The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Christians in times of trial. Considering the increasing persecution of Christians even in the West it is helpful to look at what it teaches.

It does so by focusing on the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. While God spoke in the past “many times and in many ways,” he has now spoken to us “through his Son,” Jesus Christ, who is the “exact imprint” of God’s nature and who “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:1-3). Jesus accomplished complete salvation for all who trust in him (Hebrews 1:1–10:18). We dare not “neglect such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3; 5:12–6:20; 10:19-39). Rather, in our faith and in our everyday living, we should imitate the example of Christ and of those on the honor roll of faith (Hebrews chapts.11–13).

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

WARNING AGAINST APOSTASY

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

The following Scripture gives us a sobering message.
​”Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” Hebrews 6:1-6

Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit to indwell the spirit of every believer to be their Counsellor, Teacher, and Comforter. The Holy Spirit enables us to live the Christian life as long as we say, as Jesus did, not my will but yours be done today and every day. We are told that we can grieve the Holy Spirit and quench His work in our lives. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control. If these are not evident in your life then you are grieving the Holy Spirit and you need to get on your knees and repent.

We are in the prophesied last days before Jesus returns and restores righteousness on this Earth and ushers in His Millennial reign. Probably the most significant end times prophecy was Israel being re-established as a nation in 1948. The spiritual battle then escalated. Israel is surrounded by hostile nations intent on its destruction. Just look at the intensity and horrific nature of the recent attack by Hamas with over 1000 Israelis killed and 2000 injured. As well, many Israeli women and children have been taken hostage. As a result, Netanyahu has declared the nation is at war. Wars and rumours of wars are end times signs as are earthquakes.

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:6-8

A magnitude-6.3 earthquake and strong aftershocks have killed more than 2,000 people in western Afghanistan, according to Taliban officials. It’s one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in two decades.