Though the Bible is made up of 66 books, written at various times and with various purposes, there is most definitely a holistic narrative to the entire compilation. Some authors call this the “Big Picture,” or the “Grand Story.” A careful read of the Bible shows a perspective on all of history from the beginning (Genesis), to the end (Revelation). One thing the Biblical writers call their readers to do is to find their place in that story. Read Hebrews 11:1-12:2 and answer the following questions: 1. Faith is the major theme expounded in Hebrews 11 as the author summarizes the significance of many major OT characters. Out of every attribute that could have been highlighted (love, hope, etc.), why do you think the author honed in on faith? Why is faith such an important issue? 2. Chapter 11 concludes that every individual listed died before the culmination of God’s ultimate promise (Heb 11:39-40) because Jesus hadn’t accomplished his work on the cross yet. However those who stand on this side of the cross receive “something better” Based on your read of the NT, what are the “better things” that God gives to his people through Jesus? 3. The author calls readers to “lay aside” sin that clings to them in order to run the race more effectively (Heb 12:1-2). What are the “weights” and “sins” that might cling to people to keep them from exercising the powerful faith described in the previous chapter?
When answering questions, please delineate between them with the question number. Do not write in just a block paragraph with no separation between the different questions.