Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Hebrews 2

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15

This morning, I start a study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 2 - the author shares that we should not neglect salvation, and He goes on to share more about the author of salvation Jesus Christ.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The gospel is reliable (v2).  The gospel is heard, and seen through works of His hand, including through demonstration of spiritual gifts distributed by Him (vv3-4). God is in control of everything under the heavens and on earth (v8). All things were created by Him and for Him - we exist for His glory (v10). He is perfect (v10).  Christ gives us victory over sin and death (vv14-15).     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We are easily distracted, and often stray from Him and His Word - therefore we are warned not to stray (v1). We must abide in Him if we seek to continue to bear fruit (John 15:1-10) and to avoid harsh punishment for sin we commit absent our fellowship with Him (v2).  Believers are brothers with each other and with Christ (vv11-12, 17).  Because Jesus was tempted in every way, He can help us with our temptations (v18). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid straying/drifting too far from Him - maintain daily fellowship with Him in the Word and in prayer.  Claim and rest in the promise that He has already defeated sin and death and is able to help us in our struggles with the flesh.  Follow the example of Jesus who submitted to the will of the Father in the service of all. Abide and trust in Him.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of such blessings!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....." The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Leviticus 25

 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....."  The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 1:28, 2:15

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Care for Creation, So We Protect It.  Here, the commentary theme for today focuses on God's commands for us to care for the natural environment God created.  It starts by pointing to the commands God gave Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden to subdue the earth, and to work and keep it.  The commentary then states that "[i]n Leviticus 25 God gave His people a specific way to care for a specific area of land.  He told them to let the land and animals rest every seven years.  God was teaching His people that the lands was their use but not their abuse. They were to respect the land, to be responsible for the land, and to care for the land."  The commentary wraps by highlighting how others may elevate the environment above humanity or to worship the environment as an idol in itself. We are encouraged not to deify nature. At the same time, we are encouraged to avoid exploitation of the land and to consider replenishment and sustainability as "modern ways to implement God's ancient command to give the land rest."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who created the Earth for me to enjoy and provide for me - thank You Jesus!  Your creation is an incredible blessing!  I am not deserving of how You provide such a blessing.  I am harsh with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.