Podcast Introduction

Today is history Tuesday, and we’ll read 2 Chronicles 11-15. I have an on this date in church history segment that I think you’ll find interesting, and related to that, I have a song for you at the end of the show today. I’m calling today’s episode  “Correction."

Design: Steve Webb

Comments on 2 Chronicles 11

King Rehoboam was a mixed bag. There were times where he followed the Lord, and times where he turned his back on God. And in chapter 11, verses 16 and 17, we read some very important words.

16Those from every tribe of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord, the God of Israel, followed the Levites to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 17They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam son of Solomon three years, following the ways of David and Solomon during this time.

Chapter 12 tells us that Rehoboam reigned for 17 years, but those three years were his best, because he and the people sought the Lord and followed the examples of David and Solomon.

Beloved, when things are not going well with us, it's a really good idea to take a spiritual inventory. How is our relationship with God? Are we seeking the Lord? Is there unconfessed sin in our life? Are we spending time with Him in prayer and in the Word? Of course, being right with God is no guarantee that life will be a bed of roses, because we live in a fallen world. But sometimes our loving Heavenly Father uses difficulties and hardships to get our attention if we are straying off the path. 

Yes, we are secure in God's grace because of the shed blood of Christ. He paid the price for all of our sins, if we have been born again. I'm not saying that we are in danger of losing our salvation if we have a time of rebellion. But God loves us too much to not correct us if we need it. 

If you want to have God’s blessing, the place you want to be is in harmony with God, seeking to know Him better each and every day. 

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 11 NIV; Ch. 12-13 CEB; Ch. 14-15 NLT

Music

https://youtu.be/D8EsDJMdH54

Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns graciously gave his permission to play this song on the show. Support him at Reawaken Hymns.

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The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday, so we will read from one of the books of the Law. We’ll read Numbers  29-32. I’m calling today’s episode  “Balaam Gets His Due.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Mark Kuiper on Unsplash

Comments on Numbers 29 and 31

Thoughts on Numbers 29

Chapters 28 and 29 tell us about the offerings that the Lord told Moses the children of Israel were to make during the year. 

There were:

1) Daily offerings (Numbers 28)

2) Sabbath offerings (Numbers 28)

3) Monthly offerings (Numbers 28)

4) Passover offerings (Numbers 28)

5) Feast of Weeks offerings (Numbers 28)

6) Feast of Trumpets offerings (Numbers 29)

7) Day of Atonement offerings  (Numbers 29)

8) Feast of Tabernacles offerings (Numbers 29)

In order for Israel to fulfill these offerings each year, the priests sacrificed 113 bulls, 32 rams, over 2,000 pounds of flour, about 1,000 bottles of oil and wine, and 1,086 lambs without blemish. These totals do not include sacrifices made by individuals or families. 

Since these sacrifices were to be made every year, we know that they were inadequate to forgive sin. This was a perpetual demonstration of the need for the One who would bring forgiveness.

Notice the number of lambs without blemish. These pointed to the coming Messiah. In John 1:29 He is called "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Only Jesus could accomplish this. His one sacrifice was sufficient to bring forgiveness to anyone who put their faith in Him. Jesus said, "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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17 NKJV

Thoughts on Numbers 31

In Numbers 22 Balak, the king of Moab, sent a contingent made up of elders Moab and the elders of Midian  to Balaam to bring him to meet with Balak so that he could ask Balaam to put a curse on the children of Israel so that he could defeat them. Balak offered Balaam a large reward if he would curse them. Of course, God would not allow it. So Balak told Balaam that he would not get the reward. 

But what God would not allow the Moabites and Midianites to do to the children of Israel, they did to themselves.   

In Numbers 25 we read the Israelite people were seduced into sexual sin with the women of Moab, and they worshipped false gods with them. And God became angry with the people of Israel and brought judgement against them in the form of a plague. It was only when Phinehas, out of righteous anger killed one of the Israelite men and the Midianite woman he was with that God stopped the plague. 

