Hebrews Chapter 12 - Run the Race Fixing Ours Eyes on Jesus

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <script type="text/javascript"> //OwnerIQ var __oiq_pct = 50; if( __oiq_pct>=100 || Math.floor(Math.random()*100/(100-__oiq_pct)) > 0 ) { var _oiqq = _oiqq || []; _oiqq.push(['oiq_addPageBrand','Lycos']); _oiqq.push(['oiq_addPageCat','Internet > Websites']); _oiqq.push(['oiq_addPageLifecycle','Intend']); _oiqq.push(['oiq_doTag']); (function() { var oiq = document.createElement('script'); oiq.type = 'text/javascript'; oiq.async = true; oiq.src = document.location.protocol + '//px.owneriq.net/stas/s/lycosn.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(oiq, s); })(); } //Google Analytics var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount','UA-21402695-19']); _gaq.push(['_setDomainName','tripod.com']); _gaq.push(['_setCustomVar',1,'member_name','lastdayscalendar',3]); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); //Lycos Init function getReferrer() { var all= this.document.cookie; if (all== '') return false; var cookie_name = 'REFERRER='; var start = all.lastIndexOf(cookie_name); if (start == -1) return false; start += cookie_name.length; var end = all.indexOf(';', start); if (end == -1) end = all.length; return all.substring(start, end); } function getQuery() { var rfr = getReferrer(); if (rfr == '') return false; var q = extractQuery(rfr, 'yahoo.com', 'p='); if (q) return q; q = extractQuery(rfr, '', 'q='); return q ? q : ""; } function extractQuery(full, site, q_param) { var start = full.lastIndexOf(site); if (start == -1) return false; start = full.lastIndexOf(q_param); if (start == -1) return false; start += q_param.length; var end = full.indexOf('&', start); if (end == -1) end = full.length; return unescape(full.substring(start, end)).split(" ").join("+"); } function generateHref(atag, template){ atag.href=template.replace('_MYURL_', window.location.href.replace('http://', '')).replace('_MYTITLE_','Check%20out%20this%20Tripod%20Member%20site!'); } var lycos_ad = Array(); var lycos_onload_timer; var cm_role = "live"; var cm_host = "tripod.lycos.com"; var cm_taxid = "/memberembedded"; var tripod_member_name = "lastdayscalendar"; var tripod_member_page = "lastdayscalendar/hebrews_chapter_12.htm"; var tripod_ratings_hash = "1734783811:272b4b00ae7549620b2ce7c04fc42bd9"; var lycos_ad_category = {"dmoz":"games\/paper_and_pencil","ontarget":"&CAT=arts%20and%20entertainment&L2CAT=games","find_what":"Bible AND Studies"}; var lycos_ad_remote_addr = "209.202.244.9"; var lycos_ad_www_server = "www.tripod.lycos.com"; var lycos_ad_track_small = ""; var lycos_ad_track_served = ""; var lycos_search_query = getQuery(); </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://scripts.lycos.com/catman/init.js"></script> <script type='text/javascript'> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; (function() { var gads = document.createElement('script'); gads.async = true; gads.type = 'text/javascript'; var useSSL = 'https:' == document.location.protocol; gads.src = (useSSL ? 'https:' : 'http:') + '//www.googletagservices.com/tag/js/gpt.js'; var node = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; node.parentNode.insertBefore(gads, node); })(); </script> <script type='text/javascript'> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/95963596/TRI_300X250_dfp', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-ad-1450204159126-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/95963596/TRI_above_728x90_dfp', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1450204159126-1').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/95963596/TRI_below_728x90_dfp', [728, 90], 'div-gpt-ad-1450204159126-2').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.enableServices(); }); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> (function(isV) { if( !isV ) { return; } var adMgr = new AdManager(); var lycos_prod_set = adMgr.chooseProductSet(); var slots = ["leaderboard", "leaderboard2", "toolbar_image", "toolbar_text", "smallbox", "top_promo", "footer2", "slider"]; var adCat = this.lycos_ad_category; adMgr.setForcedParam('page', (adCat && adCat.dmoz) ? adCat.dmoz : 'member'); if (this.lycos_search_query) { adMgr.setForcedParam("keyword", this.lycos_search_query); } else if(adCat && adCat.find_what) { adMgr.setForcedParam('keyword', adCat.find_what); } for (var s in slots) { var slot = slots[s]; if (adMgr.isSlotAvailable(slot)) { this.lycos_ad[slot] = adMgr.getSlot(slot); } } adMgr.renderHeader(); adMgr.renderFooter(); }((function() { var w = 0, h = 0, minimumThreshold = 300; if (top == self) { return true; } if (typeof(window.innerWidth) == 'number' ) { w = window.innerWidth; h = window.innerHeight; } else if (document.documentElement && (document.documentElement.clientWidth || document.documentElement.clientHeight)) { w = document.documentElement.clientWidth; h = document.documentElement.clientHeight; } else if (document.body && (document.body.clientWidth || document.body.clientHeight)) { w = document.body.clientWidth; h = document.body.clientHeight; } return ((w > minimumThreshold) && (h > minimumThreshold)); }()))); window.onload = function() { var f = document.getElementById("FooterAd"); var b = document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]; b.appendChild(f); f.style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('lycosFooterAdiFrame').src = '/adm/ad/footerAd.iframe.html'; // DOM Inj Ad (function(isTrellix) { var e = document.createElement('iframe'); e.style.border = '0'; e.style.margin = 0; e.style.display = 'block'; e.style.cssFloat = 'right'; e.style.height = '254px'; e.style.overflow = 'hidden'; e.style.padding = 0; e.style.width = '300px'; var isBlokedByDomain = function( href ) { var blockedDomains = [ "ananyaporn13000.tripod.com", "xxxpornxxx.tripod.com" ]; var flag = false; for( var i=0; i<blockedDomains.length; i++ ) { if( href.search( blockedDomains[ i ] ) >= 0 ) { flag = true; } } return flag; } var getMetaContent = function( metaName ) { var metas = document.getElementsByTagName('meta'); for (i=0; i<metas.length; i++) { if( metas[i].getAttribute("name") == metaName ) { return metas[i].getAttribute("content"); } } return false; } var getCommentNodes = function(regexPattern) { var nodes = {}; var nodesA = []; var preferredNodesList = ['a', 'c', 'b']; (function getNodesThatHaveComments(n, pattern) { if (n.hasChildNodes()) { if (n.tagName === 'IFRAME') { return false; } for (var i = 0; i < n.childNodes.length; i++) { if ((n.childNodes[i].nodeType === 8) && (pattern.test(n.childNodes[i].nodeValue))) { var areaName = pattern.exec(n.childNodes[i].nodeValue)[1]; nodes[areaName] = n; } else if (n.childNodes[i].nodeType === 1) { getNodesThatHaveComments(n.childNodes[i], pattern); } } } }(document.body, regexPattern)); for (var i in preferredNodesList) { if (nodes[preferredNodesList[i]]) { if( isTrellix && nodes[preferredNodesList[i]].parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode ) { nodesA.push(nodes[preferredNodesList[i]].parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode); } else { nodesA.push( nodes[preferredNodesList[i]] ); } } } return nodesA; } var properNode = null; var areaNodes = getCommentNodes( new RegExp( '^area Type="area_(\\w+)"' ) ); for (var i = 0; i < areaNodes.length; i++) { var a = parseInt(getComputedStyle(areaNodes[i]).width); if ((a >= 300) && (a <= 400)) { properNode = areaNodes[i]; break; } } var propertyName = getMetaContent("property") || false; if( isTrellix && (properNode) ) { e.src = '/adm/ad/injectAd.iframe.html'; properNode.insertBefore(e, properNode.firstChild); } else if( isTrellix && !( properNode ) ) // Slap the ad eventhought there is no alocated slot { e.src = '/adm/ad/injectAd.iframe.html'; e.style.cssFloat = 'none'; var cdiv = document.createElement('div'); cdiv.style = "width:300px;margin:10px auto;"; cdiv.appendChild( e ); b.insertBefore(cdiv, b.lastChild); } else if( !isBlokedByDomain( location.href ) ) { var injF = document.createElement('iframe'); injF.style.border = '0'; injF.style.margin = 0; injF.style.display = 'block'; injF.style.cssFloat = 'none'; injF.style.height = '254px'; injF.style.overflow = 'hidden'; injF.style.padding = 0; injF.style.width = '300px'; injF.src = '/adm/ad/injectAd.iframe.html'; if( b && ( !isTrellix || ( typeof isTrellix == "undefined" ) ) ) // All other tripod props { var cdiv = document.createElement('div'); cdiv.style = "width:300px;margin:10px auto;"; cdiv.appendChild( injF ); b.insertBefore(cdiv, b.lastChild); } } }( document.isTrellix )); } </script> <div id="tb_container" style="background:#DFDCCF; border-bottom:1px solid #393939; position:relative; z-index:999999999!important">  <style> .adCenterClass{margin:0 auto} </style> <div id="tb_ad" class="adCenterClass" style="display:block!important; overflow:hidden; width:916px;"> <div id="ad_container" style="display:block!important; float:left; width:728px "> <script type="text/javascript"> if (typeof lycos_ad !== "undefined" && "leaderboard" in lycos_ad) { document.write(lycos_ad['leaderboard']); } </script> </div> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> if (typeof lycos_ad !== "undefined" && "slider" in lycos_ad) { document.write(lycos_ad['slider']); } </script>  <div id="FooterAd" style="background:#DFDCCF; border-top:1px solid #393939; clear:both; display:none; width:100%!important; position:relative; z-index:999999!important; height:90px!important"> <div class="adCenterClass" style="display:block!important; overflow:hidden; width:916px;"> <div id="footerAd_container" style="display:block!important; float:left; width:728px"> <iframe id="lycosFooterAdiFrame" style="border:0; display:block; float:left; height:96px; overflow:hidden; padding:0; width:750px"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="02c285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Last Days Calendar:Bible Prophecy,Last Days,The Rapture</b></FONT><B>  </b><B>  </b><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B> |     </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Last Days Calendar:Bible Prophecy,La"><U><B>home</b></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="jewish_festivals.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Festivals of the LORD reveal Bible Proph"><U>Festivals of the LORD reveal Bible Prophecy about End Times. </U></A>   |   <A HREF="hannukah_foreshadows_antichrist.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The History of Hanukkah Foreshadows the "><U>The History of Hanukkah Foreshadows the Reign of Antichrist!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="asteroids.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Asteroids in Bible Prophecy Reveal End T"><U>Asteroids in Bible Prophecy Reveal End Times and the Rapture</U></A>   |   <A HREF="bible_prophecy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Why is it so Important to Study Bible Pr"><U>Why is it so Important to Study "Bible Prophecy"?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="bible_study.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bible Study rule 1: Study Bible prophecy"><U>Bible Study rule #1: Study Bible prophecy in proper context!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_first_resurrection.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resurrection and the Rapture"><U>Resurrection and the Rapture</U></A>   |   <A HREF="interpreting_revelation.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Interpreting Revelation"><U>Interpreting "Revelation"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_7th_or_last_trumpet.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Day of Trumpets: The 7th Trumpet or "><U>The Day of Trumpets: The 7th Trumpet or Last Trumpet Sounds!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="prophecy_from_a_hebraic_mind_set.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="End Times Prophecy Must Be Studied with "><U>End Times Prophecy Must Be Studied with a "Hebraic-Mind Set"   </U></A>   |   <A HREF="wheat_must_be_threshed.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Before Wheat is Gathered into the Barn, "><U>Before Wheat is Gathered into the Barn, it Must be Threshed!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="twenty_four_elders.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who Are the TwentyFour Elders of Revelat"><U>Who Are the Twenty-Four Elders of Revelation?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="overcomers.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="To Him Who Overcomes"><U>To Him Who Overcomes</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_soon_return_of_jesus_christ.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Can Jesus Christ return at any moment to"><U>Can Jesus Christ return at any moment to rapture the church?