Hebrews Chapter 10: Through the Veil
“Through the Veil”
Through the veil there’s a new and living way
Through the curtain welcome to the Holy Place
Through we once were separated, we are now invited in
Though the veil, through the blood, come to Him
Through the veil, through the blood, enter in
The Holy Place is open, come and worship
The Lamb for Sinners’ slain is King of All
We praise and glorify the Lord before His mighty throne
Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him
Through the veil, through the blood, enter in
Lyrics: Gwen Smith
Don’t you love the lyrics to this song? It was written by my friend, Gwen Smith. She wrote ”Through the Veil” while studying the book of Hebrews. In the midst of discussing Chapter 10 with her small group, she literally excused herself from the room, went to a quiet place alone, and wrote this song. Here is a link to hear Gwen perform this song live.
She will be visiting our study here in Charlotte next month to lead our worship and perform “Through the Veil.” How I wish each of you could join us!! When you have a few minutes, sit quietly before the Lord and prayerfully listen. I pray it will bless you as it has blessed me!
In this chapter, the author of Hebrews again points out the failure of the system of old sacrifices. However, this time he gets very specific. He presents three reasons …three benefits really…why Jesus’ sacrifice was superior to the Old Testament system of sacrifice.
1. Christ’s sacrifice takes away sin forever and always.
2. Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all.
3. Christ’s sacrifice removed the barrier that had been set up between God and man.
Are you ready? Let’s begin!
This Week’s Memory Verse: By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. Hebrews 10:20 (NLT).
This Week’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the cross. Thank You for choosing to die for me…for shedding Your blood for the forgiveness of my sins. Thank You that by the shedding of Your blood, You made a way for me to enter into the presence of God. Thank You that by Your resurrection, You made a way for me to one day have everlasting life. Help me, Lord, to cling to the cross and the resurrection and never forget the sacrifice You made for me. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Assignment: Read Hebrews Chapter Ten
Homework Questions:
1. How would you define sin?
Sin is mankind’s greatest problems. It is what separates us from God. After the fall, God’s first priority was to deal with sin. He wanted fellowship with His people again. To accomplish this, God took steps to make it happen. He began with the Law.
2. Read Hebrews 10:1-3.
- What was the old system of sacrifice?
- Read Colossians 2:17. Share what it says.
- According to Hebrews 10:2-3, what effect did the sacrifices actually have on the people?
3. How is Jesus, the New Testament offering, like the burnt offering spoken of in Leviticus 1:3-5?
4. Read Psalm 51:17 and Psalm 139:23-24. When you need forgiveness, do you come before the Lord with a broken spirit? A contrite heart? If you do not, ask God to tender your heart to your sin. Pray as David did the prayer in Psalm 139:23-24.
5. Read Hebrews 10:1-18. Christ’s sacrifice was better because it was effective. It totally removed sin, something the old system of sacrifice could never do.
- Compare what Hebrews 10:11-12 say about Jesus and the high priests.
- Read the following verses. What do they say about the effect Christ’s work had? 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, Colossians 2:15, 2 Timothy 1:10, 1 John 3:8.
6. Reread Hebrews 10:16-17.
- What is the New Covenant promise according to Jeremiah?
- Explain what this New Covenant means in your own words.
7. Do you feel fully forgiven of all your sin and walk in the freedom of that forgiveness?
- If you answered yes, how does this effect how you live day to day?
- If you answered no, what keeps you from walking in that forgiveness? I encourage you to take what you have learned these past few months and ask the Lord to enable you through the power of His Holy Spirit to believe in full faith that Jesus died on the cross for you and that His sacrifice makes you not only fully forgiven but also fully accepted in the eyes of God.
8. Read Hebrews 10:19-22. The author of Hebrews issues an invitation for his Jewish audience to “boldly” draw near to Jesus.
- How do Mark 15:37-38 and John 19:31-34 help you understand Hebrews 10:19-22?
- In Hebrews 10:20, what are the two words the author uses to describe Jesus’ way?
