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Hebrews 1:1-3

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  Hebrews 1:1-3 introduces one of the central themes of Hebrews, that Christ is greater than all. In the past, God spoke through the prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Moses, of whom God said "no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face" (Deuteronomy 34:10). These prophets really all pointed to Christ who is the heir of all things, created the world, is the radiance of God's glory, is God, sustains the world, provided salvation for sins, and sits exalted on the throne. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-3 What truths about Christ in these verses stand out to you the most, and why? How does knowing that Christ is greater than all and that God's word is fulfilled in Him encourage me during times of challenge or doubt? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "The God Who Speaks" (Hebrews 1:1-2): Link
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Book of Hebrews - Faith in Christ Who is Greater Than All

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  The Book of Hebrews was written after Christ's death and resurrection and likely before the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70. While inspired by the Holy Spirit, the human author is unknown. The letter appears to have been written primarily to Jewish Christians, many of whom were facing hardship and persecution. Hebrews is one of the most scholarly and eloquent books in the New Testament and often refers to the Pentateuch and Psalms. An outline of Hebrews is: I. Christ is Greater Than All A. Greater than the Prophets and Angels (Chs.1-2) B. Greater than Moses (Chs.3-4) C. Greater than Priests in the Line of Aaron (Chs.4-7) D. As the Great High Priest, Christ Establishes a Better Covenant and Offers the Once-for-All Sacrifice (Chs.8-10) II. Therefore, Place Your Faith in Him A. Examples of Faith (Ch.11) B. Running the Race of Faith (Ch.12) C. Final Exhortations and Conclusion (Ch.13) We are calling this Bible study series " Book of Hebrews - Faith in Christ W...
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Book of Deuteronomy Review and Summary

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  This Bible study series was titled " Remembrance " because many verses encourage remembering who God is and what God has done for us. God treasures His people and desires to bless and restore. Deuteronomy, the last book of the Pentateuch, is one of the most quoted books of the Old Testament (Ex: Jesus quoted Deuteronomy when He was tempted in the wilderness in Matthew 4 and Luke 4). Following is the summary outline, structured around the three speeches of Moses: I. First Speech (1:1-4:43):  Moses reviews Israel's history and what brought the current generation of Israelites to this point of transitioning to the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. II. Second Speech (4:44-28:68):  Moses reviews God's Law, teaching Israel how to live as God's covenant people in the Promised Land. Repeatedly set before the people is the choice between obedience that leads to blessings and life or disobedience that leads to curses and destruction. III. Third Speech (29:1-...
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Deuteronomy 34:1-12

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  Deuteronomy 34:1-12 conclude the book of Deuteronomy. God allows Moses to view the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo before his death, burial, and period of mourning by Israel. Leadership is then transitioned to Joshua. The closing points to Jesus, who fulfills the expectation of the coming Prophet prophesized in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 (see John 5:46). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-12 What do I learn about God? What do I learn about being a servant of the LORD? How do I trust God and remain faithful even when I may not get to see the final outcome? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Face to Face" (Deuteronomy 34): Link
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Deuteronomy 33:12-29

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  Deuteronomy 33:12-29 continue Moses' prayerful blessings over the tribes of Israel: shelter for Benjamin, fruitfulness for Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh), abundance for Zebulun and Issachar, judicial valor for Gad, youthful vigor for Dan, favor for Naphtali, and strength for Asher. To conclude, Israel is reminded that all blessings come from God, their help, refuge, protector, victor, provider, savior, shield, and sword. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 12-25 What blessings have I received from the LORD? Verses 26-29 How would I describe my God, the source of all my blessings? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Who is Like You, Lord? (Deuteronomy 33): Link
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Deuteronomy 33:1-11

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  Deuteronomy 33:1-11 record the LORD's love for His people through the giving of His words. Moses then offers a prayerful blessing over the tribes of Israel, beginning with survival for Reuben, victory for Judah, and priestly faithfulness for Levi. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verse 1 Here towards the end of his life, Moses is called "the man of God."  What description reflects the way I have lived for God? Verses 2-5 How does God's giving us His words demonstrate His love for us? Verses 6-11 What are some ways we can effectively pray a blessing over others?
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Deuteronomy 32:44-52

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  Deuteronomy 32:44-52 close the chapter in which Moses recites the words of his prophetic song to God's people. Moses gives a final call to take God's life-giving words to heart. He is also instructed to go up Mount Nebo to glimpse the Promised Land before his death, though he is not able to enter because of his failure to obey at Meribah (see Numbers 20:1-13). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 44-47 Verse 47 says God's words are not idle ( empty or worthless ) but are our life ( gives life, is living, revives, sustains, renews, feeds, and waters ).  In what ways has God's word been life to me? Verses 48-52 Even though we may still suffer the consequences of our sins, in what ways can we continue to serve God effectively after being restored from failures?
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