READ Hebrews 13

 Hebrews 13:9, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein."

 The writer of Hebrews begins by warning the believer who is not fixed in his doctrinal beliefs. The Christian needs to be rooted in doctrine that finds its origin in the Bible. We are not to be tossed about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). We should have settled and fixed points of belief, and not yield to every new opinion which comes down the road. I have known people who were saved and grew up in a Baptist church, and now they attend churches that don't believe some of the great doctrines of the Bible.  Doctrine must hold a place of prominence in the life of every believer.  So many people select churches based upon methodology and programs when, what should be first, is the doctrine of a church with Saviour focused methodology.

 Our hearts are to be established with grace rather than in ceremonial meats with which many Jewish believers were occupied. We are benefited by being rooted in Jesus Christ and His Word and nothing else. Grace is God's divine enabling upon our heart both to desire and do His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Many are never established with grace. They attempt to serve God in their own power and fail. It isn't long before they quit serving the Lord all together.

 Will you allow God's grace to bring you to the place where you desire His will and then do it?  Thank God for a heart established with grace!

 Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Are you fixed in your doctrinal beliefs?  Explain your answer.

2.  Why does doctrine need to hold a prominent place in your life?

3.  How would you explain this portion of Hebrew 13:9, “…For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats…”

4.  How is grace and the will of God tied together in Philippians 2:13?