ValleyChristianChurch

Easter Service 3-31-24 If the dead are not raised... 1Co 15:12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 1Co 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 1Co 15:14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 1Co 15:15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 1Co 15:16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 1Co 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1Co 15:18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 1Co 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1Co 15:23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 1Co 15:25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 1Co 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. Prophesies Road to Emmaus- "Beginning at Moses..." Luk 24:13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. Luk 24:14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. Luk 24:15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. Luk 24:16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. Luk 24:17 And He said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" Luk 24:18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, "Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?" Luk 24:19 And He said to them, "What things?" So they said to Him, "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, Luk 24:20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. Luk 24:21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. Luk 24:22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. Luk 24:23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. Luk 24:24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see." Luk 24:25 Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Luk 24:26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" Luk 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Daniel 9 Dan 9:24 "Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. Dan 9:25 "Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. Dan 9:26 "And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. Even the method of His death was prophesied plainly by Jesus to His disciples: Mat 26:1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, Mat 26:2 "You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." Last supper Plan revealed Mat 26:3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, Mat 26:4 and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. Mat 26:5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." John 13:21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." John 13:22 Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. John 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. John 13:24 Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. John 13:25 Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, "Lord, who is it?" John 13:26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. John 13:27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." John 13:28 But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. John 13:29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy those things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. John 13:30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. Jesus forced the issue by letting Judas know the cat was out of the bag! Mar 14:17 In the evening He came with the twelve. Mar 14:18 Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." Mar 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" Mar 14:20 He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. Mar 14:21 The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born." Garden of Gethsemane Luk 22:39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. Luk 22:40 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, Luk 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done." Luk 22:43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. Luk 22:44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luk 22:45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. Luk 22:46 Then He said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation." Luk 22:47 And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. Luk 22:48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" Luk 22:49 When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" Luk 22:50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. Luk 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this." And He touched his ear and healed him. Luk 22:52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to Him, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Luk 22:53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not try to seize Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Arrest Cohort Temple Guard John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. John 18:2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. John 18:3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?" John 18:5 They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. John 18:6 Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:7 Then He asked them again, "Whom are you seeking?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." John 18:8 Jesus answered, "I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way," John 18:9 that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none." John 18:10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. John 18:11 So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" John 18:12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. Trials Three Jewish Trials: Annas- John 18:13 & 24 Caiaphas - Matthew 26:57, John 18:13-14, 24-28 Sanhedrin - Matthew 26:57-Matthew 27:1 Luk 22:63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. Luk 22:64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" Luk 22:65 And many other things they blasphemously spoke against Him. Luk 22:66 As soon as it was day, the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, came together and led Him into their council, saying, Luke 22:67 "If You are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe. Luk 22:68 And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. Luke 22:69 Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God." Luk 22:70 Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am." Luk 22:71 And they said, "What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth." Mat 26:59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, Mat 26:60 but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward Mat 26:61 and said, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.' " Mat 26:62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" Mat 26:63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, "I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!" Mat 26:64 Jesus said to him, "It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven." Mat 26:65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! Mat 26:66 What do you think?" They answered and said, "He is deserving of death." Mat 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, Mat 26:68 saying, "Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?" Mar 14:55 Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Mar 14:56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree. Mar 14:57 Then some rose up and bore false witness against Him, saying, Mar 14:58 "We heard Him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.' " Mar 14:59 But not even then did their testimony agree. Mar 14:60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, "Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?" Mar 14:61 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Mar 14:62 Jesus said, "I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." Mar 14:63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "What further need do we have of witnesses? Mar 14:64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. Three Roman Trials: Pilate Herod Back to Pilate Jewish Legal violations: Jesus was bound prior to being pronounced guilty He was tried at night He was tried at Annas' house He was tried at the palace of the High Priest (private residence) He was tried on a Feast Day Judges could not participate in the arrest of the accused No arrest could be undertaken through an informant or traitor The accused could be released the same day if pronounced innocent, however, a guilty verdict had to come through two or more witnesses, and sentence had to be carried out the following day. Many false witnesses were presented, none worthy of conviction. Conflicting witnesses required the immediate release of the prisoner No prisoner could be convicted on his own testimony He was struck during trial The ballot should have begun with the youngest to the oldest The verdict was pronounced in Caiaphas residence, not the Temple Hall The High Priest tore his Priestly Robe (required to put someone under oath) The Jews called for Him to be crucified (Jewish law called for stoning in capital punishment cases, not crucifixion!) The Jews had no power to exercise capital punishment Roman Legal Violations: Roman law required A. A formal accusation B. Witnesses against the accused C. Freedom for the accused to defend themselves John 18:28-40 John 18:28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. John 18:29 Pilate then went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?" John 18:30 They answered and said to him, "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you." John 18:31 Then Pilate said to them, "You take Him and judge Him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death," John 18:32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. John 18:33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" John 18:34 Jesus answered him, "Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?" John 18:35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?" John 18:36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." John 18:37 Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all. At this point, according to Roman law, Jesus should have been released IMMEDIATELY! Every single thing that transpires from this point on is illegal under Roman law. By the way, Pilate declared 7 times that Jesus was innocent, and tried 6 times to release Him. John 18:39 "But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" John 18:40 Then they all cried again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber. Even this was unnecessary. Jesus should have been released. There was no formal accusation, just "We brought you a bad guy, kill Him because we say so... Trust us!", there were no witnesses presented against Him, no official case to be tried. It was all a political smoke show. Even the "conviction" brought by the Jewish rulers, which was blasphemy, was not a crime under Roman law. Pilate bounced Jesus to Herod, Herod sent Him back to Pilate, Crucifixion Mar 15:1 Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. Mar 15:2 Then Pilate asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" He answered and said to him, "It is as you say." Mar 15:3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Mar 15:4 Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, "Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!" Mar 15:5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. Mar 15:6 Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. Mar 15:7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. Mar 15:8 Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. Mar 15:9 But Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" Mar 15:10 For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. Mar 15:11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Mar 15:12 Pilate answered and said to them again, "What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?" Mar 15:13 So they cried out again, "Crucify Him!" Mar 15:14 Then Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has He done?" But they cried out all the more, "Crucify Him!" Mar 15:15 So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified. Mar 15:16 Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. Mar 15:17 And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, Mar 15:18 and began to salute Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Mar 15:19 Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. Mar 15:20 And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. Mar 15:21 Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross. Mar 15:22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. Mar 15:23 Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. Mar 15:24 And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take. Mar 15:25 Now it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. Mar 15:26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above: THE KING OF THE JEWS. Mar 15:27 With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. Mar 15:28 So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH THE TRANSGRESSORS." Mar 15:29 And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, Mar 15:30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" Mar 15:31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. Mar 15:32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Even those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. Luke 23:44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Luk 23:45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' " Having said this, He breathed His last. Luk 23:47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous Man!" Luke 23:48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. Mat 27:45 Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Mat 27:47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, "This Man is calling for Elijah!" Mat 27:48 Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. Mat 27:49 The rest said, "Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him." Mat 27:50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Mat 27:51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, Mat 27:52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; Mat 27:53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Mat 27:54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Resurrection Mat 27:62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, Mat 27:63 saying, "Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise.' Mat 27:64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead.' So the last deception will be worse than the first." Mat 27:65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how." Mat 27:66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. Mat 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. Mat 28:2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. Mat 28:3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. Mat 28:4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. Mat 28:5 But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. Mat 28:6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Mat 28:7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." Mat 28:8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. Mat 28:9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. Mat 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." Mat 28:11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. Mat 28:12 When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, Mat 28:13 saying, "Tell them, 'His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.' Mat 28:14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will appease him and make you secure." Mat 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. Mat 28:17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Mar 16:1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Mar 16:2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. Mar 16:3 And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" Mar 16:4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large. Mar 16:5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. Mar 16:6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mar 16:7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." Mar 16:8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mar 16:9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. Mar 16:10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. Mar 16:11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. Mar 16:12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. Mar 16:13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Mar 16:14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Mar 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mar 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mar 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; Mar 16:18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." Mar 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. Mar 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Luk 24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. Luk 24:2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Luk 24:3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luk 24:4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Luk 24:5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Luk 24:6 He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, Luk 24:7 saying, 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.' " Luk 24:8 And they remembered His words. Luk 24:9 Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Luk 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. Luk 24:11 And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. Luk 24:12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. John 20:1 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. John 20:2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." John 20:3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and went to the tomb. John 20:4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. John 20:5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. John 20:6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, John 20:7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. John 20:8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. John 20:9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. John 20:10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. John 20:11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. John 20:12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. John 20:13 Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." Joh 20:14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. John 20:15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away." John 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him, ''Rabboni!" (which is to say, Teacher). John 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' " John 20:18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her. John 20:19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." John 20:20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you." John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." John 20:24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. John 20:25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord." So he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." John 20:26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" John 20:27 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. John 21:1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He showed Himself: John 21:2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. John 21:3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. John 21:4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. John 21:5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, have you any food?" They answered Him, "No." John 21:6 And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. John 21:8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. John 21:9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. John 21:10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." John 21:11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. John 21:12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, "Who are You?"—knowing that it was the Lord. John 21:13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. John 21:14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. John 21:15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. John 21:18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." John 21:19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me." John 21:20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" John 21:21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "But Lord, what about this man?" John 21:22 Jesus said to him, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." John 21:23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?" John 21:24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. Ascension Act 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Act 1:2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, Act 1:3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Act 1:4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Act 1:6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" Act 1:7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. Act 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Act 1:9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Act 1:10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, Act 1:11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." If the dead are not raised... 1Co 15:12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 1Co 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 1Co 15:14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 1Co 15:15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 1Co 15:16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 1Co 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1Co 15:18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1Co 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. 1Co 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 1Co 15:23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 1Co 15:25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 1Co 15:26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

