February 24, 2014

From Gary... Just do it!!!


Today it is cloudy in Florida. Doesn't matter. Today, bills are due- Lord willing I will pay them. This morning I kissed my wife goodbye as she left and told her to drive safely. If something happens to her, it happens. The point here is though matter what happens, the above sign is true.  I like what The Apostle Paul wrote to the young evangelist, Timothy...

2 Timothy, Chapter 4
  1 I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom:  2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;  4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.  5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. 

  6  For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.  7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.  8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

Heaven awaits the faithful, so be faithful!!! Encourage others to be and be sure to give them a good example to follow!!! Every single day we chose to go to HEAVEN or to a much warmer and unpleasant place (how's that for being euphemistic?). Purpose in your heart to be the best you can be and be happy!!!!  Enough said- just do it!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading February 24






Bible Reading  
February 24

The World English Bible



Feb. 24
Exodus 5

Exo 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.' "
Exo 5:2 Pharaoh said, "Who is Yahweh, that I should listen to his voice to let Israel go? I don't know Yahweh, and moreover I will not let Israel go."
Exo 5:3 They said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh, our God, lest he fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword."
Exo 5:4 The king of Egypt said to them, "Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!"
Exo 5:5 Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens."
Exo 5:6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,
Exo 5:7 "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.
Exo 5:8 The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'
Exo 5:9 Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor therein; and don't let them pay any attention to lying words."
Exo 5:10 The taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, This is what Pharaoh says: "I will not give you straw.
Exo 5:11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished."
Exo 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.
Exo 5:13 The taskmasters were urgent saying, "Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!"
Exo 5:14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, "Why haven't you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?"
Exo 5:15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants?
Exo 5:16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, 'Make brick!' and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people."
Exo 5:17 But he said, "You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to Yahweh.'
Exo 5:18 Go therefore now, and work, for no straw shall be given to you, yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks!"
Exo 5:19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble, when it was said, "You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!"
Exo 5:20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:
Exo 5:21 and they said to them, "May Yahweh look at you, and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."
Exo 5:22 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me?
Exo 5:23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people; neither have you delivered your people at all." 
 
Feb. 24, 25
Matthew 28

Mat 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
Mat 28:2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.
Mat 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
Mat 28:4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.
Mat 28:5 The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.
Mat 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.
Mat 28:7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."
Mat 28:8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.
Mat 28:9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
Mat 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."
Mat 28:11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.
Mat 28:12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
Mat 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry."
Mat 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.
Mat 28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.
Mat 28:17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted.
Mat 28:18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Mat 28:19 Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

From Mark Copeland... God's Perfect Spokesman (Hebrews 1:1-3)

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"

                    God's Perfect Spokesman (1:1-3)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our introductory lesson, we saw how "The Epistle To The Hebrews"
   is unique in its beginning...
   a. There is no mention of the author's name, nor the recipients
   b. Rather, it starts like an "essay" - cf. He 1:1-3

2. We also noted regarding the purpose of the epistle...
   a. To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith
   b. Accomplished by showing the superiority of Christ and the New
      Covenant

3. That superiority is demonstrated through a number of contrasts...
   a. The very first contrast begins in these first three verses
   b. In which Jesus is contrasted with the prophets of the Old 
      Testament

4. In this lesson, we shall take a close look at the contrast...
   a. Noting how God spoke "in time past", and how He speaks "in these
      last days"
   b. Observing how Jesus is certainly qualified to be "God's Perfect
      Spokesman"

[We begin by considering what is said regarding...]

I. GOD'S SPOKESMEN "IN TIME PAST" (1)

   A. THE EXPRESSION "IN TIME PAST"...
      1. Refers to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus
      2. I.e., that period of time described in the Old Testament
         (Genesis-Malachi)

   B. GOD SPOKE "TO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS"...
      1. The "fathers" would be the ancestors of the Israelites
      2. The "prophets" would include great men like Samuel, Elijah, 
         Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
         a. The Hebrew word for "prophet" means "one who boils over"
         b. It refers to one who is inspired by God to speak for Him 
            - cf. 2Pe 1:21
      3. At times, the prophets themselves were unsure of what they 
         spoke - 1Pe 1:10-12

   C. GOD SPOKE "AT VARIOUS TIMES AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS"...
      1. His revelation did not come all at once, but progressively at
         different times
      2. His methods varied as well, using visions, dreams, symbols, 
         etc.

