Jeff Stevens

By faith, believers respond to God. The author of Hebrews walks us through some of the Old Testament people who had times in their lives where their responses to situations are clear that they have faith in God. We are all called to a faith that shows an obedient response to God. By faith, we respond to a God who is faithful to us!

To start off this 3 part study, we are going to look at the definition of faith. Then after defining, we see how the author reveals that the "men of old," or Old Testament saints were saved by their faith, not by their works. But the main focus of this study will be so reveal how in our faith we can have assurance.

The author of Hebrews delivers a very tough message about God's judgement towards believers. Like a good Father, God wants what is best for us. But that does not come without punishment when it is due. We have a great reward in Christ Jesus. Because of that, we should have endurance that keeps us from willful sin.

The idea that Jesus Christ is a new and living way would have monumental for the Hebrew audience that heard this letter. But this is not just a letter that is applicable to those Jews who had converted to "The Way." This is an essential message to the church today. When we are saved by Christ, we also have a NEW AND LIVING WAY!

This study from Hebrews 11:11-18 dives into the idea of God writing the law on your heart and on your mind. What implications does that have for believers? Will you be a letter to from Christ to those who need it?

Hebrews 10 gives us some insight into God's plan to prepare the perfect sacrifice for his people. This study helps us to understand that God also has a will for us as well. God wants us to be transformed so can discern his will! That makes us ask the question: What is the will of God?

In perfect obedience to the holiness and majesty of God the Father, the Son so greatly desires our salvation that He would rather die than see us perish. He would rather die than bring any dishonor to the Father. What a great, great love! Are you eagerly awaiting Jesus?

It is by the blood of Christ that our conscience is cleansed of dead works so that we can serve God. Your desire to be righteous without Jesus is simply done in vain. You must be washed in the blood, you must be filled with the Spirit. Repent and believe in HIM, and see your heart change, the miraculous happen in your life and in the people whom you serve!

Hebrews 9 begins with the author showing us a picture of the tabernacle that existed in the Old Covenant as a place for Israel to atone for their sin. There were some issues with this tabernacle though. First is that the rituals had to be done over and over, they were never complete. And secondly, all of the offerings were not enough to perfect the conscience of man. Only Jesus and HIS work could do that. This is a great study in who and how our conscience is perfected!

Hebrews 8 helps us to understand why the New Covenant is not just more important than the Old Covenant, but that it is essential. That the Old Covenant was bound to fail because of the weakness of men. But the New Covenant cannot fail because of the nature of God. Repent today, of all the things you thought you had to do to be saved or righteous; and focus on Jesus Christ who will be merciful to your iniquities and remember your sins no more.