Palm Sunday, a day resonating with historical and spiritual significance, marks the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between prophecy, divine revelation, and human response. As we delve into the events of Palm Sunday 2024, we are confronted with a unanimous Supreme Court decision that sheds light on the interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Amidst this legal clarification, we encounter the narrative of a dedicated postal worker diligently serving on a Sunday, echoing themes of duty and adherence to belief systems. Jack Hibbs, alongside the symbolic imagery of the Red Heifer and the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of prayer and prophetic fulfillment. The essence of Palm Sunday lies in its reflection on the singular day in history when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt, hailed as King by the Jewish people. Drawing from biblical passages such as Luke 19:41-44, we are reminded of Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, highlighting the profound spiritual blindness that permeates society. Just as the Jewish leaders were held accountable for recognizing the signs of the Messiah's arrival, contemporary leaders, government officials, and individuals are urged to heed the call of spiritual discernment. The prophetic insights of Daniel and Zechariah, dating back over 600 years before Palm Sunday, intricately foretold the precise moment of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. This divine orchestration, culminating in the fulfillment of prophecy, underscores the divine authority and purpose of Jesus' mission. Miracles and signs, such as the feeding of the five thousand and the healing of the blind man in John 9, serve as tangible demonstrations of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. Despite these undeniable proofs, disbelief and rejection persist among certain factions, echoing the sentiments captured in John 11:45-57. The narrative unfolds with the poignant account of Lazarus' resurrection, a testament to Jesus' authority over life and death. Yet, even in the face of such miraculous interventions, disbelief and opposition abound, as evidenced by the plotting of the religious leaders. Jesus' teachings, encapsulated in passages like John 12:1-50, offer profound insights into the nature of belief, judgment, and eternal life. The imagery of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of spiritual preparedness and vigilance in anticipation of the Son of Man's return. Ultimately, Palm Sunday 2024 serves as a call to introspection and spiritual accountability. Just as Jesus held the Jewish leaders accountable for recognizing the signs of His coming, so too are contemporary individuals challenged to discern the divine presence amidst the complexities of modern life. As the echoes of "Hosanna!" reverberate through the ages, may we heed the call to embrace spiritual truth and prepare our hearts for the coming of the King.

Pastor Martin continues teaching through Hebrews 11, Description: Happy Saint Patrick's Day! As we celebrate this festive occasion, let's delve into the profound lessons of faith, drawing insights from the stories of Abraham and the Exodus. Join us on this spiritual journey as we explore the scriptures and reflect on the significance of faith in our lives. To kick off our Easter Celebration Week schedule, here's what's in store: - **Palm Sunday**: Join us at our regular time for a special service. - **Good Friday - March 29th, 6:30 PM**: Come together for a solemn observance. - **Sonrise Service - March 31st, 5:30 AM**: Witness the dawn of Easter with a beautiful sunrise service. - **Sonrise Breakfast - March 31st, 7:00-9:00 AM**: Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fellow believers. - **Easter Service - March 31st, 9:30 AM**: Celebrate the resurrection of Christ with a joyous service. \Heb 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims (alien alongside - resident foreigners) on the earth. Our reflection begins with Hebrews 11:13, highlighting the faith of those who lived in anticipation of God's promises, acknowledging their status as strangers and pilgrims on earth. Through Ephesians 2:18-22, we understand that through Christ, we are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with the saints, united in the household of God. Exploring the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as outlined in Hebrews 11:14-16, we see a common desire for a heavenly homeland. Abraham's faith, particularly, is exemplified in his willingness to dwell as a foreigner in the land of promise, awaiting the city built by God. Heb 11:14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham (including Isaac and Jacob- SEE vs 9 below), and Sarah Heb 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; Heb 11:10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Heb 11:15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. Continuing with Hebrews 11:15, we see the consequences of longing for past comforts, as seen in the Israelites' murmuring during their wilderness journey. Despite God's miraculous provision, they longed to return to Egypt, emphasizing the danger of looking back. Jesus' admonition in Luke 9:62 reminds us of the importance of pressing forward in faith, without looking back, as we journey towards the heavenly country prepared for us by God. Heb 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Joh 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.' " Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Heb 11:18 of whom it was said, "IN ISAAC YOUR SEED SHALL BE CALLED," Heb 11:19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. The passage concludes with the ultimate test of faith endured by Abraham, as recounted in Genesis 22. Abraham's willingness to offer his only son, Isaac, demonstrates unwavering trust in God's promises, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Through these reflections on faith, we are challenged to emulate the steadfastness of Abraham, resisting the temptation to dwell on past comforts and pressing forward with unwavering trust in God's promises. As we journey through life, may we fix our eyes on the heavenly homeland prepared for us, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises to those who believe.

Pastor Martin Saine continues teach through Hebrews 11. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. The passage provided discusses the theme of faith as exemplified by various figures from biblical narratives, focusing primarily on Noah and Abraham. It begins with Hebrews 11:7, highlighting Noah's faith in building the ark and his obedience to God's command amid a corrupt world. The narrative then shifts to 1 Peter 3:18-20, emphasizing Christ's redemptive work and its connection to the story of Noah, drawing parallels between the ark and baptism. Moving on to 2 Peter 2:1-5, the passage warns against false prophets and emphasizes God's judgment on the ungodly, contrasting it with the salvation of Noah and his family. This is followed by a discussion on the relationship between faith and works, citing James 2:14-20, and emphasizing the importance of active faith. The passage also includes references to Ezekiel 14:12-23, which underscores the personal nature of faith and its implications for individuals amidst judgment. It concludes with a warning about the coming judgment, drawing parallels between the days of Noah and the second coming of Christ as described in Matthew 24. Transitioning to Abraham's story, the passage highlights his faith in leaving his homeland and dwelling as a foreigner in the promised land, trusting in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in his lifetime. It concludes with a reflection on the faith of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing their trust in God's promise of descendants despite their old age. Throughout the passage, there is an overarching theme of faith as a personal and active trust in God's promises, demonstrated through obedience, endurance, and reliance on divine providence. It encourages believers to emulate the faith of these biblical figures as they await the fulfillment of God's promises, eagerly anticipating the return of Christ and the realization of heavenly citizenship

In this part of Chapter 9, Pastor Martin Saine teaches on the contrast between the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and the superior sacrifice of Christ in the New Covenant. He discusses the symbolic nature of the Old Covenant's rituals, emphasizing their inability to cleanse the conscience or bring about true inner transformation. The concept of redemption is introduced, highlighting the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice and the eternal redemption it brings. The blood of Christ is contrasted with the temporary purification achieved by the blood of bulls, goats, and the ashes of a red heifer in the Old Covenant. The author argues that Christ's blood, offered without spot to God, cleanses the conscience from dead works and serves the living God. The term "redemption" is explored, emphasizing its occurrence only three times in the Bible, particularly in Luke 1:68, Luke 2:38, and Hebrews 9:12. The discussion delves into the ritual of the red heifer in Numbers 19, connecting it to Hebrews 9:13. The role of Christ as the Mediator of the New Covenant is discussed, emphasizing His death for the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant. The retroactive and eternal nature of this redemption is highlighted. The author explains the necessity of blood in the purification process under the Old Covenant, connecting it to the dedication of the first covenant with blood. The sprinkling of blood on the book, people, and the tabernacle is detailed, drawing parallels to the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus mentioned in 1 Peter 1:2. The significance of the blood of the covenant and its commandment by God is explored, linking it to Exodus 24:1-8. The author emphasizes the symbolic nature of the Old Covenant's sprinkling of blood and contrasts it with the powerful reality of Christ's blood in the New Covenant. Hebrews 9 concludes by discussing the necessity of shedding blood for remission of sins according to the law and the purification of heavenly things with better sacrifices. Christ's entry into the true heavenly sanctuary and His once-for-all sacrifice are highlighted, concluding with the promise of His second coming for salvation. The appointment of men to die once and face judgment is paralleled with Christ's one-time offering to bear the sins of many. The anticipation of Christ's second coming is mentioned, bringing hope for salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.

Join in our celebration for our risen King and Lord Jesus Christ

In Hebrews 9, the focus is on the comparison between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, emphasizing the superiority of the latter. The common principle required in both covenants is faith. Pastor Martin Saine stresses the necessity of faith for pleasing God, citing examples from Hebrews and other biblical passages. The New Covenant, as outlined in Hebrews 8:10-13, involves God putting His laws in the minds and hearts of the people, because all will know the Lord. This covenant is characterized by God's mercy and the forgiveness of sins. The text highlights that faith has been essential since the dawn of creation, evident in Adam's obedience or disobedience to God's command in the Garden of Eden. The New Covenant, however, surpasses the restoration to Adam's pre-sin condition; it transforms believers into new creations in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit. What is considered obsolete and passing away is the Old Covenant, symbolized by the ordinances, the tabernacle, and the sacrificial system. These elements were mere symbols, serving until the time of reformation, which occurred with the coming of Christ. The author emphasizes that the Old Covenant was a temporary arrangement, fulfilled by Christ's sacrifice, and now replaced by the superior New Covenant. The restoration mentioned in Acts 3:18-26 is discussed as the ultimate completion, and individual believers are reminded that they are already seated with Christ, enjoying peace with God through faith. The believers' time of restoration is described as now, as Christ, the High Priest, has entered the Most Holy Place with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption. The text concludes by referencing the institution of the Lord's Supper (Mat 26:26-29), where Jesus speaks of His blood as the blood of the new covenant, shedding light on the significance of Christ's sacrifice in establishing the New Covenant.