[So God has clearly revealed Himself as One who "speaks"; that is, He 
communicates His will to mankind! What He revealed through His prophets
"in time past" is certainly wonderful, but now consider what we learn
regarding...]

II. GOD'S SPOKESMAN "IN THESE LAST DAYS" (2-3)

   A. THE EXPRESSION "IN THESE LAST DAYS"...
      1. Literally, "at the end of these days", which may be understood
         as referring to either:
         a. The closing period of the Jewish age (cf. Milligan)
         b. The period of the Messiah (most commentators)
      2. The Old Testament often spoke of "the last days" - e.g., Isa 2:2; Micah 4:1
      3. As such it often had special reference to the age of the 
         Messiah
         a. The apostles spoke of their time as the time of this 
            fulfillment - Ac 2:16-17
         b. Thus it denotes the final phase of history, brought on by
            the first coming of Christ, continuing until His second 
            coming and the consummation of all things - cf. He 9:26;
            1Pe 1:20; 1Co 10:11

   B. GOD "HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON"...
      1. God has spoken once again, but note the contrast!
      2. "In time past" it was through "prophets"; but "in these last
         days" it is by "His Son"!
         a. God has sent His own Son to speak for Him!
         b. As wonderful as the prophets were, how can they compare to
            God's own Son?
      -- There is no contrast, especially as we read on and notice...
      
   C. THE EXCELLENCE OF "GOD'S PERFECT SPOKESMAN"...
      1. Jesus is "the appointed heir of all things"!
         a. The author may have had Ps 2:8 in mind, for in verse 5 he
            quotes from Ps 2:7
         b. As the "beloved Son", it is only natural that He would be
            the appointed heir
         c. What does "all things" include?
            1) All that the Father has! - Jn 16:15
            2) The authority to raise and judge the dead - Jn 5:26-29
            3) The authority to rule in heaven and on earth - Mt 28:18
            4) This authority Christ has even now! - Ac 2:36; 10:36;
               Ep 1:20-22; 1Pe 3:22; Re 1:5
      2. Jesus is "through whom He (God) also made the worlds"!
         a. Not only the "Heir", but also the "Creator"!
         b. For it was through the Son that God created the universe 
            - cf. Jn 1:3; Col 1:16
            1) All things were created "by (or through) Him" (He is the
               Creator)
            2) All things were created "for Him" (He is the rightful
               Heir)
      3. Jesus is "the brightness of His (God's) glory"!
         a. In Jesus we see the very radiance of the glory of God!
         b. As John wrote, "...we beheld His glory, the glory as of the
            only begotten of the Father..." - Jn 1:14
         c. When we behold Jesus, we see an extension of the glory of 
            God!
      4. Jesus is "the express image of His (God's) person"!
         a. He is the exact representation of God's being and 
            character! - cf. Col 2:9
         b. Therefore Jesus could say...
            1) To Thomas:  "If you had known me, you would have known
               my Father also; and from now on you know Him and have 
               seen Him." - Jn 14:7
            2) To Philip:  "He who has seen Me has seen the Father;" 
               - Jn 14:9
      5. Jesus is "upholding all things by the word of His power"!
         a. Not only the Creator, but also the Sustainer of the 
            universe - cf. Col 1:17 ("in Him all things consist")
            1) By His word the universe holds together!
            2) All He has to do is say the word, and the universe is no
               more!
         b. Note well:
            1) This illustrates the power of His Word
            2) Shall we not listen when He speaks? - cf. Lk 6:46
      6. Jesus has also "by Himself purged our sins"!
         a. A clear reference to His death on the cross for our sins
         b. This speaks to His role as our Redeemer, a theme that will
            be prominent later in this epistle - cf. He 2:17; 9:26,28
      7. Jesus has also "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on
         high"!
         a. This Jesus did when He ascended to heaven - Ep 1:20; 1 Pe 3:22
         b. Sitting at the right hand of God is a place of honor, but 
            for Jesus it is also a place from which He reigns!
            1) As indicated in Ep 1:21-22; 1Pe 3:22
            2) It is true that He is waiting for the His enemies to be
               made His footstool (He 10:12-13), but He is reigning
               until that time! - cf. 1Co 15:25-26
            3) As stated in Ps 110:1-2, from which the author to the
               Hebrews quotes, the Messiah was to "rule in the midst of
               Your enemies"
         c. Thus Jesus is truly "the ruler over the kings of earth"
            - Re 1:5; 17:14

