Our Messages

In chapter 11 we begin looking at some great examples of how to live by faith. This is the famous "Faith Hall of Fame". The good news is that we can exercise the same faith. The reward is "out of this world"!

There is only one path to salvation, and that is Jesus. We can’t look to anything else to redeem us from our sins. And for these readers of this letter, the temptation would be to go back to the Mosaic system they lived under before. But the author of Hebrews warns his readers that there is no going back, and to do so would only secure judgement. Instead, they should have faith that endures to the end, securing their heavenly, eternal blessing.

The word disciple used in the New Testament means to be a pupil or student in contrast to the master. In all cases it implies that the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he also is practicing these views. This year, I want to refocus on discipleship.

In chapter 10 the writer concludes what was promoted in chapter 9, which is the superiority of Christ as our perfect sacrifice over the animal sacrifices. We look forward to the time when "His enemies will be made a footstool for His feet." All this for knowing the joy of sins forgiven!

Today, the author continues his contrasting of the old and new covenant. We see that Jesus is the mediator of this new covenant, and His death ushers it in. As a result, we who believe will receive an eternal inheritance. And this is because our High Priest did not enter into an earthly representation of the Holy of Holies, but instead entered heaven itself to stand before God. He is our representative, and His single sacrifice stands for all time, guaranteeing our salvation.

As continue to read the Book of Hebrews, we need to remember the primary purpose is to present Jesus and the new covenant as superior to the old. Today, the author briefly describes the furnishing and practices of the old covenant and demonstrates how Jesus is superior.

Here in chapter 8 the writer describes "the main point", i.e. the fact that Jesus is the only High Priest who has gone into the true holy of holies. This has made Him the Minister and Mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises. This includes the privilege of knowing God personally.

In chapter 7 the writer begins to explain the establishing of Jesus as our High Priest. His similarity to King Melchizedek is further explained as permanent, because it is established by an oath from God. We no longer need the Aaronic priesthood because Jesus made the perfect sacrifice when He gave up His life. The Resurrection guarantees our "better hope" based on a "better covenant" whereby we may approach God. He lives forever, unlike the former priests.

Discover walking by faith has more to do with your mouth than your feet. Discover the source of words and the answer to your problems is in your mouth.

The verses preceding what we will look at today was the writer accusing the Hebrews of immaturity. However, he did want to ensure the readers were not exasperated, but instead had an assurance of salvation. So as chapter 6 finishes out, we see many powerful reasons to have the full assurance of hope to the very end. And as we begin chapter 7, we see that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, and by extension the Levitical Priesthood. And since Jesus is our High Priest forever through the order of Melchizedek, we have even more reason to assured of our hope until the end.

The writer of this letter encourages us to build upon the foundation and grow in maturity, warning us about apostasy. This section finishes with assurance that God won't forget our labor of love and that "through faith and patience" we inherit the promises.

Sometimes in life we will experience hills and valleys. God is with us in both.