behind the curtain - constant...

behind the curtain CHAPTERS 7-13

WELCOME TO HEBREWS - PART ll

We are excited to have you join us for our second half of the study of

Hebrews. Together, we are being invited to draw near “Behind the

Curtain” where only the High Priest could go for centuries leading up to

the death of Christ on the cross. These weary Christians in the marathon

called life, were needing some reassurance in what and who they had

placed their faith in, actually made a difference. After the first 6 chapters

of looking at the “Greater Than” – Jesus Christ, we will now get some

helpful insight as to why He truly is the great high priest who has paved

the way for us into a new life in Him.

The journey over the next 13 weeks will be more impacting if you join in

on the study either individually or better yet, in a small group. The

journey is always better with others along for the ride doing life

together. This is a great time to jump into a small group if you aren’t

already in one. Check out the list below, give the leader or host a call and

invest the time in this study.

Once again, thanks to all the members who have contributed to putting

this booklet together with their research and the collaboration amongst

themselves. You are a blessing to this church and I am grateful for the

sacrifice of your time and brain power to make this happen!

Dave Parker Lead Pastor

e a s t s i d e CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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ECF SMALL GROUPS

WEEK #1 HEBREWS 7:1-14 / Who The Heck is Melchizedek?

Primary Collaborators: Frank and Charlene Ramirez

BIG IDEA Melchizedek, King of Righteousness and King of Peace. A true reflection of Jesus, our Most High King of Righteousness and our Most High King of Peace.

ILLUSTRATION A certain man named Harold St. John wrote: "In a noble palace in the city of Venice, I once saw a magnificent ceiling beautifully painted, but the chamber was so lofty that the visitors could only see a confused vision of gorgeous colors. In the center of the room stood a table inlaid with a horizontal mirror so skillfully placed that as one gazed into it, the picture above was reflected in full beauty of form and hue." It is as we gaze into the mirror of Hebrews 7:1-14 that we see the reflection of our great King and High Priest...Jesus.

OVERVIEW The Hebrews writer’s word vision of Melchizedek is a portrait or reflection of Jesus and the qualities of His Priesthood. The writer knew Hebrews was a challenging teaching, and challenged the readers to move beyond the “elementary teachings”(6:1). So, what did this challenging teaching (about a mysterious priest and king) mean to those Christ followers who were contemplating tossing in the towel on their faith? One of the most mysterious people in the Bible is Melchizedek, “King of Righteousness.” Strangely, we know nothing of the genealogy of this (Heb.7:3) man whose unique ministry is forever memorialized in the Priesthood of Jesus. We only know that Melchizedek was the king of Salem (means Peace) and priest of the Most High God. This king/priest is only mentioned three times in all of scripture. (Gen 14:18-20;Psalms 110:4,Hebrews 5:6ff & 7:1-21). Melchizedek appears one day, in the life of Abram in Gen 14:19 when Abram (not yet Abraham) was returning from his victory over King Chedorlaomer (Gen 14:1-16), and had rescued his nephew, Lot. What seems like a chance meeting between Melchizedek and Abram was very unusual. These two men were strangers and foreigners to each other, but what happened that day was to be remembered throughout history and eventually become the subject in a New Testament letter. Melchizedek was not one of Abram's descendants (the Jewish nation) but Abraham considered this king/priest greater than himself by honoring, worshipping, and freely (not being commanded by the law) giving Melchizedek a tithe. (Hebrews 7:1-5) The Jewish people recognized Abraham as their patriarch...none was greater. All the Jewish nation and the Levitical Priesthood had come down through his lines alone.

The author of Hebrews is still making his case for Jesus and His King/Priesthood being greater than the law and Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7: 5). He is showing these Jewish believers (and all believers) that the priesthood does not come by genealogy, but by God's choosing. He indicates that the requirements to be a high priest are based on faithfully honoring and obeying God's teachings and on the recognition of God's greatness. The person God designates "Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:11-14) was the Messiah - the Christ - Jesus of Nazareth, who did NOT come through Levi, but through the tribe of Judah (the tribe of Kings). Melchizedek's priesthood was not based on a family tree, designated time of service or physical perfection. This priesthood is solely based on belief in, and on working service to the Most High God.

APPLICATION We see in Gen 14:18-19 & Hebrews 7:1-2, that Melchizedek was priest of the Most High God; and he came out to meet Abram; and, after offering a blessing upon Abram, Melchizedek gave him bread and wine to eat. In like manner, Jesus comes out to meet us, offering the blessing of salvation and giving us His body as "the Bread of Life" and His blood (the wine) as a covering of Righteousness. Have you come to meet Him? It is only by accepting Jesus as our King/High Priest and His Righteousness that we can find "...the Peace that passes all understanding, that guards and keeps our hearts in Him." (Phil. 4:7)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Have you ever been inspired or stopped in your tracks by a painting, sculp-

ture, piece of art, piece of music or a vision in nature? How did it impact

you? Why do you think mankind cares about art?

2. As you look at the portrait of Melchizedek, what kind of things about the

priesthood of Jesus are different from Levitical priests? How does this word

picture offer a transcending view of Jesus’s priesthood?

3. What does it look like to be a reflection of Jesus in this day and age? How

might reflecting on Jesus and His priesthood and your calling as a disciple

impact you day to day?

4. We are declared righteous by the Blood of Jesus. How do we reflect His

righteousness to the world around us?

5. If Jesus is our King of Peace, are we allowing Him full access to all areas of our

hearts and lives; or are we holding on to some places, blocking His Peace?

What are some of those places you may be blocking?

6. As Melchizedek came out to meet with and bless Abram, share how Jesus

came to you and offered you His blessing of salvation.

WEEK #2 HEBREWS 7:15-28 / Jesus Lives Forever to Save Forever

Primary Collaborators: Tim & Irene Dunkerton and Donna DeLaughter

BIG IDEA Draw near to Jesus because He is not only ‘Greater’, He is ‘Forever’!

