Hebrews 3 Listen to the voice of LORD, and don’t harden your heart against Him

 

Hebrews 3

Listen to the voice of LORD, and don’t harden your heart against Him

Heb 3:7 So then, as the Holy Spirit says, "If you hear God's voice today,8 do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God, as they were that day in the desert when they put him to the test.  9 There they put me to the test and tried me, says God, although they had seen what I did for forty years.  10 And so I was angry with those people and said, 'They are always disloyal and refuse to obey my commands. 11 I was angry and made a solemn promise: 'They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest!"

Heb 3:15 This is what the scripture says: "If you hear God's voice today, do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were when they rebelled against God." 

Heb 3:18 When God made his solemn promise, "They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest"—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. 19 We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe. 

The warning God gave to the Hebrews is a stern one, but it is given from a place of deep love: Do not be stubborn, do not harden your hearts, do not disobey my commands… Why? Because if we do, we will not be able to enter the place of rest that God promise us, when we obey Him and yield to His ways.

Things that harden our hearts if left unchecked and undealt with are: Rebellion, Unforgiveness, Envy, Selfishness, Arrogance, Pride, Sexual sin, Dishonesty to name only a few.

Beloved child of God our sinful nature wants to rebel against God. In our own strength we cannot overcome these things and we really need to humble ourselves, ask the Holy Spirit to help us overcome the areas in our lives where we struggle with sin.

When you stumble (all of us do) come before the Lord in Prayer with humility, ask forgiveness. Be like David who poured out his heart in sorrow before God and asked for forgiveness of his sins in Psalm 51. The Lord is true to His Word and just to forgive us our sins. The Lord will not despise a broken and repentant heart (Ps 52:17).

Prayer

Father God, by the power of our Holy Spirt help us to walk in humility so that our hearts will not rebel against you and be hardened. Create in us a clean heart oh Lord, renew a right spirit within us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and make us willing to obey you. We praise you Lord and all honour and glory belong to you. Amen

A note on humility. I really wanted to have a deeper understanding of what humility means and my search lead me to an explanation from the Hebrew language:

In Hebrew, the word for humility is anavah. Anavah (a humble heart) is a picture of strength surrendered to God. The Bible describes Moses, the great leader of Israel, like this in Numbers 12:3 “Now Moses was very humble (anav), more than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Moses confronted Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, and received the Ten Commandments, yet the defining characteristic God highlights is his humbleness. His strength was not in himself, but in his surrender to God. From the perspective and depth of the Hebrew language humility (anavah) means:

·       bowing low so that God can lift you high,

·       strength restrained by love,

·       walking with confidence in God’s power, not in your own pride.

Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly (anavah) with your God.”

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PASTORA HESMA - JCRC CAPETOWN

Hebrews 2: Drifting or Anchored in Truth

 

Hebrews 2

Drifting or Anchored in Truth

Hebrews 2:1 (ESV) “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it”.

The book of Hebrews was addressed to Christians of Jewish descent, whom were accustomed to the teachings of keeping The Law as given to Moses. This involved many rituals and commands (as written in Leviticus and Deuteronomy) they had to obey. Because it was such a big part of their culture and everyday life, it was very hard for them to accept that Jesus was the Messiah and that atonement for their sins (salvation) is possible by simply believing (having faith) that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one can come to the Father (God) except through me (Jesus) (John 14:6).

Many of us, before we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, comes from a background where we had the belief that we must perform and do good works to receive anything good, or “earn” our place in heaven. Many people, from different backgrounds and religions, that we share the Gospel with, have this wrongful belief too – even people that profess to be Christian.

Here (v1-4) the petition to the Hebrews is to hold on to the truth they heard about Jesus Christ as it is easy to drift back into old religious and worldly beliefs if we are not anchored in the Truth of the Word of God.

How do we hold on to the Truth of the Gospel?

·       We pray and ask that our minds be renewed by the Word of God (Rom 12:2)).

·       We fellowship with members of the church (Acts2:42).

·       We test preaching and teaching we see on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc. against the Word of God.

