TFPC Weekly Bulletin – October 17, 2021

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, . . . let us hold fast our profession.” Hebrews 4:14

One of the real conflicts the Lord’s people have to experience is the constant pressure upon them to turn back from Christ. To counteract such pressure, the apostle Paul uses one emphasis the whole way through his epistle to the Hebrews: the superiority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Since the Hebrew Christians were being pressured to return to Judaism with its dead, defunct ceremonies, Paul proves conclusively that Christ is superior to all that was highly esteemed in that system. He is superior to the Old Testament prophets, to the angels, to Moses the lawgiver, and, above all, to the Aaronic priesthood. The apostle demonstrates beyond all doubt that the Old Testament priesthood and the entire ceremonial system which revolved around it were not only inferior to Christ but had, in fact, been utterly abolished by Him.

So, Paul uses Christ’s priesthood as an encouragement to those Jewish believers to remain true to the gospel. He tells us that Christ as High Priest is great, something that is never said of any other high priest in Scripture. He is great because He is the only priest between God and men since He alone has offered a sacrifice that satisfies divine justice. He is great because He never dies. The priests of Aaron’s line died, ‘but this man . . . continueth ever’ (Hebrews 7:24). He is great because, at God’s right hand, He prays for us and is ‘touched with the feeling of our infirmities’ (4:15). Why then should we ever abandon this great High Priest? That is the sin of those who do not hold fast to their profession. It is a sin true Christians refuse to commit. Rather than repudiating our Saviour, we will come continually to Him, and He will give us mercy and grace to help us in every time of need.

Quote: “Once we grasp by faith the truth of our standing in Christ, we will be greatly strengthened to stand for Christ.” – Alexander Simpson

Daily devotions are from the book “Eagle’s Wings” published by the Free Presbyterian Church. © Free Presbyterian Church 1991- All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, October 20th

7:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study

The study notes and Zoom link will be emailed.

We are very encouraged and thankful to everyone for the response to our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Thank you!

Port Hope FPC will be holding a week of anniversary meetings on October 25-29 at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Ryan McKee, from Magherafelt FPC in N. Ireland, will be the guest preacher. Everyone is welcome to attend. For those who are not able to attend in person, you can view the services on Facebook Live by clicking here.

Q31: How did Abraham show his faith and obedience?

A: By leaving his own country at the call of God and by offering up his son Isaac.