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Christ’s Superior Priesthood, Part 1 Many consumers prefer it when an expensive purchase is backed by a warranty. With a guarantee, the consumer has more confidence the purchase will last. We find a similar logic in today’s reading. While the old Levitical priesthood was appointed without an oath, Christ’s priesthood came with a divine promise...

The Need for a New Covenant In the ancient Near East, a covenant was used to establish the relationship between two parties. In it, the suzerain (or lord) promised protection and blessing, while the vassal (or servant) promised obedience and loyalty. For Israel, the Mosaic covenant was the binding relationship between God and His people.

The Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice All the way back in Hebrews 5:11, the author introduced the topic of Jesus’ priesthood and sacrifice and warned, “We have much to say about this.” Indeed he did! Five chapters later, we have finally come to the end of that extended argument. Fittingly, it concludes with an emphasis on the finality of Christ’s...

A Call to Faith At a sports league Hall of Fame, visitors can learn about the history of the sport, see memorabilia such as old balls and equipment, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the players and coaches who are honored for their exceptional achievements. In a similar way, Hebrews 11 offers its own list of exceptional men and women...

The Purpose of Discipline The earliest Christians knew the pain of persecution, and those who ultimately died for their faith were deemed martyrs. The author of Hebrews encouraged his congregation by reminding them: “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (v. 4). Still, the experience of hardship and suffering was...

Living under the Shepherd Scotland has a population of some 5.3 million people—and 6.5 to 7 million sheep! Sheep farmers understand the importance of caring for their flock in all sorts of terrain and weather conditions. That image of a watchful shepherd runs throughout our passage. The leaders of the church are called to “keep watch over...

God’s vision of community looks like a family. The first step in finding your place in God’s plan for the church is to enter into a relationship with Him by faith. If you are already a believer, think about your own church. What would a family portrait look like? If you are not yet part of a church, ask God to help you find one.

Perhaps you need to humbly repent of allowing a stubborn insistence on your personal preferences to determine whether you will join with others in worship.

The work of administrating the church might feel dull or difficult. Can business meetings or human resources issues be spiritual work? Peter’s words remind us of the spiritual importance of such decisions. God cares about the life of the church, and we must seek God’s guidance no matter how mundane the decision may seem to be.

Socializing is an aspect of Christian fellowship, but there is so much more to biblical fellowship. What can you share with others? Perhaps it is a prayer or a word of encouragement, or perhaps you can help meet a material need. Ask the Lord to show you ways that you can fellowship with your community of believers.