A 3,000-Year-Old Rock Song

It is hard to believe that it has been so long since I posted our last Hebrews study podcast episode.  So much has happened since then!  We enjoyed a summer conference in Canada with the MacMillan family, studying Jude's short epistle, 1 Thessalonians, Proverbs 1-9, and sections from Ecclesiastes.  Our time together was also capped off by a wonderful trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island with the MacMillan family.  Since that time, our family has been spending a considerable amount of time back in the Portland area studying Isaiah, Romans, and James.  In fact, just last weekend, we had the privilege of delving into the first couple of chapters of James with the MacMillan family when they were down for their Canadian Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  We are also looking forward to becoming grandparents in April, when our son Chris and his wife Amanda will have their first child.

I wanted to post this song--"Only In God" (Psalm 62)--tonight, inspired by Psalm 62 and written by John Michael Talbot. It is one of the first Christian songs I learned to play on my guitar, and I have been playing it for over 30 years now. The metaphor of God/Christ as a "rock" is found frequently throughout the Old and New Testaments. Originally written as a psalm over 3,000 years ago by King David, one can well imagine why David used this metaphor, as he was often found hiding in caves when pursued by Saul or perhaps even by his own son Absalom. This is a song I have come back to time and again in my life, as it encourages God's redeemed child to look to Him for ultimate safety, protection, and eventual salvation. I hope it encourages you as it has me over these past thirty years of walking with the Savior through the wilderness that is this life.

Here is Psalm 62 in its entirety (NASB):

Psalm 62

For the choir director; according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.
1 My soul waits in silence for God only;
From Him is my salvation.
2 He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assail a man,
That you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position;
They delight in falsehood;
They bless with their mouth,
But inwardly they curse.
Selah.
5 My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest;
The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Selah.
9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;
In the balances they go up;
They are together lighter than breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression
And do not vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.

11 Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God;
12 And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For You recompense a man according to his work.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #15 (Hebrews 13:1-25)

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #15), we will examine chapter 13, the final chapter of this extraordinary letter of exhortation addressed to “holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling.”  Last time, we learned those who are to receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, are to “offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe,” for their God is a “consuming fire.”  In what follows then in Chapter 13, the author offers up some very specific and practical ways this admonition is to be lived out in the community, particularly in the face of the anticipated and serious persecution to come.  The holy brethren are also called upon to adhere to the apostolic, pure, and foundational teaching they had heard in the past and reject the “strange and diverse teachings” which are beginning to draw them away from their pilgrimage toward the city of the living God as new covenant disciples of Christ.

Notes for this podcast episode can be found here: Study Notes for Lesson #15

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #14 (Hebrews 12:4-12:29)

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #14), we will complete our study of Hebrews 12.  As you may recall from our previous study, the author had presented us with a list of fellow pilgrims who had run the race of endurance--by faith--toward the city of the living God.  And as we concluded last time, we took note of how the author brought this list to a climax by exhorting us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” and to “consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,” so that we “will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Before we resume our discussion, we will hear a reading of Hebrews 12 in its entirety.  We hope you will be as encouraged and challenged as we were by what the epistle’s author has to say, as we learn about the role God’s discipline plays in bringing many sons to glory, how committed faith finds expression as persevering faithfulness to God, and how what lies ahead under the New Covenant provides greater privileges and, at the same time,  sober responsibilities for God’s redeemed people.

Notes for this podcast episode can be found here: Study Notes for Lesson #14

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #13B (Hebrews 11:23-12:3)

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #13B), we resume our examination of those in Hebrews 11 who lived out the kind of faith God commended, that which exhibited the “assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.”  As we begin today’s study with an overview of where we’ve come so far in the epistle, we are reminded of how this definition of commendable faith relates back to the promised earthly kingdom of Christ Jesus and His present ongoing ministry as Great High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle.  As the list of those who refused to shrink back and kept looking faithfully to the One who made the promises heads toward its climax, we are provided with the ultimate and perfect example of the premier “endurance runner”: the Lord Jesus Christ himself, who--for the joy set before Him--endured the cross, despising the shame, and now is exalted at God’s right hand in the place of highest honor. 

Notes for both parts of podcast episode 13--covering material in Hebrews 11:1-12:3--can be found here: Study Notes for Lessons 13A and 13B

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #13A (Hebrews 11:1-22)

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #13A), we will begin by reviewing the warnings and encouragement the author has presented to his readers in his letter of exhortation, particularly toward the end of Hebrews 10.  In our previous podcast study in Hebrews 10, we witnessed how the author held before the holy brethren their own steadfast commitment to Christ under adverse circumstances in the past in order to encourage the same courageous stance in the present.  As the political winds of the mid-60’s A.D. in Rome began to shift, the men and women of the house-church suddenly found themselves weary with the necessity of sustaining the high level of commitment they had brought to Christ in those earlier years.

