WEBVTT 00:01.250 --> 00:06.350 Introduction to the Epistle to the Hebrews Most likely when the Book of Hebrews was 00:06.350 --> 00:09.930 written, Christianity wasn't a religion tolerated by the Roman Empire, 00:10.250 --> 00:11.490 while Judaism was. 00:12.090 --> 00:16.110 The intended readers of this letter seemed to have been Jewish Christians who, 00:16.350 --> 00:20.050 due to the threat of persecution, were thinking of abandoning their faith in 00:20.050 --> 00:22.150 Christ and lapsing back into Judaism. 00:23.150 --> 00:26.810 The Book of Hebrews is a masterful document written to these Jewish 00:26.810 --> 00:31.530 Christians, exhorting them to hold fast to their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior 00:31.530 --> 00:32.030 and Lord. 00:32.910 --> 00:35.950 Judaism expressed true worship and devotion to God. 00:36.450 --> 00:40.550 The commandments and rituals, along with the prophets, described God's promises and 00:40.550 --> 00:42.630 revealed the way to forgiveness and salvation. 00:43.330 --> 00:47.750 But what was needed was the understanding that when Jesus Christ came, He came 00:47.750 --> 00:52.730 fulfilling the law and the prophets, conquering sin, shattering all barriers to 00:52.730 --> 00:56.530 God, and freely providing eternal life to all who believe in Him. 00:57.230 --> 01:01.490 The Book of Hebrews carefully explains that Jesus Christ completes the hope of 01:01.490 --> 01:06.390 Israel, that He is the superior High Priest, and that He alone is sufficient 01:06.390 --> 01:07.330 for our salvation. 01:08.290 --> 01:12.230 We do not know who wrote the Book of Hebrews, but we do know that it was 01:12.230 --> 01:13.370 written before A.D. 01:13.410 --> 01:17.430 70, when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed, which brought an end to the 01:17.430 --> 01:18.830 Jewish sacrificial system. 01:19.750 --> 01:24.410 As you listen, ask yourself if you live as though Jesus Christ is better than any 01:24.410 --> 01:25.710 other focus of your life. 01:25.710 --> 01:26.690 For more information, visit www.fema.org