Better Priest, Better Covenant

CrossWay Community Church

Media

Better Priest, Better Covenant

October 22, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 8—9

Sermon Application Questions:

Sermon Overview:

This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 8:1-9:28 with the main idea being: Hold fast to Jesus, who has secured our eternal relationship with God through his sacrifice of himself. There were two parts to the passage:

Jesus has secured our relationship with God built on beautiful promises (8:1-13)

Jesus has secured this relationship through his self-sacrifice (9:1-28)

Digging Deeper:

In Hebrews 8:6, the author says the covenant that Christ mediates is better than the old covenant, “since it is enacted on better promises.”  What “better promises” do we see in 8:10-12?

How are these promises better than the old covenant? Why are they better?  

Why should we be thankful that we are members of this new covenant that God, in Christ, has made with his people?

Hebrews 8:13 says “in speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. What does it mean that the old covenant is obsolete?  What are the implications of this? 

There’s lots of talk about blood in chapter 9 (see verses 7, 12, 13, 14). Now, read Leviticus 19:11. What does atonement mean?1 Why was animal blood used to atone for sin?2

What is Hebrews 9:11-12 describing? What is the significance?

Blood can seem like an odd or ugly theme, especially to people who don’t follow Jesus. What would you say to an unbelieving friend about the need for Christ’s blood?3

In Hebrews 9:14 we read that Christ offered himself to God “through the eternal Spirit.”  How might we understand the role of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s work of redemption on our behalf? 

How might this encourage you if you’re a follower of Jesus with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you?

We are told in 9:24 that Christ has entered heaven, “now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” What is he doing there “on our behalf”?  How might this encourage us? 

The passage mentions that we can now “serve the living God” and be “eagerly waiting” for Jesus’ return (vs. 14, 28). What does it look like today to pursue these things?4

Take It Home:

What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?

Prayer Requests:

_____________________________

Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

God Equips Us for a God-Pleasing Life

December 3, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13:20–21

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on three encouragements to pursue a life pleasing to God in dependence on God: (1) God makes perfect peace (v. 20a) (2) We have a living, almighty shepherd (v. 20b) (3) God works in us to do his will. (b. 21) Digging Deeper: · In your own words, what does a life of pleasing God look like? · What aspects of your life are pleasing to God? · What have you noticed in one another’s lives that is pleasing to God? · What aspects of your life are displeasing to God? · God knows we need encouragement to live a life pleasing to him. What from this passage encourages you to live a life pleasing to him? · Verse 20 describes God as a “God of peace.” How have you in the past experienced God’s peace? How would you like to experience God’s peace in the future? · From verse 21, Pastor Brett described how God actually works in us to do his will. How does this free you from feeling weighed down by the call to live a God-pleasing life? · How could you even more cooperate with the Holy Spirit as helps us live a life pleasing to God? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

A Life Pleasing to God

November 26, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on how we respond to Jesus’ sacrificial death for us by pleasing God with sacrificial lives. We please God in at least three ways: With our love for one another (vv. 1-6) With our loyalty to what we’ve received (vv. 7-17) When we look to him to keep us faithful (vv. 18-21) Digging Deeper: Read Hebrews 13:1-19. Put a star next to one or two encouragements that stick out to you. Then, discuss what you’ve starred. One of the ways we can please God is by our love for one another (see verses 1-6). How have you experienced God’s love for you through other followers of Jesus? Being generous is a way of showing love to one another (vv. 2-3). What are some practical ways you could show generosity to people in your life who are in need? Being sexually pure is a way of showing love to one another (vs. 4). Why does sexual purity impact the wider community? Being content is a way of showing love for one another (vv. 5-6). In what areas of your life are you most tempted to be less than content with what you have? How does contentment with what we have impact the wider community? Who is a past faithful leader you respect? What would it look like for you to imitate their faith (v. 7)? Are there ways you find it hard to “obey” and “submit” to your church leaders (v. 17)? How come? How does the verse help is do what it is calling us to do? Of all the encouragements mentioned in Hebrews 13, what is one that you want to think more about and grow in? Why? How can the Gospel Community be a part of helping you in this area? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

"Let Us Run With Endurance"

November 19, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 12

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on enduring in faith through laying aside sin and looking to Jesus. Digging Deeper: 1. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” How is what we saw in Hebrews chapter 11 meant to motivate us to do this? (Note how Heb. 12:1 begins.) 2. In what ways are you tempted to stop “running the race set before you”? 3. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that one of the ways we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by laying aside sin. How can we grow in our ability to recognize “weights” and sins that trip us up or hinder our endurance? 4. What weights and/or sins are slowing you down / hindering you? What would it look like for you to lay them aside? Who in your life can help you do that? 5. Hebrews 12:12-17 speaks of pursuing peace and holiness together. Do you strive for peace? What does that look like for you? 6. Do you strive for holiness? What does that look like for you? 7. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that another way we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by "looking to Jesus.” How can we grow in “looking to Jesus”? 8. How does looking to Jesus motivate you to run with endurance? Take It Home What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532