Maybe it sounds like a strange suggestion, but I think that when we talk about Jesus we should do it more frequently in the present tense. Instead of always saying that “Jesus said” such-and-such, why not say that “Jesus says” such-and-such. For example, Jesus says that we should love our enemies. Jesus says that we … Continue reading Speaking about Jesus in the present tense
Even if we can’t see it immediately
Hebrews 6:13-15 tells us about a promise God made to Abraham: “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” Originally he had to wait 25 years before his son Isaac was born. After Isaac was in his care, he was told to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. As a parent, I can’t … Continue reading Even if we can’t see it immediately
Un-broken promises
Hebrews 6:18 says: “it is impossible for God to lie…” We sometimes say that “all things are possible with God.” As we should. After all, Jesus said it in Matthew 19:26! When we say that we need to remember the kinds of things we’re talking about: good things which are consistent with his character. They … Continue reading Un-broken promises
You have to go out!
In Cape May, New Jersey, a commander of a ship was aboard with his men. They were getting ready to head out onto the open waters. A massive storm was brewing. One of the young men shouted, “But, Captain! If we go out there, we may never come back.” The captain answered, “Son, you don’t … Continue reading You have to go out!
Imitate those with a low centre of spiritual gravity
Laziness is bad, especially when it comes to faith. So the writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers to imitate those who knew how to press on, even in tough times. Hebrews 6:12 says: “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” … Continue reading Imitate those with a low centre of spiritual gravity
When a loving heart manifests as growling teeth
Hebrews 6 describes some people who have come so far in their faith, but in the end reject God. Verse 6 has a strongly worded warning: “To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” It is as if they are figuratively aligning themselves with … Continue reading When a loving heart manifests as growling teeth
God notices you
They were tired. They were undergoing hardship. They were questioning Jesus. You get the sense that they didn’t think God was noticing their work, their love, and the help they were giving to others. ‘Was any of it making a difference?’ It’s fair to say that they needed some encouragement. So the writer of Hebrews … Continue reading God notices you
Tie your shoes first
Knowing the ABC’s of Christianity is important. In fact, if we don’t have a solid grasp of the basics, it’s going to be difficult for us to move on to more complicated matters. The writer of Hebrews was frustrated with his readers. He says: “though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need … Continue reading Tie your shoes first
Stumbling blocks or building blocks?
The writer of the book of Hebrews was frustrated. His readers were being slow learners: “by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!... But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use … Continue reading Stumbling blocks or building blocks?
You shall have as much again, and 10 times more
In The Pilgrim’s Progress, two characters named Gaius and Mr. Honest have a poetic exchange: “A man there was (though some did count him mad),The more he cast away the more he had.He who bestows his goods upon the poor,Shall have as much again, and ten times more.”* There’s truth in that, isn’t there? People … Continue reading You shall have as much again, and 10 times more
