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Lifechange
Hebrews
Jewish Christians were under fire from their kinsmen for neglecting the Jewish traditions. Faced with hostility, the loss of jobs, and worse, many were tempted to hide their faith in Christ. Then a trusted mentor reminded them in a strong, clear letter that Christ is far superior to anything Judaism offers. The 19 sessions of this Bible study on the book of Hebrews explore all aspects of this fascinating letter. If using in a group, personal study is needed between meetings. Includes study aids and discussion questions.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 15, 2013
This is the Hebrews edition of the Life Change series workbooks. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. To me it read more like seminary work, when I was looking for more of a life application study of Hebrews. It did get me reading Hebrews again, and I had forgotten how much good stuff is in this particular book. The study book, however, had work that made me question whether or not I had even understood the book correctly. It reminded me of when I used to be in class and did all my homework but it didn't quite make sense to me, so when the teacher called on me, I was hesitant to answer because I wasn't sure if I got it right. I felt like if they weren't direct type application questions, they asked things that required the answer to be direct quotes from the bible, which got me no further in really understanding the book. It seemed at most, busy work to me. Even when I got to the questions at the end of each chapter that asked me to write down how to apply this to my life, I was confused as to what it was looking for. In the end, I looked for the main theme of the verse we were studying, and came up with a generic-type response that might do, but didn't really hold any meaning for me. In the end, just the read through of the book of Hebrews was more meaningful for me.
To be fair, I might not have understood the intent of the authors, or perhaps I didn't have enough evangelical knowledge as a base to be studying with this more in depth study. Also, after completing a few chapters, I read the rest of the book, but didn't bother answering the questions. We are taking a break in our study group for a six-week New Testament class, so we will probably eventually get back to this later, and I still might end up completing it.
As a side note, if my study leader happens to read this, I'm sorry I didn't like your choice of book, but on the up side, I'm really enjoying the books you chose for the New Testament class!
ClassicsDefined.com
To be fair, I might not have understood the intent of the authors, or perhaps I didn't have enough evangelical knowledge as a base to be studying with this more in depth study. Also, after completing a few chapters, I read the rest of the book, but didn't bother answering the questions. We are taking a break in our study group for a six-week New Testament class, so we will probably eventually get back to this later, and I still might end up completing it.
As a side note, if my study leader happens to read this, I'm sorry I didn't like your choice of book, but on the up side, I'm really enjoying the books you chose for the New Testament class!
ClassicsDefined.com
January 30, 2011
Some of my favorite passages come from the book of Hebrews. Each time we read it, we find new applications. That's because God's Word is alive and active and never comes back void, but accomplishes just what He sent it to do.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. HEB 4:12
The following is a brief summary from GotQuestionsMinistries.org
The Book of Hebrews addresses three separate groups: believers in Christ, unbelievers who had knowledge of and an intellectual acceptance of the facts of Christ, and unbelievers who were attracted to Christ, but who rejected Him ultimately. It’s important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. To fail to do so can cause us to draw conclusions inconsistent with the rest of Scripture.
The writer of Hebrews continually makes mention of the superiority of Christ in both His personage and in His ministering work. In the writings of the Old Testament, we understand the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism symbolically pointed to the coming of Messiah. In other words, the rites of Judaism were but shadows of things to come. Hebrews tells us that Christ Jesus is better than anything mere religion has to offer. All the pomp and circumstance of religion pales in comparison to the person, work, and ministry of Christ Jesus. It is the superiority of our Lord Jesus, then, that remains the theme of this eloquently written letter.
Connections: Perhaps nowhere in the New Testament does the Old Testament come into focus more than in the Book of Hebrews, which has as its foundation the Levitical priesthood. The writer to the Hebrews constantly compares the inadequacies of the Old Testament sacrificial system to the perfection and completion in Christ. Where the Old Covenant required continual sacrifices and a once-a-year atonement for sin offered by a human priest, the New Covenant provides a once-for-all sacrifice through Christ (Hebrews 10:10) and direct access to the throne of God for all who are in Him.
Practical Application: Rich in foundational Christian doctrine, the Epistle to the Hebrews also gives us encouraging examples of God's "faith heroes" who persevered in spite of great difficulties and adverse circumstances (Hebrews 11). These members of God's Hall of Faith provide overwhelming evidence as to the unconditional surety and absolute reliability of God. Likewise, we can maintain perfect confidence in God's rich promises, regardless of our circumstances, by meditating upon the rock-solid faithfulness of God's workings in the lives of His Old Testament saints.
The writer of Hebrews gives ample encouragement to believers, but there are five solemn warnings we must heed. There is the danger of neglect (Hebrews 2:1-4), the danger of unbelief (Hebrews 3:7–4:13), the danger of spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:11–6:20), the danger of failing to endure (Hebrews 10:26-39), and the inherent danger of refusing God (Hebrews 12:25-29). And so we find in this crowning masterpiece a great wealth of doctrine, a refreshing spring of encouragement, and a source of sound, practical warnings against slothfulness in our Christian walk. But there is still more, for in Hebrews we find a magnificently rendered portrait of our Lord Jesus Christ—the Author and Finisher of our great salvation (Hebrews 12:2).
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. HEB 4:12
The following is a brief summary from GotQuestionsMinistries.org
The Book of Hebrews addresses three separate groups: believers in Christ, unbelievers who had knowledge of and an intellectual acceptance of the facts of Christ, and unbelievers who were attracted to Christ, but who rejected Him ultimately. It’s important to understand which group is being addressed in which passage. To fail to do so can cause us to draw conclusions inconsistent with the rest of Scripture.
