Hebrews 7 presents us with a fascinating and often overlooked figure in the Bible—Melchizedek. He appears briefly in Genesis 14, blessing Abraham after a victorious battle and receiving a tithe from him. Then, he seemingly vanishes from history, only to be mentioned again a thousand years later in Psalm 110, where King David prophesies about a priest “forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Another thousand years later, in the New Testament, the book of Hebrews explains how Melchizedek serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. But who exactly was Melchizedek, and why does he matter so much?
Melchizedek is unique because he holds two roles that were never combined in the Old Testament—he was both a king and a priest. He ruled as the King of Salem (believed to be ancient Jerusalem), and he served as a priest of God Most High. In Jewish tradition, priests came from the lineage of Levi, while kings came from Judah. Yet, Melchizedek existed outside of this system, hinting at someone greater to come—Jesus, who would one day fulfill both roles perfectly. Hebrews 7 explains that Jesus is our eternal High Priest, surpassing the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood. Unlike human priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once and for all. He mediates between us and God, interceding for us daily. Just as Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham, showing his superiority, Jesus is greater than any religious system or earthly authority. This passage also reminds us that the Old Testament law could never truly save anyone. The law was given to reveal our need for a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus Christ. Melchizedek’s sudden and mysterious appearance, with no recorded genealogy or death, symbolizes Christ’s eternal nature—having no beginning and no end. For the early Jewish believers reading Hebrews, this was a crucial encouragement. They were tempted to return to the old sacrificial system out of fear and pressure. But the writer urges them: Why go back to a system that was always meant to point to Jesus? Why trade the eternal, perfect High Priest for something lesser? The same question applies to us today. When life gets hard, we may be tempted to rely on old habits, distractions, or things that can never truly satisfy. But Hebrews 7 calls us to run to Jesus, our eternal King and High Priest, who understands our struggles, offers grace, and provides strength in times of need. If we truly grasp the significance of Jesus as our High Priest, it changes everything. We no longer have to strive to earn God’s favor—it has already been given through Christ. We can boldly approach His throne, knowing He sympathizes with our weaknesses. And in every trial, temptation, and decision, we can trust that Jesus, like Melchizedek but infinitely greater, reigns as our eternal source of hope and salvation. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 2/2/25.
0 Comments
Prayer is one of the most profound and personal aspects of our relationship with God. It is not just a routine, nor is it a performance or negotiation. At its core, prayer is a dialogue—a conversation between the Creator and His creation. The first recorded prayer in the Bible, found in Genesis 3:8-13, beautifully illustrates this truth. In this passage, God seeks out Adam and Eve after their disobedience, demonstrating His desire for connection and His initiative to repair the broken relationship caused by sin.
Genesis reminds us that prayer is expected by God. In Genesis 3:8, we see God walking in the garden, seeking fellowship with Adam and Eve, just as He does with us today. The “sound of the Lord” reflects His familiarity with us, and the “cool of the day” suggests a regular, intentional rhythm of communion. However, when sin enters the picture, it disrupts this natural flow of fellowship, causing us to hide from God, much like Adam and Eve did. But even in our brokenness, God continues to call us back to Him, inviting us into His presence. The beauty of prayer is that it is initiated by God. In Genesis 3:9, God calls out to Adam, asking, “Where are you?” This question is not one of location but of relationship. It is a powerful reminder that God takes the first step to restore what has been lost. Throughout Scripture, this pattern continues—Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness (Romans 8:26-27). Prayer is God’s way of drawing us into His presence and inviting us to respond to His love and grace. Finally, prayer is an examination by God, not for condemnation but for reflection and growth. In Genesis 3:9-13, God asks three key questions:
These questions challenge us to examine our relationship with Him, evaluate the voices we listen to, and take responsibility for our choices. Through prayer, God gently uncovers areas in our lives that need healing, realignment, and surrender. Prayer is not just an activity; it is a lifeline that connects us to the heart of God. He calls us by name, seeking to fellowship with us, restore us, and guide us into deeper relationship with Him. Let us respond to His call with humility and expectancy, knowing that when we pray, we step into a divine dialogue that transforms us from the inside out. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 01/19/24. What is the hardest thing about prayer? At first, we might think it’s finding the time or having the right words. But as this week’s message revealed, the greatest challenge lies in admitting our own weakness and need for help. Prayer is not just a conversation with God; it’s a moment of surrender where we acknowledge that we cannot fix our lives on our own. It’s a step toward healing that requires vulnerability, faith, and action.
