Posts Tagged New Testament
Hebrews Bible Study-Week 6
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, God, Jesus, Law, New Testament, Old Testament, Theology on October 29, 2009
My intention for week 6 was to cover all of Hebrews chapter 7. But, you know what they say about intentions (actually, I have no idea what they say about intentions, but it sounded good in my head).
Suffice it to say, we didn’t make it through all of chapter 7, but the discussion was great anyway. It seems that ministry opportunity after ministry opportunity has presented itself during our Bible study (and, henceforth, I will use that term loosely). I’m just trusting that God is trusting our little group with these ministry needs, and I am so thankful for our core group who is more than capable of ministering the gospel, ragtag bunch that we are.
We did, however, cover the first 10 verses of chapter 7, which is progress from the pace we were on in chapter 6 (summary part 1, part 2 and notes). So, for that, I am also thankful.
We spent a fair amount of time recapping what we learned about Melchizedek in week 3 because it has, in real time, been over a month since we discussed it. To this Melchizedek, Abraham apportioned one tenth of the spoils (from his battle with the kidnapping kings). We discussed this as the first reference to the Mosaic law of tithing. Also, that the author of Hebrews suggests this as a tithe:
And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:9-10 (NASB)
And, although we are not under the law of Moses, the spiritual principle of making the whole holy by tithing remains operable. And, while we give our tithes to men, Jesus receives them in heaven, “In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on.” Heb. 7:8. Thus the principle of the tithe predates the law of Moses and continues on through the New Covenant.
As I mentioned, the balance of our discussion time was spent ministering to the newest member of our group. It was yet another unexpected, but totally awesome week. May there be plenty more of them.
Hebrews Bible Study-Week 5
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, New Testament on October 29, 2009
As I mentioned in my recap of week 4, we made it through the first six verses of chapter 6. We finally finished chapter 6. We still probably didn’t cover the second half of chapter 6 as thoroughly as I would have liked, but we did get through it.
I began by asking, if we are supposed to move beyond the “milk” referenced in chapter 5 to “solid food,” how do we do that? What are practical steps we can take to move beyond milk? The first was the most obvious, recognize that we are still partaking of milk, not just individually, but collectively as a body. There were others, most of them about maturing individually in our respective walks with Christ.
However, there was another (in retrospect, obvious) answer that my good friend Curtis (who blogs at The Watchman’s Gaze) suggested, which is to pray and ask God what the solid food is. The author of Hebrews doesn’t elaborate, he or she only laments that the audience is not ready, though they should be. I think it is safe to say that there is solid food prepared for each of us individually, for groups of us, and for the body as a whole. It also seems apparent that God is ready for us to be partakers. We seem to be the hold up.
We actually did cover the remainder of chapter 6 (and you can read other discussion points on the chapter 6 notes), but those were the highlights of our discussion.
Hebrews Chapter 7-Study Notes
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, Genesis, God, Law, New Testament, Old Testament on October 22, 2009
These are my study notes for Hebrews Chapter 7. I don’t know if they will make much sense to anyone else, but if they are helpful to anyone feel free to use them.
The scripture references and discussion notes should have aligned with the appropriate scriptures, but I lost that somehow when I loaded the table into my blog. On the left is, obviously, the Bible text, the center column contains the scriptures I referenced or wanted to reference, and the right-hand column has discussion topics.
| Hebrews 7 (NASB)
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him, 18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, 22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. |
Scripture Refs.:
7:4 – Numbers 18:20-26 7:14 – Genesis 49:8-10 7:17 – Psalm 110 7:19 – Romans 8; 2 Corinthians 3:7-8. |
Discussion Notes:
7:1, 6 – “blessed him,” and “blessed the one who had the promises.” Had Abraham received the promises yet? 7:1 – Melchizedek: see notes Ch. 5. 7:4-10 – Abraham gave tenth to Melchizedek, Levi paid tithes while still in Abraham’s loins. 7:4 – “tenth of the choicest spoils” – Abraham took nothing for himself, gave from the spoils? 7:12 – “change of law” – What does this mean? 7:14 – “tribe of Judah” – Israel’s blessing to sons. |
Hebrews Bible Study-Week 4
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, God, New Testament, Theology on October 15, 2009
We finally had the fourth week of actual study last night where we covered Hebrews chapter 6, sort of. We actually made it through the first six verses.
