Hebrews 7:26–28 
26 "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."

Not only do we notice that Christ is holy, innocent, undefiled, and separated from sinners, but we also notice that He no longer needs to offer up sacrifices.  The former priests did this annually, first for themselves and then for the people.  Christ never needed to atone for Himself and He will never again atone for us because He did this "once for all when He offered up Himself."  What a sufficient offering Christ gave on our behalf!  The portal to God is forever opened.  God will never close it again, for Christ has paid such a gift that access will never be revoked!  We unlimited and unending access to the Father through Christ.  Praise Him!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Don & Judy Kaneski
• Ole & Doreen Olson

Hebrews 7:26–28 
26 "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."

This passage clearly exposes the weakness of the old priests ordained by the Law, but even more than that it highlights the greatness of the new priest ordained through the oath God gave in Psalms 110:4.  Let us consider Him for a moment.  We read that Jesus is "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens".  He has a sinless nature, He is holy.  He lived a sinless life, He is innocent.  He overcame every sinful temptation and influence, He is undefiled.  He will never be tempted again, He is separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.  The former priests were weak and full of failure.  Jesus never failed and He never will!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cody Lee
• Brendon Walker

Hebrews 7:26–28 
26 "For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."

What a wealth of information we find here!  At its core it is another comparison between the priests ordained by the Law and the one true Priest ordained through the oath of Psalms 110:4.  First consider the priests ordained through the Law.  One main word describes them: "weak".  They were sinful and prone to stumbling.  They had to first atone for their own sins before they could atone for yours.  They were subject to deception and temptation and constant moral failure.  In short, there was always a chance your priest would disqualify himself and his offering on your behalf would be rejected.  This morning praise God that He ordained a better way!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Gracie Hadding
• Cindy Wampler

Hebrews 7:23–25
23 "The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

Certainly the fact that Jesus always lives makes Him a permanent High Priest with totally effective work.  But it is also important to us to understand what work He does.  He always lives, but why?  "He always lives to make intercession for them."  That is for those who draw near to God through Him.  Christ never leaves office and He never stops praying for you!  He intercedes for you with fail.  Thank Him today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Vicki Diggs
• Cindy Glass
• Liam & Riannon Horn

Hebrews 7:23–25
23 "The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

What is the benefit of having a priest who never leaves office?  His work never expires.  How many presidents have overruled a previous administration's "executive orders" simply because the former was out of office?  But not with Christ.  He will never leave office and His work will never be overturned.  He holds His priesthood permanently.  "Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him"  Praise Jesus for saving us and saving us forever!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ken Brendle
• Doug & Carissa Clark (Elsie, Rivers, Murphy, Hezekiah, Judah)

Hebrews 7:23–25
23 "The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

The former priests were weaker than Jesus, and here the writer tells us their glaring weakness, "they were prevented by death from continuing."  In short, they were sinful themselves, and thus they were subject to death and a permanent grave.  But not Jesus!  He lives!  He holds His priesthood permanently!  Praise Jesus for His righteous life that qualifies Him as an eternal priest.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kermit & Kathy Woolley
• Kolbey & Jaydee Adams (Waylon)
• Eoin Horn

Hebrews 7:23–25
23 "The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."

What a revelation!  Not only is Jesus the greatest High Priest we have ever had, but Jesus is greater than the sum total of every priest who has ever lived!  They existed in greater number, but Jesus has surpassed them all.  Every Old Testament priest together never managed to save a single person, but Jesus has saved us all!  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronald & Kim Todd
• Norman & Brenda Hill

Hebrews 7:20–22
20 "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); 22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

One more point we want to recognize from these 3 verses.  Namely that "Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."  That first covenant at Sinai never saved anyone, it only condemned.  But now we have a new priest, given with an oath, which required a change of Law and a new covenant.  That new priest is Jesus, that new covenant is the gospel!  Jesus is the guarantee.  The writer makes the point that Jesus is everything!  Never abandon Him!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cathy Spencer
• Tommy & Peggy Swaringen

Hebrews 7:20–22
20 "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); 22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

Not only did God initiate a new priesthood, but God did so with an oath so that we might have full confidence that He has accepted this new priest.  God's oath is recorded in Psalms 110:4, "The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever'".  You can have full confidence that Jesus has replaced the Levitical priesthood and that through Him you have access to the Father!  Take advantage of that access today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• John & Shannon Parum
• Martha Pickens

Hebrews 7:18–19
18 "For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."