ILLUSTRATION

The space surrounding a magnet, in which magnetic force is exerted, is called a magnetic field. If another magnet or other ferromagnetic object is placed in such a field, it will experience magnetic forces of attraction or repulsion, depending on alignment. However, the field of the primary magnet continues to exist if the second object is removed. Like magnetic objects, God created us to be drawn to Him, to be in relationship with Him. He is the force that we are drawn to, when aligned properly. If a barrier comes between the magnets and the object, the attraction is broken but the magnetic force is still intact. When sin entered the Garden, it created a barrier, separating God from His people. Instead of being attracted to God, Adam and Eve sought to hide, as if repelled by God’s holiness. Long story short -- after Abraham, Moses, and a long succession of Levitical high priests -- Jesus offered Himself for our sin, to enable full attraction once again, removing the barrier permanently and sanctifying our hearts through faith for eternal relationship with Him.

OVERVIEW

For Christian Jews, the Mosaic Law relied heavily on the Levitical priesthood; a priest represented the people to God through the blood of sacrificed goats and other animals covering their sin, which had separated them from God. The priests, themselves sinners, needed to make sacrifices on their behalf, and yet, because of their sin, they died. God had told Moses that the people were not to draw near (Exo.19:20-24) and the High Priest could go near God only once a year and only with blood (the theme of ‘blood’ becomes even more significant in chapter 9). Hebrews tells us of someone better, someone declared superior by God himself, who could not lie, someone who would be high priest forever. The Hebrews audience is reminded that Jesus Christ is:

1) forever high priest: 7:27 He offered the perfect sacrifice once for all accepted by the Father; 7:26 was without sin, holy; 7:24 declared a priest forever, a permanent priesthood; 2) forever hope because of the resurrection: 7:11-12 tells of the law which could not make perfect, necessitating a new procedure with a new type of priest: one who would live forever, having lived an indestructible life, a life which could not be rendered ineffective, a life that will never come to an end. Jesus lives forever. If Jesus rose from the dead, then we too shall all rise (2 Cor 15:12-20, 1Peter 1:4);

3) forever guarantor- the work was completed by Jesus, the Greater One. 7:21 God's oath and Jesus’s declaration, "It is finished!" (John 19:30) made it so; 4) forever intercessor- 7:25 Jesus not only saves those who come to God through Him but He lives to makes intercession for us his people, those who have drawn near. 7:26, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2 Exalted above the heavens, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father where he has the ear of the Father.

APPLICATION The Christian Jews to whom the book of Hebrews was written possibly witnessed persecution of their friends and neighbors and may have sought to avoid persecution themselves. They may have begun to doubt the value and purpose of their new faith. Hebrews was written to remind these wearied Christians that the One they follow, Jesus Christ, is – and is forever – better in his office, his person, and his covenant relationship to his people. Instead of running away from their faith, the author advises the people to do just the opposite - “draw near”.

When challenges come into our daily lives -- whether in circumstances, personal relationships, insecurities, stress, loss of loved ones, financial hardship, etc. – rather than running away from God, placing barriers into our relationship with Him, we are called to draw near to Him; for his ‘attraction’ or magnetic field is always present. As we draw near to God, we receive comfort in knowing what Christ has accomplished on the cross, and in our hearts through faith. That comfort yields patience to deal with circumstances; love and understanding to work through relationships; relief from our guilt that was borne by Christ and atoned for once and for all; boldness to face opposition with gentleness and wisdom; indwelling of the Holy Spirit to produce righteousness in thoughts and actions; and for immediate needs, trust in God’s provision. Therefore, be secure in the full efficacy of Jesus as our better and perfect High Priest giving us full and eternal access to the comfort of God’s presence and power. Align your thoughts with his, knowing that the old barrier is gone, and allow the undiminished force of the magnets to lock together.


1. What is the power of the indestructible life?

2. How do we draw nearer to God, especially in adversity? How do we react,

e.g., to loss of family?

3. What kinds of barriers seem to prevent us from drawing near to God,

here and now?

4. Do we even have a need for a high priest today, in the 21st century? I’m a

Gentile, not a Jew. How does my faith depend on a high priest?

WEEK #3 HEBREWS 8:1-13 / Priesthood and Promise

Primary Collaborators: Tom Atkinson and Kasra Soltani

BIG IDEA

Jesus ushered in the new covenant, fulfilling and making obsolete the old covenant (Matt. 6:17) and the old Aaronic/Levitical priesthood, as well as the earthly tabernacle. Jesus is now the High Priest of the New Covenant who is sitting at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

ILLUSTRATION

Definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results, right? In this context, the readers/audience are contemplating returning to the old way of doing things with an expectation of it yielding a different result. Imagine growing up and driving your power wheel to work. Even though your power wheel was never designed for that purpose. Its purpose was never to last into your adulthood, but to provide a “means of transportation” for you as a child. Just as the old covenant was never intended by God to last forever.

OVERVIEW

Chapter 8 of Hebrews draws a contrast between the earthly and heavenly covenants.

The old covenant has the earthly High Priest offering sacrifices for his peo-ple and himself. (Hebrews 8:4)

The new covenant has the High Priest offering Himself on our behalf. (Hebrews 8:5)

The earthly High Priest officiated in an earthly tabernacle. (Hebrews 8:5)

The heavenly High Priest officiates in the true heavenly tabernacle. (Hebrews 8:1-2)

The first covenant did not make permanent provision for human faults. (Hebrews 8:7)

The new covenant promises mercy for their “sins I will remember no longer.” (Hebrews 8:12)

APPLICATION

The major differences between the two covenants is that one is a legal system

and the other is a personal relationship. The first one was a matter of law

keeping which no one could keep. The other one was accepting the work of

Jesus who kept God’s law perfectly. This relationship will fix His teachings

firmly in our minds and hearts (8:10). So it is not primarily a matter of being

schooled in commands but of a desire to please the Lord! (8:11). “if you love

me, you will keep my commands.” (John 14:15)


1. What does it mean for Jesus to be your great High Priest?

2. Why is Jesus’ ministry superior under the new covenant?

3. What is the true tabernacle that the Lord has set up rather than the

one what man had set up?

4. How can one know the Lord without being taught? (8:11)

5. Why was there a need for a new covenant?

WEEK #4 HEBREWS 9:1-22 / Blood Sacrifice and God’s Covenant of Grace

Primary Collaborators: Brooke and Laura Quist

BIG IDEA

As hard as man may try, rituals and sacrifices of our own works cannot cleanse a guilty conscience. It has always required the shedding of blood. Jesus’s sacrifice can cleanse our conscience and qualifies Him as the mediator who reconciles us to God, freeing us to live a life of worship and service.

ILLUSTRATION

Think of a child that wants to help a parent with cleaning and other chores around the house, but the child is wearing muddy clothes. A dirty child cannot perform cleaning (or other good works) for their parent until the child has been bathed and has put on unsoiled clothes. In the same manner, we cannot perform good works for our heavenly father, due to our sinful (dirty) state, until we have been cleansed by Jesus’s sacrifice and the shedding of blood.

OVERVIEW

The first section (Hebrews 9: 1-5) of this passage discusses the Jewish tabernacle and its instruments in great detail. The tabernacle was a movable temple which represented the unsettled state of the church upon earth and the human nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of God resided.

Next, the second section (Hebrews 9: 6-10) of this passage discusses the use and meaning of the instruments in the Jewish tabernacle. The High Priest could not enter into the Holy of Holies until blood had been shed for the Israelites. Sins are errors both in judgment and practice, which leave guilt upon the conscience, and cannot be washed away but by the blood of Christ. We must plead His blood on earth, while Christ is pleading for us in heaven.

Finally, the third section (Hebrews 9: 11-22) of this passage discusses how the use and meaning of the instruments in the Jewish tabernacle are fulfilled through Christ, as well as how Christ has replaced the old covenant, which required cyclical renewal, with the new covenant, which is permanent. Under the old covenant, animal sacrifices only temporarily removed the outward ceremonial uncleanliness, while under the new covenant, our sins are permanently forgiven (i.e., for both past, present, and future). God was willing to show the greatness of his mercy by proclaiming a covenant of grace. This covenant of grace cleanses our guilty conscience. It is God’s grace that seals our pardon and allows us to serve him.

APPLICATION

Unfortunately, as Christians we sometimes feel that we are not worthy to

engage in the service and works for Christ that he would like us to perform. For

example, we tell ourselves that we are not ready yet to try to tell others about

Christ and our salvation because we don’t know enough scripture, or we

haven’t been a Christian long enough, or we are still struggling with some issues

ourselves. We must remember that once we ask for God’s forgiveness and his

grace, we are cleansed of our sins and are worthy of serving God. God’s

covenant of grace with us enables God to work through us. So serving is not by

our strength, but by his strength. In this manner, we are freed from being held

back by our guilt, which might otherwise prevent us from serving God as he has

intended.


1. The Jewish tabernacle and its instruments represent the old covenant. What

was the old covenant? What were its requirements and limitations? Who was

able to have an audience with God under the old covenant?

2. Christ’s sacrifice represents the new covenant. What is the new covenant?

How is the new covenant different, better, more permanent, etc. than the old

covenant? Who is able to have an audience with God under the new covenant?

3. Discuss ceremonial cleanliness (with the context of the old covenant) versus

true forgiveness of sin (with the context of the new covenant).

4. What role does guilt play in our sinful nature and our ability to serve God?

How is this affected by the new covenant of God’s grace?

5. How should we live our lives differently as a result of our salvation under the

new covenant of God’s grace, both outwardly (service) and inwardly (our

relationship with God)?

WEEK #5 HEBREWS 9:23-10:18 / Once and For All

Primary Collaborators: Logan and Elizabeth Crain

BIG IDEA

Man is appointed ONE life to live, ONE death to die and ONE Judgment to pass through. Fortunately, Christ also lived ONE life, experienced ONE death and was judged by God for the life he lived, finding it pleasing and perfect in every way resulting in his resurrection, and allowing him to be the perfect sacrifice.

ILLUSTRATION

When we have debt we can’t repay, it can lead to bankruptcy, causing us to lose everything. Sin is a debt that leads to spiritual bankruptcy. Animal sacrifices allowed the Israelites to cover a portion of their debt and postpone payment of the remaining balance until a future date. But no matter how many animals were sacrificed the debt always remained. Because we aren’t able to break our sin habit, Jesus’s sacrifice not only clears us of our current sin debt, but covers the balance of all future debt accumulated.

OVERVIEW

Why did Jesus’ sacrifice matter? Why were sacrifices required? Without remembering the answers to these questions it’s nearly impossible to understand the significance of this passage. Adam & Eve chose to sin, breaking the covenant between creation and Creator. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), the cost of their disobedience was their lives and their communion with God. Blood is representative of life (Gen.9:14). Animal sacrifice was instituted as a way for people to repent of their sins (breaking covenant) and renew that covenant with God. The fact that God accepted an animal substitution to fill a debt (one’s own blood for their own sin) is evidence of God’s grace.

The high priest annually offered an animal’s blood to enter God’s presence in the Most Holy Place behind the veil on behalf of the Israelites because no one could fulfill the requirement of the Old Covenant (v. 10:1-4). The priest’s return to the Israelite people, as a living being, was understood to mean the sacrifice was accepted by God, and the people’s guilt was pushed forward.

While on earth Jesus never had the opportunity to offer sacrifices on behalf of the Israelites, because He descends from Judah, not Levi. Jesus was never allowed to enter the holy places of the temple. Yet He willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice so that instead of serving as High Priest in the temple, a mere copy of God’s throne room (v. 9:23), He could serve as High Priest in the original throne room of God, seated at God’s right hand (v. 9:24, 10:12). For Jesus was

fully human and thus can only offer Himself as a sacrifice once, just as we can only die once (v. 9:27-28).

This single sacrifice offered by Jesus Christ, the Messiah (v. 10:14), fulfilled (Matt. 5:17) all the requirements of the Old Covenant (v. 10:9); a covenant often associated with laws and a veil separating us from God. The fulfillment of the Old Covenant opened the door for a New Covenant to take its place (v. 10:10, 10:16-17). With the establishment of the New Covenant, and a forgiveness of the debt (or spiritual bankruptcy as a result of sin), sacrifice is no longer required (v. 10:18).

APPLICATION

We can easily become overwhelmed by our inadequacy; whether in work, marriage, parenting, or dealing with sin. God’s standard for our life is impossible to achieve, like trying to dig ourselves out of bankruptcy, and it can shackle us into inactivity. Our debts consume our budget where we have nothing to give. It can also lead us to work extra hard, like taking a second or third job, to help cover our debt. But Jesus Christ took all of our past, present and future debts and paid them in full. We could never work hard enough to pay the debt of our sin and earn our salvation, so He restored us to a clean balance with God. Believing this gift of grace frees us to live a life which God has desired of us from the Garden; a life in perfect fellowship with Him, where we are free to give more of ourselves to God and the people we encounter.

QUESTONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a feeling of unworthiness? How did it affect your thoughts and actions?

2.

2. Have you ever wronged someone and tried to earn someone’s forgiveness through good deeds?

3. If someone were to pay your earthly debts (mortgage, student loans, etc.) in full for you, how would that affect your life? What would you do?

4. In what ways can we live like we are free from the debts of our sin?

WEEK #6 HEBREWS 10:19-22 / Let Us Draw Near

Primary Collaborator: Nate Payne

BIG IDEA

Because of the death of Jesus, we can draw near to God with confidence; free from guilt and fully cleansed of sin.

ILLUSTRATION

There is a famous black and white photograph by Alan Stanley Tretick, which I will always remember. It shows president John F. Kennedy working at his desk in the oval office while his young son peers out through a small door that opens outward from under the desk. The boy was just being himself, happily playing at the feet of one of the most powerful men in the world. Anyone else would have been turned away, but this boy could play with confidence knowing that he belonged. In fact, he had been invited.

OVERVIEW

Throughout scripture, God is often referred to as our Father. In Genesis, we see that He created people to be in relationship with Himself. They thrived in the garden and they enjoyed privileged access to Him, not because of anything they had done, but because they were His children. Unfortunately, their rebellion drove a wedge in the relationship, forcing them to be separated from God. Since that time, we have continued to invent new ways of sinning. At times, we may repent and try to do good, but the evil of our hearts is something we just can’t fix. We remain in separation from our Creator and Father, the source of life itself. This has been the plight of all humanity!

The good news of chapter 10 is that Jesus, through His death, accomplished what we never could. Not only did He provide forgiveness of our past sins, but He also provides a cure for our heart problem! “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are made holy” (10:14). In other words, Jesus provided a cure for the very thing that separated us from God in the first place. Not only that, but He continues to intercede for us like a great high priest.

Before Jesus, people offered animal sacrifices to show their repentance, but “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4). Before Jesus, there were priests, but they themselves were sinners. Before Jesus, there was a curtain separating people from the one place that God’s presence dwelled, but that curtain was torn in two when Jesus died (Matthew 27:51).

APPLICATION

It is in light of all of this that the author of Hebrews exhorts us to draw near to God with confidence and sincerity. Our confidence does not come from who we are, but from whose we are. It is the relationship that we were made for, and it is possible again because of Jesus. Therefore, let us cling to Jesus, and worship the father!


1. What does it mean to draw near to God? What does that look like for you?

2. What is the significance of the fact that Jesus continues to serve as a “great priest over the house of God” (10:21)?

3. Do you feel that you can approach God with confidence? If not, what are some things that might lead you to question your standing?

4. How can we encourage one another when we may not always feel close? to God?

WEEK #7 HEBREWS 10:23-39 / Entrance and Endurance

Primary Collaborator: Quentin Pietersen

BIG IDEA

As the Day approaches we are called to be bold, confident and faithful as we live in

the body of the Messiah. “Let us” hold on to the hope, encourage others, and

make it a priority to come together

ILLUSTRATION

Comrades Marathon has been run since 1920. This year it will occur on June 4,

2017. This is the biggest and best ultra-marathon in the world; striving and testing

for extraordinary human achievement over 12 hours and 100km. Camaraderie,

courage and commitment, dedication, determination and discipline, passion,

perseverance, sacrifice, joy, sorrow and selflessness are all hallmarks of this

amazing race. Transformation and inclusivity will be needed as competitors often

join forces to conquer an obstacle in their path.

OVERVIEW

These verses can be divided into two parts.

Part 1 – Together we mature to persevere in the faith and love.

Part 2 – Together when we finish our “race”, and stand before our Heavenly Father,

we will all be called to give an account of our lives. The book of Hebrews illustrates

a course that is set out by the Father. We must run this race with FAITH, HOPE and

LOVE; and only when we cross the finish line are we then able to receive the Prize/

Reward. Ultimately, we are just like the Comrades Marathon runners. Preparation

is required to qualify. The race set before each of us compels us to train each day,

exercising our faith and love. We do this as we live in community with other

believers and it is evidenced particularly through our actions, our words and our

attitude. The result of this is endurance to go the distance, even though all sorts of

difficulties and various conditions. The less prepared we are the greater the chance

of not making it to the Finish Line. But we are not alone in this race. We have a

Champion who has shown us the way. We have fellow companions who help us.

When we collapse, they pick us up. If they fall we can draw alongside and support

them across the finish line. Endurance = steady patience. There is no time for

dropping out like exhausted athletes.

The writer warns the participants that those who deliberately break the rules run the risk of being stripped of all honor and may be banned.

The prize giving by the King of Kings. a HEBREW ִעבִרית Levrit: means: one who has crossed over (from darkness to light)]

John Wesley wrote: “The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” There is no such thing as a lone ranger believer. This chapter of Hebrews calls every believer to join fully in intimate, authentic community. As believers, we need to endure all the way to the end. This is so much easier when we live in authentic community. When we have done the will of God, we will receive what God has promised. By doing the will of God, we walk in the steps for Jesus who showed us the way. Final-ly, doing the will of God allows us to enjoy God’s company in the fellowship of other believers.

APPLICATION

We have one race to run and our entrance fee has been paid by the blood of the Lamb of God. We should run in such a way as to honor this precious gift of the Fa-ther. Just like the Hebrews in Egypt; we need to apply the blood to the doorposts of our lives, impacting our going out and our coming in. We dare not trample the most precious sacrifice in the universe, under foot.

We have been given many ways to apply the blood to our lives:

We believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God slain for the sin of world. His blood promised throughout the ages will redeem us and qualify us to become children of God.

We celebrate by drinking of the cup, in faith at communion; as Jesus said, “this is my blood…”

We celebrate the Feast (of the LORD) Passover (we call this Communion) by coming together as the Father commanded to anchor the application of this death, resurrection, ascension and promised return to our lives.

In hope, we long for the day when we will drink of the cup with Christ (our bridegroom) at the marriage feast of the Lamb.


