August 5, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for August 5th: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13; Psalm 51:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35; Theme: Unity of the Church Ephesians: This is a continuation of the teaching on unity. It is important for us to be one church. The writer says that there is one God, one Christ, One Lord, so there is no reason that we can’t be one church. Unity does not mean uniformity, we are a symphony of people with many different gifts. The writer tells us what the gifts are, and he says that there cannot be unity without good leadership. It is the leaders who lead us in one direction. But they do not get that direction from themselves, but from God and studying the bible. John Wesley says that there should be diversity in how we express our love for one another, but unity in understanding the word of God. It is okay for us to disagree with one another, as long as we respect the persons that we disagree with. Unity is not something that comes all at one, unity is a process, a working relationship of understanding. John: This is a continuation on Jesus teaching on bread. This is one of the I am statements – I am the Bread of Life. Jesus starts our with the everyday understanding of bread, but he is trying to get them to look beyond that normal understanding to think about the real bread of life. Jesus says that man cannot live on bread alone, but on the word of God. But if you are hungry in your belly, then you are not able to listen to what God is trying to tell you. God wants us to be fed, but God also wants us to understand the meaning of life. He sent Jesus to give us both. Everything that Jesus does points to the work of God. We are empowered to continue that work. Questions: Who in your life has mentored you to understand what the bread of life is? Who is God asking you to feed and nurture? Is it possible for the church to be totally united in mission? What is it that keeps us separated from one another? What will it take to bring us all into unity?

July 29, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 29th: 2 Samuel 11:1-15; Psalm 14; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21 Theme: God’s Abundance John: This is the story of the feeding of the 5000. It is more than a miracle story. It is a story that reminds us of God’s abundance. John tells us a story as a precursor of what it to come when we all get to heaven and eternally live in the presence of God. All of our needs will be taken care of. There will be enough for everyone. Jesus does more than heal, he points to the presence of God. John tells us these stories so that we know exactly who Jesus is, and what it means that he is the messiah – the anointed one of God. this story takes place right before the Passover, Jesus has everyone gather together in community before they are fed. When we gather together for fellowship and with family, we are coming together in hopes that God will provide for all who are present. Ephesians: This scripture continues the theme of God’s abundance. The author is praying for the church to have all that it needs to fulfill God’s mission on earth. This passage talks about the fullness of Christ. Christ provides all that the church needs. The prayer is for faith, love and fullness all in the name of Christ. God can provide far beyond our understanding and sight if we trust in Christ. the final prayer request is for glory in the church. What does that mean? What does it mean for a church to be successful? Does it mean that the seats are filled and they have all the money they dream of? Or Does it mean that the church has learned to be faithful in all situations and they give whatever is necessary to fulfill God mission? Questions: When have you experienced God’s abundance? Does your family celebrate love with food? How is that like being in heaven? What does it mean to attend a successful church? How does love contribute to the fullness of Christ?

July 22, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for July 22nd: 2 Samuel 7:1-14, Psalm 89:20-37; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34, 53-56; Theme: What does it mean to be the Church? Ephesians: This is an affirmation that the church is the family of God that is connected to original people of God. As the church started to grow with new and different people. There were many people who did not know the history of the church, who did not realize that the church has a deeply rooted purpose. The church gives us a vision of what heaven will be like. The church should reflect the world, and how people who come from different backgrounds can all get along. If we don’t like the people that we come in contact with in church, how do we think we will like heaven, when we will be with the exact same people? Mark: Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to do ministry. When they return from their mission they are downtrodden from all of the flack that they received from others. When they return they learn that John the Baptist has been beheaded which adds insult to injury. So they are looking to Jesus to give them a sense of comfort. Jesus encourages them to keep doing the ministry. Jesus continues to heal, and as word spreads, more and more people are coming. The healing ministry becomes more and more important, so Jesus tells them that they cannot quit now. Everyone who came to healing, received it no matter what. Questions: Why do you think that the church is important? What do you like about the people in your church? What do you dislike? Have you ever experienced healing for a problem? How can you help to heal the problems of others? How can you represent Jesus in your context?

July 15, 2018

Scriptures for July 15th: 2 Samuel 6:1-5,12-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29; Theme: Being blessed by God Ehpesians: The writer is making it clear, who Christ is, who God is, and who we are as believers. Because of God, we are. The writer makes 4 statements about God: God has chosen believers, God destins them for adoption into the God family, God blesses us, and God showers grace upon us. God comes to us through the life of Jesus Christ in order for us to be able to relate. Christ reveals who God is, but he also opens our eyes to what is to come. The Holy Spirit is a down payment on all of the wonderful things to come when we enter into eternity. Once we know who God is we are able to do our job and serve others and to be a witness to who God is and How God is present in the world. Psalm: This Palm continues that conversation on who God is and why that is important to God. Everything that we understand about life comes from God. This psalm would have been sung as people entered into the temple. There are three main point to this poem. God is the creater of all, we are entering into sacred space, and God is returning to the world in all of his own moving, etc. This poem asks the important question of who is the king if glory – the lord who has been mighty in battle. we are coming to worship and to be grateful for what he has given us. We don’t look at the psalms very often. But I think it is important to look at them and to celebrate the songs of worship, in good times and in bad. Questions: Who is Christ for us? What does it mean for us to follow Christ? Does it make a difference in our lives? If we were to make up a song about coming to church to worship God – what would you say? Why do we need to praise God for what God does?