Hebrews Chapter Three – Jesus Greater Than Moses
Good Morning sweet Bible study girls, I am so excited to meet you back here today!! Thank you for your faithfulness to comment throughout the week. We are learning so much from each other. It is cool to see and hear how God is sending many of you all over Scripture to enrich our study of Hebrews. I so appreciate the time and attention you are giving this study.
I am thankful for your help in ensuring all errors are corrected in the homework. Please continue to assist me in that area. As hard as I try, there always seems to be one or two that I miss. Also, when I get a correction, I do correct it in the post immediately. So be sure to check there first to see if it has been corrected. It will save you a bit of time.
This past week, we recorded the lesson that I taught here in Charlotte to send to a publisher who is considering publishing my Bible Study curriculum. (BTW – If the Lord brings it to mind, please be in prayer for that decision. Trusting God fully with it.) Since that recording is on Chapter 4, I thought I would post it next week for our Chapter 4 video lesson. So be prepared for a thirty minute teaching video rather than the usual 12-13 minute video. I hope you don’t mind the exta length. I will not do that very often, but I thought you might enjoy a full length teaching…especially for Chapter 4. It is such a rich and beautiful chapter on rest.
Okay, are you ready to dig in? Let’s begin. Click here to watch the video.
This Week’s Memory Verse: For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:14.
This Week’s Prayer:
Father, as I begin a new week in my study of Hebrews, draw close to me. Enable me to hear Your voice and receive Your instruction. As I open Your Word, speak into my heart. Give me wisdom and discernment to know exactly what you want to teach me. As we study how the Israelites hardened their hearts against You, Father, I beg You to ensure that I never ever reach that place with You. Keep my heart tender to Your love. Fill me continually with Your presence so You never feel far away. Surround me with believers who will speak Truth in Love to me if I ever begin to wander. Set a guard around my heart and mind that I would never fall prey to the lies of the evil one. Keep watch over me day and night, Lord. I love You!!
Assignment: Read Hebrews Chapter Three
Homework Questions:
1. Why do you think the Israelites had such great reverance for Moses (hint: read Exodus 20)?
In this chapter, the author of Hebrews wants his audience to consider Jesus once again on the basis of everything He has just said in the last few chapters. It appears from his word choice in Hebrews 3:1 that he is probably speaking to the Jewish believers in his audience.
2. He continues verse 1 by calling his audience to ___________ their thoughts on Jesus. What two names does the author give Jesus in this verse?
3. The title “apostle” is from the Greek word apostolos and means “one sent forth.”
- How was Moses an apostle? What did God send him to to?
- How was Jesus an apostle? What did God send Him to do?
4. The author of Hebrews ends Hebrews 3:2 characterizing both Moses and Jesus as ___________________.
- How do we know Moses was faithful? (Numbers 12:7-8)? If you are familiar with the life of Moses, share a few ways Moses was faithful.
- How do we know Jesus was faithful (John 4:34, John 8:29, John 17:4)? Share evidence of Jesus faithfulness in Scripture and in your own life.
5. Read Hebrews 3:3-6. What word is repeated in all three verses?
- To what is the author referring when using this word? (See 2 Samuel 7 for a deeper understanding of this word).
- What distinction does the author make between Moses and Jesus when speaking of “the house?”
Friends, Moses was a faithful part of God’s house. But Jesus made the house. John 1:3 says, “Through Him [the Word, Jesus], all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.” God alone created the house and to this day continues to build on that house with every life that comes to know and believe in His Son Jesus. Men and women, like Moses, like you and me, are the tools He uses to do the work in His house.
6. Read Hebrews 3:6.
- To what kind of life is the author calling those who are members of the household of faith?
- What does it mean to “hold on to our courage” or “hold fast to our confidence” and the hope of which we boast?
- Share some differences you would find between a woman who lives her life this way compared to one who lives her life with no confidence and no hope in the things of God?
- Which way do you live your life? Why?
- Do you know someone who lives without confidence and without hope? Will you commit this week to share a word of encouragement with him or her? Share with us how God used your boldness.
7. In Hebrews 3:7-19, the author issues his second warning. Remember his first warning was against drifting found in Hebrews 2:1-4. In this second warning, he cautions those in his audience who have accepted Christ intellectually but not with their whole heart of the danger of doubting and disbelieving God’s Word due to a hardness of heart.
- What is the basic warning here and from where does He qoute this warning?
- Reread Hebrews 3:7. Who is speaking in this passage? Why do you suppose he introduced this passage of Scripture this way?
- Hebrews 3:8-11 refers to a specific incident in Exodus Chapter 17. Read Exodus 17:1-7. What sin did the Israelites commit? List the reasons you find in Hebrews 3:8-11 for God’s displeaure with them.
- Read Hebrews 3:11. What was the consequence for their disobedience?
8. The author of Hebrews makes his warning very clear in Hebrews 3:12. Read the verse and write it in your own words.
**If you would like to go a bit deeper and have the time Read Numbers Chapter 13 and 14:1-25.**
- In Chapter 13, what assignment did Moses give the men?
- What was the scouting report from the majority of the men? What about Caleb?
- In Chapter 14, what was the people’s response?
- How did Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb respond to the people?
- Share what happened to Joshua and Caleb.
- At the end of Chapter 14, how did God respond? What punishment did he exact against His people in Numbers 14:20-23?
- How did God reward Caleb for His faithfulness?
9. Sisters, because of their unbelief, an entire generation of God’s people missed their inheritance and died in the wilderness. According to Hebrews 3:13, how can we avoid this same hardness of heart.
- Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5. Share what you learn.
- Do you have a community of believers around you? If you do, will you take time to praise God for them and pray for them today. Maybe you might even consider sending them a text, e-mail, or note of thanks to let them know how they have blessed your life.
- If you do not have a circle of encouragers, pray for the Lord to bring them in your life. And by the way, being in this study is a GREAT first start!!
10. Reread our memory verse Hebrews 3:14.
- What does the author of Hebrews say we must do to share in all that belongs to Christ?
- What does it look like to be faithful to the end?
- How can we practically live this faithful walk with Christ (hint: John 8:31, John 15:5). Are you currently doing this in your life?
11. Again the author reminds his audience in verse 15 to harden not their hearts. He desperately wants the people in his audience who have fallen away to turn back to God. He wants them to experience God’s blessings. Like his audience we too need to realize the incredibly great blessings God has prepared for those who love Him. If you would like to know more about these blessings, read Ephesians 1:13-14.
But his audience was not able to receive all that was theirs because they lacked one thing.
- What did they lack (Hebrews 3:19)?
- What is faith (see Hebrews 11:1)?
12. Friends, each one of us has times when we behave like the Israelites in the wilderness…times we harden our hearts. Hopefully they are momentary and not continuous acts of rebellion.
- When we find ourselves in this place of drifting or negecting or doubting, what can we do to align our hearts with Christ and bring ourselves back into a healthy, vibrant relationship with Christ?
- What protections can we put in place in our lives to protect against drifting/doubting/disbelieving?
This lesson is such a powerful one. When we cannot see or feel God, we may be tempted to give up on God or to harden our hearts as the Israelites did. We may stop believing the Truth we know and begin believing lies. The great new is that we can protect against this. But the burden is on us. It is our responsibility to keep our hearts tender through repentance, to gain encouragement through fellowship, to gain strength and faith through the study of His Word, and to gain Holy Spirit power through quiet time and prayer.
Please keep your comments coming. I am amazed at how much we are learning from each other. God is powerfully at work in our midst, and I LOVE it!!!
Blessings to you,
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Dear Wendy,
You are an AMAZING teacher!
Thank you for leading us so wisely!
I’m just in love with Scriptures, and Hebrews has been one of my favorite books!
I’ve learned so much already! And I’m so excited I’m able to do it in your beautiful language!
I’ve started reading chapter 3. Every morning I read the week chapter, I answer 2-3 homework questions, and I go through the verses and passages suggested.
This has been my Bible Study schedule due to my VERY busy weekly schedule.
I’m praying for you, Wendy! You have blessed me beyond words!
Love you,
Mi Caséca
Hi Bride to be! lol, you are on fire! you inspire me…..
Just thought I should let you know.
Hi Yinka,
Thank you so much, sweet girl! You always encourage me!
I need prayers. I’m flying to South America in 2 weeks, and I still don’t have my PR Card that will allow me to come back to Canada, where I live.
For those who don’t know what happened, I was robbed and all my documents were taken, except my passport.
I’ve applied for a new PR Card, but usually it takes 100 days to be issued, and I need this in 2 weeks! I’ve attached a police report and all the proofs I could send them to show I need it in an urgent matter, but I still haven’t heard from the imigration office.
I decide to trust God. He will make a way!
On the other hand, I’m very excited I’m going home, I’m gonna see my beautiful parents, my family, my friends, I’ll do some mission trip in very poor cities around Brazil. I need to help my mom to finish the wedding prep, and then we are heading to Chile and Argentina, and I need to prepare myself to use my spanish!