CONCLUSION

1. The sentence does not end with verse three...
   a. It continues on into verse four, with a declaration of Jesus' 
      superiority over angels
   b. But that verse and the rest of the chapter we shall save for the
      next study

2. But what have we seen in this lesson?
   a. God is clearly a God who speaks, He makes His Will known to 
      mankind!
   b. And now He speaks through His Son, Who is:
      1) The appointed Heir of all things!
      2) The Creator!
      3) The brightness of God's glory, the express image of His 
         person!
      4) Our Sustainer, Redeemer, and King!

How can one turn their back on Him?  Especially when the Majesty on 
high proclaimed at the Mount of Transfiguration:

   "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 
                                       - Mt 17:5

Are you heeding the words of the Beloved Son, "God's Perfect 
Spokesman"? - cf. Mt 28:18-20; Re 2:10

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... What Christ thinks of the Church

What Christ thinks of the Church

We don't believe in the Church in the same way we believe in Jesus. The truth is, sometimes it's hard to believe in the Church in the way we should be able to believe in the Church. She's such a mess but after a while you get weary of hearing her jeered at and crowed over, especially when her Lord, who can't be fooled, looks at her and tells her he isn't ashamed of her. So maybe it's time that some of us shut our mouths.
The Hebrew writer insisted (2:11) that, "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." The NRSV brings out his meaning when it says that Jesus who makes people holy and the people he makes holy "all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters."
He’s not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters! Claims like that need to be tasted and savoured a while before they’re subjected to deeper examination. It’s not that the claim will prove false when closely examined; no, that’s not it. It’s just that sometimes we’re too smart for our own good, or worse, sometimes we’re (God help us!) a bit on the cynical side and tend to analyse rather than being moved to embrace things with a joy-filled heart. It’s a bit like wanting to analyse the words of a clean, strong ten or twelve year old boy when he says from a full heart, "I love you dad." We’re supposed to be moved by words like that. Analysis is no bad thing—unless it’s a bad thing, unless it diminishes our joy and leads us to feel embarrassed that we feel so moved and inspired by what we’ve heard.
But some claims are so wonderful that we can hardly help it that we wonder if they can be true; they seem too good to be true! Is the Hebrew writer’s claim not a bit like that? "Jesus who makes people holy and the people he makes holy all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters."
Who is this that is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters? He is the holy one, sinless in his holy righteousness! And is this the one who gladly steps forward and identifies us as his brothers and sisters? The very one! He is the majestic one, Lord over all principalities and powers, might and dominion, Lord of death and life, sovereign over everything from your house to the ends of limitless space. And this is the one who with earnest and eager voice pushes his way through the crowd, puts his arms around our shoulders and says we’re his brothers and sisters? That’s him!
There have been times—even when I was alone—when I’ve been so ashamed of myself that I could hardly bear to identify myself with myself. I’ve known times when petty little bureaucratic tyrants made me go away and wouldn’t even let me tell my sad, pain-filled story. (Oh, God, in all my awful and frequent sinning, have I done that as well? I would like to think I haven’t but I suppose I must have. How horrid.) But he who knows us—truly and fully knows our darkness and shame—tries the door handle and finding it locked, and knowing why we feel we must be alone, begins to knock. "Jim...Jim...come on, open the door. I don’t want you to keep me out, especially at this time." Filled with shame and the sense of our weakness we murmur through the door that all our efforts—such as they are—come to nothing and that we find the world too strong for us. And he who knows that—and knows it full well—leaning his forehead against the door while he knocks, wants to know, "If you could save yourself do you think I ever would have come? I alone have and can overcome the world and it’s only in and through me that you can. Never without me, never apart from me, never the both of us independent of one another; only me and therefore you in me." And he reminds us that his majesty and power is for each of us and that he is bringing us to a life of inexpressible moral glory. This is the one who has become one of us and never repents of having done so. This is the one who is not ashamed of us. Is there better news than that?
"But you don’t understand because you don’t know how far and how often I’ve strayed!" Perhaps, but does he not know? The Christ would want you, me and this whole big round teeming world to know: "There is nothing about you that I don’t know! I take your sins more seriously than you can imagine but I'm not ashamed to call you brothers and sisters."
If you knew where I’ve been you would be ashamed of me.
"I am not ashamed to call you brothers and sisters!"
If you knew what I’ve done, again and again...
"I am not ashamed to call you brothers and sisters!"
If you knew how cold and uncaring my heart is and has been...
"I am not ashamed to call you brothers and sisters!"
©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.
Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, theabidingword.com.

