Three Indespensables

Mark Hartley, S.C., spoke of three indispensables for those who simply read the Bible and take it for what it is. Here is my look at the three…

Monday, August 4, 2008: Exodus 24:8

And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.”

Background: Israel is on their journey to the Promised Land. They have received the Ten Commandments and have built the Tabernacle (Tent) where God would meet Moses. This Holy place was consecrated by blood of sacrifice.
Did the blood forgive or clear sins? No. It was to separate the Tent for holy use. Sins were atoned for, or covered over, till the perfect sacrifice.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008: Luke 22:19–20

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Background: At the Last Supper, Jesus Christ tells His disciples to remember Him in taking bread and wine.
What were the similarity and difference between the old and the new covenant? Both required blood; the first of bulls and goats, the second of a sinless man.
Blood is the first indispensable.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008: Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Background: Hebrews 11 is the ‘Faith Hall of Fame’
What is pleasing to God? His son pleased Him. Our faith in His Son pleases Him.

Thursday, August 7, 2008: Galatians 2:16

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

What cannot please God? Our attempts at following the Law. Only our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, makes us just in His sight.
Faith is the second indispensable.

Friday, August 8, 2008: Hebrews 12:14

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

What is the third indispensable? Pursue holiness: the emulation of Jesus Christ.