9. Read Hebrews 22-25. The author of Hebrews tells his audience how to respond to what Jesus did on the cross.
- List at least three ways we are to respond.
- What does it mean to go before the Lord with a sincere heart? With full assurance of faith?
- Read Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 5:26. Share the truths you glean from these verses.
10. Read Hebrews 10:23.
- To what does the author of Hebrews tell his audience to hold fast?
- What is that hope?
- What are you doing in your life to “hold fast” to the hope you profess?
11. How can we spur one another on?
12. The author gives his audience another warning in Hebrews 10:26-31. (For review, the earlier warnings are found in Hebrews 2:1-4, Hebrews 3:7-14, Hebrews 5:11-14). Summarize this warning in your own words.
- Read 1 John 2:19, Deuteronomy 13:13, and 1 Samuel 15:11. How do they relate to this warning?
- According to Hebrews 10:26, what are the two characteristics of apostasy?
13. Read Hebrews 10:32-39. Knowing the persecution many in his audience have suffered, he calls his audience to remember. He then exhorts them not to throw away their confident trust in the Lord and points them to something as an encouragement.
- What is his encouragement? (v. 35)
- What does the author tell them they need to receive all that he has promised? (v.36)
14. In Hebrews 10:38, the author tells his audience to “live by faith.” What does living by faith mean to you? Is there something in your life that requires you to live by faith? What does that practically look like in your circumstances?
If you have something with which you are struggling, I encourage you to seek God’s Word on that issue. Find specific promises that speak to your heart. Stand on them, pray them, memorize them, and believe them with all your heart. God will be faithful!!
Sweet Blessings to you,
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story 
All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom in Everyday Life (E-Book)
I can’t wait for this lesson Wendy! The words to the song are just beautiful. I love the imagery. I am reminded of another song that says “And the veil was torn so that we may have an open door…” I can’t wrap my head around the fact that we have direct access to Jesus..he loves me THAT much! What a blessing.
Have a wonderful week, dear friend:)
I so agree Colleen… I can’t wrap my mind around that fact either! Gwen’s song is absolutely beautiful and compliments your grace-filled, wise teaching Wendy.
One thing that drives me nuts as a parent is trying to explain to my daughter just how much she has been given as I find her possessions tossed carelessly in the corners of her closet (as if I’m not going to find the mess and make her clean it up
). At the same time, I realize I’m doing these exact same actions on a bigger level. Since I never had to live through the separation, I haven’t had to bring an unblemished lamb and see/hear it be slaughtered… I haven’t seen the heavy trails of blood wash into the sea… I didn’t see my Jesus’ side be pierced and blood and water gush out as He died a humiliating, beyond painful death… I didn’t hear the unbelievable accounts that He rose from the dead from His closest friends… I so easily toss these truths into the corner of my closet.
I pray that these truths will be so seared into my soul. I am asking God to take all we have learned from this study and print it so idelibly on my heart so I will never live without these remembrances. How can we ever be the same?!
Have a fantastic week girlfriends! Thank you Wendy… you are a gift beyond measure.
Read this…..thought it opened up alot to Hebrews
Words of Jesus on the Eucharist
Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, as He is in Heaven seated at the right hand of the Father, where he forever makes intercession for us (Hebrew 8:1-3). This intercession is ongoing and is the one sacrifice of Calvary, which is re-presented in every Mass. Unlike the Old Testament priests that had to continually offer a new sacrifice, Christ continually offers the one sacrifice of Calvary, which was begun in the Upper Room at the Last Supper and was consummated on the Cross. “But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9;11-12). It is through this one sacrifice of the Cross that we are brought back into the Family of God and it is in the Mass through holy communion that we enter into the greatest union possible with Christ this side of heaven. Jesus extends His presence with us through the Eucharist, so that we may continue to cry out with the words of St. Thomas, “My Lord and My God.”
John 6:35-69
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.” 41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” 66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Matthew 26:26-29
26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Mark 14:22-25
22 While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 23 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24 He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25 Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:14-20
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16 for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18 for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20 And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood….”
