This new High Priest fulfills the laws requirements and now writes His law on our minds and our hearts. This is the law of grace.
Hebrews 8: Jesus, High Priest of a Better Covenant
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.
5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain."
6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
8 For he finds fault with them when he says: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah,
9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbour and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."
13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
Things to think about…
1. The tabernacle and later the temple were the earthly tents which required the High Priest to bring an offering for himself and the people. This allowed access to the Lord through the holy places referred to in Heb 8:1,2. These are a copy and a shadow of the heavenly places, vs 5. But Christ our great High Priest offered Himself and is seated at the right hand of the Majesty, vs 1 has now obtained a better ministry because the covenant is established on better promises, vs 6. The reason being that the first covenant was broken by the people, vs 9.
2. Note that in Hebrews 8 the promises to Israel still stand, but there is a better covenant Heb 8:8-10 for them that allows the law to be written on their minds and hearts. We know that one day Israel will come out of their blindness and see this clearly. So while there has been some fulfillment of Heb 8:10 and the Apostle Paul is a great example, there is still a day when many, indeed most will put their trust in Jesus Christ as their New Covenant Saviour. This is the only way that He will remember their sins no more, Heb 8:12. Keep praying for Israel, that their blindness will be taken away. While we have the laws written on our minds and hearts, it is the Lord that keeps the covenant. He will not be unfaithful to Himself.
3. The old covenant has become obsolete and when the temple was destroyed by the romans in AD70, it ceased. The Jews today want to re-establish the Mosaic sacrificial system again with the rebuilding of the 3rd temple. We know that this is in rebellion to the finished sacrifice of Christ on the cross. One day their eyes will be opened and “they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest” and “they will look upon the One whom they have pierced”, John 19:37; Zech 12:10 and repent. Let’s pray we see them respond to Christ in our day.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “The humble will be exalted” – Reading Esther 8.
1. The pastor mentioned the loss of his first job and the events that followed. What has been the most humiliating time or low point in your life? What were the circumstances that led you out of it? Were you a Christian did your faith play a part?
2. Recall what you remember of the story of Esther and Mordecai and what led to the ascension of Mordecai to be second in charge of the empire. God is not mentioned at all in the book but is clearly orchestrating events in the background. How would you describe coincidences?
3. We are called to follow Christ, to take up our cross and follow Him. After the suffering of the cross Acts 5:31 says “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins”. What does this mean for you, your faith and your future?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the 2 families that received CBC’s flood relief in Queensborough parade in Karalee.
2. Safety for those travelling over the school holidays coming up.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More new folk came to CBC on Sunday.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
3. Café helpers on Sunday – thanks Melinda and Maddison.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for June...
Q. 4. What becomes of men when they die? A. The body returns to dust, and the soul goes back to God to be judged.
