Epistle to the Hebrews Study #12B

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #12B), we are picking up where we left off in Hebrews 10. In our previous podcast, we discussed the first eighteen verses of this chapter, as the author brought to a close his well-crafted exposition concerning Christ’s priestly office.  As we approach verses 19-39, we are challenged and encouraged by very practical and sobering implications for Christian life and worship which flow out of the recognition that Jesus is currently in the holy tabernacle making propitiation for God’s redeemed people as the great high priest.  

Notes for both parts of Episode 12 can be accessed here: Study Notes of Lesson #12 (Parts A & B).

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #12A

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #12A), we are covering the first section of Hebrews 10.  We will be discussing the first eighteen verses of this chapter, as the author wraps up his exposition concerning Christ’s priestly office.  Once again, he will direct our attention to the themes of priesthood, sacrifice, and covenant.  Later in the chapter--which we will include in a subsequent podcast in Part B of this particular study--the author will lay out very practical and sobering implications for Christian life and worship which flow out of the recognition that Jesus is our priest and sacrifice. 

Before we began our study, we reviewed the “solid food” section of the epistle, which is covered in Hebrews 7-10.  Before listening to this podcast, I would encourage you to do the same, as it will enrich your understanding of how the author concludes his discussion and help you to see how things work together contextually.  We will begin this podcast episode with a reading of Hebrews 9:11-10:39.  Notes for  Parts A and B of Study #12 can be found here: Study Notes for Lesson #12 (Parts A & B)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #11

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #11), we are covering Chapter 9 of the epistle. As the author of Hebrews continues to take us through the “solid food” section of his message concerning the superior priesthood of the resurrected, exalted, and seated Son of God, he expands the discussion he started earlier in Chapter 8, which concerned the new covenant now mediated by our indestructible great high priest. He continues to develop very sharp contrasts between the first covenant and the associated Levitical system of continuous blood sacrifices conducted in the symbolic tabernacle. "In speaking of a new covenant," the author noted in 8:13, God "makes the first one obsolete." That first covenant--"growing old and ready to vanish away"--has been replaced with a superior covenant, inaugurated by the “once for all” sacrifice provided by the Lamb and Great High Priest, who has offered up his own vastly superior conscience-cleansing blood, securing an eternal redemption for God’s people. In so doing, He has provided unfettered access to God’s holy presence, provided we draw near with a sincere heart through Him, the great high priest and mediator of this new covenant.

Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here: Study notes for Lesson #11.

This is something I recently came across that relates well to this section of Hebrews.  It is a video clip of a gentleman--Ryan Ferguson--providing a dramatic recitation of Hebrews 9-10: 

A Song Inspired by Hebrews 11: "By Faith"

I know we are a few chapters away from Hebrews 11 and the famous "Hall of Faith," but I thought I'd upload a song I recently sang entitled "By Faith". This is NOT any fancy music mix by any stretch of the imagination, but my desire was to simply bring before you all a great song written by singer/songwriter Michael Card from his fantastic "Soul Anchor" album, which was released several years ago and entirely centered on the Epistle to the Hebrews. If you listen carefully to the lyrics, you will notice many references from the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, as well as other themes and truths brought out in the epistle. I hope you enjoy it! By the way, our next podcast--covering Hebrews 9--will take place in about two weeks.

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #10

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #10), we are covering Chapter 8 of the epistle.  As the author of Hebrews continues to take us through the “solid food” of his message concerning the superior priesthood of the resurrected, exalted, and seated Son of God, he reminds us--in no uncertain terms--that we have NOW, in the present tense, a high priest serving as a minister in the true tabernacle, one who serves as a mediator of a new covenant which has been enacted on better promises.

Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here: Study notes for Lesson #10.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #9

In this episode (Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #9), we are wrapping up Chapter 7, where the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews continues to develop the superiority of the great high priesthood of Christ Jesus, which had been foreshadowed through the intriguing and sudden appearance we saw last time of the Canaanite priest/king Melchizedek, as he met Abraham in Genesis 14 after the slaughter of the kings.  The author now begins to argue that this new priesthood--under the resurrected and seated Christ Jesus and secured with the great oath of Psalm 110:4 which states: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'"--is vastly superior to that of the Levitical priesthood. 