Here in chapter 31, verse 1 the Lord spoke to Moses and said, “Pay back the Midianites for what they did to the Israelites..."

So God first brought judgement on Israel for their guilt, but after that He brought judgement on the Midianites for their guilt. 

Remember Balaam? In Revelation 2:14 Jesus said to the church in Pergamum, "“There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.” So it was Balaam who was responsible for the idea that nearly brought ruin to Israel. Balaam presumably finally did get his reward from Balak, but here in chapter 31, verse 8 we read that he was killed along with every Midianite man.

Moses became angry after the battle because they brought back the women and children with the other spoils of war. Why? What harm could come from women and children? Some of these women were part of the immorality that the Israelites became involved in. Allowing these women to live among them was to invite further disaster. So Moses said that all the women who had been with a man must be killed, but those who had not been with a man (and thus who did not participate in immorality w...

Podcast Introduction

Today is epistles Sunday. We’ll read Hebrews 5-7. I’m calling today’s episode “A Clean Slate."

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Esperanza Doronila on Unsplash

Comments on Hebrews 7 and 8

Melchizedek is a bit of a mystery man. As it said in chapter 7, we don’t know anything about his genealogy. Verse three tells us “There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life.” Well that’s kind of strange, especially for those times when genealogies were kept in great detail, because it was important to know what tribe of Israel a person was from. 

We are told that his name means “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Now we’re beginning to see that Melchizedek prefigured, or foreshadowed Jesus, because these are titles that He holds.

We are told that the priesthood of Melchizedek was perpetual, it never ended.

Also, the author goes into great detail as to why he (Melchizedek) was greater than Abraham, and therefore greater than Levi. This is important when we remember who the primary audience of this book is…the Hebrew people, or Jews. To them, the Law was paramount. Establishing that the priesthood of Melchizedek was superior to the Levitical priesthood was key, since the object of this book is to help the Jews to understand that the priesthood of Jesus supersedes the old Law, or old covenant. 

Why is this important? Because the old Law was not able to bring man into perfection, or righteousness before God. The old Law could only put a band-aid on the wounds caused by sin. Only the new covenant, with Jesus as our Great High Priest can do that.

By the way, it might be helpful to give a brief definition of the word “priest”. A priest is a person who intercedes for man to God. Being sinful, we are unable to approach a perfect and holy God. We must have, as it were, a representative who takes our case to God. Jesus, having been a man and having lived a sinless life, is qualified to do just that. And if we are His, when we are in relationship with Jesus, we approach God the Father through Jesus. He is our mediator. He is our representative. He is our Priest. Without Him, we have no standing before God.

Now, I quickly want to mention what God said near the end of chapter eight. He said,”The day is coming when I will make a new covenant…”  And then at the end of his statement He said, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

What a marvelous promise! “I will never again remember their sins.” When we are in a relationship with Jesus, when He is our Great High Priest, God forgives our sins, and they are never again remembered! Once we ask for forgiveness, God forgets that we ever sinned! If we go back to him again because *we* remember them and ask for forgiveness again for the same sin, God says, “What are you talking about?” 

The enemy likes to bring up our past to us all the time. “Remember that time you did this?” “What about the time you did that?” “You can’t serve God. You stole. You committed adultery. You lied. You cheated.” And on and on and on. If you’ve confessed your sins to God and asked forgiveness, all of that stuff is gone. Done away with. Jesus paid the price for those sins on the cross. And God has forgotten them. You have a clean slate.

If you think you can’t come to God because you’re not good enough, you’re right. But you can come to God through Jesus, and when you do that, God sees you as perfect and righteous and holy. You *can* come to God just as you are, because when you  are in Jesus, God sees you as righteous.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 5-6 NET; Ch. 7 NLT

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Distinguished Producer

Lifespring Family Berean Brother Paul of Seattle

Associate Producer

Timothy LaFontaine

Podcast Introduction

Today is Gospel Saturday, and our reading will be Acts 3-4. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. Plus we have two prayer requests.  I’m calling today’s episode  “The Right Words“  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Ben White on Unsplash

Comments on Acts 3 and 4

In chapter 4, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?”, what does scripture say happened?

