In the remainder of Hebrews chapter 12, the author moves quickly through the Old Testament again, selecting for a final exhortation texts from the Writings, the Prophets and the Law respectively. It is as if (s)he says, "Why, the whole Bible is full of this message! Read it anywhere and see what you find!" Hebrews 12:5-11 quote from Proverbs 3:11-12 concerning parental discipline, and apply the principle to our heavenly Father's dealings with us. You may view your hardships under that figure, the author implies. Difficulty is really divine discipline, he says, which God intends and will use … [Read more...]
Archives for 2014
FAITH ENDURES
For the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews, "faith" involves seeing the unseen, and it leads preeminently to endurance during one's pilgrimage through this present world (Heb. 10:39). Hebrews chapter 11 illustrates such enduring faith, as the author leads us through a believer's hall of fame -- from A(bel) to Z(achariah) [unnamed but probably referenced] in the Old Testament, but also including the unnamed Maccabean martyrs between the Testaments. The first part of this chapter discusses faithful people who prevailed against great odds -- the kind of outcome we all enjoy. The second part … [Read more...]
JESUS’ SACRIFICE — THEREFORE
The Epistle to the Hebrews is gospel-packed. Sadly, it is often overlooked in the modern church. Consider the strength to be found, for example, in Hebrews, chapter 10. After discussing the all-sufficient and eternally-atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ (see gracEmail at www.edwardfudge.com/gracemails/jesus_obeyed_for_you.html), the author of this Epistle steps back to ask "so what?" This is the response. SINCE we have confidence (Heb. 10:19), and SINCE we have a great priest (v. 21), LET US draw near (to God) (v. 22), LET US hold fast (our own hope) (v. 23), LET US consider (each … [Read more...]
Suffering, Success and “The Day of Salvation”
"Suffering" and "success" do not appear often together in public today -- and often not in the church -- but they do in the Bible. In this article, which was first published in PresentTruth magazine (Vol. 42, June 1978), Edward shows how human desperation and powerlessness provides the opportunity for God's saving activity -- and how these counterparts are central to the gospel itself. Also available in pdf format: Suffering, Success and "The Day of Salvation" In this day of "success"-oriented religion focused on fleshly desires, human efforts and carnal pride, the story of Paul and his … [Read more...]
What Calvinism and Arminianism Have In Common
Lost in a thicket of Arminian and Calvinist debate, we sometimes lose sight of the grand truths we hold in common... By Edward Fudge Some Christians focus on points about which believers differ. Edward focuses on what they share in common. There is no getting around the fact that Calvinists and Arminians understand scriptural teaching in ways which are humanly irreconcilable. Yet even they share far more truth in common than either side frequently thinks. This article by Edward was first published in Christianity Today magazine. Also available in pdf format:What Calvinism and … [Read more...]
The Saving Love of God
by Edward Fudge (Also available in pdf format: The Saving Love of God) Sometimes the most powerful messages are also the most simple. This gospel article looks at two texts in the gospel of John which even children can understand, but which adults will never completely fathom. As Jesus presents it, God's love is passionate, personal, powerful, perpetual, profuse, perilous. Originally published in Wineskins, November/December, 1999. "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Such a simple … [Read more...]
THIN PLACES
Sometime during our lives we all will likely experience a moment so transcendently beautiful that time seems to freeze and the world stands still. The trigger for such a moment can take a thousand forms: a piece of music or a work of art; great literature read aloud; the contemplation of pure math. More often it is the scent of honeysuckle, a perfect sunset, or the face of a child. Marital intimacy can become such a sacred pathway, as can at times a simple and truthful prayer. Celtic Christianity saw each such experience as a sign of God's grace--a "thin space" or "thin place," where opaque … [Read more...]
much thanks for many moms
Today is "Mother's Day" in the United States, and on this day I honor and give thanks to God for my mother--Sybil Short Fudge Dewhirst. Now 91, she surveys nearly a century, "rich in memories, friends and family." Hers is a life marked by strong faith, quiet strength, and great courage; a life in which she has outlived two husbands, raised six birth-children, claimed two equally-beloved stepchilden, and has been given more than twenty direct descendants besides. Mom has taught her share of top-quality Bible classes, but she teaches best, and most, and most effectively, using the language of … [Read more...]
Divine Rescue Interview
On Sunday, May 16, 2010, Edward was interviewed in the 500+ member Biblical Literacy Class of Champion Forest Baptist Church, Houston, Texas, by class teacher Mark Lanier, with some questions to Sara Faye as well. The interview is four parts below or as one video here http://youtu.be/v-mmTXlgddE http://youtu.be/_VblHOAsMHQ http://youtu.be/AeK8lRnmHoA http://youtu.be/ZRSa1DrEpUI … [Read more...]
Our Man In Heaven
This video is about Edward's first commentary on Hebrews Our Man In Heaven. The closing prayer had elements drawn from the title of Edward's first commentary. It is out of sequence but fitting. http://youtu.be/ZSYrkHsapIk … [Read more...]