Our study this time focuses on Hebrews 7:11-28. Notes for this podcast episode can be accessed here:Study notes for Lesson #9.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #8

In this episode, we have arrived at the section in the epistle where the author is set to expound on the significance of the oath given to the Lord by the LORD in Psalm 110:4, which stated the following: “The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’”  Today’s podcast will cover the first ten verses of Hebrews 7, where the author brings out ten intriguing observations concerning the first priest mentioned in the Scriptures—the priest/king Melchizedek of Genesis 14—and shows us how this somewhat mysterious Canaanite ruler and contemporary of Abram was made like the Son of God.  In subsequent podcasts, we will come to understand the superior, perpetual, and incorruptible nature of this priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, to which Christ Jesus has been raised and is now seated as great High Priest in the heavenly tabernacle.

You can access this podcast by clicking on this link:Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #8  Notes for this lesson can be found here: Study notes for Lesson #8

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #7

In this episode, we are following the author’s exposition--coming on the heels of his exhortation in 5:11-6:12--concerning the certainty of the promises given to Abraham by God and backed up with His confirming oath.  As imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises, we are called upon to reflect on the unchangeable character of God’s purpose and endeavor to hold fast to the hope set before us, an anchored hope that is secured by a faithful forerunner—Christ Jesus—on our behalf.  The podcast for this lesson can be found here for streaming or download (please note the iTunes sync icon on bottom right of  this site): Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #7 .

Study notes for this study are found here: Study notes for Lesson #7 (Hebrews 6:13-20). Another excellent related resource recently put together by Bill and Steve Ramey can be found here: The Basics: The Gospel (The LORD'S Three Oaths)  I am also adding in this great song from one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Michael Card, which ties in so well to this week's lesson: 

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #6

We had the privilege and delight of being joined by our Labor Day Weekend guests from Canada, Iain and Anne MacMillan and their son Iain Jr., as we picked up in Hebrews 5:11-6:12. Today’s lesson and discussion led us to one of the most challenging sections in the epistle, as the author pauses--just as he is about to get into what he terms the “solid food for the mature” concerning the begotten Son of God’s designation as a “high priest in the order of Melchizedek”--and strongly exhorts the “holy brethren” to not continue to grow dull of hearing, to move beyond the milk of the ABC’s, to avoid slipping into sluggish discipleship, and earnestly strive to be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The podcast for this lesson can be found here for streaming or download (note iTunes sync icon on bottom right of this site): Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #6

We encourage you to listen to the earlier podcast episodes in Hebrews if you haven't done so and to download this week's study notes found here:Study notes for lesson #6 (Heb. 5:11-6:12)

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #5B

Welcome to the conclusion of our previous podcast study @ Villa Scriptura Episode #5B, which covers material in Hebrews 4:1-5:10.  The author of this deeply textured epistle is methodically and powerfully moving us toward his climactic statement in 5:9-10: "and having been made perfect, he did become to all those obeying him a cause of salvation age-during, having been addressed by God a chief priest, according to the order of Melchisedek." (Young's Literal Translation)  Before arriving there, though, we need to continue our consideration of the "good news" that was--tragic to say--NOT united by faith by the "many" in the wilderness.  Only a  very small minority listened and believed in God's promises.  Our author reminds his readers and listeners--those living "TODAY"--that it still remains for some to enter God's "rest."  We are exhorted to "strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the SAME SORT of disobedience."  The sobering reality is that ALL--including the "holy brethren" from 3:1--will be laid "naked and exposed to the eyes of whom WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT."  The good news for the redeemed?  Well...listen to this episode and find out!  I can assure you, it is GOSPEL TRUTH from the One who has spoken, which you must "hold fast" and "draw near" to!

Combined notes for both parts of the study can be obtained by clicking here: Notes for Podcast Episodes 5A and 5B. Our next podcast study will take place on Sunday, September 5th, and it will be uploaded shortly thereafter.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #5A

Our study for this two-part session  takes us to Hebrews 4:1-5:10, a segment in the epistle which covers the "rest that still stands" and a sober warning for the "holy brethren" of 3:1 to "FEAR" lest any of them "should seem to have failed to reach it." (i.e., the "rest" that still stands). We look at the "good news" or "gospel" that came to the "us" in the letter and to the "them," explore the "living and active word of God" in 4:11-13 and the implications which follow the solemn truth and powerful aspect of the gospel (also seen in Romans 2:16) that "NO creature is hidden from his sight, but ALL are NAKED and EXPOSED to the eyes of him to whom WE MUST give account." Good news continues on the horizon in Part 2 of Lesson #5, as we explore the glorious provision made to us as God's redeemed people in the person of the sympathetic, reverent, appointed, and sinless risen and exalted Christ Jesus--the "priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Good news all the way around for the holy brethren!!! 

