Running the Race

The lesson on October 16, 2022 was part 26 of the “Running the Race” study. This series is finishing in chapter 13 of Hebrews where we are learning of the chastisement of the son in the family unit of a father and a mother and how that chastisement is given by the father to prepare the son for his future walk. We reviewed the scripture that referenced chastening (Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:5; Heb. 12:7; Heb. 12:8; Heb. 12:11 KJV). No chastening is pleasant while receiving but is a blessing afterwards to those who are exercised by it. In this lesson, we looked at the object of chastening in Hebrews 12:10 KJV. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ so we may put aside every sin that deters us from exercising and also being exercised as the Hebrew Christians ran their race in order that they may receive the prize of their hope in working together with those who rule over them. We too, will exercise our faith to run the race with our calling in the Mystery. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 13:12-19 KJV “12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. 19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.”

The lesson on October 9, 2022 was part 25 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne reviewed what we learned in our previous lesson, specifically the activities of faith, the two sides of the coin in Hebrews, the sin that so easily beset us, looking past those heroes of faith to Jesus, who is our captain and author and finisher of our faith up to the the topic of today’s lesson, which was “Chastening”. This is from the Greek word παιδεία which means training, discipline (Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 12:5, 7, 8, 11.) (Also look at Job 5:17; Prov. 3:11; Isa. 26:16; Heb. 12:5, 7, 11). We started looking at how the Law applies to us today even in this dispensation of The Mystery where the Apostle PAul says in 1 Timothy 1:8-11 KJV “8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.” Look at Matt. 7:12; 11:13; 22:40; Lk. 16:16; Jn. 1:17; 7:23, 51; Rom. 2:14; 3:19; 4:15; 5:20; 7:1, 7, 12, 14; 8:2; 1 Cor. 9:8; 14:34; 15:56; Gal. 3:12, 17, 19, 21, 24; 5:14, 23; 1 Tim. 1:8-9; Heb. 7:19, 28; 10:1 The scripture reading was from Deuteronomy 8:2-5 KJV “2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy God chasteneth thee.”

The lesson on October 2, 2022 was part 24 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne takes reviews what was learned from the previous lesson, specifically on the activities of faith and the two sides of the coin analogy he used to describe the one side of better blessings comes with the other side of added responsibilities. How we looked at the Greek word behind “substance” (2 Cor. 9:4; 11:17; Heb. 1:3; 3:14; 11:1) where is conveyed that of reproof (2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 11:1). Comparing Hebrews 11:1 to that of Habakkuk 2:1 – “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” We looked at Hebrews 12:1 and the Greek word “Τοιγαροῦν” which is translated “wherefore” in regards to the sin which doeth so easily beset us. This lead to the main question for this lesson which was “What have we come to?”. The rest of the lesson taught on the answer to this question for the Hebrew believers and also what we have come to in our age which is The Mystery, given to PAul the prisoner for our calling and hope. The scripture reading was from 1 Timothy 6:1-3 KJV “1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”

The lesson on September 25, 2022 was part 23 of the “Running the Race” study. This lesson opened up with a review of the activities of faith in Hebrews 11. Wayne highlighted from page 190 from the book we are using as a text book for this series on Moses. He refused, choose, esteemed; had respect, forsook, endured, and kept by faith. We identified the three different hopes that are specified in scripture and what was being identified in the book of Hebrews. Wayne used an analogy of a coin that has two sides. On one side it could represent the better things that accompany salvation. Saying that Jesus is better than the angels, He is a Better priest than Melchisedek. Further they have a Better hope, Better testament, Better sacrifices, Better country, Better resurrection, Better things than Abel (Heb. 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24). On the other side of the coin it shows that they have more responsibilities (Heb. 10:26-31; 12:25). We moved on to Hebrews 12:1-4 and looked at the emphasis to run the race. The hope that is presented in Hebrews is the same hope that Abraham had and forward. Our hope is in the super heavens which is what the Apostle PAul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ revealed to us for today which is the hope perfection that we are pursing. The scripture reading was from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV “24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

