Hebrews 12(01–13)

Introduction We spent three weeks on Hebrews 11 and on that long list of people from the Old Testament. What did all these people have in common? After all, they were very different from one another. For instance, Moses, I'm sure, was very different from Rabab the prostitute. And they lived at different times and … Continue reading Hebrews 12(01–13)

Hebrews 11(23–40)

Introduction This is our third week studying Hebrews 11, where the author reminds us of all these people from the Old Testament, beginning with Abel and going on from him to mention Enoch and Noah and Abraham and Sarah and Isaac and Jacob and Joseph and Moses and on and on through the Old Testament. … Continue reading Hebrews 11(23–40)

Hebrews 11(08–22)

Introduction Because I've been away, it's been a while since we were studying the book of Hebrews together. But I'm sure you'll remember that I've said before that most commentators believe the book of Hebrews was written for Jewish Christians. That is, it was written for Jewish people who had been converted to faith in … Continue reading Hebrews 11(08–22)

Matthew 15(21–39)

Introduction Last week's passage was about the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who were careful to separate themselves from everything and everyone which might defile their ceremonial purity. And that meant the Pharisees and teachers of the law stayed away from Gentiles, who they considered to be unclean. However, in the first part … Continue reading Matthew 15(21–39)

Matthew 15(01–20)

Verses 1 to 9 Today's passage begins with Matthew telling us that Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem. The Pharisees were the 'separated ones'. They were Jews who tried to separate themselves from everything which was unclean and which might defile them. And that meant staying away from 'sinners' and performing ceremonial … Continue reading Matthew 15(01–20)