The Ray of Hope

 

Shared Values of the Old and New Testaments

Redemption (2)

These verses written by Jeremiah in Lamentations reflect a personal and national time of pain and regret for the Hebrew people. They were living under the rule of their lifetime enemies and only had themselves to blame. When you know what they were doing to get themselves there, you would not feel sorry for them. But the God of the Bible is a redemptive God. He offers hope and forgiveness when you realize what you have done and want to make it right with him. Punishment and grief is part of the learning process, but they are temporary.  God’s love and desire to be with you and in you is eternal. 

Lamentations 3:20-22 (TLB) 20 For I can never forget these awful years; always my soul will live in utter shame. 21 Yet there is one ray of hope: 22 his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction.

James 1:21 (TLB) 21 So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.

9/27/2026

Sabbath Rest

 

Shared Values of the Old and New Testaments
The Universal Lawmaker (5) 

The Ten Commandments 

4th Commandment

Do you know the commandment to observe the Sabbath day is not repeated in the New Testament?  The Apostle Paul taught that being right with God did not come from observing the traditional holy days, food restrictions, or Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16–17 (AMPC). “Commandments” are prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament took them and the laws associated with them and in some instances added to them (i.e., adultery takes place in your mind, not simply in a physical follow-through), and there were some commands where Christ’s sacrifice replaced the purposes of of specific laws. In the Old Testament, 613 laws were created that specifically related to the 10 Commandments. They were the law and brought condemnation, even death, when they were not followed. These requirements were often beyond the understanding of the priestly class, let alone the normal Jewish believer’s knowledge and ability to follow them.  What is consistent is that there is a discipline inherent in humans remembering who they are and who God is. In fact, it is a necessity. God set a day for himself to rest and reflect and if he did, why would you believe you don’t need to? 

Exodus 20:8-11 (AMPC) 8 [Earnestly] remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God). 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, your domestic animals, or the sojourner within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart for His purposes].

Hebrews 4:9–10 (AMPC) 9 So then, there is still awaiting a full and complete Sabbath-rest reserved for the [true] people of God;10 For he who has once entered [God’s] rest also has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors, just as God rested from those labors peculiarly His own.

9/20/2026

What is Taking the Lord's Name in Vain?

Shared Values of the Old and New Testaments

The Universal Lawmaker (4) 

The Ten Commandments
3rd Commandment

Most identify the third commandment as meaning you are not to use the Lord’s name as a swear word (or as an adjective to a swear word).  This is true, but the commandment is a whole lot more. The Bible says those who belong to God are a reflection of who he is. He chose you before you chose him. You have direct access to God’s counsel in all matters.  Attempting to cloak and justify ungodly actions by attaching God’s name to them shows a willingness to hurt and destroy.  You attach his name and yours to what is false, deceptive or dark. This invites being called out as a hypocrite and this is one of the most destructive beliefs dogging those of faith and of helping others know God. Verse 7 says that God holds those who use his name in this way (in vain) accountable to him. When you know you are not living up to and in God's ways, talk to him about it. He is faithful to forgive and to make it right for you and those you have harmed in this way. 

Exodus 20:7 (AMPC) 7 You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

Colossians 3:17 (AMPC) 17 And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

9/13/2026

Mankind Created in the Image of God

 

Shared Values of the Old and New Testaments

 Humans Created in God’s Image

To be a human created in God’s image means each person is inherently connected to God.  He is your Creator and Father. You are able to act beyond instinct, choose right from wrong, think abstractly, have dominion over matters of this Earth, and create the kind of governments and families God can bless. You need to learn how to do these things, of course, but he has placed this in you. God grants dignity and value to each person, not by race, a parent’s wealth, social class or achievement. He equips you to work and live with others under these criteria. This is how you are made.  Whether you live up to these values and belief in God’s plan for you is determined by your faith in God and your willingness to work with Him.

Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV) 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

James 3:9-10 (NIV) 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

9/6/2026