A good pastor or spiritual leader will always express care and concern for the wellbeing of their people. Sometimes this care will come across in a word of encouragement or exhortation. Other times it may appear in a word of warning. For the spiritual leader, nothing is more exciting than seeing someone step fully into what God has for them, and nothing can be more heart breaking than watching someone stray. In this section of Hebrews, the author provides all of the above. The writer desires for us to have great confidence in our salvation and ability to connect with God. We are encouraged to use that access to remain faithful, avoid rebellion, and to not take advantage of what great privilege that rests in our possession. While the world around us may guide us towards immediacy and things that are temporal, followers of Jesus will continually look forward to the day of His return, all the while living as if each day may be the last.
Hold Fast (HP)
Heritage Park Campus
July 31, 2022 • John Dombroski • Hebrews 10:19–39
Words To Live By (BG)
September 4, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 13:7–25
As we conclude our study in the book of Hebrews, there are two things we hope have been true about our experience. First, that we would understand that the Old Testament is filled with markers pointing us to the salvation that is found in Christ Jesus. That we have learned not to be intimidated by the Old Testament but to see that it offers a richer view of angels, Moses, the temple and tabernacle, the sacrificial system, the Levitical priesthood, and what they are all in service to. Second, that our hope and confidence in our salvation would be strengthened despite the various trials and hardships we may face, just like the original recipients of Hebrews. That we would be a people who persevere, pressing on into holiness, and not being enticed to stray. As we study these last few practical exhortations in how to relate to one another and to leaders in the church, may we receive the prayer the author left with his original recipients: “May the God of peace equip you to do his will.”
Words To Live By (WS)
September 4, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Hebrews 13:7–25
As we conclude our study in the book of Hebrews, there are two things we hope have been true about our experience. First, that we would understand that the Old Testament is filled with markers pointing us to the salvation that is found in Christ Jesus. That we have learned not to be intimidated by the Old Testament but to see that it offers a richer view of angels, Moses, the temple and tabernacle, the sacrificial system, the Levitical priesthood, and what they are all in service to. Second, that our hope and confidence in our salvation would be strengthened despite the various trials and hardships we may face, just like the original recipients of Hebrews. That we would be a people who persevere, pressing on into holiness, and not being enticed to stray. As we study these last few practical exhortations in how to relate to one another and to leaders in the church, may we receive the prayer the author left with his original recipients: “May the God of peace equip you to do his will.”
Transformed Priorities (BG)
August 28, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 13:1–6
When it comes to understanding what God wants for our lives, the problem usually isn't that God wasn't clear enough. The problem often lies in our willingness to listen and obey. Thus far in the book of Hebrews, our minds have been stretched to better understand God’s will, make more biblical connections, and establish a proper view of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. As the book nears its conclusion, we find that the author lists some extremely practical exhortations for our daily lives and community. The premise is this: if all that has been discussed before is true, it demands certain changes in our lives. The most powerful love we can ever experience is the love of God which is freely given to us by Jesus and has eternal implications. Therefore, this love should impact the way we love those who God has placed around us. The question is, are we functioning as a conduit of His great love, or simply serving ourselves in a closed circuit?