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.