I knew once we got into this part of Hebrews, we would be able to cover less ground in our 1.5 hr meeting. Chapter 6 is challenging. It’s not necessarily the most intellectually challenging part of Hebrews, but it is definitely one of the most spiritually challenging. I don’t know many Christians who can read Hebrews chapter 6 and honestly say they are partakers of the “solid food” referenced in chapter 5, and not “milk.”
Do you wonder whether you are? Consider what the author is saying in the first two verses:
1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2 (NASB)
Has the church (collectively) left the “elementary teaching about the Christ”? Hardly. We discussed each item listed individually. “Repentance from dead works,” still plagues the church – we battle with legalism continually, and repentance. There is simply no earning your way into heaven, yet we try our best to measure our salvation by work-related measurements.
How about “washings,” or baptisms. There is still plenty of in-fighting about when, where, who, how, and how often to baptize. Is there one baptism, two, three, or multiple? The author clearly intends to communicate multiple, so which is he or she meaning? We collectively determined the potential for three: (1) water baptism, (2) the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and (3) the baptism by fire. I, personally, had never made the distinction between (2) and (3) until after our discussion last night, but I do now. We also concluded that the list might not be exhaustive, but those were the three we were able to identify.
And “the laying on of hands,” how well is the church coping with that one? Do we? Don’t we? Why do we? Why don’t we? We determined four reasons for doing so still today: (1) healing, (2) commissioning or sending out, (3) impartation, and (4) baptism in the Holy Spirit. Not that the laying on of hands is necessary for each, or that the list is exhaustive, but these are certainly reasons for doing so.
Oh yeah, “and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.” As sophisticated as we have become in the Western church, we are regressing in matters of the Spirit. We are able to get the word out better than we ever have, but the word has lost its power. It’s no wonder there’s a problem with “faith toward God.”
I say only half jokingly, fortunate for us that so few of us “have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come“ otherwise we would be in danger of the condemnation contained in verses 5 and 6.
Hopefully we will finish chapter 6 next week and move into chapter 7.
Holy Bible Mosaic Giveaway
Posted by Peter in Bible, Bible Translations, Christianity, Cool Stuff, Giveaways, God, New Testament, Old Testament on October 14, 2009
Holy Bible Mosaic
Next Friday, October 23, 2009, the Holy Bible Mosaic Blog Tour stops here at Beauty of the Bible. There are a lot of cool things planned for the tour stop including a giveaway for a free Mosaic.
I am running a 10-day contest for your chance to win a Gift Certificate redeemable at any bookstore for a free Holy Bible Mosaic (hard cover edition). I have one myself, and let me tell you, it is gorgeous.
All you have to do to enter is leave me your name in the comments below and check back on Friday to see if you win.
If you post a link to this contest on facebook, you will get one additional entry – if we are not yet friends, you will need to befriend me so that I can confirm the facebook link.
If you have a blog, you can write a post about this, link back to this page, and I will give you another entry for a possible total of three (3) entries.
Bloggers, if you already have a review copy, don’t worry, I will let you designate the person you want to receive it if you win. For example, if you want your grandmother who has no idea how to turn on a computer to win, you can enter for her.
Entries will be accepted until 12:00 noon (CST) on Friday October 23, 2009, and I will have my daughter Libby draw the winning name. The winner will be posted at 5:00pm (CST) on Friday, October 23, 2009. The winner will then contact me via the Contact page above with their mailing address (U.S. mailing addresses only please), and I will mail them their prize.
Here are a few key features (from the Mosaic website):
- Writings from every continent and century of the Christian Church – Contemporary and historical writings from Christians across the globe such as St. Augustine, Charles Wesley, and Henri Nouwen.
