Jesus has been identified as a High Priest a few times already in Hebrews. Our text for Sunday digs into that theme more fully. In it we see the continuity and discontinuity Jesus has with the Old Covenant High Priest. It shows continuity, meaning that there are clear ties and parallels; discontinuity, meaning that Jesus breaks the mold as the true and better High Priest. Ultimately, we will see that Jesus alone has made a way for us to come directly to God. He took on weakness and suffering to enter into humanity and human experience in order to serve as our High Priest. So, we can draw near to God at His throne of grace and find mercy in our times of need. Jesus is the only mediator we ever need.
Jesus is the Better High Priest
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
June 9, 2024 • Pastor Bill Riedel • Hebrews 4:14—5:10
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Jesus is the Better Abraham
June 23, 2024 • Pastor Bill Riedel • Hebrews 6:12–20
After a hard warning at the start of the chapter, the author of Hebrews turns to an example of patience in waiting for God’s promises. While there are plenty of examples throughout Scripture, there may be none better than Abraham. If you were with us at RHC this past fall, this will be familiar because we spent a few months studying Abraham’s life together. We will see how Abraham gives us an example of patience and perseverance in the ups and downs of life.
Jesus is the Better Nourishment
June 16, 2024 • Pastor Bill Riedel • Hebrews 5:11—6:12
This Sunday we will take a look at Hebrews 5:11-6:12, which brings us to one of the most frightening warnings in the book of Hebrews, and maybe in the all of the New Testament. We will have the chance to explore what it means to mature in faith and godliness in our pursuit of Christ, and to move beyond the elementary aspects of our faith. We will see a strong warning against complacency or drifting away, and the reminder that our true beliefs will be seen in the fruit of our lives.
Jesus is the Better Sabbath
June 2, 2024 • Pastor Bill Riedel • Hebrews 4:1–13
Chapters 3-4 are part of one larger point to show the superiority of Jesus over Moses and the Law. If Hebrews is a sermon, then these two chapters are an exposition of Psalm 95, and an extension of the warning not to harden our hearts and fail to enter into the rest that God has promised us. This week expands the discussion from Moses and the Psalm to include Joshua as well. Joshua was Moses’ successor, and the one who was able to lead the people into the Promised Land after Moses had died. You might remember that in Numbers 14, Joshua was one of two spies (with Caleb) who wanted to trust God and go into the land. 40 years later, he got to lead them in. Even what Joshua provided was not the ultimate rest, though. On Sunday we will explore the ideas of sabbath and rest. Spiritual practices, including Sabbath, are a hot topic in Christian books and articles right now, and for good reason. We can all feel like there is something we must be missing, longing for a greater experience of God’s presence and power in our lives. Sabbath, in particular, is attractive because very few of us feel adequately rested. I know that our family is careening toward the end of the school year this week and next, and we can definitely use some rest. Let’s look to God’s Word together to gain a greater understanding of sabbath and rest.