In the Word Michele Telfer

Lesson 1- The Need for Blood Sacrifice
Genesis 4:1-15; Exodus 8-12; and John 18:28-40. God decreed from the beginning that mankind’s sin can only be atoned for by the blood of a perfect sacrifice. The sacrificial system which the Jewish people used in worship is well documented in the Scriptures. They escaped God’s judgment and were able to fellowship with Him because of the blood of animals that died on their behalf. This method of approaching God through the blood of another, foreshadowed Jesus Christ and all that He would accomplish in His death on the cross.

Lesson 12 - Live Worthy of the Calling
Hebrews 13:1-25. The author closes his letter with some final exhortations to the kind of holy living that will both help his readers stand firm in their faith and witness to those around them. In this last chapter, he speaks about life of love, purity and contentment that God desires. And he reminds his readers that God’s grace will be with them as they follow Christ, no matter where He leads.

Lesson 11 - Life as A Beloved Child of God
Hebrews 12:5-29. Running the race marked out for us won’t always be easy, as the readers of the letter to the Hebrews were discovering. It requires effort, focus and discipline. But God’s training program for His children is marked by a love and wisdom no earthly parent could provide; and it leads to the holiness without which no man can see God.

Lesson 10 - Endure Looking to Him Who Is Invisible
Hebrews 11:20-12:4. The roll call of heroes continues in the rest of Hebrews 11. From patriarchs like Isaac, Jacob and Joseph to prophets like Moses, Elijah, Elisha and Daniel…from once-timid judges like Gideon and Barak to a pagan woman who believed and became part of the bloodline of Christ. The Old Testament believers who walked by faith in a promise that was not fulfilled in their lifetime, encourage us to keep on believing and to run with patience the race set before us.

Lesson 9 - Those Who Walked By Faith
Hebrews 11:1-19. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a real-life, flesh-and-blood example is priceless when it comes to living by faith. In chapter 11 the author reminds his readers of those who have gone before, walking with eyes of faith and hearts set on the promises of God yet to be revealed. Will they embrace their examples and hold firm in their own trials too?

Lesson 8 - The Way into God’s Presence has been Opened
Hebrews 10:1-39. Today’s lesson marks a turning point in the letter to the Hebrews. The writer compares the many offerings made by the Temple priests with the single sacrifice made by Christ on the cross and all that accomplished. He goes on to challenge them with just what it looks like to trust in Jesus — and what it would mean to reject Him.