1. What Hope do you have? Heb. 10:23,24

2. How do you hope to finish the race? Heb 10:29, 39, Phil 2:12, Deut. 32:36

3. What challengers do you face? Share with your home group so that they can lift you up and pray with you.

4. How have you had the blessing of relying on others in the church to run the race alongside you in community? Give specific examples.

WEEK #8 HEBREWS 11:1-40 / Flesh and Bones of Faith

Primary Collaborator: Bill Fletcher

BIG IDEA

Faith is a many faceted word. The Hebrew writer defines it in such a way as to supercharge his message of encouragement by displaying heroes of faith in the past.

ILLUSTRATION

Faith is a mighty force. It is both an anchor to the soul and a motivator to holy action. It transcends our experiences. It overrides and supersedes our intellectual wisdom and knowledge. It’s little wonder that Jesus could say that an amount the size of a mustard seed could move mountains (Matt. 17:20).

OVERVIEW

Faith and belief are often used interchangeably but they are not always the same thing. Belief may not imply certainty in the believer, but faith always does. The faith of which the Hebrew author speaks has substance. That substance is the thing hoped for and the evidence of the things not seen. Scriptural hope is not simply wishful platitudes, but a confident expectation of a true reality not yet visible. Faith solidifies that mindset in an individual. Abraham was looking forward to the city with firm foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Heb. 11:10). Furthermore, faith is an absolute necessity to please God (Heb. 11:6). There is no such thing as true faith if one does not believe that God exists. Belief that God exists stimulates the desire to know Him. To know God is to know the Son, who is the “radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence” (Heb. 1:3). “By Faith” Abel, Enoch, Abraham, and all those mentioned in Hebrews 11 received “God’s commendation” or approval (Heb. 11:2). Their faith was demonstrated by their actions. It should be carefully noted that their actions were not that for which they were commended, but their faith.

“And all these were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us” (Heb. 11:39-40)

APPLICATION

Faith that is grounded in truth is the breeding ground and birthplace of faithfulness, growth of the inner man, and positive action in the arena of true reality. Faith is a state of mind that emboldens action that is in accord with righteous behavior (James 2:14-26). A growing faith anchors and stabilizes a person’s worldview in dealing with the many issues and problems that are faced in a fallen world.


1. Faith has been described as a decision of the will, an imparted impulse

of the Holy Spirit or some of both. How do you see this evidenced in

your life? Discuss

2. What is the significance of “by faith” as used by the Hebrews writer?

3. Discuss the things accomplished by the faith heroes of Hebrews 11 and

relate them to their relationship with God. What impact does their

journey have on your life?

4. Discuss the various ways that the word faith is used in our everyday

language.

5. Why is Abraham called the Father of the Faithful?

6. How would you define faith?

7. "As believers, God blesses us based on our obedience." How do you react

to this statement?

WEEK #9 HEBREWS 12:1-3 / Running Life’s Race With Endurance

Primary Collaborators: Kerry Lowery and Mark Gosney

“Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.” ~William Barclay

BIG IDEA

We have been called to deprive ourselves of the weight of hindrances and sin’s entanglements, while focusing on Jesus, to endure with patient determination life’s challenges.

ILLUSTRATION

Even if most of us don’t have Olympic aspirations, it’s undeniable according to the text that we’re in the race. Olympian Jim Thorpe came from humble beginnings, alienation, sickness, and racial obstacles to became one of the most decorated athletes of the early 1900’s. At the conclusion of the 1912 Games, he had won the gold medal in the pentathlon, earned fourth place in the high jump, and took seventh in the long jump. These became even more extraordinary feats as someone had stolen his shoes before he was due to compete, forcing him to use some discarded ones found in a trash bin. He competed and won his medals wearing the mismatched footwear...talk about enduring, focusing, persevering and not growing weary.

OVERVIEW

The author represents in the previous chapter those looking on to witness the efforts which we Christians make as fellow athletes, if you will, in the race of life. There is allusion here to the ancient Grecian games, where a great multitude of spectators usually occupied the circular seats in the amphitheater, from which they could easily behold the combatants. In like manner, the writer represents Christians as encircled with the multitude of worthies. This figurative representation means that we ought to act as if they were in sight, and cheering us on. But is merely registering and entering the race enough? The writer exhorts us to strenuously exert ourselves in the presence of such spectators. Above all, to fix our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and trailblazer who carved the path in front of us giving us passage. This same Jesus he represents as the main spectator because His graces, virtues, and sufferings were far more remarkable, and worthy of imitation. Be encouraged as this race is set before us. It is marked out for us, both by the word of God and by the examples of His faithful servants: that cloud of witnesses who have run before us. For example, hypomone typically translates as endurance, patience, or steadfastness. This is what comes as a result of God training our mind and body through our “abiding under” trials, suffering, and discipline. In other words, this diligent endurance conveys a head’s down mastery element. Be encouraged: this is a marathon of marathons, not a sprint.

As we look to Christ and let His love flow into our soul, self-denial will not be as the world perceives it, rather an overflowing in blessing and joy.

“In the Christian life we have a goal. The Christian is not an unconcerned stroller along the byways of life; he is a wayfarer on the high road. He is not a tourist, who returns each night to the place from which he starts; he is a pilgrim who is forever on the way. The goal is nothing less than the likeness of Christ. The Christian life is going somewhere, and it would be well if, at each day's ending, we were to ask ourselves: "Am I any farther on?" ~William Barclay

APPLICATION

This is the hardest, longest race of our lives!! We are living to race while racing to live...the only race with an eternal finish! Satan and the spiritual forces of evil are hell-bent on disrupting the race of the faithful. The writer exhorts his readers who face these obstacles to press on. As Christians, we need to remove (continually) any and all things that would obstruct our progress along our respective course.

By faith we enter the race; through faith we receive the power. Jesus is at once the goal of our journey and the companion of our way; at once the one whom we go to meet and the one with whom we travel. One of the great mysteries of the gospel is that we press on surrounded by the saints, oblivious to everything but the glory of the goal and forever in the company of Him who has already made the journey and reached the goal, and waits to welcome us when we reach the end. If we stay the course and run without growing weary, or walk without getting tired (Isaiah 40:31) our efforts to win the crown of life will be the ultimate gold medal. (see I Corinthians 9:25)


1. The writer assumes that having a “witness” is motivating in some way. Can you recall a time when having a witness watching you motivated you to perform? (possibly a performance or sporting event)

2. How do you determine in your life what is merely a self-imposed burden or impediment vs. sin? (Be encouraged and don’t worry... it may not be the same thing in all persons :)

3. What weighs you down? What are you clinging to apart from Jesus that slows you down or trips you up?

4. How could you engage with someone who has been “in the race” longer than you? How might mentoring someone in the earlier stages of their race be mutually beneficial?

