Tim Cogar Books

Home
Tim Cogar Books

Tim Cogar is a Christian author writing timely uplifting books to enjoy. If you want to laugh, cry, get excited and committed to your faith, stop by often
(1)

31/03/2024

Former President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign is lighting up Democrat Joe Biden and the White House for the president’s “appalling and insulting” behavior towards Christians on Easter.

29/03/2024

The Unshakable Kingdom
Friday, March 29 | Hebrews 12:25–29

We have a lot of wrong ideas about God. Contrary to what some believe, God is not our buddy. He is not an overindulgent grandfather who lives in the sky. He is not a spiritual genie who will grant our every wish. Hebrews 12:29 directs us to think of God with “reverence and awe.” The thunder that accompanied the giving of the Law on Sinai was a signal that “God is a consuming fire” (see Deut. 4:24).

The Law taught that all who sin are in danger of divine wrath. The gospel does not douse the fire of God’s holiness. Nor does it cancel the day of judgment. Instead, the gospel provides forgiveness, righteousness, and a secure place to stand when that day comes. Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ receive “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (v. 28).

The voice that shook Sinai at the giving of the Law foreshadowed an even greater shaking that will occur at the end of time. The voice that spoke on Sinai “shook the earth” along with all who heard it (v. 26). In the final judgment, God will “shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This quotation from Haggai 2:6 speaks of a judgment to come that will transform both heavens and earth and create a new order. The old earth will pass away and be replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev. 21:1; see also Isa. 65:17), “where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

New Testament scholar F. F. Bruce explains that this is a picture “of the end of the present world-order...where earth and heaven flee away from the face of the judge on the great white throne.” Jesus is the judge. He will receive all who come to Him in faith. Those who refuse Him reject life itself. They have no place in His unshakable kingdom.

16/03/2024

A New Covenant
Saturday, March 16 | Hebrews 8:1–7

Sometimes it is hard to part with a well-loved item, even if the new version is better. For example, a baseball player might be reluctant to replace his favorite mitt. A guitarist may cherish one guitar for a lifetime, rejecting a shiny substitute.

In the parable of the wineskins, Jesus observed that “no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better’” (Luke 5:39). Today’s passage helps us understand why a new covenant was necessary. Jesus came to enact a new covenant because of what was “wrong” with the first (v. 7). We learned that the Law was never designed to be a permanent solution to humanity’s sin problem. Instead, it pointed to something greater.

The difference between the Law of Moses and the ministry of Jesus is the difference between an original and its copy. The features of the Aaronic priesthood with its sanctuary and sacrifices were copies of “the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being” (v. 2). God ordained these elements of worship under the Law of Moses but they were merely a “copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (v. 5).

God intended the Law to give way to the grace that comes through Christ. Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood. His sacrifice had a more enduring result. The covenant Jesus put into effect by His ministry is “superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises” (v. 6).

Some people were finding it difficult to accept that the old ministry of the Law was meant to give way to the new ministry of grace through the high priesthood of Christ. They were tempted to say, “The old is better.” But the law was meant as a signpost, not a solution.

09/03/2024

Today In The Word

Draw Near
Saturday, March 09 | Hebrews 4:12–16

Most people’s idea of confidence is rooted in themselves. It is self- confidence. It is a can-do attitude, or at least a will-do mentality. The Christian’s confidence originates from a different place. We can confidently approach God’s throne of grace not because of anything we have done but because of what Christ has done for us (v. 16).

How do we know that our confidence is warranted? What right do we have to think that God will accept us? Scripture cuts through any self-deception to show us what we are really like. It “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” and reveals what we have hidden from ourselves or are trying to hide from God (v. 12). When God’s Word has finished its work, it is clear that the grounds for our assurance do not lie in us.

We may confidently approach God’s throne because Jesus Christ is acting as our High Priest. Our passport into His presence is our faith in Him (v. 14). We do not have to fear that Christ will refuse us. We are coming to a High Priest who is able to “empathize with our weaknesses” (v. 15). To empathize (some versions translate the Greek word in this verse as sympathize) is to “feel with” someone. But the greatness of Christ is that He offers more than a shared feeling. Because Jesus was tempted in all points like us, yet has overcome, He can provide “mercy” and “grace to help” in our time of need (v. 16).

The secret to assurance in the Christian life is not self-confidence but Christ-confidence. Look outside yourself to the throne of God’s grace and put your trust in Jesus Christ. Dare to draw near, and you will find mercy, grace, and help. Jesus will receive you.

Go Deeper
What or who makes you confident? How do you feel when approaching God? What does this Scripture teach us about why we can draw near Him with confidence?

Pray with Us: Who do we turn to in times of trials? Merciful God, You are our hiding place and comfort. Thank You for an assurance in Hebrews 4 that we can come to Your throne with confidence, and our “passport” into Your presence is our faith in You.

Address

Website

http://www.timcogar.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tim Cogar Books posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.