As we return to Hebrews Chapter 4, we are met with an exhortation to hold fast our confession. It is literally telling us that we are to hold to the same word which we have always spoken. As Christians, it is urgent that we know the essentials of the faith and that we stand fast upon them to the glory of Christ!

As we close our journey through the third chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, we want to observe the seriousness of the warning being offered in the text. The generation that left Egypt fell in the wilderness, outside of the promise. Why-- The answer is seen in the history of the Scriptures- at every turn, the children of Israel disobeyed God, rebelling against Him. Again, we ask why-- The author of Hebrews gives us the answer simply and truthfully- they died in rebellion -because of unbelief.-

Our Lord's Day Sermon for the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We continue our journey through the Epistle to the Hebrews by focusing on the subject of persecution. This was a reality in the lives of those to whom this letter was written, and their perseverance -or falling away- through that persecution would reveal their true testimony.

Returning to the 4th chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews, we come to a warning and reminder that our true motives cannot be hidden from God. This is because the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It is even able to discern our secret thoughts and intentions. Further, nothing is hidden from our God. This is a warning of impending danger for all of us as sinners before a holy and righteous God; it is also a reminder of our need of grace...a grace offered in Christ Jesus.

Returning to Hebrews 4, the author tells us to be diligent to enter that rest, meaning the rest of God. What does he mean? How do we diligently enter rest? The answer is that we can only do it by faith...and faith in Christ.

This is our Reformation Day sermon for 2021. Looking to the narrative of II Kings 22 - 23, we see the emergence of the tender-hearted king, Josiah, who initiates sweeping reforms in Judah. Yet, at the center of this movement is the rediscovery of a scroll of Scripture- likely the Deuteronomy scroll. This reminds us that the guide to reformation is the Word of God utilized by the Spirit of God among the people of God for the Glory of God-

Continuing our journey through the Letter to the Hebrews, we come to a warning and an exhortation, encouraging us to consider the grace of God -today-. That -Today- of Psalm 95 was held out to the original recipients of Hebrews as their day as well- in fact, that -Today- is any day in which, by God's grace, we hear His voice. So, if we hear it, let us not follow the example of those who rebelled in the wilderness- let us respond with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As we continue through the Letter to the Hebrews, we see that Joshua was not able to secure rest for the people of God. He did, however, point forward to a greater Savior who would lead His people into rest!

Having established the superiority of Christ in comparison to Moses, and having established the superiority of the covenant mediated in Christ over the one mediated by Moses -and angels-, the author of Hebrews now warns the hearer of the need to learn a lesson from the events of Moses' life. In the wilderness, the children of Israel, having seen the amazing deliverance of God, rebelled against Him. The warning is reiterated by the author of Hebrews, telling his generation that they are in a similar danger. Having witnessed the miraculous preaching of the Gospel, will they now rebel against the living God--

Journeying into Hebrews 4, we find the important reminder of an available promise of entering rest. That promise, first spoken of in the days of Moses, mentioned again in David, and again in Hebrews, is held out for the true people of God. Of course, that promise also carries a warning for those who die outside of it through unbelief.