Vista Community Church

We trust each other less and less. We like each other less and less. Why? Are humans really getting worse? Or have we lost touch with the ancient Christian virtue known as charity?

We live in a time where more information is available to the average person than at any time in human history. Yet, with all this information, we are not more happy and we are certainly not more wise. Information overload is a real problem. Loads of information available to us at any time sounds good in theory, but in practice it's actually overwhelming, confusing, and exhausting. Much like eating too much is bad for our physical health, information gluttony is making our soul's sick. So what is the solution? In short... Godly Wisdom. But what is Godly wisdom and how do we get it in our lives?

We were made for creation, and creation was made for us. But our lives are increasingly mediated through screens, and this mediation leads to a deep sense of alienation. If we want to be more at home, then we need more direct experiences with the things God made.

As the author of Hebrews concludes this letter, he lists off a number of things that have to do with godly living. The big idea is this... in light of Jesus being a greater high priest, a greater covenant, a greater sacrifice, etc... how we live our lives as believers matters. So, he concludes his letter by giving the readers some practical advice for living life in light of these truths.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is often called the "Hall of Faith." The author defines what faith is and then walks through some of the Old Testament saints and shows how they lived or walked by faith. Through this chapter we learn a great deal about what true biblical faith is and how it works in our lives.  

God never took delight in sacrifices and offerings. They were merely a means to His plan from the very beginning, which was Jesus. It was always Jesus. When Christ offered himself on the cross as the better and perfect sacrifice, once for all...this changed everything for everyone.

The writer of Hebrews is trying to show that the old system (the Levitical priesthood, the law, the structure of the tabernacle, the old covenant, etc...) is problematic for all kinds of reasons. He wants his readers to understand that there is a new way found in Christ that is better, more superior, and more complete.

Hebrews 6 is one of the most contested and controversial portions in the New Testament, and presents an opportunity to reflect upon what the Bible is and how to read it well. Is repentance impossible for people who have fallen away? How does this square with other portions of Scripture which indicate the opposite?

The author of Hebrews begins to explain how Jesus is a greater high priest than the human high priests they had known. Although Jesus is God, he was also fully human and was tempted as we are. According to the author, this should give us confidence as we approach God who is full of mercy and grace.