Pastor Martin Saine begins Hebrews 10. Chapter 10, Part 1, delves into the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the inadequacy of previous sacrificial rituals. The chapter draws heavily from the Book of Revelation, depicting scenes from heaven and emphasizing the realness of the divine realm. It highlights the contrast between the temporary nature of earthly sacrifices, symbolized by the blood of bulls and goats, and the eternal redemption brought about by Christ's sacrifice. The text emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice, offered willingly according to God's will, sanctifies believers once and for all, surpassing the limitations of past rituals. Through Christ's obedience and sacrifice, believers are sanctified and brought into communion with God. Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Real Heaven. Real Temple. Real Throne. Real angels, saints, martyrs. Access??? Unbelievers will never see it... Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—alien, foreign, another man's, another kind... Son of God/Son of Man Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Heb 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take Heb 10:9 then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. away sins. The blood of bulls and goats (foreign, another man's, alien blood; i/e., NOT CHRIST's) was not fit to take away sin. The foreign blood could only serve as a reminder of their sin. Heb 10:5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU DID NOT DESIRE, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME. Heb 10:6 IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES FOR SIN YOU HAD NO PLEASURE. Heb 10:7 THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME— IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME— TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.' " Psa 40:6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. (compare above...) Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Psa 40:7 Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." See Isaiah 1:11-18 Heb 10:8 Previously saying, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING, BURNT OFFERINGS, AND OFFERINGS FOR SIN YOU DID NOT DESIRE, NOR HAD PLEASURE IN THEM" (which are offered according to the law), Twofold dissatisfaction: 1) Dissatisfied with the ritual aspect being performed without faith from a sincere heart. 2) Dissatisfied that the ritual sacrifices, even those done in faith from a sincere heart, were temporary and not able to satisfy the eternal redemption of those He loves. Heb 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. By ordaining the sacrifice to be performed every year, God put a terminus on the value of those bulls and goats. The yearly sacrifice was only valued for one year, and the people knew that! Installments vs paid in full... Heb 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. Heb 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Christ needed a body in order to sacrifice Himself for mankind. His sacrifice had to be from a sincere heart, voluntary, willing, and obedient according to the Father's will. Having completed the Father's will, He has sanctified the believers by offering Himself as a Sin Offering, once for all. Sanctified: hagiazō hag-ee-ad'-zo From G40; to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify.

Pastor Martin Saine begins Hebrews Chapter 11 - Part 1 The passage begins with a reminder to the readers to recall their past struggles and sufferings, encouraging them not to lose confidence but to endure, as those who draw back are not favored by God. The concept of living by faith is emphasized, citing passages from Habakkuk, Romans, and Galatians, highlighting that righteousness comes through faith rather than adherence to the law. Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The chapter then transitions into what is known as "The Hall of Faith," showcasing examples from the Old Testament of those who persevered in faith. It starts with defining faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. By faith, the elders obtained a good testimony, and by faith, the worlds were framed by the word of God. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:1-6 The first example is Abel, whose faith led him to offer a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, resulting in God testifying to his righteousness. Next is Enoch, who pleased God so much that he was taken away without experiencing death, with a reference to his prophecy about the Second Coming of the Lord. The passage concludes with the assertion that without faith, it is impossible to please God, emphasizing the necessity of believing in His existence and His rewarding nature for those who diligently seek Him.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are urged to consider one another to stir up love and good works, and to not forsake assembling together, especially as the Day of the Lord approaches. The importance of fellowship and encouragement among believers is emphasized, particularly in times of trial and persecution. [Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV] 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. In these verses there are four action commands given to believers. They are not suggestions, [Hebrews 10:23 NKJV] 23 Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. The passage also addresses the issue of intentional sinning versus yielding to temptation. While intentional sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth brings about a fearful expectation of judgment, believers are encouraged to hold fast to their confidence and faith in God. The severity of rejecting the sacrifice of Christ and insulting the Spirit of grace is underscored, highlighting the importance of perseverance in faith and obedience. The assurance of salvation is emphasized through various passages, including John 10:25-29, Romans 8:35-39, and Hebrews 10:29. Believers are reminded of God's faithfulness and the security they have in Christ, even amidst trials and tribulations. The passage concludes with an exhortation to endure and hold fast to faith, knowing that salvation is secured for those who believe. This passage serves as a reminder of the need for steadfastness in faith, the importance of fellowship and encouragement within the body of believers, and the assurance of salvation through Christ. It encourages believers to persevere in their faith, even in the face of trials and persecution, knowing that their hope is secure in Christ.

In this part of Chapter 9, Pastor Martin Saine teaches on the contrast between the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and the superior sacrifice of Christ in the New Covenant. He discusses the symbolic nature of the Old Covenant's rituals, emphasizing their inability to cleanse the conscience or bring about true inner transformation. The concept of redemption is introduced, highlighting the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice and the eternal redemption it brings. The blood of Christ is contrasted with the temporary purification achieved by the blood of bulls, goats, and the ashes of a red heifer in the Old Covenant. The author argues that Christ's blood, offered without spot to God, cleanses the conscience from dead works and serves the living God. The term "redemption" is explored, emphasizing its occurrence only three times in the Bible, particularly in Luke 1:68, Luke 2:38, and Hebrews 9:12. The discussion delves into the ritual of the red heifer in Numbers 19, connecting it to Hebrews 9:13. The role of Christ as the Mediator of the New Covenant is discussed, emphasizing His death for the redemption of transgressions under the first covenant. The retroactive and eternal nature of this redemption is highlighted. The author explains the necessity of blood in the purification process under the Old Covenant, connecting it to the dedication of the first covenant with blood. The sprinkling of blood on the book, people, and the tabernacle is detailed, drawing parallels to the obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus mentioned in 1 Peter 1:2. The significance of the blood of the covenant and its commandment by God is explored, linking it to Exodus 24:1-8. The author emphasizes the symbolic nature of the Old Covenant's sprinkling of blood and contrasts it with the powerful reality of Christ's blood in the New Covenant. Hebrews 9 concludes by discussing the necessity of shedding blood for remission of sins according to the law and the purification of heavenly things with better sacrifices. Christ's entry into the true heavenly sanctuary and His once-for-all sacrifice are highlighted, concluding with the promise of His second coming for salvation. The appointment of men to die once and face judgment is paralleled with Christ's one-time offering to bear the sins of many. The anticipation of Christ's second coming is mentioned, bringing hope for salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.

Hebrews 8: 6-8 Part 2 Jerry Mongello discusses Hebrews 8:2-13, focusing on the theme of prayer, the ongoing war in Israel, and the global rise of anti-Semitism and Christian persecution. The key biblical verses highlight Jesus as the High Priest and Mediator between God and humanity, emphasizing that salvation comes exclusively through Him. We delve into John 11, where Lazarus's resurrection serves as a preview of Jesus as the ultimate Mediator. [Hebrews 8:1-5 NKJV] 1 Now [this is] the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore [it is] necessary that this One also have something to offer. 4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See [that] you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." [Hebrews 8:6 NKJV] 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Now this is the cornerstone and the foundation that of our faith/Christianity is founded on. Jesus is the Mediator between man and God!!! THE ONLY MEDIATOR!!! He explores the concept of the "new covenant" in Hebrews 8:8-9, addressing the speaker's initial struggle with the term "new." Through a linguistic analysis of the Hebrew and Greek words for "new," he emphasizes the renewal and regeneration inherent in the covenant, rather than a completely novel concept. Connecting the covenant to God's Word, Hebrews 4:12-13, highlights the living and powerful nature of God's Word; drawing parallels between the new covenant and God's promises to Abraham, emphasizing faith as the key to righteousness. In Hebrews 8:10-13, God promises to write His laws on the hearts of His people. This new covenant renders the old one obsolete, paving the way for a transformation and renewal in the relationship between God and humanity. Jerry underscored the mercy of God, who forgives unrighteousness and remembers sins no more. [Hebrews 8:11-13 NKJV] 11 "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none 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 their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 13 In that He says, "A new [covenant]," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Throughout the video, various biblical passages, including Zechariah 8:7-8, Isaiah 54:13-17, and John 6:44-47, are referenced to support the speaker's message of God's transformative power and the centrality of faith in the new covenant.

Hebrews Chapter 10 Part 3 – 24 thru 39 Prayer; Israel update War in the north intensifying, US still calling for a two State solution, hope for Hostages, chaos erupts at nearby anti-Netanyahu rally and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Saturday slammed as an “absolute disgrace” the Biden administration’s decision to reverse the “Pompeo doctrine,” which held that Jewish homes in Judea and Samaria [West Bank] were not necessarily illegal. [Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV] 19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and [having] a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. In these verses there are four action commands given to believers. They are not suggestions, [Hebrews 10:23 NKJV] 23 Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful. Not like the Israelites who approached Mount Sinai with fear and trembling [Exodus 20:18 – 21] who didn’t want to hear the voice of God and there again when God first gave Israel the promised land and they rebelled in unbelief [Numbers 14], God did not let them enter His rest, He made them wonder for 40 years in the wilderness until all who were 20 years and above die. [1 Peter 3:14-15 NKJV] 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, [you are] blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [Hebrews 10:24 NKJV] 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [Romans 12:1-21 NKJV] 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us prophesy] in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 [Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Hebrews 10:25 NKJV] 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Need to make a few comments concerning this verse. One, Satan want to prevent believers from fellowshipping, he uses many deceitful tactics such as: How many times have you heard this; I do not have to fellowship/go to church to be a Christian!!! There are too many hypocrites in the Church!!! The pandemic you will die if you go to Church!!! The government said we could not go to Church, but you could go to Costco, Strip Club, porn shops, Casino, winery’s!!! [Acts 4:18-21 NKJV] 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [Acts 2:41-42 NKJV] 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added [to them]. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The last part of [Hebrews 10:25 NKJV] is; “and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Not like the Israelites who approached Mount Sinai with fear and trembling [Exodus 20:18 – 21] who didn’t want to hear the voice of God and there again when God first gave Israel the promised land and they rebelled in unbelief [Numbers 14], God did not let them enter His rest, He made them wonder for 40 years in the wilderness until all who were 20 years and above die. [1 Peter 3:14-15 NKJV] 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, [you are] blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [Hebrews 10:24 NKJV] 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [Romans 12:1-21 NKJV] 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us prophesy] in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 [Let] love [be] without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 [Be] kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but [rather] give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance [is] Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Hebrews 10:25 NKJV] 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as [is] the manner of some, but exhorting [one another], and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Need to make a few comments concerning this verse. One, Satan want to prevent believers from fellowshipping, he uses many deceitful tactics such as: How many times have you heard this; I do not have to fellowship/go to church to be a Christian!!! There are too many hypocrites in the Church!!! The pandemic you will die if you go to Church!!! The government said we could not go to Church, but you could go to Costco, Strip Club, porn shops, Casino, winery’s!!! [Acts 4:18-21 NKJV] 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. [Acts 2:41-42 NKJV] 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added [to them]. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The last part of [Hebrews 10:25 NKJV] is; “and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” [Romans 13:11-13 NKJV] 11 And [do] this, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation [is] nearer than when we [first] believed. 12 The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. [Philippians 4:5 NKJV] 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord [is] at hand. [James 5:8 NKJV] 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. [1 Peter 4:7 NKJV] 7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. C.T. Studd; "Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle." [Hebrews 10:26-29 NKJV] 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on [the testimony of] two or three witnesses [Deuteronomy 17:6]. These verses also present the same controversy that was found in Hebrews 6, the question on whether someone can lose salvation!!! The question of intentionally sinning vs back sliding or giving in to temptation while being sanctified. The difference is between being a believer vs being a professing believer!!! Let us look at Intentionally sin vs giving in to temptation. [Numbers 15:30-31 NKJV] 30 'But the person who does [anything] presumptuously, [whether he is] native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the LORD, and he shall be cut off from among his people. 31 'Because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt [shall be] upon him.' " [2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJV] 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." The parable of the Sower shows us that you can hear the word, then walk away from it. [Matthew 13:18-23 NKJV] 18 "Therefore hear the parable of the Sower: 19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand [it], then the wicked [one] comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 "yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles [ skandalizō to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey, to cause to fall away, to be offended in one, i.e. to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority]. 22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 "But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands [it], who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." Professing believers who fool themselves!!! [Matthew 7:21-29 NKJV] 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 "But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 "and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall." 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 1 John 1:5 thru 10 give us a picture of both. [1 John 1:5-10 NKJV] 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. Here is why I believe we cannot lose our salvation, because it would make the word from Jesus, the word that the Father gave Him annul and void. [John 10:25-29 NKJV] 25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. 26 "But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 "My Father, who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of My Father's hand. [Romans 8:35-39 NKJV] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Heb 10:29 NKJV] 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing [koinos - unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean], and insulted the Spirit of grace? [Hebrews 2:1-4 NKJV] 1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard [Him], 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? [Matthew 12:31-32 NKJV] 31 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy [against] the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the [age] to come. [Heb 10:30-39 NKJV] 30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 "For yet a little while, [And] He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if [anyone] draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Explain [2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 NKJV] 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, 4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, 5 [which is] manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; 6 since [it is] a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to [give] you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of [this] calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of [His] goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapter 10 Part 1 Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; See: Revelation 4 & 5 Revelation Rev 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" Rev 6:11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. Rev 7:13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" Rev 7:14 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. Rev 7:16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; Rev 7:17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Rev 8:1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Rev 8:3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. Rev 8:5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. Rev 11:17 saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. Rev 11:18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth." Rev 11:19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. Rev 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." Rev 14:16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. Rev 14:17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Rev 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe." Rev 14:19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Rev 14:20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses' bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs. Rev 15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. Rev 15:2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. Rev 15:3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested." Rev 15:5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. Rev 15:6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands. Rev 15:7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever. Rev 15:8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed. Rev 16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth." Rev 16:7 And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments." Rev 16:17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!" Real Heaven. Real Temple. Real Throne. Real angels, saints, martyrs. Access??? Unbelievers will never see it... Rev 20:7 Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison Rev 20:8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. Rev 20:9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. Rev 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. Rev 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Rev 20:14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Rev 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—alien, foreign, another man's, another kind... Son of God/Son of Man Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. See: 2Ti 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. Heb 10:1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. Heb 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. By ordaining the sacrifice to be performed every year, God put a terminus on the value of those bulls and goats. The yearly sacrifice was only valued for one year, and the people knew that! Installments vs paid in full... Heb 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. Gal 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. Gal 3:22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Gal 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Gal 3:25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. The blood of bulls and goats (foreign, another man's, alien blood; i/e., NOT CHRIST's) was not fit to take away sin. The foreign blood could only serve as a reminder of their sin. Heb 10:5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING YOU DID NOT DESIRE, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARED FOR ME. Heb 10:6 IN BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES FOR SIN YOU HAD NO PLEASURE. Heb 10:7 THEN I SAID, 'BEHOLD, I HAVE COME— IN THE VOLUME OF THE BOOK IT IS WRITTEN OF ME— TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD.' " Psa 40:6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. (compare above...) Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Psa 40:7 Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart." See Isaiah 1:11-18 Heb 10:8 Previously saying, "SACRIFICE AND OFFERING, BURNT OFFERINGS, AND OFFERINGS FOR SIN YOU DID NOT DESIRE, NOR HAD PLEASURE IN THEM" (which are offered according to the law), Twofold dissatisfaction: 1) Dissatisfied with the ritual aspect being performed without faith from a sincere heart. 2) Dissatisfied that the ritual sacrifices, even those done in faith from a sincere heart, were temporary and not able to satisfy the eternal redemption of those He loves. Heb 10:9 then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. Mat 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." Mat 26:40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Mat 26:42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." Heb 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Christ needed a body in order to sacrifice Himself for mankind. His sacrifice had to be from a sincere heart, voluntary, willing, and obedient according to the Father's will. Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Php 2:6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, Php 2:7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Php 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Php 2:9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, Php 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, Php 2:11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Having completed the Father's will, He has sanctified the believers by offering Himself as a Sin Offering, once for all. Sanctified: hagiazō hag-ee-ad'-zo From G40; to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify.