The lesson on September 18, 2022 was part 22 of the “Running the Race” study. This lesson starts with a review of Hebrews 11:10 where is tells of Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. We then looked in the original account in Genesis and learned that Abram didn’t follow the instructions God gave him showing how the heroes of faith in chapter 11 are believers who are shining forth their faith obedience with a fraction of light being reflected from the white light that is Christ. However, we quickly learn that this list if made up of sinners and fallen people which showed the error of their ways but yet were found faithful in how they ran their race and are a cloud of witnesses for the Hebrew believers. We then continued to look at the word “translated” in relation to avoiding death which was covered in the previous lesson. We looked at Acts 7:15 which is a recount of how Jacob died in Egypt and when “he and our fathers were carried into Sychem and laid in he sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money”. So, in this case, Jacob did die but his bones were “translated” into another location. We learned that redemption if for a purpose, it is not an end in itself. Redemption is the start of your race and you are to continue on to perfection so you will receive a reward of witness. Noah was the last witness we looked at in Gen 9:1-7,8:13,21. The scripture reading was from Genesis 12:1-5 KJV “1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. 4 So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.”

The lesson on September 11, 2022 was part 21 of the “Running the Race” study. After a brief review of what we have learned, this lesson looks into Hebrews 11 and starts to see the refracted light of how their witness points to Christ, as the great white light and the finisher of our faith. Whenever their are commands given in Hebrews to run the race it is always in context to an adjustment. Heb. 11:1-4 we learn how faith has within it reproof and we look in detail of how the faith of Abel was approved in studying the Genesis account of what happened to learn how Cain and Able offered the same offering from the ground but Able added the offering of the lamb, which God required so his was approved. The scripture reading was from Genesis 4:1-8 KJV “1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.”

The lesson on September 4, 2022 was part 20 of the “Running the Race” study. In this lesson, Wayne takes time to dive into Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Since it is a common error to teach the potential loss of salvation or eternal life, it is important to understand the interpretation of this verse. In doing so, Wayne takes us through these questions and provides the proper answer: 1)Does a Hebrew believer possibly fall back to “Hell” (loss of salvation)? 2)What does “perdition” mean? 3)Is the belief mentioned the root that saves the soul in the modern evangelistic sense? 4)What does “saving” mean? 5)What does “soul” mean? We covered three verses to show the definition of “perdition” and how context provides more emphasis. Next we looked at the phrase “saving of the soul” means in proper context. Soul salvation is indicating a full life at the end of your faith. Essentially, having received your reward for running the race. Wayne then took us through the introduction of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 and how they are arranged in three sets of seven, as well as in pairs of witnesses. The scripture reading was from Philippians 3:14-21 KJV “14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The lesson on August 28, 2022 was part 19 of the “Running the Race” study. In this weeks lesson, Wayne reviewed how the Hebrew Christians were being challenged to go unto perfection and not fall back to perdition (Heb. 6:1;10:39) and how Paul used Habakkuk 2:4 in three places (Rom. 1:17 – righteousness; Gal. 3:11 – by faith; and Heb. 10:38 – shall live). We quickly reviewed where the word Perdition was used before focusing on the main subject, which was the major emphasis of Hebrews. Hebrews addresses Hebrew believers! Paul was teaching them to RUN the race and to do so with perfected knowledge. We then looked at the 7 times the Greek word “προσέρχομαι” which is translated “to draw near” (Heb. 4:16; 7:25; 10:1; 10:22; 11:6; 12:18 and 12:22 KJV) We then took time to review Rom. 9:10-23 KJV which takes us to the history of Esau and Jacob to learn how God uses the word “Hate” to describe how it involves placement of lesser value vs. actually hating someone (e.g. Matt. 6:24, Luke 14:26). The “hate” metaphor is similar to the following: 2 Corinthians 3:10 KJV “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.” The scripture reading was from Genesis 25:19-23 KJV “19 And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begat Isaac: 20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21 And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”

