You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, ...But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God. The people of Israel lived with a very tangible faith. Early on, God had revealed himself to Moses in a burning bush. Later, he came to his people on Mount Sinai, and he taught them how best to approach him - through a very calculated system of animal sacrifice and purity. Everything could be measured, everything … [Read more...]
Hebrews
Good Friday Part III: The Finish
“When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) As he hung there on the cross, that torturous Roman instrument of death, the weight of his body bearing down on those nails that pierced his hands and feet, beaten and bloodied, he inhaled and with his final breath said, “It is finished.” I tell you, this small phrase is so vast and so deep that its treasures will never be exhausted. More was said in this one breath than … [Read more...]
A Sermon on the Saints of the Old Testament
Have you not read what was said to you by God, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”? He is God not of the dead, but of the living. At this time of year, as you well know, the Church celebrates the feast of All Saints and gathers up thanksgiving for the whole company of those who, in various and different ways, bore witness to Christ. Today we extend our thanksgiving and include the saints of the Old Testament in our celebration of faith. The New Testament teaches … [Read more...]