Generals International
Cindy Jacobs
Address: 102 Brothers Blvd # 700, Red Oak, TX 75154
10 Minute Prayer School - Praying In The Dry Times
https://youtu.be/i1Dp4NfiSbo
Saturday, March 31, 2018
10 Minute Prayer School - Praying In The Dry Times
Generals International
Cindy Jacobs
Address: 102 Brothers Blvd # 700, Red Oak, TX 75154
Friday, March 30, 2018
Hebrews 1 and 2 NLT
Outline
- Prologue: The Superiority of God's New Revelation (1:1-4)
- The Superiority of Christ to Leading Figures under the Old Covenant (1:5;7:28)
The Superior Sacrificial Work of Our High Priest (8:1;10:18)A Call to Follow Jesus Faithfully and with Perseverance (10:19;12:29)Conclusion (ch. 13)
Hebrews 1 NLT
1 Long ago God spoke many times and in
many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.
2 And now in these final days, he has
spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an
inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.
3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and
expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty
power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the
place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
4 This shows that the Son is far
greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their
names.
5 For God never said to any angel what
he said to Jesus: “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. ” God also
said, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”
6 And when he brought his supreme Son
into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.”
7Regarding the angels, he says, “He sends
his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire.”
8 But to the Son he says, “Your throne,
O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.
9 You love justice and hate evil.
Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on
you more than on anyone else.”
10 He also says to the Son, “In the
beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with
your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain
forever. They will wear out like old clothing.
12 You will fold them up like a cloak
and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live
forever.”
13 And God never said to any of the
angels, “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your
enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”
14 Therefore, angels
are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.
Hebrews 2 NLT
1 So we must listen very carefully to
the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.
2 For the message God delivered through
angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of
disobedience was punished.
3 So what makes us think we can escape
if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus
himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak?
4 And God confirmed the message by
giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit
whenever he chose.
5 And furthermore, it is not angels who
will control the future world we are talking about.
6 For in one place the Scriptures say,
“What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that
you should care for him?
7 Yet you made them only a little lower
than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.
8 You gave them authority over all
things.” Now when it says “all things,” it means nothing is left out. But we
have not yet seen all things put under their authority.
9What we do see is Jesus, who was given a
position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for
us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted
death for everyone.
10 God, for whom and through whom
everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only
right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit
to bring them into their salvation.
11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes
holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his
brothers and sisters.
12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim
your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled
people.”
13 He also said, “I will put my trust in
him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.”
14 Because God’s children are human
beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as
a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the
devil, who had the power of death.
15 Only in this way could he set free
all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
16 We also know that the Son did not
come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham.
17 Therefore, it was necessary for him
to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could
be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a
sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.
18 Since he himself
has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being
tested.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Summary of the Book of Hebrews
Summary
This summary of the book of Hebrews provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Hebrews.
Author
The writer of this letter does not identify himself, but he was obviously well known to the original recipients. Though for some 1,200 years (from c. a.d. 400 to 1600) the book was commonly called "The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews," there was no agreement in the earliest centuries regarding its authorship. Since the Reformation it has been widely recognized that Paul could not have been the writer. There is no disharmony between the teaching of Hebrews and that of Paul's letters, but the specific emphases and writing styles are markedly different. Contrary to Paul's usual practice, the author of Hebrews nowhere identifies himself in the letter -- except to indicate that he was a man (see note on 11:32). Moreover, the statement "This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him" (2:3), indicates that the author had neither been with Jesus during his earthly ministry nor received special revelation directly from the risen Lord, as had Paul (Gal 1:11-12).
The earliest suggestion of authorship is found in Tertullian's De Pudicitia, 20 (c. 200), in which he quotes from "an epistle to the Hebrews under the name of Barnabas." From the letter itself it is clear that the writer must have had authority in the apostolic church and was an intellectual Hebrew Christian well versed in the OT. Barnabas meets these requirements. He was a Jew of the priestly tribe of Levi (Ac 4:36) who became a close friend of Paul after the latter's conversion. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church at Antioch commissioned Barnabas and Paul for the work of evangelism and sent them off on the first missionary journey (Ac 13:1-4).
The other leading candidate for authorship is Apollos, whose name was first suggested by Martin Luther and who is favored by many interpreters today. Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, was also a Jewish Christian with notable intellectual and oratorical abilities. Luke tells us that "he was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures" (Ac 18:24). We also know that Apollos was associated with Paul in the early years of the church in Corinth (1Co 1:12; 3:4-6,22).
One thing is evident: The author was a master of the Greek language of his day, and he was thoroughly acquainted with the pre-Christian Greek translation of the OT (the Septuagint), which he regularly quotes.
Date
Hebrews must have been written before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in a.d. 70 because: (1) If it had been written after this date, the author surely would have mentioned the temple's destruction and the end of the Jewish sacrificial system; and (2) the author consistently uses the Greek present tense when speaking of the temple and the priestly activities connected with it (see 5:1-3; 7:23,27; 8:3-5; 9:6-9,13,25; 10:1,3-4,8,11; 13:10-11).
Recipients
The letter was addressed primarily to Jewish converts who were familiar with the OT and who were being tempted to revert to Judaism or to Judaize the gospel (cf. Gal 2:14). Some have suggested that these professing Jewish Christians were thinking of merging with a Jewish sect, such as the one at Qumran near the Dead Sea. It has also been suggested that the recipients were from the "large number of priests who became obedient to the faith" (Ac 6:7).
