February 6, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 1:1–3
In the first three verses of Hebrews seven attributes of our Lord and Savior are listed. Each of these attributes are extremely powerful and exclusive. Just a casual reading of the book of Hebrews causes the reader to pause and understand that Jesus Christ is the premier prophet, priest and king. When understood properly the book continues to ask the reader, “How are you going to respond to the greatness of Jesus Christ?” Throughout our study we are going to see the greatness of Jesus Christ on display and will then be forced to respond to His greatness. This sermon series is going to be a great journey and if you seek the Lord and open your heart you will be in a deeper and more mature place with the Lord when this study is complete. So, let’s get started and begin to understand the greatness of our God.
Greater than Angels
February 13, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 1:4–14
Angels are spiritual beings created by God for the purpose of serving and worshipping Him. They were used of God to bring the law to the Jews and are seen throughout Scripture as powerful messengers and worshippers of God. The author of Hebrews through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit wants us to know that Jesus Christ is greater than the angels because of what He possesses. Throughout this message we discussed the superiority of Jesus Christ and why this is important for the believer. As you listen to the message and answer the following questions may your heart be stirred to the importance of understand that Jesus Christ is superior to angels.
Pay Close Attention
February 20, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 2:1–8
“May I have your attention, please?” This question may perk our interest but often times we are simply reminded of a truth we already understand. Therefore, at times when we are warned we simply do not pay attention to the warning. This can be very true for us in our relationship with God. Sometimes when we read or hear warning passages read, we think this is a passage for someone else because “I know that I am already saved.” However, the purpose of warning passages instructs the believer and admonishes the unbeliever to be sincere about their relationship with Jesus Christ. At times, warning passages can be challenging but they are essential for us to continue in a right relationship with God. As you listen to the message this week, open your heart and allow God to do some “spiritual surgery” on you so that you can experience a greater measure of His grace.
The Humiliation of the Incarnation
February 27, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 2:9–18
In this message, we discuss the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the humility He endured on our behalf. Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, has always existed and yet just over 2000 years ago He put on flesh and became a man. In humility, Jesus Christ came to earth, fulfilled the law, died on the cross and rose from the dead so that we who have sinned and are deserving death may be completely forgiven and may experience the Life of Christ. While many Christians understand the concept of the incarnation many have not spent the time growing in an understanding of the humility of what Christ endured for us. The author of Hebrews wants us to understand that Jesus Christ was willing to be humiliated so that we could be in a right relationship with God. As you listen to this message and engage with the questions below may God give you a greater awareness of all of His work to demonstrate His love for you.
Obey Today
March 6, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 3
In this message, we see that the single greatest way to grow in your relationship with Christ is to Obey Today. To experience God’s favor and blessing requires that you listen to His voice and honor him through taking the next step of faith He requires. Sometimes we get into a rut in our faith because we are hearing the Word of God without putting it into practice. The greatest way to grow in wisdom, knowledge and stature is to hear His voice and obey what He says. When we hear the word “obedience” we can often think about someone being domineering over us that doesn’t care for us. But God designed us and through obedience, we experience the greatest joy and God receives the greatest glory.
Our Great High Priest
March 20, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 5:1–10, Hebrews 4:14–16
The author of Hebrews continues to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is the greatest. In this message, we learn that Jesus Christ is the greatest high priest, which begs three questions for us to ask and examine. First, what is a high priest? Next, why is Jesus Christ the great high priest? Finally, what is the benefit of Jesus Christ being our great high priest? Asking and answering these questions will help us understand how fortunate we are to have Jesus Christ mediate on our behalf.
The Danger of Spiritual Lethargy
April 3, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 5:14, Hebrews 6:1–8
This message discusses another warning passage that demonstrates some who have experienced Jesus Christ have never made Him the Lord of their lives. It is a warning to anyone who falsely thinks that by simply having a positive encounter or experience that they are truly saved. Salvation is a gift from God that is appropriated through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. This sobering text warns the false professor that to get that close to the faith and then commit apostasy makes it impossible to ever return to Christ. When properly understood this text encourages the believer and invites the false professor to repentance.
Strengthening the Hope of Your Salvation
April 10, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 6:9–20
After warning about the dangers of those who refused to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior, the author of Hebrews transitions to encouraging the saved. He calls many of His listeners Beloved and tells them they possess many things that accompany salvation. This text in Hebrews encourages the believer by showing them not only what accompanies salvation, but also how to strengthen their hope in their own personal salvation. Here we learn from God not only what accompanies salvation, but also where to place our focus so that our hope in Christ will grow. May this message provide hope for each and every believer that listens.