·       We take captive every thought under the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5, Phil 4:8)

·       We spend time with the Lord in prayer and reading the Bible.

·       We pray about everything (Phil 4:6, Rom 12:12 and Col 4:2); it has to become a way of life for us.

Reflection

Are you anchored in the Truth or are you drifting?  Ask the Lord to show you – renounce wrongful beliefs and turn back to Jesus, to the Truth.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for your Word, the Bible that guides us in all wisdom and truth. Help us Holy Spirit to be steadfast in prayer, in our faith in Jesus Christ and our trust in the Lord who saves us. To God be all the Glory for His Son Jesus Christ our Messiah. Amen

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PASTORA HESMA - JCRC CAPETOWN

 

 

Hebrews 1: The Preeminence of Christ

 

The Preeminence of Christ

Scripture

Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs”

Observation

God spoke to the people of Israel by the prophets in the ancient times, but then he sent his own son Jesus to speak not only to the people of Israel but to the Gentiles, and Jesus himself is the message of the Father, having preeminence over all the creation as follows

-Jesus is the firstborn of the creation and the heir of all things.

-God created the world through Jesus.

- Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God, as we can't see the sun but the rays of light coming from it; nobody has seen the Father, but Jesus said, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14: 9b), as he is “The exact imprint of his nature”.

- “He upholds the universe by the word of his power”; that’s why Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48); his word of power feeds and sustains the whole creation.

- He made the purification of our sins by the shedding of his blood.

- As he humbled himself… “Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him” (Philippians 2:9), and “he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”

Application

As our Lord Jesus humbled himself, he was exalted by God the Father, and now he has the preeminence over all the creation; if we are in Christ, we have access to the throne of glory to see the Father, and we can eat from the bread of life, the word of God that sustains the whole creation and feeds us and makes us grow for eternal life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thanks for the sacrifice of your firstborn on the cross; may we see you every day in our lives, face to face, and testify your Glory in Jesus to all the creation, preaching the word that sustains everything, showing Jesus to everybody around us, so that they also will understand the preeminence of Jesus over all and your own image through his love and mercy. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

 

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PASTOR JOHNY – JCRC LATIN

 

TITUS 2: A TRANSFORMED LIFE

 

TITUS 2: A TRANSFORMED LIFE

This chapter reveals to us today that the Christian life is not measured by how many years we have been attending church, by the work we perform within the church, or by attempts to impose our beliefs based on our knowledge of the Word.

Verses 7 and 8a of this chapter state: "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned."

True faith is lived out not only on Sundays at church, but throughout the rest of the week—at home and at work—settings where we cannot pretend or put on a facade.

To align oneself with sound doctrine is to live a life of integrity before God, even when no one else is watching.

Any work we undertake—whether at home, as an employee, or as an independent professional—becomes an act of honor and worship to God when performed with excellence and diligence.

When we show respect and treat our superiors, colleagues, or subordinates well; when we maintain wholesome speech and good manners at all times and in all places—reflecting the grace and love we have received—we become a means for others to see the real impact of the Gospel in our lives.

TITO 2

Este capítulo nos revela hoy que la vida cristiana no se mide por los años que llevemos congregandonos o por la labor que desempeñemos en la iglesia, tampoco porque tratemos de imponer nuestras creencias por el conocimiento que tengamos de la Palabra.
El Vr 7 y 8a de este capítulo dice: presentándote tu en todo como ejemplo de buenas obras en la enseñanza mostrando integridad, seriedad, palabra sana e irreprochable.

La verdadera fe es la que se vive tanto el domingo en la iglesia, como el resto de la semana en el hogar y en el trabajo, es en estos dos lugares donde no podemos fingir ni aparentar.
Estar de acuerdo con la sana doctrina es llevar una vida integra delante de Dios aún cuando nadie me esté mirando.

Todo trabajo que realicemos ya sea en casa, empleado o independiente, cuando lo hacemos con excelencia y esmero se convierte en un acto de honra y adoración para Dios.

