Day 349 of my 4th bible Study Journey

Day 349, 14 December 2024 - 21st Day of Advent 

1) Hebrews 7,8,9,10

Hebrews 7

The Priestly Order of Melchizedek

1 (Ge 14:18-20; Mk 5:7) For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest
of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings
and blessed him.
2 To him Abraham also gave a tenth part of everything. In the first place,
his name is translated "king of righteousness," and then also he is king
of Salem, which means "king of peace."
3 (Heb 7:6) Without father, without mother, without descent,
having neither beginning of days nor end of life,
but made like the Son of God, he continually remains a priest.
4 (Ac 2:29; Ge 14:20) Now consider how great this man was, to whom even
the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
5 Surely the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have
a command to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is,
from their brothers, though they also come from the seed of Abraham.
6 (Ro 4:13; Ge 14:19-20) But this man, whose descent is not numbered among
them, received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 Without question, the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 (Heb 5:6; 6:20) In the one case mortal men receive tithes, but in the other
he of whom it is witnessed that he is alive receives them.
9 One might say that Levi also, who receives tithes,
paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met Abraham.
11 (Heb 8:7; Gal 2:21) If perfection were attained through the Levitical
priesthood (for through it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise in the order of Melchizedek,
rather than established in the order of Aaron?
12 For a change in the priesthood necessitates a change in the law.
13 For the One concerning whom these things are spoken pertains to another
tribe, from which no man served at the altar.
14 (Isa 11:1; Mic 5:2; Lk 3:33) For it is evident that our Lord descended
from Judah, a tribe concerning which Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This is far more evident when another priest arises in the likeness
of Melchizedek,
16 who becomes a priest not by a law pertaining to ancestry,
but by the power of an endless life.
17 (Ps 110:4; Heb 5:6) For He testifies:
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."(Ps 110:4.)
18 (Ro 8:3; Gal 4:9) For there is then an annulling of the previous
commandment due to its weakness and uselessness.
19 (Ac 13:39; Heb 4:16) For the law made nothing perfect, but now
a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And He was not made a priest without an oath.
21 (Ps 110:4; Heb 7:17) (Other priests were made without an oath,
but this One with an oath by the One who said to Him:
"The Lord has sworn
and will not relent,
'You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.' " (Nu 23:19;
1Sa 15:29; Ps 110:4.))
22 Through this oath Jesus became the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 And the former priests were numerous because they were hindered
from serving because of death.
24 (Heb 7:28; Jn 12:34) But He, because He lives forever,
has an everlasting priesthood.
25 (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:19; Jn 14:6) Therefore He is able to save to the uttermost
those who come to God through Him, because He at all times lives to make
intercession for them.
26 (Heb 8:1; 2Co 5:21) For such a High Priest was fitting for us,
for He is holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners,
and is higher than the heavens.
27 (Heb 9:28; 5:3; 9:12) Unlike those high priests, He does not need to
offer daily sacrifices-first for His own sins and then for the people's,
for He did this once for all when He offered up Himself.
28 (Heb 2:10; 1:2) For the law appoints men who are weak as high priests,
but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son who is
made perfect forever. 

[1] For this Melchisedec, 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 by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem,
which is, King of peace;
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God;
abideth a priest continually.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch
Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of
the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to
the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of
Abraham:
[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of
Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
[9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in
Abraham.
[10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it
the people received the law,) what further need was there that another
priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after
the order of Aaron?
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change
also of the law.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of
which no man gave attendance at the altar.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the
power of an endless life.
[17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for
the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope
did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
[20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
[21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by
him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to
continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once,
when he offered up himself.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word
of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for
evermore. 

