Glory Days

Glory Days
Words of Faith 1-9-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Today, we will begin a journey through the wonderful book of Hebrews. It is a book that speaks with power to our times. We live in a pluralistic society. There are so many beliefs, cultures, and "faiths" swirling around us. Sometimes, the claims of Christian believers begin to sound like just another choice in some sort of Soul Cafe. Yet, strangely enough,following Christ sometimes seems to be the one choice that our culture will not tolerate, in spite of the claim that we have great freedom of faith. Through God's Word, we are blessed to discover that we are not the first to face such situations.

In the early church, there was a swirl of beliefs that surrounded believers. Even within Judaism, there were numerous sects and splinter groups in the first century. But the Jesus choice was persecuted. It became especially difficult for Jewish Christians who were persecuted by fellow Jews and by Romans alike. The book of Hebrews is a treasure of spiritual guidance and truth from God's Word that guides us through the struggles.

Hebrews is a lengthy study that deserves some time for contemplation. It comes to us in a letter form but also has the characteristics of a sermon. We don't know who the author or preacher was, but suggestions have included Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Philip, Priscilla, and others. The one thing we do know is that the author speaks of Timothy as "brother" (Hebrews 13:23). This "sermon‑letter" was written to Hebrew Christians, probably prior to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. The persecution was terrible for these dispersed Christians who needed encouragement and reassurance so that they would not fall away from faith in Christ.

The book of Hebrews also reinforces our roots in Judaism while, at the same time, arguing for the Supremacy of Jesus as the Christ and anchoring many basic doctrines. As we study together, we will be surprised at how much theology and how many hymns come right out of Hebrews. Are you ready to dig in? JDH

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Hebrews 1

[1] In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. [3] The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. [4] So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Have you ever longed for the days of old? The days when God spoke from a burning bush, or a pillar of fire, or a vision in the Temple? Sometimes we may feel that the God we read about in the ancient text is not acquainted with our modern society. If only we could tune in to God as easily as we do to a news channel or talk radio. Why can't God speak today as clearly as He did a long time ago?

But have you ever stopped to think that the people in days of old actually looked forward to the times that we live in? All that fire and smoke was great, but it didn't hold a candle to the revelation that was to come. The writer of Hebrews begins with an orientation to that fact: In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son! We may long for the glory days‑‑ but in reality, the glory days were longing for today! We live in a most wonderful age. God has revealed Himself‑‑ not partially. Not in a veiled way. He has revealed Himself in the Son Who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. We are IN the glory days! It doesn't get any better than this‑‑ except maybe in heaven. And He sustains us by His powerful Word. We have Jesus. We have Word. We have the radiant image of God made flesh. But that is not all! It gets better!

The Son, through Whom He made the universe, provided purification for sins. He made peace with God on our behalf. Moses and Elijah didn't have that. Jesus has made us clean. No more messy sacrifices. He did it all. What is more, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He is much more awesome even than angels‑‑ which are really pretty great.

So... don't long for the past. Don't wish for the glory days. Moses and Elijah would probably trade places with you in a minute, just to live in the age of the Messiah. To live in a time when the barriers are broken down‑‑ and fellowship is free. We have got it all if we will just receive it. These are the best of times.

Lord, God, I praise You. Thank You for the gift of Your Son. Thank You for revealing Your nature among us. Thank You for making a way for us to be pure. Thank You for the power of the Word. Thank You for Jesus. Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.