Digging in Deeper: Hebrews 6:4-8

“For it is impossible to renew to repentance those who were once enlightened, who tasted the heavenly gift, who shared in the Holy Spirit, who tasted God’s good word and the powers of the coming age, and who have fallen away. This is because, to their own harm, they are recrucifying the Son of God and holding him up to contempt. For the ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and that produces vegetation useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and about to be cursed, and at the end will be burned.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

There is a school in my district that is a choice school. What this means is that anyone can go to it in the whole district. It has an application process, and they don’t have to accept everyone who applies, but it technically has an open enrollment to any students whose parents are interested in their experiencing the unique educational approach it offers. This sounds great, but there’s a catch. If you choose to go to the school and then choose to leave the school, you can’t come back. If you have tasted what the school has to offer and choose to go back to your regularly-districted school, that’s it. You won’t be able to come back for a second round. In one of the most uncomfortable passages of Scripture in the entire New Testament, the author of Hebrews says the Christian faith is kind of like that. Let’s talk about it.

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Digging in Deeper: 2 Timothy 1:8

“So don’t be afraid of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

What brings you shame? One time in second grade, I wet my pants right in the middle of class. I had skipped out on a bathroom break for some reason and was too embarrassed to raise my hand and say I had to go. I held it as long as I could, but eventually I couldn’t anymore. Then I was really embarrassed. I’m honestly not sure how I managed to avoid getting made fun of for it. I must have had some really good kids in class with me. Sometimes our shame is obvious like that. Other times, though, what causes us shame is more abstract. We are ashamed of ideas and of being associated with them. One of the ideas that is increasingly bringing people shame today is the Gospel. There is nothing new under the sun. Paul here wrote to Timothy about this very thing.

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