Currently we are studying the Book of Hebrews (each evening) by video recording. We have reached chapters 5-10, focusing on Jesus as our Great High Priest.
Technical?
Yes.
Meaty, as opposed to soft, easily digested food?
Yes.
But … nutritious, nourishing, faith building?
YES!
Come join us … tonight.
On both YouTube and Facebook, but YouTube is the best place to watch. (All the Lessons there are catalogued/organized so neatly!)
And please, let me know if you watch.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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The Holy Spirit writes to us: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Hebrews 4:16
God’s Throne, from which many an Old Testament judgment has flown, is now called (for us Christians) the “throne of Grace!”
In the light of Jesus’ Presence there … we can come to Him in prayer! (We pray in Jesus’ Name.) That’s why the rest of our verse says: “That we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Wow!
What absolute essentials in living for God; mercy and grace and help, even in time of need!
But my “point” this morning is simply that the Clause is NOT a command, not here anyway. “Let (us) come,” the verb is in the subjunctive mood! It is expressing a desire God has for us, an urgent appeal … but not a stark order! It’s an invitation!
Wow!
Sounds like God does not figure He would have to command such a thing! Merely teach that it’s possible! Then, surely, every Christian will be ultra-eager to do so!
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” Oh, we thank Thee Lord for the truth housed in this verse!
Folks, exercise that honor today, before God’s “throne of Grace!”
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Now to be completely open about this, other verses do COMMAND that we pray. Matthew 7, for example: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Three commands in one verse … all about prayer.
ASK, SEEK, KNOCK … imperatives all!
Still, that magnificent “Throne of Grace” thought is precious to my heart this morning!
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Yes, I have purposely placed a question mark after those three words! While everyone saying “Happy New Year” is expressing wishes for prosperity … I AM WONDERING IF THT IS ACTUALLY WE WE CHRFISTIANS NEED.
More “happiness?”
Now remember happiness can be quite different from joy. The Holy Spirit gives us joy, but not necessarily worldly ease! Or prosperity!
Here’s a better New Year’s Greeting … “Fruitful New Year!” In the Lord I mean. And I pray it for you my Christian Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
May 2021 be a year in which we grow more than ever in “love, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.” Along with the abiding joy these graces bring!
We should too ask the Lord to give us “lost souls” in the months ahead. Because really we do not know how many months are ahead! Salvation, humanity’s greatest need!
So … here we go … MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU WITH A FRUITFUL NEW YEAR, THE MOST FRUITFUL YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED AS A CHRISTIAN!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Some of that Fruit of the Spirit “Cluster” can only be reproduced in some rather (in the eyes of lost mankind) “unhappy” situations!
One simple example … “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” Romans 5:3
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I told Debbie yesterday that last night’s Sermon made nine times I’d preached in four days. She was aware!
I am tired this morning.
It’s in my heart to write a Lesson on those two verse in the Title, Hebrews 4:12-13. But honestly, verbally analyzing those two magnificent Verses is (right now) much easier than writing (typing, proofreading, etc.) about them.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Hebrews 4:12-13
The Bible is a living Book!
The Bible is a discerning Book!
The Bible is a precise Book!
The Bible is a militant Book!
The Bible is a necessary Book!
Tonight’s Bible Study, called our Evening Meditation will, the Lord willing, discuss these Verses in some detail.
I am sorry some of you dear readers are not able to get the videos. That depends partly on the Internet service you have, its quality.
Therefore … I invite each of you to do something. Sit down with your Bible, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you a new (fresh) Truth from this short Text! I strongly suspect He will!
After all, the same Holy Spirit Who teaches one Christian is the Same Holy Spirit Who teaches another Christian! (If he can show me little Bible nuggets from time to time He can do the same for you!)
Enjoy one of His Classes this morning!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
It happened in Hebrews chapter 4, so it is an ongoing Illustration I’d say. God teaching us to “rest,” not simply 8 hours a night, either. (Though that’s not a bad idea!) But to “rest” all the remaining time we have on earth! Lifelong rest!
I heard one Preacher call this “victorious Christ life” one of practicing (what he termed) the “faith-rest” technique!
As one navigates his or her life, from the Point of Salvation (being born again) to the Point of entering Heaven (in Jesus’ Presence) we must learn to fight many a battle, spiritual battle.
So we have choices.
Worry and fret (maybe even grumble a little bit too) and exert all the human effort we can … to defeat the devil.
OR … and this is a big OR …
Rest your faith in one of God’s 7,000 Promises in the Bible, trusting the Lord God Almighty to help you and deliver you and give you peace (even in the storm)!
Now comes the Illustration … “And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.” Hebrews 4:5
God worked … then God rested!
We Christian are to work (for Jesus) “striving to overcome the world, the flesh and the devil … by adorning whole armour of God, wielding the Sword of the Spirit, pursuing intercessory Prayer, fleeing evil lusts, etc.
Yes that is work.
But this work (faith in Jesus’ Promises) will result in REST!
Resting your faith 24/7 in Confidence that GOD IS ABLE!
Jesus stated it best I think: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find REST unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29
Take His Yoke … that’s work!
Really learn of Him … more effort, work!
And then … a Promise … He will give us REST!
Oh, to live one’s days in peace and serenity and rest (no matter the outward circumstances) RESTING in the Arms (the Promises) of the Lord!
God said … THAT’S THE WAY I DID IT. WORK THAT LED TO REST!
Now … FOLLOW MY PATTERN!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Get you a handful of Promises today and have at it!
By the way, we’ve been discussing this whole Concept on our nightly Evening Meditations, if you’re interested in further details.
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