The lesson on August 14, 2022 was part 18 of the “Running the Race” study. In this lesson, Wayne takes time to briefly review what we had previously covered when he dived into the Isa 6:9-10 reference that was quoted by Paul in Acts 28:25-27 which came to him as a question submitted online from the Acts 29 series. It shows how much there was a continuation of the ministry sent to Israel. Wayne also pointed out an error that Charles Welch made from his commentary on Hebrews 10:34 KJV where Paul was commenting on the compassion they had “of me in my bonds”, where the original manuscripts had the Greek words “δεσμοῖς μου”, which is referring to Paul being a prisoner. Charles Welch accepted the “correction” from “the text” (referring to the textus receptus) where it removes “my” with bonds. During the writing of Hebrews, Paul was a prisoner. Charles Welch says the Paul was not a prisoner during the writing of Hebrews. Further, modern Bibles leave out “my”, and “in heaven”. We believe in inspiration and preservation of scripture so when commentary is made by those we respect, we will not agree with everything and call them out when make an error. The lesson ends with looking at “Patience” where James uses it in Jas. 1:3, 4, 5:11 KJV. We looked at the context of how Paul uses Habakkuk 2:4 KJV in Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11 and Heb. 10:38 KJV. The scripture reading was from Philippians 3:14-21 KJV “14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The lesson on August 7, 2022 was part 17 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne took time to prepare us for the context of chapter 10 of Hebrews because it is so important to recognize where the nation of Israel was the time when Hebrews was written. We looked at Hebrews 8:13 showing how the Old Covenant was ready to pass away to the New Covenant but it didn’t as evidenced by how Acts ended. In Hebrews 8:1, Wayne expounded on the “we have” showing that “this is the sum” was showing the placement of Jesus Christ in the heavens was their high priest (see Heb. 4:14, 15; 6:19, and 8:1). In Acts 21:20-24 documented that there were thousands of Jews that believed and zealous of the law. We took a look again of the activity of Paul in verse 31 and pregnant “period” (which was thoroughly covered in the Acts 29 study) showing when PAul received The Mystery before he was imprisoned again. We reviewed how in 2 Tim. 4:1 that the Lord Jesus was about to judge… and it did not happen. Wayne took time to show how the Greek word meant “about” instead of shall. We finished with looking at the “comers”, particularly in these passages: 1 Tim. 6:3; Heb. 4:16; 7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22 and the verse Hebrews 7:25 KJV where Paul is emphasizing that those who survive and endure to the end, the Lord Jesus will save them to the uttermost which reflects their rewards which is what Hebrews is all about, the reward given to the Hebrews for their faithful pursuit of the race that was set before them. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:28-39 KJV “28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; 33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

The lesson on July 31, 2022 was part 16 of the "Running the Race" study. Wayne took us through a quick review of how the law was not perfect because it could not provide life particularly because it was implemented by sinners as described in Romans 8:3 where Christ came in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. We continued from Hebrews 9 and 10. Of emphasis in this lesson is the ascension of Jesus Christ and how it was so important to the Hebrews fulfilling the role of high priest as explained in Hebrews 9:7-12 KJV. We covered these passages and discussed what importance it was to the Jew with the verses with using "seated" (looking at the importance of the ascension): Heb. 1:3 … right hand; Heb. 4:14 … passed into the heavens; Heb. 8:1 … right hand … heavens; Heb. 9:24 … heaven itself; Heb. 10:12 … sat .. Right hand of God; Heb. 12:2 … right hand throne of God. We also took note of how important the ascension of Christ is to our calling in The Mystery with the references in Ephesians and Colossians: Eph. 1:19-23 – headship; Eph. 4:8-10 – led captivity captive; Eph. 4:11-12 (four fold ministry); Eph. 2:6 sit together in heavenly places; Col. 3:1 sitteth at the right hand of God. We closed in looking at the passages using the imperative "Let us" and discussed it significance: Heb. 4:1, 11, 14, 16; 6:1; 10:22-24; 12:1, 28; 13:13, 15. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 10:1-6 KJV "1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure."