I miss speaking my beautiful portuguese, I miss not having an accent, I miss the warm and sunny weather.
Thank you Jesus, for this opportunity of going to my home country for two months! I love you!
Mi
Dearest Yinka, I am praying for you to have safe travels, a blessed family reunion, and His Light in you shines for many in whatever country you are in. I know the documents you need will arrive on time. 🙂
Lord, I pray that whatever Yinka asked You to do regarding her documents in Jesus’ name. You will do it. John 14:14 In Jesus Name Ipray, Amen.
Dear Yanna,
I’m the one who is traveling and whose documents were stolen (Michele Caséca), LOL!
Thanks for your prayers, anyways!
Love,
Mi
No wonder I felt so confident Yinka’s documents would be there. 🙂 It’s a good thing our God is an All Knowing God, and knows our every need Michele. I just know your documents will be there for you too (wink) because you were so forgiving. Father I am so thankful we have Jesus as our Good Shepherd; and He knows His sheep. Michele is one of your many sheep LORD and I am so thankful You know her every need. In Jesus Name I pray in gratitude. Amen (John 10:14)
Praying for you Michele…………I love your Bible Study schedule……..how you read the Chapter each day, I hadn’t thought of that. I will start today 🙂
Thank you Lakeisha!
You are sooo sweet!
Please keep praying!
Love,
Mi Caséca
Praying for you too Mi 🙂 and reading the chapter everyday in repentance. 🙂
You girls rock my world! I love you!
Mi Caséca 🙂
Good Morning,
This is my first experience with an online study. Over the years I have participated in various Bible studies. A month ago, if someone had told me that I would be doing an online study I would not have believed it would be for me. This morning I see God’s hand in this. As I am in great need of prayer. This prayer request I am not ready to take to my friends. Even though I am blessed with prayer warriors for friends. I can’t take it to my Bible group at church. I am to raw. The tears will not stop. Please pray for me. My husband told me yesterday that he needs to leave. The original plan was to tell me after the holidays. I was able to get up and pour over scripture. I Have stumbled on scripture that is telling me not dwell on the past that God is here and doing new things. I don’t want him to leave me. I do want things to change but not this. Pray for us. We have three beautiful daughters. Ages 11,8,5. He loves them so much. He is a good man. Even though my heart us shattered I hurt to see his pain. Pray for us. Pray for me to have strength to function today. My house will be stirring so soon. Pray that God will carry me today.
I hope to get all off to school. Go on a walk as God has blessed me with a beautiful day. I will then try to start week three. I have enjoyed this study. Never studied Hebrews.
Thank you,
Beth, we are so thankful the Lord led you to our study. He knew where you needed to be at this most difficult time in your life. He is so faithful to provide what we need when we need it. I am so sorry for what you are walking through at this time and cannot imagine the depth of your heartache. But as we are studying in this book, Jesus, your great High Priest, does understand. Praying that He will wrap His loving arms around you today…that you will sense His Presence in very real and tangible ways. Praying for His angels to surround you and your daughters and to minister to your every need. Praying too for your husband. Praying God will meet Him where He is and speak Truth and healing into his heart and mind. Praying for clarity to see what God’s highest and best is for him and for your family. As you meet God in His Word, I pray He will speak truths and promises you need to hear to journey through this in full faith that God is Sovereign and in control. He will never leave you or forsake you. He is El Roi, the God Who Sees. He knows your pain and heartache. He will care for you and provide for you. We are here and we are praying.
Sweet Blessings to you,
Wendy
Thank you. Your prayer has given me peace today and will help me sleep. Even in all of my pain God continues to amaze me. I will be up at 545 am to begin the study.
Love,
Beth
Dear Beth~
I am praying over you now, too. Praying that the Lord speaks wors of comfort, wisdom, and truth into your heart at this very moment. Our God is a God who redeems and restores and it’s my prayer that He will deliver your marriage. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He is there, he hears you, and like we learned from Chapter 2, He is running to you when you cry to Him.
My husband and I had a very hard time this summer and I wasn’t sure if we were going to seperate. I had to block out everything and listen only to Jesus. He will make His Words clear to you. I am praying He reveals a passage you can cling to during this time.
~Colleen
Beth, I am in agreement with what Wendy has said and I’m praying right there along side you sister. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this trial right now and believe me, I completely understand. I was very close to loosing my hubby very recently, but God saw fit to bring us back together, using this experience to hopefully make us stronger. Lifting you up to the Lord!
<3 Heather
Thank you. So glad your husband is back.
Beth
Dear Beth….I am stopping and praying for you right now. I can sort of understand what you are feeling right now. A few years back, I was like your husband. I wanted out soooo bad and I didn’t care about the mess I was making. God touched my heart and opened my eyes. He never stops amazing me. My prayers are with you and your girls and husband
Thank you. Also thank you for sharing. It gave me hope.
B
I pray that You LORD, are Beth’s rock and her fortress and her deliverer; her God, her strength, in whom she will trust; her shield and the horn of her salvation, her stronghold. I pray that she will call upon You, LORD, who are worthy to be praised; so she shall be saved from the enemies that confront her. Psalm 18:2-3. I pray as Beth passes through the waters, You will be with her; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow her. When she walks through the fire, she shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch her. For You are the LORD her God. Isaiah 42:2-3
I also pray, O God, for Beth’s husband. That he will obey Your voice, and You will be his God, and he shall be Your child. That he will walk in all the ways that You have commanded him, and that it may be will with him. Jeremiah 7:23
I lift up to You, Father, their three children. that You, God, will give Your angels charge over them, to keep them in all of your ways. Psalm 91:11
Father honor Your Words as my prayer for Beth and her family. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.
Wow.beautiful prayer. All of these comments and prayers are so comforting. Thank you for the scripture references. It will be the last thing I read tonight. I was amazed by my strength today. I was being lifted up all day!
B
Sweet Beth,
I stand firmly with all of the heartfelt words of encouragement and prayers. We are creating a huge circle of prayer around you, your husband and your daughters. I put your name in my Blackberry and will be praying for you throughout the day. With love and belief…
Dear Beth………I am in agreement with Wendy’s prayer! Praying for you right now as you go through this trial. Let me tell you – you are such an inspiration because through this very hard time you said in your post, “you will be starting week 3” and what an example you are, that through lifes trials you run to His Word! I am so sorry you are having to go through this and I’m praying for you, your husband, and your precious girls! We are here and praying with you!
(((Tight Hugs)))
~Lakeisha
Beth,
I am praying for you and your family situation now….feel God’s loving arms around you….he will give you peace as you go through this situation!
Much love,
Kim
Father — I pray for Beth right now. You are the “Healer of broken hearts.” I pray that you would bring healing to the hearts in this family. I pray for your protection over Beth’s 3 little girls. Keep them under your wing, providing them with love and hugs whenever they are needed. I pray for your strength and peace to cover Beth. Give her wisdom to make good decisions. Give her wisdom and patience to have peaceful conversations with her husband that will promote peace and not anger. I pray for Beth’s husband. Surround him with your Holy Spirit. Guard his thoughts against the wiles of the devil. Give him the wisdom he needs to make the best decisions for his family — not just selfishly think of himself. You are God — You are in control. Let Beth see your hand at work daily. Give her faith to know — every moment — that You are constantly holding her up. In Jesus loving Name — Amen and Amen.
Beautiful Karen…praying this prayer with you for Beth.
Just beautiful. I felt God holding me up today. What comfort knowing I am your prayers and many others. God continued to amaze me today.
B
Beth as I read your post my heart broke for you. I can not imagine the pain you are in now. I will be praying for protection over your marriage and that whatever happens you will be able to rest in Jesus’ loving arms and that He fills you and gives you peace.
Beth, I just prayed a heartfelt prayer for you. I cannot even fathom what you are going through, but I do know that God is faithful and will see you through this. I pray that God will give your husband a sense of peace in knowing that He is in control and can get you through anything. I pray your husband will recognize that God can meet every need imaginable…that he can find his worth in Him. The power of the Holy Spirit working in and through him can completely restore and heal. Sweet friend, I am praying God’s most tender mercies will wrap you up and hold you tight.
Blessings!
Julia
Beth-
I am praying for you this morning. May the peace of God, which passes all understand guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus!!! I know it will be hard, but I would encourage you to lean on those close friends around you that you can trust to help you through this time. I too have been through some difficult spots in my own marriage, and, although I was often hesitant to open up about it to those around me I trusted, it really does help to have someone close by who can help you laugh and pray for you on days when you need it. God is there for you and your family, and He loves you more than you can imagine!
Suzanne
Psalm 40
My heart has been hardened over the years because of depression and all that goes with it. I truly love the Word of God and spend my mornings in scripture. My heart is softening but I pray the deceitfulness of the world will not overtake me. Thank you for bringing these words to my attention Wendy. You are such a blessing in the way you teach.
