Verse of the Day 11-13-22

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon. Hebrews 13:7-19

The author of Hebrews addressed here seven specific ways in which Christians should revere church leaders.

1. Christians should observe the lives of their leaders and imitate their faith.
2. Christians should remember that Christ is always the same and judge every teaching according to the Gospel.
3. Christians should recognize their church may not be appreciated by the world because the Christian community is gathered to worship their Lord, whom the world despises.
4. Christians should continually off their own “sacrifice of praise” in appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ by confessing his name.
5. The church should be active in doing good works and sharing with one another.
6. Christians should obey their leaders and submit to them, because they are accountable to God for caring for Christian souls.
7. Christians should pray for their leader to have clear consciences, conducting themselves with honor in everything.

Today’s Bible Readings:

Ezekiel 27-28, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalm 111:1-10 and Proverbs 27:15-16