From the editor:

My apologies for missing some days here, I was working from the laptop, which does not have some of the things I use to post on this site. After a couple of attempts, I felt it was just better to let it go as opposed to it looking less than my usual standards. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 9:23-28

Greetings to all people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

It is an rather clear conclusion as to the necessity for Christ to go the cross and die for our sins in the chapter that we have studied and conclude today.  For those who reject God’s word, it is my hope and continued prayer that in the future they might come to realize the truth in It.  For His thoughts, and ways are much higher than mans, and are worth the time and effort put into the study of It.  One need not be a Biblical scholar to read, just a few minutes a day, either morning, evening or both. This allows one to be refreshed each time. 

23 It was then necessary, that the similitudes of heavenly things should be purified with such things: but the heavenly things themselves are purified with better sacrifices than are these.

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places that are made with hands, which are similitudes of the true Sanctuary: but is entered into very heaven, to appear now in the sight of God for us,

25 Not that he should offer himself often, as the high Priest entered into the Holy place every year with others’ blood,

26 (For then must he have often suffered since the foundation of the world) but now in the end of the world hath he been made manifest, once to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men that they shall once die, and after that cometh the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him, shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

 

 

Day 3

 

Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King,
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

2. Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

Day 2

 

Oh holy night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

Five days until we celebrate the day of our Savior's birth, so I am suspending the posting of my studies, until December 26th. In it's stead, I will be posting lyrics from Christian hymns that relate to the twenty fitth, (not winter type songs, although I do enjoy some of them). Today I start with my personal favorite.

 

Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
 And ransom captive Israel,
 That mourns in lonely exile here
 Until the Son of God appear.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
 Who ordered all things mightily;
 To us the path of knowledge show,
 and teach us in her ways to go.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might,
 Who to your tribes on Sinai's height
 In ancient times gave holy law,
 In cloud and majesty and awe.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
 From ev'ry foe deliver them
 That trust your mighty pow'r to save;
 Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
 And open wide our heav'nly home;
 Make safe the way that leads on high,
 And close the path to misery.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
 And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
 Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
 And death's dark shadows put to flight.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
 In one the hearts of all mankind;
 Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
 And be yourself our King of Peace.
 Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
 Shall come to you, O Israel!

 

 

 

My Daily Meditation

 

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 9:6-10

 

The Limitations of the Earthly Sanctuary

 

Greetings and good morning in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the Priest went always into the first Tabernacle, and accomplished the service.

7 But into the second went the high Priest alone, once every year, not without blood which he offered for himself, and for the ignorances of the people.

8 Whereby the holy Ghost this signified, that the way into the Holiest of all was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing,

9 Which was a figure for that present time, wherein were offered gifts and sacrifices that could not make holy, concerning the conscience, him that did the service,

10 Which only stood in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal rites, which were enjoined, until the time of reformation. (a)

 

(a) Editor’s thought - The yearly sacrifice was more the cleansing of sins as committed by men, in so far as they related to things of a more worldly nature, as noted above in vs 10. It could not and did not remit original sin.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 9:1-5

Greetings to all in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer

Continue to read, digest and meditate on God’s word.

The Earthly Sanctuary(a)

1 Then the first Testament had also ordinances of religion, and a worldly Sanctuary,

2 For the first Tabernacle was made, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread, which Tabernacle is called the Holy places.

3 And after the second veil was the Tabernacle, which is called the Holiest of all,

4 Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Testament overlaid round about with gold, wherein the golden pot, which had Manna, was, and Aaron’s rod that had budded, and the tables of the Testament.

5 And over the Ark were the glorious Cherubims, shadowing the mercy seat: of which things we will not now speak particularly

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: heading - Read Hebrews 8:5. As noted, the scripture states that the earthly sanctuary was a shadow, a copy of the one that is awaiting us. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 8:7-13

Greetings to all people in the name of the Lord

A New Covenant 

7 For if that first Testament had been unblameable, no place should have been sought for the second. (a)

8 For in rebuking them he saith, Behold, the days will come, saith the Lord, when I shall make with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah a new Testament:

9 Not like the Testament that I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand, to lead them out of the land of Egypt: for they continued not in my Testament, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

10 For this is the Testament that I will make with the house of Israel, After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my Laws in their mind, and in their heart I will write them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. 

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more. (b)

13 In that he saith a new Testament, he hath abrogated the old: now that which is disannulled and waxed old, is ready to vanish away.

