Contributor: Adewale Abiona

INTRODUCTION

As we consider some of the few remaining verses in last chapter of the book of Hebrews, and as the author has encouraged us to show the love of Christ towards all, both Christians and strangers, and to remember show empathy to those in hardship. He goes further to remind us to honour marriage, to be content with such things as we have, and to remember those that help build the foundation in our Christian lives.

Today, we will consider the consistency of God’s word under the heading “Jesus Doesn’t Change”
As you rightly know that the motto for this mission is the verse 8 of this very chapter taken from KJV version “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever”

Verse 8: Jesus Is The Same
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever”

When we consider the world today, in comparison to few years ago, you will realise how things has evolved. The magnitude at which things has changed and the rate at which the society look forward to new things is very interesting. Things people once loved yesterday has become a thing of the past today. If we consider Nokia Phones in their time and todays mobile technology, you will agree that Samsung and Apple has make life easier through their technology.
In like manner people change from time to time. The person that liked you yesterday, no longer want to see you today. The level of inconsistency with man or desire for new things seem to be what we expected of God.
We everything is going well; we believe God must be smiling at us but when thing isn’t going our way, we think He must be angry at us.

But He is the same,

Mal. 3:6
"I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. (NLT)
His decisions are constant"

James 1:17
"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow." (NLT)

God is our rock - stable, unmoving, unshifting, unchanging.

2 Samuel 22:47
The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!

Verse 9: Divers and Strange Doctrines
"Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them"

Because Jesus is the same, His teaching does not change either. It stays the same, generation after  generation. Although society changes, trends shift, and styles go in and out, however, the gospel, the message, the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, remains the same.

In 2Tim. 1:13
"Apostle Paul told Timothy to “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

"A Pattern" is some that is repetitive. It is something that doesn’t change, done over and over again.
Now this kind of repetition is not exciting enough for some people, especially as we get use to the dynamics of thing. Many are always on the lookout for the new thing, new method, style, New wave of glory, new outpouring of the Spirit, new revelation, new truth, new understanding, and new way to tolerate and accommodate (even iniquity?) They want more and go off in search of " Divers and Strange Doctrines."
The Bible warned that this would happen in the last days:

1Tim. 4:1
"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons." (NLT)

2Tim. 4:3-4
"3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths." (NLT)

We see it all around us today - Divers and Strange Doctrines surround us. They fill Christian world, all kinds of Christian TV stations, and Christian churches.
The Old Testament Law had much to say about which foods were clean and which were unclean and the early church observance of this becomes religious ritual on how to find favour with God. But did observing the food laws make a man any more holy or righteous?

Jesus said in (Mark 7:18-19),
18 “Don’t you understand either?” he asked. “Can’t you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food doesn’t go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.”

By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God’s eyes.

And in 1Cor. 8:8 Paul said
"It’s true that we can’t win God’s approval by what we eat. We don’t lose anything if we don’t eat it, and we don’t gain anything if we do."

A lot of people like to be religious and be bound by or make such a big deal about following food laws, and judge anyone who claims to be a believer, but doesn't follow those same standards.

The Bible tells us in Col. 2:16-17
"16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality."

The Grace of God, which is His love and favour given to us does more to make us righteous than following any religious believe. Because His love in our heart will guide us into all truth.

Verse 10: A New Altar, A Better Sacrifice
"We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat."

The priests that served in the temple ate from the sacrifices on the altar. They are the people with more restrictions placed on them regarding what and where to eat

Leviticus 10:12-15
12 Then Moses said to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, “Take what is left of the grain offering after a portion has been presented as a special gift to the LORD, and eat it beside the altar. Make sure it contains no yeast, for it is most holy. 13 You must eat it in a sacred place, for it has been given to you and your descendants as your portion of the special gifts presented to the LORD. These are the commands I have been given. 14 But the breast and thigh that were lifted up as a special offering may be eaten in any place that is ceremonially clean. These parts have been given to you and your descendants as your portion of the peace offerings presented by the people of Israel. 15 You must lift up the thigh and breast as a special offering to the LORD, along with the fat of the special gifts. These parts will belong to you and your descendants as your permanent right, just as the LORD has commanded.”