As our author moves forward in Chapter 11, he urges his readers not to throw away their boldness and to keep looking to the reward of the inheritance in the age to come.  Endurance is what is needed at such an hour, along with a continued assurance in things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. We hope you are as encouraged and challenged as we were, as we considered the lives of the “men of old” who “gained approval” by exhibiting faith in God’s unchangeable promises.  Indeed, God is utterly reliable, and His faithfulness to his promises guarantees that the reward for doing the will of God—as righteous ones who live by faith--will be reception of what He has promised!

Notes for both parts of Episode 13--covering material in Hebrews 11:1-12:3--can be accessed here:  Study Notes for Lesson 13 (Parts A & B)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #12B

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #12B), we are picking up where we left off in Hebrews 10. In our previous podcast, we discussed the first eighteen verses of this chapter, as the author brought to a close his well-crafted exposition concerning Christ’s priestly office.  As we approach verses 19-39, we are challenged and encouraged by very practical and sobering implications for Christian life and worship which flow out of the recognition that Jesus is currently in the holy tabernacle making propitiation for God’s redeemed people as the great high priest.  

Notes for both parts of Episode 12 can be accessed here: Study Notes of Lesson #12 (Parts A & B).

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #12A

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #12A), we are covering the first section of Hebrews 10.  We will be discussing the first eighteen verses of this chapter, as the author wraps up his exposition concerning Christ’s priestly office.  Once again, he will direct our attention to the themes of priesthood, sacrifice, and covenant.  Later in the chapter--which we will include in a subsequent podcast in Part B of this particular study--the author will lay out very practical and sobering implications for Christian life and worship which flow out of the recognition that Jesus is our priest and sacrifice. 

Before we began our study, we reviewed the “solid food” section of the epistle, which is covered in Hebrews 7-10.  Before listening to this podcast, I would encourage you to do the same, as it will enrich your understanding of how the author concludes his discussion and help you to see how things work together contextually.  We will begin this podcast episode with a reading of Hebrews 9:11-10:39.  Notes for  Parts A and B of Study #12 can be found here: Study Notes for Lesson #12 (Parts A & B)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #11

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #11), we are covering Chapter 9 of the epistle. As the author of Hebrews continues to take us through the “solid food” section of his message concerning the superior priesthood of the resurrected, exalted, and seated Son of God, he expands the discussion he started earlier in Chapter 8, which concerned the new covenant now mediated by our indestructible great high priest. He continues to develop very sharp contrasts between the first covenant and the associated Levitical system of continuous blood sacrifices conducted in the symbolic tabernacle. "In speaking of a new covenant," the author noted in 8:13, God "makes the first one obsolete." That first covenant--"growing old and ready to vanish away"--has been replaced with a superior covenant, inaugurated by the “once for all” sacrifice provided by the Lamb and Great High Priest, who has offered up his own vastly superior conscience-cleansing blood, securing an eternal redemption for God’s people. In so doing, He has provided unfettered access to God’s holy presence, provided we draw near with a sincere heart through Him, the great high priest and mediator of this new covenant.

Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here: Study notes for Lesson #11.

This is something I recently came across that relates well to this section of Hebrews.  It is a video clip of a gentleman--Ryan Ferguson--providing a dramatic recitation of Hebrews 9-10: 

A Song Inspired by Hebrews 11: "By Faith"

I know we are a few chapters away from Hebrews 11 and the famous "Hall of Faith," but I thought I'd upload a song I recently sang entitled "By Faith". This is NOT any fancy music mix by any stretch of the imagination, but my desire was to simply bring before you all a great song written by singer/songwriter Michael Card from his fantastic "Soul Anchor" album, which was released several years ago and entirely centered on the Epistle to the Hebrews. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, you will notice many references from the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, as well as other themes and truths brought out in the epistle. I hope you enjoy it! By the way, our next podcast--covering Hebrews 9--will take place in about two weeks.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #10

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #10), we are covering Chapter 8 of the epistle.  As the author of Hebrews continues to take us through the “solid food” of his message concerning the superior priesthood of the resurrected, exalted, and seated Son of God, he reminds us--in no uncertain terms--that we have NOW, in the present tense, a high priest serving as a minister in the true tabernacle, one who serves as a mediator of a new covenant which has been enacted on better promises.

Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here: Study notes for Lesson #10.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #9

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #9), we are wrapping up Chapter 7, where the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews continues to develop the superiority of the great high priesthood of Christ Jesus, which had been foreshadowed through the intriguing and sudden appearance we saw last time of the Canaanite priest/king Melchizedek, as he met Abraham in Genesis 14 after the slaughter of the kings.  The author now begins to argue that this new priesthood--under the resurrected and seated Christ Jesus and secured with the great oath of Psalm 110:4 which states: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'"--is vastly superior to that of the Levitical priesthood. 

Our study this time focuses on Hebrews 7:11-28. Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here:Study notes for Lesson #9.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #8

In this episode, we have arrived at the section in the epistle where the author is set to expound on the significance of the oath given to the Lord by the LORD in Psalm 110:4, which stated the following: “The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’”  Today’s podcast will cover the first ten verses of Hebrews 7, where the author brings out ten intriguing observations concerning the first priest mentioned in the Scriptures—the priest/king Melchizedek of Genesis 14—and shows us how this somewhat mysterious Canaanite ruler and contemporary of Abram was made like the Son of God.  In subsequent podcasts, we will come to understand the superior, perpetual, and incorruptible nature of this priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, to which Christ Jesus has been raised and is now seated as great High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle.

You can access this podcast by clicking on this link:Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #8  Notes for this lesson can be found here: Study notes for Lesson #8

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #7

In this episode, we are following the author’s exposition--coming on the heels of his exhortation in 5:11-6:12--concerning the certainty of the promises given to Abraham by God and backed up with His confirming oath.  As imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises, we are called upon to reflect on the unchangeable character of God’s purpose and endeavor to hold fast to the hope set before us, an anchored hope that is secured by a faithful forerunner—Christ Jesus—on our behalf.  The podcast for this lesson can be found here for streaming or download (please note the iTunes sync icon on bottom right of  this site): Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #7 .

Study notes for this study are found here: Study notes for Lesson #7 (Hebrews 6:13-20). Another excellent related resource recently put together by Bill and Steve Ramey can be found here: The Basics: The Gospel (The LORD'S Three Oaths)  I am also adding in this great song from one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Michael Card, which ties in so well to this week's lesson: 

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #6

We had the privilege and delight of being joined by our Labor Day Weekend guests from Canada, Iain and Anne MacMillan and their son Iain Jr., as we picked up in Hebrews 5:11-6:12. Today’s lesson and discussion led us to one of the most challenging sections in the epistle, as the author pauses--just as he is about to get into what he terms the “solid food for the mature” concerning the begotten Son of God’s designation as a “high priest in the order of Melchizedek”--and strongly exhorts the “holy brethren” to not continue to grow dull of hearing, to move beyond the milk of the ABC’s, to avoid slipping into sluggish discipleship, and earnestly strive to be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The podcast for this lesson can be found here for streaming or download (note iTunes sync icon on bottom right of this site): Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #6

We encourage you to listen to the earlier podcast episodes in Hebrews if you haven't done so and to download this week's study notes found here:Study notes for lesson #6 (Heb. 5:11-6:12)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #5B

Welcome to the conclusion of our previous podcast study @ Villa Scriptura Episode #5B, which covers material in Hebrews 4:1-5:10.  The author of this deeply textured epistle is methodically and powerfully moving us toward his climactic statement in 5:9-10: "and having been made perfect, he did become to all those obeying him a cause of salvation age-during, having been addressed by God a chief priest, according to the order of Melchisedek." (Young's Literal Translation)  Before arriving there, though, we need to continue our consideration of the "good news" that was--tragic to say--NOT united by faith by the "many" in the wilderness.  Only a  very small minority listened and believed in God's promises.  Our author reminds his readers and listeners--those living "TODAY"--that it still remains for some to enter God's "rest."  We are exhorted to "strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the SAME SORT of disobedience."  The sobering reality is that ALL--including the "holy brethren" from 3:1--will be laid "naked and exposed to the eyes of whom WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT."  The good news for the redeemed?  Well...listen to this episode and find out!  I can assure you, it is GOSPEL TRUTH from the One who has spoken, which you must "hold fast" and "draw near" to!

Combined notes for both parts of the study can be obtained by clicking here: Notes for Podcast Episodes 5A and 5B. Our next podcast study will take place on Sunday, September 5th, and it will be uploaded shortly thereafter.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #5A

Our study for this two-part session  takes us to Hebrews 4:1-5:10, a segment in the epistle which covers the "rest that still stands" and a sober warning for the "holy brethren" of 3:1 to "FEAR" lest any of them "should seem to have failed to reach it." (i.e., the "rest" that still stands). We look at the "good news" or "gospel" that came to the "us" in the letter and to the "them," explore the "living and active word of God" in 4:11-13 and the implications which follow the solemn truth and powerful aspect of the gospel (also seen in Romans 2:16) that "NO creature is hidden from his sight, but ALL are NAKED and EXPOSED to the eyes of him to whom WE MUST give account." Good news continues on the horizon in Part 2 of Lesson #5, as we explore the glorious provision made to us as God's redeemed people in the person of the sympathetic, reverent, appointed, and sinless risen and exalted Christ Jesus--the "priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Good news all the way around for the holy brethren!!! 

