The Book of Matthew

<body lang=EN-US style='tab-interval:.5in'> <div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'> <span style='font-size:28pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><font color="#000080">GOD SPEAKS THROUGH HIS SON </font> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>-- HEBREWS ONE<o:p> </o:p>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> </span><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3" face="Georgia"> </font></span> </span></font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3" face="Georgia" color="#000080">Hebrews one is designed to cause us to understand the greatness of Jesus. He is the only one through whom God speaks today. God formerly spoke by the prophets. Now He has spoken by his Son. This epistle or letter is designed to keep people from turning from Christianity. In order to accomplish this goal the superiority of Jesus is show. It is likewise clearly proven that Christianity is superior to the Mosaic system. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The entire purpose of Hebrews chapter one is to show the exalted nature of the Son of God. Jesus is addressed as God, and His throne is said to be for ever and ever. Jesus, the author of the Christian system, is greater than Moses and greater than angles. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The Christian system is superior to any other system because it centers in the one true God and His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. This Jesus is, (1) Prophet -- He serves as God's spokesman (Hebrews 1:1-2), (2) Priest -- He makes purification for sins (Hebrews 1:3), and (3) King -- sitting on the right hand of God. (Hebrews 1:3)</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Let us learn of the superiority of Jesus: </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God's word was spoken through His Son -- Hebrews 1:1-3:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> One major difference between the law and gospel has to do with the manner of their revelation. God's revelation of the law was at different times. God's revelation was given before the flood to Adam, Enoch, Noah and others. After the flood His revelation was given to Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God not only communicated the law at different times but also in different or divers ways. He sometimes communicated His will by visions, sometimes by an audible voice, sometimes by legible characters written by His own hand, as when He wrote the Ten Commandments on tables of stone, sometimes by Urim and Thummim, and sometimes by signs from heaven. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>In the last days God gave a perfect, and likewise a final revelation of His mind for a lost world. This revelation was given through His Son. He, "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Hebrews 1:2-3) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The New Testament is the revelation which God made by his Son. He is the most excellent messenger that was ever sent into the world, far superior to all the patriarchs, prophet and angles. The superiority of Jesus is seen in the fact that: (1) God appointed Him to be heir of all things. (2) By him God made the worlds, both visible and invisible, the heavens and the earth. (3) He upholds all things by the word of His power. He keeps the world from dissolving. It was written of Jesus that, "He is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:17) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God's Son is superior to the angels -- Hebrews 1:4-7:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> The Lord Jesus Christ is pre-eminent. He is superior to the prophets and to the angels. Peter wrote of Jesus that He, "is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him." (1 Peter 3:22)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>He has a more excellent name than angels. They are called ministering spirits or servants. He is called God's only begotten Son. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God demanded that even the angels worship Jesus. "And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." (Hebrews 1:6) He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Mediator of the New Testament. In His own person Jesus is God blessed for ever, the one that is worthy of our honor and worship. "Let all the angels of God worship him."<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Jesus is greater than the angels, and thus His word is what we are to obey.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>God's Son is upon the established throne -- Hebrews 1:8-12:</i></b> Observe what God said to His Son, Jesus, "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom." (Hebrews 1:8) In Hebrews chapter one we are taught that Jesus should be on the throne because: (1) He is the "Son" of God (Hebrews 1:5), (2) He is the "firstbotten" of God (Hebrews 1:6), (3) He is "God" (Hebrews 1:8-9) and (4) He is "Lord" of all. (Hebrews 1:10)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Jesus should be on the throne because He is God. His part in the creation proves His Deity. "Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands." (Hebrews 1:10) The words of Hebrews 1:10-13 are taken from Psalm 102:25-27. To apply these words to Jesus which were spoken of Jehovah proves conclusively that Jesus is Divine.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God said, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." If God the Father declares Jesus to be God, He must be really and truly be God. Earthly kings are often unrighteous and their thrones fall. The sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Christ's kingdom. All the laws of the Son's kingdom are just, righteous and holy. Jesus is King of kings because of His love for righteousness and hatred of sin. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>Christ's kingdom is not a future kingdom for God declares Him to have, (1) A throne, (2) A kingdom, and (3) A sceptre of that kingdom. This kingdom is forever. Christ Jesus did what He did for man with gladness and cheerfulness. These same attitudes must characterize our service to God! </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>We are better people if we follow the guidance of God's Son. We must follow Jesus as, (1) Our sympathizing "High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14-16), (2) The "Mediator" of our New Covenant. (Hebrews 8:6), and (3) the "author and finisher" of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>God's angels are servants, not sons -- Hebrews 1:13-14:</i></b> The superiority of Christ over angels is seen in the fact that God never said to the angels what He said to Christ. He said to Jesus, "Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?" (Hebrews 1:13) He never said that to an angel. Angels are simply "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister." (Hebrews 1:14) Angels are servants to the </font> </span><st1:place><st1:PlaceType> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">church</font></span></st1:PlaceType><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> of </font> </span><st1:PlaceName> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Christ</font></span></st1:PlaceName></st1:place></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> or to those who are heirs of salvation.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Christ Jesus has His enemies. There are those that are, (1) Enemies of God's supremacy, (2) Enemies to God's cause, (3) Enemies to His people, and (4) Enemies to His church. They will not have God to reign over them. Let us serve God faithful least we also be made God's footstool. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in 7.0in 7.5in 8.0in 8.5in 9.0in 9.