Pastor Martin continues through Hebrews 9 Heb 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; Heb 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. Heb 9:9 It was symbolic (a parable, or similitude) for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— Heb 9:10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. Fleshly ordinances in vs 10 are things that purify the outside, but cannot regenerate the inside. Thus, no matter how many rituals or rites are performed, the conscience cannot be clean. Heb 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Heb 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Redemption= lutrōsis loo'-tro-sis From G3084; a ransoming (figuratively): - + redeemed, redemption. Only used 3 times: Luke 1:68 Luke 2:38 Hebrews 9:12 Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats (define plural use) and the ashes of a heifer (Red heifer), sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, SEE Numbers 19:1-6 Ritual of purification, Water of purification. six red heifers... Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption (the act..Retroactive - See Romans 3:24-26) of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Both retroactive AND eternal. First Covenant: Noaic- Genesis 9, Abrahamic- Gen 15, Mosaic, or The Law- Exodus 19-20; This reference is the first covenant that had the Levitical priesthood attached. All of these covenants were ratified by blood...Exodus 24:1-8 Heb 9:16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Heb 9:17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. A will is only a promise until the testifier dies... Heb 9:18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop,(Passover, Exodus 12:22, Leper cleansing Lev 14:4, red heifer Numbers 9:6) and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, Sprinkling people is limited to two occasions: The Law Covenant and Aaron and sons dedication in Exodus 29:21. See 1 Peter 1:2 1Pe 1:2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Discuss "the book itself" Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. Heb 9:20 saying, "THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD HAS COMMANDED YOU." (Sound familiar?) Heb 9:21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. Exodus 24:1-8 What was sprinkled with blood under the Old Covenant? The Priesthood The Book of the Law The people The tabernacle and everything devoted to it If these things were set apart (ratified) by the sprinkling of temporary offerings, symbolic of what was to come (and we know that they were because of Heb 9:9), then how much more powerful is the substance that the symbols represented? Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, Heb 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Heb 9:23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. Literal or figurative??? Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another— Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, Heb 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Pastor Martin Saine teaches from Hebrews 9 (Part 1) Heb 8:10 FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS IN THEIR MIND AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Heb 8:11 NONE OF THEM SHALL TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, AND NONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. Heb 8:12 FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." Heb 8:13 In that He says, "A NEW COVENANT," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. Question: What was New, and what was obsolete and vanishing away, and what common thing is required in both? Let's start with what common principle is required of both? Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "AND WAS NOT FOUND, BECAUSE GOD HAD TAKEN HIM"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. See Ephesians 2: See Romans 3:1-3 Rom 3:1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Rom 3:2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Rom 3:4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "THAT YOU MAY BE JUSTIFIED IN YOUR WORDS, AND MAY OVERCOME WHEN YOU ARE JUDGED." What is common since the dawn of creation is this: Without faith it is impossible to please God! Faith to obey for good things; as well as Faith to obey to avoid bad things... Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; Gen 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" Gen 3:2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; Gen 3:3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' " Gen 3:4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. Gen 3:5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Gen 3:6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Gen 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. What is New? Col 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, Col 1:25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. Col 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Where did this principle come from? Heb 8:10 FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS IN THEIR MIND AND WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Heb 8:11 NONE OF THEM SHALL TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, AND NONE HIS BROTHER, SAYING, 'KNOW THE LORD,' FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST OF THEM. Heb 8:12 FOR I WILL BE MERCIFUL TO THEIR UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE." So don’t think of the New Covenant as a restoration to former things! The New Covenant does not restore us to Adam's condition, it is vastly superior to Adam's pre-sin condition! Adam was morally neutral.... Cookies... All who accept Christ and exist in the New Covenant are NOT neutral, for God has written His laws on our hearts, and filled us with the Holy Spirit. We are NEW creatures in Christ Jesus. 2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Gal 6:13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Gal 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. The New Covenant is not a restoration, it is so much more. 1Jn 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1Jn 3:3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. So what is obsolete and passing away? Heb 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. Heb 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; Heb 9:3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, Heb 9:4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; Heb 9:5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Heb 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; Heb 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. Heb 9:9 It was symbolic parabolē par-ab-ol-ay' From G3846; a similitude (“parable”), that is, (symbolically) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apoth gm or adage: - comparison, figure, parable, proverb. Hos 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Heb 9:9 It was symbolic (a parable, or similitude) for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— Heb 9:10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. The Law, (Old Covenant) was symbolic fleshly ordinances imposed (for the purpose of demonstrating what was to come in Christ), until the time of reformation. Until= mechri mechris mekh'-ree, mekh-ris' From G3372; as far as, that is, up to a certain point (as preposition of extent [denoting the terminus, whereas G891 refers especially to the space of time or place intervening] or conjugation): - till, (un-) to, until. The time= kairos kahee-ros' Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time: - X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare G5550. Of reformation= diorthōsis dee-or'-tho-sis From a compound of G1223 and a derivative of G3717, meaning to straighten thoroughly; rectification, that is, (specifically) the Messianic restoration: - reformation. The Old Covenant with its fleshly ministry was imposed by God as a symbol of what was to come until the fixed time when Christ would come, and the Old Covenant would terminate with Christ's restoration/reformation of all things under the New Covenant! When does this restoration occur? Final or ultimate completion: See Acts 3:18-26 Individual; Where are you? Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Eph 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. If we are seated with Christ, we ARE at peace with God! Just as there is no barrier between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, since we are seated with Him, there is therefore no barrier between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and us! The believers time of restoration is NOW! BECAUSE: Heb 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Heb 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Mat 26:27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mat 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

Hebrew 8 Part 2 Verses 6 – 13 [Hebrews 8:1-5 NKJV] 1 Now [this is] the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore [it is] necessary that this One also have something to offer. 4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See [that] you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." [Hebrews 8:6 NKJV] 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Now this is the cornerstone and the foundation that of our faith/Christianity is founded on. Jesus is the Mediator between man and God!!! THE ONLY MEDIATOR!!! [1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV] 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there is] one God and one Mediator between God and men, [the] Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, The world has a problem with these verses, as well as the verse below. Because these verses remove all other possibilities, all other means of reconciliation to God, they remove all other ways to heaven. [John 14:6 NKJV] 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Explain. In John 11 God gives us a preview of who the Mediator is. Lazarus’s sisters do not turn Mary, the disciples, or to the priests, they turn to the only Mediator between God and man Jesus the Christ, Son of God- God in fresh!!! [John 11:23-44 NKJV] 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." 28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you." 29 As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 37 And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been [dead] four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" 41 Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up [His] eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said [this], that they may believe that You sent Me." 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." [Hebrews 8:7 NKJV] 7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Paul shows in 2 Corinthians 3:6 that the covenant of the law was fading away from the beginning, which is going to lead to my next point about the new covenant not being new!!! [2 Corinthians 3:5-18 NKJV] 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as [being] from ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written [and] engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which [glory] was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation [had] glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away [was] glorious, what remains [is] much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, [who] put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the [veil] is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. [Romans 8:29 NKJV] 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. [Hebrews 8:8-9 NKJV] 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 9 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. I had a problem with the word “NEW.” I never struggled with this before, but I started preparing for this message. I was thinking about the new covenant, that it really was not new!!! Explain. We know the holds His word higher and greater than His name. Explain. [Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV] 12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we [must give] account. I check out the word New in Hebrew and in Greek in Strong's Concordance Jeremiah 31:31 the word new in Hebrew in [Chadash] 2319 new, fresh -new thing, directed me to the root word [Chadash] which means to be new, cause to rebuild- renew Then I look at the Greek. New 2537 Kainos new [especially in freshness] which lead to 3501 Neos means [regenerate] – new – youthful. [Genesis 12:3 NKJV] 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." [Genesis 15:6 NKJV] 6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. [Romans 4:1-3 NKJV] 1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has [something] to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." [Genesis 15:6 NKJV] 6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. [Romans 4:4-8 NKJV] 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed [are those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed [is the] man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." [Romans 4:13-18 NKJV] 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world [was] not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law [are] heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law [there is] no transgression. 16 Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." [Galatians 3:5-11 NKJV] 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, [does He do it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-- 6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 7 Therefore know that [only] those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, [saying], "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who [are] of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith." [Psalm 51:1-17 NKJV] 1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin [is] always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done [this] evil in Your sight--That You may be found just when You speak, [And] blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden [part] You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, [That] the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me [by Your] generous Spirit. 13 [Then] I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, [And] my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give [it]; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise. [Hebrews 8:10 NKJV] 10 "For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Zechariah 8:7-8 NKJV] 7 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east And from the land of the west; 8 I will bring them [back], And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people And I will be their God, In truth and righteousness. [Hebrews 8:11-13 NKJV] 11 "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none 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 their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 13 In that He says, "A new [covenant]," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. [Isaiah 54:13-17 NKJV] 13 All your children [shall be] taught by the LORD, And great [shall be] the peace of your children. 14 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, [but] not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. 16 "Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. 17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue [which] rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness [is] from Me," Says the LORD. [John 6:44-47 NKJV] 44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

Jerry Mongello teaches on Hebrew 8:6-13 Part 2 Prayer. Israel war 100 days there are still some 150 hostages. The war progressed to 7 fronts. Anti Semitism is growing around the world. Christian persecution growing around the world. India, Africa [Nigeria], China, Arab countries. [Hebrews 8:1-5 NKJV] 1 Now [this is] the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore [it is] necessary that this One also have something to offer. 4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See [that] you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." [Hebrews 8:6 NKJV] 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. Now this is the cornerstone and the foundation that of our faith/Christianity is founded on. Jesus is the Mediator between man and God!!! THE ONLY MEDIATOR!!! [1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV] 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there is] one God and one Mediator between God and men, [the] Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, The world has a problem with these verses, as well as the verse below. Because these verses remove all other possibilities, all other means of reconciliation to God, they remove all other ways to heaven. [John 14:6 NKJV] 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Explain. In John 11 God gives us a preview of who the Mediator is. Lazarus’s sisters do not turn Mary, the disciples, or to the priests, they turn to the only Mediator between God and man Jesus the Christ, Son of God- God in fresh!!! [John 11:23-44 NKJV] 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." 28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you." 29 As soon as she heard [that], she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 37 And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been [dead] four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" 41 Then they took away the stone [from the place] where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up [His] eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 "And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said [this], that they may believe that You sent Me." 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." [Hebrews 8:7 NKJV] 7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Paul shows in 2 Corinthians 3:6 that the covenant of the law was fading away from the beginning, which is going to lead to my next point about the new covenant not being new!!! [2 Corinthians 3:5-18 NKJV] 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as [being] from ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written [and] engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which [glory] was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation [had] glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away [was] glorious, what remains [is] much more glorious. 12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech-- 13 unlike Moses, [who] put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the [veil] is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. [Romans 8:29 NKJV] 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. [Hebrews 8:8-9 NKJV] 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 9 "not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. I had a problem with the word “NEW.” I never struggled with this before, but I started preparing for this message. I was thinking about the new covenant, that it really was not new!!! Explain. We know the holds His word higher and greater than His name. Explain. [Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV] 12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things [are] naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we [must give] account. I check out the word New in Hebrew and in Greek in Strong's Concordance Jeremiah 31:31 the word new in Hebrew in [Chadash] 2319 new, fresh -new thing, directed me to the root word [Chadash] which means to be new, cause to rebuild- renew Then I look at the Greek. New 2537 Kainos new [especially in freshness] which lead to 3501 Neos means [regenerate] – new – youthful. [Genesis 12:3 NKJV] 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." [Genesis 15:6 NKJV] 6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. [Romans 4:1-3 NKJV] 1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has [something] to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." [Genesis 15:6 NKJV] 6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. [Romans 4:4-8 NKJV] 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed [are those] whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed [is the] man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." [Romans 4:13-18 NKJV] 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world [was] not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law [are] heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law [there is] no transgression. 16 Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." [Galatians 3:5-11 NKJV] 5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, [does He do it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-- 6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 7 Therefore know that [only] those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, [saying], "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who [are] of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith." [Psalm 51:1-17 NKJV] 1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin [is] always before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done [this] evil in Your sight--That You may be found just when You speak, [And] blameless when You judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden [part] You will make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me hear joy and gladness, [That] the bones You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me [by Your] generous Spirit. 13 [Then] I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, [And] my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give [it]; You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise. [Hebrews 8:10 NKJV] 10 "For this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Zechariah 8:7-8 NKJV] 7 "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east And from the land of the west; 8 I will bring them [back], And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people And I will be their God, In truth and righteousness. [Hebrews 8:11-13 NKJV] 11 "None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none 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 their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 13 In that He says, "A new [covenant]," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. [Isaiah 54:13-17 NKJV] 13 All your children [shall be] taught by the LORD, And great [shall be] the peace of your children. 14 In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. 15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, [but] not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake. 16 "Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. 17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue [which] rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness [is] from Me," Says the LORD. [John 6:44-47 NKJV] 44 "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 "It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 "Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. 47 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.