But this verse declares to us that we have a new altar that our sacrifice is on. Our sacrifice is Jesus on the cross." This is a once and for all sacrifice that isn't allowed to be eaten of by the temple priests. He goes on to explain how Jesus was a fulfilment of the sin offerings in the temple

Verses 11-12: Bearing the Suffering all Alone
"11For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate."

Lev. 16:21-22
"21 He will lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the wickedness, rebellion, and sins of the people of Israel. In this way, he will transfer the people’s sins to the head of the goat. Then a man specially chosen for the task will drive the goat into the wilderness. 22 As the goat goes into the wilderness, it will carry all the people’s sins upon itself into a desolate land."

The scapegoat was an illustration of Jesus Christ. The goat had all the sins of the people transferred to itself. It alone would bear them all. The same is true for Jesus:

Isa. 53:6
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.

Then the goat was taken outside the city. So too with Jesus, who was led out of Jerusalem to be crucified on Calvary.

Ps. 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

This goes to show the consistent of God’s love for His children and how much he cares for us to the point of putting our sins away from us and laid upon His own begotten Son.

Verses 13- 14: Let Us Go Forth To Him
"13Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
Here we are been encouraged to leave the four walls of religion and go all out for Jesus bearing the pain and anguish that come with identifying with Christ. Establishing relationship with the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into the perfect will of God 14For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.
Knowing that our reward is not in this world, but of the new one to come. To forget about our comfort zone, our earthly Jerusalem, because the heavenly Jerusalem is waiting for us."

Verse 15: The Sacrifice Of Praise
"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
The only sacrifice that is required of you and I continually praise the King of Kings and the Lord of lords for all that is has done to redeemed us from ultimate penalty of sin and has blessed us, making all grace to abound unto us.

CONCLUSION
Since the fall of Man in Genesis, God sought to reconcile man back to Himself. Though He was frustrated at first that he created man but His unique intention for creating man cannot be derailed or defeated. God took three tremendous steps to carry out His original plan of imparting His eternal life into us so we could share His life and express Him.
Step 1—God became a man named Jesus Christ (incarnation)
Step 2—Christ died on the cross to redeem us (crucifixion)
Step 3—Christ rose from the dead (resurrection)

While the burden appeared to be too heavy for Christ to bear, he stayed focused, submitting to the course of redeeming you and I and this gives me the assurance that he will never leave nor forsake me. He is dependable, reliable, unchangeable, unbreakable and ever constant friend
The question for you and I is
• Can you stick to Him till the very end?
• Can you trust Him with your life?
• Will you remain loyal to Him as He is to us?
Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Contributor: Ngozi Roberts

INTRODUCTION
Last week we treated the topic ‘Unshakable Kingdom” we were encouraged as believers to conscientiously continue to run the Christian race and not give up notwithstanding the everyday challenges that comes our way. We were reminded that as believers we have become part of Gods City calledMount Zion. As citizen of this city or kingdom we should be rest assured that our representative and Mediator has made available to us so much grace to live by and face whatever challenge that comes our way. The writer reassured us that Christ as a Purifier Himself will ensure that through His cleansing fire, He will not quit until He has purified us unto Himself. Therefore, we have a reason to be deeply grateful to Jesus Christ.
Today we are going to discuss the topic ‘Live to Please God’. And in this study, we are going to see how the writer brings to the believer some tips of how to live in brotherly love amongst themselves.

VERSES 1-3

"Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

We see the writer starts to mention ideal ways that we can live to enable us be Christ like. The first being that we should love one another by being on good terms with each other strangers inclusive. This way some of us would have extended a hand of hospitality to angels without know it. This brings to remembrance the story of Abraham in Genesis 18: 1-33.
When Abraham unknowingly entertained angels through his hospitality. In fact, if you read to the end, we see how he was eventually rewarded, how he was given the opportunity to intercede for his neighbours – Sodom and Gomorrah – and through his intercession, his brother Lot was saved. So, you see when the bible encourages us to let brotherly love continue amongst us, its not only for us to visit each other, text each other but also to pray and intercede for one another genuinely as if we are praying for self.
So, the writer explains that our love for one another should be so deep that when we remember brethren that are in pain, prison or suffering it should be as if we are the ones in that pain.

