Hebrews: A 28-Day Musical Devotional-Day 3
The Angel’s Moment in the SunThis Jesus, through whom God has now spoken, is supreme. His preeminence is seen first in comparison to the angels. Yes, angels are glorious beings, but Jesus is more glorious. The author gives three pairs of Old Testament quotations to emphasize the expansive gulf existing between the eternal Son of God and these heavenly servants.Angels, they may be on high,Sweetly singing o’er the plains,But the...
Hebrews: A 28-Day Musical Devotional-Day 2
Heaven and EarthThe letter opens with a bang! Unlike other New Testament epistles, there is no salutation or greeting. The author launches straight into a proclamation about Jesus, whose words of salvation are better than those of prophets of old. In former days (“long ago”), God spoke to his people in a variety of ways (think human prophets, a burning bush, the mouth of a donkey). But now, “in these last days,” God has given us a far...
Hebrews: A 28-Day Musical Devotional-Day 1
The Book of Hebrews The Book of Hebrews can oftentimes seem intimidating. The unusual structure of the letter, coupled with the large amount of Old Testament references and priestly language, can make some 21st-century heads start to spin. But once you understand the basics of the form and the overall content, you’ll find Hebrews to be a straightforward (and very rewarding) book of the Bible. The purpose of the letter is to instruct...
Explaining Jesus: A Study Based on New Album by Jordan Searcy-Day 4
Read this passage, and think about how Jesus has given up everything so he can get to you. Song Lyrics to Ponder: Can’t you feel him in the room, all he wants is you … *For further reading in the Bible: Luke 15:1 – 15:7
Explaining Jesus: A Study Based on New Album by Jordan Searcy-Day 3
Today, read the passage and think about how Jesus finds joy in revealing himself to the people he loves. Song Lyrics to Ponder: I’m so sorry for all the wrongsWe’re broken singers with broken songsWe paint our pride and call it truthI’m sorry no one explained Jesus to you … *For further reading in the Bible: John 4:1 – 4:30
Explaining Jesus: A Study Based on New Album by Jordan Searcy-Day 2
Today, read through the passage and see how Jesus joyfully pursues those who deserve his love the least. Song Lyrics to Ponder: … if you’ve heard a knock at your front door, but all that you found on the porchis a pastor that just wanted to be right … … if you really want to pray to Jesus, but you’re never sure he’s listeningcause who could forgive what you did last night … I’m so sorry for what you’ve...
Honoring Christ In Our Preaching-Day 3
How to Learn, Not What To Think … The most important thing we can learn to do, is to preach the Truth to ourselves. In my 18 years of teaching, I’ve seen educator after educator, and preacher after preacher assume that their audience knows the Word because they teach it to them. In my experience, it’s exactly the opposite. People don’t know how to learn, from our methods, only what to think. We...
Honoring Christ In Our Preaching-Day 2
1 Peter 3:15 says, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” What causes someone to ask you to tell them the truth? It seems this is what Peter’s getting at. He seems to imply that our “preaching” should be so loud through our “living” that it demands a question. So how...