Writing about life, leadership, faith, and anything else I find interesting.

Hebrews 12:18-29 - Fear or Joy

The close of Hebrews chapter 12 is a contrast of two mountains. Mount Sinai, the mountain of fear from Exodus 19, and the Mountain of Joy, the city of the living God, made perfect through Jesus. If we look back into the book of Exodus, we learn that this mountain of fear did not work to produce holiness in the people. This fear and trembling did not succeed in changing the heart of Israel; it was just days later that this group of people were worshiping a golden idol, praising this thing as what brought them out of Egypt.

Fear or Joy. How are we approaching God, and what is our view of God? Yesterday I was reminded that God is Not Angry…

Hebrews 12 - God is Not Angry

A large chunk of Hebrews 12 is about God’s discipline. The section header for the NLT is God’s Discipline Proves His Love. I believe this, I take this Word as truth, but my challenge is we often have the wrong view or perspective on this section and translate this discipline into God being angry.

Broader than even this section, I know for me that I have historically struggled and had a view of God being angry, disappointed, or even embarrassed by my actions. This distorted…

Hebrews 12:1-3 - Our Race

Today we are just going to take three verses. The opening of Hebrews chapter 12 is so rich, and I just want to sit in it a while.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-3‬

Hebrews 11 - By Faith

By faith, that is the central theme and message here in Hebrews 11. It opens up, giving us a definition of faith.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I think a key challenge we face today is we do live in a world where seeing is…

Hebrews 10:19-39 - Confidence in Christ

We have spent a lot of time understanding Jesus is the new high priest, and Jesus is THE way. Realizing Jesus is the best, the greatest, the central theme, and the way to God. Jesus makes the old covenant obsolete and outdated. Because of Jesus, we read Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

Because of Jesus, we now have direct access to God, and the author of Hebrews gives us some clarity of what to do with that direct access.

Hebrews 9 - Gratitude

Ever feel like you are hearing the same story over and over. Well, that’s kind of how I am feeling right now in Hebrews 9. I feel like I am hearing the same messaging again, and again. I have to think the repetition, and the beating of this drum is on purpose for the receivers of this message to make sure they understand who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Hebrews - New

Remember when you got that new car or new to you car? Maybe it was the new living room chair or your new phone. I can remember each of these, and they all had one thing in common. Once the new thing came into my possession, the old was obsolete. In the same way, but in a much more significant manner, this is what Hebrews 8 is all about. So much so, that is precisely what the closing verse tells…

Hebrews 7 - Jesus Changed Everything

If you are not deeply rooted in or educated in the Torah, then all these references to Melchizedek might not make any sense. Let me say, you are in good company if you are a little confused, I know I was. So, let me offer some quick context that might help a little.

Back in Genesis (14), 2000 years or so before Jesus, Abraham meets this guy Melchizedek. The Hebrews author is quoting Genesis here and letting us know Abraham gave a tenth of everything, and then goes on to tell us his name means “king of righteousness.”

Hebrews 6 - Spiritual Dullness is Deadly

Graduation is a special time and a special occasion. It is signifying the completion and moving up or onto the next phase. This year, with COVID-19, it was sad to see so many graduations canceled or significantly altered. This impacted my oldest daughter and was sad to see some of the more significant events of celebration canceled. But, the reality is, she still graduated, with honors, and matured out of high school, and is stepping into college now.

Hebrews 5 - Jesus Wasn’t Perfect

I bet that title caught you off guard. Stick with me, this is fascinating. Hebrews 5 continues the discussion and topic of the high priest. High priests are selected, appointed, and called out. This is true of Jesus; God appointed him, Christ Jesus did not appoint himself, God made him priest forever. Looking into Hebrews 5, we are about to uncover some powerful learnings and realities we need to apply to our lives, and our understanding. Let’s look at v7-10.