November 15, 2024
“and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 ESV). Not only is the new covenant sacrifice of Jesus “better” than the old one instituted under Moses, it is also “better” than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel.
November 14, 2024
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 ESV). Who is this “great crowd of witnesses?” They are those who have already run
November 10, 2024 | Hebrews 10:1-18
Many people struggle with feelings of guilt. They can’t believe that God would forgiven all their sins in Christ Jesus. They struggle with shame over past sins. Others have received forgiveness and the joy that goes with it, but they struggle with perfectionism, thinking that God will love them more if they perform some great work for Him, or follow some list of rules and rituals more perfectly. But perfectionism leads to exhaustion, not rest. It leads to thinking of your relationship to God as one of earning favor, rather than being favored as His very own child.
The people of the old covenant needed a perfect sacrifice that could fully cleanse them, free them from the burden of sin, and restore them permanently to God. Like them, we need assurance that our sin is fully dealt with—that we don’t need to rely on our own strength or efforts to be right with God. We can trust that Christ’s perfect offering is sufficient.
In Hebrews 10:1-18, the author told the Hebrew believers that the offering of Christ is greater than the offerings of the old covenant. We can understand that the offering of Christ is greater than the offerings of the old covenant.
November 10, 2024
“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14 ESV). What the law with its repeated offerings was unable to do, Christ with His single perfect offering has done. What is this impossible thing that Christ has accomplished? He has made those who trust in Him
November 3, 2024 | Hebrews 9:15-28 |
Are you put off by all the talk of blood and sacrifice that you see in the Bible? Does the idea of Christ’s crucifixion offend you and cause you to turn your eyes away? As one person said to me, “I just don’t get all the talk about blood and cross-carrying. I’m looking for a more positive spirituality.” Or perhaps you have heard the message of Christ’s sacrifice and it has moved you to repent of your sins and believe? You’ve understood the message of love that Christ’s great sacrifice has put on display?
His great love moved Him to make the greatest sacrifice in order to save those who believe in Him. For Jesus is greater and His sacrifice is greater. In Hebrews 9:15-28, the author told the Hebrew believers that the sacrifice of Christ is greater than the sacrifices of the old covenant. We can understand that the sacrifice of Christ is greater than the sacrifices of the old covenant.
November 2, 2024
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV). The Bible is no ordinary book. It is living and active. It is like a
October 27, 2024 | Hebrews 9:1-14 |
Do you feel like a VIP with God? Or do you struggle with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy? Maybe feelings of shame and guilt linger from your past and you’ve never been able to experience complete cleansing and forgiveness? Maybe you’re feeling a disconnect with God today? You’re going through a season of spiritual dryness? In fact, instead of feeling like a VIP, you feel that God is distant from you and not hearing your prayers?
That’s what this message is about today. Because through the ministry of Jesus in God’s heavenly tabernacle we are offered VIP access to God! In Hebrews 9:1-14, the author told the Hebrew believers that the heavenly tabernacle where Jesus serves as High Priest is greater than the old. We can understand that the heavenly tabernacle where Jesus serves as High Priest is greater than the old.
October 20, 2024 | Hebrews 8:1-13 |
Everything in life seems to eventually become obsolete. Everything eventually gets old, runs down, stops working… everything loses its new car smell. Don’t wish some things would last? We all long for something better, something more permanent, something we can always depend on and trust. That’s what the New Covenant in Christ offers. It will never become obsolete. It is permanent, empowering, and perfect. It is greater than the old covenant in every way!
In Hebrews 8, the author explained to Jewish background believers that the new covenant in Christ Jesus is greater than the old. We can understand that the new covenant in Christ Jesus is greater than the old.
October 13, 2024 | Hebrews 7:18-28 |
We live in world filled with guarantees, lifetime warrantees, insurances, promises and so on. Our culture knows full well that we the consumer are looking for things that last, things that have been guaranteed to succeed for us. We have lots of guarantees in this life, but lots of broken ones too. Many of us are painfully living through many unfulfilled guarantees and desperate for someone to follow through.
Wouldn’t you be pleased to discover that in your area of greatest need, you have a guarantee that is totally certain? Our salvation, our spiritual access to the living God, our communion with Him is made certain, guaranteed by our savior Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 7:18-28, the author explained to the Jewish background believers that Jesus is a greater guarantee of salvation. We can understand that Jesus is a greater guarantee of salvation.
October 6, 2024 | Hebrews 7:1-17 |
Why does this passage about a mysterious figure named, Melchizedek, and an ancient priesthood matter to us today? While we may not be struggling to reconcile temple worship with our faith in Christ, we face a similar challenge: Where do we turn to find true connection with God? In our world, people are looking everywhere for meaning, security, and spiritual fulfillment. Some turn to religious traditions, others to personal spirituality, and still others to worldly solutions like success, status, or wealth. Even as Christians, we may sometimes feel distant from God and question how we can approach Him and hear from Him.
This is why we need to hear about the greatness of Christ’s priesthood. It reminds us that our relationship with God doesn’t depend on our efforts, rituals, or qualifications. We have direct access to God through Jesus, our perfect High Priest. His priesthood is superior to anything the world or religion can offer. In Him, we find security, peace, and reconciliation with God.