Truth 101 Class

  Hebrews 5:7-14 continues establishing Christ as the great high priest, who "became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey" (v. 9) through obedience and suffering. The passage also encourages moving beyond the milk of basic principles to the solid food of deeper knowledge of God's Word, discerning between good and evil. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 7-10 What do we learn about obedience and suffering from Christ's example? Verses 11-14 Where am I in my spiritual maturity?  What can I do to grow stronger in my faith? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Called by God" (Hebrews 5): Link

  Hebrews 5:1-6 further establishes Christ as the great high priest. Jesus fulfills all the qualifications of a high priest, such as being chosen from among men as the representative, able to offer sacrifice for sin, compassionate, and called by God. The quotation from Psalm 110:4, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek" ( ref. Genesis 14:18-20 ), highlights that Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood, while also pointing to Christ as King. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-6 In what ways am I grateful that Christ is my great high priest? What can I learn from this passage about being more compassionate toward others? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Jesus Our High Priest" (Hebrews 5): Link

  Hebrews 4:11-16 offers concluding exhortations to enter God's rest with a reminder that the word of God is able to pierce the hardest heart, exposing the deepest thoughts and intentions. Yet, our confidence is in Jesus, our sympathetic great high priest, who enables us to approach the throne to receive mercy and grace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 11-13 How does the word of God reveal the thoughts and intentions of my heart? Verses 14-16 How does Jesus enable us to approach God with confidence and receive mercy and grace in our time of need? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: Hebrews 4:12-16: Link

  Hebrews 4:1-10 focuses on entering God's rest. Those who do not hear and believe the gospel message are not able to enter God's rest. However, God established His plan of salvation since the foundation of the world. Thus, just as God rested from His work on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2), we can also enter His rest by placing our faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-10 Fear, disobedience, and lack of trust kept Israel from entering God's rest.  What can sometimes cause me to restlessly "wander in the wilderness" as well? What does truly entering God's rest look like in my life? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: Hebrews 4:1-11: Link

  Hebrews 3:12-19 focuses on the warning against hardened hearts caused by unbelief and rebellion. With a sense of urgency, we are called to encourage one another to hold firmly to Christ, so that we may enter God's rest. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 12-19 How can we encourage one another most effectively?  Am I actively participating in my life with Christ, or have I become more of a spectator? [NOTE: In v.14, the word for "to share" can also be translated to partner, associate, partake, or participate] Just as exercise and healthy eating help keep our physical hearts healthy, what helps keep my spiritual heart healthy and enables me to hold firmly to my faith? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: Hebrews 3:12-19: Link

  Hebrews 3:1-11 points out that Jesus is greater than Moses and worthy of greater glory:   Moses was a member of God's house, Jesus is the builder. Moses was a faithful servant, Jesus is the Son. Moses testified of things to come, Jesus fulfills the testimony. The quotation from Psalm 95:7-11 warns against being like the Israelites who, with hardened hearts, rebelled against God in the wilderness and failed to enter God's rest. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-6 What helps me to better fix my thoughts on Jesus? [NOTE: The word for "fix my thoughts on" can also be translated consider, take note of, think deeply about, reflect on, ponder, perceive, observe, or set my focus on] As the contrast between Jesus and Moses reminds us to rest in the gift of salvation by grace through faith rather than relying on works of the Law, are there times when I place too much emphasis on my own good works? Verses 7-1...