Pastor Martin Saine teaches on Hebrews 8 Part 1 Heb 7:23-28 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Heb 8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Psalms 110:1- Integral to the Priesthood according to Melchizedek. by Jesus in Matthew, Mark, and Luke; Mat 22:41-46 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David."He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'LORD,' saying:'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL" '? If David then calls Him 'LORD,' how is He his Son?"And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:21-44 Also quoted by Peter in Acts 2:34-36, "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'THE LORD SAID TO MY LORD, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL." '"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." In Luke 22:67-70: "If You are the Christ, tell us." But He said to them, "If I tell you, you will by no means believe. And if I also ask you, you will by no means answer Me or let Me go. Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God." Then they all said, "Are You then the Son of God?" So He said to them, "You rightly say that I am." Ephesians 1:15-23 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty powerwhich He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church. The Father seating the Son at His right hand is an integral component in Christ's Royal Priesthood after the order of Melchizedek. Eph 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Heb 8:1-2 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected (pegnumi- to peg, fix, or erect. Used only once...), and not man. The Tabernacle (Temple) in Heaven: Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple.Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!"And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts." Psa 11:4 The LORD is in His holy temple, The LORD's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. SEE: Revelation 11:15-19, Revelation 15:4-8 Heb 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. There were many types of sacrifices and offerings: Burnt Offerings Fellowship Offerings Sin offerings Guilt offerings Grain offerings Oil and Wine offerings Praise Offerings The Priest was to offer not only sacrifices but gifts as well! Tithes, Offerings, Gifts... Heb 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer. What did Jesus have to offer? Heb 9:13-14 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 8:4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; Heb 7:26-28 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Heb 8:4-5 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; Jesus is not of the tribe of Levi, and therefore not qualified under the Levitical Priesthood to be an earthly high priest. However, He is of a much greater Priesthood, that of the Order of Melchizedek who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "SEE THAT YOU MAKE ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN." The Levitical Priesthood serves the copy Col 2:16-17 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Which was "Divinely given by God" to Moses, quoting Exodus 25:40 Every detail of the Tabernacle (copy, shadow) pointed to Christ. "Not physical buildings"... Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father in Acts 7:55-56. But the substance itself is Christ. Col 2:9-17 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Jesus serves the Eternal reality, not the temporary shadow! His sacrifice was "Once and for all", but His ministry is eternal. Heb 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator (go-between, reconciler. SEE 1Tim 2:3-6) of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. John 1:1217 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.' " And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Plan a Visit Follow us on

Pastor Martin Saine continues in Chapter 7, which focuses on the superiority of Jesus as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 7:17-19 emphasizes the weakness and unprofitableness of the former commandment, saying that the law made nothing perfect and it delves into the concept of completeness through the law, contrasting it with the introduction of a better hope through Jesus, allowing believers to draw near to God. Heb 7:17 For He testifies: "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." Heb 7:18 For on the one hand there is an annulling (cancellation) of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, Weakness = G772 ἀσθενής, asthenēs, as-then-ace' From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless (in various applications, literally, or figuratively and morally): - more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak (-er, -ness, thing). Unprofitableness = G512 ἀνωφέλες, anōpheles, an-o-fel'-ace From G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G5624; useless or (neuter) inutility: - unprofitable(-ness). Heb 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect; "made nothing perfect" = G5048 -τελειόω, teleioō, tel-i-o'-o From G5046; to complete, that is, (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character): - consecrate, finish, fulfill, (make) perfect. G3762 οὐδείς, oudeis, oo-dice'; Including the feminine οὐδεμία oudemia oo-dem-ee'-ah and the neuter οὐδέν ouden oo-den' From G3761 and G1520; not even one (man, woman or thing), that is, none, nobody, nothing: - any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought. In all of history, how many people were made complete by the Law? On the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near (James 4:8) to God. "the bringing in" = G1898 ἐπεισαγωγή, epeisagōgē,ep-ice-ag-o-gay' From a compound of G1909 (epi- superimposition) and G1521; (eisago- to introduce) a super introduction: - bringing in. To superimpose means to lay one item over another in a manner that both items are clearly seen. "The soul that sins shall die" but if that soul shall confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in his heart that God raised Him from the dead, he shall be saved. Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Mat 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Bringing in- "Super Introduction", is only used one time in Scripture! Heb 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect; (Requirement, Penalty for missing the mark, Temporary covering until something permanent came) on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near (James 4:8) to God. Jesus, our great high priest, vastly superior to the Aaronic priesthood: Heb 7:20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath Heb 7:21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT RELENT, 'YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK' "), SEE Psalms 110: Heb 7:22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. surety = egguos, eng'-goo-os From G1722 and γυῖον guion (a limb); pledged (as if articulated by a member), that is, a bondsman: - surety. Only used here... Jesus is the guarantor, the assurance, the power, the source, and the mediator of a better covenant. SEE Jeremiah 31 Heb 7:23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. And he died...Heb 7:24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Heb 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us (appropriate- SEE Heb 2:16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham), who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Heb 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Was JESUS made perfect by the Law? Was He not complete before His incarnation? In what manner was He perfected? Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Heb 8:2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man. Communion Mat 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." Mat 26:27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. Mat 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Mat 26:29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Mat 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Christmas is a time to know God. One aspect of knowing God is understanding His character. Character has been defined as who you are when no one is looking. Who you are and how you act when there's no chance of being seen is who you really are regardless of what you tell yourself or anybody else. Our character determines our actions in the various facets of our life and relationships. For example, I have four distinct and different facets to my personality and interactions with others: 1) Church Martin: This is the guy you see on Sundays, Friday nights, and at other church functions. 2) Family Martin: This is the guy who's husband to my wife, father to my children, grandfather to my grandchildren, etc. 3) Work Martin: This is who I am when dealing with other personalities and entities in the business world as well as directing construction workers; which often closely resembles herding cats! 4) Private Martin: This is the guy nobody truly knows but God. Regardless of what I say no one can know for sure what I am thinking, feeling, or planning inside my head. This doesn’t mean that I’m different people! I’m the same man in all these interactions with others. As a Christian, the goal is to be Christ-like, and let Christ shine through in all that I do. The various facets of my character show up in these interactions with others as situations dictate, but they are all driven by my character. The only way to know my character (if my heart lines up with my words), is by observing my actions, particularly when I don't know you're watching! God also has character. He has underlying traits that govern what He does and how He interacts with us because that is who He is! The four Advent Candles celebrate Joy, Hope, Peace, and Love, which are all aspects of God’s character. To the unbeliever, God is mysterious and unknowable. The World does not know Him, although they know about Him. Romans 1:18-21 says: Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Rom 1:19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, Rom 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. An innate knowledge is given to all men that there is a God, that He is powerful and creative, and His creation is accountable to Him. However, due to "suppressing the truth in unrighteousness" God is not revealed to those who reject Him. See Matthew 13:10-13 Mat 13:10 And the disciples came and said to Him, "Why do You speak to them in parables?" Mat 13:11 He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Mat 13:12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Jump down to vs 34-35 Mat 13:34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, Mat 13:35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS KEPT SECRET FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." While Jesus speaking in parables seems to be designed to confuse, it was actually to filter and instruct. To unbelievers, mysteries; but to believers instruction and revelation. Also notice that Jesus said Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. Knowing about someone and actually knowing them are two entirely different things. It's part of God's character that He doesn't reveal the intimate details of His kingdom to those who have not accepted His King. While God is mysterious to the world who has not accepted Jesus, He is NOT hidden from those who seek Him and His Son. In fact, it is specifically GIVEN to us to understand His mysteries through Christ! God has chosen to reveal Himself to His believers in four particular ways: Son of David, (Lion of Judah, King of the Jews) as depicted in Matthew and symbolized in scripture as a Lion. Suffering Servant, as depicted in the Gospel of Mark and symbolized in scripture as an ox. Son of God, as depicted in the Gospel of John and symbolized in scripture as an eagle. Son of Man, as depicted in the Gospel of Luke, and symbolized in scripture as a man. See Revelation 4:6-11 Rev 4:6 Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. Rev 4:7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. Rev 4:8 The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!" Rev 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: Rev 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." These four living creatures are part of the Angelic host created before man. What does this have to do with the character of God? Before the creation of the heavens and the earth, and before the creation of man, and before the creation of the heavenly host, when no one was looking, God decided to create four specific angels with four specific personas, which depict four facets of Christ’s character. AND IT IS GIVEN TO YOU TO UNDERSTAND THESE MYSTERIES! See Isaiah 9:6 Isa 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa 9:7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Notice there are two aspects to Isaiah 9:6 a Child is born; - Mortal frame, fully man, i/e., Son of Man a Son is given; - The Son is pre-existent, from everlasting, i/e., Son of God The fulfillment of this prophecy, God and Man manifested in one person, is the reason we can celebrate Christmas! Luk 1:26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, Luk 1:27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. Luk 1:28 And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" Luk 1:29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Luk 1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Luke 1:31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. Luk 1:32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. Luke 1:33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1:34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I do not know a man?" Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible." Luke 1:38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Mat 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Mat 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. Mat 1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Mat 1:21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." Mat 1:22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: Mat 1:23 "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD, AND BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which is translated, "God with us." Mat 1:24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, Mat 1:25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. The most intimate detail of God's plan for mankind and the lengths He would go for us burst into the world suddenly on one dark night; Luk 2:1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. Luk 2:2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. Luk 2:3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Luk 2:4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, Luk 2:5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. Luk 2:6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. When you think of the baby in the manger, realize that it was all according to an infinitely detailed and skillfully orchestrated plan by God Almighty for the benefit of a lost world. It was no accident that Elizabeth was too old to give birth to John the Baptist but miraculously conceived. It was no accident that Caesar Augustus called a census. It was no accident that Joseph was from the City of David. It was no accident that there was no room in the inn. It was no accident that the angels first appeared to the lowly shepherds. Likewise, it's no accident that we're here today. Our lives, our circumstances, our health, our relationships, our failings, and our successes are no surprise to God. He knows! He's always known! The Son of God given to us, the Child born to us, The Suffering Servant who died for us, and The Lion of Judah who will return for us, has always known what we need! God, who planned every second and every detail leading to His birth in the world, is the same God who watches over us every second of every day with the love of a Father watching over His children who will withhold no good thing from them. Advent Candle Lighting: Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, Gal 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Gal 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. It was at this point that the plan God set in motion before the world was created was made brilliantly manifest! The Eternal Son was born as a child, into a world at war with Him, at a time when the powers of darkness did not want Him, to a people who would not accept Him, in order to die for those that hated Him. Yet still he came, because God IS love! Birth Night Story…. Welcome visitors to Jerusalem! I welcome you who join me on this roof to honor The God of Israel along with me in our nightly tradition. As we gather for the census, let me remind you of our story. Since the days of Malachi the Prophet, the Word of the Lord has not come to us. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has been silent from on High. Empires have trodden us down, rulers have oppressed us, battling kingdoms have trampled the Glorious Land down in their conquest, and righteousness is in short supply. Kings have blasphemed the Name of The Lord, and they seem to prosper! How can this be? Even now we gather here in our cities at the command of a Gentile ruler to be counted and taxed according to our Inheritance in the Lord. How can righteousness come from such things? I wonder....... Some have given up hope, some ridicule the prospect of God keeping His promise, yet some, few though they may be, still wait in faith. Those of us who wait for the coming of Messiah are despairing of hope when we look with our eyes, waiting, waiting, ever waiting; yet faith in our God is all we have to hold on to, and so we wait in faith, looking with our spirit and not our eyes, for He WILL come. The Lord has spoken in times past that He would come deliver us, yet still we perish! The Lord God told the Prophet Isaiah "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." We haven't seen this yet. Such a strange and wondrous sign indeed! "A virgin shall conceive and bear a Son"? What manner of sign will this be? Our greatest and most revered Prophet, Moses, told us "The LORD your God will raise for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,". Clearly, our deliverer will come from among the descendants of our father Abraham. But when Lord?? We languish among the wicked, we languish in our own sin, and we cry Come quickly Lord! The righteous man, Simeon, has proclaimed that the Lord has promised Messiah will come in his lifetime and he will see Him with his own eyes! So there's that to consider if you can believe in such things since Simeon grows old... The Lord God also told our Prophet Micah "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from old, From everlasting." This promise gave rise to my families’ tradition of sitting here on this rooftop every evening, looking towards Bethlehem in the distance, to see if tonight, this very night, Messiah would appear and deliver us. But alas, the night is far spent, the revelers have gone, and quiet is setting over Jerusalem like a cloud. I suppose this is not the day of our salvation. Perhaps tomorrow.... BUT WAIT! WHAT IS THIS I SEE? What is this light on the horizon? BEHOLD! Bethlehem, even Bethlehem, seems to be glowing with a light such as has never been seen before! Could it be? Dare we even hope? I think I'll wait out the night here to see what these things be! Luke 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Luk 2:9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Luk 2:10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. Luke 2:11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luk 2:12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." Luk 2:16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luk 2:17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Luk 2:18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luk 2:20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. SILENT NIGHT – Candle lighting Romans 8:28 says: Rom 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Rom 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? So remember the baby has come, remember the Son was given, remember the sacrifice was made, and remember the King is coming! Merry CHRISTMAS!

Hebrews 7 Part 2 Prayer, Last week we started chapter 7, I stated the three points I wanted to discuss; Tithing to Melchizedek!!! Describing Melchizedek as a picture of Jesus the Christ, King and Priest forever!!! The need for a New Priesthood We discussed that Abraham gave a tithe to the priest of the Most High God Melchizedek. Which was before the Levitical law required tithing. I made the point that there were probably some unwritten laws or requirements to tithe to kings and/or gods [little g] before the Levitical law of tithing. I brought the great work done by the faithful giver from VCC. New testament giving is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7 [So let] each one [give] as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Give where you are being fed and growing spiritually. Next we look at the Holy Spirit giving us a description of Melchizedek as a picture of Jesus after all the heavy weighty doctrine in chapter six!!! As if the God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is saying after writing that chapter, look I has given you all the signs of Christ’s first and second coming beforehand [in fact there are 1,800 prophecies of His second coming, which over 300 of them are in the new testament] , and all of Christ’s works written beforehand all located in these 66 books written by 40 men of God, for you to strengthen your faith and to contend for the faith. Today we will look at why there is a need for a New Priesthood. [Hebrews 7:11 NKJV] 11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need [was there] that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? First let’s look at the law, in the Book of Genesis God gave Adam 1 law. [Genesis 2:16-17 NKJV] 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." We all know what happens next, Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the forbidden tree and sin enters the world. Humans go from sinless nature to having a sinful nature. Sin causing man to first die spiritually and then physically!!! God gave the Hebrews through Moses the Ten Commandments, which they couldn’t and didn’t keep. These can be summed up in Matthew 22:37-40. [Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV] 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 "This is [the] first and great commandment. 39 "And [the] second [is] like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Then God gave the Hebrews the 613 Levitical laws through Moses, the religious leaders made impossible to keep. They turned the commandments of God into traditions of man. [Matthew 15:4-9 NKJV] 4 "For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me [is] a gift [to God]"-- 6 'then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching [as] doctrines the commandments of men.' " All this to say that God knew Adam and Eve would eat of the forbidden fruit, God the Hebrews wouldn’t keep the ten commandments and that the Hebrews would turn the 613 laws of Moses into the traditions of men!!! So what purpose does the law serve!!! [Galatians 3:19-25 NKJV] 19 What purpose then [does] the law [serve]? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator does not [mediate] for one [only], but God is one. 21 [Is] the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor [to bring us] to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. [Romans 7:7 NKJV] 7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." So the law is a tutor to show us that we can’t redeem ourselves!!! Because none of us can keep the law. [Galatian 3:10-12 NKJV] 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God [is] evident, for "the just shall live by faith." 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." [1 John 2:1-2 NKJV] 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. I know we have mentioned this before, Christ pays for the sins of the world, what is the judgment to come. [John 3:16-19 NKJV] 16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. The following verses give us the reason for the change of the priesthood. [Hebrews 7:12 NKJV] 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. Here is the change in the law or covenant. [Jeremiah 31:31-33 NKJV] 31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah-- 32 "not according to the covenant 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, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the LORD. 33 "But this [is] the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [Matthew 26:28 NKJV] 28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [Hebrews 7:13-14] 13 For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. 14 For [it is] evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. In fact only those who were sons of Aaron could perform the duties of the priest. [2 Chronicles 26:18-19 NKJV] 18 And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, "[It is] not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the LORD, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You [shall have] no honor from the LORD God." 19 Then Uzziah became furious; and he [had] a censer in his hand to burn incense. And while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead, before the priests in the house of the LORD, beside the incense altar. [Hebrews 7:15-17 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest 16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies: "You [are] a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." [Micah 5:2 NKJV] 2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, [Though] you are little among the thousands of Judah, [Yet] out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth [are] from of old, From everlasting." There was a need for a New Priesthood to change from the mortal to the immortal. The priesthood of Jesus is eternal vs the Levitical priesthood which ends at the death of a high priest. [Hebrews 7:18-19 NKJV] 18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect [teleioō means to complete]; on the other hand, [there is the] bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. [Galatians 3:13-18 NKJV] 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed [is] everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though [it is] only a man's covenant, yet [if it is] confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ. 17 And this I say, [that] the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance [is] of the law, [it is] no longer of promise; but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. The New Priesthood of Jesus in the order of Melchizedek is IRREVOCABLE-UNCHANGEABLE-IMMUTABLE-IRREVERSIBLE-PERMANENT!!! [Hebrews 7:20-24 NKJV] 20 And inasmuch as [He was] not [made priest] without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You [are] a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek' "), 22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. 23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. [Hebrews 7:25 NKJV] 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. [1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV] 3 For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For [there is] one God and one Mediator between God and men, [the] Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, [Romans 8:33-39 NKJV] 33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? [It is] God who justifies. 34 Who [is] he who condemns? [It is] Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [Shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Hebrews 7:26-28 NKJV] 26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, [appoints] the Son who has been perfected forever. [2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NKJV] 17 Therefore, if anyone [is] in Christ, [he is] a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things [are] of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore [you] on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin [to be] sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jerry Mongellos opens up Hebrews 7 Hebrews Chapter 7, Part 1 Prayer. Hebrews Chapter 7 covers three major points; Tithing to Melchizedek!!! Describing Melchizedek as a picture of Jesus the Christ, King and Priest forever!!! The need for a New Priesthood [Hebrews 7:1-10 NKJV] 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man [was], to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. 5 And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; 6 but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he [receives them], of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 1. Tithing to Melchizedek!!! Tithing to Melchizedek, brings up the issue of tithing. It is also the first time tithing is mentioned in the word. Giving a tithe equals giving a tenth of your income or first fruits. As we have said before VCC does not do yearly messages on tithing, but we don’t ignore it when it is part of the text. Due to our commitment to preach the whole counsel of God’s word!!! Let me first point out that this portion of the message is not intended to guilt, shame, force, con or convince any member of the congregation to tithe and/or to give Whether you tithe/give or is between you and the Holy Spirit!!! For the record VCC has faithful giver!!! Tithe Pre-Law Genesis 14:18 [Genesis 14:18-20 NKJV] 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he [was] the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all. According to the Law Numbers 18:21, explain [Nummers 18:21-32 NKJV] 21 "Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 22 "Hereafter the children of Israel shall not come near the tabernacle of meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 23 "But the Levites shall perform the work of the tabernacle of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity; [it shall be] a statute forever, throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 24 "For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up [as] a heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, 'Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.' " 25 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 26 "Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: 'When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the LORD, a tenth of the tithe. 27 'And your heave offering shall be reckoned to you as though [it were] the grain of the threshing floor and as the fullness of the winepress. 28 'Thus you shall also offer a heave offering to the LORD from all your tithes which you receive from the children of Israel, and you shall give the LORD's heave offering from it to Aaron the priest. 29 'Of all your gifts you shall offer up every heave offering due to the LORD, from all the best of them, the consecrated part of them.' 30 "Therefore you shall say to them: 'When you have lifted up the best of it, then [the rest] shall be accounted to the Levites as the produce of the threshing floor and as the produce of the winepress. 31 'You may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it [is] your reward for your work in the tabernacle of meeting. 32 'And you shall bear no sin because of it, when you have lifted up the best of it. But you shall not profane the holy gifts of the children of Israel, lest you die.' " After the first Avant. The first Avant before the cross and resurrection Israel was under the Law [the priesthood system], required to give a tenth of all their first fruits. [Matt 23:23 NKJV] 23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier [matters] of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. After the Cross. Acts 4:32 [2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV] 6 But this [I say]: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 [So let] each one [give] as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may have an abundance for every good work. [Luke 6:38 NKJV] 38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." 2. Describing Melchizedek as a picture of Jesus the Christ King and Priest forever!!! I believe the Holy Spirit gives us a description of Melchizedek as a picture of Jesus after all the heavy weighty doctrine in chapter six!!! [Hebrews 6:4-8 NKJV] 4 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put [Him] to an open shame. 7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8 but if it bears thorns and briers, [it is] rejected and near to being cursed, whose end [is] to be burned. It is as if the God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is saying after writing that chapter, look I has given you all the signs of Christ’s first and second coming beforehand [in fact there are 1,800 prophecies of His second coming, which over 300 of them are in the new testament] , and all of Christ’s works written beforehand all located in these 66 books written by 40 men of God, for you to strengthen your faith and to contend for the faith. The book of Hebrews is just as relevant today as when it was first written!!! What was going on in the Church back then is happening to the Church today- It is called DECONSTRUCTIONISM!!! Professing believers renouncing their faith in Jesus. We find that there are pastor, worship leaders, young men and women raised in the Church, go off to school then they deconstruct. Explain [2 Peter 1:16-21 NKJV] 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke [as they were] moved by the Holy Spirit. [Hebrews 7:1-3 NKJV] 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," 3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. [Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV] 6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of [His] government and peace [There will be] no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. [Jeremiah 23:5-6 NKJV] 5 "Behold, [the] days are coming," says the LORD, "That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. 6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this [is] His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. [Genesis 3:15 NKJV] 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel." [Matthew 1:23 NKJV] 23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." [Jeremiah 31:31 NKJV] 31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— [Matthew 26:28 NKJV] 28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [1 Corinthians 11:25 NKJV] 25 In the same manner [He] also [took] the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink [it], in remembrance of Me." [Hosea 11:1 NKJV] 1 "When Israel [was] a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. [Matthew 2:15 NKJV] 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." [Psalm 2:7 NKJV] 7 "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, 'You [are] My Son, Today I have begotten You. [Matthew 3:17 NKJV] 17 And suddenly a voice [came] from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." [Matthew 17:5 NKJV] 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" [Zechariah 11:12 NKJV] 12 Then I said to them, "If it is agreeable to you, give [me] my wages; and if not, refrain." So they weighed out for my wages thirty [pieces] of silver. [Matthew 26:15 NKJV] 15 and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. [Zechariah 11:13 NKJV] 13 And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter"--that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty [pieces] of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter. [Matthew 27:3-8 NKJV] 3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What [is that] to us? You see [to it]!" 5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood." 7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. [Numbers 21:7-9 NKJV] 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery [serpent], and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live." 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. [John 3:14 NKJV] 14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, [Exodus 12:46 NKJV] 46 "In one house it shall be eaten; you shall not carry any of the flesh outside the house, nor shall you break one of its bones. [Psalm 34:20 NKJV] 20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. [John 19:36 NKJV] 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not [one] of His bones shall be broken."

