This is why we must give the very closest attention to the message we have heard, to keep from ever losing our hold upon it.

So there must still be a promised Sabbath of Rest for God's people.

Let us therefore leave elementary Christian teaching alone and advance toward maturity. We must not be always relaying foundations, of repentance for wrong-doing, and of faith in God,

For this man Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was on his way back from defeating the kings, and gave him his blessing,

Now see how great this man must have been to have the patriarch Abraham give him a tenth of the spoil.

But every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices, and so this high priest also must have some sacrifice to offer.

For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established,

But you must remember those early days when after you had received the light you had to go through a great struggle with persecution,

You must not lose your courage, for it will be richly rewarded,

but without faith it is impossible to please him; for whoever would approach God must have faith in his existence and in his willingness to reward those who try to find him.

You must submit to it as discipline. God is dealing with you as his sons. For where is there a son whom his father does not discipline?

for they could not bear the order, "Even a wild animal, if it touches the mountain, must be stoned to death,"

Your love for the brotherhood must continue.

You must not be avaricious; you must be content with what you have, for God himself has said, "I will never let go of you or desert you!"

You must not be carried away with strange varieties of teaching. The true way to steadfastness of heart is through God's mercy, not through scruples about food, which have never done their adherents any good.

You must know that our brother Timothy has been released from prison. If he comes here soon, we will see you together.