July 5, 2017.

Tonight I am beginning a class in which we will be diving into the book of Hebrews, attempting to gain a better understanding of the writer’s words through the context and Old Testament background of the epistle. Before jumping right into the material, I’ve decided to give a short “pre-test” of the book as an exercise to see how much we know or don’t know about the epistle before we start. Some of these questions have specific answers, while others are more flexible. I hope by the end of our study all of these questions will be addressed, and perhaps your answers will have changed somewhat by the time we get done. I am going to try to blog about each class for reference and for those who would like to join us in our study, but are unable to come to each class. Each post will be found here on my blog, as indicated by the URL given at the top of the sheet I hand out in class. For today, I am only going to post the pre-test here so that your answers are not influenced by an introduction to the book. In class, we will discuss our preliminary answers to each of the questions (given we have time). I pray that this study will deepen your relationship with Jesus.

Pre-Test

1. Who wrote the book of Hebrews?

 

2. What is the overall message of the book?

 

3. What is the overall message about Jesus in the book?

 

4. What are the six fundamentals of the faith?

 

5. How does the Hebrew author view and use the Old Testament?

 

6. How many references to the OT does the book make?

 

7. How did the sacrifices in the OT work?

 

8. Define what the term “covenant” means (in biblical context) and give some examples of covenants found in scripture.

 

9. How was the old covenant imperfect?

 

10. Who was Melchizedek, and why is he important?

 

11. How are we to approach the throne of God, and why is this possible?

 

12. Why are Samson and Jeptha included in the hall of faith?

 

13. Is the location of the cross theologically significant? Why or why not?

 

14. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

a. What is the word of God? What does this mean?
I’m excited to have you with us this quarter. If you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to let me know!

Suggested Reading: Hebrews 1-8.
Praise be to the Word of God.
-Walt