It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit! Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when He was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right, but he often said exactly the wrong things, didn’t he? And now that he is filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him. 

Earlier in this chapter, we are told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about five thousand. The day before it was three thousand. So the Holy Spirit’s filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn’t you say?

What happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now, the words he speaks have brought about five thousand men to believe in Jesus. And we don’t know how many more women there were.

So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. Here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to the religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."

How is that for boldness? 

Now get this: “13Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit’s speaking through them! They spoke in the same way as Jesus did! Well of course they did! God is One. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are One.

The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say…words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people.

And my friend, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed Him that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, “Do not speak of Jesus!”

You know it’s true, and it is only getting worse. If you are a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what He will do through you.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 3 HCSB, Ch. 4 NASB

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The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean,

Podcast Introduction

Today is prophecy Friday, and we’ll read about the guy who was swallowed by a fish! We will read the book of Jonah And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I have a comment or two to share with you, and a really serious prayer request. I’m calling today’s episode “No, Not Them!“  

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Cristian Palmer on Unsplash

Comments on Jonah

As you know, this book called Jonah is grouped in with what are commonly called the books of the Minor Prophets. Did you notice any of what we commonly think of as prophecy in today’s reading? Not much. Just one sentence, and it wasn’t until chapter three, verse four: “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown."

But let's remember that a prophet is not only one who tells what will happen. A prophet is one who carries a message from God. And this, Jonah did. Jonah was a prophet, as much as any of the other biblical prophets. 

Now, as for whether or not a man could actually be swallowed whole by a fish. First, in the original language, the word translated as "fish" is "dg" (pronounced dag). That actually is the Hebrew word for fish. So in my mind, that settles it. Jonah was swallowed by a great big fish. Is it  not entirely conceivable that God would be able to create a fish large enough to swallow a man? Of course it is. Some people say that it must have been a whale. I don't know why it's easier to believe that whale swallowed him than a fist, but ok. According to gotquestions.org: "There are at least two species of Mediterranean marine life that are able to swallow a man whole. These are the cachalot (also known as the sperm whale) and the white shark. Both creatures are known to prowl the Mediterranean and have been known to sailors since antiquity." The entire article there at gotquestions.org is worth a read.

We first heard of the man Jonah in 2 Kings 14:25, where we were told that he was from Gath-hepher in Galilee. He brought a message of mercy to Israel during the reign of king Jeroboam II (who practiced the worship of the golden calf). 

In this book that bears his name, we read how God told Jonah to go to Ninevah and rebuke them and call them to repent. But Jonah’s response was “No, Not them!” The Ninevites were considered the worst of the worst. He didn’t want them to receive God’s mercy. And so he ran away, in the opposite direction from Ninevah. But through his experience with the fish, Jonah learned that following God is the better choice. So when God called him a second time to go, he went. But then Jonah became angry when Nineveh did repent, and at God’s mercy in forgiving Nineveh.

From the introductory notes at bible.com: “Jonah’s role in the book is to represent the attitude of many in Israel toward other nations. Instead of accepting their own calling to help these nations come to know the true God, they considered them enemies and expected God to destroy them. The book teaches that God’s love extends beyond Israel to other nations, indeed, to the whole creation. God’s final question to Jonah is intended for all the book’s readers.”

What was the final question? “Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?”

I'm so glad that God has offered redemption to all nations, because that offer was extended to me, and to you.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-4 NASB

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The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.

The Second Lifespring! Family Berean

Supporters who make donations totaling $1000 (or the equivalent value of satoshi) or more will receive the honored title of Berean.

We read of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15. The key verse for our purposes here is verse 11b, which says, ”The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true."

Our second Value-for-Value supporter to attain this level is Brother Paul of Seattle. Thank you, Brother Paul of Seattle for your emails of encouragement and your generous donations!