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_bible_is_divinely_inspired.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Is there Evidence that Proves the Bible "><U>Is there Evidence that Proves the Bible is Divinely Inspired?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="blasphemy_of_the_holy_spirit_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and The Day"><U>Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and The Day of Atonement</U></A>   |   <A HREF="until_i_make_your_enemies_a_footstool.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sit at My Right Hand Until I Make Your E"><U>Sit at My Right Hand Until I Make Your Enemies a Footstool!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_seventh_day_is_a_sabbath.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD"><U>The seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD, assembly and rest</U></A>   |   <A HREF="for_the_lord_and_gideon.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gideon A Prophetic Picture"><U>Gideon - A Prophetic Picture</U></A>   |   <A HREF="jabez.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Prayer of Jabez"><U>The Prayer of Jabez</U></A>   |   <A HREF="millennial_blessings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="1,000 Year Renewal of the Garden of Eden"><U>1,000 Year Renewal of the Garden of Eden</U></A>   |   <A HREF="bees__cell_phones_and_prophecy.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Missing Bees, Cell Phones and Fulfillmen"><U>Missing Bees, Cell Phones and Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="144_000.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Those Who Were Sealed:144,000 from All t"><U>Those Who Were Sealed:144,000 from All the Tribes of Israel</U></A>   |   <A HREF="in_his_image.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="All of Creation Bears the Image and Like"><U>All of Creation Bears the Image and Likeness of Our Creator!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_joy_of_the_lord_is_our_strength.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The joy of the LORD is our strength, how"><U>The joy of the LORD is our strength, how can we know His joy?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="messianic_prophecies.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Messia"><U>Messianic prophecies fulfilled by Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ)</U></A>   |   <A HREF="christ_the_king_of_the_jews.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christ Who Was Born King of the Jews is "><U>Christ Who Was Born King of the Jews is Both Savior and Lord.</U></A>   |   <A HREF="annihilation_or_torment_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What Do Jews Believe About Hell?"><U>What Do Jews Believe About Hell?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="son_of_david.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Messiah is the Son of David"><U>The Messiah is the Son of David</U></A>   |   <A HREF="rebellion.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Until the Rebellion Occurs"><U>Until the Rebellion Occurs</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_whore_of_babylon.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who Is Mystery Babylon The Great Mother "><U>Who Is Mystery Babylon The Great Mother of Prostitutes?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="DO YOU KNOW?"><U>DO YOU KNOW?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="i_know.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Now I Know "><U>Now I Know </U></A>   |   <A HREF="sharing_the_gospel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sharing the Gospel with a Rabbinical Stu"><U>Sharing the Gospel with a Rabbinical Student</U></A>   |   <A HREF="fasting_and_prayer_to_set_the_oppressed_free.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fasting and Prayer: Spiritual Power to S"><U>Fasting and Prayer: Spiritual Power to Set the Oppressed Free</U></A>   |   <A HREF="pray_no.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Just Pray No! Ltd. Weekend of Prayer"><U>Just Pray No! Ltd. "Weekend of Prayer"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="testimony.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Testimony of Author Steven L. Sherma"><U>The Testimony of Author Steven L. Sherman </U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_revelation_of_jesus_christ.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: Understa"><U>THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: Understanding the Apocalypse</U></A>   |   <A HREF="christianity_versus_cults.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Christianity versus Cults and Counterfei"><U>Christianity versus Cults and Counterfeits - Defining Cults</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_mormons.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church of the LatterDay Saints, Joseph S"><U>Church of the Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith & the Mormons </U></A>   |   <A HREF="roman_catholicism.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Is Catholicism True Orthodox Christianit"><U>Is Catholicism True Orthodox Christianity or a Christian Cult?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id96.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Is this the Dawn of a New Age or just Ol"><U>Is this the Dawn of a New Age or just Old Fashioned Paganism?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="sda.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Is SeventhDay Adventism Christianity or "><U>Is Seventh-Day Adventism Christianity or is SDA Cultism?  </U></A>   |   <A HREF="islam.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Islam: The Religion of Peace Bent on Con"><U>Islam: The Religion of "Peace" Bent on Conquest</U></A>   |   <A HREF="freemasonry.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Claims of Freemasons vs. the Hidden "><U>The Claims of Freemasons vs. the Hidden Truth of Freemasonry</U></A>   |   <A HREF="the_jehovah_s_witnesses.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Jehovahs Witnesses: True Christianit"><U>The Jehovah’s Witnesses: True Christianity or Christian Cult?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="scientology.