Why Rituals?

Dennis McCallum

Exodus 32:1-3

The author of Hebrews explains how the Old Testament sacrificial system was always there to be used as a point of instruction. It was never sufficient to take away human sins. The sacrificial system instead was to paint a picture of the coming work of Christ. Only through the sacrifice of Christ are we able to be seen as perfect before God.

The Reality is Christ

Conrad Hilario

John 3:19-22

All religions feature rituals, but Christianity's rituals from the Old Testament differ from other religions in that their purpose is to pre-authenticate Jesus' mission. Besides being a shadow of what was to come with Christ, rituals also functioned as physical depictions of God's character for the Jews. The author of Hebrews details three specific aspects of these rituals to demonstrate Christ's complete fulfillment of them: the tabernacle, the role of high priest, and the innocent victim needed for the atoning sacrifice. Because of Jesus' fulfillment of the Old Testament system, we as Christians are freed from our moral guilt and no longer are obligated to follow the Mosaic Law.

A Change of Priesthood

Conrad Hilario

Genesis 14:18-20

In the Old Testament, humans could only approach God through a high priest, a role that had to be fulfilled by a man descended from the tribe of Levi. God, however, prophesied through David that one day there would be a priest from the line of Melchizedek whose priesthood would be eternal, and Jesus is that high priest. Since Jesus is the perfect and eternal high priest whose priesthood replaced the old one, humans are no longer under the Old Testament law and can be rescued forever from their sin.

The Order of Melchizedek

Scott Risley

Hebrews 5-7

For years priests were in place as mediators between humans and God?to point out our need for reconciliation with God. Then God brought in a greater high priest?Jesus?who became the perfect and eternal mediator between God and us. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross to pay for our sin, He was made the ultimate high priest. From that point forward, human priests and the law became obsolete. We can only be made right with God when we accept forgiveness from Jesus, the ultimate high priest.

A Better Deal

Scott Risley

Hebrews 8:1-13

We learn about four covenants God made with His people: Abrahamic, Davidic, Mosaic (the Old Covenant), and lastly, the New Covenant. The Old Covenant was only a shadow of the covenant to come?the New Covenant. Under the Old Covenant, we were bound to the law. But when God established the New Covenant, He also initiated a new way of relating to His people?through a relationship. Unfortunately, many people today still place themselves under the Old Covenant; they are stuck in ritualism, even though the New Covenant makes the Old Covenant obsolete. The New Covenant established a new way to be reconciled with God through grace.

Responding to Revelation

Dennis McCallum

Luke 14:18-20

God's goal is to bring as many people as possible into His family. All people are members of the sinful human race and need a perfect sacrifice for their sins in order to be part of God's family. To pay for the sins of humanity Jesus had to be like a man in every respect. He sacrificed his perfect human life to cover the sins of humanity.

Jesus' Unique Conception

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 1:18-25

The birth of Jesus removes itself from being considered a myth by being deliberately lodged in history. This means that God really did come down in human form. There are several reasons that God did this: 1) to provide evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, fulfilling all of the prophecies along the way; and 2) to provide salvation for the human race as a substitute. This knowledge prompts the response of entrusting ourselves to God.

Is Jesus Worth it?

Ryan Lowery

1 Peter 1:23-2:12

Jesus is a polarizing figure. Following Him sometimes requires giving up time, comfort, or worldly success. Many ask, "Is it worth it?" The answer to this question is resolved when we consider that Jesus provides meaning, hope, and community to those who follow him.

When Yahweh is Your Shepherd

Scott Risley

John 10:11

David the psalmist compares God to a shepherd, who sacrifices His own life to care for and meet all the needs of His flock of sheep (us). In times of prosperity and in times of adversity, God desires to bless our lives with all we need and more. In order to experience His blessings, we must choose to be led by Him.