VERSE 4

"Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."

The writer was bringing home to us the meaning of the Love he is talking about that should exist among us Christians. You see, the bond between a man and a woman in marriage is based on this kind of Love. Marriage counsellors will tell you that there are different kinds of love. But the only type of love that as believers we should aim for is the Christ kind of love called Agape love. This is the unconditional kind of love. The kind of love that Jesus Himself showed by example by dying on the cross for us His bride. In Ephesians 5:25- 25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Christ being the husband and the church being the bride. Here we see the reference to this kind of love. Knowing that it is with Agape kind of Love that Christ demonstrated when He died for the Church. Likewise in Marriage, this undefiled agape love ought to be seen. I believe this is the kind of love the writer is encouraging us to show to one another. This kind of love we see in marriage. That is why he explained that it is an honourable thing. An admirable and a sacred institution therefore should be respected. Therefore, when we understand and practice this in our relationships and love for one another, it will be like practising how to be the bride knowing that Jesus is our bridegroom.
 

VERSES 5-6
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

The writer is urging us to be content with what God has provided us with. Always remember that God has assured us that in this Christian race He will never leave us nor forsake us.
The author invariable was encouraging the Hebrews in the same way Moses encouraged the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
He was telling the Hebrews not to relent in the face of adversity but to be consistent in their godly way of life knowing that it is not by their power or might but if they depend on God, He will never leave them nor forsake them. So long as we continue in this knowledge, we can always confess and prophesy continually that God is always ready to help us! We will not live-in fear no matter what!

VERSE 7 

"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."

The author went on to remind us of our Pastors and leaders and those God has placed in authority over us. These people God has used to tailor our faith in the right direction through the right use of the word of God. Let their faithfulness, mannerism and truthfulness teach us the way we should live and in so doing, there will be consistency in our Christian living as brothers and sisters!

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the writer in these verses of scripture has shown us how to live a Christlike way of life in our mannerism, character, attitude, hospitality and boldness and fearlessness. Trusting God that He will always lead us aright and in the end when

Contributor: Peter Folikwe

INTRODUCTION
Last week the topic excellently treated was “A call to listen to God”.
We were admonished to make it a lifelong project to live in peace with everyone and at the same time honour our God with a lifestyle of holiness.
Furthermore, we are to look out for each other; supporting others where they are weak with our strengths, not exploiting their weaknesses for personal gains.
We were warned against the ‘Esau syndrome’ that tends to have a myopic view of the ‘now’: the consequence of which is mortgaging enduring blessing of the future for short lived, immediate gains.
The concluding verses anchored on the call to hear and listen to God. That, if we choose not to listen to Jesus, we become distracted by lots of negative voices. In those days the Jews requested Moses who was considered holy to approach the mount of God - Sinai to hear from ‘a dreaded God’ on their behalf.
Today’s study will be looking at the concluding verses of Hebrew chapter 12: mainly encouraging us as believers to painstakingly continue to run the Christian race and not relent despite challenges of our faith along the way.

Heb. 12:22
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,”

Unlike the fearful and dreadful mount Sinai described in V18-21, we are encouraged to approach mount Zion (a place of friendship with God) - the heavenly Jerusalem to hear from ‘a loving and approachable God’, based on the finished work of salvation on the cross of Calvary.
The old covenant relationship God had with His people as described at Mount Sinai presented God as mean, dreaded and unapproachable God, because of their sins.
Reason being that the problem of sin still debarred people from approaching the presence of God in those days and Moses was the only one privileged to fearfully approach His presence to hear on behalf of his people; even though he trembled at God’s presence.
We thank God for the finished work of salvation on the cross of Calvary.

V22 reassures is that we have come to a spiritual and not a physical mountain: the spiritual presence of ‘the Holy, Living God’. Hallelujah!
It went further to describe this awesome presence of God as a place where innumerable company of angels dwell and worship the Almighty God. Imagine how dreadful mount Sinai was where God occasionally visited and talk with His people, compared with mount Zion where we have the audacity to approach His very presence and where innumerable company of angels dwell with Him.
The latter ought to be more dreadful, however our liberty to approach His very presence came through the blood of Jesus.
In addition, His word to save us, forgive us, heal us, transform us, encourage us when facing unpleasant circumstances, and ultimately translate us into His heavenly Jerusalem are freely available for us in the Bible.