From Steve Singleton... What is the Central Claim of Christianity?

What is the Central Claim of Christianity?

elevator speech illustration
Prepare an "Elevator Speech"
Near the first day of sales training your trainer will ask you to give "an elevator speech." It's called that because there's tremendous value in being able to explain your product or service in the time it takes to ride in an elevator. To do so, you have to cut all of your usual verbiage down to the bare essentials. Also, you must tell your story from the point of view of the listener, explaining things in terms of W-I-I-F-M ("What's in it for me?"). When those elevator doors open up and the person you've been talking to walks away, he or she should have a fairly good idea of what you offer and why it is worth the price.
Just the Essentials
Let me give you my "elevator speech" about Christianity. These are the essentials. Although God created us human beings to share in His nature and to have a close relationship with Him, every one of us has rebelled against Him, choosing instead to go our own way and suffer the consequences. Those consequences are bad, including purposelessness, a sense of worthlessness, isolation and animosity, suffering, and, yes, death.
But God was willing to do something about our predicament. What He did was to send us His Son, who became a human being, modeled for us what it means to be pure, to love God, and to lovingly serve our fellow humans. More than that, He took upon Himself our guilt and paid the debt we owed by dying on the cross. Arising from the dead, He demonstrated that He has the power and authority to offer us His forgiveness and His righteousness in trade in exchange for our sins and defilement.
He wants us to trust Him with all of our being. This trust includes repudiating our rebellion, declaring before others our allegiance to Him, joining in a re-enactment of His death, burial, and resurrection so that the exchange can be made. Then He calls on us to follow Him for the rest of our lives in humble submission to the lifestyle and the mission He has in mind for us.
Not only do we experience a closer relationship with Him, but we also have a close fellowship with all other human beings willing to obey Him like we have. His promise is that our relationship will just get better and better until He transforms our mortal bodies for glorified ones that are just like what Jesus received when he arose from the dead.
Christocentric Message
That's pretty much it. As the elevator doors open, did you notice that Jesus Christ Himself is the central theme of the "elevator speech"? Someone long ago noticed that when you take "Christ" out of "Christian," what do you have left? I-A-N, which stands for "I am nothing," or in the Texan dialect, "I ain't nothin'."
Without Christ, I am nothing. But with Him, I am all I was meant to be, all God designed me to be. With Him, "I can do all things through Him who enables me" (Philippians 4:13).
What About W-I-I-F-M?
What's in it for me? How about forgiveness and a high and noble a reason for living? How about a world-wide support network and a burning message of hope and healing? How about confident anticipation that pierces the dark grave and an expectation of eternity in union with a loving God? What about discovering glimpses of His likeness in your personality even now, and the secure promise that as you follow Him, those glimpses will coalesce into His likeness? What's in it for you? Getting to where you no longer ask such an ego-centric question and ask instead, every day for the rest of your life, "What's in me for Him?"
Now It's Your Turn
See if you can write your own "elevator speech" about being a Christian. Or if you are not a Christian, write about what you are instead. Your own personal elevator speech will help you clarify your thinking regarding who you are and what you're about.

Want to go deeper?

The New Testament authors furnish us with several succinct summaries of the gospel message similar to what I call the "elevator speech." Examine each of the passages in this sampling:
  1. Luke 24:44-48
  2. Acts 10:36-43
  3. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
  4. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
  5. Titus 2:11-14
  6. Titus 3:3-8
Now see if you can find some on your own.
Recommended for purchase:
Edmund P. Clowney. Preaching Christ in All of Scripture. Crossway, 2003.
Recommended for online reading:
Gordon Cooke. The God of Glory Thunders: A Christ-Centered Devotional Exposition of Psalm 29 (Evangelical Movement of Wales, 2006).
Benjamin Franklin (1812-1878) – "What Must Men Believe to Be Saved?"
As always, I don't necessarily agree with everything these books teach. Part of "going deeper" is developing your own spiritual discernment. It's good to "taste-test" before swallowing.

