Truth 101 Class

  Hebrews 1:4-14 continues the theme of Hebrews that Christ is greater than all. A series of quotes from the Old Testament emphasizes that Christ is greater than the angels because He is the only begotten Son (Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13), is worthy of all worship (Psalm 97:7; Deuteronomy 32:43), and reigns forever in righteousness over all creation (Psalm 104:4; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 102:25-27; Psalm 110:1). Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 4-14 How does knowing that Christ sends His angels to minister to His people encourage me? How does the author's use of Scripture encourage me to turn to God's Word when I struggle with doubt? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Greater Than the Angels": Link

  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

  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...

  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-...

  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

  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

  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?

  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?

  Deuteronomy 32:34-43 conclude the prophetic song Moses wrote.  Several verses are quoted in other parts of Scripture: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay" (v. 35) in Romans 12:19 and Hebrews 10:30 "For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants" (v. 36) in Psalm 135:14 "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people" (v. 43) in Romans 15:10 We can rejoice, for God will righteously judge His enemies, while also showing compassion to His people through restoration. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 34-43 When others have wronged us, why should we leave vengeance to God instead of repaying evil for evil? How is God's compassion for His people demonstrated, even within a song that warns of judgment for disobedience? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "The Song of Moses" (Deuteronomy 32): Link

  Deuteronomy 32:15-33 continue the prophetic song Moses wrote. The theme of God as the faithful Rock of our salvation is highlighted (vv. 15, 18, 30, & 31). In contrast, unfaithful Israel turns away from God and suffers the disastrous consequences of foolishness and sin. Yet God does not utterly destroy Israel, lest enemy nations mistakenly claim victory. Instead, may all recognize that God is the Almighty Rock. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-33 "Jeshurun" (v.15) means upright or righteous one. We have been made righteous through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, but how does falling into unrighteousness affect my relationship with God?  How do times of prosperity versus hardship affect our dependence on God? In what ways has God been my Faithful and Almighty Rock? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "The Rock Who Carried Me" (Deuteronom...

  Deuteronomy 32:1-14 continue the closing section of the book with the prophetic song Moses wrote. The beginning of the song praises the LORD as faithful, just, and perfect in all His ways. But the people forget that the LORD created them, chose them, made a covenant with them, cared for them, guided them, and blessed them.  Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-4 What words come to mind as I praise God for who He is or "proclaim the name of the Lord" (v.3)? Verses 5-14 What are some things I should "remember" (v.7) about what God has done for me so that I do not forget Him like Israel did? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "How Glorious is Our God" (Deuteronomy 32): Link

  Deuteronomy 31:14-30 continue the closing section of the book. Joshua is commissioned as the next leader to bring Israel into the Promised Land. Moses finishes writing the Book of the Law and a song that will be a witness and prophetic warning regarding Israel breaking the covenant and turning to other gods. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 14-23 God commissioned Joshua for leadership. What is my calling? Verses 24-30 God entered the covenant despite knowing that Israel would be unfaithful. What does this show me about my God?

  Deuteronomy 31:1-13 begin the final section in the book, introducing three concluding themes: the end of Moses's leadership and life, the beginning of Joshua's leadership, and the exhortation to fear God and obey His word. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-2 How can I stand firm to the end and not miss out on God's promises? Verses 3-8 How do God's promises encourage me when I face fearful challenges or major transitions in my life? Verses 9-13 What helps me to stay grounded in God's word? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "He Goes Before Me" (Deuteronomy 31): Link

  Deuteronomy 30:11-20 include final exhortations for covenant renewal, presenting a clear choice between life and blessings through obedience and death and curses through disobedience. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 11-20 Romans 10:6-8 connects verses 12-14 to confessing Jesus as Lord and believing by faith. What is my testimony of coming to faith in Christ?  For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Choose Life" (Deuteronomy 30): Link

  Deuteronomy 30:1-10 continue the encouragement for covenant renewal, offering hope of restoration when the people remember and return to the LORD in obedience with all their heart and soul.  Curses are not the end, for the LORD delights in restoring and blessing His people. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-10 At the lowest points of our lives, what helps in restoring us and pointing us back to the LORD? What do these verses reveal about the heart of God toward His people? What does the repetition of the phrase “ with all your heart and with all your soul ” (vv. 2, 6, & 10) show me?

  Deuteronomy 29:14-29 continue the section encouraging covenant renewal. This passage emphasizes that the covenant applies to all generations of God's people and warns sternly against those who poison the community with the deception of believing they would be safe from the curses despite disobedience.  Idolatry and disobedience will bring severe curses, which will even draw attention from other nations. All will recognize God's powerful wrath as the consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. The passage concludes by reminding God's people to live according to what He has revealed, while trusting Him with what remains hidden or beyond their understanding. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 14-28 What helps guard my heart against self-deception that could harm others or result in serious consequences? Verse 29 How can I trust God more in areas of my life that I do not understand?

  Deuteronomy 29:1-13 begin the section that continues through the next two chapters, containing final instructions and encouragement to renew the covenant. This passage reminds the leaders, elders, officials, men, women, children, and sojourners of what the LORD has done for them and calls them to enter into covenant with the LORD, to be His people and for Him to be their God. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 1-13 What benefits can come from renewing our covenant commitment to the LORD? What do we miss out on when we see God's works but do not truly perceive or understand them with our hearts? (s ee also Romans 11:8 where Paul quotes v. 4) What is the true basis for prosperity and success for the people of God (v. 9)? For music inspired by this Scripture passage, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Let the Eyes of My Heart See" (Deuteronomy 29): Link

  Deuteronomy 28:58-68 concludes this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. If God's people do not fear the glorious and awesome name of the LORD our God, the curses are summarized as physical afflictions, the loss of promised blessings (no longer numerous and no longer in the Land), ruin, destruction, exile, lack of rest, and a life of dread. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 58-68 What is the significance that this concluding section begins by referring to the "glorious and awesome name" of the LORD our God (v. 58)? In what ways might God use even ruin and destruction for good purposes (v. 63)? What are the most valuable lessons I have learned from this section on blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (chapters 27 & 28)?

  Deuteronomy 28:36-57 continue describing curses that will result from Israel's disobedience. The curses include exile and captivity, humiliation, plague, servitude to enemy nations, destruction, siege, starvation, extreme desperation, moral and social collapse, and utter hopelessness. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 36-44 Israel was freed from captivity in Egypt and witnessed the plagues, yet they still disobeyed the LORD and became captives again, experiencing the plagues of God's judgment themselves. When have I failed to remember to apply lessons God has already taught me through past experiences?  Verses 45-46 Signs and wonders demonstrate God's power so that all will know that He is LORD ( see Exodus 7:3-5 ).  How has God's discipline in my life helped turn my heart back to Him? Verses 47-57 What significant losses or consequences have resulted from my sins?  What have I learned from those ex...

  Deuteronomy 28:15-35 describe curses that will result from Israel's disobedience, in contrast to the blessings for obedience in the beginning verses of the chapter. The curses include confusion, frustration, destruction, death, disease, drought, defeat, madness, blindness, oppression, and loss. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when studying this passage: Verses 15-35 Even with the wonderful blessings promised for obedience and the terrible consequences for disobedience, why do God's people still fall into disobedience? And what can I learn from this? Which curses especially stand out to me as warnings against choosing disobedience to the LORD? And why?