Parashat:VaYera
וַיֵּרָא
“And [ADONAI] appeared”
Gen 18:1-22:24
Theophany – a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses.
Genesis 18:6–8
Patriarchal Narratives – a story of God’s plan for redemption
Genesis 22:1–2; Genesis 22:15–18
Back to the Basics – Bible Interpretation
4 Areas of “The Basics”
א New Identity
ב Relational Habits
ג Vital Truths
ד Basic Symbols
October 8 Review: Biblical Hermeneutics
Biblical Hermeneutics – the study of the principles and methods of interpreting the text of the Bible
7 Principles of Biblical Interpretation (plus a bonus one)
“When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense, lest it result in nonsense.”
– Dr. David L. Cooper Founder: Biblical Research Society
When the overwhelming weight of scriptural evidence supports a certain biblical doctrine, that truth will never be overthrown by two or three scriptures that “seem” to be contradictory.
– Rabbi Richard Freeman
Back to the Basics: Fellowship
Psalm 133:1; Psalm 122:1
We Belong Together
Fellowship is the means that God uses to develop us in His love.
People need to be… known, noticed, and loved.
Ephesians 4:15–16
A believer who attempts to live without proper fellowship is also useless.
Fellowship Pitfalls to Avoid
- Shaming people is not the same as speaking the truth in love
Concern for others is not the same as an evil tongue or gossip
2 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:29
Disagreement with a brother does not give license to anger, bitterness and slander
- Proverbs 16:28–29
Striving to be at peace with others does not make you weak, it makes you meek.
- Romans 12:15–19
Follow the Fellowship Road
1. Find your group… love them well.
2. Be a part of a ministry and serve.
3. Love and encourage others so they feel known, noticed, and loved
Hebrews 10:24–25