1 Corinthians 11;23-30
23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. 30 For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
I’ve always believed “once saved, always saved” but by definition of apostasy: a falling away from the truth or renunciation of one’s faith in Christ, that belief can’t be true. If a person is truly saved, nothing can separate them from the love of Christ…except their own choosing? What role does the Holy Spirit play in “keeping” a person saved? Please shed some light on this for me!!
Tracy, I believe the author of Hebrews is speaking of those who have all the head knowledge they need ..all the leadings and promptings from the Holy Spirit they will get…even the fellowship of believers, but they have never really taken that final step of repentance and surrender.
I too believe in once saved, always saved. The people to whom he refers were never really saved…something only God could know since only He knows people’s hearts. But from the commentaries I have read, it does not seem he is speaking of those who have truly repented of their sin and then reject that salvation. I think he would say they probably never truly repented in the first place.
Anyone else have thoughts on this?
W
After “pondering” the once saved always saved….here are my thoughts.
I was raised in a church that did not agree with this statement since I was a little girl. When I saw Tracy’s comment, then Wendy’s invitation to share our thoughts it made me think. Why has our “denomination” that I grew up in felt differently. I could not honestly say; other than I just was raised that way. So my first thought was I’m going to call another family member, than thought no, I need to ponder this awhile. I asked myself what Scripture would I use to answer the query. Do you beleive once saved always saved? What Scripture would I use if I just went with what I was raised to beleive. As I have said before I love having more than one Bible Study going at the same time it’s fun seeing how they tie together and why randomly they are the ones I am in at the same time. My answer would be: read the Book of James for the answer to once saved always saved.
{I hope the following makes sense, I’ve read through it a few times and have really debated on whether or not I would hit post…but as you can see, I have.}
I agree with you Wendy, that the author is referring to those who had all the outward appearance and opportunity to believe in Christ, but don’t believe inwardly.
That being said, I don’t believe “once saved, always saved.” I believe that there is no sin which can separate us from God’s love and grace, but I believe people turn away from the Lord and reject their faith. They either deny God completely becoming an atheist or turn to another faith/religion. After all, how can a person be saved by something they reject? The parable of the mustard seed gives us an example of those who lose faith {Luke 8:1-15, esp.13}. People lose faith in the salvation of Christ for a variety of reasons.
Some…
~Are filled with a self-righteous attitude, believing their works, rather than Christ’s sacrifice is what redeems them.
~Spiritually starve themselves from the Means of Grace and fall away.
~Are full of pride and do not submit to God’s rule as Lord of all.
~Others have had something happen in their life that has caused them to question and ultimately reject God.
If someone has faith in Christ as small as a mustard seed, they are redeemed, but in the absence of faith in God’s saving work through Christ…there is no salvation.
The real question is this…
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, born of a virgin, who was crucified on a cross for your sins? That God raised Him on the third day, ascended into heaven, and that Christ is preparing a place for you there? And have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit promised to all who believe through the washing of the water and the Word? Then you have the gift of eternal salvation. No one can take that from you, but God gave you free will and you can deny His gift at anytime…I just wouldn’t recommend doing that….
Sorry, I just had one other quick thought.
If someone believes, then salvation is theirs. They don’t need to “redo” their conversion over and over or be re-baptized for any reason in order to gain salvation again. Once they believe and are baptized, they are saved. {Mark 16:16}
However, I still believe that if a person rejects their salvation and never return to their faith, then they are rejecting the gift Christ purchased for them through the cross…but it only takes a moment for a heart to return to the Lord.
So thankful you posted this Heather. I agree with Wendy we really have good discussions going on here and I so enjoy everyone’s input and comments. Loving one another in the body of Christ is fun.
