Yesterday, we began our “tale of two mountains” from Hebrews 12. You need to reed that one before you begin today’s. Because today it’s all about a different, contrasting mountain. Mount Zion Because we (and the original audience of Hebrews) have not come to the terrifying sight of Mt Sinai. Instead: 12:22-24 But you have come… Continue reading Hebrews 12:22-29

As we near the end of our series in Hebrews 10-12, we look at two final images; two mountains, in fact. Yet another argument from the writer to encourage his audience to see the advantage in persevering in faithfulness to Jesus. A tale of two mountains: Mount Sinai When we look at the world around us,… Continue reading Hebrews 12:18-21

So far in Hebrews there’s been a lot of talk about enduring shame and suffering persecution for the sake of Jesus. And the writer’s overarching appeal has been for his audience to persevere in faithfulness to Jesus, for two main reasons: It’s the right thing to do; it’s appropriate gratitude, given what Jesus has done… Continue reading Hebrews 12:5-11

Last week we spent a few days in Hebrews chapter 11, the Old Testament hall of faithfulness. The writer, having reminded his audience of their own example (chapter 10), reeled off a list of faithful people from Israel’s history as further examples to emulate. Each one gave up something in their present existence in order to take hold… Continue reading Hebrews 12:1-4

If you’re just joining us, you need to read Wednesday’s post to make sense of what’s going on here in Hebrews 11. And yesterday’s. We’ve looked at the example of Abraham and the other patriarchs. And most recently, Moses. So now we get to the next great hero of faithfulness: 11:29 By faith the people… Continue reading Hebrews 11:29-40

If you’re just joining us, you need to read yesterday’s post to make sense of what’s going on here in Hebrews 11. We’ve so far almost made it through to the end of Abraham’s story of faith. But there’s one last incident to record: 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as… Continue reading Hebrews 11:17-28

In preparation for today’s reading, have a look at the following video of the famous “marshmallow test.” The original marshmallow test was run by psychologists from Stanford University back in the 1960s. It was investigating our ability to put off short-term benefit in order to gain a greater benefit in the future.

Last Thursday we began a series in Hebrews 10-12. Throughout, the writer has been urging his readers to persevere in following Jesus, despite the fact that they were being persecuted and shamed by their families and community. So far, he has contrasted the great benefits of following Jesus with the terrible consequences of falling away. Today, he returns… Continue reading Hebrews 10:32-39