We are excited that the Lord has brought you here to shine His LIGHT into the darkness that is shrouding your life at this time. Trusting God that as His Word pours into your heart and mind that the Light it emits will flood every part of your being and force out the darkness. Praying God will use your time in His Word and in this study to restore the JOY of your salvation!!! He is a good God and will be faithful to honor His Word in your life.
Blessings,
Wendy
I know you you feel, too, SC. After five children close together and post natal depression in differeing degrees with all of them, I know what it’s like to struggle with the hardened heart through depression, which then leads us to being susceptible to the world’s deceptions. You will be truly blessed as you continue to open your heart to hear God’s Word as you study each day. He is faithful to all His promises. Hang in there!
SC-
May the joy of the Lord be your strength. I am praying for you this morning.
Suzanne
Phil. 4:13
Oh Lord! I am so excited… I just had to bring my excitement to You before I watch the video. The idea of Wendy’s study/studies being published makes my heart sing. She is such a faithful servant to You… a gracious leader to us… everything in me wants to yell, “Publish the study!!!” God, wisely Wendy is guiding us to pray and so I lift this proposed project to You. Whatever and whoever is in Your will for Your Word through Wendy is what we’re asking for. Bless her path- guide her to the publishing company that would be the right fit… prepare every mind and heart to make decisions on her studies to ensure it’s Your perfect will. At the same time, when something of this magnitude is in the process, we also know the enemy will feel threatened and can use his own tactics to try and steal, kill and destroy Your work. With Your Spirit and mighty angels, protect Wendy and her family from any potential harm. Jesus, You have come that we would have life and have it to the full. This is what we get from Wendy’s studies! So, we pray and trust Your process in using Wendy to bring Your full life to us! In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!
Wendy… I’m so excited for this idea 🙂 And selfishly you have no idea how excited I am for a full 30 minute teaching on Hebrews 4. I’ve literally turned my world upside down this past month to celebrate Sabbath. What I thought was nearly impossible is not only possible (duh Noelle- check out God’s promises!), but my life has less stress and far more joy! I fee like a kid counting the days until Christmas!!!!!! Wooohooooo!!!!!! I love you dear friend!
Have the best start of your week girlfriends!!!!!
What a blessings to awaken to this prayer and these gracious words of encouragement this morning. How very thankful I am the Lord crossed our paths through another study so many years ago!! I am praising God for what He has taught you about His Sabbath and how you allowed Him to change your heart to honor Him in new ways in your life. I know it changed not only you but your entire family because that is how God works.
I too leave this publishing decision in the Lord’s hands. I am so content where He has me and LOVE what He has called me to do. He knows the audience for these studies, and I trust Him with that. It is a precious place to be….resting in His plan…waiting on Him.
Love you SOOOOOO much,
Wendy
Thank you so much for bringing these studies to us. I am a Sunday School teacher and we are studying the life of Moses this month. This third chapter of Hebrews ties in without lessons this month.
I will pray about the publishing decision.
I love how we compare Jesus and Moses as ones sent by God for specific purposes and that Christ trumps Moses in every way.
1. Moses gave the people God’s Law, while Jesus fulfilled that Law.
2. Moses was there to confirm God’s covenant with the people, setting them apart as His chosen people {Ex24}. Christ made a new covenant with His own blood, setting us apart as His own {Luke 22}.
3. Moses lead the people to the Promised Land; granted, they had to go back to the desert for 40 years because of disobedience, but Moses brought them back again. Jesus brings us to our Promised Land; an eternity with Him in heaven, plus the many rich blessings poured out for us here on earth.
Ok, getting back to the questions. Thank you for this study Wendy, I can’t wait to see just how deep we’ll get this week.
<3 Heather
Good answers Heather, and keep coming back with more of your insights. I take notes or sometimes I copy and print them and glue them into my journal! 🙂 I love this online study.
Yanna, I love the idea of copy and printing and then taping/gluing them into your journal. Great idea!!
Thank you Robin! I was taking so many notes from comments week 1 I came up with this plan.
Great insight Heather. I was thinking on even that 1st question at how we tend to do the same thing with our Pastor’s (just as they did with Moses). We put them on such a high pedistal. We forget that they are only human. I’ve heard of people turning away from God because of the bad example their pastor had been. I think that’s sad that we forget to turn to God and watch God’s hand at work.
Love what you shared, Heather! Thanks!
Heather-
As I was looking over the questions this morning, I was also struck by the similar qualities that Moses and Jesus shared as intercessors for God’s people. They both served as the go-between for God’s will in the lives of His people. In fact, Christ still does! 😉
I love the freedom that the final sacrifice of Christ gives us to be in direct communion with God any time we make ourselves available. Thank goodness we don’t have to climb the mountain anymore! I’m all for working out, but I’m not sure I could do that on a regular basis!!!
Be Blessed,
Suzanne
Trying not to post too much here, but I just love, love, LOVE the duel meaning of house in Heb 3:6. Not only are we a part of Christ’s “household,” heirs with Him, but we are His dwelling place, His temple {I Cor 3:16}. We can’t get any closer than that! He wants us to live confidently in Him as He works through us when we remain tied to Him {John 15:5}.
<3 Heather
Heather, you can never post too much! 🙂 it’s always great to read what others are gaining from their studies. Keep them coming………….
~Smiles,
Lakeisha
I am in total agreement with Lakeisha. I am gaining so much wisdom from everyone, keep the post coming……
Smiles too!
Heather I feel the same way – each time I love something or make a connection
I want to jump on here and post it but don’t want to monopolize the blog :))
Sorry I am just now posting on week 3 comments but I am a little behind! This is my first bible study and I have difficulty digging deeply into the word. I love it when I have an aha moment! I just want to say your input really helps me! Thank you! Also, I have been enjoying this study, thank you Wendy for all you do!
Don’t worry about being on Week 3. That is why on-line studies are great. You can do them on your own time. Love that this is your first study!!! If you can finish Hebrews, you can study any book of the Bible. It is a difficult and rich book. Keep sharing!
W
Hello, sisters in Christ! This is my very first online Bible study, and I am so very glad that it is the book of Hebrews! I have participated in two Hebrews’ Bible studies in the past, have been involved in Bible Study Fellowship an international Bible study program, for10 years. In addition, our church is about to complete a year’s study entitled The Thin Red Line of Redemption, a study of God’s plan of redemption for His children, covering Genesis through Revelation! All ages in the church, beginniongwith toddlers and going through Seniors, have been studying the same curriculum, plus the pastor’s messages have coordinated with the Lifegroup’s curriculumI I don’t know what else to say except to say tha right now, I need Help and Prayer, lots of both! I had expected that by this time in my life (I am 59), I would not have as many problems with Bible study questions as I seem to have; I am so disapppointed in myself for not being able to remember and call forth passages or lessons learned from previous Bible studies! I know that I am not suppposed to compare myself to anyone else, but it is so hard notto do just that! You, sisters in Christ, have given such beautiful answers, and some that are so deep that it sounds like you could be teaching a study of your own! I find myself paling in comparison–my answers sound so elementary, like someone studying and reading the Bible for the first time! I am so disappointed in myself that I cannot even concentrate enough to read the lesson and begin on the questions! Last week with lesson 2, I started and stopped 3 or 4 times, never even getting one qst. completed! So now, I am beginning this week behind.
God has done so many miracles in my life in the last year that it makes my head spin! You would think that would be enough to make me fall madly in love with my Lord and Savior; but I miss the mark! I say that I love Him, and I know that I do–but I don’t have all the passion that comes through in the answers that I have read! I have prayed and prayed for God to fill my heart and soul with this love and passion, but I just don’t seem to feel it! Where am I going wrong, and what do I need to do to be able to fill my head with His precious word, and be madly, deeply in love with Him for saving me from Hell?
My husband and I have been in the midst of an economic downfall since 9/11, and it keeps getting worse! In addition, he has had Fibromyalgia for 8 years, which is getting much worse day by day–and he is the breadwinner! All of these circumstances cause me to wonder if I am running from God instead of to Him!
Sorry to belabor these circumstances, but I am losing my focus and concentration!
Janet, I really needed to hear that I am not alone in my struggles. I can totally feel with you as I also struggle with remembering, not only now, but what I have learned and memorized through my whole life. I am 60 and should be a lot wiser and knowledgeable than I am.
Bipolar and terrible financial circumstances does not help.
I will pray for you and ask that you pray for me as well. This study is helping me a lot to get going again and I hope the same for you.
After watching the video I really think I am like the Israelites, wondering unnecessarily in the dessert because of stubbornness and disobedience. I also am not sure whether I am running from God or to God.