My two cents might be too surface-y (I think I created a new word!)… but I thought that the author of Hebrews was referring to the Hebrew “believers” who were still offering sacrifices at the temple, thus saying by their actions that Jesus’ sacrifice was not enough. I assumed the warning was in essence making those people come to a point of decision- to continue in their Mosaic ways (so they were actually never a true believer in the first place) or turning from those ways and accepting Jesus’ sacrifice (and then for the first time, they would become a true believer). Holy cow you girls are so insightful… such awesome teachers! I’m so grateful as Wendy said and as we all believe that WE are saved! And for us, I love going back to the beginning of this study waaaayyy back when when we were warned about drifting and disobedience!
You girls and your awesome insight ROCK!
Have a fantastic day!
xoxo
Noelle and everyone, lets meet at the East Gate I will be wearing white.
What incredible discussion!! The most well-respected and educated theologians cannot agree on this subject, and I think now we can see why! There are Scripture passages and verses that can be read to support both sides. What matters is that we KNOW the WORD, STUDY the WORD, SEEK His understanding, and are able to discuss and share it with others. Clearly, that is happening here, and I love it!!!
Thank you for taking the time to really analyze and study this and share what you have learned and what you believed. The best news of all is the WE ARE ALL SAVED!! Praise God! We will spend eternity together in heaven. One day we will all meet face to face at the foot of the throne. What a beautiful day that will be!
Love you,
Wendy
Amen and Amen! I suggested to Noelle and want to include all of you…let’s meet at the East Gate, I will be wearing white.
I think we would be laughing and hugging and saying it is so nice to “see” you!
Some additional information that I found while doing some research that adds to our study of Hebrews.
1.We must always understand the warnings and exhortations in the context of the purpose of the letter and the situation of the Hebrews to whom it was originally written.
2.The purpose of the letter was to prevent these Christians from letting go of their Christ-centred faith and reverting to a ritual/performance focused faith. The writer pursues his purpose by exalting Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death, teaching that Christ and his sacrifice far surpass all that these believers were in danger of embracing.
3.The situation of the original readers was that they were under pressure from two sides: religious pressure from Jews, to return to Jewish ritual, and physical, political persecution from the Roman government, which did not recognize this new ‘atheistic’ sect and was always on the lookout for some ‘scapegoat’ on which to blame any current problems.
4.We must also understand that the writer does not issue his warnings because of some gross on-going moral sins in these people. They had not forsaken Jesus Christ to return to a worldly, sinful lifestyle. The sin that threatened to take them captive was the sin of unbelief, as it was in the rebellion at the borders of Canaan. It is against this sin, against this disobedience, that the writer urgently warns his readers.
5.As we study these warnings their message is of current relevance to us. Because our sinful human hearts invariably and automatically lean towards and embrace legalism, we also stand under constant threat of letting go of true, Christ-centred faith, and putting in its place a faith focused on our own conformity to rules, regulations and ritual. Such a change of focus involves us in the sin of unbelief and disobedience. God has commanded us to believe in his Son. He has never commanded us to believe in ourselves. In fact he has told us that if we rely on our performance we are under a curse (Gal 3:10) and will never be acquitted in the law courts of heaven (Rom 3:10-20). It is to remind us of, and rescue us from, the threat of this curse and this condemnation that the writer pens his strong and unequivocal warnings and exhortations.
I love this Charlotte!
Whew Charlotte, deep. Wonderful insight with Scripture back up. Another copy and save for my Hebrews Journal. Felt like I was reading a Bibical writer’s work come to life today. A little exhortation, a lot of love, a reminder for who am I in Christ. Thank you.
First of all, let me say that I love your study! I only found your study in January and have looked forward each morning to spending time with God, you and your listeners/readers and my Bible.
I do have some different thoughts on “once saved, always saved”. I really don’t find that in the scriptures. You mentioned that the writer was speaking to people that were never really saved…but you also said that only God knows that, so I don’t think we can assume that they were never saved. In vs. 19, he is writing to “brothers”. To me, that points to saved ones. Vs. 19-39 talk to “perservering”. Why would we need to persevere if we were saved, once and for all? Why would we need to run and finish the race? I believe in the salvation that comes through the continual cleansing blood of Christ by repentance and the washing away of sin through baptism. Hallelujah! I believe that we can be free from the guilt of sin through the veil, but I also believe a change of heart through blatant sinning and rejection of His sacrifice can no longer guarantee our salvation.
