Episode 854
Breaking Down Barriers: A Reflection on Hebrews 10:19-25
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The discussion on Hebrews 10:19-25 elucidates the profound theological and communal implications of access to God through Christ. Dr. Brad Miller articulates that through the sacrificial act of Jesus, the metaphorical barriers separating humanity from the divine are irrevocably dismantled. This transformative message invites individuals to recognize their inherent worth and direct access to God, challenging the historical paradigms that have often relegated certain groups to the periphery of spiritual engagement. The episode posits that this access is not a privilege reserved for a select few but a universal invitation extended to all, thereby fostering a more inclusive understanding of faith.
Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes the necessity of authentic self-expression within the community of believers. The exhortation to approach God confidently, 'presentable inside and out', is not merely a call to conform to external standards but rather an invitation to embrace one's true self, including doubts and uncertainties. This authenticity is crucial in cultivating genuine relationships and fostering an environment where individuals can explore their faith without fear of judgment. The discussion encourages listeners to engage with their community meaningfully, offering support and love, thereby reflecting the essence of Christianity.
The episode culminates with a practical challenge: listeners are urged to identify barriers within their communities that hinder inclusivity and to take actionable steps towards their dismantling. This call to social responsibility highlights the active role that faith must play in addressing societal issues, asserting that true faith is manifested through collective action and care for others. The concluding prayer encapsulates these themes, invoking divine guidance as the community endeavors to embody the principles of love, inclusivity, and transformation in their daily lives.
Takeaways:
- The scripture from Hebrews 10:19-25 underscores the notion of direct access to the divine, signifying an end to barriers that previously restricted communion with God.
- We are invited to embrace our authentic selves within the context of community, allowing for genuine expression of faith, including our doubts and unique perspectives.
- The exhortation to encourage love and assist others highlights the necessity for collective action against systemic oppression in our societies.
- Each individual is called to actively identify and dismantle barriers that inhibit full participation in both social and spiritual realms.
- The message emphasizes that worship is a communal act, where we spur each other towards love and good deeds, particularly as we approach significant moments.
- Our prayer serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the transformative power of inclusive spaces in fostering spiritual growth.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Brad Miller hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:This is our daily opportunity to get into the Scriptures.
Speaker A: a million people by the year: Speaker A:We do that by bringing you a daily reading of the Scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A:We're in year C of a three year cycle, the Lenten season.
Speaker A:We make the Bible understandable by giving you the New Testament Reading from the Message relatable by giving you three points to ponder.
Speaker A:Applicable by giving you an action step.
Speaker A:We have a prayer.
Speaker A:We do all that in under 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com our website, the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 study method.
Speaker A: ding for the day from Hebrews: Speaker A:So friends, we can now without hesitation walk right up to God into the holy place.
Speaker A:Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God.
Speaker A:The curtain into God's presence in his body.
Speaker A:So let's do it full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out.
Speaker A:Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.
Speaker A:He always keeps his word.
Speaker A:Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.
Speaker A:Not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big day approaching.
Speaker A:Well, this is an incredible piece of scripture.
Speaker A:A powerful message that really speaks about breaking down barriers, building authentic community and leaving our faith through action.
Speaker A:So let's get into some points to ponder.
Speaker A:There is the sacred access for all.
Speaker A:There's an imagery here of the torn curtain.
Speaker A:It reminds us that God's presence is no longer restricted to special places or select people.
Speaker A:In our progressive understanding, this means that every person, regardless of their background, identity or circumstance, has direct access to God the divine.
Speaker A:No gatekeepers, no exclusion, no barriers.
Speaker A:Another point is about authentic self expression.
Speaker A:When the text speaks of being presentable inside and out, it's not about putting on a false face or confronting or conforming to religious expectations.
Speaker A:Rather, it's an invitation to bring our whole authentic selves into community and relationship with God.
Speaker A:This includes our doubts, our questions and our unique perspectives on faith.
Speaker A:Another point is about radical community care.
Speaker A:The author challenges us to be inventive in encouraging love and helping others.
Speaker A:So in today's context, this means actively working against systems of oppression, supporting marginalized communities, and creating spaces where everybody can flourish.
Speaker A:It's not just about individual faith, but collective liberation.
Speaker A:Let's talk about an action step.
Speaker A:I want to invite you to Invite to identify a 1 barrier in your community that prevents people from fully participating in social or religious life.
Speaker A:Take one concrete step to help break down that barrier.
Speaker A:This can mean advocating for accessibility improvements in your worship space, supporting LGBTQ inclusive policies, or helping to establish programs that address economic inequality in your neighborhood.
Speaker A:We're going to pray in just a minute, but I did want you to know that we have an opportunity for you to get a resource to help you in your daily Bible study.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A:You can pick it up at our Voice at our website, which is voiceofgoddaily.com and it will help you to study the Bible as simple as ABC the 1, 2, 3 let's pray.
Speaker A:Divine God, we thank you for the gift of community and the reminder that your presence is available to all.
Speaker A:Help us to be brave enough to bring our authentic selves into relationship with you and with others.
Speaker A:Give us creativity and courage as we work to break down barriers and build inclusive spaces.
Speaker A:Guide us in being agents of change and love in our communities.
Speaker A:Remind us that when we gather together in person or virtually, we participate in the sacred work of transformation.
Speaker A:May we see your presence in every face we meet and may our actions reflect your boundless love.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:It's always a joy for us to join together here on the Daily Bible Refresh as we bring the Word of God to 2 million years.
Speaker A: That's a million people by: Speaker A:Hope that you join me tomorrow as we come here every day before 6am Eastern Time.
Speaker A:Bring a friend this time.
Speaker A:Until that time, My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