Hebrews 8

Jesus Our High Priest

1 (Heb 1:3; Col 3:1) Now this is the main point of the things that 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 in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle, which the Lord,
not man, set up.
3 (Heb 5:1; Eph 5:2) For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts
and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this priest also have
something to offer.
4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest,
since there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.
5 (Ex 25:40; Col 2:17) They serve in a sanctuary that is an example
and shadow of the heavenly one, as Moses was instructed
by God when he was about to make the tabernacle,
"See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you
on the mountain."-6 (Pr 3:11-12.)
6 (Heb 7:22; 12:24; 2Co 3:6-11) But now He has obtained a more excellent
ministry, because He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established on better promises.
7 (Heb 7:11; 7:18) For if that first covenant had been faultless,
then no occasion would have been sought for a second.
8 (Jer 31:31-34; Lk 22:20) For finding fault with them, God says:
"Surely 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 (Dt 5:2-3; Jer 31:32) 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 rejected them, says the Lord.
10 (Jer 31:33; 2Co 3:3) This is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
11 (Isa 54:13; Jn 6:45; 1Jn 2:27) No longer shall every man teach
his neighbour,
and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
for all shall know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest. (Isa 54:13.)
12 (Ro 11:27; Isa 43:25) For I will be merciful toward their unrighteousness,
and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
13 (2Co 5:17) In speaking of a new covenant He has made the first one old.
Now that which is decaying and growing old is ready to vanish away.

[1] Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an
high priest, who is set on 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
pitched, and not man.
[3] For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices:
wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
[4] For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there
are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
[5] Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was
admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith
he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the
mount.
[6] But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he
is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better
promises.
[7] For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have
been sought for the second.
[8] For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith 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 continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
[10] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and
write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be
to me a people:
[11] And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his
brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the
greatest.
[12] For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and
their iniquities will I remember no more.
[13] In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that
which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. 

Hebrews 9

The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuaries

1 (Ex 25:8; Heb 8:2) Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine
services and an earthly sanctuary.
2 (Ex 40:4; 26:35) A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle,
called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread.
3 (Ex 26:31-33; 40:3) Behind the second veil was the second part of the
tabernacle called the Most Holy Place,
4 (Ex 26:33; 40:3) which contained the golden censer and the ark of the
covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna,
Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 (Lev 16:2; Ex 25:17-22; 1Ki 8:6-7) Above the ark were the cherubim of glory
overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in
detail.
6 (Nu 28:3) Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would
regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God.
7 (Lev 16:34; Ex 30:10) But only the high priest went into the second part
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins
of the people, committed in ignorance.
8 (Jn 14:6; Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way
into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the
tabernacle was still standing.
9 (Heb 5:1) This is an illustration for the present time, showing that
the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those
who worshipped,
10 (Col 2:16; Heb 7:16) since they are concerned only with foods and drinks,
ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time
of reformation.
11 (Heb 10:1; 2:17) But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good
things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle,
not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
12 (Heb 10:4; Da 9:24) neither by the blood of goats and calves,
but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all,
having obtained eternal redemption.
13 For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer,
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified,
14 (1Pe 3:18; Heb 6:1; 10:22) how much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God,
cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 (Ro 8:28; 1Ti 2:5) For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant,
since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed
under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive
the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where there is a will, there must also of necessity be the death
of the testator.
17 (Gal 3:15) For a will has force after men are dead, since it has no force
at all while the testator lives.
18 So not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood.
19 (Nu 19:6; Heb 9:12) For when Moses had taught every precept to all
the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats,
with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book
and all the people,
20 (Mt 26:28; Ex 24:8) saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God
has commanded you to keep."(Ex 19:12-13.)
21 (Lev 8:15; 8:19) Likewise he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the
vessels of worship with blood.
22 (Lev 17:11) And according to the law almost everything must be cleansed
with blood; without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

[1] Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service,
and a worldly sanctuary.
[2] For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick,
and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
[3] And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of
all;
[4] Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round
about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod
that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
[5] And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we
cannot now speak particularly.
[6] Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into
the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
[7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the
people:
[8] The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was
not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
[9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both
gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect,
as pertaining to the conscience;
[10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal
ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
[11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a
greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say,
not of this building;
[12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he
entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for
us.
[13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
[14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God?
[15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by
means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the
first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal
inheritance.
[16] For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of
the testator.
[17] For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no
strength at all while the testator liveth.
[18] Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
[19] For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to
the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet
wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
[20] Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto
you.
[21] Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the
vessels of the ministry.
[22] And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without
shedding of blood is no remission. 