Podcast Introduction

Today is poetry Thursday so we’ll read Proverbs 28.  I’ll have an introduction for each chapter, and then some comments after the reading. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “The Symptom and the Cause."

Design: Steve Webb | Portrait of John Adams

Comments on Proverbs 28

When a nation sins, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and much learning, it will last a long time.

Proverbs 28:2 NLV

To paraphrase the first part of that verse, big government is a symptom of a sinful nation!

John Adams, America’s second president famously said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Alexis de Toqueville is credited with saying, "In a democracy, people get the government they deserve."

A big government is necessary when the people do not have their eyes on God. Why? Because without a standard, without a belief in an absolute morality, chaos eventually results. 

And there is an Arabic curse which says, "May God make your sheiks many."

Adams also said, "Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide."

Remember, every time the children of Israel turned away from God, He brought them great hardship until they repented. 

And now I will say it again, we need to pray for our nation. We need to pray for revival. We need to seek God's forgiveness and invite Him back into the public square. Until that happens, I don't think we can expect Him to bless our nation.

Daniel 2:21 says, "He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings."

God removed the evil kings of Israel. Is he preparing to do the same in America? America was not created, was not founded as a democracy. It is a republic. But at the moment, because the constitution is not being defended, it is being governed more like a democracy. Will our republic die? Only God knows His plans. 

If America falls, the consequences will be felt around the world. The last, best hope for freedom from tyranny is here. Wherever you are beloved, pray for America.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 28 NLV

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This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.

The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney

Podcast Introduction

Today is Wednesday, so we’ll read from the Psalms, chapters 117-118.  I’ll have an introduction for each chapter, and then some comments after the reading. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “God’s Enduring Love."

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: len Rojnic on Unsplash

Comments on Psalm 117

The four aspects of Psalm 117 that Martin Luther addressed in his thirty-six page commentary of this chapter are:

1-Prophecy: the Gentiles will be included in God's plan of redemption!

2-Revelation: the Messiah's kingdom is heavenly and eternal, not earthly

3-Instruction: we are saved by grace alone, not by works, holiness or wisdom

4-Admonition: because of these things we should praise the Lord! 

Psalms chapter 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible, and it's smack dab in the center. 

You know what is really amazing about this psalm? The writer wrote something that could not have been accepted by the Jews! Why? Because it says, "Praise the Lord, all nations! Praise Him, all people!"

You see, unless you were circumcised, you could not join in praising the Lord when this psalm was written. 

This chapter at the very heart of the Bible, revealed the heart of God. This was a peek at the Gospel message. Paul, in the book of Romans, chapter 15, even used this short chapter as a proof to the Jews that God's love was for the Gentiles as much as it was for the Jews. That is indeed Good News.

But the message of Psalm 117 doesn't end there. It says, "For His loving-kindness toward us is great. And the truth of the Lord lasts forever." I like the way the KJV says it, "For his merciful kindness is great toward us…" We should praise Him because his merciful loving kindness is great toward us. Do we deserve it? No. But His merciful kindness is great toward us. That is the truth. "And the truth of the Lord lasts forever." It will never change. It will never waver. He won't change His mind. Forever is a long, long time. 

And then the psalm ends with the only response we should have to this life changing truth: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! He deserves our praise. He who created all that is, He who holds your life and mine in his strong right hand loves you and He loves me. And that will never change. Praise the Lord!

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 117-118 NLV

Support

This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring One Year Bible Rewind, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT.

The Team

Transcript Correction: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister DenisePodcasting 2.0 Chapters: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Sean of San Pedro and Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Michael HanerShow Art: Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider and Lifespring Family Berean Jason PaschallNewsletter Publisher: Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Brittaney

The First Lifespring! Family Berean

Supporters who make donations totaling $1000 (or the equivalent value of satoshi) or more will receive the honored title of Berean.

We read of the Bereans in Acts 17:10-15. The key verse for our purposes here is verse 11b, which says, ”The Bereans were eager to hear what Paul and Silas said and studied the Scriptures every day to find out if these things were true."