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3" color="#000080"><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>Heirs of salvation have God's word in their heart. They have obeyed and are obeying His will. They have Heard the gospel (John 6:44-45), Believed in Jesus (John 8:24), Repented of sins (Luke 13:1-5), Confessed Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32-33), and been Baptized. (Mark 16:15-16). Those who are heirs of salvation have stayed faithful to God. (Matthew 10:22) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;layout-grid-mode:line'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'> </span> </font></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='font-size:28pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080">GIVE THE MORE EARNEST HEED</font><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>-- HEBREWS TWO</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font face="Georgia" size="3">We must attend diligently to the things that were spoken by the Lord and not allow ourselves to slip away from them. The writer of Hebrews shows what Jesus accomplished by becoming the man who died for all. His message is greater than the Old Law. </font></span></font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>People gave heed to that Old Law. Should we not even more heed the New Covenant which was given by one who was greater than the angels? Jesus has the right to be heard because: (1) The world to come has been put under Him, (2) He was crowned with glory and honor, and (3) He tasted death for every man.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Jesus became a man and suffered severely to provide salvation for humanity. Jesus took upon Himself our nature and suffered for our sins. The Hebrew writer wrote, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." (Hebrews 2:9) Jesus conquered him who has the power of death, the Devil. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation -- Hebrews 2:1-4: </span></i></b></font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3">We must give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard because Jehovah made them available. We must give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard because they relate to the Christ and to our eternal salvation. We must give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard because they relate to God's great promises of forgiveness and an eternity in heaven. We must give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard lest we lose the joy of our salvation. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The great salvation which was spoken of by the Lord can be ours through: (1) Our faith in the truth that Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), (2) Repentance from our past sinful living (Luke 13:3-5), (3) Confession of our faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ (Romans 10:9-10) and (4) Baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. (1 Peter 3:21) Since the Christ is so far exalted above the prophets, angels, and Moses we ought to give the more earnest attention to all that He has spoken. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The word spoken by angels refers to the Law given by the ministry of angels. Under that Old Law all transgressors were justly and severely punished. So then, how can we escape eternal damnation if we neglect the gospel of Christ! The gospel of the Son of God was confirmed by signs and wonders, by miraculous powers and gifts of the Holy Ghost. The use of all the signs and wonders was controlled by the will of God.</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Jesus is our great Savior. Therefore, let us be careful that we esteem the greatness of His person, that we respect His authority, and that we receive His message.</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>How could we not appreciate one who died for all -- Hebrews 2:5-9: </span></i></b></font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3">We must give loving obedience to Jesus Christ because God has put the world to come in subjection unto Him.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>The church can depend upon Jesus Christ as her loving head. The unbelievable love of the Son of God toward mankind is seen in the fact that He willing condescend to this earth and suffered terribly to provide our salvation. </font></span> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3">Jesus Christ has the government over that church. The words of Psalm 8:4-6 are here applied powerfully to Him. "What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet." </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>God is mindful of Jesus and He is also always mindful of us. Therefore, let us never be forgetful of Him. Let us remember God daily as we approach Him by doing our duty. God accomplished in Jesus what he could accomplish in no other. As a result of His suffering and death, Jesus was crowned with glory and honour.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.25in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>Salvation was not provided by any right which man had earned, but it was provided by the grace of God. By the favour of God, Jesus experience death for the sins of the world. Jesus bore the bitterness and unpleasantness of death (physical and spiritual) for every man, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free. The atonement made by Jesus was unlimited in its nature and design. When we look upon the sinfulness of man, we too, can only exclaim, "What is man that thou art mindful of him?"</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>How touched we should be by the suffering of the Saviour -- Hebrews 2:10-15: </i></b>The Hebrew writer refers to Jesus with many wonderful terms. Among then, he calls Him "the captain of our salvation." (Hebrews 2:10) His purpose is and our purpose also is to bring many to heaven so they can be treated as sons.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>God as God could not die for our sins -- God cannot die. So God took our nature that he might die for us.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>He became one with us that we might become one with Him. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Observe these truths: (1) Jesus Christ has a church. (2) Christians are one of another and brethren to Christ. (3) Jesus declared the Father's name to them in the church. and, (4) Jesus sang praise to the Father in the church. If He would praise the Father with song in the church so should we.</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3">Jesus undertook the work of destroying him that had the power of death. This was accomplished by His own dying. When it was said that Satan had the power of death I understand this to mean that the Devil was the cause of death being introduced into the world, and he was the means of its long and depressing reign.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">Jesus Christ, by dying, has freed all His children from the tormenting fear of death. Christ took away the reason to fear death, namely, the curse or condemnation of the Law of God. Sin is now curable by the precious blood of Jesus.</font></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia"> </font> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>How the Saviour is able to succor those that are tempted -- Hebrews 2:16-18: </span></i></b></font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3">Christ did not take upon himself the nature of angles because the angels sinned without a tempter. There was no one who seduced them to evil. Also the angels sinned against knowledge. The angels sinned by purposed malice. