Day 351 - Thursday after the 3rd Sunday in Advent - BIT 2015

Read | Day 251 | Thursday | December 17 
2   Timothy 4: 19-22 
Hebrews 1: 1-3, 4-14 
Hebrews 2: 1-4, 5-18 
Hebrews 3: 1-19 
Hebrews 4: 1-13 

Background | The Center for Biblical Studies | Hebrews

Although anonymous, Hebrews was considered a letter of Paul for much of the history of the church. However, beginning during the time of the Protestant Reformation, this came to be disputed on the basis of the Greek style of the book as well as a revealing comment in 2:3, where the author speaks as one who received the gospel from others who had first heard Christ. In his letters, Paul was adamant that he was a direct recipient of the Good News from the risen Christ himself.

The letter was written to Jewish converts in an effort to convince them that Jesus surpasses that which Jews by their tradition would naturally have held in high regard. It is possible that the recipients were tempted to revert. | More ... click here

By Carl Heinrich Bloch (http://masterpieceart.net/carl-heinrich-bloch/) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Reading |  Paul to Timothy - final greetings and blessings.  Writer of the Hebrews - probably before the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD - Jesus is the Son of God that was told by the prophets; he is higher than the angels; he is the source of salvation; everything is placed under him; Jesus is greater than Moses; the Word of God is active and alive.

Next | Day 252 | Friday | December 18 
Hebrews 4: 14– 5: 10 
Hebrews 5: 11– 6: 12 
Hebrews 6: 13-20 
Hebrews 7: 1-14, 15-28 

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Collect of the Day

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

A Collect for Guidance

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source | Book of Common Prayer | Forward Movement | Click here