Patricia A

Q4. (Hebrews 11:8-31) What was the powerful motivating factor behind the actions taken by the people mentioned in these verses? These people had a strong faith in God's promises. What was this faith based on? They believe God and His word. At the Red Sea, how did the Israelites' faith differ from that of the Egyptian army? The Israelites believed God was with them and would take care of them. The Egyptian army did not trust in God. Did Rahab have real faith or was she a shrewd opportunist -- or is there a difference? I really don't think there is a difference. When our faith is strong, we are shrewd opportunist as we are taking the opportunity to have eteranal life with God.

Moses had a vision of leading the people of God out of bondage. He carried out the sprinkling of the blood on the doorposts so that the children of Israel would be passed over and all of God's people crossed the Red Sea to freedom from bondage of the Egyptians. Moses was willing to suffer because of this vision. Faith also creates for us a vision of eternal life with God knowing that the trials of this world are only temporary.

Q1. (Hebrews 11:8-19) Abraham was on a faith-quest, looking for a city (verse 10) and a country (verses 14-16). How does his faith-journey encourage yours? Abraham's faith-journey encourages me in that it makes me conscious even more that this World is not our home. We are living in this world but we know this world is not our true home. We pray and listen to God's leading as He leads us to this real home just as God did for Abraham. There will be trials and hardships along the way as we travel the road to our true home but just as with Abraham, I ask God to keep my faith in His promise strong. In Scriptural typology, what is the final "city" which we shall see? The final "city" we shall see is heaven (the place where God lives). (12:22) What is the final country of which we are citizens? (12:28) The final country is also heaven or the place where we shall live forever with joy as we are with Our Heaven Father.

Q4. (Hebrews 11:11). Which part of faith is related to (1) the depth of Abraham's confidence in God? Abraham believed in God's promise as he believed God to be trustworthy. Which part of faith is related to (2) the real existence and power of such a God? Abraham realized God had been faithful in his life as His promises were fulfilled. How would you describe a faith that lacks either element? Both elements are important in faith. One that lacks believing in God misses the personal relationship and the knowing that person can be trusted. A faith lacking believing God's promises would believe God's existence but not what He has promised. What a joy to have faith in both elements. Based on verse 11 (not on verses 1-2), formulate in your own words a definition of faith. Faith to me means that even though I can' physically see, touch, hear, etc. God, I know He exists and that His promises are true.

Q3. Every religion has its own kind of faith. What is the content of the Judeo-Christian type of faith that sets it apart from any other? The Judeo-Christian type of faith is different from other faiths as our God is living now and will live always. Our faith is based on the birth, life, death for our sins and ressurection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. What is the basis of Noah's faith (11:7)? Noah believed God, had a fear of God and obeyed God. What is the basis of our faith? Our faith is based on our strong belief that Jesus is the Son of God and is God, that He lived on earth, died for our sins and rose from the dead. We believe those who accept His invitations will live with Him forever in a state of true joy. How does faith grow (see Romans 10:17)? Faith grow by living a life close to God which includes prayer, hearing and studying His Word and by believing His promises .

Q2. (Hebrews 11:6) The first element of faith is belief in God's existence. Why is the second element just as essential to true faith? The second element is so essential as it means to develop that close relationship with God. Our relationship with God is the most important thing in our life. What does it mean to "seek" God? To seek God means that we live our lives constantly striving to make our relationship with God a more real and living one. This can be done through prayer, studying the Word, meditation and praising God. What difference does it make whether or not you believe God will reward seekers? Through faith, we know God will reward seekers because there can be no greater reward than a close relationship with God forever.

Faith is believing God and His Word.

Q4. (Hebrews 10:35-36) Why is perseverance in faith hard sometimes? Because of the trials of life and attacks from Satan. Constant prayer and studying of God's Word is needed to keep up strong when attacks come. Why is perseverance so important? We need to be strong to overcome the trials and frustrations of life. God will be with us and help us if we stay close to Him. How is Christian fellowship important in perseverance? (3:12-14) Encouragement from other Christians help us to focus on what's important. We all become weak and vulnerable and need to support each other. What can we do to encourage other Christians in this sometimes difficult journey? Let them know we love them and that God loves them. Pray with them and for them and give encouragement.

Q3. (Hebrews 10:26-31). (In your discussion, please resist the temptation to slam another Christian who might understand the security of the believer differently from you!) What kind of sin is expressed by the phrase, "deliberately keep on sinning" (10:26)? I believe that vs. 26 means a being defiant toward God and willfully living with the attitude of being opposed to God and His Word.[/b] Is this talking about sins related to the weakness of our flesh or apostasy? [/b] I do not believe this is talking about weakness of the flesh but rather willfully turning against God and rejecting God completely. What elements in 10:29 contribute to your understanding that this is indeed flagrant apostasy, not garden-variety sin? All of the elements in the verse contribute to my understanding that this is apostasy. trampled the Son of God under foot treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him insulted the Spirit of grace [/b]

Q2. According to Hebrews 3:13 and 10:24-25, what should be a prime motive for meeting together with other Christians? We meet together with other Christians to worship God and to have a closer relationship with Him and to love and encourage His children. What is our usual motivation? Our usual motivation is for fellowship as we worship God together and for working together in service to others (missions). Why do Christians so often get out of the habit of attending church or a small group? There are many different reasons but I feel the root of the problem is putting emphasis on the wrong thing as far as to what is important in life. It can be a real temptation to let what we call "fun and recreational" activities take the place of attending church, bible studies, small groups, etc. When we find the most joy in serving God and drawing closer to Him, we will let these things be first in our lives. Sometimes individuals have been "hurt", feel left out, etc. and thus no longer attend. How can we help these individuals? It's important that we reach out to these individual with love, share our lives and our time with them, help them to get involved but giving support and encouragement and pray with them and for them.

