Completed salvation

For the past 10 weeks I have been studying God's covenant in a Precept Bible Study through my church. It has opened my eyes in ways that have never happened before (more on that later). Last night though while studying Hebrews 9 and 10, something about salvation became crystal clear and that's what I wanted to share with you this morning.

"For by one offering He (Jesus) has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."
Hebrews 10:14
(I added the parentheses.)

I have read this verse many times before but have really struggled with the word "perfect." Based on my experience and what our culture says, to be perfect means nothing could be made better. I struggled to apply my working defintion of "perfection" to this verse. How can my salvation not be made better?

Upon further study and some insight from Jan, my bible study teacher, I found out that the word perfect comes from the Greek word (I think) "telieoo" which means to have been made complete or have finished. Hmm, through the one-time offering of Jesus, my salvation has been finished. Made complete. There is nothing left to do about my salvation because Jesus Christ did all that needed to be done. Let that sink in a second. If that's not enough to take your breath away, consider this three word phrase in the middle of that verse: for all time. This has been completed once and for all time or for eternity. Doesn't that bring reassurance?

I know it's one small verse but it brought me such encouragement last night that I had to share this morning. I am in awe of God's word and what He has revealed to us through it. I pray that your eyes and mine would continue to be opened to His teaching and that our lives may be changed by it.

Johnnie Reb & Buck

Some of you have been asking to see an updated picture of Johnnie Reb...here ya go! Johnnie is on the left, and Buck her litter mate which I gave my dad, is on the right. This was taken on Mother's Day when they were about 10 weeks old. It's hard to get a good picture of them on the move so it is just easier to pick them up.

It's Not My Birthday

I'm in Oklahoma City right now with a team of four students for the National Soils contest. After returning from a visit to the restroom at dinner tonight, my students informed me that they told our waiter that it was my birthday. I laughed it off for a second but then realized they were serious. I hate it when my students do this! The waiter approached a few minutes later to deliver the bill and as he was passing it out to each of us, I leaned over and explain that it's not really my birthday today. He then replies, "It's not my birthday today either."

Those little punks!! They totally bluffed--they never told him it was my birthday! He walked away smiling as my students erupted in laughter. My life is never dull with students around.

"I believe in Jesus."

We are in the midst of chapter officer elections in the FFA chapter that I help oversee. During interviews on Wednesday each candidate was asked to draw a picture on a name tent that represented them. Upon coming in the interview room they were asked to explain what the picture meant. Two of my students drew crosses and both proceeded to explain that they believed in Jesus and that He is their everything. The boy said, "I want to glorify and honor God in all I do; in all my decisions and everything."

I was so impressed by the boldness with which they shared. Now I knew that both students were Christians before the interview but I know that sharing your faith with peers (who were on the interview committee) can seem like much more of a risk. I was just so encouraged by this, especially in a public school setting. I hope you are too!