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. 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 will look upon the One whom they have pierced 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.
For Cell Groups.
Reading was from Isaiah 64 Title “Rend the heavens and revive us”
1. Isaiah had seen the Lord’s miraculous hand on a number of occasions before praying Isa 64. Do you remember some of the things he had experienced and the circumstances that surrounded those experiences?
2. You experienced the supernatural hand of the Lord. If so, how?
3. Jay mentioned the revival in the Isle of Lewis in 1949. Do you remember the circumstances of what led to the revival and why the 2 older ladies Peggy and Christine Smith prayed for it to occur?
4. Generally the church by and large today is remiss of holiness and a deep hunger for the Lord. Would you agree? Revival and awakening need to occur where even people who have not gone to church desire to be there. Pray that we would be awakened.
Prayer Points
1. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
2. New families as they settle into church.
3. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
4. Getting drawings into council.
5. Sunday’s message – Andrew Otte.
Praise Points.
1. Friday night bon Fire. Plenty of new contacts. Some saying they will come to church.
2. Praise the Lord for Caleb – Recharge, keep praying the Lord reveals His will.
3. Praise the Lord for the Kids@church ministry. Thankyou Maddison.
4. More new folk on Sunday – Praise God.
5. Praise and worship – pray for continued growth and blessing.
6. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
Announcements
1. Men’s movie night. 13th March, “The battle of Long Tan”. Tim Freeman’s dad, has a personal testimony of the men and events. Be aware, MA rating – swearing and violence. It is a war film after all. Will be at church. $10 to cover costs.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
