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, an inheritance so precious that the Father has Himself sealed it with the Holy Spirit as our eternal guarantee. Therefore, we are called to fan into flame the gift of God, dying to the self-preserving fear of the world and embracing a life of self-sacrificial love, for nothing—neither the darkness of the age nor the condemnation of our own heart—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Join Greg & Nathan as they continue their discussion in their series the Imago Dei. What if bearing God's image isn't just about who we are—but also about what we're called to do? In this third episode of The Imago Dei series, Greg and Nathan dive into the priestly role of humanity, asking: What does it mean that part of bearing God's image is being a priest? Drawing from key Scriptures like 1 Peter 2:9, Genesis 2:15, and Exodus 19:5–6, they explore how every believer is invited to draw near to God—and to help others do the same. From Eden to the cross, from sacred temples to ordinary lives, the priestly calling runs deep: to intercede, to steward sacred space, and to carry God's presence into a broken world. In this episode, they discuss: The surprising priestly parallels in the Garden of Eden How Old Testament priests shape our understanding of spiritual life today Why prayer is more than a quiet moment—it's priestly work What it means to be part of a royal priesthood in Christ How Jesus, our Great High Priest, redefines our identity and mission And how living as priests impacts everything from our parenting to our pain Whether you're in ministry or the marketplace, a seasoned believer or exploring faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to see your life as sacred—and your presence as a vessel of God's mercy.

How do you become such an amazing priesthood holder that they decide to name the priesthood after you?

This passage from Matthew 22:34–40 shows the Pharisees again attempting to trap Jesus, this time with a theological test: which commandment is greatest? Rather than diminishing the law, Jesus distills its essence into two inseparable commands—love God fully with heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. These sum up all of Scripture and reveal that true obedience flows not from rigid rule-keeping but from love. The sermon explains how centuries of added traditions had shifted the law from devotion to ritual, while Jesus, as the Great High Priest, gives the ultimate interpretation and fulfillment of the law. His life and sacrifice embody perfect love for God and others, accomplishing what human effort never could. The Pharisees complicated faith, but Jesus simplified it, pointing to a relational, willful, and active love that transforms how we live. Through His finished work on the cross, believers are freed from striving under the law and invited into God's presence, empowered to love both Him and others sincerely.

This fall, Liberti Church launches a new sermon series: Holy God; Holy People - A Study of Leviticus. Often overlooked, the book of Leviticus is filled with laws, sacrifices, priests, and rituals that reveal God's holiness and His desire to dwell with His people. In this series, we'll see how Leviticus points us to Jesus Christ - our Great High Priest and final sacrifice - who makes a way for sinful people to live in the presence of a holy God. Listen weekly as we explore the seriousness of sin, the beauty of atonement, and the call to live set apart for God's glory.

The New Covenant: A Study of HebrewsWeek 4: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

It's time we become more aware of the priesthood that God set up - not man- which is maintained and operated by Jesus, our Great High Priest, who is in intercession for us but is also seated, meaning He has completed and accomplished everything it takes to purify our conscience and bring us back to our Father. He is in full time ministry, applying His own blood to the Mercy Seat in Heaven and also to your heart. This changes how we interact with God: Instead of cowering in fear of punishment or working hard to maintain our own righteousness, we approach the Living God with the confidence that Jesus has truly saved us to the uttermost because He constantly lives to make intercession for us. THE BRAVEHEART SUMMIT REGISTRATION IS LIVE! SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY! The Summit is a rallying point for Bravehearts. If you're hungry for God, eager for true connection with others, and ready to grow deep in the faith of the gospel, this Summit is for you. The Summit is not an end point, it's a launching point. We purpose to gather, to magnify Jesus, to uplift the body of Christ and to return home on mission refreshed, radiant and ready to run.Details - November 6th-8th in San Antonio, Texas Click here to register Click here to pay it forward Send us a textSupport the show

an expository sermon on Hebrews 4:14-5:10 preached by Pastor Jordan Atkinson on August 31, 2025

Father Blackburn examines a portion of John 17, the Great High Priest Prayer of Jesus.

