Truth Inspires

Prelude to a Storm Let’s now turn our attention a little deeper toward the letter of encouragement to the Hebrews in Rome. I have always looked at this letter in its theological setting as an apology for Christianity and our Lord Jesus Christ. But it is really more than that. It is a love letter written to a group or groups of Jewish believers who were scared—they needed to be encouraged that their faith in Christ, as opposed to Judaism and the repeated rituals, was not and never has been in vain. Jesus was in them and with them. He knew their fears  having been through the same trials Himself. “ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted,” Hebrews 2:18 . He was also approachable at any given moment . “ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in a...

The early history of Christianity is a story of ups and downs—Joyful shouts to God and tearful cries in faith. Christianity was spreading like wildfire throughout the Middle Eastern and Roman worlds. Word of mouth and good news were being found to be difficult to restrain. Arrest a Christian and the arresters will hear the good news. In the world today Christians are still spreading the gospel to new generations, many paying for it with their lives. Men, women and children are still being faced with decisions that are life-altering as they face penalties of death and pillage from those who would destroy Christianity if they could. But the great “Cloud of Witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) is still around us cheering us on as we continue to run the race of faith knowing that our end, no matter which way it turns, will hopefully come with the banner of Christ still in our hands and our hearts. Claudius's Colosseum This series will explore the early persecutions of the church under E...

At what point does "Faith in Christ" become a basis for decision making? In your life, is there ever a time when what, "Jesus thinks" does not matter? In your personal walk with God do you ever take Him into consideration when decisions are made?  For what real reason do you attend church for worship? Do you honestly believe that God is not interested in your life--your whole life--every minute of it? If not, how much of it do you lay before Him? In short, "What does putting Christ first really mean to you?" The Bible teaches us to examine our hearts. Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)  When is the last time you examined yours? And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence ...