Hebrews 12:14-29Pursue What Matters. (vv. 14-17)Peace with everyone.Holiness before God.What gets in the way?Failing to grasp grace.Letting bitterness take root.Trading the eternal for the immediate.Worship From Where You Stand. (vv. 18-24)Mount Sinai: The mountain of fear.Mount Zion: The mountain of grace.Do Not Refuse The One Who Speaks. (vv. 25-29)The Warning: Don’t turn a deaf ear to God.The s...  Read More

1. Work hard.He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.  Prov. 12:11, Col. 3:23-24.Our work is our worship: Hebrew word AvodahWork: Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work (avodah) it and keep it.” Exodus 34:21 – God, in renewing the covenant with Moses, says, “Six days you shall work (avodah),”Worship: Exo...  Read More

Hebrews 12:4-131. God’s Discipline Reminds Us We are His Children. (vv. 4-8)Discipline is a Family Trait.Punishment is about retribution - paying back a wrong.Discipline is about formation - shaping what is wrong into something right.2. God’s Discipline Has Purpose. (vv. 9-11)God is not reactionary - He is intentionalHe doesn’t discipline in a huff.He doesn’t throw heavenly lightning bolts in frus...  Read More

Hebrews 12:1-31. Throw Off Everything that Hinders and the Sin.. (V. 1)Throw off everything that hinders.The Sins that so easily entails.2. Run With Perseverance the Race Marked Our for Us.. (V. 1b)“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6“The steps of a man are established by the Lord… though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, f...  Read More

Hebrews 11:32-40Faith Sometimes Leads to Visible Victory. (Vv. 32-35a)Conquered KingdomsWho shut the mouths of lionsQuenched the fury of the flamesWomen received back their dead.Faith Often Leads Through Suffering. (vv. 35b-38)TorturedMocked, flogged, imprisonedStoned, sawn in two, murderedHomeless, destitute, mistreated.Philippians 1:29, “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you...  Read More

Hebrews 11:23-31Faith that defies fear. (v. 23)What would you do differently this week if you truly feared God more than man?Faith that defies temptation. (vv. 24-26)He RefusedHe ChoseHe RegardedFaith doesn’t just say “no” to sin; it says “yes” to something better. Where are your eyes fixed today?Faith that defies uncertainty. (vv. 27-28)The world tells you to “see it to believe it.” God calls you...  Read More

Hebrews 11:8-22By Faith: When You Can’t See The Road AheadBy Faith: Following Without the Full Details. (vv. 8-10)Genesis 15:1, “I am your shield, your very great reward.”Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”By Faith: Believing Beyond Human Limits. (vv. 11-12)Faith says, “God is able.”Faith says, “God can, but even if he doesn't."By Faith: Hold on to ...  Read More

Hebrews 11:1-7I. Faith Defined. (1) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.The Old Testament example (2).They looked forward in the future a coming blessing of the Lord and ultimately the coming Messiah in Faith.Application: Study these imperfect examples, knowing the power of God and our future comes from knowing Him ! When was the last time you spent ti...  Read More

Hebrews 10:26-39The Warning: There is No Other Salvation. (Vv. 26-31)The Danger. (26-27)A Greater Punishment than the Old Covenant (28-31)Trampling the Son of God underfoot - rejecting Christ.Profaning the blood of the covenant. Insulting the Spirit of Grace.The Encouragement: Persevere in Faith (Vv. 32-39)Remember Your Past Endurance. (32-34)Hold Firm to Your Confidence. (35-36)Live by Faith, Not...  Read More

The natural and supernatural converged to roll back the stone, and everything changed! Matthew 28:1-4, Hebrews 10:192 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Mt. 28:2He is Risen! Matthew 28:5-6, Hebrews 10:20He is not here; he has risen. Mt. 28:6aAPPLICATION: Since Jesus is risen, you can . . .Share...  Read More

The inferiority of earthly lambs.The priest had to offer the lambs over and over again. Hebrews 10:1-3, 11aThey could never take away sins. Hebrews 10:4, 11bThe Superiority of the heavenly Lamb.The High Priest-King came to offer himself. Hebrews 10:5-10His offering was permanent: Once for all time! Hebrews 10:12,14He is now enthroned, waiting for all His enemies to be humbled as a footstool under ...  Read More

Both Covenants & Sanctuaries had to be purified and authorized by blood.The significance of blood.There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. Heb. 9:22The life is in the blood. Gen. 9:4, Leviticus 17:11The Old Covenant and sanctuary. Hebrews 9:16-22Death was required to put into effect the first covenant: Animals died in place of people.Moses sprinkled everything with blood. Ex. 24:8The...  Read More