Ladies, have a wonderful day! My family is going through some trying times, but our God is with us! I would welcome your prayers.
Thank you, Charlotte, for your insight. This is so true today. Our strongest pull away from God is towards ourselves — pride, control, self-righteousness. Nevermind the “enemies” of our world — our culture, our tiredness… These warnings are as true today and we must listen to the Lord’s ways of humility, servanthood, and love for others above ourselves. Thank you for the reminder that this is just as appropriate for us today!
I just want to say that as Christians it is easy to lose sight of what to do because the world is accommodating and many people who call themselves Christians actively go against the Word of God. I see people in my everyday life that know the truth yet choose to do the opposite. The Word of God is there to correct us and warn us of the evil in doing this. Let us continually ask God to search us and reveal any hidden sin or disobedience to His Word in our lives.
Best regards,
Olayinka.
You chose such a perfect word…accommodating. The world today is tolerant and whatever you believe is good for you…except of course Christians. Quite often, the world is least tolerant of us. What a great prayer you have given us to pray!
Blessings,
W
On question 8, I understand what Mark 15:37 & 38 have to do with Hebrews 10:22. When the veil was torn into when Jesus died on the cross, God made a way for us to come into His presence, but I don’t understand how John 19:31-34 connects with Heb 10:22. Could someone elaborate?
I am so enjoying this study and all of your comments that help us understand it better.
Brenda in my notes:
Mark 15:37-38 by Jesus death on the cross the curtain in the Temple was torn in two giving me- through Jesus- access to the Most Holy Place.
John 19:31-34 blood shed on the cross, pierced not broken – perfect “already dead” (others not which I put a question mark by that is really cool only Jesus DIED on the cross that day and He was innocent – ponder this more) Jesus died for me us.
Hebrews 10:20 New Living Way opened for us throught the curtain, that is His body!
Simple notes maybe it will help you as you read the verses again….
Brenda,
For the verse in John, I got that the blood cleansed us from our sins, that the water is part of a prophecy {Zechariah 14:7-9} and reminds us that Christ is the living water {John 4:10-12}. Also in the OT, people had to be ceremonially washed before they could go into the temple, we have been washed through our baptism, so this could be a reference to that as well.
Hebrews reminds us that Christ is our Living Way, through His death and resurrection, He has been made our eternal High Priest, that there is no need for the curtain any longer, because He has opened the way straight to God’s throne through His sacrifice.
Brenda I love it, I am also stuck on question 8 where it partains to John 31-34. I’m glad I read threw the posts before I asked. I was like ok I know there is an answer but for the life of me I don’t see it.”
Thanks so much for your insight on John 19:31-34. I can understand better now. I am just now getting back to the study and will finish it today.
I have a lot of online Christian friends. There is a WW Christian group I have been in to for several years. I always say, if we don’t meet this side of heaven, I will see them there. Yanna, we will meet you at he Eastern Gate and all dressed in white. I love that thought.
Hi Wendy,
I love that out of the three Greek words there for “new” that the writer chose the word for “freshly slain new”. Wow! By his new, freshly slain way, Jesus made a way for us to gain entrance to the Holy of Holies. Powerful.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Wendy,
I just want to tell you how much I am enjoying and learning from this Bible Study. I cannot wait to do another one of your bible studies. this bible study is so in-depth . I like that. I was wanting to do a deep bible study and God brought me to this Hebrews study via a devotional last year.
Thank you for all the work you put into these studies. I am learning so much and have a much better understanding of the role of Jesus in my redemptive life
Wendy, I was able to read your Proverbs 31 devotional today. I loved it and it was such a blessing. God has continued to pour out His mercy and grace over me in the past few months, by continuing to give me Romans 8:28.
As I meditate on this scripture I’m reminded that ALL things work together for the good of those who love Him. All things means everything – the good, the bad, the ugly. This even includes things like what you wrote about in the devotion today.