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The True History and Practices of the Ch"><U>The True History and Practices of the Church of Scientology!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Yes, In the Beginning God Created the He"><U>Yes, In the Beginning God Created the Heavens and the Earth! </U></A>   |   <A HREF="day_six.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Looking Back to Day Six of Creation and "><U>"Looking Back to Day Six of Creation and the Garden of Eden"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Fall of Man, the Curse of Sin, and t"><U>The Fall of Man, the Curse of Sin, and the Promised Redeemer</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Account of Cain, Abel and Seth: the "><U>The Account of Cain, Abel and Seth: the Sons of Adam and Eve</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_5___6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="From Adam to Noah Mans Wickedness, Neph"><U>From Adam to Noah - Man’s Wickedness, Nephilim and the Flood</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The LORD Told Noah and HIs Family to Go "><U>The LORD Told Noah and HIs Family to Go into the Ark</U></A>   |   <A HREF="god_remembered_noah.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="But God Remembered Noah All the Wild An"><U>But God Remembered Noah & All the Wild Animals and Livestock </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gods Blessing, Gods Covenant with Noah, "><U>God’s Blessing, God’s Covenant with Noah, and Canaan’s Curse</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_10.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Chapter 10 The Account of Shem,"><U>"Genesis Chapter 10" - The Account of Shem, Ham and Japheth</U></A>   |   <A HREF="tower_of_babel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Tower of Babel the Ancient Babyloni"><U>The Tower of Babel & the Ancient Babylonian Mystery Religion </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Blessing of Abram Gods Promised Lan"><U>The Blessing of Abram & God’s Promised Land to His Offspring</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_13.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Chapter 13 Abram Called on the "><U>Genesis Chapter 13 - "Abram Called on the Name of the LORD"</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_14.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 14 Abram Rescues Lot Pays a Ti"><U>Genesis 14 - Abram Rescues Lot & Pays a Tithe to Melchizedek </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 15: Gods Covenant with Abram Who"><U>Genesis 15: God’s Covenant with Abram Who Believed the LORD</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hagar Will Bear Abram a Son and the LORD"><U>Hagar Will Bear Abram a Son and the LORD Named Him Ishmael</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Covenant of Circumcision between El "><U>The Covenant of Circumcision between El Shaddai and Abraham</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_18_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The LORD Appeared to Abraham and Abraham"><U>The LORD Appeared to Abraham and Abraham Pleaded for Sodom</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Chapter 19 Sodom and Gomorrah D"><U>Genesis Chapter 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed by Angels!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Chapter 20 Abraham and Sarah De"><U>Genesis Chapter 20 - Abraham and Sarah Deceive Abimelech</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Ch. 21 Sarah Bore Isaac to Abra"><U>Genesis Ch. 21 - Sarah Bore Isaac to Abraham in Her Old Age </U></A>   |   <A HREF="abraham_offers_isaac_a_burnt_offering.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis Ch.22 Abraham is Told to Sacrif"><U>Genesis Ch.22 - Abraham is Told to Sacrifice Isaac as a Burnt Offering</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_chapter_23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sarah Dies so Abraham Purchases a Field "><U>Sarah Dies so Abraham Purchases a Field & a Cave in Hebron </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Servant of Abraham Was Sent Back to "><U>The Servant of Abraham Was Sent Back to Get a Wife for Isaac (Genesis 24)</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 25 Abraham Left Everything that"><U>Genesis 25 – Abraham Left Everything that He Owned to Isaac! </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 26 Isaac Settles in Gerar He D"><U>Genesis 26 - Isaac Settles in Gerar & He Deceives Abimelech!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id125.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 27 Jacob Deceives Isaac and Ste"><U>Genesis 27 – Jacob Deceives Isaac and Steals Esau’s Blessing  </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_28_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Traveling to Get a Wife, Jacob Dreams of"><U>Traveling to Get a Wife, Jacob Dreams of a Stairway to Heaven</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 29: Jacob is Deceived by Laban s"><U>Genesis 29: Jacob is Deceived by Laban so He Will Marry Leah</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 30 Jacob is Blessed with Many C"><U>Genesis 30 - Jacob is Blessed with Many Children and Flocks!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 31 Jacob Flees from Laban then "><U>Genesis 31 - Jacob Flees from Laban then Laban Pursues Jacob</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 32 Jacob Prepares for Esau then"><U>Genesis 32 - Jacob Prepares for Esau; then Wrestles with God </U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 33 After Twenty Years, Jacob Re"><U>Genesis 33 - After Twenty Years, Jacob Reconciles with Esau</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Simeon and Levi, Dinahs Brothers, take V"><U>Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s Brothers, take Vengeance on Shechem</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 35 Jacob Builds an Altar to God"><U>Genesis 35 - Jacob Builds an Altar to God Almighty at Bethel</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_36_1_8_and_genesis_37_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Rejected by His Own Brothers, Joseph is "><U>Rejected by His Own Brothers, Joseph is a Type of the Messiah</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judah, his Daughterinlaw Tamar, and the "><U>Judah, his Daughter-in-law Tamar, and the Levirate Marriage</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Joseph and the Wife of Potiphar, Captain"><U>Joseph and the Wife of Potiphar, Captain of Pharaoh’s Guard</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_40.