You can access a streaming version of the audio, download to your computer, or sync up with your iPod or other player by going directly here: Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #5A. If you would like to access the notes for both parts of Villa Scriptura Podcast #5, you may click here: https://www.acrobat.com/#d=8je-gMJF4XLUG7PCu9sk-A. 

The second part of this podcast episode will be posted soon, so please stay tuned. Our next lesson, covering an entirely different section in Hebrews (Villa Scriptura 's Podcast #6), will take place on Sunday, September 5, 2010.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #4

After a review of Hebrews 1-2, we jump into Hebrews 3, where we are reminded to whom this epistle is written: "holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling."  We take our time to carefully dissect the critical terminology that the writer is using throughout this sobering chapter.  We then go on to explore the faithfulness of the "apostle and high priest of our confession" and discuss the implications of Christ's role as a "son" over God's house.  Just as Christ and Moses were faithful concerning this "house," we are called to a similar fidelity, steering clear of the negative historical example of the unfaithful Israelites in the wilderness who hardened their hearts and tested the Lord.  As the holy brethren hearing His voice TODAY, we are warned to not develop an "evil, unbelieving heart" and become hardened by the "deceitfulness of sin," thereby resulting in the inability of entering His "rest."  The podcast recording can be found here: Epistle to the Hebrews Study #4 You may access notes for the study here: Study notes for Lesson #4

Our next study--covering Hebrews 4:1-5:10--will take place on Tuesday, August 17th. 

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #3

Our home Bible study group here at "Villa Scriptura" picks back up in Hebrews 1:14, as we begin to grapple with the scriptural concept of our inheritance as a future event. As the seven citations from Chp. 1 demonstrate to us, the "So-Great Salvation" is a coming event that will be inaugurated when the "firstborn" is brought back into the inhabitable world (1:6). It will be at that time when the angels--the "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to INHERIT SALVATION"--will be commanded to worship the Son as He rules from the throne He has inherited from His Father/His God (i.e., the Davidic throne). During this study, we are introduced to the author's first warning, as he implores us that we MUST PAY CLOSER ATTENTION to what we've heard, lest we "DRIFT AWAY FROM IT" (the "IT," we learn, is the "great salvation" outlined in 1:5-13). We conclude by exploring how this salvation was delivered by our Lord, attested to "us" by those who heard (i.e.,the apostles), and borne witness to by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to the direct will of God. Chapter 2 then concludes by showing how the "author" or "pioneer" of our salvation is bringing many sons to glory as "a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God," making "propitiation for the sins of the people," having suffered in the flesh then crowned with glory and honor. Our next study in planned for Tuesday, July 13th.  The audio podcast recording can be accessed here: Epistle to the Hebrews Study #3
Notes for this study are here: Notes for Hebrews Lesson #3

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #2

Our home Bible study continues to look into this magnificent Epistle to the Hebrews, concluding our investigation of the seven citations the author refers to as he allows the Scriptures to define the "Son" for us and helps us to determine why He is the only one qualified to "become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent that theirs." (Heb. 1:4). After we review the previous citations from Psalm 2, 2 Samuel 7, and Deuteronomy 32:43, we wrap up our examination of what friends Bill and Steve Ramey have called these "Seven Pillars of the So-Great Salvation" by delving into Psalm 104, Psalm 45, Psalm 102, and finally Psalm 110, where we bump into the epistle's first mention of the "priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." I hope you will all enjoy getting into the Holy Scriptures with us. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29th.You can listen and study with us online here: Villa Scriptura Episode #2
Study/review notes are here: Study and Review Notes for Lesson #2

Launch of our New Home Bible Study in the Epistle to the Hebrews

We launched our first home Bible study in the Epistle to the Hebrews on Thursday, June 3rd.  Sabrina, Tim, Cortni, Bruce, and Joyce were together to dive into this extraordinary New Testament letter.  After providing some historical background, we looked into the Son's impressive "résumé" as the "appointed heir of all things,"(1:2b) "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." (1:4)  We also started discussing the first three of seven citations the author uses to elaborate on the preeminent nature of the Son--Psalm 2:7, 2 Sam. 7:14, and Deut. 32:43.  We looked at all of these citations in their original context.  You can hear our study via this podcast site: Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #1

Notes are available and part of the text from Hebrews (Chps. 1-3) are found here:  Intro notes/Heb. 1-3