Do’s and Don’ts

How to have a peaceful home

Eph 4 Do you have someone who rubs you the wrong way? There are those who seem to find pleasure in starting factious conversations and actions. How do we handle these kinds of people? Paul gives us some practical ideas all with the purpose of not grieving the Spirit by whom we were redeemed. After a lengthy dialog Paul succinctly says, “You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear” [Eph 4:29] How often do our thoughts erupt into words that are displeasing to the Lord? Paul reminds us that to do so grieves the Holy Spirit who has sealed us, marked us out as believers in Christ. 

In light of eternity, how often have we said things we wish we could take back? Paul reminds us that one day we will be held accountable for every word we utter before the Holy Father. Are you ready to do that? Is your speech pure and holy so that when you stand before Him you are unashamed? 

Hebrews 2 “Jesus Christ our Captain”

ImageOne of the wonderful tools learned in Inductive Bible Study training is that to unearth the truths of the passage one asks the “5W’s and H” questions. One needs to observe by asking “who, what, when, where, why, and how.” Yesterday the author of Hebrews answered the “who” question. Jesus Christ is the very radiance of the glory of God. Today in chapter two he continues to add more evidence to the “who” along with what, when, why and how.

Who/When: Jesus was made lower than the angels “for a little while.” He is “now” crowned with glory and honor because he is the pioneer of our salvation.

What: he suffered and experienced death on behalf of everyone. Because of that he is unashamed to call us brothers and sisters.

Why: He shared in our humanity so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death. Therefore, it was fitting in order that he may bring sons to glory. He was made like his brothers and sisters “in every respect” so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of his people.

How: He was tempted and suffered.

All of this is important because just as one needs a Captain to guide a ship so we need a captain of our souls. The author warns us if we loosen our anchor lines, we will drift away from the Captain who has set us free from the power of the fear of death. Therefore do not become untethered lest you drift from Jesus, the very radiance of God, the one who left heaven to become human, was tempted and suffered. To keep us from drifting from the shore of truth, our line must be tethered to Him. He alone is the security that will anchor us to the truth.

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