Many thanks to brother Steve Singleton, for allowing me to post from his website, deeperstudy.com. --Gary

February 23, 2014

From Jim McGuiggan... WHAT SHOULD I TELL HIM? (3)


WHAT SHOULD I TELL HIM? (3)

Susie M. Best put it like this in her lovely, truth-drenched poem, The Miracles Dreams.

That night when in the Judean skies
The mystic star dispensed its light,
A blind man moved in his sleep—
And dreamed that he had sight!
That night when shepherds heard the song
Of hosts angelic choiring near,
A deaf man stirred in slumber’s spell—
And dreamed that he could hear!
.   .   .   .   .
That night when o’er the new born babe
The tender Mary rose to lean,
A loathsome leper smiled in sleep—
And dreamed that he was clean!
That night when to the mother’s breast
The tender little king was held secure,
A harlot slept a happy sleep—
And dreamed that she was pure!
That night when in the manger lay
The sanctified who came to save,
A man moved in the sleep of death—
And dreamed there was no grave!

That’s what I told this profoundly hurting sinner who was so close to despair. It’s what Susie Best says to me when I’m burdened with a heavy sense of my own sinfulness; not burdened so much with a sense of outrageous sins (though I’m very capable of those) as with my truly pathetic response to a gospel that drives angels to speechless wonder and reflection.
These dreams are the work of God! The agony that strong, persistent, unconquerable sins and sinfulness generates in the hearts of sensitive believers is the work of God. The certainty that we can’t overcome the evil that pillages and ravishes the lives of so many of us is one of God’s strange gifts. The dreams are his work! He will not generate in us dreams of selflessness, dreams of purity and of gallantry, dreams of health and wholeness, dreams of unbroken peace and joy—he will not generate such dreams in us and not fulfil them.
My guess is that it isn’t God we great sinners worry about—it’s the people around us. We fear their scorn, their coldness, their demand that we quickly and definitively stop! No, not just “quickly”—immediately! We fear the shame we’d be subjected to by the self-righteous, the shame our loved ones would feel should it all “come out”. So many of us are afraid for you to know us and so we hide. “But he/she should have told us; could have told us and we would have helped!”
Really? Do you think we’ve made that clear? Bless me, many of us are afraid even to seek help from the assembly regarding the sad waywardness of our children, or the scary turn our marriages have taken. [I don’t believe in blabbing but somewhere in all our Congregational life and relationships we must attempt to develop a culture where we can freely speak our pain with a view to being helped over it. A culture where we acknowledge that we are all—no exceptions—fellow-sinners and see one another as under threat from an alien power and band together for one another. How long would it take to develop such a culture? Who can say, but what has that got to do with it? If it’s ever to be developed in some righteous and loving assembly it will have to make a beginning at some point! If our brother or sister has “cancer” we’ll adopt the best treatment and they will know it. If the “sickness” is not as marked as some others we’ll adopt the right approach to that. But we will work for each other!]
It’s a mistake to think that we dream wondrous dreams of holy freedom which would come true if only God would help us to make them become reality. The dreams are reality! The longing to be free is as real as the spikes they drove into his hands and feet! [There are those insolent and tragic souls who have no such dreams and they're happy that they have none.] The lovely dreams aren’t our dreams alone—they’re the dreams God fills us with and will he who enables us—despite our awful losses—to continue to dream dreams of triumph not give us the victory? Paul prays for a little church, assuring them that God will “make you holy through and through” and then he says, “faithful is he who called you and he will do it!” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
And he will do it!
So, agony, weariness, fear, tears, shame, sleeplessness—but no despair!
He will do it!
And you, praise God, who know no such agony because your life is blameless (not sinless!)—don’t make it harder for the rest of us. Click here.
[To be continued, God enabling.]

From Mark Copeland... Introduction To Hebrews

              "THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"

                      Introduction To The Epistle

INTRODUCTION

1. The Epistle to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament...
   a. It begins as an "essay" - He 1:1-2
   b. It progresses as a "sermon" - He 2:1-4
   c. It ends as a "letter" - He 13:23-25

2. Its contents are deep and challenging...
   a. Many Christians find it difficult
   b. Some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation

3. But for Christians who are willing to take the time to read and 
   reflect upon it...
   a. They are REMINDED of how blessed they are to have trusted in 
      Christ
   b. They are IMPRESSED with the superiority of Christ and His New 
      Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant
   c. They are WARNED of the danger of apostasy and the need for 
      steadfastness in their faith

4. With this lesson, I wish to begin a series of expository sermons 
   based upon this epistle...
   a. Yet just as one should not begin a journey without some idea of
      where they are going
   b. So it is beneficial to begin with a preview of this epistle, that
      we might have an idea...
      1) Of where we are headed
      2) And what we can expect to find

[Such a "preview" or introduction would naturally include some 
information on...]