Christ's Sacrifice Takes Away Sin

23 (Heb 8:5; 9:24) It was therefore necessary that the replicas of heavenly
things be cleansed with these sacrifices, but that the heavenly things
themselves be cleansed with better sacrifices than these.
24 (Heb 8:2) For Christ did not enter holy places made with hands,
which are patterned after the true one, but into heaven itself,
now to appear in the presence of God for us.
25 (Heb 9:7; 10:19) Nor did He enter to offer Himself often, as the high
priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own.
26 (Heb 1:2; 7:27) For then He would have had to suffer repeatedly
since the world was created, but now He has appeared once at the end
of the ages to put away sin by sacrificing Himself.
27 (Ge 3:19; 2Co 5:10) As it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this comes the judgment,
28 (Titus 2:13; 1Pe 2:24) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many,
and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to save those who
eagerly wait for Him.

[23] It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens
should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with
better sacrifices than these.
[24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which
are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us:
[25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth
into the holy place every year with blood of others;
[26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the
sacrifice of himself.
[27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the
judgment:
[28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that
look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

Hebrews 10
1 (Heb 8:5; 9:11) For the law is a shadow of the good things to come,
and not the very image of those things. It could never by the same sacrifices,
which they offer continually year after year, perfect those who draw near.
2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshippers,
once purified, would no longer be conscious of sins?
3 (Heb 9:7) But in those sacrifices there is an annual reminder of sins.
4 (Heb 10:11) For it is not possible for the blood of bulls
and goats to take away sins.
5 (Heb 1:6; Ge 3:15) Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:
"Sacrifices and offerings You did not desire,
but a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You have had no pleasure.
7 (Ge 3:15) Then I said, 'See, I have come to do Your will, O God,'
as it is written of Me
in the volume of the book."
8 (Heb 10:5) Previously when He said, "You did not desire sacrifices
and offerings. You have had no pleasure in burnt offerings
and sacrifices for sin,"(Ps 40:6.) which are offered in accordance
with the law,
9 (Heb 10:7) then He said, "See, I have come to do Your will, O God."
(Ps 40:8.) He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
10 (Jn 17:19; Heb 2:11) By this will we have been sanctified through
the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 (Heb 5:1; 10:4) But every priest stands daily ministering and repetitively
offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 (Heb 1:3) But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins
forever, sat down at the right hand of God.
13 (Heb 1:13; Ps 110:1) Since that time He has been waiting for His enemies
to be made His footstool.
14 (Heb 10:1) For by one offering He has forever perfected
those who are sanctified.
15 (Heb 3:7) The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us about this.
For after saying,
16 (Ro 11:27) "This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their hearts,
and in their minds I will write them,"(Jer 31:33.)
17 (Heb 8:12) then He adds,
"Their sins and lawless deeds
will I remember no more."(*Jer 31:34.)
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these,
there is no longer an offering for sin.

[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very
image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year
by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
[2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the
worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
[3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every
year.
[4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take
away sins.
[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and
offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
[6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
[7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,)
to do thy will, O God.
[8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and
offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which
are offered by the law;
[9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the
first, that he may establish the second.
[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all.
[11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the
same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
[12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat
down on the right hand of God;
[13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
[14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are
sanctified.
[15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had
said before,
[16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith
the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I
write them;
[17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
[18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 

Exhortation and Warning

19 (Eph 2:18; Heb 4:16) Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter
the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
20 (Heb 9:3; Jn 10:9) by a new and living way that He has opened for us
through the veil, that is to say, His flesh,
21 (Heb 2:17; 1Ti 3:15) and since we have a High Priest over the house
of God,
22 (Eze 36:25; 1Co 6:11; Heb 7:19) let us draw near with a true heart
in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse them
from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 (1Co 1:9; Heb 3:6) Let us firmly hold the profession of our faith
without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 (Titus 3:8; Heb 13:1) And let us consider how to spur one another
to love and to good works.
25 (Ac 2:42; Heb 3:13) Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves
together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another,
especially as you see the Day approaching.
26 (Dt 17:12; Heb 6:4-6) For if we willfully continue to sin after
we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains
a sacrifice for sins,
27 (Isa 26:11; Eze 36:5) but a fearful expectation of judgment and fiery
indignation, which will devour the adversaries.
28 (Heb 2:2; Dt 19:15) Anyone who despised Moses' law died without mercy
in the presence of two or three witnesses.
29 (Eph 4:30; Heb 2:3) How much more severe a punishment do you suppose
he deserves, who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded
the blood of the covenant that sanctified him to be a common thing,
and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 (Dt 32:35-36; Ro 12:19) For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine,"
says the Lord, "I will repay."(Dt 32:35.) And again He says, "The Lord will
judge His people."(Dt 32:36.)
31 (Isa 33:14; Lk 12:5) It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands
of the living God.
32 (Heb 6:4; Php 1:29-30) Remember the former days, after you were
enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions.
33 (1Co 4:9; Php 4:14) In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches
and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so
abused.
34 (1Pe 1:4; 2Ti 1:16) For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully
endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a
better and an enduring possession for yourselves.
35 (Heb 11:26) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be
greatly rewarded.
36 (Lk 21:19; Heb 12:1) For you need patience, so that after you have done
the will of God, you will receive the promise.
37 (Rev 22:20; Isa 26:20) For,
"In yet a little while,
He who is to come will come, and will not wait.
38 (Ro 1:17; Gal 3:11) Now the just shall live by faith;
but if anyone draws back,
My soul shall have no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction,
but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul. 

[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus,
[20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the
veil, that is to say, his flesh;
[21] And having an 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 profession of our faith without wavering; (for he
is faithful that promised;)
[24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
[25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.
[26] For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
[27] But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries.
[28] He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three
witnesses:
[29] Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of
the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done
despite unto the Spirit of grace?
[30] For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will
recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
[31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
[32] But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were
illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
[33] Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so
used.
[34] For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling
of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an
enduring substance.
[35] Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of
reward.
[36] For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God,
ye might receive the promise.
[37] For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not
tarry.
[38] Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul
shall have no pleasure in him.
[39] But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that
believe to the saving of the soul. 

2) Our Daily Bread for 14 December 2024 Titled
<a href="https://odb.org/2024/12/14/love-as-strong-as-death"> 
Love as Strong as Death </a>

Song of Songs 8:6-7

6 (Isa 49:16; Jer 22:24) Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
passion fierce as the grave.
Its fires of desire are as ardent flames,
a most intense flame.
7 (Pr 6:35) Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly condemned.

6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart,
As a seal upon thine arm:
For love is strong as death;
Jealousy is cruel as the grave:
The coals thereof are coals of fire,
Which hath a most vehement flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,
Neither can the floods drown it:
If a man would give all the substance of his house for love,
It would utterly be contemned. 

In the southern Bahamas lies a small piece of land called Ragged Island. In
the nineteenth century, it had an active salt industry, but because of a
decline in that industry, many people emigrated to nearby islands. In 2016,
when fewer than eighty people lived there, the island featured three religious
denominations, yet the people all gathered together in one place for worship
and fellowship each week. With so few residents, a sense of community was
especially vital for them.

If you were to stroll along the old brick wall stretching between the 
Protestant and Catholic graveyards in Roermond, Netherlands, you'd discover a 
curious sight. On each side, flush against the wall stands two identical 
towering headstones: one for a Protestant husband and one for his Catholic 
wife. Cultural rules during the nineteenth century required they be buried in 
separate cemeteries. They wouldn't accept their fate, however. Their unusual 
headstones are high enough to reach above the fenced obstruction so that at 
the top there's only about a foot or two of air separating them. Atop each, 
a sculptured arm reaches out to the other, each clasping the other's hand. 
The couple refused to be separated, even in death.   

The Song of Songs explains love's power. "Love is as strong as death," Solomon
says, "Jealousy is cruel as the grave:" (8:6). True love is powerful, 
ferocious. "Which hath a most vehement flame." (v. 6). True love never 
surrenders, won't be silenced, and can't be destroyed. "Many waters cannot 
quench love," writes Solomon. "Neither can the floods drown it:" (v. 7).

"God is love" (1 John 4:16). Our strongest love is only a fractured reflection
of His ferocious love for us. He's the ultimate source of any love that's 
genuine, any love that holds fast.

By:  Winn Collier

Reflect & Pray

How have you been experiencing God's strong love? 
How has He revealed His strong love for you?  

Dear God, I need Your love that's stronger than death, 
stronger than evil, stronger than my failings. 
Thank You for Your powerful love.

