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The Blessings of Abraham

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Basic to the redemption of humanity is the covenant with Abraham and his “ seed ,” including the promise that “ all the nations the earth will be blessed in him ,” and that he will have innumerable descendants. How and when will the nations be blessed in the Patriarch? And who are his descendants, and most importantly, who is the true “ seed of Abraham ” who inherits and implements the covenant promises?

Disciples and Tribulation

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The New Testament exhorts followers of Jesus to expect tribulation because of their faith. While it may not be an everyday experience in the life of the church, neither is tribulation for the kingdom unexpected. And the chief cause of tribulation and persecution in the life of the disciple is his or her faithful witness of the life and teachings of Christ.

Then He Sat Down

A key theme in the letter to the Hebrews is the elevation of the “ Son ” as the result of his obedient death. In his sufferings, he was “ perfected ,” and in his resurrection, God vindicated him and elevated him to “ sit down ” at the “ right hand of the Majesty on high .” And there, he now intercedes on behalf of his “brethren.”

Faithful or Saltless Disciples

One day, John complained because someone who was not from among Christ’s inner circle of disciples was casting out demons in his name. And if this outsider was casting out demons, then it was God who was doing so through him. John’s complaint is rich in irony since just a few verses earlier the disciples found themselves unable to exorcise demons because of their unbelief.

My Way or His Cross

For disciples of Jesus, rage and violence are NOT appropriate reactions to hostility, though certainly, his instructions in this regard are contrary to the “ wisdom of this age .” Angry responses by Christians to perceived violations of their political and individual “rights” only demonstrate how far many churches have strayed from his teachings.

The Ends of the Ages

The Apostle connects the start of the “ last days ” to the death and resurrection of the Son of God. The time of fulfillment arrived with the appearance of Jesus “ in the fullness of time ,” and all God’s promises now find their “ yea and amen ” in the Nazarene. It is in “ these last days ” that God has “ spoken ” His definitive “ word ” in His Messiah.