I. THE BACKGROUND TO THE EPISTLE

   A. THE AUTHOR...
      1. The author does not identify himself
      2. Many believe it to be the apostle Paul (e.g., Clement of
         Alexandria)
         a. This seems unlikely in view of the author's statement:  
            "...was confirmed to us by those who heard Him," - He 2:3
         b. For Paul declared that he had not received the gospel from
            or through men - Ga 1:11-12
         c. Yet there are many arguments which favor Paul as the author
            (cf. New Testament Commentary on Hebrews, Robert Milligan,
            pp. 5-19)
      3. Other names have been proposed over the years:
         a. Barnabas (suggested by Tertullian)
         b. Apollos (suggested by Luther)
         c. Priscilla (suggested by Harnack)
      -- In the end, we can only say with Origen, "But who wrote the 
         epistle, to be sure, only God knows."

   B. THE RECIPIENTS...
      1. The general consensus is that this letter was written to 
         Jewish Christians
      2. But there is uncertainty as to where they and the author were
         at the time of composition
         a. Most believe the recipients were in Palestine, and the 
            author in Rome
         b. Others suggest the readers were in Rome and the author 
            elsewhere, based upon a possible implication in He 13:24
      -- In any case, they were Jewish Christians whom the author knew
         personally - cf. He 10:34; 13:19

   C. THE DATE OF WRITING...
      1. We know it was prior to 96 A.D., for Clement of Rome quotes 
         from Hebrews in his letter written at that time
      2. There are certainly strong implications that it was written 
         prior to 70 A.D.
         a. There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the
            temple
         b. The author writes as though priests were still offering 
            sacrifices - He 8:4; 10:11
      3. If the Jewish Christians were in Palestine, it was likely 
         before or at the beginning of the Jewish Wars (ca.66-70 A.D.),
         in light of He 12:4
      -- The time frame of 63-65 A.D. is often suggested

   D. THE PURPOSE OF THIS EPISTLE...
      1. To prevent his readers from abandoning their faith in Christ 
         - cf. He 2:1-4
      2. To encourage his Jewish brethren not to go back to the Old Law
         a. By showing the superiority of Christ and His Covenant
            - cf. He 8:1-2,6
         b. A key word found throughout the epistle is "better"
            1) Christ is "better than the angels" - He 1:4
            2) We enjoy "the bringing in of a better hope" - He 7:19
            3) Jesus has become "the surety of a better covenant"
               - He 7:22
            4) He is also "the Mediator of a better covenant, which was
               established on better promises" - He 8:6
            5) The heavenly things benefit from "better sacrifices"
               - He 9:23
      -- Indeed, the purpose of this epistle was to exhort his readers
         - He 13:22

[With this background to the epistle, let's continue our brief survey
of the book by noticing...]

II. THE MAIN DIVISIONS OF THE EPISTLE

   A. THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST - He 1:1-8:6
      1. Better than the prophets, as a much better Spokesman - He 1:
         1-3
      2. Better than the angels, by virtue of His Deity and humanity 
         - He 1:4-2:18
      3. Better than Moses, for He is the Son who provides a heavenly
         rest - He 3:1-4:13
      4. Better than Aaron, as His priesthood is a superior one - He 4:16-8:6

   B. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE NEW COVENANT - He 8:7-10:18
      1. For it is based upon better promises - He 8:7-13
      2. For it is based upon a better sanctuary - He 9:1-28
      3. For it is based upon a better sacrifice - He 10:1-18

   C. EXHORTATIONS DRAWN FROM THIS SUPERIORITY - He 10:19-13:25
      1. To draw near to God and hold fast - He 10:19-39
      2. To run the race of faith with endurance - He 11:1-12:29
      3. Miscellaneous exhortations - He 13:1-25

[A unique feature of "The Epistle To The Hebrews" are the warnings
throughout the book.  As we conclude this introduction, perhaps it may
be profitable to summarize...]

