12-16-09 Meeting - Prayer request for Joe

During our last meeting we discussed Hebrews 4:12-13. This brief passage act as sort of a  parenthesis between the "God's rest" passage and the upcoming passage regarding Christ as our great high priest. We will start with 4:14 at the next meeting.

Please include group member Joe in your prayers. He was seriously injured in a work accident. His pelvis was broken in three places, but thanks to the Grace of God he was not more seriously injured or even worse. He should enjoy a complete recovery but it will be slow and painful. Joe, our prayers are with you - bless you.

Mel who?

In Hebrews Chapters 5, 6 and especially 7 the book refers to Christ as a High Priest of the order of Melchezidek. Just who is Melchezidek? Well, the Bible itself doesn't offer a lot of help.....or does it? Melchezidek is refered to briefly in the Bible, seemingly only in passing. While we will get into this a lot more as part of our study of Chapter 7, the following article on the Jewish traditions of Melchezidek are instructive:

Melchizedek in Jewish Tradition


The author of Hebrews uses the figure of Melchizedek to clarify the nature of the priesthood of Christ. Melchizedek, whose name means “king of righteousness” (Heb 7:2), appears briefly in Genesis as the king of Salem (Gen. 14:18-20). Despite being mentioned only in Genesis and one psalm (Ps. 110:4), the mystery of Melchizedek’s figure inspired much interpretive activity in Jerusalem during the second temple period.

Such intrigue was not lost on serious interpreters of the Old Testament in antiquity. Melchizedek emerges as the central figure in a fragmentary document found at Qumran. This document, entitled “11QMelchizedek”, consists largely of interpretive comments on Old Testament passages, and presents Melchizedek as an important figure in God’s judgment upon the earth in the end times.

Another fragmentary text, called “Melchizedek,” was Nag Hammadi in Egypt. It seemingly contains much older traditions from a group of Jews who found the origins of their theology in the person of Seth, the son of Adam born after Cain killed Abel (Gen. 4:25). In this tradition Melchizedek,”priest of God Most High,” receives special revelations concerning Jesus from heavenly messengers. In a second group of revelations Melchizedek himself becomes Jesus, and is both crucified and raised as savior! Such ideas make Jesus the new appearance of Melchizedek.

The author of Hebrews reads the Melchizedek tradition in a restrained manner compared to the speculations current at that time. Ultimately, he is not so much interested in Melchizedek, as in Christ who was the High Priest “according to the order Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:8-10). Christ’s heavenly priesthood surpasses an earthly priesthood of the king of Salem (Heb. 7:15-17)

Merry Christmas from the City Market Bible Study

From every one at the City Market Bible Study - Have a wonderful, incredible, stupendous, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Praise Jesus and Peace and Grace to all the Saints!!!

12-2-09 Meeting

It was a pretty laid back meeting on Weds. We spent more time in fellowship than in Hebrews, but it was very positive and refreshing for all involved. Some quality time spent in good Christian fellowship can really recharge the spiritual batteries. We finished Chapter 3 and will be starting on Chapter 4 of Hebrews next meeting. Hope to see you there.

p&g

Tommyboy

The Manhattan Declaration

On November 20, 2009 over 150 religious leaders, pastors and priests, from a variety of denominations,  issued a written Christian manifesto now known as the "Manhattan Declaration." The document makes very clear their position that we as Christians will maintain our Christian convictions and will not submit to social convention or even legal intimidation to abandon such convictions to accomodate the world, even if so doing brings down the entire wrath of the State. This is an important document and draws a clear line in the sand proclaiming where we stand as Christians. We will not render unto Caesar what is rightfully God's. Over 230,000 Christians have signed on to this Declaration to signal their agreement.  All readers of this blog are encourage to go read the declaration and sign on to it if you agree with the principles contained therein. The Declaration can be read and/or downloaded here:

THE MANHATTAN DECLARATION