The Joshua Victor Theory

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Today we observe Reformation Day, which commemorates how Martin Luther began the Reformation of the Christian Church nearly 500 years ago, by nailing the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. One of the most significant outcomes of the Reformation was to make plain again, the glory of the saving work of Jesus Christ. The Reformation began to proclaim once again, the glorious comfort of what Jesus Christ has done. Today we’re continuing our walk through the book of Hebrews. To briefly review, we’ve already heard in Hebrews this month how Christ is all-sufficient for our salvation. He has accomplished everything for us, and suffered on our behalf, in a divine mystery, that God should become human and accept such a lowly death. We also heard how Hebrews speaks of the deadly seriousness of sin, and how deep it runs in us, and the contrast to our original confidence and hope in Christ Jesus. Fin...

Sermon Outline: ·          Although this Psalm is more triumphant in tone, speaks of rule and exaltation—we can’t pass over it in our series. Most quoted in NT. Luther: wraps together pictures of the Messiah as descendant of David, Son of God, King, Priest, and Judge. Most NT references focus on the kingship, the glory, Jesus’ resurrection and ascension to heaven to rule at God’s right hand. ·          Hebrews 7, however, focuses on v. 4, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Unlikely; unexpected combination—king and priest. There are many suggestions in the Gospels that the people expected Jesus to be a King, and that they expected this in the Messiah. But was it a widespread expectation that He would also be a priest? (not sure). As Hebrews tells us, the law said nothing about priests coming from the descendants of Judah. But the ...