3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation

Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools

Week 1 Knowing God's Word Day 7 - The Cost of Wisdom

Proverbs 4:4,7

Proverbs 4

4 (Pr 7:2; Eph 6:4) He also taught me and said to me,
"Let your heart retain my words;
keep my commandments, and live.
7 (Mt 13:44-46) Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
And with all your getting, get understanding. "

4 He taught me also, and said unto me,
Let thine heart retain my words:
Keep my commandments, and live.
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:
And with all thy getting get understanding.

Establishing priorities is a popular topic of conversation in our
generation. We carry appointment calendars and attend goal-setting
strategy seminars. We let machines answer our telephones so that
we won't miss any important messages, or so that we can screen calls
before we answer them. We order our lives so that we can "get ahead".
"Getting ahead" in God's kingdom, however, involves other priorities
than the ones we may set for ourselves. "Wisdom is supreme," the
principal thing, says Proverbs 4:7, "Get wisdom. Though it cost
all you have, get understanding."
Wisdom is defined as "an understanding of what is true, right, or lasting."
Biblical wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts about God and his
teaching, but the application of those truths of life, taking on
the character of God as we mature in the image of Christ.
Such wisdom may, indeed, come at great cost. Jesus calls us to "lay
down our lives" to follow him - perhaps not literally to die, but to die
to self-centered priorities, to allow the Holy Spirit to establish
his value system in us.
"Keep my commandments and you will live," Proverbs 4:4 says. Real life -
rich, fulfilling, significant, abundant life - comes only through union
with God. The success offered by the world, the acclaim of others, material
prosperity and convenience cannot satisfy us once we have tasted
the joy of life with God in Christ.

Application

a) What does "getting wisdom" means to me?

b) What practical changes can I make in my life to help me focus
my attention on the priorities and values of the Lord? 

4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland

Proverbs 10:22

22 The blessing of the Lord makes rich ,and He adds no sorrow with it.

22 The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich,
And he addeth no sorrow with it.

5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:

When you are Saddened by Loss

1 Cor 15:35-38,51-57

35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up?
With what body do they come?"
36 You fool! What you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
37 When you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but a bare kernel,
perhaps of wheat or of some other grain.
38 Then God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed.
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet,
for the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.
53 For tis corruptible will put on incorruption,
and this mortal will put on immortality.
54 When this corruptible will have put on incorruption,
and this mortal will have put on immortality,
then the saying that is written shall come to pass:
"Death is swallowed up in victory."
55 "O death, where is your sting?
O grave, where is your victory?"
56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ!

35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up?
and with what body do they come?
36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
37 and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be,
but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:
38 but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him,
and to every seed his own body.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed,
52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption,
and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember God's promises when You pray 

The Lord's prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: 
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
11 Give us this day our daily bread. 
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.


6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2023 edition?)

The Northern Territories of Canada

Yukon

Yukon Total population (2015) 36500 Muslim (est) 69

In Whitehorse the Muslim population grew from 2 families
in 2001 to more than 60 people in 2014. Originally meeting in a church,
they now meet for prayer service in a former office space.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Northwest Territories (NWT)

NWT population (2015) 43600 Muslim (est) 473

The Muslim community of Yellowknife has grown from 275 to 330 un the past year.
To replace their inadequate facility, they are planning a C$2 to C$2.5 million
Islamic Centre.

Pray that the Muslims in Yellowknife and all of the NWT will awaken to
spiritual hunger and be open to saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Nunavut (NU)

NU total population (2015) 36600 Muslim (est) 86

The Islamic Centre of Iqaluit now claim about 100 Muslims and have surpassed
80 % of their funding goal to building the first mosque in this territory.
Their stated goal is "To spread the message of Islam
in the far northern reaches of Canada."

Pray that believers in Iqaluit take up Jesus' command to love and reach
their Muslim neighbours with the Gospel. 

Adding further

30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020

Under the Keep Praying page

When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.

Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

Peter's Speech at Pentecost

14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'

- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.

- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.

Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."

Ideas for prayer

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -

Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!

My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity

(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...) 

7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada

http://www.ehc.ca

14th Day of the Month

a) Pray for God's kingdom to come
in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation ( Matt 6:10

10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.

10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

)

b) Pray for those who serve with
denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry
and anoint them for effective service.

Advent Day 21

From C. S. Lewis A Grand Miracle

[The Queen of Narnia] "'isn't a real queen at all,' answered Lucy.
'She is a horrible White Witch She has made an enchantment 
over the whole country so that it is always winter here and never Christmas.'

'I wonder if there's any point in going on,' said Susan....

'What about just going home?'" - C. S. Lewis

(Read this and more in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, p. 56.)

Always Winter and Never Christmas

Always winter and never Christmas. Nothing could be more depressing. 
Continual anticipation of celebration, gift-giving, and wonderful music, 
but never arriving at the promise. Advent is exciting, but a perpetual 
Advent season would drag on. In Narnia, it had been winter for a hundred 
years, but Christmas never arrived. The white witch had bound Narnia 
in ice and snow. The winter weather contained the promise,
but not the reality of Christmas. Without the breaking of her 
enchantment, Christmas would never come.

Lucy had been the first to enter Narnia. Her words from The Lion, 
the Witch and the Wardrobe repeat what she has heard: always 
winter and never Christmas. But in that phrase there lies a promise.
 Some day it will be Christmas! Asian is on the move! The lion is coming. 
He will defeat the witch. The wardrobe will prove to be a gateway 
to the fulfillment of a promise. Evil has its limits.
One day we will celebrate. 

And so Asian came, and the ice and snow began to melt. Eventually, 
the witch's power melted as surely as the ice and snow had.

Since the first promise of a Savior and the first declaration of a final 
Day of the Lord, much time has passed. The promise remains valid, 
because "a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" 
with the Lord (2 Peter 3:8). He has come, and he is coming again.

God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.

8 (Ps 90:4) But, beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing,
that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years
as one day.
9 (1Ti 2:4; Hab 2:3; Heb 10:37) The Lord is not slow concerning His promise,
as some count slowness. But He is patient with us, because He does not want
any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:8-9

From Follow The Story by Marva J. Dawn

SATURDAY, THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

The Lord God

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,...

-Luke 1:68a

I have taken the liberty of capitalizing the entire name LORD
(here and in earlier meditations) because it seems most likely

that the speakers utilized the Aramaic version of the original
Hebrew word we translate "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." In English we employ
the all-capitalized word rather than Lord, which renders the Hebrew
name Adonai or "Sovereign One." LORD means the "Covenant One,"
so you might want to watch for its occurrences in the First Testament
and note each time the choice of that assuring/fulfilling name.


Here Zechariah blesses Israel's Promising God because he had scrutinised
his people positively and reclaimed them after all the times in their
history they had gone astray.
Zechariah's son John would have a great part in a future restoration
(Luke 1:15b-16).

Do we need a more favourable view of the First
(rather than "Old" or, as some think, "Outdated") Testament?
To see all the grace that is implied by LORD might
be an excellent starting point.

Prayer

The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.

Read Luke 1:67-68.

67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied, saying,
68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for He has visited and redeemed His people,

From the Ah-Has of Advent by Rich Bimler

THIRD SATURDAY
AH-HA! Ambassadors of Health, Hope and ATTRIBUTES!

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace,
who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"ISAIAH 52:7

Today's Scripture outlines some of the Advent AH-HAs of attributes
of those who share the good news of Christmas . .. and beyond. How
beautiful are the feet of the messengers who bring peace and hope to
a troubled world! And then we are even encouraged to "break forth in
singing," another great attribute given to us to use to glorify the Lords
Think of some of the AH-HA attributes that you are sharing with others. Go
ahead. no need to be a "shucks, I don't have much" kind of person. We
all have been blessed with so many gifts, and I do not mean those lying
under your tree.
As an experiment, try this; Write down or think of six words you would use
to describe your Advent journey of faith. This idea evolved from a book
entitled Not Quite What I was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers
Famous card Obscure in which people summed up their lives in six
words. One comic wrote, "Well,l thought it was funny." Ernest Hemingway
wrote, "For sale, baby shoes, never worn." Folks from Chicago might write,
'Cubbies--just wait until next year!" A former math teacher of mine would
have said. "l never could count well!'
Some quick attributes of Advent for me an: "He came to give us life."o r
Everything in the name of Jesus." or "The Word Made Flesh among us.'
Share your attributes as gifts to others.

Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death
and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent
and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!

Read Isaiah 52:7-10.

7 (Isa 40:9; Na 1:15; Ps 93:1) How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace,
who brings good news of happiness,
who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion,
"Your God reigns!"
8 (Isa 62:6; 1Co 13:12) Your watchmen lift up their voices;
they sing joyfully together;
for they shall see with their own eyes
when the Lord brings Zion back.
9 (Isa 51:3; 48:20) Break forth into joy, sing together,
you waste places of Jerusalem.
For the Lord has comforted His people;
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 (Isa 51:9; Lk 3:6) The Lord has bared His holy arm
in the eyes of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

From <a href="https://oneagleswings.ca"> On Eagle's wings</a> Day 14
Welcome Changes
11 (Mt 1:21; Lk 1:43; Mt 16:16) For unto you is born this day
in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 (1Sa 2:34; 2Ki 19:29) And this will be a sign to you:
You will find the Baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." 

[11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord.
[12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 

Luke 2:11-12 (NRSV)
Everyone in the village knew young Sam - tall, good-looking, and
always smiling. At Bible Camp he arrived early, enthusiastically
participated, and even helped with clean-up. Sam enjoyed life and
shared his ambition to someday become a Pastor.
As Sam became a teen, we saw less of him at Bible Camp. He
always stopped in to greet us with the same big smile, but he had
changed. His days were spent caring for his younger brothers, doing
grocery shopping, and acting as a substitute parent. He worked hard
and smiled less. Life in the North is not easy, and it saddened us to
watch our friend lose his hope and ambition.
Our eighth visit to Sam's community brought a surprise - Sam was a
father! How exciting it was to meet this new baby, but even more
wonderful was the change we noticed in Sam. His eyes sparkled
again. The big grin reappeared as he told us of the joy of being a
parent and how important this new little life was to him. He felt
purpose. This gift had given his life new meaning. One baby
changing one life so dramatically!
The arrival of the baby Jesus also changed lives. Like Sam, Mary
must have felt new purpose as she welcomed her newborn. Mary's
baby changed her life, just as Sam’s baby changed his. That same
Jesus continues to change untold numbers of lives today and for all
eternity!
Jesus, we thank you for coming to us, accepting us as we are,
and changing us in ways we may least expect. Help us to
continue to seek your help in all we do so that we may serve you
faithfully. Amen.
Written by Polly Stewart, Lansdale, PA, 2009
Former On Eagle's Wings Staff
 
Conclusion:

Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to have spiritual meat and not milk 
and to Him who can save your soul.

Pray to the Lord: "Dear God, I need Your love that's stronger than death, 
stronger than evil, stronger than my failings. 
Thank You for Your powerful love."

Pray to the Lord and pray to get wisdom from the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the blessings of the Lord.

Pray to the Lord and pray to know the upcoming Resurrection of the Dead.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Whitehorse and the Yukon to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for Muslims and believers in Yellowknife to come together,
and for Muslims to find faith in Jesus Christ. 

Pray for God's kingdom to come in your home, neighbourhood, city or community,
and in our nation

Pray for those who serve with denominations and Christian organisations
in Canada - that God will bless their ministry 
and anoint them for effective service.

- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people - 
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims 
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days! 

Pray that God will convict the hearts of Canadians of the false
idea that all moral choices are equal and without consequences

Pray that people's hearts would be opened to see the folly
of denying God's supremacy

God, give us the patience to trust your promises. Amen.

Pray: The immensity of your grace, LORD, dazzles us! Amen.

Pray: Lord. thanks for giving us gifts to announce your birth, death
and resurrection to others. Keep us creative, constant, consistent
and Christ-like. In Jesus' name, Amen ... and AH-HA!

Pray:Thank you, Heavenly Father, for using ordinary people in
extra  Jesus, we thank you for coming to us, accepting us as we are,
and changing us in ways we may least expect. Help us to
continue to seek your help in all we do so that we may serve you
faithfully. Amen.

<a href="https://ourdailybread.ca/god-became-a-man/"> 
Christ is the reason for the season </a>

Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.

Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
-- 
Member - Liberal International This is [email protected] Ici [email protected]
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Merry Christmas 2024 and Happy New Year 2025