Tag: forgiveness of sins

Hebrews 9:1-28 – How it Works

Read Hebrews 9:1-28

The sermon continues with great discussion about worship, the differences between the old and new covenant practices, and we can see behind the curtain of how it all works. I’m not sure how the preacher/author got all this information, but I have to believe it was divinely provided so that we would understand how Jesus’ sacrifice changes everything.

The preacher would know that his audience would struggle and benefit greatly from an encounter with God. Speaking of how God is more attainable now that the great chasm of sin and separateness has been filled by our relationship with Jesus Christ. Continue reading “Hebrews 9:1-28 – How it Works”

Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace

Read Luke 1:67-79

This is the passage we read this week at the orphanage during the lighting of our second Advent candle on the Advent wreath. It was the candle of “peace.” These verses speak of our Prince of Peace, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and because of an angelic encounter earlier, Zechariah knew that his child would become a great prophet of God. He had to be beaming with pride as well as giving thanks to God. Continue reading “Luke 1:67-79 – Path of Peace”

Leviticus 16:1-34 – Day of Atonement

Read Leviticus 16:1-34

Once a year, the high priest (starting with Aaron) would enter the most holy place where God’s presence was found. The process of forgiving sins would begin. Atonement is a big “churchy” word that means payment for sins to get right with God. As we see in our text, the Day of Atonement is when animals would be sacrificed to cleanse the people from their sins.

As Christians, we know that Jesus has accomplished this work for us, and the atonement for our sins is complete in him. Before Jesus came, this yearly process was repeated year after year for the forgiveness of sins. Today, the Jewish community still celebrates this holy day, now known as Yom Kippur. Animals are no longer sacrificed, but it is a day of fasting when Jews reflect on the past year and ask God for forgiveness for their sins. Continue reading “Leviticus 16:1-34 – Day of Atonement”

James 5:19-20 – Are You Wandering?

Read James 5:19-20

James has an interesting way of bringing this letter to a close. There’s no “see you soon” or “have a nice life” kind of ending. This letter has been full of content from the start. Certainly, James’ parting thoughts have been full of wisdom. And his devotion to his readers by calling them “dear brothers and sisters” concludes what has been a recurring theme. James is not a stranger to his audience.

In these two short verses, we see James’ version of searching after the lost. Matthew’s gospel reveals a series of stories about lost items. Jesus used those parables to emphasize the importance of not leaving anybody behind. Or, as Paul puts it, God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)

Continue reading “James 5:19-20 – Are You Wandering?”
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