The lesson taught on July 24, 2020 was part 15 of the "Running the Race" study in learning how the race is set before the Hebrews for a better salvation or reward. In this lesson, Wayne reviews what we had covered before but then gets into chapter 9 of Hebrews where it starts to compare the Old and New Covenant in Heb. 9:1-20 KJV. It is imperative that we don't apply to us what was intended to the Hebrews! We are so conditioned by modern Christian pastors about Salvation and not about reward. We must separate the scripture meant to explain the life we receive in Christ from the reward He has for us in winning the race set before us. Also, it is imperative we learn what the Old Covenant meant to Israel and what hope they were promised, especially when comparing to what the New Covenant meant to them. Further, in order to understand what The Mystery means to us, we must understand the hope and blessings that were meant for Israel so we can truly appreciate what hope and blessing our calling has for us today. Wayne finished the lesson covering what it meant by "better sacrifices" which comes from the Greek word "heterosis". The scripture reading was from Hebrews 9:22-28 KJV "22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

The lesson taught on July 17, 2022 was part 14 of the “Running the Race” study. We reviewed what we learned previously regarding the two immutable things, which were presented in a graphic: 1. To the overcomer – “Surely I will bless …” and 2. The Priest of the overcomer – “Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec”. The body of this lesson covered the need to understand context and when looking at the Law, it required Wayne to categorize components of the Law which still apply to us in this age! The Moral Law continued where the ceremonial parts of the Law were going to be replaced upon Jesus’ return to the Earth. We looked at Psalm 110:1-7 KJV to see how David referred to what was started in Genesis and then what Paul was using to show why the Law had to change in Hebrews. The two books in the New Testament that really position that the Law could not save was Romans and Galatians. We learned how the Moral Law continues because PAul still references it in Ephesians and Colossians. (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-14; Ephesians 4:28 Thou shalt not steal; Ephesians 6:2 Honor father and mother; Colossians 2:14 blotting out ordinances (dogma based on Law) Hebrews 9:10,11). The Moral Law is simply stating what is right and wrong which still applies to us today. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 8:1-5 KJV “1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”

The lesson on July 10, 2022 was part 13 of “Running the Race” study. This is all about running the race and getting fit to win by being in great shape. There remaineth work to do in Hebrews 4:6 for the Jews to perfect their works of faith so they may receive their reward as their second rest. Those who say that this verse shows you can lose your salvation is true in the context of rewards, not eternal life. We looked at the word “remaineth” in the Greek and the scriptures in Hebrews that used it (Heb. 4:6,9;10:26). We have a similar but different race explained in Colossians 1:24. Paul talked about his suffering as being part of those works of faith (Sufferings: Rom. 7:5; 8:18; 2 Cor. 1:5-7; Gal. 5:24; Phil. 3:10; Col. 1:24; 2 Tim. 3:11; Heb. 2:9-10; 10:32; 1 Pet. 1:11; 4:13; 5:1, 9). We learned what are the “two immutable things” referenced in Hebrews 6:18 KJV. We then looked at the Oaths that are in Hebrews (1. Heb. 3:11; 4:3 Those who do not overcome. 2. Heb. 6:17, 18 Those who overcome like Abraham and 3. Heb. 7:21 The priest of the overcomer). Wayne explained the mission we have before us in this age and in our lifetime. In the time we have left, what works remaineth that we have as those who have come to see the calling of The Mystery. We all have certain abilities and need to find a way to come together as a church that promotes Right Division and The Mystery to Christianity. Let us pray to find a way to assemble these people so we may use their strengths and resources to build the body of which Christ is head to its perfection. We learned how Jesus Christ is the Melchisedec Priest that is available to all because of the completed work of Christ. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 7:19-28 KJV “19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: 21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) 22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.”

The lesson on July 3, 2022 was part 12 of “Running the Race” study. Wayne made a few comments on Independence Day this year because it will be the first one celebrated as the all of the Stewarts are now American citizens. He talked about exercising and the blessing of feeling fit. Hebrews is one of the books Israel should use to learn how to run their race to perfection to establish works based on faith that will provide them the reward of receiving their rest. In parallel, we as Gentiles don’t receive our instructions to race to receive our reward in a book written to the Hebrews but rather PAul wrote us Philippians to explain how we as members of the body whose head is Christ should perfect our faith with approved works that we should walk in them. We both have a rest that is in Christ since we receive salvation by grace from our primitive faith. The growth of the believer is now to pursue perfection according to the works, so we must use the proper instructions to perfect our faith. We learned how the translators used the name Jesus instead of Joshua because the wanted you to see the type. The focus on today’s lesson was how Jesus was given as a great example as the perfecter of their faith. In Hebrews 5:1-14 KJV, we learn how teachers are to first be students so that they may take those that are ignorant to receive knowledge. Jesus is a great example of a teacher. Good teachers and students are not lazy (Heb. 6:12 KJV). We took time to look at how Abram had primitive faith in Gen. 15 but showed his works based on faith in Gen. 22). Abraham received life in Gen. 15 because his faith was counted for righteousness. In Gen. 22, Abraham received his reward based his works based on faith. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 7:11-19 KJV “11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”