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Joseph Interprets the Dreams of Pharaohs"><U>Joseph Interprets the Dreams of Pharaoh’s Cupbearer and Baker</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_41.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 41 Pharaoh Sends for Joseph to "><U>Genesis 41 - Pharaoh Sends for Joseph to Interpret His Dreams</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 42 Josephs Brothers Went Down t"><U>Genesis 42 - Joseph’s Brothers Went Down to Egypt to Buy Grain</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_43___44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 43 44 Josephs Brothers Bring B"><U>Genesis 43 & 44 - Joseph’s Brothers Bring Benjamin to Egypt</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 45 When Joseph Made Himself Kno"><U>Genesis 45 - When Joseph Made Himself Known to His Brothers!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_46.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 46 Jacob and the Sons of Israel"><U>Genesis 46 - Jacob and the Sons of Israel Go Down to Egypt</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_47.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 47 Josephs Father and Brothers "><U>Genesis 47 - Joseph’s Father and Brothers Now Dwell in Goshen</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 48: Jacob Blesses Manasseh and E"><U>Genesis 48: Jacob Blesses Manasseh and Ephraim Joseph’s Sons</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_49.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 49 Jacob Calls for His Sons to "><U>Genesis 49 - Jacob Calls for His Sons to Assemble Before Him</U></A>   |   <A HREF="genesis_50.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Genesis 50 The Egyptians and Jacobs Fam"><U>Genesis 50 - The Egyptians and Jacob’s Family Mourn for Jacob</U></A>   |   <A HREF="intro_to_daniel.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Introduction to the Book of Daniel"><U>Introduction to the Book of Daniel</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_chapter_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah ar"><U>Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah are Captive in Babylon</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzars Dream "><U>Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream of a Dazzling Statue</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_chapter_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="King Nebuchadnezzar Made an Image of Gol"><U>King Nebuchadnezzar Made an Image of Gold Sixty Cubits High!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel__chapter_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel Chapter 4 King Nebuchadnezzar Ha"><U>Daniel Chapter 4 - King Nebuchadnezzar Has a Fearful Dream! </U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 5 King Belshazzar Quakes at the "><U>Daniel 5 - King Belshazzar Quakes at the Writing on the Wall</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 6 The Scheme of the Administrato"><U>Daniel 6 - The Scheme of the Administrators and the Satraps </U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 7 Daniel Had a Dream and Saw Vis"><U>Daniel 7 - Daniel Had a Dream and Saw Visions of Four Beasts</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 8 Daniel Has a Vision of a Ram w"><U>Daniel 8 - Daniel Has a Vision of a Ram with Two Long Horns</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 9 The Desolation of Jerusalem Wou"><U>Daniel 9 -The Desolation of Jerusalem Would Last Seventy Years</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_10.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 10 A Revelation Was Revealed to "><U>Daniel 10 - A Revelation Was Revealed to Daniel in a Vision</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 11 The Kings of the North and So"><U>Daniel 11 - The Kings of the North and South and the Antichrist</U></A>   |   <A HREF="daniel_12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Daniel 12Michael Will Arise and There Wi"><U>Daniel 12-Michael Will Arise and There Will Be Great Distress</U></A>   |   <A HREF="introduction_to_judges.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="An Introduction to the Book of Judges wh"><U>An Introduction to the Book of Judges when Israel had no King</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="After Joshua Died, Israelites Fight the "><U>After Joshua Died, Israelites Fight the Remaining Canaanites</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges 2 The Israelites Disobeyed the A"><U>Judges 2 - The Israelites Disobeyed the Angel of the LORD! </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 3 The Israelites Lived A"><U>Judges Chapter 3 - The Israelites Lived Among the Canaanites </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 4 Deborah led Israel now"><U>Judges Chapter 4 - Deborah led Israel now that Ehud was Dead </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Israelites were given into the Hands"><U>The Israelites were given into the Hands of the Midianites!</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges 7 The LORD said to Gideon, You H"><U>Judges 7 - The LORD said to Gideon, "You Have too Many Men."</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 8 Gideon Captures the Tw"><U>Judges Chapter 8 - Gideon Captures the Two Kings of Midian </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 9 Abimelech Murdered His"><U>Judges Chapter 9 - Abimelech Murdered His Seventy Brothers!   </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_10_and_chaapter_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 Tola, "><U>Judges Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 - Tola, Jair and Jephthah </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_12.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 12 Jephthah defeats the "><U>Judges Chapter 12 - Jephthah defeats the Ephraimites</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_13.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 13 The Birth of Samson W"><U>Judges Chapter 13 - The Birth of Samson Who was a Nazarite</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_14.