Words Of Inspiration From Our Pastor

18that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
(Hebrews 6:18, 19)

I have written this week with the Lord's help about "Hope, The Anchor of Our Soul!" The scripture text for this article comes from the book of Hebrews. The author of this book is anonymous (unnamed or uncertained). This book was written to the Christian Jews (the Hebrews) who were being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ; and were being tempted to forsake Christianity and return to Judaism. The theme of the book of Hebrews is the superiority of Jesus Christ. The key word in Hebrews is "better" and is used thirteen times in this book. The background scripture for this article is (Hebrews 6:9-20. The author writes an encouragement to the church to continue in their faithfulness to Jesus Christ and to inherit the unchangeable promises of God; and to make Hope, The Anchor of Their Soul.
For this Pastor's Desk, we want to focus our attention upon two scriptures: (Hebrews 6:9-12) and (Hebrews 6:17-19). (Hebrews 6:9-12) says = 9But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:17-19) says = 17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 18that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 19which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; …… The author of these two passages of scripture was writing an encouragement to the persecuted saints who were almost ready to give up their belief in Jesus Christ and return to Judaism. He told them to hold on to their hope unto the end. God cannot lie; he will fulfill his promises to them. And let this hope be an anchor for their soul, both sure and stedfast, which entereth into that within the veil; … These two scriptures are also applicable (capable of being applied) to Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church, and to all the saints of God. God is telling us that he desires everyone of us to shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end, and that we should not b slothful, but be followers of them who through faith and patience will inherit the promises of God. For when God made a promise to Abraham that he would have a son, God could swear by no greater, he sware by himself. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Read: (Romans 4:18-21) (Hebrews 6:13-15).
Always remember that it is impossible for God to lie. What he has promised us shall come to pass. Let us lay hold upon the hope set before us! We are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour: Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13) (I Peter 1:13); we are looking for the fulfillment of our hope of eternal life. (Titus 1:2) (I Peter 1:3-5); and we are looking for our hope of future glory and wearing a robe of righteousness. (Colossians 1:27) (Revelation 19:7, 8). Make "Hope, The Anchor of Our Soul!" "An anchor that is both sure and stedfast, until we reach what God has for us beyond the veil! A'men.

Suffragan Bishop Charles L. Smith, D.D.
June 4, 2023