- Full-Color Art – Full color art offers another kind of reflective devotional experience, with artwork from contemporary and historical artists.
- Center column reference text with word study system – The clear New Living Translation text in this Bible is set in a center-column reference format, with Greek and Hebrew word studies to give you greater insight in study. There are also icons in the margins of the text to indicate which Scripture passages are linked to which writings.
- Variety of Reflective Content – The content is arranged so that every week the reader has a variety of content for reading and reflection. Each week follows a theme appropriate to the Church season (such as Advent, Easter, etc). The content included for each week includes full-color art; Scripture readings; a historical reading; a contemporary reading; a prayer, creed, hymn or quote; and space for reflection.
- Space for your response to God’s promptings – Add your tile to the mosaic—write or draw your response, prayers and questions in the provided space.
My Other Mosaic Posts:
- NLT Mosaic Coming Fall 2009
- Holy Bible Mosaic Released Today
- Holy Bible Mosaic (It’s Gorgeous) and Blog Tour Info
Mosaic Links:
Revelation Bible Study Group
Posted by Peter in Bible, Blogging, Christianity, New Testament on October 12, 2009
This should be interesting (although I don’t think I will blog about it the way I have with my Hebrews Bible Study (not without appropriate release forms being signed anyway)), but a small group from our church is beginning a study of the book of Revelation.
Why will this be especially interesting, you ask? Because of the participants: yours truly and his lovely wife Pastor Lolo (who are as different as night and day); a friend of mine, the former-Church-of-Christ-pastor-turned-charismatic who hangs around BOB from time to time under the username “watchmancurtis” (and who needs a blog of his own); our pastor, whose eschatological take I am still unable to pinpoint even after considerable poking, prodding, and thorough cross-examination, although I’m fairly confident it’s not heretical (but I reserve the right to change my mind after or during this study); and anyone else who might be interested.
It’s a veritable motley crew to be sure. And we should either settle all the questions once and for all, or split the church entirely (just kidding, we love each other warts and all, I think).
Techies Take Note-The Glo Bible
Posted by Peter in Bible, Cool Stuff, New Testament, Old Testament on October 12, 2009
Thanks to Bitsy, who got it from Stephen, who probably got it from Kevin Bacon, but this looks really, really cool.
Here’s the rub, it requires a Windows-based PC, which is fine for me because I use PCs, but it kind of has that Apple/Mac feel, which is a relatively minor point I suppose. But, it also requires 18GB (yes, GB) of free disk space, a dual-core processor, and either 1 or 2GB of RAM depending on your Windows version, and an internet connection.
When you check out the Glo website, you’ll know why. There are over 550 360° virtual tours, 3.5 hours of HD videos, over 140 interactive maps, thousands of high-resolution photos, and over 7,500 articles, and a whole lot more. It’s quite the ambitious project. The cost is considerable, but not oppressive, $89.99(USD).
It’s hard for me to tell who the potential audience is, or isn’t. I would love it, but it’s not something I would use everyday like my trusted paper Bibles. It would be great for presentations or research, and I could see a younger audience liking the interactivity, but I would be interested to see how it is incorporated into regular Bible reading/study habits.
I would be curious if any of you have previewed a review copy since it’s not available until October 15, 2009. I would definitely like to test drive it before I bought it, but I might trust someone else’s test drive.
Here is the official Glo website and other links that might be of interest:
Hebrews Bible Study Update
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity on October 9, 2009
As I mentioned in the first Hebrews Bible Study Update, our church has a church-wide Night of Worship on the first Wednesday of each month, so there was no Hebrews Bible Study this past Wednesday.
I did go ahead and post the chapter 6 study notes so there wouldn’t be too long of a lag between Bible study related posts. Which leads me to my second point: the reason we are a week behind is because last Wednesday we were landed with a ministry opportunity which took up the entire time. I do not write this with the least bit of regret because it was an excellent opportunity for the body of Christ to be the body.