The story in John 5 highlights this beautifully. Jesus encounters a man who has been an invalid for 38 years, lying near the pool of Bethesda in hopes of healing. Jesus asks him a seemingly obvious question: “Do you want to get well?” At first glance, the answer seems simple—who wouldn’t want to be healed? But for this man, and often for us, the road to healing comes with challenges we’re not always ready to face. Change means leaving behind what’s comfortable, even if it’s unhealthy, and stepping into a new reality. Jesus’ question isn’t just about physical healing—it’s a heart check. The man had to decide if he was ready to embrace a life that would require responsibility, effort, and faith. Would he stop making excuses and take action? The same question applies to us. Whether it’s a secret sin, a broken relationship, or a personal struggle, true healing begins when we admit we need help and are willing to trust God’s plan for restoration. James 5:13-16 reminds us that healing often happens in community. Confession and prayer go hand in hand. There’s no help for who we pretend to be—only for who we truly are. When we open up to God and others about our struggles, we position ourselves to receive the supernatural and practical healing that only God can provide. Vulnerability isn’t easy, but it creates the environment where God’s grace can flow into our lives. The truth is, many of us are stuck on our “mats.” Like the man by the pool, we’ve become comfortable with our dysfunction, even when it keeps us from living fully. It’s easier to blame circumstances or stay in our comfort zones than to take the bold step of faith that healing requires. But Jesus calls us to rise, take up our mats, and walk. This action symbolizes leaving behind the old and embracing the new life He offers. Healing doesn’t always look miraculous in the moment. Sometimes it involves taking practical steps—seeking counseling, joining a recovery group, setting boundaries, or rebuilding trust in relationships. Other times, it’s about persistent prayer and waiting for God’s timing. Regardless of the process, healing always begins with saying yes to Jesus’ question, “Would you like to get well?” This is a call to action for each of us. It’s time to stop hiding behind excuses and step into the healing that God offers. Whether it’s confessing sin, asking for prayer, or taking practical steps toward restoration, the invitation is clear. Jesus is standing before us, ready to work in our lives if we’re willing to trust Him. So, would you like to get well? The journey may not be easy, but it’s worth it. God’s grace is sufficient, His power is limitless, and His love is unwavering. He is eager to help us rise from the mats we’ve been lying on and empower us to walk in freedom and purpose for His glory. - Adapted from the messages preached across our 3 campuses on 01/12/25. In our fast-paced, noisy world, finding space to hear God's voice can seem impossible. Jesus himself modeled a life of turning down the noise to focus on the Father's voice. Whether through solitude, silence, or fasting, He demonstrated the importance of making time for God, especially in the midst of life’s busyness.
Jesus' practice of seeking solitude—rising early in the morning to pray—teaches us the value of intentional quiet time with God. He didn’t turn to distractions or escape into relationships but prioritized connection with His Father. This example reminds us that our affection grows where our attention goes. Solitude isn't just being alone; it’s about being alone with God, aligning our hearts and thoughts with His will. Silence, though counter-cultural, is another tool Jesus invites us to embrace. In a world obsessed with noise and instant gratification, silence allows us to step away from the fear of missing out and truly listen to God. It's about turning down the external and internal noise to become attuned to His whispers. Fasting, the third practice, focuses our attention on God by forgoing something we value, whether food, technology, or another habit. It’s not about manipulating God or showcasing our spirituality but creating space for deeper reliance on Him. Jesus assumed His followers would fast, just as they prayed and gave. When done with the right heart, fasting becomes a profound way to seek God's guidance and presence. These practices are invitations from a loving Father who desires intimacy with us. By incorporating solitude, silence, and fasting into our lives, we can refocus on what truly matters and grow closer to God. As we enter a new year, may we respond to this call to give God our full attention. - Adapted from the sermon preached at out Walloon Lake campus on 1/5/25. |
Welcome to the pastors' blog!
These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons. Previous posts
January 2025
|