Janet, please never ever forget that you have the Holy Spirit living within you, and it is His job to teach and remind you, to open your mind to His Spirit of Knowledge and Revelation. He will be faithful!! Pray every time you open the Word for Him to open the eyes of your heart to see and to open your heart to understand all that you read!! He desires this for you…He wrote this LIVING and ACTIVE word to speak into your life, so He will do it!!!
W
Janet L. I envy you! O to get a fresh Word everytime. I too have memory problems so I feel the same way. I take LOTS of notes, and mark my Bible up all over the margins and even in between. I think it would be a gift to ponder over every Bible question, even as a child would. 🙂
Keep up your confidence sister. Hebrews 10:35-36 🙂
WoW! Wendy! It amazes me when I think of all the blessings and promises the Lord gives us and we forget “to remain in HIM” John 15 and “God will meet our needs according to His riches in Jesus Christ” Phillipians 4:19. So easy for us to forget the last part…most important part IN HIM!!!!! I love this study!!!!!
Janet, I feel the way you do. I can’t remember and write like some of the ladies in this group, but I am grateful that they can. I will be praying for your husband’s health and your finances. We just barely makes ends meet on our retirement income. But the Lord always provides.
Jehovah Jireh ladies! The Lord will provide for all of us as long as we keep ours eyes on HIM. Lift those eyes and that faith up high…it WILL happen. The fact that you are in the Word, studying and trying is so important. Don’t give up…He is our awesome Savoir and like the Israelites, He will not trun His back on us. The Deu
teronomy scriptures that Wendy referenced are great.
Amen to all you shared!!! He will not turn His backs on us…He will feed us and bless us as we commit our hearts to Him in the study of His Word.
W
Wendy 30 minutes of Hebrews 4!!! I had to keep myself from getting up at 3 a.m. to start chapter 3. I can only imagine a 30 minute lesson from you. Thank You Jesus. I will be praying as I start each lesson that God’s doors open wide for you to be used by God to publish studies and get them into more hearts, minds and souls to further His Kingdom.
I pray that Wendy, is confident of this very thing, that You, God, who have begun a good work in her will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. LORD I boldly ask this good work include publishing these studies. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. Phillippians 1:6
Thank you for this precious prayer and for praying God’s Word over this situation. I trust God with this curriculum…it is His after all. Wherever He leads, I will follow.
Blessings,
wendy
Question #5 section 2 and the “house” reminded me to go to Ephesians 2:20-22
“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
I have also studied Jesus as the cornerstone. It is so interesting to me how the Bible is so joined together. Reminds me of quilting, the thread going in and out throughout the pages, around the verses, capturing the characters, the stories into one complete blanket of love from God to wrap around our souls and one day we will all be together under Him.
Love me some God time. He is Wonderful. Thank You Father for Who You Are and what You have given us.
Thank you again Wendy, for leading us in this study of Hebrews. I had “studied it” here and there but not as a concise book. This is wonderful.
I may just be up at 3am for some more. 🙂
Thank you Yanna!
The enemy has been at my heels for weeks now, and for some reason I have been blocked at #5 since Tuesday. That Ephesians quote unblocked me! Thank you so much for posting that verse 🙂
Just watched the video. Wow. Thank you. Why do we need to be reminded to keep our eyes on Jesus? Well, I know – because we are sinful beings, but it seems so easy, so clear, but it is so hard and you hit it on the head with your story about your daughter. All circumstances. My daughter has serious chronic illnesses and is 19. She struggles with her faith because she only sees bad happening to her. We both keep persevering, but it is so hard and it is easy to just turn aside – be busy with the moment, the doctor’s visits, the problems, the worries, the frustrations and not always turn to him. There is anger there. For both of us. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that. There is always the “why” and just when you think something good is around the corner that doesn’t seem to happen, it just makes you lose heart. I don’t want a hardened heart. I want the richness and fullness that God promises me through Christ, but I know that I must stay close to him if I am to reap the benefits of a life with him. Yet, I falter. Oh, Lord, forgive me! Thank you, Wendy and I praise God I am here.
Sally,
I can so relate to you. My daughter who is 10 also has a chronic illness that we have yet to get under control so she and I often get depressed and feel very sorry for ourselves. I can not tell you the number of nights that I have sat in her bed with her and just sobbed. But then….I prayed about it and felt lead to deal with this in a different way. So, what I have started doing when things get tough is to sit on her bed with her and we start listing all the blessings that we have in our life….it is overwhelming when you start laying out all the good that God has allowed to enter in our life that the bad starts to seem very small. Then we thank God for all his blessings and ask him to give us strength to persevere through the bad….This has helped keep us close to God in the midst of it all. God bless you and your daughter. I will lift you both up in prayer.
Oh I can relate – my 22 year son is autistic and has a life threatening illness and ge has so much anger inside him that it brings me to a boiling point most days and to be honest some days I have done the whole why me pity party but I don’t allow it to go on too long bc I would stay in that pit and that won’t be good. So I just believe that there is a reason and it’s something God wants me to do. Not helpful advice I know but just wanted you to know you are not alone in your feelings.
Wendy~
Thank you for this study…I am a little behind (just finished chapter 2) You are an amazing teacher and am so thankful for you!
Lord..Continue to pour into Wendy your truths and wisdom as she leads us. Protect her from the enemy and any temptations that he wants to use to distract her. Continue to be her Light and Guide and may your blessings be poured over her.
Love you Wendy!!!!
Wendy I am so much more excited for this chapter of Hebrews and I thought last weeks chapter was awesome but it keeps getting better. Reading this morning I had a moment that combined both studies I am doing and it gave further proof to me that I am where I am for a reason. Verse 6 says we are his house if we hold fast to our confidence and pride on our hope. How awesome is that – I am doing the online study with Melissa on Renee’s book and here is the word confidence. I am group leader for the study and will be sharing with my groups this morning. Thank you once again for your teaching and allowing God to speak to me through you. You will never fully know the impact you have had on my life.
Thank You LORD for Wendy for her faithfulness, for her example and trust in You. For bringing this and all the other Bible studies to each of us. For her book that brought me to You for healing. For each if the women who lead by example at Proverbs 31. Please watch over each one and their families. Keep them in the palm of Your hand always. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN
I’m sorry for not posting! I have been helping family member whose husband has been in hospital. Fighting cancer! God is good! He is getting stronger every day! I’m thankful for this study! Sometimes I need to be. Held accountable because I start and then don’t finish. And I want to change that! I look forward to getting to know everyone! And I will catch. Up!
Missy, accountability is GOOD!! You will find loving accountability partners here. And it also helps that you can do the study on your own time. We are excited to have you join us!!
W
Janet, I can so relate to what you are saying. I too have stopped, started and reread to gain a better understanding. The posts are valuable beyond measure. I keep hearing “My soul is thirsting for you Oh Lord My God” from the psalms and try to persevere. On top of other distractions, we have a chocolate lab puppy that will not leave me alone, nor does he mind. As aggravated as I get with him, he helps me understand my relationship with God. Just today he ran from me and would not return as I called. Off doing his will not mine. Sound familuar? As angry as I was at him, my heart was still filled with love and a hope that in time he would become obedient. My hope for me as well. Blessings to you all for sharing your insights. I for one am benefiting greatly.
Sometimes I think that there is a reason the word God and dog are spelled the way they are. Both are full of love. They are always there to love you whenever you are ready to receive it. They give unconditional love. You cannot stay mad at a dog, go ahead, try it. They just look at you and smile and seem to say…nothing is that bad. Just sit with me, cry with me, it will be ok. It doesn’t matter what you do with a dog. They love to go for a ride, sit with you, play with you. They will wait for you. Dog? Coincidence with the spelling?
My answers:
#1- Maybe because Moses delivered them from slavery in Egypt! For the Israelites, Moses was their hero!
#2- He continues verse 1 by calling his audience to FIX their thoughts on Jesus.
Apostle and High Priest
#3- Moses was an apostle to lead God’s people to the promise land and save God’s people from slavery in Egypt.
Jesus was an apostle to fulfill God’s plan for humanity! To save us from eternal condemnation! To bring us salvation.
#4- The author of Hebrews ends Hebrews 3:2 characterizing both Moses and Jesus as faithful.
1- Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. He lead God’s people to the promise land!
2- Jesus is faithful as a Son over God’s house. He was faithful to save me, and to take me from a life of condemnation and rescue me. His forgiveness over my sinful life is a feature of His faithful character! He has been faithful to redeem and restore a broken heart like mine. A heart that once needed to lie to obtain attention, but today has God’s attention and love. His faithfulness has given me courage to let Him heal my wounds and brokeness and His faithfulness and love have been the lifter of my head. He has replaced my shame with honor, my sins with His discipline and principles, my cry with His joy. His faithfulness has restored my integrity and reputation. I love my Jesus!