The lesson on June 26, 2022 was part 11 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne opened up with commentary on how God listens to prayer and adjust the outcome even though His outcome will be achieved as reflected in Genesis 18:22-33 KJV. Those who think God determines everything by controlling every decision (Calvinist) are in error. God provides a real choice using free will but still is in control. If God is playing both sides of the chess board, it is not much of a fair game. God will get his objectives done even in the face of our choices. We then reviewed how Israel had a heavenly blessing in New Jerusalem that would come down on the Earth who they could enter as a reward earning “so great salvation” from perfecting the faith by works of belief. The Apostle Paul brings up the ministry of Moses and compares it to Jesus Christ. He further compared the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. We then spent the majority of the lesson focusing on Hebrews 4:10-12 KJV learning how they might labor to get within His rest. In all callings, there will be a reward for faithful works and consequences for unbelief. This doesn’t mean that you will lose your eternal life in Christ. The two-edged sword mentioned is the action of the word of God dividing the soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word of God is alive. Somewhere between verses 12 and 13, it manifests a being. The context of this passage is on works perfecting your faith. We looked at Revelation 1:16 KJV to learn more about discernment. Hebrews context is that the last days are eminent and Revelation is the judgement given during the last days. Wayne compared it to our calling in Phil. 1:8-10 KJV where we are to compare and have discernment to perfect our faith to prove things that are excellent. The scripture reading was from Genesis 18:22-33 KJV “18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. 20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. 30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there. 31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. 33 And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.”

The lesson on June 19, 2022 was part 10 of the "Running the Race" study. Wayne continues to show us how the book of Hebrews is appealing to the Jews to accept Jesus as their savior to lead them into the promised rest that was the better salvation that the nation was promised when they departed Egypt but was not received due to their unbelief. Many scriptures are wrongly interpreted because they take instructions that was not intended for our hope today. Israel's journey through the wilderness is a picture book of their journey to accept Jesus Christ as their captain to salvation and receive their heavenly blessing as "so great salvation" which is the reward that was promised to them. Israel has a heavenly calling as pointed out in Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; and 12:22. We looked at Israel's desire to rely on Moses vs. Jesus and how Paul addressed this comparing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant. The parallel that we can take from Hebrews is the promise of life which is a gift, to the hope that is a reward received for faithful obedience. We learned that our heavenly hope is the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ which when received, has a reward that is super celestial. Completely and distinct from the promises and reward given to Israel. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 5:1-10 KJV "1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."

The lesson on June 12, 2022 was part 9 of the “Running the Race” study. We learned to contextualize the words Salvation, Gospel, and Mystery. As we go through Hebrews we are learning how Paul used the history of Israel to describe the of the Salvation Gospel of them coming out of Egypt in pursuit of So Great Salvation Gospel of them entering into the promised land. Paul pointed out how they showed their unbelief by following the majority (10 Spies) who said it was a land filled with Giants who would crush them; whereas the minority (2 spies) said they believed God would bless them in the land. In this parallel, Israel had a salvation out of Egypt and a greater salvation when in the promised land (rest). In today’s calling, we need to see that the default understanding of our gospel is different from the death, burial and resurrection of receiving life but that of a better gospel explained by PAul as the unsearchable riches of Christ (Eph. 3:6,8 KJV). The scripture reading was from 2 Tim. 2:1-10 KJV “1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.”