The last few days have been rapid fire through a lot of text.  We have seen how God changed the priestly order.  He set aside the Levitical priesthood in favor of Christ.  Doing this also required that God set aside the Law.  Now we come to the summary and glory of such a decision.  First, God set aside the former commandment.  Why?  Because it was weak and useless.  The Law could not make us perfect; it could not save.  And then God replaced it in Christ who was totally successful!  For in Christ we actually draw near to God.  As you pray today, rejoice that Christ actually grants you access to the living God!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Rory & Carrie Mosley (Abigail)
• Willie & Margaret Neufeld (Marissa, Cassie, Tyler, Aubrey, Ruby)

Hebrews 7:15–17
15 "And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”

"And this is clearer still".  The writer is referring to the fact that Christ is the end of the Law.  Since the Law said a priest must be a Levite, but we now have Christ, from the tribe of Judah, who is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek.  Like Melchizedek, Jesus is not a priest based on pedigree, but based on merit.  Jesus lived a perfect life and earned the right to be a priest.  No more morally compromised priests just because they have the right genealogy.  Praise God for blessing us with a great High Priest!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlie & Fronye Morris
• Tommie McCormick-Davis

Hebrews 7:12–14
12 "For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests."

This is the moment where the writer of Hebrews swings for the fences.  He has shown that God ordained a new priestly order through Melchizedek.  It is an order greater than Abraham and Aaron.  But here the writer really blows our minds when he reveals that if God changes the priestly order (which He clearly did in Psalms 110:4) then God must also change the Law (that is the Mosaic Law).  Why?  Because the Mosaic Law prohibits anyone other than the tribe of Levi from serving as priest.  The writer has shown that Jesus is greater than Angels, Moses, Abraham, and Aaron, and now he is revealing that Jesus is the end of the Law!  What a Savior we have!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Evelyn Mathewson
• Woody & Linda McArthur

Hebrews 7:11
11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?"

The writer finally hits his main point of confrontation.  Why did God ordain another priest?  It was back in Exodus when God ordained the Levites to be priests.  If the Levites were sufficient in their work then why would God speak of a ordaining a different priestly line?  And this God did in Psalms 110:4 when He said, "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek".  Clearly the Levitical priesthood was not perfect.  Clearly God knew we needed a better priest.  Jesus is that priest!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lee & Alice Kidd
• Nell Martin
• Zek & Lindsay Mosley (Peter)

Hebrews 7:4–10
4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him."

One simple point here about Melchizedek.  He is greater than Abraham and Levi.  How do we know this?  Because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek and since Levi is a descendant of Abraham, in a way, he did too through Abraham.  So now the writer of Hebrews has made the point that Jesus is greater than the angels, Jesus is greater than Moses, and now we see that Jesus is greater than Abraham and Levi too!  What a great High Priest we have!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Michael & Amber Kermick (Emma, Jacob)
• Gary & Elaine Key

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

Again, while examining this Old Testament picture of Jesus we observe that Melchizedek had "neither beginning of days nor end of life".  And again this does not mean he was never born or never died.  The writer's point is that we have no record of his birth or his death.  We don't know when he was born or when he died and thus we have no indication of his priesthood ever ending.  That is a picture of Jesus who is eternal God and who reigns forever.  Jesus is a priest perpetually.  Praise God for a priest who will never leave office!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ruby Karr
• Keith Karr
• Louise Huffman
• David Karr

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

Examining this Old Testament picture of Jesus we also see that Melchizedek was "without father, without mother, without genealogy".  No, this does not mean that he had no mom or dad.  What the writer means is that he had no pedigree that qualified him for service.  He wasn't from a kingly line or a priestly line.  He was a king and a priest based on merit, not genealogy.  While Jesus does descend from David's kingly line, He is also a king and priest based on merit.  It is because of His obedience that God declared Him both Lord and Christ and seated Him at His right hand.  Praise Jesus for being worthy of His office!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kevin & Rhonda Brendle
• Tom & Marilyn Taylor