Q1. (Hebrews 10:19-21) How did the veil of the Tabernacle function in Old Testament worship? Sin came between God and man and the veil was a visible reminder of this. The temporary system for having a relationship with God was through animal sacrifices. This sacrifice was offered by the high priest. What is the significance of the veil being ripped in two at Jesus' crucifixion? When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the separation between man and God was removed. The veil was ripped to show that man now has access to God as our sins have been forgiven. The blood of Christ has given us free access to God. Why is our access to God called a "new and living way"? This is called a "new and living way" because we now have a new life and now can live forever with God. Our sins are forgiven and through Jesus Christ we now have free access to God forever. In what sense is it new? In what sense is it living? This is new because it is different from the old way of animal sacrifice. We now have a new life in Jesus Christ. It is living because it has no end. It goes on forever as we have eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Q4. (Hebrews 10:4) Why can't the blood of bulls and goats actually take away sin? When the inner man is changed, sin can be forgiven but the blood of bulls and goats only changed the outer man. What happened then to the sins the Old Testament saints thought were atoned for under the Old Covenant? The people of the Old Testament looked forward to the coming of the Messiah.Their sins were also washed away by the blood of Christ as He reached back through time.

The animal sacrifices were once a year and cleansed the out man. Christ's sacrifice freed us from our sins and thus cleansed the inner man forever.

Q3. (Hebrews 9:28) How did the purpose of Christ's First Coming differ from his Second Coming? The First Coming of Christ was to bring salvation to those who believe by giving His blood in death for our sins. When Jesus returns again, He will reign as King of Kings. Which did the Jews expect? The Jews expected a Savior who would free them from the trials of this world. How does the mission of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53 fit here? Jesus came and suffered for our sins and thus brought us salvation.

Q5. (Hebrews 9:11-12) What does "redemption" mean? Redemption mean bought with a price. The price was the blood of Jesus Christ. What were we redeemed from? We were redeemed from the bondage of sin. What was the price of our redemption? The price paid for our redemption was the blood of Jesus Christ who died so that we may have eternal life with God. How long does our redemption last? Our redemption is eternal. What a gift and joy that this is true.

Q4. (Hebrews 9:9) Why were external sacrificial regulations unable to cleanse or perfect the conscience? The external sacrificial regulations were just that--external rather than from the heart and conscience. These were only a shadow of the coming of Christ whose blood was the last sacrifice. How does a guilty conscience keep us from intimacy with God? A guilty conscience keeps one from being open and honest and build anxiety and dread all of which gets in the way of real intimacy. What is necessary for us to be able to come "boldly" (4:16)? When we truly know the love of God for us and know that Jesus died for our sins, we can come "boldly" before the throne of grace. What a joy to know this gift is real and truly gives us freedom to be filled with hope and the joy of knowing their will be eternal life.

Q3. (Hebrews 9:7) Did the Old Covenant provide forgiveness for intentional, active, maintained rebellion against God? No, the Old Covenant did not provide forgiveness for intentional rebellion against God. Does the New Covenant provide this forgiveness? What a blessing and joy to know that the New Covenant does provide forgiveness for all sins. What is required for forgiveness to be granted? In order for sins to be forgiven, we must confess our sin and humble ourselves before God.

The Old Covenant failed because the people did not remain faithful to God. Even though he safely brought them out of Egypt, they did not keep the Covenant. The New Covenant is one where God tells them He will put His law in their minds and write it on their hearts. His children will know Him personally and He will forgive their sins so that they can live with Him forever.

Q1. (Hebrews 8:6) In what sense is Jesus the "mediator" of a new covenant? Jesus became the mediator between man and God the Father. Thus our sins were forgiven and we were made blameless. The covenant between man and God was sealed with the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.

In Hebrews 7:26, Jesus is described as The high Priest who is holy, harmless undefiled and is separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens. Jesis is the only one who can atone for all man's sin. Only Jesus can do this. Human priest are unable to forgive our sins. What a joy to know for sure that Jesus has paid a price for my sins. This gives me the assurance of know I have eternal life with Him.

In Hebrews 7:26, Jesus is described as The high Priest who is holy, harmless undefiled and is separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens. Jesis is the only one who can atone for all man's sin. Only Jesus can do this. Human priest are unable to forgive our sins. What a joy to know for sure that Jesus has paid a price for my sins. This gives me the assurance of know I have eternal life with Him.

Q3. (Hebrews 7:24-25) Why is Jesus able to save people "completely" -- "to the uttermost" according to verse 25? What is the essential function of a priest? Why is intercession the essence of being a priest? The intercession of Jesus is ongoing and thus we can be sure of continual salvation. Heb 5:1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Intercession is the essence of being a priest because by defintion a Priest represents man man in matters related to God. Thus Jesus is our High Priest as he represents man and intercedes between man and God. This is ongoing and thus if we accept this, our salvation is assured. What a gift!

A guarantor or surety is when one becomes responsible for the debt of another. Jesus paid our debt caused by sin. Thus we are not under the law's demands and are free. Jesus is our guarantor or surety. What a gift of grace. But Jesus stands as a continuing guarantor. He guarantees to the people that God will fulfill his covenant of forgiveness, and he guarantees to God that those who are in him are acceptable.

We live in a state of faith and can have patience whatever may happen in our lives because we know the best is yet to come. Our perspective is one of living for eternal life with God. We must always remember that when we endure, our endurance is because of God's working in our lives. We do not live by our own strength but everything is a gift from God. God gets all the glory for our endurance and for everything that happens in our lives.