The writer of Hebrews continually makes mention of the superiority of Christ in both His personage and in His ministering work. In the writings of the Old Testament, we understand the rituals and ceremonies of Judaism symbolically pointed to the coming of Messiah. In other words, the rites of Judaism were but shadows of things to come. Hebrews tells us that Christ Jesus is better than anything mere religion has to offer. All the pomp and circumstance of religion pales in comparison to the person, work, and ministry of Christ Jesus. It is the superiority of our Lord Jesus, then, that remains the theme of this eloquently written letter.
Connections: Perhaps nowhere in the New Testament does the Old Testament come into focus more than in the Book of Hebrews, which has as its foundation the Levitical priesthood. The writer to the Hebrews constantly compares the inadequacies of the Old Testament sacrificial system to the perfection and completion in Christ. Where the Old Covenant required continual sacrifices and a once-a-year atonement for sin offered by a human priest, the New Covenant provides a once-for-all sacrifice through Christ (Hebrews 10:10) and direct access to the throne of God for all who are in Him.
Practical Application: Rich in foundational Christian doctrine, the Epistle to the Hebrews also gives us encouraging examples of God's "faith heroes" who persevered in spite of great difficulties and adverse circumstances (Hebrews 11). These members of God's Hall of Faith provide overwhelming evidence as to the unconditional surety and absolute reliability of God. Likewise, we can maintain perfect confidence in God's rich promises, regardless of our circumstances, by meditating upon the rock-solid faithfulness of God's workings in the lives of His Old Testament saints.
The writer of Hebrews gives ample encouragement to believers, but there are five solemn warnings we must heed. There is the danger of neglect (Hebrews 2:1-4), the danger of unbelief (Hebrews 3:7–4:13), the danger of spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:11–6:20), the danger of failing to endure (Hebrews 10:26-39), and the inherent danger of refusing God (Hebrews 12:25-29). And so we find in this crowning masterpiece a great wealth of doctrine, a refreshing spring of encouragement, and a source of sound, practical warnings against slothfulness in our Christian walk. But there is still more, for in Hebrews we find a magnificently rendered portrait of our Lord Jesus Christ—the Author and Finisher of our great salvation (Hebrews 12:2).
June 22, 2022
I could not find the most recent edition on Goodreads. Mine was the 2013 edition.
Initially I was a bit disappointed when my study arrived. I had grown used to the prettier studies that are out right now. But I ordered and committed to it so I finished it! As I worked through this book I realized again just how helpful my ESV study bible is. It seriously is wonderful! Many of the questions in this study were answered by thoughtfully reading the ESV footnotes.
As I work through the Torah this year with Bible Project, I was so happy to be doing this study because it just really drove home how much God loves us. The author of Hebrews systematically lays out the superiority of Christ to the old covenant. Great companion studies.
Our relationship with God is not based on external regulations but on Christ's once and for all work and this study helped me polish this truth even more.
Initially I was a bit disappointed when my study arrived. I had grown used to the prettier studies that are out right now. But I ordered and committed to it so I finished it! As I worked through this book I realized again just how helpful my ESV study bible is. It seriously is wonderful! Many of the questions in this study were answered by thoughtfully reading the ESV footnotes.
As I work through the Torah this year with Bible Project, I was so happy to be doing this study because it just really drove home how much God loves us. The author of Hebrews systematically lays out the superiority of Christ to the old covenant. Great companion studies.
Our relationship with God is not based on external regulations but on Christ's once and for all work and this study helped me polish this truth even more.
May 21, 2023
We used this for our youth ministry this past semester!
Pros- lots of questions that you can use to interface and make students think and dig deeper into questions,
Cons- awkward chapter splits, questions worded in confusing ways, some chapters not organized in a smooth order for lecture..
Overall not my fave, especially for middle school age 🤷🏼♀️ some chapters were great! Others were not.. I think it would’ve been easier if everyone had a book!
Definitely some good content throughout!
Pros- lots of questions that you can use to interface and make students think and dig deeper into questions,
Cons- awkward chapter splits, questions worded in confusing ways, some chapters not organized in a smooth order for lecture..
Overall not my fave, especially for middle school age 🤷🏼♀️ some chapters were great! Others were not.. I think it would’ve been easier if everyone had a book!
Definitely some good content throughout!
November 28, 2016
This study book is so, SO repetitive. For example, Many of the questions that are supposed to build on each other are just the same questions worded differently. It happens within a chapter and across chapters.
The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because it's a good book for someone who is a new Christian.
The only reason I'm giving it 2 stars is because it's a good book for someone who is a new Christian.
November 9, 2021
A great step-by-step process to understand Paul's message to the Hebrews. The questions for each lesson were on point. For a more indepth understanding of the Book of Hebrews, this is definitely a great start.
March 18, 2022
I have enjoyed studying the book of Hebrews with my sisters in the Lord. We used this study guide to help us with our study and discussions. I’m thankful for the opportunity to gather and grow with other Christian women who value the Word of God.
January 24, 2016
I've now done the one for Hebrews and the one for Galatians and have determined the Life Change series of Bible studies from the Navigators is about the best I've ever found. The application questions are great at helping thinking through how scripture has much to say about the actions of your daily life. The notes and explanations clarify just about any question you might have about the meaning of a word or significance of some cultural reference from antiquity. This series is great for either small groups or individuals who want to delve deep into scripture in a way that makes it relevant to daily life and eternity. Bravo!
August 29, 2007
All of the books in this series are solid theologically and ask good questions. Its the best single series I've personally used for introducing a book along with its purpose and who it was written to (if its an epistle) and why it was written. Very good stuff.
September 10, 2015
Excellent questions tied back to Old Testament. Explains a lot of Jewish history in light of the Messiah. Great resource for mentoring and bible study.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews