Jerome took me straight to the building where I walked in at 9:30am, set up my computer, started the PowerPoint charts and began the class as quickly as possible. We cover the Introduction and the first chapter of Hebrews, ending at 12:30pm rather than noon as scheduled. So I said we would begin the afternoon session 30 minutes later than the scheduled 1:30pm. We all ate lunch and I laid down for about 30 minutes before looking over my charts and making a few changes.
The afternoon session was spent on a study I call “Hermeneutics from Hebrews.” In the lesson, we showed how the Hebrew writer does not depend on his own authority in making his points, but correctly draws his conclusions by using OT passages properly and letting them show his points. Yes, the writer of Hebrews is inspired by God, but he draws his conclusions by proper use of the OT Scripture. So, the book of Hebrews can also be used to show us the principles we can use to properly understand Scripture. In the first chapter of Hebrews, we saw that the writer uses the fact that God said several things about the authority and place of the Messiah, but He never said those things of the angels. What does that silence with respect to the angels prove? Where the Scripture is silent, we must understand the angels did not have the same authority and place as the Christ. Scripture must positively express something for it to be understood as truth. Where the Bible is silent, we learn no truth, but must remain silent as well.
We ended the afternoon session with a short question and answer period because I was starting to feel very week. Earlier in the afternoon, I had to excuse myself from teaching because I suddenly became very sick at my stomach. I will spare you the details, but it took about 15 minutes before I was able to start up the class again. By the end of the session, I think the problem started by not eating breakfast and then compounded by getting sick that afternoon left me somewhat dehydrated and I blacked out for a moment. When I came to, brethren were all around me holding me up on my knees, then helping me sit on the front pew a little later. After a few minutes, I was able to get to the car. Jerome and his wife, Cathy (who is an M.D.) took me to my room and made sure I laid down on my bed. They stayed a while longer to make sure that I was okay and then I sent them back home to tend to their family. I am now feeling pretty well, though still somewhat weak. Through it all, I learned a valuable lesson – always eat breakfast no matter how late it makes me. Please keep us all in your prayers as these classes progress.
