August 19, 2018

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for August 19th: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58; Theme: Jesus, the bread of life John: We continue our look at John 6 and to asks the question what does it mean to eat the body of Christ and to have eternal life? Many scholars believe that it means to believe in Christ as your savior. But when Jesus says this is my body and my blood he is speaking on many levels. This is also our invitation during communion. – to take and eat and to take and drink. Once again, we are not eating a symbol of Christ; Christ is in the elements. When we participate in the communion we are given spiritual life to face our struggles. Just the knowledge that God is always with us, gives us strength to last a lifetime and beyond. Ephesians: This continues the conversation of how as Christians, we should be set apart. We should live our lives to be an example to the rest of the world. It is interesting that in this verse we are told not to get drunk and to sing Christians songs all day. One practical thing that we are told to do is to live in an attitude. Learn to tell God thank you for our blessings. How many of us actually think of something to be grateful for in everyday? The world can tell us to keep up with what others are doing, to always have something to do. This verse encourages us to slow down, and think about the true meaning of life – God’s love. We have to be constantly reminded that we are intended to lead the world to love, not follow the world to suffering. Questions: What does communion mean to you? Does communion give you any spiritual strength? What does it mean to have eternal life? How many times do you say thank you to God for what you have? What does it mean to have the wisdom of God?