http://www.wpbcocmessages.com West Palm Beach church of Christ on Haverhill Road - Brent Kercheville Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:30:19 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 2006-2012 haverhillcoc@bellsouth.net (Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ) haverhillcoc@bellsouth.net (Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ) 1440 http://westpalmbeachchurchofchrist.com/slides/itunes144.jpg http://www.wpbcocmessages.com 144 144 West Palm Beach church of Christ on Haverhill Road - Brent Kercheville Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ haverhillcoc@bellsouth.net no clean http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/christian-life.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/christian-life.html#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:00:07 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=476 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/christian-life.html/feed 0 0:36:49 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. The author has previously spoken about remembering the apostolic leade[...] 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. The author has previously spoken about remembering the apostolic leaders who spoke to them the word of God and imitating their faith. Keep to the teachings you have been taught and do not move from them. Verse 9 continues this thinking. Do not be led astray by all of the diverse and strange teachings that are out there. Particularly, the problem was that there was a teaching that they were strengthen by foods, and not by grace. True life is in grace, not in food regulations. We are in the family of God by grace, not by the foods that we eat. We see this problem more expressly described in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/in-gods-unshakable-kingdom.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/in-gods-unshakable-kingdom.html#comments Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:00:26 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=474 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/in-gods-unshakable-kingdom.html/feed 0 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/you-have-come-to-mount-zion.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/you-have-come-to-mount-zion.html#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 02:00:22 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=450 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/you-have-come-to-mount-zion.html/feed 0 0:31:27 In our last lesson we left off with the author teaching us to not trade in the eternal inheritance of God for the physical comforts of this world. Now the author is going to describe where we have come and pay attention to what we are receiving.[...] In our last lesson we left off with the author teaching us to not trade in the eternal inheritance of God for the physical comforts of this world. Now the author is going to describe where we have come and pay attention to what we are receiving. We have not come to the physical, but to the eternal. For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” (Hebrews 12:18-21; ESV) To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dont-grow-weary.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dont-grow-weary.html#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 02:00:21 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=444 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dont-grow-weary.html/feed 0 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/finish-the-race.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/finish-the-race.html#comments Mon, 11 May 2009 02:00:10 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=440 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/finish-the-race.html/feed 0 0:32:45 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter [...] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. (NET) In chapter 11, the writer of Hebrews showed us what faith looks like. Faith is being certain in the unseen things, particularly, that God exists and that God rewards those who diligently seek him. The writer has shown us that these heroes had that kind of faith. They endured great tragedy, trials, and loss knowing that their faith was in the better country that God promised. They did not have their eyes and hearts in this world, but desired things better than what we can have here. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/what-faith-looks-like.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/what-faith-looks-like.html#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 02:00:30 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=432 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/what-faith-looks-like.html/feed 0 0:37:21 The writer of Hebrews concluded chapter 10 reminding his audience that the righteous live by faith, not by what is seen. Further, those who give up and shrink back will be destroyed by God. But those who have endurance and keep their faith will [...] The writer of Hebrews concluded chapter 10 reminding his audience that the righteous live by faith, not by what is seen. Further, those who give up and shrink back will be destroyed by God. But those who have endurance and keep their faith will preserve their souls. The writer states with confidence that we are those who have faith. In chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews is going to tell us what faith looks like. I have already done a series from this chapter 11 in the spring of 2008 called Heroes. If you want to hear detailed lessons on these heroes of faith, be sure to check out that series of lessons online. Since I went through Hebrews 11 with a fine tooth comb last year, I would like to simply consider the key points of faith from this chapter. It is fascinating to see how many misconceptions of faith exist considering that Hebrews 11 gives a great explanation of faith and what faith looks like. Some think of faith as having any sort of spirituality. We hear language today that there are many faiths (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc). Some understand faith as having the belief that something good is going to happen to them (the popular teachings of Joel Osteen). Some think of faith as something that is blind, that is, taking a blind leap against known facts. But none of these are descriptions of biblical faith. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. (11:1-2; ESV) To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews-10.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews-10.html#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:00:26 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=421 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews-10.html/feed 0 0:35:12 Hebrews 10 is a continuation of the ideas presented in chapter 9. One could argue that this is an unfortunate chapter break because the first verse of chapter 10 is connected to the last verse of chapter 9 with the word “for” or “since,” [...] Hebrews 10 is a continuation of the ideas presented in chapter 9. One could argue that this is an unfortunate chapter break because the first verse of chapter 10 is connected to the last verse of chapter 9 with the word “for” or “since,” depending upon the translation. Chapter 9 concluded by teaching us that Jesus is going to return. He will save those who are eagerly waiting for him and judgment is certainly coming when Jesus returns. The Law Was A Shadow (1-4) The law of Moses was only a shadow of the good things to come. The law of Moses was not the ultimate reality. Since the law of Moses was just a shadow of the coming good things, it can never make perfect those who draw near by the sacrifices that are offered annually. It simply was not the purpose of the law of Moses to perfect the worshipers. The law was looking forward to the good things to come, that is, sacrifices that can bring the forgiveness of sins. If the law of Moses could perfect the worshiper, then the sacrificial system of the law of Moses would have never stopped. But the law of Moses could never make us complete. The law of Moses could not put us in a right relationship once we sinned. The law of Moses could not perfectly cleanse. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews.html#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:00:56 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=346 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sacrifice-hebrews.html/feed 0 0:30:04 Now the writer is going to show us how and why the heavenly sanctuary is far superior to the earthly tabernacle. (1) Heavenly (11). We saw this contrast earlier but now it is explicitly stated. Jesus has appeared as the high priest over the good [...] Now the writer is going to show us how and why the heavenly sanctuary is far superior to the earthly tabernacle. (1) Heavenly (11). We saw this contrast earlier but now it is explicitly stated. Jesus has appeared as the high priest over the good things that have come. This happened through the greater and more perfect tent. What makes this tabernacle greater is that it was not made with hands. Humans did not construct the heavenly sanctuary. It is not of this creation. Jesus is functioning as high priest in heaven in the heavenly sanctuary, that is not a copy, but the reality. (2) Service deals with sin (12-15). Jesus’ priesthood is superior because it effectively deals with sin and the heavenly sanctuary is superior because that is where true atonement is made. Jesus entered the holy places, not with the blood of animals, but with his own blood. It is his own blood that effectively deals with sin, bringing us an eternal redemption. The blood of animals cannot solve the problem of sin. Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the sacrifice of animals. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sanctuary-hebrews-9.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sanctuary-hebrews-9.html#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:00:13 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=324 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-sanctuary-hebrews-9.html/feed 0 0:35:23 We have never seen this heavenly sanctuary that the writer of Hebrews speaks about. For that matter, we have not seen the earthly tabernacle either. One thing that I like about the Holy Land Experience in Orlando was the life size replica of the tab[...] We have never seen this heavenly sanctuary that the writer of Hebrews speaks about. For that matter, we have not seen the earthly tabernacle either. One thing that I like about the Holy Land Experience in Orlando was the life size replica of the tabernacle. It gives a great visualization of the earthly tabernacle where the sacrifices were made. But Solomon, Stephen, and the apostles pointed out that God did not actually live in the tabernacle. It is not possible for God to live in anything that is made by human hands. But it was symbolic that God was with his people and they were in a relationship with him. Hence, when the people were disobedient, God left the temple, cutting off his people from having a relationship with him. Even when the temple was reconstructed after the captive by Zerubabel and expanded by Herod, God did not dwell in that temple. Josephus records that the Holy of Holies was empty after the Babylonian exile. Though the temple stood, the house was left desolate (Matthew 23:38). God was not in a relationship with his people. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-covenant-hebrews-8.