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>We shall never fully understand the riches of God's amazing grace toward sinful man until that Judgment Day when Christ appears as both our judge and our justifier. Christ is ready, willing and able to succour those who under their temptations come to Him. He became man and was tempted in every way that He might be qualified to succour His people.</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.25in'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count:1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia" size="3"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Are you in Christ so that He might be able to succour you?<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>As a Christian you will have the help of Christ as you live a faithful life.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.25in'> <font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>  <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='font-size:28pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>PARTAKERS OF THE<br> HEAVENLY CALLING</span><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><br> -- HEBREWS THREE</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span><font face="Georgia"><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line; mso-tab-count:1'><font size="3"> </font></span><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3">The Hebrew writer appealed to his readers to seriously consider Jesus Christ as faithful High Priest. Christianity was founded by one superior to Moses. Moses was only a servant in the house. Jesus is the Son over the house. Jesus Christ, as high priest, was likewise superior to the high priest of the Jews. </font></span></font> </font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Much of this section of scripture is occupied with showing the superiority of the Christ over Moses. If we accept the fact that Jesus is superior to Moses certain consequences will result.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Moses was faithful as a servant of God. Christ was faithful as God's only begotten Son. Jesus is greater than Moses just as the builder is greater than the house he built. This being true there would be serious and grave danger to any who turned away from Christ. Those Israelites who were disobedient to Moses suffered sever consequences. What of those who in unbelief and rebellion have turned away from the Son of God?</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>Christ is to be preferred to Moses -- Hebrews 3:1-6: </i></b>The "partakers of the heavenly calling," must seriously consider Jesus, "the Apostle and High Priest of our profession." Those that “partake of the heavenly calling” are called "Holy Brethren." The heavenly calling is extended to man by gospel preaching.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>Paul wrote, "Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 2:14)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">The "partakers of the heavenly calling," must consider Christ Jesus.<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>Jesus Christ is Lord over His church. He is the king, priest, prophet, and apostle of all. God appointed Him as Mediator. He is faithful to that appointment. Moses was faithful in the discharge of his office to the Jewish nation in the Old Testament. His faithfulness was typical of Christ's faithfulness to those under the New Covenant. </font> </font> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> <font size="3"> </font> </span></font><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia">The Hebrew writer did not attempt in any way to undervalue Moses. But, he did say that Jesus, "was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house." (Hebrews 3:3)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Jesus Christ, the builder of the church, the house of God, is worthy of all glory and honour</font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia">. </font> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Every house has a builder. Every family has a founder; every age or dispensation has someone responsible for it. Someone had to be over the old and the new dispensations --- Moses was over the Jewish age and Jesus Christ is over the Christian age. Christ is the Son and we are His house. We are the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and Christ dwells in us by faith (Ephesians 3:17). </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>God expects us to maintain a bold and open profession of the truths of the gospel firm unto the end. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Christ desires hearts that are not hardened -- Hebrews 3:7-11:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> It is our duty to hear the voice of Jesus, our great High Priest, speaking in the gospel. We must hear and obey the voice of Christ "Today." All of God's commandments relate to the present. "For he saith, 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." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Our obligation to God is to turn from sin, and to love Him NOW. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>We must be careful not to allow our heart to be hardened by sin. The hardening of our heart to one sin may open the door for many other sins. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">The sins of others should serve as an example to us. God used the "provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness" when </font> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Israel</font></span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> provoked God as an example of this truth. (Exodus 17:2-7) In the wilderness </font> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Israel</font></span></st1:place></st1:country-region></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> tempted and provoked God. They did not trust Him as they should. They also murmured against Moses, God's appointed leader. They would not listen to the voice of God. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The source of their sins was they "erred in their heart." The result of their sin was that God said, "They shall not enter into my rest." The result of sin is always great loss. The worst result of all concerning their sin was when God said, "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation." How sad it would be to face God in judgment having been a grief to Him in our lifetime.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>Christ demands that we hold on to our faith -- Hebrews 3:12-15:</i></b> Christians must be careful that they do not sin. Sin is a departure from God. Unbelief, in particular, is the root of all such departures. Unbelief makes the soul negligent and careless in opposing sin. We must be extremely careful that an "evil heart of unbelief" does not give birth to the sin of backsliding. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">While it is called "Today" much encouragement to faithfulness should be given. Close friends in the church should admonish and encourage one another. Parents should daily encourage their children to faithful service to God. </font> </span><st1:place><st1:PlaceName> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Bible</font></span></st1:PlaceName><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> </font> </span><st1:PlaceType> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">School</font></span></st1:PlaceType></st1:place></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> teachers should encourage those in their class to more dedication to God. Older Christians could do much for the growth of Christianity by exhorting young Christians to faithful service to God. Fellow Christians must encourage all those that you sit down at the same Supper of the Lord with to serve God faithfully.