Tag Archives: Religion

Striving to Follow Jesus

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

Hebrews 3:1-6

Three Lessons from Hebrews 3

 **Jesus Is Greater Than All

            Greater Than Moses, Prophets, Priests, Kings

**Fix Your Eyes Upon Jesus

**Realize That Jesus Is Your Only Hope For Salvation, Sanctification, and Security

Trust in Christ. Believe His Word. Be blessed as you follow Jesus!

Tony French

1 Comment

Filed under Hebrews

The Ministry of The Savior

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.” 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a erciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:11-18

Jesus And His Ministry

Three points about Jesus’ Ministry………………..

**He Has A Sanctifying Ministry (11-13)

**He Has A Subduing Ministry (14-15)

**He Has A Sympathetic Ministry (16-18)

God Bless you all!

Tony French

***

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

The Confirmed Messiah

22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Luke 7:22-23

As we consider Jesus as the long-awaited One, let’s ask ourselves:

** How has Jesus fulfilled God’s promises in my life?

** In what areas do I need to stop striving and rest in Christ’s righteousness?

** How can I follow Jesus’ example in loving others while standing firm in truth?

** Have I fully embraced Jesus as my only hope for salvation?

The message of Jesus is as relevant and revolutionary today as it was two thousand years ago. He came to save the lost, heal the brokenhearted, and give abundant life to those who trust in Him.  May we, like those tax collectors and sinners of old, find ourselves drawn to this Jesus – the Messiah, our standard, our example, and our only Savior.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

The Revealed One

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a littlelower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.[f] But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 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. 

Jesus is revealed in Scripture. The Bible instructs us about the nature, character, and message of Christ. There may be aspects about our Savior that remain unknown to us.  Scripture provides us with the guidance we need to understand and follow Christ.  Consider the following from Hebrews 2

**Jesus Has A Saving Ministry

**Jesus Has A Sovereign Ministry

Created All People

Cares For All People

Commissions His People

**Jessus Has A Submissive Ministry

He Is Humble

He Died For Our Sins

He Suffers For Our Redemption

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Hebrews

The Only Mediator

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Jesus is the Only Savior.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Jesus’ identity is His exclusivity as the way to salvation. In a world that often prizes inclusivity and multiple paths to truth, the claim that Jesus is the only way to God can be seen as narrow-minded or offensive.

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus claimed about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The apostles echoed this message, declaring, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This truth calls us to a decision. If Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the standard of righteousness, our perfect example, and the only Savior – then our response to Him matters eternally. It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher or moral example. He calls us to trust in Him completely for our salvation and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on these truths about Jesus, we’re faced with both a challenge and an invitation. The challenge is to let go of our own attempts at self-justification and to trust fully in Christ. The invitation is to experience the transforming power of His love and grace in our lives.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Jesus, The Superior One

So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. The Son Superior to Angels For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father’’? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”  13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:4-14

Facts about Jesus from Hebrews 1……………………….

**Jesus is the Son of God

*He is superior to angels

*He is superior to earthly messengers

**Jesus Will Rule and Reign

*He will have a Righteous Reign

*He will have an Eternal Reign

*He will have a Powerful Reign

**Jesus Will Defeat all Enemies

*There is Only one Jesus

*There is Only one Lord

*There is Only one Savior

This is your Savior. You are blessed, Dear Christian!

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Hebrews

Jesus, The Example

29And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

Luke 7:29-30

Jesus is our Example

Luke 7 goes on to describe how Jesus interacted with various groups of people, including tax collectors and sinners. This aspect of His ministry often drew criticism from religious leaders, but it exemplifies a crucial truth: Jesus meets people where they are while calling them to something higher.

We see Jesus willing to associate with those considered outcasts by society, showing love and compassion without compromising truth. He didn’t condone sin, but He also didn’t let it be a barrier to reaching people with the good news of God’s kingdom.

This challenges us to examine our own attitudes and actions. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are different from us? Can we love unconditionally while still holding fast to the truth of God’s Word? Jesus shows us it’s possible to do both.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Jesus, The Standard

28For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Luke 7:28

Jesus is the Standard

As we continue reading, we see Jesus speaking about John the Baptist, praising his character and role. But then He makes a startling statement: “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28).

This declaration underscores a fundamental truth: Jesus Himself is the ultimate standard by which we are measured. It’s not about comparing ourselves to others or trying to achieve a certain level of goodness. The bar is set at perfection – the perfection of Christ.

This realization can be both humbling and liberating. We can stop trying to measure up to impossible human standards and instead rest in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith. Our standing before God is not based on our own merits but on the finished work of Jesus.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Righteousness of God

God is righteous. This fact is learned very early in the cycle of Christian maturity. Righteousness is an attribute of God that is unchanging and perpetual.

What do we mean when we say God is righteous? The dictionary defines righteous as “characterized by uprightness or moral character.” God’s righteousness is not simply something He does, it is who He is. Righteousness is a component of God’s character.

The Bible speaks often of God’s righteousness. Psalm 7:11 declares “God is a righteous Judge.” Psalm 33:5 relates the truth that God loves righteousness and justice. These examples are only two of many throughout the entirety of the Bible that speak to this attribute of God.

May we consider the implications of this truth? God is righteous all the time. He is in a perpetual state of being “right.” Such a truth is impossible for us to comprehend in our limited, sinful state and yet we know it is true.

God is righteous when things don’t go well in this life. He is righteous when my prayers are answered in the way I desire and when they are not answered as I had hoped. God’s righteousness in not contingent upon the circumstances of our life even when do not understand His ways or His will.

Ultimately, God is righteous in saving sinners. What is the reason for this? God punished Jesus in our place. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) Jesus was condemned so that we could go free.  (Romans 8:1) We are justified in God’s sight and given the righteousness of Christ through salvation. (Titus 3:7) 

May we give thanks today to the God is always righteous and just!

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Holy

Holiness is a moral attribute of God. At its core, holiness means to be distinct, set apart. The biblical word “holy” (as it applies to God) carries with it the idea of God being separate and distinct from any other person or anything else in the entirety of the universe. Holiness also imparts the fact that God (being uncreated and eternal) “does not depend on anyone or anything to bring Him into existence or to sustain Him in being.” [1]

God’s holiness means He is majestic and powerful. The Scriptures declare “There is no one holy like the LORD, Indeed, there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.    (1 Samuel 2:2) God is above and beyond all His creation. He is sovereign over all creation.

Isaiah’s vision of God holiness was breathtaking and awesome. Around the throne of God, the angels cry out “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory.”  (Isaiah 6:3). Nothing can compare to the God of Scripture.

In Revelation 4, John gives us a companion scene to Isaiah’s vision. The cries of “Holy, Holy, Holy” rise up continually amidst the throne of God. He is awesome, mighty, and powerful. No one can resist His plans.

Dear fellow Believer, the God of the Bible is holy. The God we serve and owe everything to, He is Holy, Holy, Holy. He calls us to be holy and separate as well. “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 6:7) He is holy. Therefore, we should seek holiness every day.

Tony French


[1] John S. Feinberg, No One Like Him, pg. 340

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion