Hebrews 10:19-22

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

From Background Notes [BN] for March 2nd & 3rd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

The book of Hebrews is a long, continuous sermon — a homily — written by an unknown preacher and delivered in letter form to Christian congregations who are familiar with the Old Testament.

Revelation 1:9-10

I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet

From Background Notes [BN] for March 2nd & 3rd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

He still does this work among us, and with all who come into the hearing of his voice. At first he may speak from behind, as yet unknown to the listener, nonetheless present in his Word.

Revelation 2:2-4

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

From Background Notes [BN] for March 2nd & 3rd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

Though the turbulent decades of John’s time shook the churches to their foundations, the worshipping community discovered the presence and power of the risen Jesus.

Acts 2:1-2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

From Background Notes [BN] for March 2nd & 3rd written by Pastor Bob Brown:

And so when Acts 2 tells the story of the New Pentecost, it’s really re-enacting the old one with fresh fire and city heat.

Ecclesiastes 5:13-15

I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit. Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands.

Ecclesiastes 5:7

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

Ecclesiastes 4:5

Fools fold their hands and ruin themselves.