Lesson 12

Consider Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us ..."

There is no denying it - it is human nature to choose the easy way rather than the hard way.  We would rather have a simple solution than a complicated one.  We would choose an easy job before a difficult job.  And certainly we would wish for an unencumbered path through life over one filled with struggles and challenges.

But when it comes to our spiritual path, we are promised a way that will never make sense from a worldly perspective.  On the one hand, Jesus tells us "my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt 11:30).  But in Luke 9:23, he says "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

This verse in Hebrews tells us we are to run a race with perseverance.  Evidently it is not going to be easy!

What do you make of this?   Let's be ready to discuss it!

In Christ,
Bill

Lesson 11

Talk to most parents, and they will be glad to tell you about how their children grew up.  Many families even have a spot in the house with markers posted to show their childrens' height at different ages.  We know that growth and (hopefully) inevitable maturity are a part of life.  In fact, growth is expected.  We  seek medical help if growth does NOT happen as it should.

In our spiritual lives, God expects us to grow and mature.  And He warns us that we MUST grow.  Otherwise, we should seek help to grow and mature as we should!

This week we consider Hebrews 6:1 "Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God ..."

What danger is there is not growing?  What are some signs of lack of growth?  What practical steps can we take to be spiritually "healthy"?  Do I ever finish "growing up"?

Remember those on our prayer list, study the scripture above in it's context.  Come ready to share and learn!

P.S. Here is a link to just one article on spiritual growth to start you thinking.

Lesson 10

This week we focus on two more passages from Hebrews:

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."  Hebrews 10:22

Hebrews emphasizes that we can now come near to God with confidence!  Our great high priest, Jesus, makes that possible.  Don't overlook the description of us "approaching" and "drawing near" to God.  How is that significant?  What obstacles might there be to hinder us from being able to approach God's throne?  What does it mean to have a "sincere" heart?

Continue your study and prayer this week.  We have much to be thankful for.

See you soon!

Lesson 9

Consider two new passages in Hebrews:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  Hebrews 4:14

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

We are in the book of Hebrews again, where the writer is forcefully showing us that Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else.  We need look no further.  He is the "way, the truth and the life" according to John 14:6.  In these two verses in Hebrews, we are told to "hold fast".  Makes me think of being in the path of an imminent storm with straight line winds bearing right down on me, making it difficult to stand.  I need an anchor!

Read Hebrews for a greater understanding and consider why, how, and when we should hold fast spiritually.

Remember those on our prayer list, and tell God you love Him in your prayers this week.  See you soon!

I must be about my Father's business

This post is not a lesson we will cover in class.  However, it is a lesson we can all be encouraged by.  I am blessed to teach you each Sunday, and each Sunday I grow just a little closer to you.   I love each member of the class.   I just want you to know that every week I strive to find the most effective way to bring a message that is Biblically sound and that will stimulate our spiritual growth.

Do I ever get discouraged?  Yes indeed.  But I remember Galatians 6:9.  I never want to become "weary in doing good".  And my hope is that you feel the same way!  Those of you who have made comments before, during, and after class have encouraged me greatly.  Just your presence motivates me.

Here is something I found and want to share with you.  I hope you find it helpful:

Phil Robertson speaks about why we need Jesus


Bill

Lesson 8

Our text for this lesson is Hebrews 4:11  "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."

Other translations will read "... let us be diligent ...".   Sounds similar to our scripture for the last lesson, doesn't it?   Read the 4th chapter of Hebrews, looking for places the writer describes and refers to God's rest.  His focus is hard to miss.  Christians need to be reminded of God's rest, and be confident in their Christian walk.  We are to be active, and not passive.  Let's look forward to another great study together.  Your preparation will enhance your benefit.  Hope to see you there!

P.S. Please continue to pray for those we mentioned today.

Lesson 7

Is fear ever a good thing?  Is fear ever a bad thing?  We all have experienced fear, and we know it can be a very powerful emotion.  Can you describe your most fearful moment?  But how does the Bible define fear?  Consider the text for this lesson:

"Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it."  Hebrews 4:1

Please read the passage in context and be ready to discuss this together.  Hope to see you there!