Theme
The theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God's grace. The prologue (1:1-4) presents Christ as God's full and final revelation, far surpassing the revelation given in the OT. The prophecies and promises of the OT are fulfilled in the "new covenant" (or "new testament"), of which Christ is the mediator. From the OT itself, Christ is shown to be superior to the ancient prophets, to angels, to Moses (the mediator of the former covenant) and to Aaron and the priestly succession descended from him. Hebrews could be called "the book of better things" since the two Greek words for "better" and "superior" occur 15 times in the letter. A striking feature of this presentation of the gospel is the unique manner in which the author employs expositions of eight specific passages of the OT Scriptures:
- 2:5-9: Exposition of Ps 8:4-6
- 3:7 -- 4:13: Exposition of Ps 95:7-11
- 4:14 -- 7:28: Exposition of Ps 110:4
- 8:1 -- 10:18: Exposition of Jer 31:31-34
- 10:1-10: Exposition of Ps 40:6-8
- 10:32 -- 12:3: Exposition of Hab 2:3-4
- 12:4-13: Exposition of Pr 3:11-12
- 12:18-24: Exposition of Ex 19:10-23
Practical applications of this theme are given throughout the book. The readers are told that there can be no turning back to or continuation in the old Jewish system, which has been superseded by the unique priesthood of Christ. God's people must now look only to him, whose atoning death, resurrection and ascension have opened the way into the true, heavenly sanctuary of God's presence. To "ignore such a great salvation" (2:3) or to give up the pursuit of holiness (12:10,14) is to face the anger of the "living God" (10:31). Five times the author weaves into his presentation of the gospel stern warnings (see note on 2:1-4) and reminds his readers of the divine judgment that came on the rebellious generation of Israelites in the desert.
Literary Form
Hebrews is commonly referred to as a letter, though it does not have the typical form of a letter. It ends like a letter (13:22-25) but begins more like an essay or sermon (1:1-4). The author does not identify himself or those addressed, which letter writers normally did. And he offers no manner of greeting, such as is usually found at the beginning of ancient letters. Rather, he begins with a magnificent statement about Jesus Christ. He calls his work a "word of exhortation" (13:22), the conventional designation given a sermon in a synagogue service (see Ac 13:15, where "message of encouragement" translates the same Greek words as "word of exhortation"). Like a sermon, Hebrews is full of encouragement, exhortations and stern warnings. It is likely that the author used sermonic materials and sent them out in a modified letter form.
Outline
- Prologue: The Superiority of God's New Revelation (1:1-4)
- The Superiority of Christ to Leading Figures under the Old Covenant (1:5;7:28)
- The Superior Sacrificial Work of Our High Priest (8:1;10:18)
- A Call to Follow Jesus Faithfully and with Perseverance (10:19;12:29)
- Conclusion (ch. 13)
From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Hebrews
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
The Book of Philemon
Summary
Summary of the Book of Philemon
This summary of the book of Philemon provides information about the title, author(s), date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the Book of Philemon.
Author, Date and Place of Writing
Paul wrote this short letter (see vv. 1,9,19) probably at the same time as Colossians (c. a.d. 60; see Introduction to Colossians: Author, Date and Place of Writing) and sent it to Colosse with the same travelers, Onesimus and Tychicus. He apparently wrote both letters from prison in Rome, though possibly from Ephesus (see Introduction to Philippians: Author, Date and Place of Writing; see also chart, p. 2261).
Recipient, Background and Purpose
Paul wrote this letter to Philemon, a believer in Colosse who, along with others, was a slave owner (cf. Col 4:1; for slavery in the NT see note on Eph 6:5). One of his slaves, Onesimus, had apparently stolen from him (cf. v. 18) and then run away, which under Roman law was punishable by death. But Onesimus met Paul and through his ministry became a Christian (see v. 10). Now he was willing to return to his master, and Paul writes this personal appeal to ask that he be accepted as a Christian brother (see v. 16).
Approach and Structure
To win Philemon's willing acceptance of Onesimus, Paul writes very tactfully and in a lighthearted tone, which he creates with a wordplay (see note on v. 11). The appeal (vv. 4-21) is organized in a way prescribed by ancient Greek and Roman teachers: to build rapport (vv. 4-10), to persuade the mind (vv. 11-19) and to move the emotions (vv. 20-21). The name Onesimus is not mentioned until the rapport has been built (v. 10), and the appeal itself is stated only near the end of the section to persuade the mind (v. 17).
Outline
- Greetings (1:1) -- (1:3)
- Thanksgiving and Prayer (1:4) -- (1:7)
- Paul's Plea for Onesimus (1:8) -- (1:21)
- Final Request, Greetings and Benediction (1:22) -- (1:25)
From the NIV Study Bible, Introductions to the Books of the Bible, Philemon
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Copyright 2002 © Zondervan. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Chapter 1
1 This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker,
2 and to our sister Apphia, and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.
3 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
4 I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon,
5 because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.
6 And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.
7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
8That is why I am boldly asking a favor of you. I could demand it in the name of Christ because it is the right thing for you to do.
9 But because of our love, I prefer simply to ask you. Consider this as a request from me—Paul, an old man and now also a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.
10 I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison.
11 Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us.
12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
13 I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf.
14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced.
15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
16 He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
18 If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19 I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL !
20 Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ.
21 I am confident as I write this letter that you will do what I ask and even more!
22 One more thing—please prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that God will answer your prayers and let me return to you soon.
23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings.
24 So do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my co-workers.
25 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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