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Reading the Weekly Lessons...An On-line Study

david

52 posts

Reading the Weekly Lessons...An On-line Study
Posted: 10 Mar 08 9:19 AM (United States)

Welcome! This week, we're looking ahead to Palm/Passion Sunday...March 16. The readings appointed for this day include:

Isaiah 50:4-9a...The servant of the Lord expresses absolute confidence in his final vindication by God, despite that fact that he has been accused and abused. In what ways does this reading point us towards Jesus? How might this also provide encouragement for our own life of faith and witness?
Philippians 2:5-11...Paul uses an early Christian hymn to help us comprehend Jesus' obedient selflessness on the cross, and how God has made Christ lord over all creation. Verses 6 and 7 suggest a comparison between Jesus and someone else. Can you figure out who that might be and why? (A hint: who, being made in the likeness of God aspires to be God's equal?) Also...what is the "name that is above every name?" Scholars have suggested that there may be two answers to that question.
Matthew 26:14-27:66...In fulfillment of scripture and obedience to God's will, Jesus goes to the cross so that a new covenant in his blood may bring forgiveness of sins. This is a long reading...one you may want to work on over several days. Several questions to consider: Besides Judas, who betrays Jesus and how? Take a look at 27:15-26, and then read Leviticus 16:3-22. See any similarities? Finally...which character recognizes Jesus for who he really is? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?

Enjoy your reading, your study and your prayer over these passages. I welcome your responses...either posted here for all to read or shared with me via email. Blessings!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Reading the Weekly Lessons...An On-line Study
Posted: 17 Mar 08 7:40 AM (United States)

The good news of Easter is that God has acted decisively in human history to bring new life where our sin had brought death. You are invited to explore the readings and comments/questions below, and share your insights here with others:

Acts 10:34-43...Peter's sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius (a Roman army officer) is a summary of the essential mesage of Christianity. According to Peter, who is this Jesus? What has he commanded? What happens to those who believe in Jesus?

Colossians 3:1-4...Paul encourages the Colossian church with an "if-then" proposition. How does Jesus resurrectino reshape the focus and motivation for our lives? What might such a refocus look like in your life?

John 20:1-18...John's account begins with the confusion of the first Easter: the stone is discovered to have been moved, disciples race back and forth and seem not to understand, and angels speak to a weeping woman. What is the source of all this upset? What do they expect to find? Whom do they find instead?

One last overall question ponder: If Christ is indeed raised from the dead and living, how does that change this story? Can we ever regard it as mere history? What is its effect now?

I look forward to your comments, questions and insights!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Reading the Weekly Lessons for March 30...An On-line Study
Posted: 24 Mar 08 12:30 PM (United States)

Here are the lessons for March 30, 2008...and a few questions to consider:

Acts 2:14a, 22-32...After the Holy Spirit came to the apostles on Pentecost, Peter preaches the Gospel to the gathered crowd. According to him, should Jesus' identity have been evident to those who opposed him? What has God done in response? He quotes Psalm 16 to support his argument. What does this infer about who Jesus is in relationship to David?
1 Peter 1:3-9...In what situation do the recipients of this letter find themselves? (See vs. 6.) What is this situation doing to their faith? What has God given them? And what will result from their endurance by God's grace?
John 20:19-31...The risen Jesus appears to his disciples, offering them a benedction, a commission, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But one of their number, Thomas, is missing. Why do you think Thomas was so hesitant to believe what his brothers told him? After Jesus appears to Thomas, the disciple makes a great confession...a recognition of who Jesus is. What is that confession? How does that confession fit in with the last two verses in this reading? What does this say about our confession of faith?

Enjoy your reading and reflection. As always, I look forward to your comments and insights.

Pr. David

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for May 11...An On-line Study
Posted: 05 May 08 8:03 AM (United States)

Already it's Pentecost and the closing of the Easter season. Here's a look at the readings appointed for this coming Sunday and a few questions for each. Have fun...and blessings on your reading and study!

Acts: 2:1-21...Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival that marked the 50th day after Passover. It also commemorated the the giving of the Law to Israel. But Luke tells us that, on this day, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples...an astonishment to those gathered in Jerusalem for the feast. How does the Spirit "upset" the normal religious patterns of Israel? How might it do the same for us? What do the symbols of "mighty wind" and "tongues of fire" suggest to you? And what are we to make of the disciples gift of language?

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13...Paul gives us some insights into the purpose of the Spirit and the gifts it gives to the Church. Note the communal nature of Paul's understanding. How does that square with the very individualistic impulses in American culture? How do we discern what is "the common good" for which the Spirit works? Where do you see the Spirit at work in your life? in your congregation and/or community of faith?

John 7:37-39...Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as living water, quenching the thirst of all who come to him and filling the hearts of believers to overflowing. What do your think is the thirst to which Jesus refers here? Do you know that thirst in your own life? Might there also be a reference to Baptism in these words? How is our thirst satisfied...how is our heart filled...in Holy Baptism?

As always, I look forward to your comments, insights and reflections on the readings. Post them here or email them to me if you wish. God's peace!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for May 18...An On-line Study
Posted: 12 May 08 11:24 AM (United States)

The days after Pentecost...known variously as "the long, green season" or "ordinary time"...begin with a festival. Holy Trinity is the only Christian holiday named for a theological idea or doctrine. And while the concept may be confusing or difficult, the readings appointed for the day are probably familiar...maybe even favorites. See what you think:

Genesis 1:1-2:4a...God speaks and creation happens in an orderly, day-by-day unfolding of divine intent. Where do you hear echos of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in this reading? What does it mean that humankind is given "dominion" over what God has created? What does it mean to be formed in God's image? Why the Sabbath? Does God really need a day off...or do we?

2 Corinthians 13:11-13...Paul closes a challenging letter to the congregation at Corinth with an appeal to Christian fellowship grounded in triune harmony: Christ's grace, the Father's love, and the communio of the Holy Spirit. For those of us used to worshiping in a liturgical tradition, these words are familiar as an opening to worship...the apostolic greeting. How does Paul's conclusion make for an adequate gathering of the assembly? How are these principals of grace, love and fellowship lived out in our congregation?

Matthew 28:16-20...After his resurrection, Jesus summons his remaining disciples and commissions them to make new disciples, baptizing and teaching them into the Kingdom way. Note that they worship Jesus, but (at the same time) doubt. How is that possible? Do we ever have doubt even as we worship and strive to be faithful? Another note: they are to baptize not in the name of three gods, but into one, singular name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What does this indicate about who Jesus really is?

Have a good time wrestling with these. The scholars have been doing just that for two thousand years, and we still can't adequately explain the Triune mystery. Instead, we can be thankful for a God who is bigger than our intellect and our imagination. Enjoy!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for May 22 and 25...An On-line Study
Posted: 19 May 08 12:59 PM (United States)

Here at the beginning of the green and growing season come reminders about the providence of God. How do these lessons challenge our sensibilities about what we have and how we relate to it?

Isaiah 49:8-16a...These words are first spoken to Israel in exile in Babylon. The people's reaction to God is shown in vs. 14. But God argues for them to remember how well He has cared for them. Some of these words might sound familiar. For example, compare vs.11 to Isaiah 40: vss. 3-4. What image do you get when reading verse 16?
1 Corinthians 4:1-5...Paul suggests that we have a job related to the abundance and grace of God: we are to be stewards. This echoes a much earlier conclusion about human responsibility (see Genesis 1:28). What does it mean to be a steward? What are the mysteries of God? How is our trustworthiness evident?
Matthew 6:24-34...Why is it possible for us to "not worry" about our lives? Is Jesus suggesting a "don't worry-be happy" philosophy here, or is there something else at work? Side note: the word translated as "wealth" in verse 24 is the Greek word "mammon." It refers not just to the size of our bank accounts, but any means to gain and keep physical comfort. How might that change our reading/understanding of that verse?

