January 27, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for January 27th: Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Luke 4:14-21; Theme: fulfilling God’s call Luke: Jesus went on a spiritual retreat in the woods to get closer to God, but he encountered the devil instead. He is able to overcome temptation and to truly understand what God wants him to do. Jesus regularly goes to temple, so he goes to share his experience with God. He gets to read scripture. He read from Isaiah – the spirit of the Lord is upon me. He not only reads, but tells the people That the spirit is indeed upon him. God has indeed called him to serve the community. He explains that he is the fulfillment of that scripture, he is the one that Isaiah was talking about. The people think that he is being egostitical. No one can fulfill God’s mission. But Jesus wanted to help them to understand that everybody can – if they just follow the ways of Jesus and serve and make a difference. 1 Corinthians: Paul takes more time to flesh out what spiritual gifts are. He talks about the body of Christ. We all have a different purpose. We are not to judge others. We are not to think that our gift is more important than others. We all work for the common good. Our gift, helps others to bring out their gifts. If we are able to work together as a church, we make each other stronger. Once again Paul spells out the gifts. This helps us to look around to see who has those gifts. The most important thing is that the mission is fulfilled. The only way the mission can be fulfilled is if we work together. Questions: How is the spirit of the Lord upon you? What are your spiritual gifts? How can you use them in the church? Do you feed others, or visit those who are sick? How are you using your gifts in the church? How is Jesus an example to you in your church life? Questions: How is the spirit of the Lord upon you? What are your spiritual gifts? How can you use them in the church? Do you feed others, or visit those who are sick? How are you using your gifts in the church? How is Jesus an example to you in your church life?