Hebrews: Who Was Melchizedek?

The Old Testament mentions Melchizedek only twice. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was captured in a war between Sodom and several other cities (Genesis 14:1-12). Abraham and his forces defeated the kings who had kidnapped Lot and rescued him (14:13-16). After this Melchizedek, king of Salem (thought by some to eventually become Jerusalem), met with Abraham. Cited by Moses to be both a king and “priest of God Most High,” he blessed Abraham (vs. 18-20). Abraham in return gave him a tenth of all of his possessions (v. 20). … Read More Hebrews: Who Was Melchizedek?

Hebrews: God Keeps His Promises

Sometimes when life is hard, we find it easier to focus on our own failures and insecurities and overlook the good found in ourselves and others. By focusing only on the perceived (and oftentimes imagined) negatives, we can much readily lose hope and give up. Thus, the author of Hebrews was inspired by God to remind his readers about the promises God had given to them. Under tremendous pressure from persecution to renounce Christianity and return to Judaism, they needed assurance that the hope of eternal life in Christ which motivated them to initially obey the gospel was sound and not a false dream. … Read More Hebrews: God Keeps His Promises