(a) Editor’s thought - The first covenant while the perfect law of God, was bestowed upon us who, through sin. had become imperfect.  Therefore, we could not achieve righteousness as ordained by our Creator, so it was necessary for Christ to take our place, thereby establishing a new covenant, wherein we are brought to righteousness and good standing before God, through Him. 

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vss 8-12 - read Jeremiah 31:31-34;  Romans 11:17,27

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 8:1-6

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ

Friends and brethren, I have been absent the last few days, and for this I do apologize. As I have been studying, it crossed my mind, that perhaps our study has been moving too fast. This is to say, there has been little that I have commented on while posting. Those of you who know me, know likewise that I am not a pastor, preacher or priest. I do my studies, post, and share and comment on what I have learned.  Studying is a life long commitment, and while I might not post, I do read.  However, as noted above, it occurred to me, that I was moving too fast, and not breaking it down enough for those who have just come to Christ, or desire to come to Him.  So, I will now do the studies, a bit more slowly, breaking down each chapter into sections in order that we all might learn together. 

RPW Sr. 

A New Priestly Service

1 Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum, that we have such an high Priest, that sitteth at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heavens,

2 And is a minister of the Sanctuary, and of that true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. (a)

3 For every high Priest is ordained to offer both gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it was of necessity, that this man should have somewhat also to offer.

4 For he were not a Priest, if he were on the earth, seeing there are Priests that according to the Law offer gifts,

5 Who serve unto the pattern and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was warned by God when he was about to finish the Tabernacle. See, said he, that thou make all things according to the pattern, showed to thee in the mount.

6 But now our high Priest hath obtained a more excellent office, inasmuch as he is the Mediator of a better Testament, which is established upon better promises. (b)

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 4 - read Exodus 25:40 - The tabernacle (of which the curtain separating the Holy of Holies would be rent asunder at the crucifixion, thus allowing us to enter ourselves and seek our heavenly Mediator), was made by the hands of men, even though it was ordained and built according to the plans showed Moses, it was none the less only a substitute until the coming of Christ.

(b) Editor’s thought - those promises are paid in full by the sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. This is the remission of sins, and the grace and redemption as given to us freely by God. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 7:1-28

Greeting in the name of the Lord

1 For this Melchizedek was King of Salem, the Priest of the most high God, who met Abraham, as he returned from the slaughter of the Kings, and blessed him:

2 To whom also Abraham gave the tithe of all things: who first is by interpretation King of righteousness: after that, he is also King of Salem, that is, King of peace,

3 Without father, without mother, without kindred, and hath neither beginning of his days, neither end of life: but is likened unto the Son of God, and continueth a Priest forever.

4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tithe of the spoils.

5 For verily they which are the children of Levi, which receive the office of the Priesthood, have a commandment to take, according to the Law, tithes of the people (that is, of their brethren) though they came out of the loins of Abraham.

6 But he whose kindred is not counted among them, received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.

7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the greater.

8 And here men that die, receive tithes: but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed, that he liveth.

9 And to say as the thing is, Levi also which receiveth tithes, payeth tithes in Abraham.

10 For he was yet in the loins of his father Abraham, when Melchizedek met him.

11 If therefore perfection had been by the Priesthood of the Levites (for under it the Law was established to the people) what needed it furthermore, that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek, and not to be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For if the Priesthood be changed, then of necessity must there be a change of the Law.

13 For he of whom these things are spoken, pertaineth unto another tribe, whereof no man served at the altar.

14 For it is evident, that our Lord sprung out of Judah, concerning the which tribe Moses spake nothing, touching the Priesthood.

15 And it is yet a more evident thing, because that after the similitude of Melchizedek, there is risen up another Priest,

16 Which is not made Priest after the Law of the carnal commandment, but after the power of the endless life.

17 For he testifieth thus,Thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.

18 For the commandment that went afore, is disannulled, because of the weakness thereof, and unprofitableness.

19 For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope made perfect, whereby we draw near unto God.

20 And forasmuch as it is not without an oath (for these are made Priests without an oath:

21 But this is made with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.)

22 By so much is Jesus made a surety of a better Testament.

23 And among them many were made Priests, because they were not suffered to endure, by the reason of death.

24 But this man, because he endureth ever, hath a Priesthood, which cannot pass from one to another.

25 Wherefore, he is able also perfectly to save them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth, to make intercession for them.