May you be blessed in your reading and study. I look forward to your comments and insights!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for May 29 and June 1...An On-line Study
Posted: 27 May 08 8:22 AM (United States)

This week's readings may be familiar to many of us. But still they challenge us to not merely hear, but to live according to the revelation of God's good news in Jesus Christ:

Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28...Moses invites Israel to respond to God's grace with a way of life characterized by obedience. They are also called to pass that way of life on from parent to child. How does living the life of faith have consequences for the well being of the family? Although some rigorously observant Jews still wear phylacteries (small boxes containing bits of Scripture), most of us have long abandoned the practice. How might we bind ourselves to Scripture in other ways?
Romans 1:16-17, 3:22b-28...The heart of Paul's argument is set forth in these verses. The gospel is God's power at work for the salvation of people whom come to faith. What does it mean, then, to be made righteous? How are our actions and choices reflective of this gracious gift?
Matthew 7:21-29...Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with some harsh words for those who call him Lord but do not do the will of his Father. What does this suggest about the nature of our allegiance to God? What is the solid rock of our faith? Have you ever tried building on sand? What happens?

Enjoy your reading and study. As always, I look forward to receiving your comments, questions and insights. Peace!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for June 12-15...An On-line Study
Posted: 09 Jun 08 1:20 PM (N/A)

Here are a few notes and questions to consider on the readings appointed for this coming weekend.

Exodus 19:2-8...Gathered at Sinai, God assures Israel that they are his treasured posession. Then he calls them "a priestly kingdom" and "a holy nation." What does a priest do? And what, then, does it mean to serve as priests for this God? What does the word "holy" mean? How are we made holy? What effect does that holiness have on the way we go about our lives?
Romans 5:1-8...We are no longer God's enemies, Paul declares, but have peace with God...having been brought back into right relationship with him through Christ's death. The knowledge of that righteousness allows us to keep our perspective in the midst of suffering. To what effect? Have you ever felt persecuted for your faith? How did you respond to your persecutors? to God?
Matthew 9:35-10:23...The mission of Jesus' followers is to continue the mission of Jesus himself. What do you understand that mission to be? In this reading, Jesus instructs his first disciples as to how they might proclaim the gospel through their words and deeds. How do you interpret those instructions for your life in today's world? Does any of what Jesus say make you a bit anxious or nervous about your call as a disciple? How? And how do we overcome that anxiety?

Want to continue the discussion face-to-face? Join us Thursday evening at 6:30pm...just before our Thursday evening worship. Or feel free to reply or email your comments and insights back to us here. Blessings on your reading and study!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for June 19-22...An On-line Study
Posted: 16 Jun 08 10:45 AM (N/A)

This week's readings remind us the life of discipleship is not all sweetness and light. There are difficult times when we will be challenged because of the faith we profess. I look forward to your insights and reactions to these texts:

Jeremiah 20:7-13... The prophet accuses God of forcing him into a ministry that brings only contempt and persecution. Yet Jeremiah is confident that God will be a strong protector against his enemies, and so he commits his life into God's hands. Has the truth ever burned within you for expression? How did speaking that truth shape your relationships with those around you for good and for ill?
Romans 6:1b-11... Paul reminds us that, in baptism, we are incorporated into the reality of Christ's death. Our lives int he present are maked and shaped by his crucifixion...just as our lives in the future will be marked and shaped by his resurrection. What marvelous opportunity does this identity with Christ open up for us? What does Paul suggest about the power of sin, death and the devil over us?
Matthew 10:24-39... "Peace on earth, good will to men" sing the angels at Christmas. Yet Jesus contends that what he brings is not always peaceable. There is opposition and resistance to the inbreaking kingdom of God. In whom or in what are we to trust in the midst of a difficult discipleship? How do you react to Jesus' single-minded focus on the need for trust in him? Does this sound to radical for our ears?

These are good readings to chew on. You are invited to share your comments here so that we can learn from each other. Thanks! See you in church!

Pr. David

david

52 posts

Re: Reading the Weekly Lessons for June 26-29...An On-line Study
Posted: 22 Jun 08 8:03 AM (N/A)

Sorry...no posting this week. Pr. David's at Confirmation Camp with the 7th and 8th graders. Please check back next week for a new set of readings and study questions. Thanks!

Pr. David

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