Greater Than

Written by an unknown author, to an unknown group, the book we call “Hebrews” is part pastoral letter, part sermon, and part theological treatise. All through the book, we find the same theme: Jesus is Greater. He’s a greater substitute, a greater rest, a greater priest, a greater hope. As we explore Hebrews, we’ll discover that Jesus is Greater than anything we can find in this life!

Organize Your Sermon Notes
Be sure to pick up your own Hebrews journal from the Welcome Center to use while we study this book together. They’re only $5 each (cheaper than Amazon!) with the text of Hebrews on one page and room for notes on the next. Keep yourself organized and have all your sermon notes in one place!

 


Worship
Below are songs of praise that we’ll sing together throughout this series!

Sermons in this series

Greater Mercy
June 9, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

In a fitting conclusion to his sermon, the author of Hebrews prays for his readers that God would equip them and work in them to do His will. We examine this prayer and apply it to ourselves as God works in us through His “Greater Mercy” from Hebrews 13:20-25.

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Greater Accountability
June 2, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

The author of Hebrews reminds his readers that part of “acceptable worship” is a proper relationship with authority in the church. He encourages us, too, to remember our leaders, obey and submit to them, because they carry the heavy burden of accountability for our souls. What can we learn about leadership from Hebrews 13:7-19? Join us for Greater Accountability.

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Disruptive Worship
May 26, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Having brought his sermon to the height of exhortation, the author of Hebrews now shifts his focus to practical, moral application. This week we explore how the acceptable worship to which God calls us turns the world’s values upside down. Join us for “Disruptive Worship” from Hebrews 13:1-6.

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Unshakable
May 19, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

In the last of the warning passages in Hebrews, the author enjoins his readers to pay attention to the message of God in the gospel! Only through the gospel will we receive an unshakable kingdom, one which will survive through the coming judgment. Join us for “Unshakable,” from Hebrews 12:25-29.

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A Better Voice
May 12, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

God calls us to respond to his voice by persevering in the race before us, pursuing holiness, and accepting his discipline. But how we perceive God’s voice – whether it’s angry, condemning, begrudging, loving, encouraging, welcoming – makes all the difference in how we respond. Join us as we listen for A Better Voice from Hebrews 12:18-24.

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Greater Sons
May 5, 2019Pastor:Bob Blahnik

Sermon Notes

We will learn some helpful advice on how to keep running. How do we endure when we grow weary? How do we endure when we face persecution? What is God trying to teach us when we face persecution? Join us as we seek answers to these important questions from Hebrews 12:3-17.

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Greater Endurance
April 28, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

The author of Hebrews pictures following Christ as a long-distance race. He’s reminded us of all the people of faith who have ‘run the race’ before us, and now it’s our turn. It’s a race that’s characterized by progress and victory, but also struggle. It requires focus and determination. How does God help and encourage us? Join us as we look at Greater Endurance from Hebrews 12:1-3.

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Something Better
April 21, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Even the best life offers never sees to satisfy us. And when pains and losses hit we definitely long for something better, something more – and for people to share it with. At the conclusion of Hebrews 11, we see that all who have gone before “did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us.” Join us as we see how Jesus’ resurrection points to the Something Better God has prepared for us and all who trust in Him.

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The World Was Not Worthy
April 19, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

The core of the Christian Faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is compacted into this one week. In public worship, we re-enact key events of the last week of Jesus’ life. This is not just a re-telling of events from 2000 years ago. This is not just an opportunity for uplifting worship services. This is not even about what emotions it produces in us. This is about what God is doing through Jesus Christ today in his people, and about the work Jesus will complete when he returns in glory. This is about rescue, purpose, community, hope, and life. Join us as we worship Jesus, our Prophet, Priest, King, and Savior.

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Faithful Perseverance
April 14, 2019Pastor:Nathan Kingsley

Sermon Notes

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets: what are they doing in Hebrews 11 alongside the pillars of the faith like Abraham and Moses? These men conquered kingdoms, put armies to flight, and obtained promises through faith. However, the ultimate promise has been fulfilled by God through Jesus Christ. This greater reward is provided to those who persevere in faith.

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Faith in Odd Places
April 7, 2019Pastor:Tom Macy

Sermon Notes

Can I be a person of faith? We’ve considered the exemplary faith of the greats like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. What about ordinary people like me? What about faith in the midst of fear and doubt? What about faith when you aren’t in the acceptable group? Join us in Hebrews 11:28-31 for Faith in Odd Places as we consider three major faith stretching events in Israel as a nation, plus the example of a Gentile prostitute who joined the people of faith. Is there room for you?