And, if we get landed with other such ministry opportunities in the future, we will just get further and further behind because the opportunity to pray for someone and minister to their needs will always take priority. Fortunately, I think the other members of the group agree wholeheartedly, and I think they were also blessed that our Bible study became a prayer session.
This was actually the third week in a row where the Lord has led a different and new non-church member to our little meeting for specific prayer needs. This one just took a little longer than the others, but each have been remarkable ministry opportunities.
And one thing is for sure: something good is happening (even if it’s not always Bible study related).
Here are the other Hebrews Bible Study links:
- Hebrews Bible Study Week One (Chapters 1 & 2 summary)
- Hebrews Bible Study Update (9/2/09)
- Hebrews Chapter 1 – Study Notes
- Hebrews Chapter 2 – Study Notes
- Hebrews Bible Study Week Two (Chapters 3 & 4 summary)
- Hebrews Chapter 3 – Study Notes
- Hebrews Chapter 4 – Study Notes
- Hebrews Bible Study Week Three (Chapter 5 summary)
- Hebrews Chapter 5 – Study Notes
- Hebrews Bible Study Week Four (Chapter 6 summary)
- Hebrews Chapter 6 – Study Notes
Hebrews Chapter 6-Study Notes
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, New Testament, Old Testament on October 7, 2009
These are my study notes for Hebrews Chapter 6. I don’t know if they will make much sense to anyone else, but if they are helpful to anyone feel free to use them.
The scripture references and discussion notes should have aligned with the appropriate scriptures, but I lost that somehow when I loaded the table into my blog. On the left is, obviously, the Bible text, the center column contains the scriptures I referenced or wanted to reference, and the right-hand column has discussion topics.
| Hebrews 6 (NASB)
1 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do, if God permits. 4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. 7 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8 but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. 9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.” 15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. 16 For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. |
Scripture Refs.: 6:14 – Genesis 22:17
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Discussion Notes: 6:1 – “elementary teachings”? Doesn’t the church still struggle with these teachings? - repentance, faith, “washings” or baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment – all elementary teachings! 6:3 – “If god permits” - Will God permit if we don’t get these things down? 6:5-6 – “impossible to renew” those who have tasted and fallen away. Have we “tasted”? 6:7-8 – End times preview? 6:10 – It would be unjust for God to forget our work. 6:13 – Ancient covenant ritual, but the Greater (God) swore rather than the lesser (Abraham). 6:15 – When did Abraham receive the promise? Wasn’t it only fully realized long after his death? Are we willing to wait that long? 6:18 – It is impossible for God to lie. 6:20 Review of Melchizedek from Ch. 5.
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Hebrews Bible Study-Week 3
Posted by Peter in Bible, Christianity, Israel, Jesus, New Testament on September 24, 2009
Last night was the third week of our Hebrews Bible Study. We covered chapter 5 where we now learn that Jesus, the “Son” who is greater than the angels (chapters 1 and 2) and greater than Moses (chapters 3 and 4), is now a high priest. He is not an Aaronic high priest, but rather our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
There are differing takes on who this Melchizedek character was, but we concluded that he was Jesus (whether pre-incarnate, spiritual, actual, or otherwise we cannot ultimately know). This should not be a theological sticking point, however, and more about this will follow in the coming chapters.
We also learn an interesting point: Jesus learned obedience through suffering. This clearly suggests that believers will experience some measure of suffering to learn obedience and to be remade in the image of Christ. Now, I think there needs to be a distinction between suffering we bring upon ourselves, which Christ clearly did not do, and suffering through which we learn obedience and are made perfect. For example, Christ suffered because of his compassion for others, for the lost sheep of Israel, and leading up to his crucifixion in the garden of Gethsemane.
Finally, there is an additional hard reality for believers to confront, that many if not most believers are still “infants” partaking “only of milk.” This reality becomes crystal clear in chapter 6 which we will cover next week, but merits mention now. This is a wake-up call to the church to move on to “solid food.” A level which, if we are completely honest, we must confess we have not yet reached (generally speaking), as we will see when we study what the author believes to be “milk,” or “elementary teachings” next week.
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