From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Sep 17, 2021 at 6:04 AM

Subject: 9-17-21 THOUGHTS

9-17-21 THOUGHTS

Building on an old testament structure, two great statements conclude the following reading:
1.  There was a bringing in of a BETTER HOPE     2.  We DRAW NEAR TO GOD through that HOPE!  Two priesthoods are discussed below to show that a new and better had come and that necessarily, the old LAW was done away with.  Hebrews is a book that crowns the New Covenant by comparing it with the passing Old Covenant.  The New is always BETTER!  

Heb 7:11-19    Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?  12  For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13  For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14  For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15  And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,  16  who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life.   17  For it is attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."  18  For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness  19  (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Heb 4:16   Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 10:19-23   Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,  20  by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,  21  and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22  let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

My Prayer:
Help us O God to see the awesomeness of drawing near to you.  You allowed this O Lord in the gift of Christ Jesus.  Give us a closer walk with you and keep us near the cross.  May the precious fountain of love from you, flow through us to a lost and dying world.  May the better hope that came through Jesus be proclaimed by us, and demonstrated through us.  Thank you O God for this great salvation.           In the name of Jesus         Amen