Bible Reading:
Hebrews 10:19-29
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21And having an high priest over the house of God;
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Devotional:
The author of Hebrews brings to bear upon our consciousness the greatness and the wonder of our access to God through His Son. He tells us that since we have in Christ Jesus such a great high priest we should draw near in faith and not waver.
In this context of worship and access to God we read in verse 24 concerning the social aspect of our worship. We are to 'consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds' (NASB). God is concerned that the body of Christ be closely knit and that in its oneness there should be also the development of its variety and diversity as each member is encouraged to develop his own gifts and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit who dwells within.
Then He reminds us of the need of 'assembling together' so that we may encourage one another (10:25 NASB). The concept of the church as a family is nowhere better brought out. We in the church an a family; let us function as a family. We read laments that the home is where we hang our hat, the place where mother and dad greet each other at the door as one comes in and the other goes out. We read of the need for togetherness, family living, communication. If these are needs in the human family so are they needs in the family of God. Should we not provide greater opportunity for assembling informally in circumstances where we can better 'stimulate one another to love and good deeds'?
Have we sons or daughters who do forsake the assemblies of God's people? It is our responsibility while they are living in our household to insist that they change their ways! But perhaps we ourselves have a low estimate of the church and its people. We must remember our need of the other members of the family!
We are happy to have obtained permission to post as our current daily devotional Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Reading for Husbands and Wives, published by The Banner of Truth Trust. Don't be misled by the subtitle. As the book's "Preface" indicates (see below), although Heirs Together of Life is "especially prepared for couples,"the authors declare, "Since the basis for this guide is God's Word, we believe it would have value for any reader."
Charles and Norma Ellis are husband and wife and the authors not only of Heirs Together of Life (which was first published in 1980 and continues in print today), but also of Wells of Salvation (first published in 1985, and likewise still in print today). The latter contains a series of short studies covering the entire book of Isaiah, while the former contains a series of almost 200 short studies covering the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Both books by the Ellises can be ordered from the publisher, The Banner of Truth Trust. We trust that these daily Bible readings, posted daily on our site, will be helpful to you in your Christian walk before God. Whether married or not, all of us are members of families and members of the family of God.
Charles Ellis was educated at Wheaton College and Westminster Theological Seminary. Upon graduation from Westminster (where he earned not only a Th.B. but also a Th.M.), he was ordained to the ministry in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and pastored a number of OPC churches, including Immanuel OPC in West Collingswood, New Jersey; First OPC in Cincinnati, Ohio; Covenant OPC in East Orange, New Jersey; Knox OPC in Silver Spring, Maryland; and Lakeview OPC in Rockport, Maine. Less biographical information is available about his wife, but it is known that they served as parents of seven children. After retiring from the ministry, Charles Ellis went to be with the Lord in 2003, but he and his wife left us with a beautiful legacy in the two books they have given to the world, and we are proud to share the daily Bible readings from Heirs Together of Life here with you.
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