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 14 Samson Wants a Philis"><U>Judges Chapter 14 - Samson Wants a Philistine Woman as a Wife</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 15 Samson Takes Vengeanc"><U>Judges Chapter 15 - Samson Takes Vengeance on the Philistines</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_16_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 16 The Secret of Samsons"><U>Judges Chapter 16 - The Secret of Samson’s Strength Revealed</U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 17 Micah from the Hill C"><U>Judges Chapter 17 - Micah from the Hill Country of Ephraim </U></A>   |   <A HREF="judges_chapter_18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Judges Chapter 18 In Those Days the Dan"><U>Judges Chapter 18 - In Those Days the Danites Had No King</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 1 These Days He Has Spo"><U>Hebrews Chapter 1 - These Days He Has Spoken to Us by His Son</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 2 How Shall We Ignore s"><U>Hebrews Chapter 2 - How Shall We Ignore so Great a Salvation?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 3 Jesus is Worthy of Gr"><U>Hebrews Chapter 3 - Jesus is Worthy of Greater Honor than Moses</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 4 A Sabbath Rest for th"><U>Hebrews Chapter 4 - A Sabbath Rest for the People of God</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 5 A High Priest in the "><U>Hebrews Chapter 5 - A High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_6_.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 6 The Things that Have t"><U>Hebrews Chapter 6 -The Things that Have to Do with Salvation</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Ch.7 Jesus is a Priest in the O"><U>Hebrews Ch.7 - Jesus is a Priest in the Order of Melchizedek</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 8 Jesus the High Priest"><U>Hebrews Chapter 8 - Jesus the High Priest of the New Covenant </U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_9.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 9 Regulations for Worsh"><U>Hebrews Chapter 9 - Regulations for Worship in the Tabernacle</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_10.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 10 Christs Ultimate Sac"><U>Hebrews Chapter 10 - Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice Once for All</U></A>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 11 Great Men and Women "><U>Hebrews Chapter 11 - Great Men and Women Who Lived By Faith!</U></A>   |   <B>Hebrews Chapter 12 - Run the Race Fixing Ours Eyes on Jesus </b>   |   <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 13 Keep On Loving, Be P"><U>Hebrews Chapter 13 - Keep On Loving, Be Pure, and Be Content</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="02ad2c00dkelyh.png"> <div> <IMG SRC="17674af0.jpg" border=0 width="116" height="175" ALT="last days,prophecy,end times,rapture,bible,scriptures,bible prophecies,endtimes,hebrew calendar,jewish culture,bible studies,messiah,festivals,revelation" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> THE LAST DAYS CALENDAR:</div> <div> Understanding God's</div> <div> Appointed Times</div> <div> USE LINK TO ORDER ON LINE</div> <div> <A HREF="https://www.redemption-press.com/shop/the-last-days-calendar/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.redemption-press.com/shop/th"><U>Redemption Press</U></A></div> <div> or Call<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003399" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1-360-226-3488</div> <bR> <div> THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: </div> <div> Understanding the Apocalypse </div> <div> <IMG SRC="37e98b90.jpg" border=0 width="152" height="185" ALT="revelation,apocalypse,Jesus, Christ,Jesus Christ,last days,prophecy,end times,rapture,Hebrew calendar,jewish culture,bible studies,messiah,festivals" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> USE LINK TO ORDER ON LINE</div> <div> <A HREF="https://www.redemption-press.com/shop/the-revelation-of-jesus-christ/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="https://www.redemption-press.com/shop/th"><U>Redemption Press</U></A></div> <div> or Call<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#003399" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1-360-226-3488</div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Hebrews Chapter 12 - Run the Race Fixing Ours Eyes on Jesus </I></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Hebrews Chapter 12 – Run the Race Fixing Ours Eyes on Jesus </div> <bR> <div> <B>Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer of faith so that we will not grow weary and lose heart!</b></div> <bR> <div> <I>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,</I><I><B> </b></I>Hebrews 12:1</div> <bR> <div> Chapter 11 of Hebrews is often referred to as “The Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame.” The accounts of many heroes of the faith listed in the previous chapter of Hebrews demonstrate that faith enables the people of God to accomplish many great things to fulfill the LORD’s purposes for their lives and to give Him glory – for nothing is impossible for God.</div> <bR> <div> In light of this great cloud of witnesses (martyrs) from the Old Testament, the Hebrew Christians living in Jerusalem are exhorted to cast aside those things which would hinder their ability to persevere in their faith journey including observing temple sacrifices and avoiding the snare of sin.</div> <bR> <div> <I>“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.</I></div> <div> <I>For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first</I>. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16</div> <bR> <div> The “cloud of witnesses” of Hebrews 12:1 is composed of the disembodied spirits and souls of the saints. At the rapture, the bodies of those who have fallen asleep in Christ (the saints who have died throughout history) will be transformed into glorified bodies, will rise into the air to meet the Lord, and their souls and spirits will enter into their translated immortal bodies to be forever with the Lord.