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-covenant-hebrews-8.html#comments Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:00:50 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=319 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/superior-covenant-hebrews-8.html/feed 0 0:31:07 Chapter 7 told us about the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood by showing that Jesus’ priesthood was after the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Melchizedek was far superior than the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 7 went through the explanati[...] Chapter 7 told us about the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood by showing that Jesus’ priesthood was after the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood of Melchizedek was far superior than the Levitical priesthood. Chapter 7 went through the explanation of how Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood. We move into chapter 8 and see that the author has been leading us to make an important argument. Chapter 8 begins, “Now the point in what we are saying is this.” 1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. (ESV) This is how we ended our last lesson. What a Savior we have! What a great high priest! Jesus as our high priest has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/a-superior-high-priest-hebrews-7.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/a-superior-high-priest-hebrews-7.html#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 02:00:16 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/?p=303 http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/a-superior-high-priest-hebrews-7.html/feed 0 0:33:28 The author of Hebrews has mentioned twice that Jesus is high priest after the order of Melchizedek. The first statement is found in Hebrews 5:10, but the author could not speak about what he wishes concerning Jesus’ priesthood and the priesthood o[...] The author of Hebrews has mentioned twice that Jesus is high priest after the order of Melchizedek. The first statement is found in Hebrews 5:10, but the author could not speak about what he wishes concerning Jesus’ priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek because the audience is dull of hearing. In chapter 6 the author spent his time challenging the readers to move away from the ABCs and move away from spiritual laziness. Then he concludes this discussion in 6:20 with the same point, “Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Notice the addition of the word “forever” because this is the direction of where he wants to go in his discussion in chapter 7. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dull-of-hearing-hebrews-6.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dull-of-hearing-hebrews-6.html#comments Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:00:58 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dull-of-hearing-hebrews-6.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/dull-of-hearing-hebrews-6.html/feed 0 0:46:34 5:11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need m[...] 5:11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (ESV) The writer wants to discuss at greater lengths about Jesus functioning as our high priest after the order of Melchizedek. However, he says that while there is much to say about this, there is a problem. The audience is going to have a difficult time understanding, not because the subject matter is too hard, but because they are dull of hearing. The word “dull” carries with it the idea of being “slow” and “slothful.” The problem the author is pointing out to his audience is that they have become spiritually lazy. The author says that they could dig into deeper things, but the readers have not prepared themselves to go deeper. They are shallow Christians. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/jesus-our-great-high-priest-hebrews-414-510.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/jesus-our-great-high-priest-hebrews-414-510.html#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:00:38 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/jesus-our-great-high-priest-hebrews-414-510.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/jesus-our-great-high-priest-hebrews-414-510.html/feed 0 0:34:50 14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been [...] 14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (HCSB) The writer declares that Jesus is our great high priest. Now the writer has not really proved that Jesus is our high priest up to this point. The writer asserted that Jesus became human so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest (2:17). In this section of scripture, the writer is going to prove that Jesus is capable of being our great high priest. In doing so, we are going to learn what makes Jesus great. We are going to learn what is so great about Jesus being our high priest. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/the-promised-rest-hebrews-41-13.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/the-promised-rest-hebrews-41-13.html#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:00:36 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/the-promised-rest-hebrews-41-13.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/the-promised-rest-hebrews-41-13.html/feed 0 0:30:42 In chapter 3 the writer of Hebrews has warned the Christians not to give up on their confidence and to hold it firm to the end. The warning looks back to the nation of Israel who were freed from Egyptian slavery and passed through the Red Sea, but p[...] In chapter 3 the writer of Hebrews has warned the Christians not to give up on their confidence and to hold it firm to the end. The warning looks back to the nation of Israel who were freed from Egyptian slavery and passed through the Red Sea, but perished in the wilderness because of unbelief. Christians must not fall back and succumb to unbelief. They missed God’s rest. The writer continues forward with his admonition. 1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” 5 And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.” To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/warning-against-unbelief-hebrews-37-19.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/warning-against-unbelief-hebrews-37-19.html#comments Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:00:22 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/warning-against-unbelief-hebrews-37-19.