FROM SHADOW TO SUBSTANCE: Our Royal Eternal Priest

FSTS: The Many versus the One

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:1-18. This week, as we continue in the Book of Hebrews, it feels a little like a broken record. Over and over again, the author reminds us that in the old covenant, sacrifices were offered over and over again. In contrast, he compares them to Jesus’ once-for-all and forever sacrifice on the cross. What’s behind this repetitious tension between the many and the one? We'll unpack that question on this podcast.

FROM SHADOW TO SUBSTANCE: The Purified Conscience

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 9: 1 - 15. This week, we explore one of the most important themes in the book of Hebrews: worshiping with a free and purified conscience. The effects of Jesus’ priestly ministry are all-encompassing, reaching even our inner faculties of thought, reason, and judgment. In Hebrews 9, the author shows how the old covenant required external rituals that could never truly reach the heart of the matter. Yet God has always been pursuing our hearts. The mediator of the new covenant, however, provides what the old could never accomplish: the cleansing of our consciences. The joy of being a Christian is so deep and overwhelming because our darkest and deepest guilt has been forgiven and removed. Jesus has conquered our conscience!

FROM SHADOW TO SUBSTANCE: Jesus, Our Priestly King

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 8 This week, we dive into one of the more theologically rich developments in the Book of Hebrews. The consequences of Jesus being our kingly priest change everything. One of the biggest consequences is how we now understand God’s covenant with us. Through Jesus’ ministry and his current royal position beside the Father’s throne, he mediates a better covenant. That covenant means God’s law is written on our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. For God’s chosen people, transformed by his grace, how we are to live for Jesus is not something written on stone. It is written on our souls. God’s will for us becomes personal, intimate, and real.

FROM SHADOW TO SUBSTANCE: Our Royal Eternal Priest

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 7 This week, we return to Hebrews and look to Jesus. Jesus is our fearless, timeless, and courageous leader who promises to be with us at all times. The words from Hebrews 7:25 ring throughout all time and space: “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” As sinners in need of redemption, what infinite hope we have in Christ! Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Regardless of our thoughts, lives, and attitudes, the power of Christ as our Royal Priest will never leave us or forsake us. Thanks be to God that we serve such a majestic and personal Savior! Listen closely to see how Jesus does indeed fulfill the eternal role of our kingly priest/priestly king.

Aaron's Blessing

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 6:24-27 This week, we take a break from our series on Hebrews. Last week, the Preacher of Hebrews challenged us to stop being so dull of hearing and to grow up in the faith. At times, we need to hear this word. This week, however, Pastor Mark returns to a passage he has preached on before but not on this podcast. Numbers 6:24–27 is one of his favorite passages, partly because it provides so much comfort for us. Hear these words: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. We hope and pray that as you listen, you will feel the Lord's comfort, peace, and protection.