You can access a streaming version of the audio, download to your computer, or sync up with your iPod or other player by going directly here: Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #5A. If you would like to access the notes for both parts of Villa Scriptura Podcast #5, you may click here: https://www.acrobat.com/#d=8je-gMJF4XLUG7PCu9sk-A. 

The second part of this podcast episode will be posted soon, so please stay tuned. Our next lesson, covering an entirely different section in Hebrews (Villa Scriptura 's Podcast #6), will take place on Sunday, September 5, 2010.

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #4

After a review of Hebrews 1-2, we jump into Hebrews 3, where we are reminded to whom this epistle is written: "holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling."  We take our time to carefully dissect the critical terminology that the writer is using throughout this sobering chapter.  We then go on to explore the faithfulness of the "apostle and high priest of our confession" and discuss the implications of Christ's role as a "son" over God's house.  Just as Christ and Moses were faithful concerning this "house," we are called to a similar fidelity, steering clear of the negative historical example of the unfaithful Israelites in the wilderness who hardened their hearts and tested the Lord.  As the holy brethren hearing His voice TODAY, we are warned to not develop an "evil, unbelieving heart" and become hardened by the "deceitfulness of sin," thereby resulting in the inability of entering His "rest."  The podcast recording can be found here: Epistle to the Hebrews Study #4 You may access notes for the study here: Study notes for Lesson #4

Our next study--covering Hebrews 4:1-5:10--will take place on Tuesday, August 17th. 

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #3

Our home Bible study group here at "Villa Scriptura" picks back up in Hebrews 1:14, as we begin to grapple with the scriptural concept of our inheritance as a future event. As the seven citations from Chp. 1 demonstrate to us, the "So-Great Salvation" is a coming event that will be inaugurated when the "firstborn" is brought back into the inhabitable world (1:6). It will be at that time when the angels--the "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to INHERIT SALVATION"--will be commanded to worship the Son as He rules from the throne He has inherited from His Father/His God (i.e., the Davidic throne). During this study, we are introduced to the author's first warning, as he implores us that we MUST PAY CLOSER ATTENTION to what we've heard, lest we "DRIFT AWAY FROM IT" (the "IT," we learn, is the "great salvation" outlined in 1:5-13). We conclude by exploring how this salvation was delivered by our Lord, attested to "us" by those who heard (i.e.,the apostles), and borne witness to by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to the direct will of God. Chapter 2 then concludes by showing how the "author" or "pioneer" of our salvation is bringing many sons to glory as "a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God," making "propitiation for the sins of the people," having suffered in the flesh then crowned with glory and honor. Our next study in planned for Tuesday, July 13th.  The audio podcast recording can be accessed here: Epistle to the Hebrews Study #3
Notes for this study are here: Notes for Hebrews Lesson #3

Epistle to the Hebrews Study #2

Our home Bible study continues to look into this magnificent Epistle to the Hebrews, concluding our investigation of the seven citations the author refers to as he allows the Scriptures to define the "Son" for us and helps us to determine why He is the only one qualified to "become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent that theirs." (Heb. 1:4). After we review the previous citations from Psalm 2, 2 Samuel 7, and Deuteronomy 32:43, we wrap up our examination of what friends Bill and Steve Ramey have called these "Seven Pillars of the So-Great Salvation" by delving into Psalm 104, Psalm 45, Psalm 102, and finally Psalm 110, where we bump into the epistle's first mention of the "priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." I hope you will all enjoy getting into the Holy Scriptures with us. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 29th.You can listen and study with us online here: Villa Scriptura Episode #2
Study/review notes are here: Study and Review Notes for Lesson #2

Launch of our New Home Bible Study in the Epistle to the Hebrews

We launched our first home Bible study in the Epistle to the Hebrews on Thursday, June 3rd.  Sabrina, Tim, Cortni, Bruce, and Joyce were together to dive into this extraordinary New Testament letter.  After providing some historical background, we looked into the Son's impressive "résumé" as the "appointed heir of all things,"(1:2b) "having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs." (1:4)  We also started discussing the first three of seven citations the author uses to elaborate on the preeminent nature of the Son--Psalm 2:7, 2 Sam. 7:14, and Deut. 32:43.  We looked at all of these citations in their original context.  You can hear our study via this podcast site: Villa Scriptura Podcast Episode #1

Notes are available and part of the text from Hebrews (Chps. 1-3) are found here:  Intro notes/Heb. 1-3