5. How can we use the idea of witness today to bolster our endurance and patient mastery of life’s journey?

WEEK #10 HEBREWS 12:4-17 / The Heart of Discipline is Discipleship

Primary Collaborators: Bill and Susie Bogen

BIG IDEA

GOD PROVIDES DISCIPLINE THAT OVER TIME CORRECTS OUR BEHAVIOR AND MOLDS OUR CHARACTER. James 1:2-3 – “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

ILLUSTRATION

A farmer was given a large unkempt garden to tend. In his fields, he saw a currant bush. It was overgrown and had thick gnarled wood, bearing no blossoms or fruit. He knew what needed to be done and got the pruning shears. After much effort, he clipped and pruned the bush until it was just 2 feet tall and looked more like a stump than a currant bush. The humbled currant bush was distraught and pleaded with the gardener, "How could you do this to me? I was making such wonderful progress, I was almost as tall as the fruit trees that are producing apples and peaches, now I am nothing but a stump with no purpose". The gardener smiled and comforted the currant bush saying "I am the gardener here and I know what I want you to be. I didn't intend for you to be a fruit tree, I need you to be a currant bush and soon you will see your true purpose. Now your branches will be strong and able to produce much more fruit than if you were left to grow tall and leggy."

OVERVIEW

Verses 4 through 13 teach us that God disciplines those He loves; just as loving parents discipline their children. This discipline should not be considered as punishment, rather as corrections to guide us back onto the path He has laid out for us. When we stray from this path, He may cause us to experience hardships and suffering. Although our suffering is minimal when compared to the suffering Jesus endured on the cross. When correction is received by us submissively it is wholesome and beneficial: even though it may be unpleasant at the time, yet it will produce the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. The writer again uses the example of a footrace to make the point. We are instructed to strengthen our listless hand and weak knees and make level paths for our feet, so that what is lame is not put out of joint but healed.

In verses 14 through 17 we are given warnings of consequences for refusing to obey His commands. We are to pursue peace and holiness, for without holiness no one will see the Lord. “See to it that no one comes up short of the grace of God like a bitter root causing trouble that will result in many becoming defiled.” Finally, we are reminded of Esau, who gave away his birthright for a meal and was refused the blessing of his inheritance (Gen. 25: 33). This is a vivid example of trading away something of true value for the quick gratification of the here and now.

APPLICATION

God's discipline is evidence that we are his children. Far from being a reason for despair, discipline can be a basis for encouragement and perseverance. In making "level paths for our feet" we are called to live our lives to help rather than hinder the spiritual welfare of others, especially those who struggle in their Christian faith. We are warned not to refuse God's discipline as it results in a negative outlook and becomes a "bitter root" that hinders our Christian fellowship. By accepting discipline with hope and optimism we actively lessen the burden for ourselves and others. Discipline provides us with valuable lessons and develops our skills in problem solving. Problems in life call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they CREATE our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. As Benjamin Franklin said "those things that hurt, instruct".


1. What are some ways that God has disciplined you? What was the outcome?

2. How does denying and avoiding our challenges create a "bitter root"? What does the "bitter root" look like in your life?

3. How can embracing our challenges assist us in "living in peace with all

men?" (Mark 9:50, 1Thes. 5:13)

WEEK #11 HEBREWS 12:18-28 / Protected and Perfected Kingdom

Primary Collaborator: Tim Minton

BIG IDEA

Living by the flesh / Living by the Spirit – Living for this world / Living for the next

ILLUSTRATION

If you Google “What is the hardest mountain in the world to climb”, you will get several lists from different mountain climbing organizations. Most of them do not agree on THE ONE hardest mountain, but the top 10 are similar on many of them. They all list the reasons why each mountain is especially difficult to climb. They will mention the steepness, the rocky composition, the glaciers that must be traversed, the weather, etc. Many use the number or percent that die in attempting to reach the top of these foreboding peaks as one of the criteria. When looking at why someone would risk their lives to reach the top of these mountains, one reason seems to dominate the motivation. Some might think that climbers are adrenaline junkies and get off on the “rush” of risk taking, but many do not agree. Mountain climbing, while dangerous, is not like base jumping or jumping a motorcycle over an obstacle, it is very methodical, requiring mental and physical endurance over several days. The motivation most often cited is “The Challenge” of it. To be able to say to one’s self “I did it”, “I made it”, “look what I accomplished”. In many ways it is: pride. There is one mountain that has proven to be “THE MOST DIFFICULT” to climb, and that is the mountain represented by Mount Sinai.

OVERVIEW

At the base of Mt Sinai, God displayed a little of His glory and holiness and it was terrifying. The children of Israel realized how great and holy and unapproachable God was. They were given the Law and agreed to do “everything the Lord says” (Ex 24), but the law was just as holy as God and impossible to keep. The author tells the people they have not come to that mountain, but to Mt. Zion, where God is approachable, angels are there celebrating them being there. They are there with all the others who believe

and they are there with Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant.

The author basically asks “why would you choose Mt. Sinai over Mt. Zion?” Many comparisons to the two mountains are evident. The law vs. grace, judgement vs. forgiveness, pleasing God by our own works vs. pleasing God by believing what Christ has done. The author is also asking us as believers “are we trying to climb Mt. Sinai or are we dwelling on Mt. Zion”?

He then gives a warning against choosing what Moses offered at Mt. Sinai vs. what is offered in Jesus at Mt. Zion. His warning is that all that is created will be shaken and removed and only the eternal will remain. To any of those thinking of returning to following Jewish tradition, this would mean that all those things they put their trust in, (sacrifices, the temple, even Mt. Sinai itself) would all be done away with. For the believer it also shows us that there is a far more important reality that God wants us to focus on than the temporal things of this world.

