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.