Hebrews

God has spoken by prophets of what He was doing and had done,

But in these last days He spoke in His only begotten Son,

And this book of Hebrews was to show the Jews of that day

That the Gospel of the grace of God was much better way.

 

Jesus Christ was better than angels, a more excellent name had He.

God never said to an angel, “My son, today I begot thee.”

But to the Son He said, “Thy Throne is forever and ever.

Sit on My right hand; I will make your enemies a footstool forever.”

 

The grace of God is much better than the Mosaic law.

The law made nothing perfect and that we clearly saw.

But a surer and much better covenant Jesus had made,

For what the law could not do about sin Jesus has paid.

 

The blood of animals was applied in the temple on earth.

But the blood of Christ in heaven’s temple is of eternal worth.

There is no need to repeat His sacrifice as the priest, from day to day.

Once for all He died for mankind to put their sins away.

 

And that once for all sacrifice made by God’s sinless Soon,

Is put to our credit by faith in the work He had done.

For faith gives evidence and substance of things yet unseen,

And we trust the blood of Jesus to wash our souls clean.

 

So let us lay aside all sin and every hindering weight,

And for the lame who are following let us make our path straight.

For we have a better covenant, a better hope, a better reward,

And we run our race with patience as we wait for our blessed Lord.

 

--from The Bible in Verse: from Genesis to Revelation by B. C. Jennings, 1986

 

Heaven – What It Is

TEXT

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

THESIS

Heaven is a Divinely prepared place and God has provided for men to receive it.

INTRODUCTION

1. God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26).

     A. God is not flesh but rather Spirit (John 4:24).

     B. God is eternal (I Timothy 1:17).

     C. The flesh of men is dust and shall return to the dust (Genesis 3:19;  Ecclesiastes 12:7).

     D. The spirit of man never dies, he lives on (Ecclesiastes 12:7;  Matthew 22:32).

2. The ever-living spirits of men must have a home.

     A. Both the righteous and unrighteous shall not remain on this earth (Luke 16:19-31).

     B. All shall come forth from the graves (John 5:28-29).

     C. The righteous have considered themselves but  sojourners in this life and yearn for a Kingdom to come (Hebrews 11:13-16).

3. The city which those righteous pilgrims sought is Heaven.

     A. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.

     B. Heaven is a pure place for a pure people.

     C. Heaven is a precious place for a precious people.

DISCUSSION

I. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.

     A. Heaven has been prepared by God (John 14:1-3; Titus 1:2).

     B. God’s Word teaches all men how to be prepared.

          a. Eternal life is in the Son of God (I John 5:11).

          b. One gets into the Son by obeying the Gospel (Galatians 3:26-27).

NOTE: Salvation is also in the Christ (II Timothy 2:10). Salvation and eternal life are one and the same. Salvation is in the church Acts 2:47). Therefore, one cannot reject the Church of Christ and gain Heaven.

II. Heaven is a pure place for a pure people.

     A. Heaven is a place of absolute purity (Revelation  21:22-27).

     B. The Gospel calls us to pure lives.

          a. We become pure through obeying the Gospel (I Peter 1:22).

          b. The pure shall see God (Matthew 5:8).

          c. Only purity is accepted before God (James 1:27).

III. Heaven is a precious place for a precious people.

     A. Heaven is worth more than all the world (Matthew  16:26).

     B. God’s people are precious in His sight (Psalm 116:15).

          a. Psalm 37:31-33.

          b. I Peter 5:7.

          c. Hebrews 13:5.

     C. God has shown how precious by giving His only begotten Son (John 3:16)

John Rose

 

Him Only


CHORUS:
An ounce of His Favor o'er a ton of sin,
A glimpse of His Smile o'er the praises of men;
A pinch of His Mercy o'er all this world's wealth,
Just one peek at Heav'n o'er a lifetime of health.

 

1. This world has no treasure that I wish to gain,

There's nothing that makes me desire to stay here;

For I'm just a pilgrim and I'm passing through, 

I've a mansion in Heaven: mine free and clear! 

 

CHORUS: 
An ounce of His Favor o'er a ton of sin,
A glimpse of His Smile o'er the praises of men;
A pinch of His Mercy o'er all this world's wealth,
Just one peek at Heav'n o'er a lifetime of health.

 

2. The finest of fineries hold naught for me,

The  sweetest of fragrances have no appeal;

I'd rather have proof to base my faith upon

Than anything anyone else claims to feel.

 

CHORUS:
An ounce of His Favor o'er a ton of sin,
A glimpse of His Smile o'er the praises of men;
A pinch of His Mercy o'er all this world's wealth,
Just one peek at Heav'n o'er a lifetime of health.

 

3. My Counselor, Comforter, Personal Guide,

My Light in the darkness, my own Special Friend; 

O'er all artificial that this world may boast

Him only I trust to guide me 'to life’s end...