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/warning-against-unbelief-hebrews-37-19.html/feed 0 0:34:14 The first six verses of Hebrews 3 make the point that Jesus is superior to Moses. Therefore we must not give up our confidence and hope because we have been made part of God’s house and family. But now the writer wants to issue a grave warning to [...] The first six verses of Hebrews 3 make the point that Jesus is superior to Moses. Therefore we must not give up our confidence and hope because we have been made part of God’s house and family. But now the writer wants to issue a grave warning to his audience. 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’” (ESV) After encouraging the readers to not give up, the author gives a stern warning based on Israel’s history. He quotes Psalm 95 which scholars say was used by the Jews as a call to worship when they went to synagogue service. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-31-6.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-31-6.html#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:00:19 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-31-6.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-31-6.html/feed 0 0:28:11 While Hebrews 2:17-18 contains the concluding remarks to the argument concerning Jesus and his superiority because of his humanity, it also is the connector into this next topic about Jesus and his superiority over Moses. The second chapter of Hebre[...] While Hebrews 2:17-18 contains the concluding remarks to the argument concerning Jesus and his superiority because of his humanity, it also is the connector into this next topic about Jesus and his superiority over Moses. The second chapter of Hebrews ends with the description of Jesus as our merciful and faithful high priest who is a propitiation for our sins and shares in our sufferings. Now, let us move to chapter 3. 1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. (ESV) Notice again the concept that we are joined with Jesus. We are brothers and sisters with Jesus and we are sharing in the heavenly calling as the family of God. The author wants us to stop for a moment and truly consider Jesus. Think carefully about this Jesus. He is the apostle and high priest of our confession. Initially, calling Jesus “the apostle” seems strange. But the word “apostle” simply means “one sent with authority.” Jesus is sent with authority from God the Father. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-29-18.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-29-18.html#comments Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:00:11 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-29-18.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-29-18.html/feed 0 0:34:16 In our last lesson we examined the intention of the writer of Hebrews concerning his use of Psalm 8. The writer is speaking about “the world to come,” that is, the new order and rule in the Messianic kingdom. He then quotes Psalm 8 to prove that[...] In our last lesson we examined the intention of the writer of Hebrews concerning his use of Psalm 8. The writer is speaking about “the world to come,” that is, the new order and rule in the Messianic kingdom. He then quotes Psalm 8 to prove that the rule is not for angels. Psalm 8 describes the dominion and rule of humans over the earth. At the end of verse 8, we are told that we do not fully understand nor are fully aware about the vastness of this rule. But we do see Jesus, who after being made human for a little while, was crowned with glory and honor. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” (TNIV) In verse 9 we see Jesus crowned with glory and honor and he rules on his throne. Verse 10 shows that we are sharing this glory, honor, and victory with him. “In bringing many children to glory” shows that we are joined with him. God made Jesus the pioneer of our salvation through his suffering. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-21-9.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-21-9.html#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:00:21 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-21-9.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-21-9.html/feed 0 0:35:19 Chapter 2 begins by presenting the author’s exhortation to his audience now that he has argued the superiority of the Son over angels and over the message given through the prophets. Therefore we must pay the most careful attention to what we hav[...] Chapter 2 begins by presenting the author’s exhortation to his audience now that he has argued the superiority of the Son over angels and over the message given through the prophets. Therefore we must pay the most careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Now we come to the theme of sermon – encouraging these Christians to not give up. This “therefore” in 2:1 reaches back to the introduction of the writing. Since God has spoken in these last days through the Son, we must pay the most careful attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away. The writer says to look and listen more carefully to the message of the Son. All of us listen to something. We make provisions to listen to the things we want to listen to. I listen to sports, financial, and Christian podcasts. I make sure that I download these podcasts because I want to listen to them. We position ourselves to listen to the radio or listen to the television. We make ourselves ready to listen. But do we make ourselves ready to listen to the message of the Son? Are we positioning ourselves to hear the word of God? To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-14-14.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-14-14.html#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:00:59 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-14-14.