Friday, July 30, 2010

August 8, 2010

Breaking Open The Scriptures

Scriptures for August 8th: Isaiah1:1,10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 Luke 12:32-40. Theme: What does it mean to have faith in Christ?


Hebrews: We begin the first week of a four week study of the book of Hebrews. The author (which may be Paul) is teaching us the meaning of faith. Even though we can’t see, hear, or touch faith, faith is a living force in the world. It is not just a chance to use our creative imagination. It is a real and living force in our lives, which is working to guide us through difficult times. Just ask those who have been in difficult situations, did they make it up, or did they really know God’s presence in their lives.

Luke: This is a continuation of last week’s lesson on defining our treasure. Where we put our treasure is where we put our hearts. We have to be reminded that even though we have houses, cars, jewels, loved one here; our real treasure is in Jesus Christ. The world economy is dependent upon us as Americans wanting more and more stuff. Our need to buy keeps the world going. Jesus asks us, when is it ever enough – the attitude of scarcity keeps us enslaved into the world and its economy. Preparing ourselves spiritually brings us freedom.

Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What does it really mean to be rich toward God? How can you turn scarcity into abundance? How can you turn your spiritual weaknesses into strengths?

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

August 1, 2010

Scriptures for August 1st: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9,43;
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Living on Earth with our mind’s set on Earth

Colossians: Paul reminds us that we are to live in the world, but not of the world. Christians are different because their responses are different. Paul tells us that we are not concerned with what happens on earth, but in heaven. We are not concerned with what others think, but what God thinks. We were raised in the world, and have the same culture as those around us, but in baptism, we are given a new set of clothes, a new mindset, a new expectation of who we are to be in the world.

Luke: Jesus gives us an example of what it means to live in the world and to forget about God. This rich man has everything that he needs, as a matter of fact, he has more than he needs. Yet Jesus makes a point that in the ultimate realm of things – none of that matters. When we die, we leave it all behind. It is more important to be rich in the things of God.

Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What behaviors do we need to set aside in order to be clothed in Christ? What does it really mean to be rich toward God?