Something Better
A Study in The Book of Hebrews
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?
Transformed Priorities (HP)
August 28, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • 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?
Unshakeable (WS)
August 21, 2022 • Dave Williams • Hebrews 12:18–29
There are certain environments in our everyday lives that come with reasonable expectations of what might happen. When we go to school, we expect to learn. When we go to the grocery store, there is an expectation that we will leave with food or whatever household items we might need. When we go to the gas station, we expect to leave with enough fuel to take us to the next destination. However, there is one place that we may frequent that can inspire varying expectations as to what might happen, or we might leave with: the church. Whatever objectives we bring with us will impact our experience on a Sunday and in a group setting. Our personal purposes and expectations when we enter this space act as a filter for our affections, feelings, and even our own contributions to the atmosphere. What do you expect when you come to church? The writer of Hebrews brings this to our attention by contrasting two places in which God's presence has been found. When God spoke to His people at Mount Sinai, the people trembled and begged him to be silent. When God speaks to us now, through His Word, we can find grace and long to hear more.
Unshakeable (HP)
August 21, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 12:18–29
There are certain environments in our everyday lives that come with reasonable expectations of what might happen. When we go to school, we expect to learn. When we go to the grocery store, there is an expectation that we will leave with food or whatever household items we might need. When we go to the gas station, we expect to leave with enough fuel to take us to the next destination. However, there is one place that we may frequent that can inspire varying expectations as to what might happen, or we might leave with: the church. Whatever objectives we bring with us will impact our experience on a Sunday and in a group setting. Our personal purposes and expectations when we enter this space act as a filter for our affections, feelings, and even our own contributions to the atmosphere. What do you expect when you come to church? The writer of Hebrews brings this to our attention by contrasting two places in which God's presence has been found. When God spoke to His people at Mount Sinai, the people trembled and begged him to be silent. When God speaks to us now, through His Word, we can find grace and long to hear more.
Endurance Training (BG)
August 14, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 12:1–17
Living a life with Jesus requires us to go through many things that, if we’re being honest, we'd rather skip. Following Jesus means we may be led to do things were never thought possible or places we never imagined we’d go. As Hebrews begins to make its way to a close, the author includes three different images about the experience of living as a Christian: walking a straight path in pursuit of righteousness, running a race that will require endurance, and accepting loving correction from our Heavenly Father when we stray or slow down. All of these provide an honest, fuller picture that tempers our expectations of what it will be like to be a Christian before Jesus returns or calls us home. We may not enjoy life’s difficulties, but when we look back, we will likely find that the seasons that kept us up or brought us to tears are often the seasons in which we experience great spiritual growth. We know this to be true anecdotally, but this truth is perfectly modeled in the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we keep that in mind for whatever lies ahead.
Endurance Training (WS)
August 14, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Hebrews 12:1–17
Living a life with Jesus requires us to go through many things that, if we’re being honest, we'd rather skip. Following Jesus means we may be led to do things were never thought possible or places we never imagined we’d go. As Hebrews begins to make its way to a close, the author includes three different images about the experience of living as a Christian: walking a straight path in pursuit of righteousness, running a race that will require endurance, and accepting loving correction from our Heavenly Father when we stray or slow down. All of these provide an honest, fuller picture that tempers our expectations of what it will be like to be a Christian before Jesus returns or calls us home. We may not enjoy life’s difficulties, but when we look back, we will likely find that the seasons that kept us up or brought us to tears are often the seasons in which we experience great spiritual growth. We know this to be true anecdotally, but this truth is perfectly modeled in the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we keep that in mind for whatever lies ahead.
Hall of Faith (BG)
August 7, 2022 • John Dombroski • Hebrews 11
As humans, we are captivated by a good story—even more so when it's a true one. At any given time in the year, at the top of the New York Times best-sellers list, there will be an autobiography of an important person telling their story. The Hollywood Box office will be dominated by a biopic documenting someone's triumph over tragedy and how it made them who they are today. These stories can give us a sense of hope, a source of motivation, and an example to follow. We've reached the point in Hebrews that many are familiar with, referred to as the Hall of Faith. Within this section, the author walks through example upon example of individuals from the Old Testament who exhibited a life of faith despite the obstacles they faced. By reminding us of these individuals, we are encouraged to hold tightly to Jesus. When we do so, we too will be able to persevere through whatever lies ahead. May this reminder of God's faithfulness encourage us to confidently hold on to God, just like the saints before us.
Hall of Faith (WS)
August 7, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Hebrews 11
As humans, we are captivated by a good story—even more so when it's a true one. At any given time in the year, at the top of the New York Times best-sellers list, there will be an autobiography of an important person telling their story. The Hollywood Box office will be dominated by a biopic documenting someone's triumph over tragedy and how it made them who they are today. These stories can give us a sense of hope, a source of motivation, and an example to follow. We've reached the point in Hebrews that many are familiar with, referred to as the Hall of Faith. Within this section, the author walks through example upon example of individuals from the Old Testament who exhibited a life of faith despite the obstacles they faced. By reminding us of these individuals, we are encouraged to hold tightly to Jesus. When we do so, we too will be able to persevere through whatever lies ahead. May this reminder of God's faithfulness encourage us to confidently hold on to God, just like the saints before us.
Hall of Faith (HP)
August 7, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 11
As humans, we are captivated by a good story—even more so when it's a true one. At any given time in the year, at the top of the New York Times best-sellers list, there will be an autobiography of an important person telling their story. The Hollywood Box office will be dominated by a biopic documenting someone's triumph over tragedy and how it made them who they are today. These stories can give us a sense of hope, a source of motivation, and an example to follow. We've reached the point in Hebrews that many are familiar with, referred to as the Hall of Faith. Within this section, the author walks through example upon example of individuals from the Old Testament who exhibited a life of faith despite the obstacles they faced. By reminding us of these individuals, we are encouraged to hold tightly to Jesus. When we do so, we too will be able to persevere through whatever lies ahead. May this reminder of God's faithfulness encourage us to confidently hold on to God, just like the saints before us.
Hold Fast (HP)
July 31, 2022 • John Dombroski • Hebrews 10:19–39
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 (BG)
July 31, 2022 • Kyle Wetzler • Hebrews 10:19–39
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 (WS)
July 31, 2022 • Kenan Stolz • Hebrews 10:19–39
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.
It Is Finished! (BG)
July 24, 2022 • Jon Siebert • Hebrews 10:1–18
Truly believing that God has forgiven all our sins can be one of the biggest struggles we face as believers. Deep down inside each of us fear, doubt, and uncertainty plague us, challenging our confidence that God has truly forgiven all our faults and failures. It is so easy to find ourselves picturing God as sitting in wait, just looking for the opportunity to pounce on our long list of wrongs and unfulfilled rights. Yet this could not be further from the truth! As we delve into this week’s passage of Hebrews, we are reminded of the final words of Jesus on the cross: It is finished.” Our salvation is secure, and our relationship with God restored! We have been gently guided back to the good graces of God. And there is nothing that you or I can do to negate that. How can we be so sure? We're told upon the completion of His work, Jesus sat down; there is no more work to be done. We’re reminded that God will remember our sins no more. Do you believe this? Or does it feel just too good to be true?