Humble thoughts, reflections, and/or summaries from readings of God's word. "For if any one is desirous simply to know those things which it has pleased God to reveal, that is the man who accurately knows what it is to be truly wise. " Calvin
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hebrews 6 is difficult to interpret and many good bible scholars come to quite different conclusions about the details, but nearly all agree that there is no basis in this chapter for denying the biblical doctrine of eternal security. The book was written to Hebrews, who had a difficult time turning from their old Judaism performance-based faith. The lesson is to accept that Jesus paid for our sins FOR ALL TIME and move on. We don't need to fret about the possibility of God turning His back on us if our faith falters, since He remains always faithful.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
In Hebrews 5, Paul continues to demonstrate Jesus and Christianity to be superior to the old priesthood and Judaism. Paul reminds us that God announced that Jesus is His Son and that Jesus is our eternal high priest. Next, Paul presents a call us to spiritual training, so that we would have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. We need to listen to God and not let ourselves become spiritually dull, and God will then grow us up to be mature enough to teach others the basic things about God's Word.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Hebrews 3 is a warning to hold fast to our belief in Jesus. Paul says to "fix your thoughts on Jesus" and "hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast". During times of testing, "if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts", but hold firmly to your confidence in Him, so that you may "enter His rest".
Thursday, October 29, 2009
In Hebrews 2, Paul teaches that the Word of salvation deserves our careful attention. This salvation first announced by the Lord was confirmed by those who heard Him and God also testified to it by signs, miracles, and distribution of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Next, Paul reminds us again of Jesus' role in God's plan for the salvation of His chosen saints. Jesus descended to a position even below the angels in order to glorify God and "make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering". Jesus shared in humanity "so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil", "in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of His people". Paul says that Jesus is not ashamed now to call us His brethren, "I will declare Your name to My brothers", and in the congregation of brethren Jesus sang praises to the Father, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Hebrews 1 begins with an explanation of who Jesus is and His position over the angels. Paul teaches us that Jesus is the “exact representation” of God’s being, through whom the universe was created. God declares Jesus to be the heir of all things and is the radiance of all God’s glory, “sustaining all things by His powerful word”. Jesus is “much superior to the angels” and sits in power at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Paul concludes Hebrews 1 with a quote from Psalm 102, reminding us that Jesus is unchanging and will reign for eternity.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The book of Philemon is a letter written by Paul in thanksgiving primarily to the man Philemon, but also to those in the church that meets in Philemon's home. Philemon's name means "affectionate" and Paul describes Philemon this way throughout the letter, referring repeatedly to Phlemon's love for Christ and the saints and the great joy and encouragement he provides in refreshing the hearts of the saints. Paul encourages Philemon also in offering thanks and prayer for his effectiveness in sharing his faith. Paul also tells Philemon that he also has received great joy and comfort in his imprisonment when hearing about his love and the way the saints have been refreshed by him. Paul urges Philemon to receive his "son", Omnesimus, who is a convert under Paul's teaching, and he affectionately refers to him as sending "my very heart" to serve as a useful partner in the gospel. Finally, he encourages Philemon by expressing his confidence in his obedience, "knowing that you will do even more than I ask".
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