What a loving compassionate group this is! What beautiful hearts of flesh you have; not hearts of stone. Hard hearted people don’t talk about the painful issues so be encouraged that your fears of your hearts hardening will not be realized.Remember, He is a BIG Papa/Daddy and He is tender with our frustrations, Sally. I was in a car accident at 17 that put me in the hospital for 9 1/2 months. I can empathize with your daughter, but I can assure you we are limited in perception. You may not realize it but you are both very courageous and very inspiring. You are feeding and watering without even realizing it thru your circumstances. I remember a woman who wanted so much to be a missionary, but God allowed her to have cancer and she couldn’t go off into the jungle for Him until she realized that the hospital was her missionary field. NOT what she had in mind, but isn’t that just an example of our wandering ways? We hold our lives up to our timetables and measuring sticks that He does not use.
I know a little girl that can read beautifully. Her fluency is fantastic, but she has very little comprehension- its all phonics. God’s already written the Bible which is thankfully legal in most countries. Being able to repeat those words from memory is a wonderful thing, but our lives speak volumes of truth, what a loved pastor used to call “lifestyle evangelism”. You may be struggling with fluency, Janet, but even your struggle shows a woman of great comprehension. This group is full of women of great comprehension and courage. I pray we keep letting the Light into the darkest corners!
Love and blessings,
Sandra
Thanks so much, Sandra – I know because of life-long testaments, that God is faithful and in control, but that is so hard when you are 19 and going through something that really has no end. There is no cure and no real treatment for what she has – just managing each issue and doing what she can. It is so hard to stay strong and stay close to Him when you don’t feel that He is ever listening. I keep trying to help her to see the blessings and the improvements and see His hand, but it until you have built up some of those rocks of testimony/faith it can be so hard. Thanks for the encouragement and so glad to be sticking close to Him and His Word!
Heavenly Father, You are so brilliant to let Sally be the mama that she is to her daughter. Thank you that the Holy Spirit translates for us when words fail. Thank you for the gift of this Spirit that keeps us bound to your Word, the Word that became flesh. As much as Sally loves her daughter and would take this affliction upon herself, you love her even more. We lift this daughter up to your heavenly throne that she may realize that you have a plan for her, a plan and a future of good. We ask for the peace that goes beyond understanding. Thank you, King of kings, for providing this. Trusting in you, because we only see a part, but you have the entire view. Spirit of Hope, guard our hearts against the lies of the enemy that cast shadows of despair. Jehovah Rapha, my God, my Healer, remove this affliction, bring Your daughter comfort and rest in the name of Jesus, Amen.
I am praying for each and every one of your prayers requests. God has not promised us lives without heartache, but he definitely has promised His wonderful Son who is there to intercede for us and the Holy Spirit to comfort and teach us. Thank you, Jesus!!!
Thank you Lord for this wonderful opportunity to be able to share with other sisters in Christ! Thank you Lord for the life of my friend who pointed me to this website, Bless her and her family, in Jesus name, Amen.
For a very long time, I prayed and asked God for an opportunity to join a group of Bible study friends to satisfy this Spiritual hunger for the Word of God. The power of God vested in you all, has miraculously led other women to this site. Praise the Lord!
Una, we are thrilled to have you join us for this study! So thankful this Hebrews study was God’s answer to your prayers. We have an amazing sisterhood here, and I look forward to hearing what God teaches you along the way.
W
Hi. I am really enjoying this study too. I have never taken part in an online study, but have been hungry for a deeper Bible experience for a while.
I am just a bit confused about the “house” question. To what is the author referring when he uses this word? I can’t pinpoint a clear answer for this one. Is it God’s presence? God living within us? Our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit? I have tried to read 2 Samuel 7 to get a deeper understanding, but am finding these days understanding deeper concepts escapes me. (I have 5 young children who I homeschool, so my mind is often distracted by many things!)
“Moses was faithful in all his house…” The presence of God doesn’t fit in with this concept.
Sorry to sound naive. I’m sure someone else’s perspective will make it really clear for me.
Have a great day.
Hi,
You do not sound naive at all. Some of these concepts are hard. I am glad you asked.
The word household/house as used here refers not to a building (just like you were thinking). Rather, it refers to a body of people. Moses was faithful in God’s household….referring to the Israelites. Jesus is faithful over God’s household…the church, the body of believers now on earth. Hope this helps.
W
Ah, Wendy, yes that definitely makes it clearer. I was thinking that ‘the house’ referred to something within us, or to an individual, which made it hard to understand. Thanks for that! I am really enjoying this study. Thanks so much for all you do. 🙂
Alex, I love your question. We all benefit from Wendy’s Godly wisdom 🙂 You might enjoy reading previous comments some of them have given their take on the answers too.
Thanks, Yanna. Yes, I should take the time to read others’ posts. I’m sure the different perspectives would help understanding as well. Have a great day. 🙂
Alex:
That was my exact question — thanks for asking!! Wendy, thanks for explaining!!
I am so sad – I finished all the questions. I enjoy it so much and hate when the questions end 🙁
LOL, you and me both sister!
<3 Heather
I guess I could answer them all over tomorrow and see if I learn anything new lol.
That’s my plan for Friday or Saturday morning :)!
<3 Heather
I see some of you have finished Chapter 3 already! Wow! I had some trouble with the questions in Chapter 2 #4. It is sad I don’t know how I can answer these. Would any of you be willing to share your thoughts on these questions? I get so caught up in my own little world sometime I don’t stop to wonder how I might keep His message alive.
Sure! I’ll try to be brief…But here are my answers for 4 from chapter 2:
1) Absolutley! We have people who murder, abuse, steal, lie, betray, commit adultery, and so on. I too am one of those people who has fallen into temptation, fallen away from God’s commands.
2) His Word and the fellowship of all believers…US!! We don’t have to leave it up to the “trained” or “clergy” to witness OUR faith in Jesus.
3) Organizations that seek to help those in need. When people band together during trials.
4) My Phil 4:6 prayer group!! We each stand in the gap for one another puring out God’s Trith into each others lives. When I am forgiven after I have hurt someone I love.
5) I can be bold when I witness, be faithful to post encouragement/scripture for others on FB/Twitter or send them a good old fashioned hand written letter!
These were my answers, I hope this helps!!
Thank you for sharing and helping me Heather.
It amazes me when I surround myself with His Word, how many times things will pop out at me and say the same thing over & over or make me stop and think or stop and give praise. Listen to Christian music, I have numerous things coming through my Facebook feed daily. Do I read them all? No. But it seems that the ones I choose to read always seem to be the ones I need to hear and then friends post things or send emails. Then, of course, it comes down to priorities, scheduling and choice. Make it an appointment. As I wrote in my post, I have really struggled to keep things ALIVE. This is really helping me to think on past moments when I have felt closer to Him and why. Abide. That is the key. Hope that helps some —
wow, God sure knew how much i needed this and all of you right now. please pray for me and my famioly as ibelieve we are in a spiritual battle. my husband has been unemployed now for 2 months. we are truly starvingand may be in our cars next week. i am trying to not let fear creep in as God didnt give me a spirit of fear but the armor is really heavy right now. My husand is beat down right now and all i can do is pray for him. I have people praying all over the world for usand muc to our dismay, help isnt coming in our time. we need a miracle.
Praying right now for Jehovah Jireh, God our Provider, to provide for the needs of your family. And praying the mind of Christ over you so that the evil one and his spirit of fear will not be able to enter into your thoughts. Praying you will stand strong and TRUST even though with all you can see, it seems hopeless. With God, it is never hopeless. Praying you will see Him in very real ways in the midst of this trial.
Blessings to you,
Wendy
I’m praying for provision in your life… and soon!
Suzanne
SC I have begun to reply, honestly, when someone ask me “how are you today” with I am blessed. This is my response instead of “good how are you?” Saying I am blessed opens so many doors. Sometimes I add I am blessed and highly favored, if you don’t feel this way let’s go talk. 🙂 God has done so much for me I want everyone else to know Him in all of His fullness and glory too. Also I try to give encouragement to anyone, grocery checker, strangers, I honestly find something complimentary to say you have pretty eyes, wht a sweet smile today, I love that color on you. People need to feel good about themselves and I think sometimes we think something good and are too reserved to tell them, this too opens doors. I am living proof of Heb 4:12 and I happily look for opportunities to show His Light in me.
I have a dear male friend who always answers that question with: “much better than I deserve!” And it always gets a reaction and is on the of things I remember most about him. Isn’t it true?! No matter our circumstances are always much better than we deserve!
That is such a great line I’m gonna use it too.
I also do try to compliment a lot because people need to know the are seen and special.
I esp do it with kids letting them feel they are seen, special and loved!
And so the friends of my kids are already used to it and one boy had his birthday.
His mother was arranging the adults party for it and was asking her friends to come.
When she asked if everyone was there he replied no not Wendelijn she always says I am pretty.
THe mother replied well its is my job to make you feel special and so instead of asking all her friends she started asking the adults who were important to him.
She was not offended at all but challanged!
