Be Encouraged
This week our bible study group started a new study. We are using a study written by Lisa Harper called Holding out for a Hero: A New Spin on the Book of Hebrews. Participants will learn how to trust God in tough times, hold onto hope when life is hard, and the importance of running toward God when you feel like running away. As I prepared to teach the study, I explored background information supplied by the author as well as a few sources. Hebrews was written especially for discouraged believers.
Most of the books in the New Testament after the Book of Acts are called epistles or letters. The large majority of the letters are written to a church or an individual by the Apostle Paul. No one is sure who wrote the book of Hebrews, but most scholars believe it was originally a sermon. A pastor probably spoke the words to the members of his congregation who were Jewish Christians and some were ready to give up on Christianity due to constant persecution towards the growing group. These church meetings usually took place in someone’s home with the home needing to be large enough and probably in a discreet area where members could meet.
I’m currently writing a bible study and I’m exploring my writing style in the area of Creative Nonfiction. Using a first person point of view, if you would allow me, I want to imagine this pastor as he prepares to deliver this sermon. Perhaps he was a journal writer like myself, recording thoughts as the Lord prepared his heart to speak to the people.
I find visually using the imagination with scriptures is a great way to bring the text to life. I don’t have intentions of taking anything out of context, but only to get a feel for the climate during that time. Scripture references are provided for you to look up during your free time.
Keep in mind this “pastor” is trying to encourage folks to not give up on their faith despite the horrible persecutions going on all around them. By this time some believers had probably been practicing the faith for years, possibly since that joyous day during Pentecost.
***JOURNAL ENTRY***
I was one of the ones who followed Jesus from afar. Yes, I saw him on several occasions as he walked this earth. He was here over forty days after he arose from the dead. He spoke to us on several occasions prior to his death about the fulfillment of prophecies. Many of us walked with him, hearing, but still remaining clueless to the revolution about to take place.
Until that very last day when his foot touched the earth, we didn’t want him to go. We had already lost him one time, there was no way we wanted him out of our sight again. He warned us he had to go, so that the Father could send another, the one called the Holy Spirit. (Refer to Acts 1:3-5)
Right before we watched him ascend he told us. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Refer to Acts 1:8)
By this time we had learned a valuable lesson about paying attention to the master’s words. All on one accord we remained in the upper room, carefully keeping in mind all we had seen and heard. While we waited, the disciples who walked closest to Jesus felt led to make the leadership whole again. By whole again, there was something about eleven that did not seem right. It could have been because it was an odd number. We all mourned Judas, but we needed to continue. After fervent prayers and a lot had been cast, Matthias was chosen. With twelve again the leadership was complete. We were complete and ready, but not exactly sure of the future. (Refer Acts 1:24-26)
It was seven weeks after Passover. Seven weeks of ups and downs. Pentecost had arrived and there was a sense of something to come.
Something came alright.
With intensity like none of us have ever experienced, we felt a rushing wind.
Looking around the room we all saw what seemed like “tongues of fire” resting on each of us. There were 120 of us in that room, including Jesus’ mother Mary. Before we knew it, we spoke in tongues that we previous did not know. (Refer to Acts 2:1-5)
Jews were gathered, representing several nations to celebrate Pentecost in Jerusalem. People began to notice these fishermen and tax collectors speak in languages that were surely not learned from birth.
There were soon in for another surprise as Peter rose up to preach to the masses with an eloquence that was contrary to his rough looks.
Some turned away that day.
Others listened. 3000 listened in fact. (Refer Acts 2:41)
A church was born. Over three thousands people had chosen to follow Jesus.
It’s been a long time since that blessed day in the Lord. We’ve seen a lot. Loved ones and friends have lost their lives. With that crazy Nero on the throne, it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get any better for the followers of Christ.
Through all the trials and tribulations and the persecutions – we must remember the one who paid the ultimate price. Take your eyes off your situation.
Fix your eyes on Jesus.
***
The author of Hebrews spends what modern translators have split into thirteen chapters – preaching and exhorting weary followers to keep their eyes on Jesus.
No matter how long we have been Christians, we never will reach some plateau where nothing every knocks us around. As we mature, we learn how to get up faster from a fall and keep pressing on.
If you don’t have a bible study schedule planned and you are in need of encouragement, spend some time in the book of Hebrews over the next few weeks. Read a chapter a day or take a week to focus on a chapter at a time.
Be Encouraged.