Christ's Superior Priesthood
May 1, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 7:1–19
This message discusses Christ’s superior priesthood. Converted Jews in the first century had become concerned because they no longer had a priest. Since becoming Christians, they were no longer welcomed back into their Jewish faith and therefore didn’t know where to get the spiritual help they needed. The author of Hebrews answers this question using the Hebrew Scriptures to demonstrate that there has always been a priesthood of a higher order that provides everything they would ever need. By studying the order of priesthood of Melchizedek we learned about Christ and His superior priesthood, and how he is the only priest they will ever need moving forward. Understanding the Lord Jesus Christ as your Great High Priest will provide great comfort for every believer.
Christ's Prevailing Priesthood
May 8, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 7:20–28
This message examines not only how Christ’s priesthood was superior but how it has prevailed. Because Jesus Christ is from the order of Melchizadek, he is the only One who qualifies as the eternal high priest. God in His Word promised that Jesus Christ would be the great prevailing High Priest and that He would be preferable. As we study the work of Christ’s priesthood we learn about His better covenant, His permeance and the fact that he prays for us. His perfect nature with His personal attention makes Christ the Greatest High Priest of all time. Knowing that God hears us and intercedes for us gives us a great confidence and hope in Him.
Superior Ministry
May 15, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 8
This message examines Hebrews chapter 8 and the superior ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. Our society balks at the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and even young, immature Christians can often doubt the validity of Christ’s exclusivity. However, Hebrews chapter 8 highlights the superior ministry of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and demonstrates why He and He alone provides for everything we need. When Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, everything changed. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and therefore the types and shadows of the Old Testament are no longer necessary for relating to God. Because in our sinful hearts we often prefer religion to reality, God makes it clear that Jesus Christ is everything we need.
The Blood of Christ
May 22, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 9
Today, many people in the church want to talk about all the benefits of Christ but refuse to talk about the necessity of His shed blood. Throughout Hebrews 9, we hear about need and blessings that result from Jesus Christ shedding His blood on Calvary. If Jesus Christ had not shed His blood on the cross, we would not be able to have our sins cleansed, would not have access to God, and would not have a secure inheritance. However, Jesus Christ did indeed die for our sins and rose from the dead so that through repentance and faith, we can have life in His name and look forward to being in His presence for all eternity. Throughout this message, we discussed four truths about the blood of Christ that help us grow in our intimacy with God.
Believe Your Blessings
May 29, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 10:1–25
This message challenges believers to believe their blessings. In the church, we often encourage people to count their blessings, perhaps even enjoy their blessings, but it’s rare when Christians truly believe their blessings and live differently as a result. Through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection we have been offered a new life. While it’s imperative to talk about the necessity of the cross it’s just as imperative to talk about our new life in Christ. We have the hope of Christ in us and with that hope, we have so many blessings that God wants us to have and enjoy. A thorough understanding of Hebrews 10:1-25 will instill confidence, freedom, joy and hope in the life of a believer. Take the time to ponder these truths from God’s Word and live the Christ-centered life God intended for you.
Beware
June 5, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 10:26–39
This week we discussed the fourth warning passage in the book of Hebrews. The author is telling us to beware of certain things that will impact our spiritual growth. God places warning passages in the Scriptures for our own good. For the believer it reminds us to stay the course and for the unbeliever it is an exhortation to trust Christ. Furthermore, for the one who is ready to turn their back on Jesus Christ it is a warning to avoid a decision that has negative eternal consequences. God is so good and loving that He goes to great lengths to ensure that we will continue to pursue Him in all that we do. May this passage of Scripture encourage you to trust Christ more deeply than you ever have before.
Faith is Key
June 12, 2022 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Hebrews 11:1–6
Hebrews 11 helps us to comprehend the significance of faith in the life of a believer. Understanding and applying faith in our life pleases God and unleashes His favor upon us. The challenge with faith is the ability to believe it before we see it. In our world of uncertainty, we are often taught to see things before we believe them. God wants us to trust Him FIRST and then we will see the result of our faith. This takes spiritual discernment and practice so that we can grow in this discipline. Faith is not only an essential ingredient in the life of a believer but is the key to growth. Studying this passage will unlock opportunities for you to grow as a believer.
