August 23, 2009

Scriptures for August 23rd: 1 Kings 8: (1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69

Ephesians:
The gospel lesson stresses the importance of spiritual food, not just physical food. The epistle tells us that we need not only physical clothes, but spiritual clothing. The fashionable Christian is to wear truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, and salvation whenever they go out into the world. This dress will not only protect us from the unexpected, but it show honor to Jesus to all who see us. In his letter, Paul not only asks for prayer for himself, but for all who put on this “armor of God”.
John:
This is the last week that we examine John 6. This chapter may be all about Jesus being the bread of life, but we can never be reminded of the source of our faith too many times. We are told that we are what we eat – so if we eat Jesus, then we will be Jesus. Our text for today demonstrates that not even the disciples were sure of what Jesus was trying to say. Maybe Jesus knew from the beginning that he could not change the world by himself, it would take a whole community working for 2000 years to make a difference. So 2000 years later he still gives of himself in our communion service.

Questions: Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt that you needed an armor of God to protect you? What happened when you depended on the lessons that you learned about faith? Were your prayers answered? Why is it so hard for us to believe that Jesus supplies all of our needs? How do you feel when you take communion? Do you feel the presence of Christ with you?