Hebrews 2 - 8.5.2022
Scripture - What stood out?
Hebrew 2:1,11
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Observation - What does it say?
The author of Hebrews begins chapter two with a call to attention. Do not drift away from what you have heard. And then follows up by helping us to understand more fully the humanity of the very Divine Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Understanding - What does it mean?
how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)
Do not drift away.
Over the past few months battling life’s various issues here on earth I have found myself doing just that- drifting away. I have no good excuses. Just excuses. So this is what I needed to hear. I can almost see myself explaining my issues to Bob Newhart and him responding to me “STOP IT! Do not drift away…”
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Jesus is not ashamed to call me brother.
Dear Father in heaven. Thank you for your victories this week. Thank you for helping me with my health…when I didn’t deserve it. Thank you for making me Holy…when I didn’t deserve it. Thank you for calling me brother…when I never earned it.
For my life application today, Lord, I want to repeat these words almost as an affirmation reminding myself at least 5 times today.. Please help to reinvigorate my prayer times, bible reading times, and soul journaling times. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen.
-kenneth lee
Hebrews 1-8.4.22
Scripture:
Hebrews 1:12
You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”
Observation:
The writer takes a looks at God’s character.
Understanding:
The writer is quoting another verse here while explaining how God talks about Jesus, specifically quoting Psalm 102:25-27. The thing that stands out to me here is the latter half of the verse, “...But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” There is so much comfort in that statement, right? God, everything he has done and continues to do, the love he has for us, all the aspects of his character, it remains the same always, flourishing in heaven. It hasn’t stopped, nor will it ever stop. It will continue always, long after our time has expired. He’s so loving, and willing to meet us where we’re at. He’ll always be there at the door. The question is, when are you going to meet him?
Life Application:
God is waiting. He’s filled with such an intense love for us, and he is just waiting to be found, waiting for us to meet him. I’m not sure about you, but I want to meet him now. I don’t want to wait. The awesome thing is, I don’t have to wait, and neither do you. So keep meeting him, don’t wait. Meet him whenever you can; at work, school, wherever or whenever, you can meet him. Why don't we give that a shot?
-Anakin Cerda
Philemon 1-8.3.22
Scripture
Philemon 1:10-12, 17-18 NIV
“that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you........So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is appealing to Philemon, Apphia, Archipus and the church in this letter. (Vs. 1-2). First, he thanks them for their partnership, love, encouragement and refreshing. Then he makes a case for Onesimus, how he has changed, but instead of commanding them to take him back under their care (and Paul had every right to exercise that authority), he asked for their permission and consent. Paul also said that any wrong he had done to them to charge it to him. He appealed to them in love and demonstrated what it means to restore relationships back to God and the church.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Love, forgiveness and restoration is what the Christian life is all about. We are called to love and restore relationships with others and help restore relationships back (or newly) to Jesus.
The Apostle Paul is an awesome leader. Not only was he a great leader, but a great brother in the Lord. He did everything in faith and love and this letter proves it.
He appealed to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. Based commentary, it is indicated that Onesimus was once a man who was useless (vs. 11) to Philemon and the church. He did not live a life of faith or in the Spirit, until Paul met him at the prison and God used Paul to convert Onesimus and change his heart. As a result, he requested that Philemon welcome him back as a brother and partner in Christ. He was no longer a slave, but a brother. (Vs. 16)
Life Application
Pray for God to heal and restore relationships back to Himself and back to the family through Jesus.
Dear Jesus, we pray for hearts of restoration. Hearts that would love and forgive like you do. Hearts that would restore what was once broken, whether its restoration of our relationship with You after sin/rebellion destroyed it, or restoring a repenting brother/sister back to the family. Thank You for our brother Paul's example of restoration in action. I pray we would be a church that takes action to restore relationships to You, others, and ourselves. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi