The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 26, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 12. This chapter gives three examples of how believers can understand the way we order our lives around faith. The christian life looks like a race, a family, and a kingdom that can’t be shaken. These pictures empower us to cultivate endurance in our lives and grow in holiness.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 12 & Genesis 25-26

To run the race God has set for us, we must let go of the weight that slows us down. How can we do that? First, choose friends committed to the race, which can encourage us in our faith, pray for us and hold us accountable. We were not created to run this race alone.

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 12 & Genesis 27-28

No one enjoys discipline and correction, but God’s discipline shows His love for us. Is there a “shaking” going on in your life? If so, how will you choose to respond? In anger, self-pity, or graciously surrender to what God is doing in your life.

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 12 & Deuteronomy 29

Moses warned the people of Israel about the root that bears bitter fruit. When we lose sight of the grace of God, or when we allow disappointment with God or others to nurture, the heart of unbelief can develop. So, when you recognize bitterness or hurt rising, immediately ask the Holy Spirit to remove it from you.

Thursday: Read Hebrews 12 & 13

In our reading earlier this week in Genesis, we saw through Esau’s life that sins sometimes have lasting consequences. Esau took his eyes off God’s promise and traded everything for a meal. How often do we make decisions based on what we want right now instead of keeping our eyes on God’s promises?

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 19, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 11. This chapter is a chronological study of our ancestors in the faith. It shows how men and women believed God’s promises and that belief shaped their daily lives. The author of Hebrews ends the chapter with a contrast of how these people of faith lived extraordinary lives but never inherited any of God’s promises. However, we have inherited these promises, through Christ, and should therefore live by faith in our daily lives.

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1. We saw today in Hebrews 11:1 that people of faith “have the assurance of things hoped for.” We should believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can trust God and are confident about the future He declares. Are there areas of your life where your faith is being challenged?

2. Read Hebrews 11:3-31 and take notice of all those who never saw the day of Christ, and yet – they were confident in God’s promise to them and faithful in the waiting. Are you confident and faithful in the waiting? As you read Hebrews 11, ask the Lord to fill you with faith like those who came before us.

3. Our faith in God and His word shapes our daily life. We should be living out our faith in God with obedience to Him. Our daily activities should not be done because we feel obligated, but rather as an expression of our faith. Abraham was willing to give up his only son because he trusted God. Has God asked you to surrender or give up something that has given you a sense of security or comfort?

4. Read Hebrews 11:32-40. These verses summarize the lives of some of the great men and women of faith. Some had great victories, and others experienced great adversity, persecution and even death. Faith in God does not promise us a life without difficulty. We may not see the reason for our struggles here on earth, but we can be confident in God’s promises to us for the future. Are you confident in God and His provision even when you are suffering?

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 10:19-39

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 12, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 10:19-39. This chapter begins the author’s appeal for Christians to live by faith in response to the supremacy of Jesus. Believers should gather together regularly, to encourage each other, and grow in love and good works. Forsaking the regular gathering of believers leads to spiritual drift, and the author brings this issue to light while encouraging the church to endure in our waiting on Christ’s return.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 10

Through the old covenant, God’s people were not allowed to enter the Holy Place; only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only one day a year. Focusing on verses 19-22, what grants us access to enter God’s Presence boldly and with confidence?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 10:19-39

What are the directives given to us in these verses? These are frequently presented with the phrase, let us. List them out or highlight each in your Bible.

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 10:19-39

What are some practical ways you can walk in obedience with the exhortations from this chapter?

Thursday: Read Hebrews 10:19-39 & Hebrews 11

The author of the Letter of Hebrews encourages us to look to our past when we became enlightened. Have you had seasons of drifting? Are you currently in a season of drifting? Ask the Holy Spirit for His Power to endure!

Friday: Read Hebrews 11

Faith is described in verse one as confidence and assurance. Meditate on those words today and let them cover every circumstance and situation you are walking through.

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 10:1-22

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 5, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 10:1-22. This chapter concludes the author’s argument for the supremacy of Jesus. He makes a case for the insufficiency of the priestly sacrifices and explains how they were meant to remind the people of their sin. The priestly sacrifices could not cover sin, but reminded Israel of their shortcomings and pointed to a better covering in the sacrifice of Jesus. After this final appeal, the author breaks forth into a call to draw near to God and boldly pursue Christ as supreme over all.

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1. As we read Hebrews 10, we see that it is impossible for the bull and goat sacrifices to take away sin. If the blood sacrifices of animals were enough, then the priests would not have continued the practice. The only reason for the offering was to remind God’s people of their need for forgiveness of sin, and to create a desire for a sufficient atonement to come. Have you fully accepted the forgiveness of your sin through Christ Jesus?

2. The only sufficient atonement for sin was the blood of Jesus. Without accepting the forgiveness of ALL our sin through Christ’s shed blood, we continue to practice a works- based faith instead of a grace-based faith. This is not freedom, but rather slavery. We try to earn God’s grace and affection by doing good deeds or bargaining with Him. These are forms of “making sacrifices” to Him that are insufficient at best. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any areas of sin, shame, guilt that you are still holding on to.

3. In Hebrews 10:5-10, it is explained to us that God doesn’t want our sacrifices – He wants us to hear with “the ears He dug” for us. Are we seeking? Are we listening? Are we accepting? Have you allowed your ears to become plugged up or deafened to His word to you? Pray and ask Him to open your ears to hear!