</div> <bR> <div> <I> fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</I> Hebrews 12:2-3</div> <bR> <div> The way that we can be like the Apostle Paul who said in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” is to fix our eyes on Jesus. He was highly exalted and is now seated at the right hand of the Father because of His sacrificial love, endurance, and submission to the Father’s will in spite of great opposition. By following His example and having the assurance of heavenly reward, we will not grow weary in well doing or lose heart.</div> <bR> <div> <I>In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.</I> Hebrews 12:4</div> <bR> <div> Addressed to the second generation of Hebrew Christians, this epistle would gain deeper significance in calling to remembrance the first generation martyrs by the reminder that his readers had not yet suffered unto the point of death as did Stephen and James.</div> <bR> <div> <I>And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son?</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” </I>Hebrews 12:5-6</div> <bR> <div>  Although the Hebrew Christians were being subjected to trials and persecution, the Lord was using their enemies as instruments of divine chastisement. Their heavenly Father sought to correct them because He loved them. </div> <bR> <div> <I>Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all</I>. Hebrews 12:7-8</div> <bR> <div> Only true sons and daughters of the Most High God are disciplined. Therefore, the believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith with the realization that their heavenly Father is fulfilling His divine purpose in their trials.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.</I> Hebrews 12:9-11</div> <bR> <div> We respected our fathers on this earth, so certainly we should respect God. By their best efforts, they could only teach us what seemed right to them. But God knows what is right. He knows when to teach us, and he knows when to punish us. All his lessons will benefit us. Even when we suffer, we do not suffer without a proper purpose. God even uses our troubles to teach us lessons that will benefit us. God’s purpose is to make us holy and to conform us into the image of Christ.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.</I> Hebrews 12:12-13</div> <bR> <div> The believer is to walk in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). A child of God is to walk in the Spirit and not gratify the flesh (Galatians 5:16) A believer is strengthened and matures through prayer, the study and application of God’s Holy Word, worship and praise. The “lame” is an allusion to the believer who is weak in faith and needs to practice the disciplines of the Christian faith</div> <bR> <div> <I>Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.</I> Hebrews 12:14-15</div> <bR> <div> “The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense” by John Bevere. He talks about the importance of fellowship with other believers. The author exposes one of the most deceptive snares Satan uses to get believers out of the will of God – offense.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.</I> Mark 3:25 </div> <bR> <div> The author also points out that Satan is using what Jesus said concerning a house that is divided to cause the church to fall apart. </div> <bR> <div> <I>These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil,a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. </I> Proverbs 6:16-19</div> <bR> <div> Note that the one who causes conflict among fellow believers has done an abominable act that the Lord hates.  </div> <bR> <div> The Devil doesn’t always use obvious and overt things to cause division. The following is taken from the introduction to John Bevere’s book:</div> <bR> <div> “Anyone who has trapped animals knows a trap needs one of two things to be successful. It must be hidden, in the hope that an animal will stumble upon it, and it must be baited to lure the animal into the trap’s deadly jaws. Satan, the enemy of our souls, incorporates both of these strategies as he lays out his most deceptive and deadly traps. They are both hidden and baited.  </div> <bR> <div> Satan, along with his cohorts is not as blatant as many believe. He is subtle and delights in deception. He is shrewd in his operations, cunning, and crafty. Don’t forget he can disguise himself as a messenger of light. If we are not trained by the Word of God to divide rightly between good and evil, we won’t recognize his traps for what they are.</div> <bR> <div> One of his most deceptive and insidious kinds of bait is something every Christian has encountered – offense. Actually, offense itself is not deadly – if it stays in the trap. But if we pick it up and consume it and feed on it in our hearts, then we have become offended. Offended people produce much fruit, such as hurt, anger, outrage, jealousy, resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred and envy. Some of the consequences of picking up an offense are insults, attacks, wounding, division, separation, broken relationships, betrayal, and backsliding.</div> <bR> <div> Often those who are offended do not even realize they are trapped. They are oblivious to their condition because they are so focused on the wrong that was done to them. They are in denial. The most effective way for the enemy to blind us is to cause us to focus on ourselves.”</div> <bR> <div> The writer of Hebrews urges his readers to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and not let bitterness and unforgiveness take root in their hearts. Many churches and even entire denominations have split because people have taken the bait of Satan and have become offended which has caused wounding, division and has defiled many.</div> <bR> <div> <I>See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done</I>. Hebrews 12:16-17</div> <bR> <div> The first born son of Isaac and Rebekah was either ruddy in complexion and covered with hair, or covered with red hair. They named him Esau which means, “hairy.” His wild appearance may have been an indication of the coarseness of his character and roughness of his nature. His fraternal twin was named Jacob. </div> <bR> <div> <I>The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob</I>. Genesis 25:27-28</div> <bR> <div> Esau became an archer. He became skilled in the use of the bow and arrow for hunting and for protection against wild beasts. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau because Esau was a hunter who loved the outdoors. Jacob, on the other hand, was content to stay at home among the tents and was loved by his mother Rebekah. </div> <bR> <div> <I>Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) </I>Genesis 25:29-30</div> <bR> <div> Esau was also called Edom which means red. Esau’s descendents were called the Edomites. Esau, who was an outdoorsman and walked in the flesh, was not merely hungry. He was famished – desperately hungry. Satisfying his fleshy desire was not to be postponed but immediately satisfied.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright</I>. Genesis 25:31-34</div> <bR> <div> The right of the firstborn to a double portion of the inheritance and a leadership position in the family when the father passes was Esau's by birth but Jacob's by promise. It entailed more than material blessings. The birthright had an important spiritual significance as well. The Messiah would descend from Isaac’s son who held the birthright. Jacob who now had the birthright would also insure that the future possession of the land of Canaan would be by his children's children.</div> <bR> <div> Esau refused to take on the responsibilities of the first born and treated his birthright with disdain. That is why Paul writing to the church at Rome reminds that God proclaimed, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” </div> <div> Romans 9:13b</div> <bR> <div> <I>Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. </I>Genesis 27:34-38</div> <bR> <div> Esau wept loud and bitterly and blamed Jacob for taking advantage of him for the second time. Yet, it was Esau’s own carnal character that led him to despise his birthright and sell it for a hot meal. Esau’s tears were not of repentance but of self-pity. He understood that his father’s blessing upon Jacob was irrevocable and asked for a blessing of his own. God in His foreknowledge and sovereignty chose Jacob to receive the blessing reserved for the first born.</div> <bR> <div> <I>You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”</I> Hebrews 12:18-21</div> <bR> <div> The Torah (the Law) was given to Moses at Mount Sinai. This mountain was located in Arabia. All the Israelites trembled in fear as the mountain, which was enveloped in smoke, shook as fire billowed into the sky, and lightning flashed followed by peals of thunder and very loud trumpet blast. The LORD spoke His commandments in a loud voice to the whole assembly out of the fire, the cloud, and the deep darkness on the mountain. The Hebrew Christians, unlike the Israelites in the wilderness, were not present when the Old Covenant was ratified.</div> <bR> <div> <I>But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. </I>Hebrews 12:22-24</div> <bR> <div> The writer's point is that instead of returning to Mount Sinai, the Hebrew audience is urged to continue their approach to Mount Zion, the spiritual mountain and city where the living God dwells and reigns. On Mt Sinai, God was a consuming fire. On Mt Zion, He is consuming love.</div> <bR> <div>  Under the Old Covenant, the Law exposed man’s sinfulness and his need for a savior. Under the New Covenant, by the grace of God and the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the spirits of those who have been imputed the righteousness of God by faith have been made perfect (complete).</div> <bR> <div> THE BLOOD OF ABEL</div> <bR> <div> <I>And he said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.” </I>Genesis 4:10</div> <bR> <div> <I>We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. </I>1 John 3:12-13 </div> <bR> <div> Righteous Abel was the first martyr of the faith. Although innocent of wrong doing, he was unjustly killed and his blood was poured out on the ground. The blood of Abel cried out for just punishment. </div> <bR> <div> The blood of Christ speaks with greater power and speaks for purification and atonement. God was the Avenger of “righteous Abel,” but Jesus Christ the righteous is our Advocate with the Father, and He is the propitiation for our sins.</div> <bR> <div> <I>See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?</I> Hebrews 12:25</div> <bR> <div> The terrors which accompanied the giving of the Law were designed to impress all hearts with the fearful peril of disobedience. Those who refused to obey the LORD’s voice could not escape the declaration of the Law or the terrible penalties which awaited all those who dared to transgress His Law.</div> <bR> <div> <I>At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.</I> Hebrews 12:26-27</div> <bR> <div>  The promise (the prophecy that will be fulfilled) comes from Haggai 2:6:</div> <bR> <div> <I> “This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.</I></div> <bR> <div> The things of the original creation that have been corrupted by sin will be removed.</div> <bR> <div> <I>But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. </I>2 Peter 3:10</div> <bR> <div> <I>For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.</I> Isaiah 65:17</div> <bR> <div> <I>Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”</I> Hebrews 12:28-29</div> <bR> <div> The things that are unshakeable are God’s heavenly city and eternal kingdom (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 21:1). We need to be thankful for eternal life to be lived in an eternal kingdom with God our Creator; worshipping Him reverently in awe of His glory and majesty.</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="hebrews_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 11 Great Men and Women "><U><B>Hebrews Chapter 11 - Great Men and Women Who Lived By Faith!</b></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="hebrews_chapter_11.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Hebrews Chapter 13 Keep On Loving, Be P"><U><B>Hebrews Chapter 13 - Keep On Loving, Be Pure, and Be Content</b></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="jewish_festivals.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Festivals of the LORD reveal Bible Proph"><U><B>Festivals of the LORD reveal Bible Prophecy about End Times. </b></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Last Days Calendar:Bible Prophecy,La"><U><B>The Last Days Calendar:Bible Prophecy,Last Days,The Rapture</b></U></A><B> (Home)</b></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>