Author: Warren Berkley

“Strive To Enter”

Hebrews 4:8-16 (ESV)

⁸ For if Joshua had given them rest, God^[a] would not have spoken of another day later on. ⁹ So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, ¹⁰ for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. ¹² For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

I have marked in my Bible, one phrase that captures the main thought of this section: “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest.” Just as God rested after His creative work. Just as a rest was promised to the Israelites. There is a rest from the burden of sin in Christ. And that promised rest has a heavenly destination.

What could keep Christians from that rest? There is a single word back in Heb. 4:6 – DISOBEDIENCE. So, “let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

Do we struggle against temptation? Are there weakness in our earthly existence we must overcome? Do we need help while engaged in our works here, before the final rest? Yes. But listen to this:

¹⁴ Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

My Entire Hebrews Podcasts Series is Here.

Angels, Sorry: Second Place

Warren E. Berkley

The Jews, for many generations before Christ came, held angels in high esteem. There was a basis for this. Angels have long enjoyed a place in God’s order, like Gabriel and Michael in the book of Daniel.

Today there is a heightened fascination for “the spirit world” of demons and angels. Mostly this interest revolves around claims of personal experience, dramatic encounters and dreams which could never be verified, but carry some sensation.

When Bible classes come to any mention of angels (as in Hebrews chapter one), there is a temptation to stop everything, unpack everything the Bible says about angels and add to the discussion all the subjective options and stories about these mystic beings.

If you let that happen in Hebrews chapter one, you have acted in direct defiance of the point of the passage. The main thing in Hebrews one is not angels. In fact, the affirmation of the writer is, they are second place to Jesus Christ. What is said and claimed about Jesus Christ could never be said of angels. Our Savior is totally different and stands at a different level. It is our great privilege to be subject to Him.

“Let all the angels worship Him,” (Heb. 1:6; Psa. 97:7).

Tittle-Tattle

Warren E. Berkley

 Do you remember this from junior high school? A student comes to you and says, “will you tell Sally that I like her?” Or, “will you tell Mary to tell Jane that Henry said he likes Sally?” You were being asked to deliver a message someone else didn’t want to deliver. Perhaps you complied with the request in junior high. But as an adult you recognize that as juvenile behavior.

Yet in offices occupied by adults, a form of that adolescent method may be attempted. “Will you tell the boss that Bob told Bill that Joe didn’t like his annual evaluation. I just think the boss should know.” While you may reluctantly comply with that chain of tittle-tattle, you know there are better ways to communicate.

This happens in families. Shunning straight communication and perhaps with an equal absence of maturity and courage, one family member may ask another to get another one “told.” Though the approach often backfires, it seems to be perpetuated through several generations. It solves no problems and could create many.

Then there are churches. The rule in many places seems to be, if you want to complain about the elders, go to the preacher. If you have something against the preacher, say nothing to him; take it to the elders.

Preachers are targets of this. Many times in 49 years, I’ve been approached by someone and told plainly, “somebody needs to correct brother _____.” The object of this criticism may have mis-worded a prayer, said something out of place or failed to correct a child. The preacher is supposed to fix all of this.

Personally, I just don’t do this. I don’t let people use me to fix people they think should be fixed. If a complaint is valid, take it up with the “guilty party.” If the complaint is just idle talk, I don’t want to hear it. The only time you can bring me in would be in cases where specific application of Matt. 18:16 or 1 Tim. 5:19 are objectively apparent.

Cristians should be people of such maturity, we don’t use the communication methods of a 7^th grader. Strife is often the result, when you talk about people in their absence. If you really care about the “guilty party,” and you are convinced they are in spiritual jeopardy, speak directly to the person. Don’t hand off challenging situations to others. That’s cowardly, immature, fosters ill will and often backfires.

I like what Henry Van Dyke said: Never believe anything bad about anybody unless you positively know it to be true; never tell even that unless you feel that it is absolutely necessary — and remember that God is listening while you tell it.

I really like what James said: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless (Jas. 1:26).