Our first Value-for-Value supporter to attain this level is Brother John of Canada. Thank you, Brother John of Canada for your many years of support and encouragement.

Producers

Distinguished Producer

Paul of Seattle

Associate Producer

Kirsty

Podcast Introduction

Today is Tuesday, so we’ll read from History. We’ll read 2 Chronicles 6-10.  I’ll have some comments after the reading. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “We Are the Foreigners."

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Grant Ritchie on Unsplash

Comments on 2 Chronicles 6-7

In chapter 6, we see that the Temple that King David first thought to build, but which God said he could not build because he had been a man of war, his son Solomon has now completed, as had been promised by God.

And there is a great time of sacrificing and dedication, lasting for seven days.

Can you imagine what a great time this was? How joyous the people must have been! 

And Solomon offered a great prayer of dedication, in which he asked the Lord that if the people ever stray from God, and suffer the consequences brought upon them by God as judgement, if they then rededicate themselves to Him, that He would forgive them. 

In chapter seven, God appeared to Solomon in the night and responded to his prayer. This was the second time that God appeared to him. The first time of course was when He asked Solomon what he wanted, and Solomon asked for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. And God said, "“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. 13“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 16I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there."

Some might say, God made this promise to Solomon at this time about the people of Israel. It doesn't apply to anyone else. Well, let us look back at Solomon's prayer of dedication in chapter six, verses 32 and 33, he said, “In the future, foreigners who do not belong to your people Israel will hear of you. They will come from distant lands when they hear of your great name and your strong hand and your powerful arm. And when they pray toward this Temple, 33then hear from heaven where you live, and grant what they ask of you. In this way, all the people of the earth will come to know and fear you, just as your own people Israel do. They, too, will know that this Temple I have built honors your name."

Beloved, we are the foreigners Solomon was talking about. And in God's response to Solomon's prayer, God began with the words, "I have heard your prayer." God will honor his promise to heal the land of people who humble themselves.

I know I have talked about this promise time and time again on this podcast, but I believe it is important to emphasize it. We know from scripture that David and others repeated God's promises many, many times. God's promises must be repeated for our benefit, and though God does not need to be reminded, He never seems to mind when we do remind Him. I think that by repeating His promises to Him,

Podcast Introduction

Today is Monday, so we’ll read from the Law. We’ll read Numbers 25-28  I’ll have some comments after the reading. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “One Righteous Man."

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Zach Vessels on Unsplash

Comments on Numbers 25

In Numbers 22-24 Balak tried to get Balaam to curse God's people because was afraid that they were a threat to him because they were so numerous. He wanted to drive them from his land. Balak was sure that if Balaam would curse them, he would be able to defeat them. 

But God told Balaam that these were His people, and he should not curse them. God would not allow it. God protected His chosen people from outside threats.

But here in chapter 25, what happens? Israel brings a curse on themselves *from God* because of their own behavior.

They begin to commit sexual sin with the women of Moab, apparently in the service of their god of fertility, Baal-Peor.

I have often heard the argument that prostitution is a victimless crime, especially if both parties are willing participants. Of course that's hogwash. But I'm not here to discuss prostitution and the damage it causes. What I do want to say is that God's judgement on Israel as a result of this sin should tell you everything you need to know about how the God of the universe thinks about it.

God told Moses to  “Arrest all the leaders of the people, and hang them up before the Lord in broad daylight, so that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel.”

So those who had a responsibility to lead the people in righteousness, and who seem to have even participated in this great sin, were to be executed. And later in the chapter, we learn that God sent a plague on the rest of the people. Twenty-four thousand died from the plague, and it was only because Phinehas killed with a javelin one of the Israelites and the Midianite woman he was publicly having sex with at the entrance of the Tabernacle that God stopped the plague. 

Sexual immorality is not something that we should take lightly, beloved.

That's the lesson that comes through loud and clear.

But there's another lesson that I mentioned in passing at the beginning of my comments.