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Faith in Hard Choices
March 31, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Moses, the greatest leader of the Jewish people, faced more challenges in his life and leadership than any of us will. But his story is still informative and inspiring for us. We’re studying Hebrews 11:23-28, Faith in Hard Choices, to see how Moses’s faith in God gave him what he needed to serve well in difficult circumstances.

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Eyes of Faith
March 24, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

The examples of faith in the Old Testament had one thing in common: through the eyes of faith, they could see the coming fulfillment of the promises God had made to them, even if they didn’t see those promises fulfilled firsthand. What promises has God made to us? When will we see them fulfilled? Does having the same eyes of faith help us see God’s faithfulness? Join us as we dig into Hebrews 11:13-22, the Eyes of Faith.

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Greater Permanence
March 17, 2019Pastor:Curtis Coston

Sermon Notes

As we journey through this life and season of Lent, we have the option of where we focus the expectations for our lives. Highlighting our example, Abraham, in Hebrews 11:8-12 and looking further to our example in Christ, Pastor Curtis Coston from Solid Word Bible Church will help us explore how our “Greater Permanence” can have a lasting effect on how we live in the present.

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The Life of Faith
March 10, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Lent is the season leading to Easter. It’s traditionally a time of self-reflection and letting go of some things to focus on what matters more. We’ll spend time this Lent in Hebrews 11, seeing how those who have gone before us model faith in the unseen God and the greater life and hope he offers. Join us as we explore The Life of Faith from Hebrews 11:1-7.

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Grace to Endure
March 3, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Jesus is worth more than anything, but following him can be hard, painful, and costly. Difficulty and opposition may tempt us to turn back or turn aside – with disastrous results. Join us as we discover how Jesus gives us Grace to Endure from Hebrews 10:26-39.

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Greater Community
February 24, 2019Pastor:Tom Macy

Sermon Notes

“Since we…., Let us…” We’ve spent several weeks being reminded that Jesus’ death is the basis for our access to God, that we no longer offer sacrifices, and that the Old Testament sacrifices are but shadows of the only sacrifice that matters. We now come to the “so what” of this great truth in our relationships within the church. In light of Our Greater Savior who made the Greater Sacrifice, how does that affect how we live? Join us as we consider Greater Community from Hebrews 10:19-25.

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No More Sacrifices
February 17, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Over and over again the author of Hebrews has told us that Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was the final, ultimate, definitive sacrifice. No more sacrifices are needed. Where does that leave us? If there are no more sacrifices, how are we purified from our ongoing sin? Join us for “No More Sacrifices” as we look at Hebrews 10:5-18 and explore the ongoing work in our lives of Jesus’s final sacrifice.

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Greater Hope
February 10, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

As the writer of Hebrews tells us, the Old Testament law and the sacrificial system only had “a shadow of the good things to come,” they could never “make perfect those who draw near,” and they could never “take away sins.” Join us as we see the reality of all those good things and the “Greater Hope” we have in Christ from Hebrews 10:1-4.

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Greater Entrance
February 3, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

As the author of Hebrews continues to explain exactly what he means when he says “He entered once for all into the holy places by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption,” we read Jesus, our great high priest, entering into the Holy of Holies in the final and true Day of Atonement ritual. But this time, when he comes back out, it won’t be to deal with sin or bring judgment but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Join us for “Greater Entrance” from Hebrews 9:23-28.

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Greater Mediator
January 27, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” We read these words in Hebrews 9:22, and they make us pause. Why is something as archaic and cruel and barbaric as blood so necessary for our salvation? What can we learn from the Old Covenant purification rituals, which required the use of blood? Join us for “Greater Mediator,” from Hebrews 9:15-22

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Greater Redemption
January 21, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Do you ever wonder if God can really forgive you, or if the shame of what you’ve done could ever really be washed away? Is there anything you can do to make it right, to find peace, to live differently? Join us as we look at Hebrews 9:1-14 and how the sacrifices and rituals in the old covenant point to the reality of Christ and his “Greater Redemption.”

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Greater Covenant
January 13, 2019Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

The writer of Hebrews has told us that “Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant” (7:22). Join us as we see what that “Greater Covenant” looks like from Hebrews 8:7-13 and how we can live today in light of our confidence in Christ.

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Greater Ministry
January 6, 2019Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Having completed his explanation of how Jesus is our Great High Priest, the author of Hebrews begins to show us why that’s important. Join us as we explore Hebrews 8:1-6, Greater Ministry, and begin to see how Jesus has a greater ministry to us.

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Able to Save
December 30, 2018Pastor:Tom Macy

Sermon Notes

The words of the “angel of the Lord” to Joseph is one of the best summations of the Christmas event. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name, Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Hebrews 7:11-28 details how Jesus saves and what this salvation involves. Join us for a post-Christmas celebration of our great Savior.