From the archives of Expository Files, Jan. 2009

Found this written by Jim R. Everett

Men Needed

There are times when informative lessons are not needed – like the old farmer said when approached by the young agricultural graduate who wanted to sell him a book on how to farm better – “I already know more about farming than I use, so don’t need your book.” Frequently lessons have been presented that have addressed with great clarity and thoroughness (at least I think so) what the Bible teaches about the man’s responsibilities as a husband, as a father, and in the congregation as a leader. How many times have you heard Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Timothy 3-ff; or 1 Peter 5:1-5 expounded? Sometimes, we admit, “Yes, I know what I should be doing” – and then go our separate ways, neglecting leadership responsibilities.

We don’t need lords, masters, kings or bosses. Nor do we need men who want to lead from secluded offices and only see members at the assembly. We need fathers in our homes who don’t shout directions from their recliners but who take an active part in the training of their children. Being a Godly father is not the result of the power of procreation but of a conscientious man who understands, loves and does the best to train his children (Cf. Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4) – the right kind of provider is not just someone who earns money to dole out to the wife and children.

We need men who are compassionate, insightful, and personally involved in relationships with God’s people. They must take the initiative and be good examples of what they teach. And, in order to do that they must establish spiritual values over prosperity, recreation, entertainment, and even education.

Men must want to lead. A reluctant leader is no leader at all. However, wanting to lead is not prompted by being a “control freak” but, rather, because one is aware of God-given responsibility. Literally, Paul says of one who would be qualified to lead in the congregation – “If a man aspires to oversight, he desires a good work…” (1 Timothy 3:1). Whether in the home or in the congregation, men must understand the accountability for not accepting responsibility (Matthew 25:14-29). But, when you accept the leadership, be prepared to accept the flak and criticism that go with it. Complainers and gossips want leadership for the wrong reasons. Can you imagine what kind of a mess Israel would have been in if Korah had led? A word to the wise is sufficient — if you are inclined to complain and murmur, try to imagine what it would be like if you were the object of your own criticism. Would things really be better, if you were leading?

If a husband doesn’t lead in the marriage, it forces the wife to take the lead – that comes with a price for the man and the woman. If a father won’t take the lead in the family, it forces the mother to shoulder extra work and reflects on the father in the eyes of the children. If men don’t take the lead in the congregation, it either goes without direction or women take the lead – confusion, strife, division or spiritual death is most often the consequence. In every instance, it is to the shame and disgrace of the man!

We need young men who are preparing to be good husbands, fathers, preachers and elders. Without early preparation the future looks dim for God’s people. Please, God, give us men who will act like men. – Jim R. Everett

John’s First Epistle

1 Jno. 3:1-3

Love, Hope & God’s Children

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.³ And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.

– 1 Jno. 3:1-3

On a very simple level, John wants us to see something; appreciate it and hold to it: See what kind of love the Father has given to us. This love the Father has bestowed finds expression in our relationship and identity: that we should be called children of God, and so we are!

If there were nothing else to see and appreciate, this would be sufficient ground for us to sing, praise God, be content and continue our obedience to Christ, even though the world does not know us. God knows us. Christ died for us.

While we do not have an exact description of what we will be in heaven, we have assurance that we will be like Him.

So these opening verses in 1 Jno. 3 contain love, bestowed by God to enable us to be in His family. Hope, that we will be like Christ eternally.

And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure. Those who really appreciate what John has written here, and who cherish this hope purify themselves through the blood of Christ. Remember what is stated back in chapter one? If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and the servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all.

A.W. Tozer, THE PURSUIT OF GOD, 1948

What Time Was It

On Mount Carmel?

1 Kings 18:20-40

Without question, this is one of the more dramatic events on the pages of the Old Testament. But it wasn’t given just to entertain or excite. In addition to natural human interests there is high value spiritual truth conveyed in this confrontation.

The background: There was this aggressive conflict between two men, Elijah and Ahab. It was not just a personal rivalry. Elijah is a chosen spokesman for God. Ahab is a raw, tightly wound paganists who “did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him,” (1 Kngs. 16:30). So – in one corner – Elijah, God’s servant. In the other corner, Ahab, who served his own interests and who had abandoned the commandments of the Lord to follow the carnal system of idolatry, to worship Baal.

That bring us to this powerful narrative:

1 Kings 18:20-40

So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions?  If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are 450 men. Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.”  Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made.  And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.

Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs of seed. And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.

And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there. Continue reading “Mount Carmel” →

 “Let Us Fear!”

Hebrews 4:1-7 (ESV)

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. ² For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.³ For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said,

“As I swore in my wrath,
‘They shall not enter my rest,’”

although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. ⁴ For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” ⁵ And again in this passage he said,

“They shall not enter my rest.”

⁶ Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, ⁷ again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”

The first thing you may notice is – there are two historical rest events referred to here, documented in the Old Testament: The rest of God after His creative work, and the rest God promised to the nation of Israel, that only Joshua and Caleb received.

There is another rest promise. And, based on Psalms 95, this other rest promise comprehends the perfect work of the Messiah, which eventually enables God’s people to have fellowship with God eternally.

Now, what could keep a child of God from entering that ultimate rest? The same thing that kept Moses and the Israelites from entering their rest in Canaan – unbelief which results in disobedience.

Once that danger is discovered – when should the person change and get back on course? “Today, if you will hear His voice.”

“What Then Shall We Do”

Luke 3:10

As Luke provides an orderly account of the life and work of Jesus Christ, there is a section early in the book about the preliminary work of John the Baptist. In Luke chapter three, right after Luke’s characteristic “time stamp” (in verses 1 & 2), he reports that “the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.” John, thus endowed, proclaimed “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,” and this fulfilled what Isaiah had prophesied, about preparing the way of the Lord.

As John delivered the message God gave him, to prepare for Jesus’ ministry, people came to him and said, “what then shall we do?” This should interest us, because it exhibits something fundamental: When God’s word is delivered, it calls for a response! A response to God that changes your life.

Listen to this, from Luke 3:10-14.

And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”  And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”  Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”  And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

The people knew something that many today miss: When God’s word is delivered, it calls for a response. There is something for the hearer to do, to receive what God offers.

With that thought in mind, consider what Luke also documents in Acts chapter two. After Jesus was raised and had ascended into heaven, God’s final message, the gospel of Christ, was delivered by the apostles. On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel and guess what the people said? According to Acts 2:37, the people said: “What shall we do?”

TRUTH CONNECTION: Peter gave God’s answer: “Repent and be baptized,” (Acts 2:38). If you haven’t responded to the gospel, here is what your response ought to be. If you have obeyed the gospel, tell others what the Bible says they need to do.

From the Archives of Pressing On Magazine

Synopsis – In both character and position, Christ is our High Priest, superior to the Levitical system; to this confession we hold fast (Heb. 4:14).

Melchizedek & Christ

Warren E. Berkley

It is hard for me to imagine a day in the life of Abraham. But as I read the Genesis account accompanied by all other biblical references to the patriarch, I am able to gain insight into his unique role in God’s plan. However, the account given by Moses in Genesis 14:17-24 is at first a mystery; a mystery solved by the writer of Hebrews. That “solution” or meaning relates directly to my assurance of access to God.

One day Abraham led 318 trained men in pursuit of adversaries who had taken Lot captive. After his defeat of the rebel forces, he returned home and “Melchizedek, king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.).” This man is not mentioned before this account, thus the reader’s immediate puzzle. No family connection is documented; no genealogy or history.

He spoke to Abraham: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed by God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” His favorable words to Abraham still leave the reader with a blank. Who is this man? What is this all about?

Abraham’s response doesn’t really answer our questions. “And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” If we had nothing but this brief narrative in Genesis, we would know nothing more of this today.

Much later in the literary sequence of the Old Testament, a hint that only adds to our curiosity. Psalm 110:4 – “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’.” The context of the 110^th Psalm is Messianic, having to do with the Christ. But our questions are not fully answered. What is the connection between “the order of Melchizedek” and Christ? No clarity emerges from the psalm, not to bring us to any resolution.

Our curiosity remains into the New Testament. No answers come off the pages of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. Finally, in Hebrews, the writer says he wants to speak to this mystery but is concerned that his readers are “dull of hearing,” (Heb. 5:5-11). The opening verses of Hebrews 6 take off in a different direction, having to do with the urgency of spiritual growth.

Our patience begins to pay off at the end of Hebrews six. The affirmation is that Jesus Christ “became a High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Continue reading “Melchizedek & Christ” →