God did not allow Israel to be attacked from without. But because of moral and spiritual breakdowns within, they almost came to a terrible end. If it wasn't for the zeal and indignation of Phinehas, the plague that God unleashed on them might have ended them.

It was the action of one righteous man that stopped the destruction of Israel.

Beloved. Hear me. We cannot stop praying for our nation. Look at what's happening around us. Look at how far our morals have fallen. Look at the agenda of those who want to prey on our children with their perverse desire to confuse them as to whether they are boys or girls. This is is evil and perverse, completely counter to the clear teaching of scripture. Our nation is falling apart, beloved, in so many ways. Our election system is under attack. We have people in high political office that hate our way of life and the ideals that our nation was founded upon.

America is under attack from enemies within. It has survived attacks from without for over 200 years, but it is in danger of falling because of rampant immorality and hatred of God within.

We must not grow weary in our spiritual warfare, beloved. We must be strong. We must speak out. Some of us need to seek political office. All of us need to stand in the way of evil. With God's help, we can make a difference. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "3We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Podcast Introduction

Today is Epistles Sunday. We’ll begin the book of Hebrews by reading chapters 1-4  I’ll have some comments after the reading. And of course I’ll have an “On This Date In Church History” segment for you, too. I’m calling today’s episode “The Sweet Spot.“

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Steve Webb

Comments on Hebrews 1-4

Thoughts on Hebrews 1 and 2

We do not know the author of the book of Hebrews, but we do know to whom it was written: Christian Jews, and for their benefit (as well as ours), most of chapter one is dedicated to establishing who Jesus is in light of the Old Testament. 

Chapter 2 begins with this sentence: 1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Whenever I study the Bible and come across the word "therefore", I ask myself, "What's the therefore there for?" The word "therefore" is a link between two thoughts. It's like saying "Because of what I just said, now I'm going to say this." 

So in this case, the therefore refers to the message of chapter one, namely the truth of who Jesus is. 

Chapter two, verse one could say: "Since Jesus is God, we need to really pay close attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." 

I grew up here in southern California, and I lived within about a half hour's drive to the beach. When I was in high school I learned how to surf. For some time, I would go surfing almost every day. When you're surfing, you often spend a lot of time sitting on your board waiting for the next wave. Waves often come in sets, and there could be several minutes between sets. So you're just sitting on your board, watching for the next set. 

Many times here in southern California, there are currents in the water that flow parallel to the beach. If you were standing on the sand looking out at the water, the current could be from left to right or right to left. 

Now, an interesting thing about these currents is that when you are in the current, you can't feel it. You are carried along in the current at the exact same speed as the current, so you don't have a feeling of movement. The only way you know you're moving is if you look at some sort of landmark on the beach, you'll see that you are moving in relation to that landmark. Maybe it's a lifeguard tower, or a towel or big rock.  

Sometimes the current is quite strong. So if you are sitting on your board, you can easily be carried quite far from where you started. It takes no effort at all to find yourself 100 yards or more from where you began. To stay in that "sweet spot" you want to be in when the next set comes through, you have to continually be paddling against the current. It takes effort to stay close to the spot.

Or you'll drift away.

"1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."

Beloved, we must put effort into our relationship with Jesus so that we do not drift away. If we ignore the teaching we have received, if we do not continually paddle our spiritual surfboard to fight the current of life that is continually trying to move us away from Him, we will find ourselves far away from where we want to be. Just because you are close to Him today does not guarantee that you will always be in the sweet spot. 

This is as true for a new believer as it is for an old codger like me who has been a believer for over 50 years. The current never goes away. We must continue to paddle that board to stay close to Jesus. 

Thoughts on Hebrews 3

The author, in chapter 3, compares Jesus to Moses. Why would he do that? Because the primary audience for the book is the Hebrew, or Jew, and Moses was their most highly regarded person. The author was explaining how and why Jesus was to be held in even higher regard. 

He does this by making some opening statements in the first six verses, then he refers back to Psalms chapter 95, a book from the OT, or as the Jews know it,