26 For such an high Priest it became us to have, which is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens:

27 Which needeth not daily as those high Priests to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the peoples: for that did he once, when he offered up himself.

28 For the Law maketh men high Priests, which have infirmity: but the word of the oath that was since the Law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

December 11 2013

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 6:1-20

Greetings to all people in the name of Jesus Christ

Continue reading and gaining strength and understanding. 

1 Therefore, leaving the doctrine of the beginning of Christ, let us be led forward unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3 And this will we do if God permit.

4 For it is impossible that they which were once lightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy Ghost,

5 And have tasted of the good word of God, and of the powers of the world to come,

6 If they fall away, should be renewed again by repentance: seeing they crucify again to themselves the Son of God, and make a mock of him.

7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing of God.

8 But that which beareth thorns and briars, is reproved, and is near unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.

9 But beloved, we have persuaded ourselves better things of you, and such as accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

10 For God is not unrighteous, that he should forget your work, and labor of love, which ye showed toward his Name, in that ye have ministered unto the Saints, and yet minister.

11 And we desire that every one of you show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end,

12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, which through faith and patience, inherit the promises.

13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, because he had no greater to swear by, he swore by himself,

14 Saying, Surely I will abundantly bless thee, and multiply thee marvelously.

15 And so after that he had tarried patiently, he enjoyed the promise.

16 For men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves, and an oath for confirmation is among them an end of all strife.

17 So God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the stableness of his counsel, bound himself by an oath,

18 That by two immutable things, wherein it is impossible that God should lie, we might have strong consolation, which have our refuge to lay hold upon that hope that is set before us,

19 Which hope we have, as an anchor of the soul, but sure and steadfast, and it entereth into that which is within the veil.

20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered in, even Jesus that is made an high Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 6:1-14

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

Pray with me this morning brethren. Heavenly Father I ask of You to open the minds and hearts of those who are, for the first time, reading this Scripture, Your words, as given to us. Give to those whose eyes have been blinded by this world, vision. Hearing, to those whose ears have been stopped by false teachings.  Soften their hearts, in order that they may come to repentance and confess You as the true Living God. 

1 For every high Priest is taken from among men, and is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2 Which is able sufficiently to have compassion on them that are ignorant, and that are out of the way, because that he also is compassed with infirmity,

3 And for the same sake he is bound to offer for sins, as well for his own part, as for the peoples.

4 And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

5 So likewise Christ took not to himself this honor to be made the high Priest, but he that said unto him, Thou art my son, this day begat I thee, gave it him.

6 As he also in another place speaketh, Thou art a Priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek,

7 Who in the days of his flesh did offer up prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears unto him, that was able to save him from death, and was also heard in that which he feared.

8 And though he were the Son, yet learned he obedience, by the things which he suffered.

9 And being consecrated, was made the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him: (a)

10 And is called of God an high Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

11 Of whom we have many things to say, which are hard to be uttered, because ye are dull of hearing.

12 For when as concerning the time ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again that we teach you what are the first principles of the word of God: and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For everyone that useth milk, is inexpert in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of age, which through long custom have their wits exercised, to discern both good and evil. (b)

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 9 see Hebrews 12:2

(b) Editor’s thought - So often today we hear people saying to not judge them, but it is my own opinion that they confuse the words “judge” and “discern”. The former tends to include for one to make a pronouncement and by extension a punishment upon a person, while the latter means to be able to tell the difference between two things. In this case good and evil, right and wrong, moral and immoral. To often, people blur the lines, and do not separate the sinner from the sin. To inform someone that what that one is doing is wrong, is not the same as pronouncing a declaration of judgment with resulting penalties. 

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 4:1-16

Good Sabbath morning brethren and friends. I bid you greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

Continue to read and strengthen your faith.  As an aside, this is one of my favorite scriptures. 

1 Let us fear therefore, lest at any time by forsaking the promise of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to be deprived.

2 For unto us was the Gospel preached as also unto them: but the word that they heard, profited not them, because it was not mixed with faith in those that heard it.

3 For we which have believed, do enter into rest, as he said to the other, As I have sworn in my wrath, If they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.

6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter thereinto, and they to whom it was first preached, entered not therein for unbelief’s sake:

7 Again he appointed in David a certain day, by Today, after so long a time, saying, as it is said, This day, if ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not after this have spoken of another day.