Hebrews 6 Part 3 - Pastor Martin Saine Read vs 1-12 High Priest: "Mediator" - between man and God, and God and man... 1Ti 2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 1Ti 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 1Ti 2:4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1Ti 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 1Ti 2:6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, Heb 6:7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; Heb 6:8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' Mat 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Mat 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? Mat 5:47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Mat 5:48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Act_24:15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 1Pe_3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, Rom_5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Salvation with repentance examples: Judah with Tamar- Genesis 38... David with Bathsheba - 2Samuel 12... Peter with denials of Christ - Mark 14 & John 18... Appearance of salvation without repentance Baalam... King Saul - 1Samuel 15 - King Agag of the Amalekites.. 1 Samuel 28- witch of EnDor... Judas - hanged himself... Heb 6:9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. (Things that accompany, not things that EARN!) Heb 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. See Matthew 25:30-46... See Mark 9:35-42 Mat 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Mat 7:16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Mat 7:17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Mat 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Mat 7:22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' Mat 7:23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' Heb 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence (same as who? See below...) to the full assurance of hope until the end, Heb 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The warnings in Hebrews 6 are not that your salvation is fragile and fickle, but rather a doctrinal statement to make your calling and election sure, and make sure your works are done FOR Christ and nothing else. Make sure your works accompany salvation, not replace salvation! Read vs 13-20 Heb 6:13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, Heb 6:14 saying, "SURELY BLESSING I WILL BLESS YOU, AND MULTIPLYING I WILL MULTIPLY YOU." (Genesis 22:17) Heb 6:15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Heb 6:16 For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Heb 6:17 Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, Heb 6:18 that by two immutable things (God's promise, God's oath), in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. Heb 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, Heb 6:20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Confidence in the Readers: The writer expresses confidence in the readers, assuring them of better things that accompany salvation. This reflects the writer's acknowledgment of the readers' good works, labor of love, and ministry to the saints. God's Justice and Remembrance: The passage emphasizes God's justice, stating that God is not unjust to forget the readers' work and labor of love. It highlights the importance of serving God's name and ministering to the saints. This reflects the biblical principle of God recognizing and rewarding faithful service. Exhortation to Diligence: The writer encourages the readers to show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end. The exhortation is to avoid becoming sluggish and to imitate those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. This underscores the ongoing commitment and endurance required in the Christian journey. God's Promise to Abraham: The passage references God's promise to Abraham, emphasizing that God swore by Himself since there was no one greater. This oath confirms the immutability of God's counsel and provides strong consolation for believers. It assures them of the hope set before them, reinforcing the certainty of God's promises. Hope as an Anchor: The hope believers have is described as an anchor of the soul – sure and steadfast. This hope enters the Presence behind the veil, symbolizing the access believers have to God through Jesus, the forerunner who became the High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. In summary, the passage emphasizes the writer's confidence in the readers, highlights God's justice in recognizing their service, encourages diligence and endurance, and points to the immutability of God's promises, with hope serving as a secure anchor for the soul. The reference to Jesus as the High Priest forever reinforces the believers' access to God's presence.