Beginning Sunday September 11 we resume our sermon series “Stay the Course: A Survey of the Book of Hebrews”. During these autumn months we anticipate digging into Hebrews 10-12 together.
Hebrews is different from other New Testament letters that we call “the epistles”. Unlike all the other letters, the author of Hebrews never identifies himself (though many theories abound), nor are we specifically told to whom the letter is written (though almost universally it is understood to be written to Jewish Believers living, most likely, in 1st Century Rome). But it is not just the absence of those common elements of a letter that makes Hebrews unusual. Even more unique is the way the letter flows. As at least one commentator notes, Hebrews is “a sermonic letter”. In other words, it reads more like a sermon than like a letter. But, through it all, there are some common threads, most notably the frequent encouragements for the readers to endure, to “run the race” of life; and to keep our eyes on Jesus “the author and perfecter of our faith”. A repeated theme throughout the letter is “Jesus is Better”. “Better than what?” one might ask. Better than everything, seems to be the answer. And my hope for us, as we continue in this series, is that we will indeed see and be reminded of how true that is. Jesus is Better – by far.
Suggested Resources
As we study the Book of Hebrews together, we want to provide some resources that should prove helpful and beneficial.
First, I want to commend to you a short video from Bible Project. This video is an 8-minute digitally animated introduction and overview of the Book of Hebrews.
Second, we have Hebrews Scripture Journals available for all who want them. These scripture journals are helpful for keeping notes, whether during the messages or from your own study throughout the week. The Hebrews Scripture Journals will be available, beginning this weekend, in the Commons. We ask a recommended donation of $3 per copy. The donations are requested only. We do not want anyone who wants a journal, but who may be short on funds, to go without one. The reason for this requested donation is simply to defray our expenses for this resource. (Scripture Journals retail for $7; we get them for just under $4/copy.)
Finally, we want to re-issue a challenge to everyone: Read through the Book of Hebrews at least once per month during the months we are studying this letter together. In other words, at least once each during September, October, and November. Take a break, if you wish, during December, when we take a break from Hebrews and shift our attention to Advent and Christmas. We’ll invite everyone to pick up the challenge again in January, when we are looking at the final verses of this important (although too often overlooked) letter. It is amazing how the Word speaks to us when we read it again and again, especially as we are gaining new insights though our times of study together.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 