APPLICATION

This world is going to pass away, and there are many passages where God is telling us to focus on the eternal things and not on this world: “Do not love the world or anything it”(1 Jn. 2:15), “set your hearts on the things above” (Col. 3:2), “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33). But this can be difficult. In fact it is impossible to be done through our own power. The reality of this passage is that we cannot live victorious Christian lives or have an eternal focus without living by the Spirit. As we learn to live by the Spirit we are able to live faithfully in this world with our eyes fixed on the kingdom to come.


1. What are the “things of this world” that many people put their trust in? How are their lives affected when these things are “shaken”?

2. How do you make sure you are putting your trust in the eternal things of God and not the things of this world?

3. How does living by the Spirit help give us an eternal perspective?

4. How does receiving an “unshakable kingdom” elicit from us thankfulness, worship, devotion and awe?

5. It is impossible to approach God based on our own works. We were born again not by anything we did, but by putting our faith in what Jesus has done. (Eph. 2:8,9). What does living out your faith by Christ’s finished work and power look like in your life? (Gal. 3:3). Consider the experience of Paul in the 2nd half of Romans 7.

WEEK #12 HEBREWS 13:1-10 / Yesterday, Today and Forever

Primary Collaborators: Jessica Soltani and Vonda Fletcher

BIG IDEA

Culture tends to want to make Jesus fit into their “new” supposedly advanced beliefs. The fact is that Jesus Christ is unchanging. His teachings, His intention, and His desire to rescue humanity from ourselves calls us to let His unchanging nature help shape our world rather than making Him fit into our personal belief system.

ILLUSTRATION

Two women set aside time to meet together one afternoon. They were noticeably almost 50 years apart in age. Much had changed in life culture since the older woman was a young mom, like her friend. When she was her age, the average cost of a new house was $14,000, interracial marriage was declared constitutional, and popular musicians at that time included The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The two women could have claimed to share little in common having grown up in different eras and yet here they met, with much in common. Times may have changed, but many of the issues facing the young mom that day weren’t very different from issues her older friend had experienced as well. Although their situations and culture around them fluctuated over time, Jessica and Vonda held onto the hope they had in their Savior who remains the same faithful friend throughout their lives.

OVERVIEW

The summarizing title above Hebrews 13:1-10 states, “Final Exhortations.” As we read this passage, we reflected upon last words we would say to encourage our loved ones in their faith. We sought to place ourselves in the position of the author, writing believers whose faith was under pressure to adapt to the mold of their current culture. The author emphasizes the importance of maintaining these principles of faith:

>continue brotherly love/provide hospitality for strangers/remember those in prison and those who are mistreated/respect marriage/be content and avoid the loving of money/remember your leaders, their teachings, and imitate them/remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever/don’t be influenced by new and different teachings.

As we reflected upon these verses, knowing that scripture is God-inspired (2 Tim. 3:16), we asked ourselves, “Why does God think these practices are important?” and, “What would life be like without these actions/beliefs?” From our experience as moms, we could view the perspective of our Heavenly Father who puts commands and principles in place for a reason: He wants what’s best for all of us. We acknowledged that when we don’t follow God’s plan, we’re missing out on God’s best for us and we also end up getting hurt or hurting others as well. As God’s children, we could also see the miraculous stories He’s written in the lives of our siblings in Christ, our leaders- as a way for Him to continue to reveal Himself and His desire to bless us and include us in His great plan (see verse 7, also Heb. 6:12). Although their stories included hardship, through faith and perseverance they inherited God’s precious promises.

APPLICATION

Verse 8 affirms, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Think about your “yesterday.” Is there something in your past that negatively affects how you live your life now? Consider spending time in prayer with Jesus, taking Him back through some of your past circumstances and asking for insight about His truths during those times. You don’t have to hold onto lies in your heart that keep you from moving on (Phil. 4:6-7).

What about your “today?” In the present, do you feel His presence; or do you feel like you’re being influenced by others around you and their current thoughts/beliefs about life? Since Jesus is constant, you know that He is with you, even when you aren’t involving Him in your daily life. Holding onto that hope, You can ask Him to reveal the empty promises of this world to you in comparison with His consistent, fulfilling plan for your life so you can be transformed and renewed today (Rom. 12:2).

Reflect upon your tomorrow, your “forever”. Do you have concerns about your future, near or far? Take time to consider all the amazing miracles Jesus and the Father have accomplished through other believers (friends in your life as well as believers in Hebrews 11). Remember this: with that same greatness, they are able to empower us to face whatever tomorrow brings; as they desire to give us future filled with hope (Jer. 29:11).


1. How is brotherly love different from friendship? How can we show brotherly love to one another?

2. Similar to the verse about hospitality for strangers, Jesus said in Matthew 25:25, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…I was a stranger and you invited me in.” It’s easy it is to spend time with people in our circle of friends, and yet God gives us opportunities to be a light to others as well. Who can you reach out to in your community?

3. Reading about remembering those in prison or those mistreated, Romans 12:15 states, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” emphasizing the importance of coming alongside people who are struggling in a compassionate manner. What keeps us from coming alongside people who are in prison or who are struggling? What can we do to address these barriers?

4. Hebrews 13: 4 says, “Marriage must be honored by all,” not just by the husband and wife themselves. As a community supporting one another, what are some ways we can respect others’ marriages, building them up and encouraging them in their ups and downs in life?

5. Regarding being content and avoiding love of money, Matthew 6:19-21 similarly shares about storing our treasures in heaven instead of relying on things that won’t last or fulfill us. Why is it so easy to get caught up in money? How can we practice being content in the midst of our consumer culture around us?

6. As you think about Jesus remaining the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, reflect upon your prayer request for today. Would you like prayers on letting go of the past, including Christ more in your present, or holding onto hope for the future?

WEEK #13 HEBREWS 13:11-25 / Now It’s Our Turn

Primary Collaborator: Kye Harris

BIG IDEA Now it’s our turn to follow Jesus faithfully.

ILLUSTRATION

Do you love a motivational speech: that scene in the movie after things have gotten rough and our hero’s down in the dumps and someone comes along to tell him or her why it’s worth it to keep going? The music swells, our adrenaline sits us up in our chairs, and we hang on to every word. The speaker reminds us how tough the world is, all the things the hero has been doing wrong, and all the reasons the hero has considered giving up. Then the music drops as the speaker’s voice cracks and the shouting ends. The hero is told why he must keep going, despite the acknowledged challenges. The hero must press on to the victory that he knows he can achieve. Someone’s rooting for him. There is a reason to put up with the struggling, because there’s a prize waiting at the end. The book of Hebrews reminds us Jesus is that prize.

