Jesus: The Beginning and End of Faith

This week we will give a general introduction to Hebrews under the headings culture; conflict; conscience and Christ.

The pull of culture is immense. This is especially so where the three great cultural shaping and preserving influences (upbringing, law and worship) are closely related. These act as mutual reinforcers to such a degree that it is virtually impossible to compute their power, or to break the hold that culture has over us.

The constant focus in the letter (of Hebrews) is on Christ. He is the transformer of culture, the refuge in times of conflict and the one who brings peace to conscience so that the suffering does not drive us back to the bolt hole of our old haunts and habits.