Skip to main content

Persevere

These past few weeks, I have been studying the book of Hebrews. This Biblical sermon possesses a theme of exhortation, encouraging listeners to cling to their faith amidst trying circumstances. Hebrews causes one to examine their faith seriously, asking Am I genuinely committed to Christ? How do I demonstrate my commitment to Him? Hebrews does not argue works as a means to salvation but works as a product of salvation. I ask myself, what am I doing to show others the amazing gift of salvation in my life? Salvation is a gift worth sharing. It is equally available to all who accept Jesus Christ. Furthermore, those who accepted the gift of salvation need a community of support, spurring one another on toward the faith we profess. Commentator, George Guthrie explains one receives salvation not only for themselves but for shining Christ's light to others. In the context of Hebrews, listeners are warned their actions hold greater implications than just in the context of their lives. Instead, their actions shine light onto the message of salvation. They must maintain hope and run the race of faith for the benefit of others to come to know Christ. This fact served as one of the most powerful lessons I learned from my study. My actions are not only a testament to my relationship with Christ, and future judgment, but they are a small bulb adding to the illuminating light, which shines Jesus! I want my life to scream of God's faithfulness, His goodness, His all-satisfying greatness, and His unending love. My prayer is you too would cling to the hope of Christ. Guthrie said,
Although the world is dark, the presence of God rumbles in the background, blowing evidence of His presence and blessings into its every corner. it is a comforting presence, a warning against the cold night of meaninglessness, hostile selfishness, and fear that otherwise would consume us. How cold the world would be if not for the unseen God. How comforted those who know the path of faith, who have submitted themselves to the beautiful work of God in their groping lives. There really is no other way to live.
(George Guthrie, The NIV Application Commentary)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

"There really is no other way to live," and I pray you cling to hope to live this way. May the presence of the Lord comfort you and may His faithfulness be ever on the forefront of your mind.
All my love,
Gennavieve

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hampton Court Palace

Today, I toured Hampton Court Palace, an official historic, royal palace. Following are some of the sights I saw, history I learned, and favorites I enjoyed. The guard chamber of King William III. The magnificent display of 2,871 items of armor and weapons displayed a message that William was a great soldier and peacemaker. William's Presence chamber. Only high-ranking individuals were permitted into this room. William would be distinguished by sitting on a Chair of Estate. Those who entered his presence were required to remove their hats and make three low bows to the King, or even his empty chair. I'm grateful to serve an accessible King, who is with me wherever I go. William's eating room. He was expected to dine here on occasions "in front of persons of good fashion and good appearance," in order to display the sumptuousness of his food and to reassure everyone he was in good health. He was served by three servants on bended knee. William's P...
Post a Comment
Read more

Community

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35 Since my journey to Texas, the theme of a community seems to be following me. I encountered community several times during various study-abroad cohorts, mission trips, and even within my home neighborhood. One can hardly attend a Christian gathering without hearing the word at least once or twice! However, this season is bringing me a deeper awareness of its significance. Last week, a school we instructed held a worship night in the auditorium. Their Bible teacher taught from John 13:35, and encouraged each student to search for how to love one another as their mission in spreading the gospel. I sat, blown away. Jesus did not ask for door to door evangelism, nor did he demand fancy words or theological debate, no giant show or far away travels. He said to love one another. Wow! Had I complicated evangelism so much? The love for one another demonstrates we are Christ's discip...
Post a Comment
Read more

Thankful for Mothers

I am blessed to be surrounded by strong Mother figures in my Mother, Nona, staff members, Nana, and Great Grandmother. Often, when I get together with my Great Grandmother, she reflects on days gone by, memories which reveal truth, bring laughter, and offer wisdom. I wrote this in honor of her, and of the mothers who hold precious memories. Remember Remember the moment you first learned of life? Kicking inside you as a young wife. Remember the bottles and burp rags, piled in your lap? Praying and hoping for just one little nap. Remember the first steps, teeth, and words? "Dada" and "Mama," or even "Big Bird." Remember the school days, lunches packed to go? Back back ready, pencils sharpened, favorite outfit to show. Remember the homework, it all must be done? The square root of 441 is 29, or was it 21? Remember the crushes, the hearts beating fast? Wises words come carefully, "Wait for the love which lasts." Remember graduat...
Post a Comment
Read more