Thank you for challenging us and reminding us what it means to live with a teachable heart, that loves Him.
Hi Stacey, thanks for leaving a note with such sweet words of encouragement. It always blesses me to know He has answered my prayers to use what He laid on my heart to speak to His children. It is also good to hear that God continues to work in and through your life through His Word!
Blessings to you,
Wendy
In Your PROVERBS 31 DEVOTIONAL/on-line comments 2 word stood out for me- choice and teachable. You choose not to be offended- if we could move to this place of choosing to right thing to do each day- choose to self-examine, choose to listen when others bring our on truth. I too have often heard a sermon and thought so and so should be here- glory to God He has finally brought me to the place where I know every message is for me- and there is some truth about my self I need to see- this is of course not easy for it is always always much easier to see the plank in someone else’s eye- forgetitng how large my own is. Thanks for reminding me I need to include in my prayers more regularly God would give me a teachable heart. You gave much to meditate on today. Much to help me move behind the veil. PS also looked at your bible study appears very intense- hope to be a part of the next one- will try to do the Hebrews one independently if your posts are all still available..
Dear Sisters in Christ,
Be encouraged!
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own (with whom you were sealed), guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. -Eph 4:30 NIV. Amplified Bible- branded, secured
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. -2Cor 1:22, 23 NIV. The Amplified Bible calls this first installment a security deposit. This is from The Message Bible- Whatever God has promised gets stamped with the Yes of Jesus. In him this is what we preach and pray, the great Amen, God’s Yes and our Yes together, gloriously evident, God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us. By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge- a sure beginning that he is destined to complete.
Love,
Sandra
PS. Thank you, Wendy, for allowing this place of learning and affirmation!
God has humbled me by allowing my marriage to temporarily fall apart. He had shown me many things in my life and ways that I needed to change. It has been a hard time learning these lessons. He has shown me that He can change me if I let Him but I can’t change any one else.
It is in that place of humility that God will be able to do His highest and best work in your life. Praying now for healing and restoration of your marriage!!
W
Wendy,
Thanks again for the Bible study that you prepare each week. It has been such a blessing to dig into the Word of God. I appreciate that you are using yourself (and your house) as a vessel – i appreciate that you just continued on… as your dog dug in his crate – i’m sure that God was also smiling!
The song by your friend Gwen is in my vocal range – does she have the music on a CD as an accompaniment?
Hi Jackie!
Wendy asked me to answer your question… and I’m happy to say, “Yes!” Here’s the link to get the accompaniment CD for “Through The Veil”: http://gwensmith.net/store/accompaniment.htm
Warmest Blessings in Christ,
Gwen
thanks so much!
I am playing “catch up” on my bible study. I am doing two different studies at once and I love them both. My goal is to catch up and so far I am almost there! There is so much I am learning and observing that I just love being filled with scriptual knowledge.
I need some help with Hebrews 10:26
You ask what are the “two characteristics of apostasy?” according to verse 26 and I am not sure I am getting the answer. I also don’t see how the other verses relate to 10:26. I mean I am drawing a connection, and understand apostacy and understand how man is to follow CHrist, and know he truly sacrificed all sins for us therefore we should have faith in that and if we do not we can be lead astray by false teachings. However are there specific answers in v.26 I am not seeing? Hb. 10:26 says “If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left”. I don’t know what characterisitcs are spoken of in here.
I need help
Thanks!
Hi April,
Great questions! Thank you for asking them.
The two characteristics of apostasy are 1)deliberate and 2)continual sin after receiving knowledge of the truth. The continual part is not stated but can be inferred.
1 John 2:19 speaks of people who lived among the Jewish believers and acted as if they were one with them but then they left them…they heard the truth and knew the truth and even acted as if they had taken steps toward believing that truth but then walked away.
Deuteronomy 13:13 speaks of wicked people that have “arisen among you.” In other words, people who have lived among them and walked along with them who then turn on them and try to drag them along into their wickedness.
I hope this helps. Please write back and let me know if you need more help!!
Wendy