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 26, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 9. This chapter continues the author’s argument that the tabernacle and temple furniture served as a shadow of the heavenly temple. The author details the regulations for worship under the old covenant and how they pointed to Jesus and His priestly work in heaven. The chapter makes much of Jesus and the power of His blood to forgive sin and clean the human conscience.

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1. In Hebrews 9 we are reminded that the tabernacle is a shadow of a greater temple in heaven. Animal sacrifice was necessary to atone for sin. Access to God was restricted. Forgiveness of sin was restricted. Through Christ’s shed blood we have direct access to God and complete forgiveness of ALL sin! As you reflect on this, pray and ask God to reveal any areas of sin or shame that you are still holding on to.

2. Rituals gave comfort to the people of God. It was a new way of thinking for them to realize that ritual sacrifices were no longer needed to atone for sin because Christ did this once and for all on the cross. Are you trying to earn your way into heaven? Are you trying to be good enough for God to love you or use you? Friend, the debt has been paid! No more living in guilt and shame! Jesus died in our place! Spend time worshiping Him and thanking Him for His perfect gift.

3. Jesus shed His blood so that we could have full access to God! We don’t need to go through anyone else (pastor, priest, etc.) The writer of Hebrews was completely wrecked by Jesus. May we experience the same! To God be the glory, great things He has done!

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 19, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 8. This chapter begins the author’s argument that the Tabernacle and Temple furniture served as a shadow of the heavenly temple and a shadow of a better covenant. The author appeals to Jeremiah 31 for his argument and cites the three ways the new covenant is superior to the old covenant.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 8

Sometimes writers do not spell out the central point for us, leaving us to study it. However, the author clearly states that we have a High Priest who sat down at the right hand of God. Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us He was fully human so He would become a merciful and faithful High Priest; He made atonement for our sins. Because He suffered when He was tempted, He can help us when we are tempted.

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 8 & Jeremiah 31:31-34

Will you look up and read each Old Testament cross reference you find in the margins of your Bible for Hebrews chapter 8? Then, ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and heart to understand His Word. What is He teaching you today?

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 8

According to Jeremiah 31, why was a new covenant necessary? In the new covenant, God writes His law on our hearts, and the Holy Spirit gives us new desires. Jesus sits at the right hand of God, praying for us.

Thursday: Read Hebrews 8

Some Jewish believers held to old ways instead of accepting Christ’s new covenant. Is there anything you are clinging to for comfort, security, consistency, or tradition holding you back in your relationship with Jesus?

Friday: Read Hebrews 8 & 9

Will you look up and read some of the Old Testament cross-references you find in the margins of your Bible for Hebrews chapter 9? Then, ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart to hear and receive God’s Word from Marshall on Sunday.

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 12, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 7. This chapter expands on the author’s argument that Jesus is a high priest from a greater order than the Levites. The superiority of Christ means the church no longer needs to return to the old priesthood and covenant to achieve covering for their sin. Christ is enough. Believers in Jesus can rest in the work of Christ and the blessing that comes from giving our lives to Him.

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1. As we read Hebrews 7, we see that Melchizedek is a shadow of something greater to come - Jesus. We see Abraham affirming this by giving his tithe to Melchizedek and giving God the glory for his victory in war. In what ways do we show God that we know and believe that Jesus is the great high priest in our lives?

2. The author of Hebrews is appealing to the early church to not go backwards to old habits or rituals because it’s what was done in the past. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any areas of your life where you are practicing old habits or rituals because it is comfortable or feels familiar.

3. Jesus was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of all sin. We can’t work our way to God. In what ways are you trying to earn God’s love and forgiveness? Friend, Jesus is enough! All you need is Jesus!

4. We see in Hebrews 7:7 that Abraham was blessed for his faithfulness. He gave to God and God blessed him. When we give to God, He always gives back with a blessing. We will never be able to out-give God. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal areas of your life that need to be given to Him – money, time, talents, relationships, etc. Give Him EVERYTHING! Watch and see what the Lord does! He will bless you beyond what you can think or imagine!

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 6

Pastor Lyell Walker | February 5th, 2023

In this message, Pastor Lyell Walker teaches on Hebrews Chapter 6. This message discusses the importance of moving from immaturity to maturity and the implication of staying still spiritually. The writer of Hebrews is warning his listeners that if the anchor of you soul isn’t Jesus and Jesus alone, we run the risk of falling away and returning to our pre-enlightened self.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 6

In what ways are you pressing on to maturity to a deeper understanding of Christ and how to live effectively for Him?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 6

Are there any ways you are pushing Jesus back to a secondary place in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything that Jesus is not King over in your life.

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 6

The author of the letter of Hebrews uses an analogy from agriculture to describe Christian lives that result in the fruit of the Spirit. Are you a land that drinks in the rain? A shallow faith opens the doors for doubt and disobedience.

Thursday: Read Hebrews 6

Will you read through Hebrews 6 and take note of every instruction given? I like to highlight these in my Bible; some like to make a list; whatever way you choose, will you let these instructions seep deep into your mind? The first is to leave the elementary teaching of Christ and press on to maturity.

Friday: Read Hebrews 6

One of the instructions in verse 12 is to show diligence to the end, not be lazy, but to imitate those who, through faith and patience, inherit what has been promised (Hebrews 11). Does your life provide an example of faithfulness for others?