Heb. 12:23
“to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

You and I have our names -This verse gives us the exposé that the church of God registered in heaven, in the holy presence of God. Another good reason why we relentlessly.must keep running the Christian race
Apostle Paul says in Rom 8:35-39....
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ...... nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.”
Reading further V23 states that God is the supreme Judge, not to be judged by Him, but allowed into the very presence of this awesome everlasting Judge; what a privilege!
A place where those who trust in God once physically alive but now dead, received their promise/reward dwelling the presence of God; enjoying the largesse of His eternal kingdom.

Heb. 12:24
“to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

This tells us clearly that Jesus is the one that mediated or simply put reconcile our relationship with God, changing the dreadful relationship at mount Sinai into a caring and loving relationship at Mount Zion.
Please note that God remains unchanged - Holy, He is the same God at mount Sinai and same at Mount Zion. Man on his part has remained sinful.
The sinful nature of man is probably worse these days than they were during the days of Moses, but we are able to approach the very presence of God today because of the new covenant in the blood of Jesus.
While the blood of Abel and all those innocently murdered continued cry to God for justice and vengeance, the blood of Jesus continues to cry out to God for mercy and compassion.
Rom 8:1 further confirms that “

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”
In the early part of our study of the book of Hebrews we read that the early Jews offered the blood of animals as an atonement for the sins of men year in year out, but with the blood of Jesus, it is a once and for all sacrifice for our sins that reconciled us to God permanently. His blood has paid for all our wrongdoings, enabling us to be in the approachable presence of and unapproachable God.

Heb. 12:25-27
“See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,” 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” 27 “Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

The unique gift God, He gave us in His only begotten son - Jesus according to John 3:16, brought us expressly into the presence of God unhindered. This verse admonishes us to listen to Jesus and not refuse His instructions in order not to lose he privileges to ultimately dwell in the presence of God.out in t
This tells of how valuable we are before God. Value as we know = Benefits less the cost. The higher the benefits, the higher the Value.
It means that God sees so much value in us that He decided to bear the cost of the life of His begotten Son for the benefit of our souls. In return, when we are offended by people, we bear those pains and forgive them as God did for us, considering the benefits ahead of us.

The second part of V25 however comes with a warning. Children of disobedience who refuse God’s word through Jesus face the consequence of the judgement of the wrath of God.
Meaning the inescapable way to avoid the wrath of God is to follow and listen to Jesus. John 10:4b says it is the sheep that hears the voice of the shepherd that follows Him.
This takes us to the promise of God in V26 which says God will shake away all our inadequacies and challenges: even the unpleasant circumstances that shake our faith
will be shaken away, if only we follow and listen to Jesus, clinging onto Him always.

V27 also emphasized things that cannot be shaken.
The word of God remains constant and unshakable. His promises are sure, His compassion they fail not. His kingdom is unshakable. Christ remains the solid rock in which we stand.

Heb. 12:28-29
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

CONCLUSION

The concluding verses assures us of receiving this unshakable kingdom here on earth by faith.
The Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11: 2 “.....When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”

We are therefore expected show gratitude to God by holy living.
Finally, the last verse emphasized that God, Who was feared and trembled at in the days of Moses has not changed from being a “Consuming Fire”. The only reason we are not consumed is because of Jesus our mediator of the new covenant. We therefore must offer a pleasing and acceptable worship to God with reverence.
We cannot afford to be playing church or behave like the hypocrites, just because Jesus has brought us to the presence of God unhindered by our sins.
God is a consuming fire.

Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai

INTRODUCTION

In last week’s study titled “Understanding God's Discipline” we looked at the reasons that underlays God’s discipline and the benefits of such discipline. We learnt that trials are a part of the Christian walk and different from God’s discipline. God always has a purpose for allowing His children go through difficulties such as the teaching of obedience, the glory of His name, the building of our faith, etc. We also learnt that He only chastises or disciplines you and I because He loves us. Today we shall be considering A Call to Listen to God following from the admonishment in verse 13 to strengthen hands that are down and feeble knees . . .

