Equipping University

Hebrews 5:1-10: Jesus: The Superior Appointment to Superior Priesthood 11.11.2009 1:02:18 ↓

The author has just completed a lengthy section filled with exhortation. He knows another similar exhortation is needed shortly. In between these two exhortations, he introduces a new image to his readers: the picture of the Jewish High Priest. This passage in Hebrews 5 serves as an introduction to an extended discussion of Christ as the Christian's Great High Priest. In this brief introduction, t...

Hebrews 4:14-16: Jesus: The Superior High Priest 04.11.2009 58:08 ↓

The author of Hebrews wrote his letter while the Temple was still standing. He did not know that the great building would be destroyed in just a matter of years. However, his letter to a group of Jewish Christians in Rome provided the answers to the questions that their Jewish family members would have been asking them repeatedly: "You have no priests in this new Christian religion. How do you hav...

Hebrews 4:1-13: Jesus: Provider of the Superior Rest 28.10.2009 1:00:04 ↓

The author of Hebrews is not concerned with the size of the church to which he writes. His advice does not even touch on ideas of buildings and appearances and image. He does not write about new church growth methods or worship styles. The exhortations he provides do not address the subject of making the readers more comfortable, the church more accessible, or the ministries more relevant to the c...

Hebrews 3:7-19: Jesus: Don't Stop Believing in Him (Warning #2) 21.10.2009 1:04:33 ↓

The 2007 New England Patriots are widely considered the best team in the history of professional football. They won every single game in the regular season. However, they lost in the Super Bowl and, therefore, they failed in their ultimate goal. Just like in the sports world, it is possible for people to "perform" well in the church and yet fail to cross the finish line. The author of Hebrews is c...

Hebrews 3:1-6: Jesus: Superior to Moses 14.10.2009 58:45 ↓

To capture the prize, one must keep his eye on the prize. This is true in swimming, running, archery, and many other competitive sports. It is also true in the spiritual arena. As the second major section of the letter to the Hebrews begins, the author has this same truism in mind for his readers. He is fearful that some of his beloved readers will be tempted to take their eyes off the prize and w...

Hebrews 2:5-18: Jesus: Superior in His Humanity 07.10.2009 58:23 ↓

Disasters, both natural and unnatural, create aftershocks of a different sort in both survivors and witnesses. People are suddenly willing to think about their faith and its relationship to the reality all around them. In the aftermath, people wrestle with tough theological questions - sometimes for the first time in their lives. Many see a tremendous contradiction in the idea that God could coexi...

Hebrews 2:1-4: Jesus: Don't Drift from Him (Warning #1) 30.09.2009 56:53 ↓

Based on the theology presented in the first chapter, the author makes his case that Jesus Christ is worth following regardless of what perceived threats or actual persecution might come into your life. Jesus is worth following no matter what happens to you, your spouse, your children, or your possessions. People undergoing intense oppression and internal struggles do not need religious platitudes...