Kids now especial need to build up self esteem!
Thanks for your input gonna use that too!
With Love Wendelijn
I have answered all the questions and I know know why Wendy told us that this study will be hard in the beginning. Just learning about how the people of Israel disobeyed God time and time again, makes me thank Him for His grace and mercy. I also realise what part I have to play in keeping God’s commandments, obeying His word and having faith in Him. It seems like a tough and impossible task in the world we live in today and was beginning to panic but the conclusion helped me understand that I can’t do this on my own, there is no way I can acheive it without the grace of God and help from the Holy Spirit – not by my might nor by my power but by His Spirit. The flesh will always fail but God says even though I fall down, I will not stay down, I will surely rise up again.
What can I do to stay strong? I will continually read His word, prayerfully adapt it into my life and mostly rely on the Holy Spirit to be better than I was yesterday in this journey to eternal rest in Christ.
Yanna, I love your answer to, “how are you doing today?” Thank you for that 🙂 You are a beam of sunshine girlfriend!
When comparing Moses and Jesus, I was taken to the differences of Moses giving the Law and Jesus giving the Sermon on the Mount.
The law offered rules for conduct, whereas Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount offers us a new character. Moses’ Law points TO Jesus since holding the the Law only shows us the need for a Savior (Rom. 3:20,28; 1 Tim. 1:8,9). All of Matthew 5 is a beautiful portrait of how Jesus’ fulfills the Law.
In my own life, I see the difference in conduct and character all the time. I go back to Martha versus Mary. I am hard-wired to be Martha. When the enemy wants to derail me, he attacks me with busyness. However, when I keep my eyes focused on character- not losing sight of Jesus, I can have Mary’s spirit.
Chiseling character… I like that 🙂
Have a fantastic day girlfriends!
Noelle, you are so sweet, thank you. I too am (was) a Martha. I kind of felt sorry for her in the Bible story because she was in the kitchen serving the way she knew. I could relate to her. About a year ago I was sitting at my kitchen table where I spend my time with God in His Word. I looked at the time and it was 3pm I had been sitting there a long time, and in a panic thought I have not done anything today better hop to it before son and husband come home. So I went over to the kitchen sink and multi-tasked. Throwiing dishes in the dishwasher, starting supper, etc. I said outloud “if Jesus was sittiing, in person, over there at my table my house would be a shambles”. I then had the most beautiful thought “I’m a Mary!”. A few days later I was at a resale shop and found a finished framed cross stitch that is vintage that says “Housework is a bummer” it now hangs over my kitchen sink. I would rather be at Jesus feet. 🙂 That’s my Martha and Mary story. To add to my Martha relationship I love to clean house it’s the “gift” God gave me.
Thank you all for your inspiring words! I feel the encouragement to go back and reread the chapters with your insights in mind, to get a better understanding. To those of you with heavy burdens, I lift you up in prayer. We know that Jesus will take your yokes upon his shoulder and carry them. May you feel his strength, comfort and peace as you face the challenges ahead!
Thank you Wendy & All of the Bible Study Sisters!!!!!
I am so overjoyed right now because my prayer life and walk with God has been renewed. I can’t type fast enough – lol. For over 30 years (and I’m 40) so all of my life – I’ve been a part of a legalistic type of church and this past year God began to really move on my heart – we attend a new church now.
This Bible Study has enriched my life. I am learning Christ ALL OVER and it is so exciting. Through reading these comments and prayers God is teaching me how to pray, not as the Pharisees do, with all those empty Words – as I did before. I new what to say then out of habit, but now my prayers are out of a relationship with Him. I feel like crying because while I’ve been a Christian for so many years, I have never walked in the Confidence that I do now (thanks Renee Swope 🙂 and this Bible Study along with Proverbs 31 ministries has blessed me so much.
I’ve been praying like never before in a much more intimate way. Because of what we’ve been studying in Hebrews I’ve been able to really encourage my husband and sister who are both going through tough times. Thank you Wendy, I pant for the Word as the deer does for the waterbrooks and God’s Word is alive! I appreciate all that you’re doing in this Bible Study. This is my first Bible Study with you and I’m a little irritated that I’m just finding you – lol :))
(((Hugs)))
Your words bring such great joy to my heart. I love to hear stories like yours…a reawakening to the JOY of your salvation. Thank you for sharing all that is happening in your heart and life with us. Can’t wait to hear more as you continue on this journey with the Lord.
W
WoooooHooooo!!!! God’s on the move! He’s doing a “new thing” in your life! I love that! Thanks so much for sharing. I’m so glad you found this study. Great stuff, isn’t it? God bless you as you continue to learn and grow and love the Lord, your God.
Thanks Wendy & Karen :-))) you both are so sweet!
dear Wendy and study sisters,
Thank you all for your sharing. I am in Q 8 (4) and I have a few questions: Moses and Aaron responded by falling face down before the crowd – what does that mean? Moses intercedes to God on behalf of the people. And Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes- what does that mean? Q8 (5) joshua and Caleb – what happened? 8 (6) God’s response is anger? Punishment – cannot enter promised Land. 8 (7) Caleb was rewarded but why was Moses not allowed to enter – he interceded for the Israelites so many times?
Thanks
Great questions, Prema.
Why Moses and Aaron fell face down before the people? It could be they fell face down because they knew they could not handle this rebellion on their own and humbled themselves before God and the people, praying and asking for His intercession. It could also have been in fear for of what God’s response might be to the grumbling and complaining. They knew God had enough of these people and did not know how much more they could intercede on their behalf without God taking drastic action.
Why did Joshua and Caleb tear their clothes? Tearing clothes in Old Testament times was a sign of mourning and grief. Nearly everytime the people sin against God, the prophets and godly men tear their clothes and fall on their knees before God. I think they were so overtaken by the selfish and rebellious actions and words of the people that they fell before the Lord…surrendering themselves and the situation to God.
As for your question about Moses, he was not allowed ot enter into the Promised Land because of a time in Scripture when He disobeyed one of God’s direct orders to Him. It does not seem fair, but that was how it was in God’s economy at that time. Obedience to the Law and to God is what God based His blessings upon. Moses was faithful with so much, but there were also times when He did not do all the Lord called him to do with regard to the disobedient Israelites.
Hope this helps. I am sure other women will add their responses as well.
Blessings,
Wendy
Wendy,
Someone in a Bible study once told me that Moses was not allowed to enter into the Promised Land bc Jesus had not been resurrected then and He must be the first. I really didn’t want to get into it then, but OT people were saved by faith even as we are today so…
My understanding has been that there is a place (Paradise?) that is pre Heaven (as the earth will become). In Revelation it talks about the saints under the table who cry “how long, Lord, until we are avenged?” I know this is tricky, we are on the timeline, but God is above the time line so its all the same. When Jesus said to the man on the cross next to him “today you will be with me in Paradise” did that mean Jesus 1st, this guy 2nd? It doesn’t make sense bc Elijah and Moses were at the transfiguration. Can you expand on this?
Thanks,
Sandra
PS. LOVING looking at Hebrews Wendy style!
Dear Wendy,
In Q 10(2) what does it mean to be faithful to the end? And Q(3) how does it relate to John 8:31 and 5:15? Also Q12 (1&2) how can we allign and come back ? How can we protect ourselves? Armour of God?
Thanks
Thanks Wendy for the answer
How blessed we are that our abundantly loving Heavenly Father calls us to a life of confidence, rejoicing and hope! (Hebrews 3:6) Wow! That sure is something to motivate me today. 🙂
Wendy,
I’m on question 9, where you asked us if we have a community of believers around us for encouragement. Sad to say, I don’t. But it’s my fault. I have so much trouble trusting people. Because of past hurts and let downs, it seems easier to face things alone. So many times I”ve said that, as difficult as it is to go through the hard times alone, it’s still easier than opening up and risk getting hurt yet again. But I know that this isn’t how God wants me to live. Please help me pray that He brings some genuine, God-fearing women into my life whom I can fellowship with and lean on, and in turn be there for them as well. Thanks.
I will pray for you too, Dale. I know what it’s like to feel alone in this area too. It is hard to trust people. I am a person who has been surrounded by people in many areas all of my adult life. If I told anyone that I felt lonely or had noone to confide in, they would be surprised. It was because I didn’t know how to let people in or reach out to people.
I have been praying, though, that God would provide the godly friends that I needed. At first, I felt Him say, “I want all of you first.” Which was such a beautiful thing to experience, because I have often struggled to really sense God’s love. God helped me to spend really quality time with Him each day, and to really feel the security of His presence and to find my confidence in Him. Then, slowly, I started to ‘see’ so many godly women that He had ‘planted’ around me.
He is so faithful. Praying for you today….
That was a beautiful response Alex.