VERSE 14: PURSUE PEACE, PURSUE HOLINESS
“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”

This verse addresses two important aspect of the Christian life. The KJV leads with the phrase “Pursue peace”, the NIV says “Make every effort” Here the NLT admonishes us to “Work at it!” In other words, make it a project, make it your goal! Understand how to live in peace “with everyone” We have been commanded to seek and live in peace among ourselves. (See 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:13).

But is this ever possible? To live in peace “with everyone”?

There are those who you simply cannot live in peace with unfortunately. Not because of you, but because of them! That is why the Bible in Romans 12:18 says:
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”

Having said that; we should ensure we are not the ones causing the strife. We should make every effort to live in peace. You should not be the one on the war path with another, the troublemaker and street fighter.

The second part of this verse addresses holiness. We are admonished to “work at living a holy life” We are meant to make every effort as well in living a holy life. Whereas righteousness is credited to us by the finished work of the cross, holiness is not credited to us; we are expected to work at it. 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV) says:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (See Lev. 11:44-45)

The pursuit of holiness; that state of continual sanctification, that life of purity and detachment from the world and all its lusts, without this detachment and sanctity no man shall see the Lord. To see God, in the Hebrew phrase, is to enjoy Him; and without holiness of heart and life this is impossible.

VERSE 15: WE MUST BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER
“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”

Each of us run personal races; but we are called to run in it together. We were made for community; for fellowship. It is truly not good for a man to be alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV says:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The second part of this verse tells us that bitterness is poisonous; and we should watch out for it! it also tells us of three consequences of bitterness
1. The first is from the first part; which tells us that it could cause a person to fail to receive the grace of God
2. The second is that when the poisonous root of bitterness grows up, it becomes trouble to us
3. And finally it will lead to corruption.

VERSE 16: ABSTAIN FROM THE ESAU SYNDROME
“Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal.”

Immorality and godlessness are snares that the devil uses to lure people away from their destiny into destruction. We should not indulge in them or accommodate them. It is usually the pleasure of a passing moment; but the result is deadly!

The MSG version says: “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite."

We find Esau’s account in Genesis 25: 29-34. From this account we learn the following “Attributes of the Esau Syndrome”
We see that . . .
• He was only concerned about “the now”;
• He did not know the value of what he had so he treated it with levity;
• He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn Genesis 25: 34
• He was godless (Heb.12:16)
• He was driven by his belly and “fainted” under the pressure of hunger.
All these put together caused him to trade away God’s lifelong gift.

VERSE 17: CONSEQUENCES OF THE ESAU SYNDROME
“You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.”

There are consequences for every action we take. And when we suffer the consequences of our actions, we should know that it is not God punishing us! It because if we sow a lifestyle that is in direct disobedience to God's revealed Word, we ultimately reap disaster.
The consequences of sin may not come immediately but they will come eventually. And when they do, there will be no excuses, no rationalization, no accommodation. God does not compromise with consequences. So for Esau, when the time came for the blessing, he reaped the consequences of his actions.
The (b) part of this verse says:
“It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.”

CONCLUSION
VERSES 18-21: THERR ENCOUNTER WAS A MORE PLEASANT ONE
“You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”

Here the Apostle wanted the Hebrew Christians to realize what Jesus did in drawing us onto the Father by drawing their attention to the encounter their forefathers had in Exodus 19:12,13 & 19.
Right before their eyes, there was flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind. They heard the fierceness of God’s voice and were frightened to extent that they begged God to stop speaking! Even more frightening was the command they could not endure that even if an animal touched the mountain, it will be stoned to death not to talk of themselves!

The MSG version says in verses 19-21:
“The ear-splitting words and soul-shaking message terrified them and they begged him to stop. When they heard the words—“If an animal touches the Mountain, it’s as good as dead”—they were afraid to move. Even Moses was terrified."

So just in case the Hebrew Christians were thinking the Apostle was being too “harsh” on them; talking about discipline (verses 5-13) and the pursuit of peace and holiness; they should realize and so must we that they have it easy by virtue of Jesus’ blood granting us bold access to the Throne of Grace.