Hebrews 10:35-39
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
In the time of the book of Hebrews, there was a real movement of people who had converted to Christianity but were then leaving the faith for one reason or another. One reason is that persecution was real -- and often deadly. People were deciding that Christianity wasn't worth their lives, and while they heard talk of the promises, they weren't seeing enough benefit to put their lives on the line, so they chose an easier route, one that might not cost them their lives. Others had different reasons -- I'm sure some joined because it was new, but after a while, the newness wore off and they moved on to something more exciting.
It's not easy to be a Christian. We've been waiting a long time to see the fulfillment of God's ultimate promises, and we only discover the truth of them on the other side of death. In the meantime, we are called to be obedient, to be loving, to be faithful, to have hope. It's not easy to hold onto all these things while we're busy questioning whether this faith is really grounded in reality, and the tumult it can cause inside us offers the temptation to set down our faith and find something easier.
But Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and he has promised that all who endure shall follow him. This fact trumps all, and so while we are encouraged to ask questions, we are also strengthened to press on, to live together and wrestle with tough questions, but to remain faithful, believing that even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary at times, the Gospel is true and that the love of God shall trump all, and in Christ we shall triumph over despair and hope. This is the promise to all who endure.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Hebrews 10:26-34
Hebrews 10:26-34
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The behavior of the early church always amazes me. They weren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they had astounding courage, especially under persecution. They had their vision so firmly fixed on Christ and his beloved church that they were able to endure seemingly impossible situations, including violent ones, with grace that proclaimed a greater truth than the world we can see. They reacted with kindness towards their tormentors and did not cling to worldly goods, trusting in the reality of a life beyond this one, believing that the greatness of what is to come so surpassed the present that it was willing to sacrifice and strive for.
I wonder if we allow our lives to be so caught up in the vision of what Christ intends for the church that we would be able to live with such passion and conviction. Perhaps the time between the early church and the present has dulled our edge, or maybe the comfort in which we live saps some of our drive. The more time we spend amazed at the promises of God, the more likely it is that we will find compelling reasons to pursue our relationship with him above all else, allowing our passion for the things of this world to take a backseat. May we let our minds focus on Christ and his great love for us.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The behavior of the early church always amazes me. They weren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they had astounding courage, especially under persecution. They had their vision so firmly fixed on Christ and his beloved church that they were able to endure seemingly impossible situations, including violent ones, with grace that proclaimed a greater truth than the world we can see. They reacted with kindness towards their tormentors and did not cling to worldly goods, trusting in the reality of a life beyond this one, believing that the greatness of what is to come so surpassed the present that it was willing to sacrifice and strive for.
I wonder if we allow our lives to be so caught up in the vision of what Christ intends for the church that we would be able to live with such passion and conviction. Perhaps the time between the early church and the present has dulled our edge, or maybe the comfort in which we live saps some of our drive. The more time we spend amazed at the promises of God, the more likely it is that we will find compelling reasons to pursue our relationship with him above all else, allowing our passion for the things of this world to take a backseat. May we let our minds focus on Christ and his great love for us.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Hebrews 10:19-25
Hebrews 10:19-25
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
This year, there was the sentiment that there would be many security threats against the festivities in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Then I remembered that we tend to think that most years, for threats are always looming beyond the door.
In turbulent times, we must hold on tightly to the hope that we have claimed, for our hope in Christ is the most certain anchor we can have. He has demonstrated his commitment to us by dying on the cross, and he has demonstrated his power over death by rising from the grave, all out of love for us. What more could we ask for? Such actions should enliven the hope within us, that it animates us to love and encourage one another in times of weakness and sorrow, that our hope should not depart from us but nestle within, deep in the soul, guiding our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and words, so that life itself is transformed by the reality of the Holy Spirit reminding us of God's great love for you.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
This year, there was the sentiment that there would be many security threats against the festivities in Times Square on New Year's Eve. Then I remembered that we tend to think that most years, for threats are always looming beyond the door.
In turbulent times, we must hold on tightly to the hope that we have claimed, for our hope in Christ is the most certain anchor we can have. He has demonstrated his commitment to us by dying on the cross, and he has demonstrated his power over death by rising from the grave, all out of love for us. What more could we ask for? Such actions should enliven the hope within us, that it animates us to love and encourage one another in times of weakness and sorrow, that our hope should not depart from us but nestle within, deep in the soul, guiding our hopes and dreams, our thoughts and words, so that life itself is transformed by the reality of the Holy Spirit reminding us of God's great love for you.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Hebrews 10:8-18
Hebrews 10:8-18
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
At church today, the preacher made a great point -- God urges us to remember all the times God has been faithful, but then God promises to forget our own sins. It's not fair, and it works drastically in our favor. God is always faithful, always loving, always kind, and his grace overflows, so that due to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we are made new in his love.
As this new year begins, may we bathe in the grace of Christ, being renewed each day by the Holy Spirit. May we not attempt to earn our way to God, hoping to appease God through our efforts. May we instead receive what God so freely gives and let gratitude transform us, letting God renew us and going out into the world as a grateful people, washed in love.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
At church today, the preacher made a great point -- God urges us to remember all the times God has been faithful, but then God promises to forget our own sins. It's not fair, and it works drastically in our favor. God is always faithful, always loving, always kind, and his grace overflows, so that due to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we are made new in his love.
As this new year begins, may we bathe in the grace of Christ, being renewed each day by the Holy Spirit. May we not attempt to earn our way to God, hoping to appease God through our efforts. May we instead receive what God so freely gives and let gratitude transform us, letting God renew us and going out into the world as a grateful people, washed in love.
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