III. THE KEY WARNINGS IN THE EPISTLE

   A. THE WARNING AGAINST DRIFTING - He 2:1-4
      1. Through neglect we can easily drift away
      2. The solution is to give the more earnest heed to the things we
         have heard

   B. THE WARNING AGAINST DEPARTING - He 3:12-15
      1. Through sin's deceitfulness we can become hardened and develop
         a lack of faith by which we can depart from the living God
      2. The solution is exhort one another daily and remain steadfast

   C. THE WARNING AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE - He 4:11-13
      1. Like Israel in the wilderness, we can fail to enter our rest
         through disobedience
      2. The solution is diligence and heeding the Word of God

   D. THE WARNING AGAINST DULLNESS - He 5:11-6:6
      1. Dullness of hearing can make it difficult for us to appreciate
         the extent of our blessings in Christ, and even falling away 
         to the point of crucifying the Son of God afresh!
      2. The solution is grasping the first principles of the oracles 
         of God, and then pressing on to spiritual maturity and 
         perfection

   E. THE WARNING AGAINST DESPISING - He 10:26-39
      1. It is possible to so despise God's grace as to no longer have
         a sacrifice for sins, but only a certain fearful expectation
         of judgment
      2. The solution is to hold unto our confidence in Christ, and 
         believe with endurance

   F. THE WARNING AGAINST DEFYING - He 12:14-29
      1. It is possible to refuse to listen to the One who now speaks
         from heaven!
      2. The solution is to look diligently to the grace of God, 
         receiving it in such a way so we may serve Him acceptably with
         reverence and godly fear

CONCLUSION

1. With such warnings, this book is indeed a "word of exhortation"! 
   - He 13:22

2. As we proceed through the book in the coming lessons, it will be my
   intent...
   a. To REMIND you of how blessed we are to have trusted in Christ
   b. To IMPRESS you with the superiority of Christ and His New 
      Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant
   c. To WARN you of the real danger of apostasy and the need for 
      steadfastness in our faith

My task will be easy if I am faithful in letting the book speak for 
itself.  That is my hope and prayer...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary.... Bible Reading February 23



Bible Reading  
February 23

The World English Bible



Feb. 23
Exodus 4
Exo 4:1 Moses answered, "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice; for they will say, 'Yahweh has not appeared to you.' "
Exo 4:2 Yahweh said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A rod."
Exo 4:3 He said, "Throw it on the ground." He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it.
Exo 4:4 Yahweh said to Moses, "Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail." He put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand.
Exo 4:5 "That they may believe that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."
Exo 4:6 Yahweh said furthermore to him, "Now put your hand inside your cloak." He put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.
Exo 4:7 He said, "Put your hand inside your cloak again." He put his hand inside his cloak again, and when he took it out of his cloak, behold, it had turned again as his other flesh.
Exo 4:8 "It will happen, if they will neither believe you nor listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
Exo 4:9 It will happen, if they will not believe even these two signs, neither listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river, and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take out of the river will become blood on the dry land."
Exo 4:10 Moses said to Yahweh, "Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."
Exo 4:11 Yahweh said to him, "Who made man's mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn't it I, Yahweh?
Exo 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak."
Exo 4:13 He said, "Oh, Lord, please send someone else."
Exo 4:14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Moses, and he said, "What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes forth to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
Exo 4:15 You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do.
Exo 4:16 He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.
Exo 4:17 You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs."
Exo 4:18 Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, "Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."
Exo 4:19 Yahweh said to Moses in Midian, "Go, return into Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead."
Exo 4:20 Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God's rod in his hand.
Exo 4:21 Yahweh said to Moses, "When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go.
Exo 4:22 You shall tell Pharaoh, 'Thus says Yahweh, Israel is my son, my firstborn,
Exo 4:23 and I have said to you, "Let my son go, that he may serve me;" and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.' "
Exo 4:24 It happened on the way at a lodging place, that Yahweh met him and wanted to kill him.
Exo 4:25 Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me."
Exo 4:26 So he let him alone. Then she said, "You are a bridegroom of blood," because of the circumcision.
Exo 4:27 Yahweh said to Aaron, "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses." He went, and met him on God's mountain, and kissed him.
Exo 4:28 Moses told Aaron all the words of Yahweh with which he had sent him, and all the signs with which he had instructed him.
Exo 4:29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel.
Exo 4:30 Aaron spoke all the words which Yahweh had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
Exo 4:31 The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.