​This week at Blainsport, we begin a study in the Book of Hebrews. Anthony T. Selvaggio, the pastor of the College Hill Reformed Presbyterian Church in Beaver Falls, PA, suggests that the Book of Hebrews is not a book or letter, but rather, it is an expository sermon. Further, it would be more appropriate to refer to the author of the Book of Hebrews as a preacher.
 
Interestingly, Hebrews is the only recorded sermon in the New Testament preached to an established congregation. The audience was a second-generation group of believers (see Hebrews 2:1–4) who were at risk of turning away from their faith in Jesus. Unlike the sermons in the Book of Acts, Hebrews is not an evangelistic sermon; instead it is a message to those who already believe.
 
Hebrews contains some profound theological teaching and offers solemn warnings about the dangers of falling away from the faith. For modern readers like us, learning about the superiority and extraordinary role of Christ in salvation history, his atoning work on the cross, and his glorious resurrection and ascension remain abundantly true. The book also challenges Christians in danger of compromise. As we live in a multi-faith, tolerant culture, the Book of Hebrews calls us to a determined faith in Christ alone.
 
I hope this study challenges us to step away from a comfortable religion that asks nothing of us to a genuinely committed faith that moves us closer to the Savior—and in the process, brings others to salvation through Christ Jesus.
 
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

This Sunday, we celebrate communion at Blainsport. It is something we take very seriously as we prepare to come to the Lord’s Table. The Apostle Paul instructs, “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28–29, ESV).

A Christian should “examine” himself to determine whether he or she is participating in the Lord’s Supper worthily. The word “examine” means to test for approval. We are to take a good look at our lives and relationships make sure we are in the right place to take the Lord’s Supper. In context, the Corinthians were partaking unworthily by treating fellow Christians poorly. As followers of Jesus, our relationships with others should reveal our relationship with Christ.

Notice also that we are not to examine someone else. Instead, we are to look at ourselves. We are experts at analyzing others. We must become experts at examining ourselves. I believe that we have to become honest with ourselves and honest with God to have a dynamic fellowship with the Lord. This is the work we do before Sunday morning—before we come to His table.

Next Sunday, we will begin a new sermon series based in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews is a rich book, filled with deep theological understandings of the work of Christ on the cross on our behalf. I encourage you to look ahead by reading bite-sized chunks from Hebrews in preparation for our study.
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I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!