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Christmas Eve 2018
December 24, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Join us for a celebration of Christmas at either service. 5:30 pm will be more family-friendly, with a mix of traditional and contemporary music. 7:30 pm will be a classic Christmas Eve with hand bells, choir, and traditional hymns.

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Greater King
December 23, 2018Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

The King of Righteousness, the King of Peace. Jesus? Or Melchizedek? We look at Hebrews 7:1-10 and begin our exploration of Melchizedek, the great king and priest, who is a picture of the greatest King and Priest to come.

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Greater Certainty
December 16, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Most of us have experienced things (or people) not living up to their promise – including ourselves! The writer of Hebrews has encouraged us to be like those “who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Can I be certain that I’ll make it? How can I trust that God will do what He’s promised? Join us as we discover “Greater Certainty” from Hebrews 6:13-20.

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Between the Advents
December 9, 2018Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Balancing a gentle rebuke, a stern warning and a compassionate encouragement, the author of Hebrews encourages his readers to imitate the giants of the faith who have come before them. It’s a challenge we need to hear today, as we explore how to live Between The Advents. Join us as we explore Hebrews 5:11-6:12 and discover the ongoing relevance of this passage for us today.

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Better Mediator
December 2, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Advent is the season in which we prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas by reminding ourselves who Jesus is and why he came to earth. We’ll continue in our Hebrews series, focusing on a theme that author has already introduced – Jesus’ unique role as our Priest. Join us as we look at what a priest does, why we need someone to stand between us and God, and how Jesus is the Better Mediator from Hebrews 5:1-10.

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The Great High Priest
November 25, 2018Pastor:Nathan Kingsley

Sermon Notes

The nation of Israel always had a high priest, but only here in Hebrews is Jesus referred to as the great high priest. Join us as we explore Hebrews 4:14-16 to understand how Jesus as our great high priest gives us confidence to draw near to God in our times of need.

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Greater Rest
November 18, 2018Pastor:Tom Macy

Sermon Notes

Throughout the book of Hebrews, Jesus is presented as greater in multiple ways. Greater than angels, greater than Moses and, in this Sunday’s text, greater than his namesake, Joshua. Joshua led Israel into the land of rest, but that rest points into the future where “there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.” How can you be sure you will enter that Greater Rest? Join us as we consider Hebrews 4:1-13.

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Entering God's Rest
November 11, 2018Pastor:Tom Macy

Sermon Notes

Hebrews 3 is unusual in that it is based on Psalm 95, which is based on Israel’s failure in the Book of Numbers. From these two passages, we are warned that entering God’s “rest” depends on “if we hold our original confidence firm to the end.” Join us as we examine what this means for everyone who professes faith in Jesus.

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Greater Glory
November 4, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

All of us are wired for glory – for recognition, respect, purpose and significance. We either try to earn it ourselves or get it by association with someone or something greater. This week, we’ll see in Hebrews 3:1-6 how our “heavenly calling” leads us to a “Greater Glory” through our union with Jesus.

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Greater Confidence
October 28, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

The One who is higher than all was made, for a little time, lower than the angels – in order to bring many to glory. How does Jesus’ identification with us in our humanity give us confidence and hope? How does that make us Jesus’ brothers and sisters? And what does it mean that we his share in His glory? Join us as we discover “Greater Confidence” from Hebrews 2:10-18.

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A Little Lower
October 21, 2018Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

Even though we’ve focused on the first chapter of Hebrews, showing how the Son of God is greater than angels, greater than the prophets of old, greater than all, we haven’t read yet who the Son of God is. Now we find out! But how could Jesus be the Son of God? He was a man, wasn’t he? Find out how the author of Hebrews uses Psalm 8 to explain the unexplainable, as we study Hebrews 2:5-9, “A Little Lower.”

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Greater Danger
October 14, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

Jesus brings better news, higher hope, and stronger promises. The writer of Hebrews now warns us against the danger of “drifting away” from Jesus and his great salvation. How does that happen? How do we avoid it? Join us as we look at the “Greater Danger” in Hebrews 2:1-4.

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Greater than Angels
October 7, 2018Pastor:Jeff Schultz

Sermon Notes

We continue in Hebrews 1:5-14, where we’re told that Jesus is superior to the angels. Join us as we see how Jesus is the “Better Messenger” of God’s good news.

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A Better Revelation
September 30, 2018Pastor:Joey Woestman

Sermon Notes

In many ways and at many times, God has revealed himself. But the greatest revelation? His son, Jesus, the very image of God. Join us Sunday as we explore Hebrews 1:1-4, “Greater Than: A Better Revelation.”

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