Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

(If you haven't read Genesis 14 and Psalms 110 do that now.)

We would first point out the utter importance of this subject.  If you will remember the writer first tried to discuss Melchizedek back in chapter 5, but would not discuss him until we were listening.  Don't miss this very important truth.  The first thing we see about Melchizedek the priest is that he fulfilled a dual role.  He was both king and priest.  One could ask either Saul (1 Sam. 13:8-14) or Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-21) about the dangers of a king trying to offer sacrifices like a priest.  To say it takes a special individual to fulfill the dual role is an understatement.  Praise Christ for being unique!  He, like Melchizedek, is both King and Priest.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Cindy Heflin
• Lucy Sanchez
• Neal & Nancy Hindman

Hebrews 7:1–3
1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually."

The writer has made the point that Jesus is our high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.  To which we ask, "Who?"  That is where the writer goes next.  Melchizedek is an Old Testament picture of Jesus.  He is a "prophetic type".  In short, we learn more about the high priestly role of Jesus by learning about Melchizedek.  So today, we need to do some homework.  Go read Genesis 14 which is the historical account of Melchizedek and then read Psalm 110 which is the text our writer is preaching in reference to Melchizedek.  Thank God for having much to teach us about the glory of Christ!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lance & Amy Harris (Kodah)
• Rita Harris

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

And now we come full circle back to this Melchizedek who was first introduced to us at the end of chapter 5.  Jesus is a priest!  He's a priest like Melchizedek!  The writer will soon explain that to us.  Today praise Jesus for being your High Priest.  Praise Him for interceding for you before the Father.  Praise Him for securing your hope.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Pam Goodall
• Max & Rebecca Haney

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

We also learn about the anchor of our hope, where it is anchored.  And the answer is that our hope is anchored "within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us."  Our hope is an effective hope.  Our hope is in Jesus Christ who is seated at God's right hand.  We hope for the blessing of Abraham through His seed, and we see that God has already exalted Him!  Our hope is secure!  Our hope is steadfast!  Our hope will not fail.  Hope in Jesus Christ today!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlena Fitzgerald (Gage)
• Benny & Cathy Fitzgerald

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

The next thing we learn about hope is that it is "both sure and steadfast".  When manufacturers test actual anchors there are two main things to consider.  How well does it grip the surface and how strong is the shaft once it grips.  In other words, how sure is it and how steadfast is it?  Our hope is both!  God's hope sticks and God's hope never bends.  Lay hold of His hope today by believing His promises!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• David & Toni Crawford
• Bonnie Edwards

Hebrews 6:19–20
19 "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

The writer wants us to take hold of the hope set before us.  Here he explains the value of hope.  And first we read that hope is "an anchor for the soul".  What a glorious thing to be anchored!  To not be subject to every prevailing wind or every deceptive doctrine.  Hope is what allows you to endure even when you don't understand.  Praise God for hope today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Les & Tammy Fincher (Tyler, Ramey, Seth, Chase)
• Joe & Paula Fincher

Hebrews 6:16–18
16 "For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us."

The final admonition of this passage is that we would "take hold of the hope set before us."  Have you ever thought of hope as something you must take hold of?  Hope does not come natural to us.  We are fallen creatures in a fallen world.  So how do we take hold of hope?  By believing God's promises are true and trusting in His nature to never lie.  That is how you grab hope and enjoy it.  If you lack hope today, ask yourself if you are believing God's promises?  Pray that God will grant you the faith to believe them and thus have hope.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Phil & Paula Driggers
• Neta Driggers

Hebrews 6:16–18
16 "For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us."

Finally in this passage the writer explains who is supposed to benefit from God's trustworthy nature and binding oath.  And the answer is, "we who have taken refuge."  That is to say "those of us who are believing that through the seed of Abraham; Jesus Christ, the blessing is real and true for us as well."  We believe that God will bless us through Abraham's seed and we never stop believing that.  Praise God for the blessing of Jesus Christ and commit to take refuge in Him for the rest of your life.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Leo & Joan Day
• Steve & Janet Bridges

Hebrews 6:16–18
16 "For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us."