This lesson was taught on June 5, 2022 and was part 8 of “Running the Race”. We covered the high points of Hebrews chapter 4 and focused on learning how to differentiate when scripture refers to a “Gospel”. Wayne suggested that most Christians think of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV which refers to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, when we see the words “Salvation” ,”Gospel”, and “Mystery” we must realize that each word can have a different meaning depending on the context. We learned how Israel had two gospels in their history as show when they exited Egypt to go to the promised land. Their “Salvation Gospel” was achieved by placing the blood of the Passover lamb on their door posts. This lead to “So Great Salvation Gospel” which was the land flowing with milk and honey. When they journeyed in the wilderness, they sent 12 spies into the promised land, two of which had faith that God would guide them in, while 10 of them said it was a land filled with giants. Their unbelief led to their disobedience and referenced in Heb. 4:1 KJV which recalls Num. 14:1-5 KJV. Similar to this, in our calling today, PAul has given the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ to those who are saved in Him. Those who respond to this gospel have a new hope far above with Christ. Those who don’t respond may still be in Christ but do not share the same calling. This was covered in the study of John’s Gospel. The scripture reading was from Numbers 14:1-10 KJV “1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! 3 And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? 4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt. 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not. 10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.”

The lesson on May 22, 2022 was part 7 of the “Running the Race” study. We forged ahead in Hebrews covering up to chapter 3. At first we looked at the comparison of Angels to that of Jesus Christ as referenced in Heb. 1:4 “So much better”; Heb. 1:5 “Which of the angels …?”; Heb. 1:6 “Let …worship him”; Heb. 1:7 “angels spirits” Heb. 1:13 “To which … sit on my right hand”; Heb. 2 2:2,5,7,9,16; Heb. 12:22 “innumerable company of angels”; 1 Cor. 6:3 “we shall judge angels”. Contrast with Ephesians 1:20,21 which is our calling – “seated far above principality and power”. We learn that the emphasis is on works for rewards vs. works for salvation! Many pastors take this out of context and teach conditional salvation which is wrong. It is so important to understand and use right division to properly handle the scriptures. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 11:9-16 KJV “9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

The lesson on May 15, 2022 was part 6 of the “Running the Race” study. This time Wayne challenged himself to get out of the first three verses in Hebrews! Seeing that we are on part 6 and that is all we have covered so far in this study. He says from now on we will go “nuclear” to make sure we get through this study. In this lesson, we looked at how Angels were used to administer the Law to Israel in the Old Testament as referenced in verse 2 of chapter 2. In Hebrews 1:10 KJV it quotes from Psalms 102. We looked at the Companion Bible intro into the The Psalms showing the structure of the book as a whole being organized in five books (1-41 The Genesis Book; 421-72 The Exodus Book; 73-89 The Leviticus Book; 90-106 The Numbers Book; 107-150 The Deuteronomy Book). Psalm 102 was about The King in his humiliation. The study of Salvation in Hebrews is about entering the rest not “from sin” and is referenced in Heb. 1:14; 2:3; 2:10; 5:9;6:9;9:28; and 11:7 KJV. We studied the word “Slip” in Heb. 2:1 and closed with the references to “Steadfast” (Rom. 4:16; 2 Cor. 1:7; Heb. 2:2; 3:6, 14; 6:19; 9:17; 2 Pet. 1:10, 19). Wayne then shared his opinion about the appearances of Unidentified Flying Objects being from another dimension. The scripture was from Hebrews 2:1-6 KJV “1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

The lesson on May 8, 2022 was part 5 of “Running the Race” study. In this lesson, we are still in the first three verses of Hebrews but Wayne takes time to put it in context of our calling, specifically The Mystery that was revealed to the Apostle PAul. We spend time looking at Colossians 1:14-15 KJV and showing how it ties in with Hebrews but shows the distinction of being hidden in God whereas Israel learned of their calling by the Prophets in times past and in many ways. PAul tells us something new and expresses how it was revealed to him to complete the Word of God. The other emphasis in this lesson was emphasizing how Jesus Christ is the express image of God (which relates to His way of communicating with us in Son) Colossians 1:13-15 KJV ties in nicely with Hebrews 1:2-3. All the other religions of the world create an image to represent their god but that is made with mans hands. The only image acceptable to God to represent Him is that of Jesus Christ as it says in Heb. 1:3 KJV “…the express image of His person…” The scripture reading was from Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV “1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