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The need for this encouragement is seen in that, "we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end." (Hebrews 3:14) We have been spiritually united with Jesus the Saviour. Our goal now should be to become like Him and one with Him. "For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest." (Psalm 95:7-11)</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span> </font><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">Christ expects steadfastness to the end -- Hebrews 3:16-19: </font> </span></i></b><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">It was not all of those who came out of </font> </span><st1:country-region><st1:place> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Egypt</font></span></st1:place></st1:country-region></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> that rebelled against God. The great majority of them rebelled against Him. They fell in the wilderness. A small minority stayed faithful to God. Christians should be admonished by their example. God is not at all grieved by the faithful. He is grieved only with those who sin against Him, and continue in sin. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Unbelief, resulting in rebellion against the will of God is the great, damning sin of the world. This sin shuts up the heart of God against the rebellious. It also shuts up the gate of heaven against them. It puts them under the wrath of God forever. No unbeliever or unfaithful soul shall enter into the rest of God!</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Through obedient faith you should become a Christian now. (Matthew 28:18-20)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Our love for God should then lead us to persevere till death. (Revelation 2:10)</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p></span><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;layout-grid-mode:line'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'> </span> </font></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'> <span style='font-size:28pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>OUR PRIVILEGES<br> UNDER THE GOSPEL</span><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><br> -- HEBREWS FOUR</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'> <span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3" face="Georgia">In Hebrews three the author set forth the sin of the Jews and the punishment for their actions. Here in Hebrews four he begins to show the benefits and privileges that come to believers in Christ through the gospel. </font></span> </font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The Holy Spirit wanted us to understand the promise of a "rest" that remains. There is a real danger of coming short of God's rest and of losing it. The reason that Jews of old did not enter into God's rest was because of a lack of faith. Unbelief will also keep us out of God's promised rest. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">One of the main points of this section was that a rest of a spiritual nature remains for the people of God. This rest is much more desirable than the </font> </span><st1:place><st1:PlaceType> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">land</font></span></st1:PlaceType><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> of </font> </span><st1:PlaceName> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Canaan</font></span></st1:PlaceName></st1:place></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> was for the Jews. God used both the Jews of the Old Testament times and His own rest to picture the rest awaiting the faithful Christian. This rest that God has prepared is attainable through faithful service to God. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Our boldness in coming before God should exist because of Jesus, our Great High Priest. In all of our spiritual weakness and struggles we can come to Him for help. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>Great privileges under Christ -- Hebrews 4:1-4: </i></b>The writer of Hebrews says that the example of the Jews dying in the wilderness because of unbelief should motivate us to faithfulness to God. Unbelief or unfaithfulness will cause the same end to come our way concerning our rest. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">The great privilege of knowing Christ and His gospel is ours. Let us fear<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'> </i></b>lest we come short of the heavenly rest promised in the gospel. The kind of fear which is here spoken of leads to caution, care and faithfulness.</font></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia"> </font> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia">We have been blessed with the promise of God's rest and of knowing how to enter that rest. God will demand a strict account of how we how dealt with His will if we are to enter His rest. How sobering the truth,<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'> </i></b>"but God's word did not profit some because it was not mixed with faith (obedience) in them that heard it</font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia">."</font><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"> <font color="#000080" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3">Man missing the promised rest because of unbelief in no way reflects on God faithfulness and the certainty of the promise. God finished His work, and then rested from it on the Sabbath Day. He will cause all who believe (obey) to finish their work and to enter into their heavenly rest. There is a promised spiritual rest in heaven that you may enter!</font></span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"> <font color="#000080" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Great blessings for the believers -- Hebrews 4:5-8: </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3">Here the Hebrew writer continues to quote from and apply Psalm 95. In Hebrews 4:5 he refers to Psalm 95:11, "Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest." The quoting of this Psalm seems to have two purposes: (1)<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>To show that even in this Psalm God promised a rest that many would miss, and (2) To show that a heavenly rest remains for the faithful child of God.</font></span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> </font> </span></i></b> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">The Spirit used two Old Testament rests to picture a third rest yet to come. God's rest on the Sabbath Day and the rest that some Jews entered into in Canaan, thought most missed because of unbelief, is a picture a our rest when the preaching of the gospel is mixed with faith on our part. The true spiritual rest was not </font> </span><st1:place> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Canaan</font></span></st1:place><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">, but there remains a rest to be enjoyed by the people of God. God’s people have a full assurance of enjoying this rest conditioned upon their faithfulness. This heavenly rest is far different, better and more glorious than the rest Joshua led </font> </span><st1:country-region> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Israel</font></span></st1:country-region><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> to in </font> </span><st1:place> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Canaan</font></span></st1:place></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3">. </font> </span> </font> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Great motivation for serving God -- Hebrews 4:9-13: </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">We must take heed to live our lives by the word of God, or doctrine of Jesus Christ. The gospel will quickly find you out if you are guilty of disobedience to it. All insincerity, unbelief, and hypocrisy, will be detected by God because, "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) There will be no escape from the penetrating, powerful word of God. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Man possesses spirit, soul, and body. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) Man has a physical body, a life much like the animals have, and an immortal soul that leaves the body when earthly life ends. United these three constitute one man. The word of God is able to separate all of these. When our life is measured by that same word of God it will be determined as to whether we can enter into God's rest. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The word of God is able to lay bear the secrets of the heart. "All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:13) </font> </span> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Great help from our High Priest -- Hebrews 4:14-16:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia"> In Hebrews 2:17 the idea had been introduced that Jesus Christ is our merciful and faithful High Priest. "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people."</font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia"> </font> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"><font color="#000080"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">What kind of High Priest is Jesus? The Jewish High Priest passed once a year into the </font> </span><st1:Street><st1:address> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Most Holy Place</font></span></st1:address></st1:Street></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3">. Jesus passed into the heavens. They had names, many of which have been long forgotten. His name will never be forgotten. His name is Jesus --Savior. The Jewish High Priests were descendants of Aaron. Jesus is the Son of God. The Jewish High Priests were sinners. Jesus Never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15)<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></i></b>Isaiah wrote,<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'> </i></b>"And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth." (Isaiah 53:9) </font> </span></font> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Even as great as Jesus is He is very kind, tender and concerned about us. He can "be touched with the feeling of our infirmities." He understands what it is to be tempted. He understands our weaknesses. We have a faithful High Priest who is qualified to sympathize with us in our afflictions, and to whom we may look for help in trials and temptations. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>With our focus on Jesus let us labour to enter His rest. Through the preaching of the gospel of Christ may we be drawn to His perfect life and to His powerful teachings? Let us love Jesus enough to surrender our lives to Him and His will. He promised "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:.5in 1.0in 1.5in 2.0in 2.5in 3.0in 3.5in 4.0in 4.5in 5.0in 5.5in 6.0in 6.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Repentance, baptism and faithfulness are required of all who would enter God's rest. (Acts 2:38, Mark 13:13) Will you enter?</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;layout-grid-mode:line'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'> </span> </font> </p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'> <span style='font-size:28pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>LEARNING ABOUT<br> CHRIST'S PRIESTHOOD</span><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><br> -- HEBREWS FIVE</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span><font face="Georgia"><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line; mso-tab-count:1'><font size="3"> </font></span><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3">Let us rejoice in that we have a High Priest who is called by God. He was not a descendant of Aaron; He is the Son of God. </font></span> </font> </font> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The writer of Hebrews had introduced Jesus as our "merciful and faithful high priest." In Hebrews 2:17 he said, "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." He had also admonished Christians to, "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." (Hebrews 3:1) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Not many passages in our Bible encourage us more than Hebrews 4:14-16, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>In this chapter the writer continues his discourse upon the priesthood of Christ. Here he: (1) Explains the nature of the priestly office, Hebrews 5:1-3, (2) Explains how priest are called to this office, Hebrews 5:4-6, (3) Explains the qualifications for their work, Hebrews 5:7-9, (4) Explains the<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>order of the priesthood of Christ, Hebrews 5:10, (5) Explains the failure of the Hebrews in living for Christ, their High Priest. (Hebrews 5:11-14) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The priesthood was a very essential part of the Jews religion. Those who have become Christians have lost nothing concerning the priesthood. In fact they have gained, because in every way, Christians have a High Priest that is equal to or great than the high priest of the Jews.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>The nature and call of Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:1-6: </i></b>The Jewish priest was "taken from among men." This same nature allowed them to practice true compassion. Christ can be tender and compassionate toward because He took our nature. The writer gave this simple definition of the priesthood -- he is "ordained for men in things pertaining to God." The priest was to deal with Almighty God on behalf of sinful man.</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Had it not been for sin, everyone might have gone to God in his own person. But now our only way to God is through our High priest, Jesus Christ. The sacrifices were offered by the priest to clear the way to God for sinful man. Gifts to God involved many things, but sacrifices were bloody offerings for sin. Our High Priest offered Himself for our sins.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The Old Testament priest had to have compassion for the sinful and concern for their own personal sins. They were chosen by God. It was an act of the sovereignty of God to call whom He pleased to His priesthood. "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee." (Hebrews 5:5) Christ's priesthood was not after the order of Aaron. He was a priest "after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:6)</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>The qualifications for Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:7-9:</i></b> Jesus Christ, while in the flesh subjected Himself to hunger, temptation, bleeding and dying Jesus. God could have saved Jesus from dying. But, what would have become of us if He had. In the days of His flesh Christ offered up prayers to God, joined with strong crying and tear</font></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia">.</font><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"> <font color="#000080" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count: 1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3">Christ was God's Son and by His suffering He learned obedience. There are two ways of learning obedience: (1) You learn it by comprehension of mind, and (2) You learn it by experience. Christ has now been "made perfect, and he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:9)</font></span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;mso-line-height-alt:12.0pt; tab-stops:.25in'><font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'> <span style='mso-tab-count:1; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3"> </font> </span></i></b> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count:1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">God's desire is for every person to obey Him and become Christians. Let all come to Jesus in faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confession (Matthew 10:32-33), baptism for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) and then live a Christian life (I Peter 2:9).