 

CHORUS: 
An ounce of His Favor o'er a ton of sin,
A glimpse of His Smile o'er the praises of men;
A pinch of His Mercy o'er all this world's wealth,
Just one peek at Heav'n o'er a lifetime of health.

 

H. L. Gradowith

Does Bear Valley Bible Institute Care About Brad Harrub's Fellowship Issues? No!

Below is the opening section of a much larger two part piece in the Contending For The Faith revealing the types of “associations” Brad Harrub has when not visiting “your” congregation. We feel that this is important information for brethren who do not normally inform themselves with publications like CFTF and Defender, where error is exposed along with the truth being defended. Harrub is a well known and often used brother on lectureships, at workshops, and universities. He is not one that has been accused of teaching anything erroneous that I am  aware of, but this brother does not concern himself at all with the Biblical doctrine of fellowship. How shameful that so many will embrace someone who carelessly trots about with no discerning powers and finds himself in the laps of liberals, dancing to their tunes.

Recently it was called to our attention that Brad Harrub, PhD in anatomy and neurobiology from the College of Medicine at the UT, Memphis, TN, co-founder and Executive Director of Focus  Press, and co-editor of Think magazine, has teamed with the singing group “Acappella” of “Acappella Ministries” to present what is being billed as “Creation Science In Concert With Acappella.” The event will be held at the Helena Montana Civic Center. According to the brochure advertising the program, the “promoter” of the event is Rocky Mountain Christian Institute.

Dr. Harrub primarily addresses topics concerning Christian evidences. He regularly conducts weekend seminars advertised as “Truth About Origins” and has written extensively regarding the same. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, CO. The singing group “Acappella” is advertised as “believing in the awesome versatility and flexibility of the human voice.” It is also billed as “the renowned vocal group” that can ... “fill a large concert hall with beautiful, intricate music without ever plucking a string or beating a drum.” They are also promoted as a group “with passion for God and hearts for music ministry.”

Their “ministry” accomplishes its “work through high energy concerts all of over the world.” The Rocky Mountain Christian Institute is an association of Churches and was formed in May of 1998 for the following purpose: To provide support materials, services, facilities and software for Christian Churches, Christian Schools, Christian Activities and Christian Individuals. 

Preceding the Helena Montana Civic Center event with Brad Harrub (9/20/13), Acappella will perform at the First United Methodist Church in Stanton, TX (9/11/13), and Abilene Christian University (9/15/13). Clearly bro. Harrub is in fellowship with Acappella and Acappella has no problem being in full fellowship with denominational churches. In view of the fact that Dr. Harrub is in fellowship with those who are not in fellowship with God, how can faithful members of the Lord’s church scripturally fellowship him?

[Editor’s note: Thanks to Johnny Oxendine for the opening paragraph above and for brother David Brown for the remainder of the article. It is high time for the church to wake up and recognize the God-given limits of fellowship.]

What Then Is the Law?

Judaizing zealots had come among the Galatian churches preaching that the Gentile saints must submit to certain requirements of Moses’ law to be saved. Some of the brethren had been “quickly removed” by this error (Galatians 1:6–9), and Paul wrote his letter to them in an effort to call them back to the Truth.In the context of convincing the Galatian Christians of the inferiority of Moses’ law when compared with the Gospel, he anticipated their asking, “What then is the law?” (Galatians 3:19). He basically answered that it was God’s preparatory measure for bringing Christ into the world (Galatians 3:20). Much confusion still reigns on the relationship between not only the law of Moses and the Gospel, but between all of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The resulting confusion remains the cause of a multitude of errors in doctrine and practice.

Some see the New Testament as a mere continuation of the Old, with men responsible to both. However, while they are closely related and contain some of the same principles and prohibitions, they also contain various contradictory statutes (e.g., days and acts of worship, circumcision, offerings, tithing, priesthood, et al.). They are two separate and distinct bodies of law.

The Old Testament foretells the coming of a new covenant (Testament) (Jeremiah 31:31–34), which the Bible identifies as the “better covenant,” mediated by Christ (Hebrews 8:6–13). In several direct statements the Bible declares that the authority of the Old Testament has been replaced by that of the New (e.g., Galatians 3:23–25; 5:1–6; Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 1:1–2; 10:9; et al.). Inspired writers also used various illustrations to make the same point (Romans 7:1–4; Galatians 4:22–31; Hebrews 7:12; 9:15–17). The cross is the epochal event that closed the Old and opened the New Testament age.

Some questions immediately arise:• 

“Are we no longer under the Ten Commandments?” No, we are not. However, all of them except the sabbath law are continued in the New Testament. We are obliged to obey them, not because they are in the Old Testament, but in the New.• 
“Is the Old Testament not inspired?” Yes. The passing of its authority does not imply anything concerning its inspiration or accuracy. It is God’s inspired Word, revealed by God to its various writers, just as the New Testament is.• 
“Does the Old Testament have any practical value today?” Yes. Paul said that its contents are for our “learning,” “admonition,” and example (Romans 15:4; I Corinthians 10:6–11).

Consider the following:•

Its prophecies and types foretell the Christ, His new covenant, and the establishment of His church, allowing us to see God’s careful, patient, persistent work in history to redeem His estranged creation.• 
It is an important historical source book, revealing the origin of all things, the creation of man and his fall into sin, and the nature of God (love, mercy, longsuffering, and justice).• 
It is the necessary frame of reference for understanding the New Testament. Much of the New Testament would be a profound mystery did we not have the Old Testament.

The Old Testament’s basic purpose was to reveal man’s sinfulness and need of a Redeemer and to point to that Redeemer in advance of His coming (Romans 7:7; Galatians 3:19, 24). All of these facts emphasize the importance of our earnest study of the Old Testament.

Dub McClish

 

The Christ and Melchizedek

Genesis 14:17-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:5-6,10; Hebrews 6:20-7:22

The type and anti-type principle found between Melchizedek [Melchisedec, KJV] and the Christ is clearly set forth by the inspired penman of the book of Hebrews, “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedeck, and not be called after the order of Aaron,” (Hebrews 7:11).

The historical account of Melchizedek is recorded in Genesis 14:17-20. Abraham had fought and conquered the forces of Chedorlaomer, who had spoiled Sodom and Gomorrah and had abducted Lot and taken his goods [perhaps including family members and/or servants of Lot (Genesis14:12,16)]. Upon Abraham’s return with what had been stolen, he was met in the valley of Shaveh by the king of Sodom, (Genesis 14:17). Melchizedek also met Abraham, (Genesis 14:18). Melchizedek was the king of Salem and the priest of God; he brought to Abraham, bread and wine (Genesis 14:18). Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek and he also blessed God Almighty, who had given victory to Abraham over the invading armies from the north, (Genesis 14:19-20). After being blessed, Abraham paid a tenth of the goods; or a tithe, to Melchizedek, (Genesis 14:20).

The next and only other Old Testament reference to Melchizedek is found in a psalm of David, “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek,” (Psalm 10:4). David declares by inspiration that God has sworn that there is a priesthood, like unto Melchizedek’s, that is for ever.

The Hebrews writer clearly explains the correlation between Jesus and Melchizedek. The following is a brief look at those points:  

Melchizedek

  • King of Righteousness (Hebrews 7:2)
  • King of Salem or peace (Hebrews 7:2)
  • Priest of God (Hebrews 7:1)
  • Both king and priest (Hebrews 7:1-3)
  • No Biblical genealogical record (Hebrews 7:3)
  • No Biblical record of birth / death (Hebrews 7:3)
  • Not of the seed of Aaron (Hebrews 7:6)
  • Greater than Levite priests (Hebrews 7:6-9)
  • Continual priesthood (Hebrews 7:3)

Christ

  • Rules in righteousness (Hebrews 1:8)
  • Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7)
  • High priest of God (Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 8:1)
  • King and Priest (Zechariah 6:12-13)
  • Divine, no human origin (John 1:1-3,14)
  • Eternal, no beginning or end (John 8:58; Revelation 1:8)
  • Born of the tribe of Judah (Hebrews 7:14)
  • Greater than Aaron and Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:26-28)
  • Unchanging and everlasting priesthood (Hebrews 7:24-25; Ephesians 3:11)

The priesthood of Melchizedek gave us a foreshadowing of the eternal priesthood of the Christ. Melchizedek was a great man, “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils,” (Hebrews 7:4). Thanks be to God that our High Priest is so much, “better,” “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament…For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.” (Hebrews 7:22, 26-28).

John Rose

 

Use the Tide

An old gentleman states that when he was a small boy, he lived on the coast. One morning after a great storm he saw an old ship stranded. The storm had blown her in, and she was badly damaged and deserted by her crew. He said that sometimes, when the tide would come in strongly and surround the old ship, she would almost be loosed from her moorings and go out. He stated that often he would go and stand by her and hope she would go out. He would say, “Go out, old ship; go out with the tide.” But she never did. Finally, one morning after a severe storm he went down to look at the old ship, but the storm had blown her to pieces. Only the floating pieces of the old wreck were to be seen. She had many an opportunity, but she never went out.

How like many a backslider! The tide of opportunity to repent has risen for many and it was hoped they would go out from their sinful ways, but they settled back and never went out. If we are not living as we should, we had better take advantage of the opportunity to repent while the “tide is in.” Jesus said: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Remember: “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2). Now is the only time we are guaranteed—for the “tide may soon be out.”

Author Unknown