9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

10 For he that is entered into his rest, hath also ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

11 Let us study therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is lively, and mighty in operation, and sharper than any two edged sword, and entereth through, even unto the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, and of the joints, and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts, and the intents of the heart. (a)

13 Neither is there any creature, which is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and open unto his eyes, with whom we have to do. (b)

14 Seeing then that we have a great high Priest, which is entered into heaven, even Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high Priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all things tempted in like sort, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore go boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

(a) Editor’s thought - God’s Word is so powerful that It has the ability to fulfill Itself, just by the mere speaking of It.

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 13 - Read Job 23:10; Psalm 139:1-16; Luke 23:30, Revelations 6:16-17, 9:6

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 3:1-19

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ

Read in order to strengthen your belief, faith, and understanding.

1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly vocation, consider the Apostle and high Priest of our profession Christ Jesus:

2 Who was faithful to him that hath appointed him, even as Moses was in all his house.

3 For this man is counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he which hath builded the house, hath more honor than the house.

4 For every house is builded of some man, and he that hath built all things, is God.

5 Now Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a witness of the things which should be spoken after.

6 But Christ is as the Son, over his own house, whose house we are, if we hold fast that confidence and that rejoicing of that hope unto the end.

7 Wherefore, as the holy Ghost saith, Today if ye shall hear his voice,

8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, according to the day of the temptation in the wilderness,

9 Where your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years long.

10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They err ever in their heart, neither have they known my ways.

11 Therefore I swear in my wrath, If they shall enter into my rest.

12 Take heed brethren, lest at any time there be in any of you an evil heart, and unfaithful, to depart away from the living God.

13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we keep sure unto the end that beginning, wherewith we are upholden,

15 So long as it is said, Today if ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

16 For some when they heard, provoked him to anger: howbeit, not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

17 But with whom was he displeased forty years? Was he not displeased with them that sinned, whose carcasses fell in the wilderness?

18 And to whom swear he that they should not enter into his rest, but unto them that obeyed not?

19 So we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief.

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 2:1-18

Greetings in the name of our Redeemer Jesus Christ

Friends, the last study was for you to read and believe, now, it is for you to read and understand. 

1 Wherefore we ought diligently to give heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we run out.

2 For if the word spoken by Angels was steadfast, and every transgression, and disobedience received a just recompense of reward,

3 How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation, which at the first began to be preached by the Lord, and afterward was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.

4 God bearing witness thereto, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the holy Ghost, according to his own will? (a)

5 For he hath not put in subjection unto the Angels the world to come, whereof we speak.

6 But one in a certain place witnessed, saying, What is man, that thou shouldest be mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou wouldest consider him?

7 Thou madest him a little inferior to the Angels: thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and hast set him above the works of thine hands.

8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. And in that he hath put all things in subjection under him, he left nothing that should not be subject unto him. But we yet see not all things subdued unto him,

9 But we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor, which was made little inferior to the Angels, through the suffering of death, that by God’s grace he might taste death for all men. (b)

10 For it became him, for whom are all these things, and by whom are all these things, seeing that he brought many children unto glory, that he should consecrate the Prince of their salvation through afflictions.

11 For he that sanctifieth, and they which are sanctified, are all of one: wherefore he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying, I will declare thy Name unto my brethren: in the midst of the Church will I sing praises to thee.

13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again,Behold, here am I, and the children which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part with them, that he might destroy through death, him that had the power of death, that is, the devil,

15 And that he might deliver all them, which for fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For he in no sort took on him the Angels’ nature, but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be merciful, and a faithful high Priest in things concerning God, that he might make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he suffered, and was tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 4 read Mark 16:20

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 9 read Philippians 2:8. Dying once and for all, for all. In order for God to redeem us there needed to be a sacrifice for the remission of sin. Jesus, who knew no sin, became the ultimate sacrifice, as scripture has called Him the Lamb of God.  We have a glimpse of God’s ability to provide a suitable sacrifice of His Own choosing in Genesis 22:8, 12-13

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Epistle to the Hebrews

Chapter 1:1-14

Greetings in the mighty name of Jesus Christ

Today we begin our reading of the Epistle to the Hebrews. It was prayed upon this morning as to what direction we should go, and received the idea that since the previous study was more for those who did not believe, that a followup should be made to reenforce so to speak for those that did come away believing.  This epistle, brings to them the “hows and whys” of God’s redemptive plan. 

