True Belief

“Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.” Hebrews 6:7-8

The writer of Hebrews gives us a great picture of the contrast between a life that truly trusts God for eternal life and one that does not. A strong characteristic of true belief is fruitfulness, that would be the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Although these qualities can be conjured up on our own for short-term purposes, only the Holy Spirit makes them last and flourish in our daily lives.

Plan to join our Ladies Bible Study this Thursday morning at 9:30 in the church foyer to discuss true belief from Hebrews 5:11-6:20. This topic should never be considered lightly, or ignored as it deals not only with the flourishing (or not) of this life, but also the life to come.

Please note. The memorial service for Bill McLean will be at Discovery Baptist Church on April 1st at 2 pm. Ladies are needed to help with bringing cookies and to help with the clean up following the service. Please let Hannah Clark know if you can help with this—253-312-6751.

Our Wonderful High Priest--Part 2

“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.” Hebrews 7:25

John Gill commented on the portion of the above verse concerning Jesus “always lives to make intercession for them” in a way that broadens our understanding of the privilege we have every day of Jesus being our advocate with the Father. As you read what he has to say, consider how conscious you are of such daily intercession for you in Heaven.

“…the things he intercedes for are, the conversion of his that are in a state of nature; the consolation of distressed ones; fresh discoveries of pardoning grace to fallen believers; renewed strength to oppose sin, exercise grace, discharge duty, and bear up under temptations, and deliverance out of them; perseverance in faith and holiness, and eternal glorification; and he intercedes for these things; …and he is very fit for this work, as the following verse shows; he is the one and only Mediator; and he is a very prevalent intercessor, he always succeeds; and he does this work readily, willingly, cheerfully, and freely; … had he died and not lived again, he could not have saved to the uttermost; his life is the security of his people's, and he lives for them, and as their representative; the blessed, effects of which they constantly enjoy.”

Hebrews 7 contains great encouragement for believers and I want you to be able to join in a good discussion of those points this Thursday morning at Ladies Bible—9:30 in the church foyer. The last half of chapter 4 in our study books will be the focus of our time together.

Our Wonderful High Priest--Part 1

“Since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

What wonderfully encouraging verses we read here in Hebrews 4:14-16. Take some time to meditate on what is being said here and how it should be real in your daily life. God’s forgiveness brings such blessing to our lives; we have access twenty four hours a day to the all powerful, all knowing, perfectly holy and absolutely loving God of the Universe. Is this consistently a reality for us?

I’m looking forward to seeing you this Thursday morning at 9:30 in the church foyer, or by Livestream, so we can encourage one another in the amazing truths of Hebrews 4:14—5:10 (Chapter 4 in our study books).