The devil attacked my faith and family yesterday evening, through disagreement, anger and abuse. My husband physically abused me and even though this is not the first time, it was over a very inconsequential issue and it was the worst ever. I am sitting here at work now, bruised and hurt but have such faith in God, I never thought was possible. I know that this is an obvious attack of the devil and it is because of the wonderful things God has been teaching me through these bible studies and my renewed fire for God. I honestly don’t know if I want to continue in the marriage but my mum and his mum are going to be in our house today to try to talk some sense into him. I hope and pray that he hears, listens and stops because I promise that the very next time he lays a hand against me, it will be the end of the relationship.
Olayinka-
I am praying for you today… mainly for rest and peace. I hope you can find some comfort in the gentleness of the following Scripture:
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
God’s plan for marriage does not include violence. Unfortunately, violence touches so many marriage relationships. I will be praying that you get the help and deliverance you need.
Your Sister in Christ,
Suzanne
Ohhh Sweet Olayinka,
I will be praying for you today…………for your total well-being & safety. Suzanne is so right, God’s plan for marriage does not include violence. Lord I lift up Olayinka to You today. For total healing – mind, body and soul. Give her the strength she needs to do what she must. Keep her safely under your wings of protection.
My heart is so heavy for you and I am so sorry that you’re going through this. So many women have been affected by domestic violence. And I hesitate to say these words to you, and I hope you receive them in love because that’s where my heart is. I had a girlfriend who suffered over and over with violence in her marriage and there wasn’t a next time for her – her husband took her life right in front of her children. We are all here and praying for you Olayinka. I’m hesitating to post this comment but I must.
God please be with Olayinka during this very hard time and protect her entire family in Jesus Name!
(((Hugs)))
~Lakeisha
Sweet Olayinka,
My heart breaks as I read your story. I agree with the prayers that have been lifted on your behalf. However, I sense in my Spirit that your situation is one that requires action to protect you from further harm. If you are interested, through Proverbs 31 I can connect you with a counselor with whom you could share your story with confidentially and who could advise you as to next steps. We as a sisterhood will certainly be praying for you, but what you have shared requires help beyond prayer as well to ensure your safety. You are a child of God, valuable in His Sight. You are His Princess, and you deserve to be treated as such!! No one should ever lay a hand on one of God’s children….especially a husband. My e-mail is deuteronomysix@aol.com if you want to e-mail me. I am so thankful the Lord brought you here at this time for love, care, and wisdom. Praying His Hand of protection will be upon you every moment of every day and that He will grant you wisdom and direction for your next steps!!
Blessings,
Wendy
Wendy, you’re reply has brought tears to my eyes. What wise advice and counsel.
Olayinka, I am a prayer warrior on duty and thankful you have this sisterhood lifting you up in prayer, and to confide in for encouragement and strength when you need it. You are not alone our God is with you and He will not forsake you.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Dearest Olayinka,
I agree with everything spoken here, husbands should hold their wives higher than they hold themselves, protecting them and cherishing them just as Christ cherishes the Church and laid down His life for her. I am praying for you and your husband but I agree whole heatedly with Wendy, please seek action with this. I read that your moms are going to talk with him tonight, but I am so very concerned for your safety. I hope you will take Wendy up on her offer to get you connected with a counselor from the Proverbs 31 Ministries.
As everyone has said, You are a precious, dearly loved child of the King of kings and deserve to be treated with love and gentleness. I am lifting you and your husband up to our King, praying that the Holy Spirit would pierce his heart, that he would return to the Lord and be the husband he has been called to be.
<3 Heather
Hi Yinka,
I didn’t see your post until NOW!
I’m praying for you, dear sister. If you need to talk, if you need me for anything, please contact. You know how to find me.
Please, PLEASE, hear Wendy’s advice. Don’t wait for the next time! You don’t deserve this.
I love you, Yinka.
Please keep me updated!
Mi
praying here too! Please go and seek councel!
Love Wendelijn
Thank you all so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. I love the scripture you gave me Suzanne, it got me through the night and this morning. We talked about the issues with my mother in law and his sister (my mum couldn’t make it) and he blamed me for the abuse, said it was my fault for argueing with him and that I did not give him the respect he deserves. I don’t know if this is true but I have promised to work on it, if he promises that the abuse will stop. I will talk to a counselor and I hope that my mind and soul heals completely.
I don’t want my marriage to end, want to hold on to any hope that i can get, I know it will be hard but I am trusting God to see me through it. He hears me, He loves me, He is my protector and shield.
Thank you again dear sisters, love you all.
Best regards,
Olayinka
Olayinka-
I’m so glad that the verse helped you. Comfort can be found in God’s arms during this time. I want you to know that the abuse is not your fault. Your husband lashed out violently at you. He is responsible for that. HE made the choice to do that. If you don’t know this already, one of the characteristics of an abuser is that they will shift the blame back to the person they are hurting. It’s a control issue. He wants to maintain the control. Others of us have unfortunately experienced the same kind of response (“you’re not giving me the respect I deserve,” etc.) he gave to you when you confronted him. I want you to know that you are not alone. Please let me/us know when you connect with a counselor, and please stay safe. I’m lifting you up again this morning, and I’m praying you get the help you need.
Suzanne
Being abuse in NEVER your fault, although that is what an abuser would want you to believe. His actions are his choice! Please, please, please seek Christian counseling. The truth is, however, that you are never truly safe until he also gets help. My husband is a police officer and has seen countless situations just like yours end in a very bad way. I believe strongly in marriage vows, but also know that your husband has broken one of those by his act of abuse. I hope you feel loved and cherished by the sisters in Christ who have wrapped you in their love, concern and prayers. I, too, will be lifting you up daily.
Remember, above all else. . . Jesus loves you!!
Jesus has been faithful to be the author and perfector of my faith. I continue to grow and delight more and more in Him, who chose me and loves me with a perfect love!
SInce there is a lot of praying for one another here, which is wonderful, I thought I would just ask for some prayer for myself in a certain area. I was reminded of it when I was reading again about the warning in Hebrews 3:15 about hardening our hearts.
I haven’t intentionally hardened my heart against God, but I do have one area within my marriage that I have been struggling with for years. I have given it to God. I have prayed about it. I have tried to read Scripture passages and godly books about it, but I don’t seem to be able to overcome it. Perhaps the area I have missed is being edified and encouraged by other believers.
Intimacy in marriage is not something that is easy to talk about in the church. I believe Satan is having a heyday in Christian marriages. He is not going to have victory in mine. I crave your prayers, as sisters in Christ, that God would help me to be ‘faithful to the end’ in this area of my marriage. Thankyou.
Praying Alex. I am so thankful this is a place we can come to for knowledge and growing closer to God, encouragement, and especially lifting one another up in prayer.
Abba Father, please bless Alex in this area of her marriage. You know every detail, every one of her hurts, You know the doubts that can taunt her, You are fully aware of her heart’s cry. In Jesus’ Name, protect her heart from being hardened. Tender her to hear Your lead. Speak to her husband so they will be one in all they do. Let us in this group feed her craving for prayers from her sisters. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen!
Huge hugs to you Alex!!!
Alex:
This is the only struggle I have in my marriage too. I know EXACTLY what you are conveying. And, by the way, I think it REALLY STINKS that it is almost taboo to speak about it in church! God made this very special bond between husband and wife and I really wish we had more leaders who would step up and help christian couples to become healthy in this area of their marriages because I know, that I know, that I know that satan is attacking us in this arena.
Having said all that (I know I can really get going sometimes 🙂 ) , my husband and I attended a marriage seminar last weekend: The Art of Marriage sponsored by Dennis Rainey and Family Life Ministries and it was FABULOUS!!!!! There was one very real session on sexual intimacy and words like orgasm were even used — GASP!!! It was very real and very good — I highly recommend the whole weekend!!
God’s blessing to you!!
I just watched the video from Hebrews 3. Thank you again Wendy. This is such a good good study of God’s Word. I prepared a cup of hot tea, brought my journal near and with my Bible open I was blessed by all you taught us.
I really liked the quote you shared. “If your heart is not melted in faith, it will be hardened by unbelief.” A good way to sum up Hebrews chapter 3. I wrote it in the margin.
I am like my other sisters here, more!!! I am going to spend the remaining days until Hebrews 4 lesson is online to work on the memory verses. 🙂
I have only reached q9 today and once again I realized that there is another reason life tends to get me down. I am basically a hermit. For no specific reason. It is part of my bipolar. I physically avoid people. If I see someone I know and they haven’t seen me yet I will go another way just to avoid speaking to them. Even at church I do my best to avoid people I know, even a very beloved cousin that is in the same church. It is as if it simply takes too much energy to interact with people and that it is simply easier to avoid them. My husband suffers greatly because of this because we have no friends. I avoid people, avoid phone conversations as far as possible and never phone anyone if I can avoid it. I even have problems going to FB and twitter as it is a good way of connecting with family in the US. (We are in South Africa)
Next year I will have to work on this, as nothing is going to happen now. This time of year in South Africa everything is winding down, no more small group meetings and other social meeting at church, everything closes down for the summer vacation. Please pray for me to have the courage to stop avoiding people, especially at church and family.
I join you in praying that you will make a commitment in the New Year to get out more. God created you for fellowship. Getting out will help you keep your eyes off of yourself and one Jesus and serving/loving/praying for others. Praying He will bring sweet, godly women into your life, women who will understand you and share your love for God and His Word.
Blessings,
Wendy
I love love you girls! My first study on Hebrew and really digging into the word! I need help on chapter 2 some places I have gone say miracles are no more and that we are to followonly new testament! This has really confused me! I should have not Googled one of my study questions! I love being a part of this study, but really has me somewhat confused! I would love any help on this! I love reading your posts! Such a blessing to be here with such wonderful. People!!
Missy, I totally disagree with the statement miracles are no more. I have witnessed miracles with my own eyes!! Commentators disagree on this issue, but I believe Jesus meant what He said…when the Holy Spirit comes we will do what He did and even greater things through the power of His Holy Spirit to bring glory and honor and praise to the Father!!
W
Miracles, signs and wonders will follow our belief in Christ Jesus.
I agree with Wendy. our God is the same yesterday, today and forever, amen.
Hi Missy! I am the recipient of many miracles! He answered my family’s prayers 12 years ago and I survived heart failure at 28 years old even after flat-lining twice on the operating table. God has miraculously saved some of my predominantly Buddhist family. I’ve seen the miracles of changed hearts (really hard hearts!). Quite honestly, I can go on and on about miracles just in my own life! I think we just need to open our eyes and realize these are things beyond our own capabilities- they are God-authored miracles!
xoxo
I just had a aha moment……….and wanted to share. Yesterday when I was going through question 7……I was thinking about Heb3:16-19. The second warning. I found a dual meaning. The first being that if we are disobedient and do not believe, we will not enter his rest……(heaven). The second meaning that spoke directly to me is that I can believe in my head, but not really with my actions and how I live my life. If I don’t live my life like I believe God is in control and will take care of me I can never enter his “rest” —a peace that comes knowing he is in charge. I can’t enter this because I am so busy trying to control my life the way I see fit and I am constantly anxious and worrying about this or that. Whereas if I just turned it over to him, I could enter his rest…………..a place where peace comes from knowing that no matter what, He is in charge and knows what is best for me even better than I know myself. Even when I can’t see beyond my circumstances, I can rest……….and wait and trust.
I enjoy reading everyone’s comments and what they are learning. It helps me to see different perspectives and gives me more insight. I love it!
Kristie, thank you for sharing that insight. New wine in old wineskins comes to mind as I read the two “rest” challenges. I believe many of us believers try to qualify ourselves without realizing it, trying to line up with earning God’s blessings and get legalistic instead of just simply choosing to trust God/Jesus at His word with a childlike faith and allow Him to be all that He promises so we can “rest” and respond accordingly.
Missy, I totally disagree with the statement miracles are no more. I have witnessed miracles with my own eyes!! Commentators disagree on this issue, but I believe Jesus meant what He said…when the Holy Spirit comes we will do what He did and even greater things through the power of His Holy Spirit to bring glory and honor and praise to the Father!!
W
Thank you for that, Wendy, I so needed to hear that! I pray God to guard my heart and mind! As I strive to do this study! I love it! Thank you for your help because. I have witnessed great things that God has done and was questioning myself and getting discouraged, which is what Satan wants, and I refuse to fall into that! Thank you
Kristy, I had the same ah-ha moments of unbelief= no rest. The author of this epistle was writing to those who believe… those who are saved… but they are not living the blessings of the Christian life. Instead they are stuck in wilderness experiences. Looking back to the Israelites, their unbelief was the basis of even more sin: idol worship and fornication are just two of a handful.
So I compared that to my life in areas where I fall back on unbelief. The downward spiral is the same as it was for the Israelites. If I don’t believe in God’s provision because the economy looks bleak, then my idol worship is depending on my own futile efforts chasing my tail trying to make money. I’m telling God that I can’t trust Him and His word which tells me to seek Him and His kingdom first and He’ll add the rest unto me. And holy cow… when I’m depending on my own strength and abilities, to say that it’s no recipe for rest is an understatement!
Wendy, this study is so incredibly rich. It has added so much to our family quiet times as well as my own. Thank you so very much!
Looking forward to meeting you all for our 30 minute teaching on our day of rest! Wooohoooo!!!!!!!!
Thank you!! I love that you share Hebrews with your family.
For the past few days I’ve been thinking about what Jesus says in John 14:20… how we are in Him AND He is in us. Just now I was scrolling over the comments here again and Heather’s post caught my eye. She said she LOVES the dual meaning of ‘house’ in Hebrews 3:6. We have the same thought here with 2 different scriiptures. We are in HIm (each believer is a part of His Church) and He is in us (we are a house to His Holy Spirit).
I just want to add that my heart is so heavy for all you hurting Sisters. Dear Beth, I’m just 2 months ahead of you on this hard road. If you (or any other precious Sisters) would like a friend to walk with you through your painful journey, I feel led to offer my help. Let’s confound the enemy and use our pain to bring glory to our Lord. My email is judimurdoch@gmail.com.
~love, prayers, blessings~
Oh Judi… I am so sorry you’re in such a heart wrenching trial. What a beautiful way you are letting Holy Spirit work through you. You are a living example of 1 Corinthians 1:4. Holding you up in prayer sweet sister! xoxo
Thanks so much for praying for me Noelle. I AM in need of them and humbled that you will pray for me without knowing me. Will look for you “at Home” someday. XX
I went back this week and reread the past 3 chapters. May I add that my Sunday worship was enriched by what I have learned so far. Thanks to each and everyone of you, especially you Wendy, and proverbs 31 ministry!!! I am so blessed to have found you!!!
Wow! This week has been a week of great insights for me personally, as I continued my journey through Hebrews Chapter 3. Wendy, you were right in saying that it contains powerful material, for I began to beconvicted almost as soon as I started reading verse 1. Through this chapter and the comments of so many of these Bible-study sisters, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I was in danger of drifting away from Jesus! He showed me that I had taken my focus off of Him and placed it on the smaller, fleeting things of my current situation. As one of you pointed out in week 2, there is not one single situation that I will ever be called on to endure that is bigger than my Lord and Saviour! He is THE mountain mover, and nothing else will ever or can ever take His place!
Thanks for all the comments! I am so excited about Wendy’s 30-minute presentation on Chapter 4 tomorrow! Forever His, Janet
Alex:
Please see my response to your post above 🙂
Thanks so much for your honest response, Denise. It is always a breath of fresh air ot know that others understand, and are finding victory. I know God is faithful and He will help us find victory in this area. I would appreciate your prayers and will pray for you in this area too. Thanks for your advice about the marriage seminar. I will pray for such an opportunity for my husband and I. Marriage is such a beautiful, important, God-ordained thing. I believe a godly marriage can really make us stand out in the world, as ambassadors of God and as His testimony. Have a great day, and thank again so much. I really appreciate your response.
God bless you all. Wendy thank you for sharing your time with so many of us in this bible study. May God continue giving you His wisdom and a passion to study His word more and more, may you always be a willing and obedient vessel to God. I wanted to share on lesson #3 question #8 (I’m a little bit behind-God willing I will be caught up by Tuesday) Hebrews 3:12 I like to share this verse in my own words…I will ask God each and everyday for a pure and clean heart, believe, believe, believe in God’s Faithfulness, stay in fellowship with others believers so that I can share my child like faith and encourage each other with God’s love, and concern. May the grace of the Lord Christ Jesus be with your Spirit and also with my sisters in Christ doing this study today and forever. GB
Love this!! Thank you for sharing.
The warning in chapter 3 is another good one. I sure don’t want to have a hard heart toward God!
Martha T. from Cedar Rapids,Iowa
Sorry so late with the response as I am trying to catch up!! I started a new job, praise GOD, and I haven’t had any time!!! Thank GOD for holidays!!! So this chapter really hit home!!! My friend has been believing God for something that appears to be out of reach for any human being!!! I have been believing and agreeing with her and God until the enemy allowed me to see something that caused my faith to waiver!!! I shared it with her and it made the circumstances so terribly hard to face for the thing that seemed so close was pushed so far because of my unbelief!!!!! BUT GOD!!!! He allowed me to read this chapter and it showed me what unbelief can do!!! I believe and I’m not wavering in my faith!!! I believe because God said it that is is going to come to past!! Had I not been so adamant on catching up with my studies I wouldn’t have learned this powerful lesson!!!! This study Wendy is God ordained!!! God bless you and your family especially your family for allowing us to share such fulfilling time with an awesome woman of GOD!!!! Don’t doubt ladies God is GOING TO DO JUST WHAT HE SAID!!!
Angela from Benton, LA