1 At sundry times and in divers manners God spake in the old time to our fathers by the Prophets: in these last days he hath spoken unto us by his Son,

2 Whom he hath made heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds,

3 Who being the brightness of the glory, and the engraved form of his person, and bearing up all things by his mighty word: hath by himself purged our sins: and sitteth at the right hand of the Majesty in the highest places,

4 And is made so much more excellent than the Angels, inasmuch as he hath obtained a more excellent Name than they.

5 For unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day begat I thee? and again, I will be his Father, and he shall be my Son:

6 And [p]again, when he bringeth in his first begotten Son into the world, he saith, And let all the Angels of God worship him. (a)

7 And of the Angels he saith, He maketh the spirits his messengers, and his ministers a flame of fire.

8 But unto the Son he saith, O God, thy throne is forever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a [u]scepter of righteousness.

9 Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Wherefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness, above thy fellows.

10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast established the earth, and the heavens are the works of thine hands. (b)

11 They shall perish, but thou dost remain, and they all shall wax old as doth a garment,

12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

13 Unto which also of the Angels said he at any time, Sit at my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister, for their sakes which shall be heirs of salvation?

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 6 - read Luke 2:13-14

(b) Editor’s notation - Re: vs 10 - read John 1:1-3

My Daily Meditation

Today’s Reading

The Gospel According to John

Chapter 21:1-25

To all nations, all people, and all tongues, I greet you this morning in the name of our risen Messiah Christ Jesus

Brethren and friends. Today is our last day in the Gospel of John. John’s writings are different from the other three in so far as his emphasis was on the divinity of Christ. It was meant to show the reader that God did indeed sacrifice His only Son as redemption for our sins. It showed the perfection of Christ in all He did, and showed that he was blameless, yet took the blame for us in order to free us from death. 

To those of you that have come across these postings over the last few weeks, it is my prayer and hope that it was a blessing to you, and if you did not believe beforehand, that you have come to confess your sins before God, and accepted Christ as your Savior. 

1 After these things, Jesus showed himself again to his disciples at the sea of Tiberias: and thus showed he himself:

2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, which is called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter said unto them, I go a fishing. They said unto him, We also will go with thee. They went their way and entered into a ship straightway, and that night caught they nothing.

4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: nevertheless the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus then said unto them, Sirs, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

6 Then he said unto them, Cast out the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. So they cast out, and they were not able at all to draw it, for the multitude of fishes.

7 Therefore said the disciple whom Jesus loved, unto Peter, It is the Lord. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girded his coat to him (for he was naked) and cast himself into the sea.

8 But the other disciples came by ship, (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits) and they drew the net with fishes.

9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw hot coals, and fish laid thereon, and bread.

10 Jesus said unto them, Bring of the fishes, which ye have now caught.

11 Simon Peter stepped forth and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred, fifty and three: and albeit there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

12 Jesus said unto them, Come, and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? seeing they knew that he was the Lord.

13 Jesus then came and took bread and gave them, and fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen again from the dead.

15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon the son of Jonah, lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He said to him again the second time, Simon the son of Jonah, lovest thou me? He said unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He said unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He said unto him the third time, Simon the son of Jonah, lovest thou me? Peter was sorry because he said to him the third time, Lovest thou me? and said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus said unto him, Feed my sheep.

18 Verily, verily I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thine hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee without thou wouldest not.

19 And this spake he signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, Follow me.

20 Then Peter turned about, and saw the disciple whom JESUS loved, following, which had also leaned on his breast at supper, and had said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

21 When Peter therefore saw him, he said to Jesus, Lord, what shall this man do?

22 Jesus said unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is it to thee? follow thou me.

23 Then went this word abroad among the brethren, that this disciple should not die. Yet Jesus said not to him, He shall not die: but if I will that he tarry till I come, what is it to thee?

24 This is that disciple, which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world could not contain the books that should be written, Amen.

(a) Editor’s notation - Re: vss 15-17 - note that Jesus asks Peter the same question three times. During the trial Peter likewise denied Him three times. This represents a complete restoration and forgiveness of Peter by our Lord Himself, thereby setting the example of all who seek God’s grace and mercy and forgiveness in their lives.