The lesson on May 1, 2022 was part 4 of the “Running the Race” study. In today’s lesson, we look more in-depth at the Greek behind Hebrews 1:1-3 of Hebrews focusing on what more it teaches us about how Jesus Christ was the visible way of God communicating to us. Hebrews is clearly speaking to the Jews directly because Gentiles don’t have “fathers” or “prophets”. We learn in Ephesians and Colossians we learn that Gentiles don’t have this background. In verse one in the Greek, we notice all the “P’s” which makes it really distinctive with all the adverbs like “many Parts, many Ways, In time Past” God spake to the Fathers by the Prophets. Up until this time many of the Jews were not favorable to the Gospel because they believed in the Law. The writer of Hebrews said in many parts and in times past, God spoke to us by the prophets but in Hebrews 1:2 God spoke to them in Son. The superiority of Jesus Christ, being God manifest in the flesh. God the Father tabernacled with us in His Son. In Hebrews 1:3 we learn that Jesus was the brightness of His glory. Wayne shared that this is like the “Light” spectrum. The Father. Invisible. Likened to the infra red rays. The Son. God Manifest. Likened to the central rays of the spectrum, the only part of light by which we ‘see’. The Holy Spirit. Invisible. Likened to the ultra violet rays. We finished looking at the Shekinah Glory and The Son (John 1:14; Ex. 33:18-23 (Back parts); Ex. 33:11 (face to face); John 1:18 (no one has seen God); Num. 12:8 (apparently, similitude); Ezek. 1:26-28; Rev. 1:13-17). The scripture reading was from Exodus 33:18-23 KJV “18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.”

The lesson on April 10, 2022 was part 3 of the “Running the Race” study. Wayne first reviewed why we picked the title of this study to show the context of running the race as a Christian. You don’t race to receive salvation because it is by faith are you saved. We took the time to learn further how God has constructed a way for all to be saved by the work of Christ. Our works has nothing to do with salvation. Hebrews was written during the Acts period and explains why signs and wonders were active and targeted to Israel. Hebrews shows how to run the race for the Jew as expressed by Paul, and we are comparing to what PAul afterwards (post Acts 28) wrote to the Gentiles in Philippians. God’s mindset was all of mankind become saved by choice. An example was used comparing the addiction of alcoholism to that of the addiction of sin but no matter what state you are in, you can still accept help. You can choose to accept help and receive salvation. Wayne reminded us that the Calvinist arguments fail from all the scriptures that point out that God gave us the choice to repent and be saved. God didn’t force election upon a selected group and He didn’t choose those who would not be saved. When you believe, your faith is counted for righteousness. We then looked more diligently at the phrase “in Son” to better understand how God used His son to communicate his intention to us as a theophany. We were presented some passages in scripture that shows the theophany (Genesis 32:24-30; Exodus 3:2-10; Numbers 22:22-35; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 13; Daniel 3:16-28). We closed with looking at the types of glory that Christ Jesus has received. There is some types of glory that can be shared with us and is communicated from the Son and you have to differentiate from them. Once you are saved, you can run the race best through right division. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 2:1-8 KJV “1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.”

The lesson on March 27, 2022 was part 1 and the introduction to the new series entitled “Running the Race”. It will be based of a book called “Perfection or Perdition” written by C.H. Welch with an introduction by Stuart Allen. In this introduction, we cover the author of Hebrews being the Apostle Paul by the internal evidence in scripture. There are some who claim it was written by another because the beginning of the book doesn’t have the traditional Pauline introduction but it was explained that Paul sent Galatians as a cover letter along with Hebrews, thereby not needing to have the standard introduction. If Paul didn’t write it, it was probably through an Amanuensis (like Rom. 16:22). It may have been Luke, Silvanus (Silas) but it is clearly written from the mind of Paul. We will see that through the comparison of Philippians. It also is showing that by including Hebrews as one of Paul’s books, it completes the factor of seven which is predominant through scripture (e.g. 7 books written during Acts, 7 books written after Acts). The structure of Hebrews was presented as a foundation for this study. The scripture reading was from Hebrews 6:1-6 KJV “1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”