Announcements
SYMPATHY: to Connie Bock and family at the passing of her husband, Bud, on Wednesday, July 28. A private graveside service will be held on Monday, August 2, in Westminster.
SYMPATHY: to the family of Sharon Callahan who passed away on Wednesday, July 21. Funeral services were held at Eline Funeral Home in Reisterstown on Friday, July 30.
GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRY: We are making preparations to restart our church’s ministry to the special needs community. If you would like more information on how you can help, please contact Steve Clemons at: 410-259-1228
From My Heart
I want to thank the ABC Sunday School Class for hosting the ice cream fellowship last Sunday night. A great time was had by all who stayed, and we were able to consume a huge amount of ice cream. Our next fellowship will be with watermelons and cantaloupes at the end of August.
Last week, I was reading in the first chapter of Hebrews where I noticed a little thing that blessed my heart. A key word in the Book of Hebrews is the word “better.” The whole argument is the Lord Jesus is “better” than everything else. He is better than Judaism, better than the angels, better than the sacrifices, better than the priesthood, better than the High Priest, better than the tenants of the Law - Jesus is simply better than everything!
I have repeated to you that the Book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrews to get the Hebrews to stop being Hebrews! Jesus came to this earth to provide for us a new way! That way was paved by His precious Blood. Over and over, the author proves the point that the new way is better than the old way.
In v. 1, we learn the Lord Jesus out-speaks the prophets, in v. 4 the Lord Jesus outranks the angels, and in v. 10 the Lord Jesus outlasts the universe. The Lord Jesus gave us a new way, but that new way is so much better than the old way of Judaism.
When you go to Jerusalem (or New York City, or Pikesville, Md.) you see a sect of Jewish folks called the Hasidic Jews. They are sometimes referred to as the Orthodox Jews. These are the folks with the black suits and white shirts with no tie! They wear the black hats and have full beards and grow their sideburns into ringlets! These are the Jews who live their lives holding on to the traditions and the laws of the Old Testament. They reject Christ and the new way the Lord Jesus gave to us when He died on the Cross, was buried, and then raised again from the dead.
Why would folks want to keep observing the Law of Moses, when the Lord Jesus came in complete fulfillment of the Law and gave us a new and better way to be right with God? In Hebrews 7:25, the Bible says, “Wherefore, He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” The Lord Jesus is able to save anyone who will come to Him. It is so much better to be declared saved from the penalty of sin than to be constantly striving and working to get to saved and stay saved. Thank the Lord that He is able to save us!
Have a great day and may the Lord bless you richly.
Pastor Norris