We see that God was so determined to show us His unchangeable purpose that not only did He state His purpose, but He made an oath to fulfill it.  The writer says that God's promise to Abraham to bless Him (Gen. 22:17) is then founded on two unmovable principles.  One is that God cannot lie.  The other is that God swore an oath.  Both work to assure our hearts that the blessing of Abraham is true.  Praise God for His promise of blessing through Abraham's seed and believe it is true.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronnie & Marcella Bilberry
• Derek & Cheyenne Bilberry (Gentry, Cooper, Kutter)

Hebrews 6:16–18
16 "For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us."

We just read in the preceding passage that God could swear by no one greater, so He swore by Himself.  The writer reveals how strange that is to our human culture which is so accustomed to deception that hardly anything is believed without an oath or a witness.  Nonetheless, God is trustworthy, He doesn't have to make an oath, He never lies.  That is what makes His oath to Abraham even more incredible.  God's word alone is enough, the fact that He added an oath in making a promise to bless Abraham was for our benefit.  God wanted us to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He will keep His word.  Confess to God that you believe Him today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• The Lost of Spur
• Those in our church who suffer

Hebrews 6:13–15
13 "For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” 15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise."

Consider in this passage the character of God.  God made a promise to Abraham, but could swear by no one greater than Himself.  Consider today that there is none more trustworthy than God.  There is none more honest than God.  When God says He will do something, we have more reason to believe Him than any other promise that has ever been recorded.  Praise God for His trustworthy character today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Chris & Meegan Weaver (Aydin, Calin, Maggie)
• Texas Girls & Boys Ranch

Hebrews 6:13–15
13 "For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” 15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise."

The previous text invited us to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Then the writer moves to the patience of Abraham.  God made a promise to Abraham and Abraham received the promise...many years later.  We often speak of Abraham as the father of faith and recognize his faith through his obedience.  Here the writer wants you to recognize the faith of Abraham in his patience.  He believed God would honor His word and he never stopped believing it.  Pray for the same endurance in your life.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronnie & Janet Overby
• Taylor & Tanya Phillips (Tyler, Timberlyn)

Hebrews 6:9–12
9 "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Another encouragement from the writer as he seeks to impart assurance to his congregation is that they "not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."  Don't hesitate.  Immediately follow the example of those who have faithfully walked before you.  There is never a time like the present to serve the Lord and His church.  Ask God to guide you to minister to His people today.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Don & Judy Kaneski
• Ole & Doreen Olson

Hebrews 6:9–12
9 "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

As noted, the writer is now trying to supply assurance to those whom he has warned.  Here we find a secret to enjoying assurance.  He writes, "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end".  That verse teaches that diligence in ministry leads to assurance of hope.  Are you lacking assurance?  Check your diligence to serve the church.  Pray that God would grant you opportunities for service and assurance as you serve.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cody Lee
• Brendon Walker

Hebrews 6:9–12
9 "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

After an intense warning about falling away, the writer now seeks to settle the fears of the genuinely redeemed by helping them examine the fruits of their salvation.  He lists things like "your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints."  In short, the fruit of their salvation was a genuine love for God evidenced by their ongoing ministry to the church.  Do you love the church?  Pray that God would grant you more opportunities to minister to her.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Gracie Hadding
• Cindy Wampler

Hebrews 6:9–12
9 "But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

The warning of the previous passage was severe, and indeed it is one that every professing believer must be aware of.  However, the threats of judgment issued there are not the reality for the true believer.  Even though the writer made such warnings, here he reveals that he does not believe that his congregation is one that will fall away.  He has seen their fruit, and what is more, God has seen it too.  His only request is that those who have started well would not be sluggish, but would finish well.  Pray for our church that we would also be faithful to continue and finish well.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Vicki Diggs
• Cindy Glass
• Liam & Riannon Horn

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

Those who are enlightened and fall away can never be brought to repentance and the reason is because they crucify to themselves Christ all over again.  It is the ultimate rejection and as a penalty God stops revealing and God stops calling.  They are compared to ground that refuses to produce vegetation so God stops watering it.  How dangerous it is to stop only at enlightenment.  Pray that all those in our church who know the truth, but have yet to confess Jesus Christ would do so!

