Author: Phil Rehberg

“Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus . . . let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” Heb 10:19b, 22a (NIV) What does it mean to enter the “Most Holy Place”? In the Old Testament the Most Holy Place, also known as the holy of holies, was the only place in the world that one could be assured to encounter the glory of God. Only the high priest could enter once a year. Now any believer can actually enter the Most Holy Place! But what does this mean if we don’t actually see God’s glory with our eyes? Remember II Cor. 3 where Paul explains that we get to enter the Most Holy Place like Moses but we don’t need to wear a veil. Instead, our faces are unveiled and we Continue Reading →

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Heb. 6:11 (ESV) It is easy to think that no one appreciates the things we do to help others. In their hurry they forget to thank and encourage us for our help. We can tell ourselves that we don’t really need the encouragement but it really makes a difference when we are thanked and encouraged. But if it isn’t happening we have the encouragement from this passage that God does not forget what we do. He sees our work, especially when we help His people. And even more, God actually deems our help as loving Him! We also know from Heb. 6:7 that God gives a reward to those who bear fruit for Him. Thus, God is saying to us “You fulfilled Continue Reading →

“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.” Heb. 4:15 (ESV) The Son of God did not just hold on to all his divine powers when he became a human. He emptied himself so that he could experience the weakness (compared to God) of being human. He did this so that he could sympathize with us! Isn’t it amazing that the Son of God had so much desire to sympathize with us that he became like us? So now, in our union with Christ, we are connected to Jesus who knows what it is like to be tempted as we are. This includes the temptation to fear, unbelief or despair when our life is filled with pain. Jesus knows the temptations of our pain and he cares. Continue Reading →