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>If you are not yet a Christian, it is my earnest prayer that you will heed the call of our risen Lord thought His glorious and powerful gospel while you still have life and opportunity. Christ gave His blood to make your salvation possible. Lean obedience NOW before it is too late!</font></span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font face="Georgia"> <font color="#000080" size="3"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The order of Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:10: </span></i></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3">Jesus Christ is, "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:10)<b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> </i></b>His priesthood is eternal. It is a special priesthood. Jesus was like Melchisedec in his designation to the office. The arrangement of His priesthood was like that of Melchisedec.</font></span></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">We have a more detailed account of this Melchisedec in Hebrews 7. He was both a priest and a king. None of the kings of the Jews were priests; nor were any of the priests ever elevated to the office of king. But in Melchisedec these offices were united.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Melchisedec was a powerful type of Christ Jesus who is prophet, priest and king.</font></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><font size="3" color="#000080" face="Georgia"> </font> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. The priesthood of Christ is an eternal priesthood; He ever lives to make intercession for us</font></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><o:p></o:p></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The priesthood of Christ was unappreciated -- Hebrews 5:11-14:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> The Hebrew writer had many "things to say" concerning Christ and Melchisedec. Sadly the Christians were "dull of hearing" and could not receive theses sayings. The problem was the incapacity of the hearers, their dullness and slothfulness. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Enough time had elapsed since these Hebrew Christians were converted that they should be teaching God's word. They had been Christians long enough to be expected to understand such doctrines. Now they should be able to instruct others. Instead they needed someone to teach them again the very first lessons of Christianity.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>It is reasonably expected by God that His people should thrive spiritually and grow in their knowledge and godliness. Proportionally to the time they have been Christians they have personal responsibility for growth. Sadly, many, after thousands of sermons and Bible classes, are still ignorant of even simple Bible lessons, and need to be taught again the same things which they heard so long ago.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>May we all diligently seek to grow in the word of righteousness? The process of learning and obeying the doctrine of Christ is how men become righteous and find the way of salvation offered by our Redeemer. Habit or practice in the word of God allows Christians to be in the position of being able to "discern both good and evil." The Christians grow in the word of God will appreciate and understand that which is true. They will likewise reject that which is false. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), Repent of sins (Acts 2:38), Confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized to was away sins. (Acts 22:16) After your baptism, "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever." (2 Peter 3:18)</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><font color="#000080"><span style="font-size: 28pt">Go On Unto Perfection</span><span style='font-size:24.0pt'> <br>-- Hebrews Six</span></font><span style='font-size:24.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></b> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">In Hebrews six the writer shows that the best way to prevent apostasy is to do better than the Hebrews had done in serving God. Our goal must be to persevere in the faith and to grow in holiness. True happiness comes in serving God faithfully until the end. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">The purpose of this chapter is to warn these brethren against the danger of going back to Judaism. God wanted to encourage them to gain as much knowledge as possible of the Christian system and of how to please Him daily. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">The writer uses several methods to encourage these brethren to faithfulness. First, he encouraged them to leave the simple doctrines and to go on to maturity. Second, he warned them of the danger of falling away from the grace of God. Third, he showed that those who did not grow and become more Christ-like would eventually be destroyed. Fourth, he showed that he was expecting better of them than their past life had shown. Fifth, he desired that they show diligence until they had received the fulfillment of their hope. Sixth, He showed that God would be faithful to His promises and that it was important for them to be faithful also.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">Let us labor to attain a more perfect measure of the knowledge of the glorious gospel of Christ. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>A warning against apostasy -- Hebrews 6:1-6:</span></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> In Christianity there are many fundamental principles that must be carefully taught and learned. Sadly many never learn these principles. Some who learn these elementary things never go beyond them. Once the foundation principles have been learned we must go to perfection. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">The writer names six foundation principles of the Christian religion. These foundation matters include: (1) Repentance from anything causing spiritual death, (2) Faith in God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, (3) The matter of baptism into Christ, (4) The laying on of hands as a manner of blessing and accepting, (5) The resurrection of the dead, the animating principle of the gospel, and (6) The eternal judgment, which will doom the lost to everlasting punishment. "Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; which we will do, if God permit."</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoBodyTextIndent><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">How could anyone who has been once enlightened, tasted of the heavenly gift, been made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, turn away from God? Those who do so, "crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." The sin here mentioned is plainly apostasy from the truth and from the Christ, Himself. There is but one way of salvation. If a man deliberately rejects that, he must perish. </font> </p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>An illustration of apostasy -- Hebrews 6:7-10</span></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">: The truth concerning apostasy is illustrated by the ground that after much cultivation brings forth nothing but briers and thorns. It "is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned." (Hebrews 5:8) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">The good ground drinks in the rain that comes upon it. This rain softens the earth, refreshes it, and makes it fruitful. Those who desire to serve God drink in God's truth in the same fashion and it brings forth fruit in their life. The sincere Christian becomes fruitful under the preaching and teaching of God's word and receives many blessings. The fruitless professor of Christianity is like the dry desert, which, after many refreshing showers, brings forth nothing but briars and thorns. Blessings belong to those who serve God faithfully, burning awaits the others. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">The writer expected better things of the Hebrews. His desire and hope was that they would produce the proper fruits of holiness, and that they would be saved. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">We must learn that while we must teach men that if they should fall away they would certainly perish, we must nevertheless address them with the full assurance that salvation is possible! Salvation is possible because of God. He "is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>A sure promise from God -- Hebrews 6:11-15: </span></b> </font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">When Christianity is persevered, hope can be obtained. Those who faithfully serve God will attain the full assurance of hope in the end. No one can have this hope who, does not persevere in holy living! Therefore, the object of every Christian must be a life, totally devoted to God.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">It is sad, but, sometimes even good men relax their efforts for God. They sit down feeling contented, thinking that they now have it made as far as going to heaven is concerned. Those who have a "full assurance of hope" must show diligence unto the end. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">Those who have gone before have set many good examples of continuing diligently until the end. Just as God blessed Abraham He will bless all who are faithful till the end. Would your faithfulness serve as an example for someone else? </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">Heaven is a promised inheritance, which saints, by faith and patience, can possess. We have the promise of God that heaven can be our home. God could promise by no greater than Himself! God did not fail Abraham and He will not fail us. Abraham did not fail God, and we must also be careful that we remain faithful.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>An anchor for our soul -- Hebrews 6:16-20:</span></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> God's promise of our heavenly hope provides an anchor for our soul. Two immutable things, God's promise and the oath of God should cause us to possess a strong consolation. As Christians we have fled to Christ for refuge. He is the Christian’s city of refuge, the only sanctuary for distressed souls. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-indent:.5in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">We are in this world as a ship at sea. The world tosses us in all directions. There is always the danger of being cast away. Our souls are at stake. Heaven is the harbor to which we sail. The temptations, persecutions, and afflictions that we encounter, are the winds and waves from Satan that threaten to shipwreck our soul. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>We have an anchor and that anchor is Christ. Without Him we have neither anchor nor hope. The hope of the believer is invisible unto the world. They enter within the veil. How beautiful and wonderful it must be beyond that veil in the heavenly land. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2 style='text-indent:.5in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia">It is necessary to be in Christ in order to be saved and to have this heavenly hope. To be in Christ you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), Believe in Jesus (Hebrews 11:6), Repent of sins (Acts 2:38), and Be Baptized to wash away sins. (Acts 22:16) But it is not enough just to have been baptized into Christ. In Christ we must live faithfully to the end. May God help each of us to remember who we are, where we have been, and where we are going.</font></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2 style='text-indent:.5in'><font color="#000080"> <span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;layout-grid-mode:line'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'> </span> </font></p> <p class=MsoBodyText2 align=center style='text-align:center'> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:28pt'>CHRIST'S </span></b><st1:place><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:28pt'>SUPERIOR</span></b></st1:place></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:28pt'><font color="#000080"> PRIESTHOOD</font><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>-- HEBREWS 7</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span><font color="#000080"> <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'> <span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>--</span></b></font><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> </p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span><font face="Georgia"><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line; mso-tab-count:1'><font size="3"> </font></span><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3">We have already been introduced to the idea that Christ was made a high priest after the order of Melchisedec. The writer had much to say about that but, they were not in a state of mind then to understand it. They had made very little progress in their Christianity. In Hebrews seven the writer returns to the subject of the priesthood of Christ. He shows that Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Jewish priesthood.</font></span></font></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Jesus was a priest like Melchisedec. Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and Jewish priesthood acknowledged that Melchisedec was superior, and even he paid tribute to him. But Christ was of the order of Melchisedec. His priesthood was superior to the Jewish priesthood.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Melchisedec stands alone on the pages of the sacred Scripture. He was without any known ancestry and therefore was worthy to be compared with the Son of God. Even Levi paid tithes in Abraham, to Melchisedec.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>"Perfection" could not come through the Levitical priesthood. There had to be a new priesthood in order to have perfection. But to have a new priesthood there had to be a change in the law. (Hebrews 7:12)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Under the Jewish system there were many priests. Those priest lived a brief period, and were then removed by death. Under Christianity there is but one High Priest and no dying. His is an unchangeable priesthood. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span style='mso-tab-count:1'> </span>"Nothing made the Jews as fond of the Levitical dispensation as the high esteem they had of their priesthood." The Hebrew writer here shows them that being in Christ they have a much better high priest, a priesthood of a higher order, and consequently a better dispensation or covenant, a better law and a New Testament.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'><font size="3"> </font> </span><font size="3">Priesthood like Melchisedec -- Hebrews 7:1-10:</font></span></i></b><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3"> Melchisedec is set forth as a type of Christ. He is (a) king of </font> </span><st1:place><st1:City> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Salem</font></span></st1:City></st1:place><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">, and (b) priest of the most high God. Who was this Melchisedec? In Genesis 14:18 we read that, "Melchizedek king of </font> </span><st1:place><st1:City> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font size="3">Salem</font></span></st1:City></st1:place></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God." In Psalm 110:4 it was said, "The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>There were many in the Bible who gave us brief glimpses of what Jesus would be like. Melchisedec, the priest, was the first to represent Christ by what he was and did. He depicted the foundation of all that our Lord Jesus Christ would do. Like Melchisedec, Jesus would hold a priestly office, whereby He made atonement, and reconciliation for the sins of mankind. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Abraham gave a tenth to Melchisedec and Melchisedec blessed him. The Levitical priests had a right to receive tithes of their brethren, but still that they were inferior to Melchisedec. Liberal giving was a part of the life of the patriarchs before the law, the Jews under the law, and the Christians in times of the gospel. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>"King of righteousness" is the meaning of the name "Melchisedec." What better type of the Messiah could there be than him who was king of righteousness? We have no record of Melchisedec's death. Just so, the life of the church depends upon the everlasting life of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Hebrew writer attempted to show the superiority of Jesus by proving that His priesthood was like that of Melchisedec. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>A priesthood that brings perfection-- Hebrews 7:11-19:</i></b> If perfection, remission of sin, could have been obtained by the sacrifices offered by the Jewish priests, there would have been no need that God give a new law and a new priesthood. God sent another priest who was not after the order of Aaron. This priest was God's own Son, a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The Old Testament priesthood was limited to one tribe, Levi, and to one certain family, that of Aaron. Under that priesthood and those sacrifices there was no forgiveness of sins. That helped us understand the necessity of raising up another priest, after the order of Melchisedec and not after the order of Aaron. God's mercy was seen in the giving of the law and even more so in the taking away of the law. Now sins can be forgiven!</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Under the Levitical priesthood the next high priest was the eldest son of the present high priest. Death brought a new high priest. The law, by which Christ was constituted a priest, after the order of Melchisedec, was the power of an endless life. Life and immortality is what gave Jesus His priesthood. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>A priesthood superior to Aaron's -- Hebrews 7:20-24:</span></i></b></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> The writer continues to press the subject of the excellency of the priesthood of Christ. In addition to every other consideration showing the superiority of Christ as a priest, there was the solemnity of the oath by which He was set apart to the office. Under the Levitical system men became priest by decent, because of death it was now their turn. Christ did not become a priest by decent, but by an oath. "The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 7:21) </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>Jesus is the surety "of a better covenant." The New Covenant which God made with mankind by means of Jesus is a better covenant. It is a better covenant because its commands are simple. It is a better covenant because it related to all men, not just the Jewish people. It is a better covenant because it is eternal and under it sins can be forgiven. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; layout-grid-mode:line'><font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>Priesthood with a superior priest -- Hebrews 7:25-28:</i></b> Jesus has the power to save. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:25) He is able to save to the uttermost. He does not abandon the work midway; He does not begin the work of salvation and then leave it unfinished because of death.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The only priest that could be suitable for our reconciliation to God would be one who was perfectly righteous in his own person. He would have to be righteous or He could not be a propitiation for our sin. This was the case with Jesus. He was so holy that He needed no sacrifice for Himself, and all that He did was in behalf of others. The great foundation of our faith, and the main thing upon which our consolation depends, is that our High Priest is The Son of God, and His everlasting continuance in this office is secured by the oath of God.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.25in'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count:2'> </span>Your faith in Jesus as your great High Priest will lead you to baptism into Christ. Baptism brings one into the death of Christ and into contact with His saving blood. (Romans 6:3-4) Becoming a Christian makes one a member of Christ's church, for the church is God's family, made up of His children. Those in the church have Jesus as their faithful high priest. Make your salvation sure. There is no privilege on earth like being a Christian.</font><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;tab-stops:.25in'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;layout-grid-mode:line'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'> </span> </font> </p> <p class=MsoBodyText align=center style='text-align:center'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:28pt'> <font color="#000080">The Priesthood Being Changed</font><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode: line'>-- Hebrews Eight</span></b></font><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:16.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></b> <font color="#000080"><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><span style='font-size:24.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'>--</span></b></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><font color="#000080"><span style='font-size:16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span></span><font face="Georgia"><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line; mso-tab-count:1'><font size="3"> </font></span><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font size="3">Hebrews chapter eight is a continuation of the discussion of the priesthood of Christ. He is a priest, by an oath, after the order of Melchizedek. Christ's priesthood is not a part of the Levitical order. The priesthood of Christ was authentic and perpetual, while the priesthood of the Jews was typical of that which was to come. The Levitical priesthood was temporary in its nature.</font></span></font></font><span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>The priesthood of Christ made necessary a change in the law. His priesthood demanded a change in the way priests were appointed. It also involved a change in respect to the permanency of the priest, and the moral influence of the priesthood. The priesthood of Christ far surpassed the Jewish priesthood in all aspects. </font> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'> <span style='mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line'> <font color="#000080" size="3" face="Georgia"><span style='mso-tab-count: 1'> </span>This chapter begins a look at the nature of the New Covenant brought about by the priesthood of Christ. This portion of Scripture shows the excellency of that new dispensation or new covenant of which Christ is the Mediator. He had obtained a more exalted ministry than the Jewish priests. His New Covenant