The high priests of ancient Israel played a unique role in the community and in worship. Every year, on the Day of Atonement, he would offer incense that created a cloud filling the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, and in the swirling mist he would sprinkle the blood of a bull on the Mercy …
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Hebrews Part 9 – The Living Word
How would you describe the Bible? Is it just an ancient book, portions of which were written between 2,000 -4,000 years ago? Perhaps you’d even add that it’s well documented? There are more copies and fragments of the Bible that date closer to its original composition than any other ancient text. Now, that’s pretty amazing …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble – When Good News is No Good. . .
We could all use some good news these days. Indeed, it’s very strange times in which we live. Some people are working overtime to keep us all safe. Healthcare professionals, truck drivers, even the attendant at the gas station, all have taken on a new level of importance in our lives and society. Conversely, some …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble Lesson 7, “Partners With Christ”
What would it take for you to give up your faith in Christ? Someone could easily respond, “Give up my faith? NEVER! There’s nothing that would cause me to do that. Or, perhaps you may struggle with faith, and you aren’t sure you believe in the first place? Whatever your answer to our question may …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble Lesson 6: Whose House are You Living In?
Whose house are you living in? Now I’m not talking about your parents’ house. I’m talking about whose house are you living in spiritually? In Hebrews 3:1-6 we read: “Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, who is faithful …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble, Part 5 – Like Us in Every Way
“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is the devil), and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. For surely his concern …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble, Part 4 – What Are You Afraid Of?
What are you afraid of? Has anyone ever asked you that question? Perhaps it was asked sarcastically, meaning, “You shouldn’t be afraid of this!” – whatever “this” happened to be. Or, more sincerely asked, it could have been an opportunity to share your fears. We all have them. I’ll share one of mine. At the …
You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble Part 3: Just Wait
I don’t know about you, but I’m growing weary during this time of uncertainty. At first, I was watching every press conference and reading every article I could about Covid-19, but I find myself paying less and less attention to the news and spending more and more time just trying to regain a sense of …
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You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble, part 2
Not so many years ago it seemed Christians were enamored by the study of angels. Popular books and even popular television shows were based on angelic activity – imagined and purportedly true. Personally, I enjoyed watching Highway to Heaven, with Michael Landon, and Touched by An Angel, a show that seemed to ride on the …
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You’re Not Alone: Hebrews’ Comfort to Christians in Trouble, part 1
This week we’re going to begin a study of Hebrews. There’s a lot we know about Hebrews. First of all, it has forms of both a sermon and a letter. The author uses rhetorical forms that were common in 1st Century speeches: repetition of themes, introduction of ideas to be developed later, etc. But, he …
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