OVERVIEW Jesus was rejected by those who had been looking forward to Him, so we can expect to bear the same reproach. “If anyone wants to become My follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me,” He said. To the Hebrew audience, this meant leaving Judaism and the Old Covenant behind for good. Hope is not found in any law—not even the Torah—or any city—not even Jerusalem. Hope is only found in Jesus Christ and so we must follow Him “outside the camp”(Lev.6,8,9,10,13,14,15,16ff & Heb. 13:11)—that is, outside of our old ways of life. We may be mocked on our way but we have something ahead of us far greater than our adversaries can imagine. God Himself waits for us. We can come to Him, through Christ, to offer thanksgiving and praise from our lips, and love and charity to our neighbors. We do not go alone. Our church leaders help us and they are trustworthy. They have been set as watchmen over our souls. Therefore, we should treat them with respect and pray for them. Better still, our God is a God of peace and He loves to meet the needs of those who call on His name. Pray to Him. He raised Jesus from the dead to be our Shepherd and He will provide us with everything we need to do good works and to please Him. What great news to know we can please our Creator! All we must do is pray and rely on His power. In all this, we depend on His grace. What an ending to a dramatic ride! We have revisited the history of Israel, picked apart each piece of the Old Covenant, revealed how Jesus Christ is greater than all of it—and now the torch is handed to us, the audience.

The victory has been secured; it’s time for us to go make good on it. Jesus gave Himself up as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the law and finally satisfying the demands of the Day of Atonement: He is our perfect sin offering and now we are free and made pure through Him.

APPLICATION

Trust the God of peace. Depend on His grace. There is a lasting city ahead of us that will surpass all our dreams and expectations. Join with the saints around you and faithfully, confidently, march toward that city. You will get there. Jesus Christ will come to fulfill His promises and make all things new. In the meantime, our tasks are to offer our pleas, thanksgivings, and praises to God; to share with those in need; and to follow our elders. Everything else has been done. There is nothing we can add to Christ’s victory and there is nothing else we can depend on.


1. Do you look forward to the New Jerusalem?

2. What is your “camp”? What are you holding onto beyond Jesus to make

you righteous or to give you peace?

3. What does relying on grace look like? What would the opposite look like?

4. Take a few minutes to think over our journey together through Hebrews.

What from this study has left an impression on you?

5. After this study, how do you intend to remind yourself of Jesus Christ’s

superiority and all-sufficiency?

Call, Calling Invitation, summons, commission, or naming.

Covenant A pact, treaty, alliance, or agreement between two parties of equal

or unequal authority.

Firstborn Christ is the "firstborn" of the Father (Heb. 1:6 NIV) by having

preeminent position over others in relation to Him.

Immutable The unchangeability of God in biblical theology, a reference to

God's unchanging commitment and faithfulness to the salvation

of humanity.

Intercede The act of intervening or mediating between differing parties;

particularly the act of praying to God on behalf of another

Israelites,

Hebrews,

Jewish

Nation

"Israelites" is a term that was generally used to refer to the large

nation of descendants from Jacob (renamed Israel by God when He

renewed the promise first given to Jacob's grandfather Abraham).

Mediator A person midway between two parties who establishes an agree-

ment or relationship between the parties and may act as a

guarantor of that relationship.

Melchizedek Personal name meaning "Zedek is my king" or "My king is

righteousness." Priest and king of Salem, a city identified with

Jerusalem.

Patriarchs,

The

Israel's founding fathers - Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the

twelve sons of Jacob (Israel).

Perfect,

Perfection

Reaching an ideal state of spiritual wholeness or completeness.

Propitiation An offering that turns away deserved wrath

Purification A state of being cleansed from all impurity.

Recompense

of Reward

Deserved judgment carried out for either good or evil performance .

Sabbath The day of rest, considered holy to God because of His rest on the

seventh day after creation.

Sanctify,

Sanctified

The process of being made holy, resulting in a changed life-style

for the believer .

HEBREWS G LO S S A R Y

THE OLD COVENANT THE NEW COVENANT

Applied to Jews (physical descendants Applied to all people (spiritual

Totally physical in nature (sacrifices,

place of worship)

Totally spiritual in nature:

Spiritual sacrifices (Rom. 12:1-2)

Worship place undefined (John

Physical perfection required of both Spiritual perfection realized in the

Priests must prove genealogy/lineage

back to Aaron in the tribe of Levi Perfect priest in Jesus Christ;

lineage of David, tribe of

Judah

Physical sacrifices daily, on special

days, the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16)

Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself once

for all people for all time. No more

Dependent on complete obedience Dependent on grace and mercy

No full or true forgiveness (only re- Full and complete forgiveness (sins

Required detailed ritual, minute rules Flourishes in freedom in Christ

Written on tablets of stone, scrolls of Written on man’s heart and mind

Required blood (of animals) Required blood (of Jesus Christ)

Priest’s work never finished Jesus’ work is finished and He sits

Obsolete, obliterated, fulfilled Established by Christ for all time

Physical, human priests served for

priest only 20 years Jesus Christ is a permanent priest

Access to God only through Priest Access to God for all believers

COMPARISON BETWEEN OLD AND NEW COVENANTS

e a s t s i d e CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SUNDAYS @ 10AM/Rose Hill Middle School Redmond WA Offices/EventCenter/127 10th ST South Suite 600 Kirkland WA w w w. my e c f. o rg / 4 2 5 . 8 2 2 . 3 4 0 0

H E B R E W S OUTLINE

JESUS COMPARED TO: Angels & The Torah (Chapters 1 & 2)

Moses & The Promised Land (Chapters 3 & 4) Priests & Melchizedek (Chapters 5, 6, 7) Sacrifice & Covenant (Chapters 8, 9, 10)

Once Jesus is deemed GREATER, the final chapters are the big challenge to follow HIM!

I N J E S U S , T H E Y H AV E F O U N D… God's Word

Hope for a New Creation An Eternal Priest

The Perfect Sacrifice

C H A L L E N G E F O R U S : So, follow the great models of faith knowing that no matter what

the level of persecution or challenges in life, God will not abandon

His people.

behind the curtain - constant...

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