Cuando mostramos respeto y damos buen trato al jefe, compañeros de trabajo, o subalternos; cuando mantenemos las buenas palabras y los buenos modales en cualquier momento y lugar reflejando la gracia y el amor que hemos recibido, nos convertimos en fuente para que otros vean el impacto real del Evangelio en nuestras vidas.

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PASTORA ANGELA - JCRC BOGOTA

2 Timothy 4:: Preach the Word.

 

2 Timothy 4:1-5: Preach the Word.

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

This letter is a continuation of 2 Timothy 3, where Paul first warns about the last days, describing how perilous times will come and what the hearts and character of men—those without Jesus in their lives—will be like.

2 Timothy 3:1: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”

2 Timothy 3:2-6: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions.” Now Paul asks Timothy—and gives him clear and precise instructions—to safeguard the sound doctrine of the Word.

2 Timothy 3:10 “But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and patience.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.”

2 Timothy 4:5 “But you, be sober-minded in all things, endure hardships, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.”

And why does he ask all of this of him?

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and wander off into myths.”

This message is clear: we are called to have an urgency to preach the gospel so that many may be transformed in Christ Jesus, and, as a church, to remain firm in sound doctrine—despite whatever we may have to endure for the sake of the gospel and whatever we may see happening in the world.

For, in spite of everything, the Lord is faithful.

2 Timothy 4:17-18 “But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 

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Elder Catalina Aguirre 

JCRC - Latin Church.

2 TIMOTHY 1: KEEP THE FIRE BURNING

 As Christians, we need to remember two things: what God has done for us and what we should do in response. God did not save us merely to live for ourselves. He saved us by His grace and called us according to His purpose. Therefore, we have a responsibility to remain faithful, use the gifts He has given us, and keep the fire of our faith burning.

1. What He Did: 

  He Saved Us and Called Us to His Purpose

2 Timothy 1:9–10 

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.”

- God saved us not because of our good works, but because of His grace and purpose. Through Jesus Christ, He defeated death and brought the promise of eternal life through the gospel.

- Never forget what Jesus has done for you. You were saved by grace and called to live for His purpose, not your own.

2. What We Should Do: 

Guard Our Calling and Fan into Flame the Gift of God

2 Timothy 1:6–7, 14 

“Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” -  Verse 6

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - Verse 7

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you - guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  - Verse 14

- Since God has called us, we have a responsibility to remain faithful. We must guard our calling by holding firmly to God's Word and refusing to compromise our faith. We must also fan into flame the gift of God by continuing to pray, serve, and share the gospel.

- Do not let fear, discouragement, or worldly distractions extinguish the fire God has placed within you. Rely on the Holy Spirit, who gives you power, love, and self-discipline.

- Keep the fire burning! Use your gifts, protect the truth, and remain faithful to God's calling even when it becomes difficult.

Let us Reflect:

1. How has God’s grace changed my life, and am I living according to His calling?

2. Am I guarding this calling even when I face hardships?

3. What can I do to fan into flame the gift God has given me and keep my spiritual fire burning?

God has saved us by His grace and called us according to His purpose. Now, we must guard what He has entrusted to us and keep the fire of our faith burning.

Never forget what He has done, never neglect the gift He has given you, and never abandon the calling He has entrusted to you.

Remember His grace. Guard your calling. Keep the fire burning!

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PAS MATET - JCRC HANOI

1 TIMOTHY 6: FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF THE FAITH

 

1 Timothy 6:11-12

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Timothy as a young Pastor, Paul knows the battles both personal and spiritual that he will face. Paul teaches him how he will deal with it, how he will lead the church of Ephesus and Paul reminded him to take hold fully on his calling.

We might not be a Pastor, but we can consider ourselves as Timothy so we know how should we lead our children, our family, our co-workers, our friends, our Brothers and Sisters or everyone we are dealing with in our daily lives. As a Christian, how are we going to stand from the truth in the midst of trials and temptations and live out a godly life whom we received when we profess our faith in Jesus Christ.

V11 instructs believers to flee from spiritual dangers—like the love of money.

In order for us to live and lead aligned with God’s will, there are things to flee (Don’ts) and things to pursue (Do’s).

DONT’S – to FLEE

Flee from the love of money as a root of all kinds of evil (V10)

We know that money itself is not bad, or that every single evil comes from money, instead, it warns that putting wealth above God and people creates a selfish craving that drives human corruption

Flee from any idolatry.

Scrolling social medial for long time, being hooked with watching AI films, thinking and doing many extra works to create additional income, etc. replacing the time communing with God, I have to remove these so it will not lead me to sin and falling away from the Lord.

Flee from pleasing our flesh that causes to lose morality leading to greediness.

Too much eating than necessary, material obsession losing contentment, I must reflect and change aligning my actions to what pleases God and not myself.

 

Flee from anything that triggers sin.

Daily conversation with someone which triggers envy, gossip, or compromise in integrity.

The heart is the problem, when we prioritize the things that pleases us it opposes God’s will, people can imitate us and also can reflect on how we treat others negatively.

DO’S – to PURSUE

Righteousness - being fair and honest in daily work and personal relationships. Doing the right thing even no one is seeing knowing that the Lord sees it all.

Godliness - how is my prayer life, reading and meditating Scripture, fellowship and relation with people around me and worship. Is my life reflecting Christ word and character?

Faith – complete dependence to the Lord rather than to self-ability. In times of problems and difficulties, do I trust God’s promises and lean toward His unfailing love or I tend to look for many other options on my own?

Love – Serving God’s people especially the poor, forgiveness, and putting the needs of my family, coworkers, and neighbors before me. Having compassion to the needy and to the weak.

Patience (Endurance) – Never tired of doing good even when prayers feel unanswered, results are delayed, or life gets hard. Am I patiently trusting God while waiting for my breakthroughs or I keep distance to the Lord slowly?

Gentleness (Meekness) – Am I humble, gentle and sober minded in responding to stress and conflicts with others or am I complaining, angry and bitter?

 

We are to fight the good fight of faith (V12)

Feed our hearts and minds with God’s word and not this world fear and worries. Do I agree to God’s promises over feelings, sickness, failures, discouragement and difficult situations?

How is my relationship to the Lord in prayer and meditating His word even surrounded with many things that is keeping me away from God’s presence? Do bring my every need to the feet of the Lord trusting that He is our God, our provider and our all in all?

Do I stand in God’s truth and righteousness in all our choices even temptations are strong, even everyone is against what I believe?

We don’t fight alone, we can lean on fellow believers for encouragement, accountability, and shared prayer encouraging and lifting each other faith.

 

Take hold of the eternal life which we are called.

Am I living consciously in the present and not viewing eternal life as something that only starts after death or I neglect the godly way I should be living now?

Am I immersing myself to the Holy Spirit by spending my time, energy, and choices into things with eternal value rather than temporary fleshly desires?

Do I focus on God by prioritizing an intimate, personal relationship with the Father and Jesus Christ, recognizing that true eternal life is knowing Him deeply or am I occupying my daily life with many things that is separating me to the Lord?

Reflection:

·       What specific habit, distraction, or temptation I need to flee from today instead of entertaining it?

·       Which of the six virtues is currently missing or weak in my daily life?

·       How can I shift from a passive defense against sin to an active pursuit of godliness every day?

·       Am I constantly fighting a good fight of the faith and maturing spiritually or just believing but not growing?

 

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father thank you for your eternal promise that you are with us and for until our last breath. Thank you for teaching us your way so we may live in peace and confidence that whatever trials and difficulties comes in our lives we already won the battle in Christ Jesus. Help us today Lord to pursue to be one with you daily in words, actions and thoughts. May you always guide us and lead us Father God to stand firm on your word when we are overwhelmed with circumstances. Guard our hearts, our minds and our hands Lord that we may persevere living faithfully, fighting for it all cost and our lives be a living witness of your glorious Name. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

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ELDER ERNELYN - JCRC CAMBODIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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