New book offers a verse-by-verse guide through Hebrews with warnings, wisdom and hope for today's believers

NEWBURGH, N.Y., July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Pastor, Air Force Veteran, and award-winning author Mike O'Dowd has recently released his second book, focused on the significance of salvation. "Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation?: An Exposition of the Book of Hebrews" aims to rekindle devotion to Jesus as the final and supreme revelation of God and to guide readers into maturity through careful theological reflection and personal application.

Divided into 28 chapters, each chapter of the book corresponds with a passage from Hebrews. O'Dowd explains each section with biblical precision, application, and exhortation. O'Dowd begins by establishing Jesus as the final and highest revelation of God. The early chapters stress that Jesus is not only divine but the heir of all things, the creator and sustainer of the universe, and the perfect priest and king seated at God's right hand.

"The book of Hebrews conveys strong warnings about neglecting the life Jesus freely gives to those who trust in him," O'Dowd said, "and although these warnings don't teach that this life can be lost, they do teach that this life can be greatly diminished, both now and in eternity, by our neglect in how we live it now."

The title and central concern of the book stem from Hebrews 2:1–4: "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" Spiritual drift, the author explains, occurs gradually through carelessness, compromise and distraction. O'Dowd draws connections to modern cultural tendencies to appear spiritual while avoiding true commitment. Readers are reminded that believers are fellow heirs with Christ, destined to reign in the world to come (Hebrews 2:5). This inheritance, however, depends on endurance, obedience and faithfulness in the present.

O'Dowd writes with concern for contemporary Christians who may be embracing comfort, compromise, or cultural substitutes for the gospel. He frequently draws analogies from modern life, such as people buying athletic apparel without the intent of exercising, or stories of religious drift, to make theological truths more digestible for readers. 

"Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation?" invites readers to evaluate their spiritual health, recognize the unmatched glory of Christ, and respond to God's word with urgency and obedience. He presents Hebrews as a letter not just of warning, but of hope and empowerment, calling believers to run their race with endurance, press on to maturity, and cling to the greatness of the salvation they have in Jesus Christ.

"Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation?: An Exposition of the Book of Hebrews"
By Mike O'Dowd
ISBN: 9798385026647 (softcover); 9798385026654 (electronic)
Available at WestBow Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the author
Mike O'Dowd flew an A-10 Warthog for 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, both in peacetime and in combat, and earned four advanced degrees. A pastor, award-winning author, and retired colonel, he lives with his wife, Lucia, in New York, where he serves as pastor of Leptondale Bible Church in the town of Newburgh. O'Dowd's first book, "The Gospel: A Redemption and Restoration Story" has been recognized as an award-winning work of non-fiction by The Bookfest Awards in 2023 and The American Legacy Book Awards in 2024. "Are We Neglecting a Great Salvation?" won bronze in the Christian Non-Fiction category at the 2025 Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference. To learn more, please visit http://www.pastorandauthormikeodowd.wordpress.com.

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SOURCE Mike O’Dowd