“I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.” (John 4:38) It is important that we remember those who labored before us, and the blessings we receive from their work as we seek to continue it with our own labors.

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest…let us draw near…” (Hebrews 10:19, 22). The book of Hebrews is filled with encouraging truths about the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. These give Christians boldness to approach Godl

"Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:5) The importance of self-examination cannot be overemphasized. A Christian cannot be faithful without the practice. How are we to examine ourselves?

The call to spread the gospel to the lost and dying world is given to each individual Christian, and to the church collectively. The task can be daunting, and Christians often shrink from it. The words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 give insight into the nature of sowing the seed of God's word, and our involvment in it. His teaching should embolden us to do God's work.

The death of king Josiah is given more detail in 2 Chronicles 35 (cf. 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). The account shows that God spoke to Josiah through Necho, the king of Egypt. God was warning the king not to meddle with His affairs. The account demonstrates how Josiah meddled with God, and we should avoid doing the same.

The Hebrew writer concluded his chapter on faith by noting the fact that there are numerous other examples he had not addressed. The history of God’s people is rich with multitudes of men and women who faithfully served God. The writer then points the readers to their main focus in faith, Jesus Christ.

The leadership of Moses was instrumental in the exodus from Egypt, but without the faith of the Israelites there would not have been deliverance. God requires us to move forward at His word by faith. This pattern continued with the nation's conquest of the promised land, and even applied to those few inhabitants of the land of Canaan who appealed to YHWH for safety. (cf. Hebrews 11:29-31)

The Old Testament contains three prominent anointed positions which were shadows of the Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Jesus fulfills the roles of prophet, priest, and king.

The Hebrew writer continues his examples of faith with Moses (cf. Hebrews 11:23-28). Much is learned about faith in consideration of this faithful servant of God’s house. It started with the faith of his parents, and progressed to his own faith being displayed in impressive ways. Moses made choices by faith with full recognition of the consequences, yet considering following God as supreme.

"Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law." (Psalm 119:18) God's people should always strive for a deeper understanding of His will. This is not merely an intellectual pursuit, but one of great practical import. The words of the Psalmist indicate the need for God's aid.