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

As we examine this Old Testament picture of Jesus we also learn a bit about his nature.  His name teaches us that he was the king of righteousness and his kingdom (Salem) teaches us that he was the king of peace.  A king who produces righteousness and peace, what a picture of Jesus! Praise Jesus for being unlike any other earthly king!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Terry & Teenya Gilbert
• Daniel & Sunni Cates (Caleb, Bethani, Jonathan)

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

As we continue to look at this Old Testament picture of Jesus we also learn that Abraham gave him a tenth of all the spoils.  In short, Abraham recognized the value of the blessing of Melchizedek.  If even Abraham recognized his need for blessing certainly we should as well.  Abraham rejected the world and submitted to Melchizedek, we also reject the world and submit to Christ.  Ask God to help you submit to Jesus today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chris & Rachel Horn
• Cody & Karen Hurdt

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

Melchizedek is a prophetic type of Jesus.  We already learned that he was both a king and a priest, but we also see here his service as a priest.  He met Abraham and blessed him.  This priest-king had the ability to produce blessing in the life of Abraham.  What a reminder to us that blessing only flows to us through Jesus Christ.  In fact, in Him we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.  Praise Jesus for this today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chuck & Laurie Hinson
• Gladys Hinson

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

(If you haven't read Genesis 14 and Psalms 110 do that now.)

We would first point out the utter importance of this subject.  If you will remember the writer first tried to discuss Melchizedek back in chapter 5, but would not discuss him until we were listening.  Don't miss this very important truth.  The first thing we see about Melchizedek the priest is that he fulfilled a dual role.  He was both king and priest.  One could ask either Saul (1 Sam. 13:8-14) or Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-21) about the dangers of a king trying to offer sacrifices like a priest.  To say it takes a special individual to fulfill the dual role is an understatement.  Praise Christ for being unique!  He, like Melchizedek, is both King and Priest.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Cindy Heflin
• Lucy Sanchez
• Neal & Nancy Hindman

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

The writer has made the point that Jesus is our high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.  To which we ask, "Who?"  That is where the writer goes next.  Melchizedek is an Old Testament picture of Jesus.  He is a "prophetic type".  In short, we learn more about the high priestly role of Jesus by learning about Melchizedek.  So today, we need to do some homework.  Go read Genesis 14 which is the historical account of Melchizedek and then read Psalm 110 which is the text our writer is preaching in reference to Melchizedek.  Thank God for having much to teach us about the glory of Christ!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lance & Amy Harris (Kodah)
• Rita Harris

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

And now we come full circle back to this Melchizedek who was first introduced to us at the end of chapter 5.  Jesus is a priest!  He's a priest like Melchizedek!  The writer will soon explain that to us.  Today praise Jesus for being your High Priest.  Praise Him for interceding for you before the Father.  Praise Him for securing your hope.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Pam Goodall
• Max & Rebecca Haney

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

We also learn about the anchor of our hope, where it is anchored.  And the answer is that our hope is anchored "within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us."  Our hope is an effective hope.  Our hope is in Jesus Christ who is seated at God's right hand.  We hope for the blessing of Abraham through His seed, and we see that God has already exalted Him!  Our hope is secure!  Our hope is steadfast!  Our hope will not fail.  Hope in Jesus Christ today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlena Fitzgerald (Gage)
• Benny & Cathy Fitzgerald

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

The next thing we learn about hope is that it is "both sure and steadfast".  When manufacturers test actual anchors there are two main things to consider.  How well does it grip the surface and how strong is the shaft once it grips.  In other words, how sure is it and how steadfast is it?  Our hope is both!  God's hope sticks and God's hope never bends.  Lay hold of His hope today by believing His promises!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• David & Toni Crawford
• Bonnie Edwards

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

The writer wants us to take hold of the hope set before us.  Here he explains the value of hope.  And first we read that hope is "an anchor for the soul".  What a glorious thing to be anchored!  To not be subject to every prevailing wind or every deceptive doctrine.  Hope is what allows you to endure even when you don't understand.  Praise God for hope today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Tammy Fincher (Tyler, Ramey, Seth, Chase)
• Joe & Paula Fincher