As God nears the end of His instructions on the Tabernacle, He instructs Moses on who should be selected as priests, what they should wear, and what they should do. Because Jesus is now the Great High Priest, and because Christ has called His followers to be a kingdom of priests, what God says about the priests in Exodus illustrates what Christ has done for His people and what His people should do for Him.

The brazen altar was the place of substitution for Israel. It was a figure of the cross of Christ. In the Old Testament economy, the sacrificer (one making the offering) had to identify himself with the sacrifice (animal) and be represented by a priest. Under the New Covenant, we must identify ourselves with Jesus in his death. He is our substitutionary lamb. His death was substitutionary. He died in our place. And He is our Great High Priest that represents us.

The brazen altar was the place of substitution for Israel. It was a figure of the cross of Christ. In the Old Testament economy, the sacrificer (one making the offering) had to identify himself with the sacrifice (animal) and be represented by a priest. Under the New Covenant, we must identify ourselves with Jesus in his death. He is our substitutionary lamb. His death was substitutionary. He died in our place. And He is our Great High Priest that represents us.

Principle 8, Hebrews 4:14-16A Principle to Live By – Our Great High Priest - Day 4To communicate and fellowship with God, we are to approach Him through His Son Jesus Christ.WednesdayNEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

Principle 8, Hebrews 4:14-16A Principle to Live By – Our Great High Priest - Day 3To communicate and fellowship with God, we are to approach Him through His Son Jesus ChNEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

This week, Pastor Jim takes us through Hebrews 7:1–19, exploring the powerful comparison between Jesus and Melchizedek. In this passage, we see how Jesus is the ultimate and eternal High Priest—offering a better hope through which we draw near to God.Text: Hebrews 7:1-19Recorded August 24th, 2025

Principle 8, Hebrews 4:14-16A Principle to Live By – Our Great High Priest - Day 2To communicate and fellowship with God, we are to approach Him through His Son Jesus Christ.NEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

Principle 8, Hebrews 4:14-16A Principle to Live By – Our Great High Priest - Day 1To communicate and fellowship with God, we are to approach Him through His Son Jesus Christ.NEW! - Let us know what you think of the program! Support the show

Sermon Direct Link 8/17/25 Rev. Clint Smith High Priest vs Great High Priest Forever (Hebrews 5:1-11) If we are honest, as Americans we often don't fully grasp the Biblical job description of the high priest ... Read More The post High Priest vs Great High Priest Forever (Hebrews 5:1-11) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

Join us as we welcome Pastor Jake Curtis as he shares with us. Jesus Christ “descended” and became what no other sacrifice could be; He, the Lamb of God, a the superior and perfect sacrifice for our sin. But even more, He rose to Life and “ascended” back into eternal glory as our superior and perfect Great-High Priest, offering what no other human priest could. He has become our life by offering us new life in Him; He is the LIFE who now sits upon His glorious throne of Grace, calling us to come to Him for all we need!

While the Levitical priests in the Old Testament offered repeated sacrifices to atone for sin, their work was never complete. Jesus, however, offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice—once for all—securing eternal redemption for those who trust in Him.He is not a distant or detached mediator. Jesus understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us with compassion and power.Join us as we explore the beauty and depth of what it means to have Jesus as our Great High Priest—perfect, compassionate, and eternally sufficient.

In Part 2 of this series, we explore the connection between the Day of Atonement in Leviticus and the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Through the lens of Hebrews, we discover how Jesus became our Great High Priest—sinless, perfect, and willing to shed His blood once for all. This message reminds us that while the Old Covenant covered sin temporarily, Jesus' blood removes it eternally. We are redeemed, accepted, and victorious because the blood still speaks.

Sermon by TM Anderson Our Great High Priest Stoneboro Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Camp www.ihconvention.com

What does the reference to Melchizedek mean in Psalm 110? Today on the podcast, Seth Master walks through Psalm 108-114 and shows how this points to our ultimate perfect King and Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture Referenced: Hebrews 7 – the order of MelchizedekRespond in worship with Before the Throne of God Above by The Worship Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BozHkGMTlYI