We've received a kingdom that is unshakable. We stand on solid ground. Jesus is our cornerstone and our life in Him is rock solid. Chapter 13 of Hebrews looks at acceptable worship to God, in very practical ways: Let brotherly love continue. Be hospitable. Remember those in prison and those who are being mistreated. Hold marriage in high honor. Don't defile the marriage bed. Be content with what you have. Remember, the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you. Therefore, live without fear, the Lord is your helper.

We have a race set before us. We are to run this race with perseverance. We often become discouraged in times of hardship; however, Hebrews tell us that what we will receive through this hardship will strengthen us. When we know that we are forever His and that everything that happens, good or bad, brings us closer to him. Jesus is on our side. Because of that, we can be encouraged in discipline. Run your race, with perseverance, and others will see that Jesus really is truth and light.

The progression of God's spoken word is first promise and then fulfillment through Christ. As believers in Jesus we worship him and live the life that he has given us. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. So how does that work itself out in everyday life? Where do we find strength to run the race? The book of Hebrews gives us amazing examples.

Some by faith conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, put foreign armies to flight. When we think about a life of faith in Jesus, this is the kind of impact we want to make. Yet others were tortured, mocked, flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two or killed by the sword. They too were commended for their faith. No matter what you are going through, just like these saints of old, you can walk through your trials convinced that nothing can separate you from the love of God. Let these examples encourage you in your walk of faith.

Hebrews 11 is an insightful look at old-testament saints. Without faith it is impossible to please God and these saints are a wonderful example to us today. Through the lens of faith, we can experience the life God provides. Notice that there is no mention of the sins of these old-testament saints, although each of them were flawed in many ways. God is only concerned with their faith. The same is true for us. Abraham's story is a story of faith; in fact, he is called the Father of Faith. He is a pivotal character in the story of God's provision.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God. By faith Noah built the ark, Abraham left his home, Sarah received power to conceive. By faith, Abraham offered up Isaac because he was convinced that God was able to raise him from the dead. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, you too were raised from the dead - by faith in Jesus.

The blood of Jesus opened the way for us into the Most Holy Place. It is His blood that gives us confidence to enter in and that cleanses our conscience one and for all. Having your conscience cleansed enables you to endure through trials and tribulations. What you possess in Christ is far superior to anything you can hold in this world. Be confident, be patient, live by faith in Christ Jesus.

Let's take a deep dive into Hebrews chapter 10. If every believer could really embrace the message of this chapter their life would be radically different. If churches would teach the truth of this chapter, they would be more powerful in their proclamation of Jesus Christ.

It is Good Friday. It's an incredible day in the life of believers. It's the day when the will of God for mankind was executed by Jesus Christ himself. He came to take away our sins, to offer his body as the once and final sacrifice that would finish everything that needed to be done in regard to sin. The words he said on the cross, "It is finished", are the most powerful words ever spoken. These three words resonate deep within the heart and bring about the cleansing we all need and desperately desire. Once that happens we are cleansed forever and we have the confidence to go into the throne of grace.

Jesus Christ is the mediation of a new covenant (or will). A will goes in effect when the one who made it dies. Christ's blood inaugurated the New Covenant and provided forgiveness of sins. His death redeems us from our sins. When Christ appears a second time, he will not deal with sin, but will bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.