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-14-14.html/feed 0 0:30:17 In the first four verses, the writer of Hebrews begins his sermon declaring the Son as the final word of God. The Son is described as the great prophet, the great priest, and great king who has completed his work, represented by sitting down at the [...] In the first four verses, the writer of Hebrews begins his sermon declaring the Son as the final word of God. The Son is described as the great prophet, the great priest, and great king who has completed his work, represented by sitting down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The writer concluded this introduction by stating that the Son is superior to angels. The rest of chapter 1 is an explanation about how the Son the superior to angels. But before we begin, we wonder why the interest in angels? Why present this argument? To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-1-1-4.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-1-1-4.html#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:00:17 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-1-1-4.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews-1-1-4.html/feed 0 0:36:12 The first thing we need to learn for us to properly understand the book of Hebrews is that this is not a letter. There is no author listed, no recipients named, no salutation extended, no thanksgiving given, or any other markings at the beginning of[...] The first thing we need to learn for us to properly understand the book of Hebrews is that this is not a letter. There is no author listed, no recipients named, no salutation extended, no thanksgiving given, or any other markings at the beginning of this writing to suggest that this is a letter. The end of the book has a few marks that look like a letter but those exist because this was going to be circulated through the churches and Christians. But this ending section is what tells us that this is not a letter, but a sermon. Brothers, I urge you to receive this word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. (Hebrews 13:22; HCSB) The form of this book reflects a brilliant, well-crafted sermon. So what is this sermon about? I have always seen that this is a book about the superiority of Christ. I believe I was wrong. The theme of the book is to not give up. The words of exhortation to not give up are often perceived to be side points for the key theme about the superiority of Christ. But I believe the point is to not give up. The superiority of Christ is the basis of the argument to not give up. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ no no http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews.html#comments Mon, 16 Oct 2006 02:00:50 +0000 Brent http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews.html http://www.wpbcocmessages.com/hebrews.html/feed 0 0:50:16 Introduction As we first approach the book of Hebrews we have the right tendency to think that this is not a letter. There is no author listed. There are no recipients named. There is not a salutation. Nothing about the beginning of this writing [...] Introduction As we first approach the book of Hebrews we have the right tendency to think that this is not a letter. There is no author listed. There are no recipients named. There is not a salutation. Nothing about the beginning of this writing suggests that it is a letter. We must jump to the end of this writing to realize that this is actually a letter.  At the end of chapter 13 we see what we would expect at the end of a letter. Hebrews has a closing and a greeting. In fact, the greeting and closing help narrow down the possibilities of who the author may be. Verse 24 suggests that the author of the letter spends much time or lives in Italy. Also, verse 23 suggests that the writer was not imprisoned with Timothy. But, to me, the greater question why did the author not write this letter in a standard manner? It does not matter who wrote the letter? The greater question is why remain anonymous. Why not list the recipients? Why not open the letter in typical format so people would know who the letter is written to and who the letter is from? We do not have the answers to these questions. But it is important to see that this letter is very different than normal first century letters. The author remains anonymous for a reason. Perhaps he was endangered for writing and could not reveal himself. The recipients are not revealed, perhaps for their safety as well. Since this letter seems to have been written just before the fall of Jerusalem, it may be that the silence is due to the Jewish persecution escalated against the Christians during that time. This would also be the same time frame when Nero blamed the Christians for the burning of Rome, igniting a persecution of Christians in Rome. Whatever the case may be, it seems that there was a purpose for departing from the nature form of first century letters. The first two verses declare the thesis of the letter. Since the author chose to omit the declaration of who the author is, who the recipients are, and the salutation, we must assume that the writing dives into the body of the letter. The first two verses speak about superiority and superiority is the theme of the letter. The writer begins with a comparison between the way things were and the way things are now. Long ago > Many times & many ways > God spoke through prophets > God spoke to fathers Now > One time (implied) > God spoke through His Son > God spoke to us In the first sentence the writer shows four ways there is superiority. God spoke to the fathers, but God speaks to us. God spoke in many different ways and different times, but now God speaks only one way. God spoke through the mouth of the prophets, but now through His Son. The things that happened long ago are not as good as what is being experienced now. The first sentence tells us that the writer will spend the letter describing the superiority of Christ. To read more of this lesson click here. Brent Kercheville - West Palm Beach church of Christ clean no