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ken Brendle
• Doug & Carissa Clark (Elsie, Rivers, Murphy, Hezekiah, Judah)

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

So we are dealing with people who have been given a full understanding of the gospel of salvation.  The Holy Spirit gave them full access for a season that they might know the glory of salvation.  The problem is that for some reason they reject it and fall away.  It is the sin of apostasy and the writer says that those who commit it can never be brought back to repentance.  Pray still for our congregation that none stop short of salvation, but press on to genuine repentance and faith.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Kermit & Kathy Woolley
• Kolby and Jaydee Adams (Waylon)

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

Speaking of enlightenment the writer also mentions those who "have tased the good word of God and the powers of the age to come."  That is to say that God's word has been explained and they have witnessed first-hand the power of God's kingdom in the transformed lives around them.  These are people who have been shown all they need to see about salvation.  Pray that such people would press on to faith.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Ronald & Kim Todd
• Norman & Brenda Hill

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

Let's examine the enlightenment.  The writer speaks of those who "tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit."  This does not equal salvation.  It speaks merely of one who has been granted, by the Holy Spirit to understand the truth of the gospel and feel the weight and conviction of their sin.  That is a blessing from God.  Pray that all those who receive such a blessing would press on to faith and repentance.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Cathy Spencer
• Tommy & Peggy Swaringen

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

The writer speaks of those who have "once been enlightened".  What does he mean?  He is speaking of those who have come to a full intellectual, emotional, and even experiential knowledge of the gospel.  We see words like "tasted" and "partakers".  They have been shown it all.  It seems strange that a person with such enlightenment could turn away from Christ, but they can.  Pray that none in our church do.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• John & Shannon Parum
• Martha Pickens

Hebrews 6:4–8
4 "For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned."

An often misunderstood passage, but one of great importance.  Let's start with the basic audience.  Verse 4 identifies them who have once been enlightened.  Verse 6 indicates them as those who eventually fall away.  We will begin there with this observation.  While enlightenment is necessary for salvation, it is not salvation in and of itself.  Those who are merely confronted with truth can still fall away from it.  Pray that none in our church stop simply with enlightenment.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Rory & Carrie Mosley (Abigail)
• Willie & Margaret Neufeld (Marissa, Cassie, Tyler, Aubrey, Ruby)

Hebrews 6:1–3
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, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits."

The writer also describes what he means by pressing on to maturity.  It requires leaving behind the elemental things like basic repentance, faith, washings, and laying on of hands, resurrection, and judgment.  The writer is referring to the Law and especially the sacrificial system.  If you think about it, it was all very "hands on", it was elemental, it was something that could be easily grasped by a child.  But all of those things were merely illustrations to point to a greater reality.  It would be a shame if we stayed stuck in the symbol and never understood the point.  That is what the writer wants.  He wants us to move beyond symbolic gestures into a deep and filling relationship with Christ.  Pray that God would permit our church to press on to maturity.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Charlie & Fronye Morris
• Tommie McCormick-Davis

Hebrews 6:1–3
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, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits."

Following the rebuke that ended chapter 5, the writer now gives the encouragement.  "Let us press on to maturity".  It is an obvious calling.  Little children are cute when they are little.  An infant is cute when he drools and sticks out his tongue and makes indiscernible sounds of gibberish, but those same behaviors are far less attractive on a teenager or adult.  Maturity is necessary.  So is spiritual maturity, and it is obtained through a commitment to rightly dividing the word.  Pray that our church would "press on to maturity."

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• George & Evelyn Matthewson
• Woody & Linda McArthur

Hebrews 5:11–14
11 "Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."

The call is to get off of the milk and start eating solid food.  We understand it perfectly.  It is time we move past the general Bible stories that we learned as children and learn to rightly divide the truth of God's Word.  For sure it is a time-consuming goal.  As the writer freely admits, it requires "practice" to have our sense trained.  So practice.  Pray that our church will commit to practice rightly dividing God's Word.

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY

• Lee & Alice Kidd
• Nell Martin
• Zek & Lindsay Mosley (Peter)