March 4, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for March 4th: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22; Theme: Third Sunday of Lent 1 Corinthians 1:18-25: Paul is addressing the church of Corinth in order to convince them to support his mission trips to other areas. Paul knows that this is a modern church for a modern city. There are many different groups with the church: farmers, soldiers, merchants, laborers. They all have their own ideas about how to solve problems, they all have different ideas about what it means to be the church, they all have different ideas about who God is. Paul convinces them to remain united in the midst of their differences. Today, not only do we have those same differences, but we also have differences according to generations. Today, there are so many other things to do besides attend church. Many people think that going to church is going out of style. Believing in God is so 1970’s. Paul tells us that it is okay for the world to criticize God and church. But if we are faithful, we have to have a faith that calls us to have a relationship with God anyway. John: Jesus was not happy about what he saw going on in the world, and how wordly ideas had started to creep into the church. So he tried to overturn lot of what he saw going on. Jewish leaders asked by what authority did he have to criticize what he saw happening. Jesus knew that he had the spirit of God inside of him. He understood the original intention of the temple. And after the resurrection, his disciples saw clearly the authority he had. If Jesus was to come to our church today- would he approve of what he saw? Are we honoring the original intent of God? Or are we playing into what we see going on in the world? Questions: What criticisms does the world have of the church today? How do we respond to those criticisms? What does it mean to be faithful in the world today? If Jesus came to our church, how would we welcome him?

February 25, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for February 25th: Genesis 17:1-7,15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 Theme: Second Sunday of Lent Romans: The Hebrew Bible reading for this week deals with covenant that God made with Abraham. He promised he and his wife that their descendants would be as plentiful as the stars. Abraham was willing to pull away from his family traditions and follow God. Today, Abraham’s descendants are from three religions: Jewish, Christian, Muslim. We are called the people of the book. In Romans, Paul reminds us that in order to be a part of Abraham’s family, we have to have the same faith, and the same obedience. We have to be willing to follow God where God leads us in this day and age. Genesis: This scripture outlines the original promise that God made. Abrahams and Sarah thought that it was ridiculous that a couple in their nineties would have a baby, but it happened…because they were faithful. They were willing to take God at God’s word. It was God who told Abraham not to get caught up into his family and to walk away to go to a new place, where he could hear God’s word clearly. In return, God promised that Abraham and Sarah would not only have one baby, they would have so many that they could not be counted. During the season of lent, we look at the promises that God made. This is the first one. Today, Jews live not only in Israel, but they live all over the world. God also made a promise that God would not destroy the world by flood anymore. Every time there was a doubt about the future, God’s promises opened a door and created a new way. Questions: What are the promises that God is making to our generation? How is God asking us to be faithful? Is there a way for all of Abraham’s children to be on one accord? This lent, what are you doing in order to hear God in your life?

February 11, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for February 11th: 2Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9; Theme: Transfiguration Sunday Mark: This scripture tells the story of when the disciples get their first glimpse of who Jesus really is. Prayer is important to Jesus. It is important to get direction from God in his ministry is important. This time, he is not alone, he brings his disciples. This time, he does not talk with God, but with the prophets for direction. As the disciples witness this wonderful occasion, they see that Jesus clothes are transformed and he starts to glow. By this, they know that he has been touched by the glory of the Lord. They too want to be touched and to be a part of his ministry. What are some ways that we experience God’s glory today? When are the times in your life when God makes an appearance and teaches you a lesson? This is a moment that the disciples will remember forever, but as they are coming down from the mountain, Jesus tells them to tell no one about what they just witnessed. This is known as the messianic secret. 2Kings: This is a very important verse, because it teaches us about the transference of power from one generation to another. Elijah has been a very successful prophet, and he has been training Elisha for years to take his place. Since Elijah has a relationship with God, he knows that soon he will join God and leave Elisha alone. Everyone seems to know this is about to happen, except Elisha. Elisha sticks to his master like glue. Finally his master, Elijah asks him what he wants. Elisha says that he wants to be twice the man Elijah is. When the day comes, Elijah does not die, he is just taken up by chariot to heaven. Elisha is left to pick of the mantle and to carry on the prophecy to the people. Questions: Who has been a spiritual mentor to you? What would you like to inherit from them?