December 1, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 1st: Isaiah 2:1-5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44: Theme: First Sunday of Advent Isaiah: Throughout the advent season, we look at what the book of Isaiah says about the coming messiah. What will he do for the world, what difference will he make in our lives. In chapter 1 of Isaiah, he talks about the destruction and pain that the people are feeling in exile. So in chapter 2 he talks about peace. Not just peace for his family, not just for his country, but for the whole world. Everyone will come to his country to learn the ways of peace. But the word of comfort comes after experiencing the problems of war. At the beginning of this chapter, the prophet encourages people to see the word – to picture the sense of peace that the messiah will bring. Matthew: This is the first lesson of the new Christian year, where we start with the end of the gospel of Matthew. This is the Sunday where the world is turned upside down, and we wait for Jesus to make it right side up again. As we prepare for the first coming of Christ, we hear about the second coming of Christ. We are reminded that we don’t know when the second coming, but our task is to stay alert and prepared at all times. Before cell phones, (BC), when a relative would come to visit, they would call before the trip, but you had no idea of when they would actually reach your house. Jesus is old school – he has no plans to announce his coming, but we have already received the call to be prepared. Questions: What would peace look like in our world? How are we called by God to be peacemakers? Are you good at waiting for things? What are you doing to prepare for the coming of Christ in your life?

November 24, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 24th: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43; theme: Christ the King Sunday Colossians : This is Christ the King Sunday. An opportunity for us to think about who Christ is and why Christ is important to us. It was important for Paul to explain who Christ was in a way that would speak to the heart of the listener. Paul was a master of explaining what Christ has done for us. Paul says that Christ opened the doors so that all could share in his inheritance. He is a light in the midst of darkness, he is the image of God here on earth. Most importantly, he is the head of the church. As we reflect on each of the things that Christ has done for us, how can we not come to the conclusion that Christ is King? Luke: This is the last Sunday that we will be learning from the book of Luke. So it would be fitting that we read the end of the story – the crucifixion of Jesus. This is the story of how Jesus to the outskirts of town, and hung on a cross. This is the story of the passion. This is the very reason that Christ is King. The last words today’s story says I assure you that you will be with me in paradise. In the experience of death, Christ is forgiving us and preparing a place for us in the presence of God. In the resurrection, he shows that he has fulfilled his promise. And now that the door has been opened, we are free to walk through and experience the light in this life and the next. Questions: What does it mean for Christ to be King of the church? Of your life? How is Christ the image of God on Earth? How does the passion of Christ affect you? What lesson do you remember most from the book of Luke? How would you have reacted if you witnessed the crucifixion yourself?

November 17, 2019

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for November 17th: Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 Theme: being faithful in service to God 2 Thessalonians : It is a well known fact that in any community that 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work. So what do we do with those who are freeloading? What do we do with those who genuinely are not able to help create community? Paul says that anyone who does not help should not eat. But he says that we all have a part to play in creating community no matter how minor that part is. But Paul goes on the encourage us to all do the right thing when it comes to faith. We should not stop doing right because others do nothing. We should follow the example of our leaders who are working to make a difference. Luke: Throughout the season of Pentecost, we have been following the journey of Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. He knows what is going to happen in Jerusalem, but he goes anyway. By this time he has started speaking out and making enemies. As Jesus prepares for his fate, he realizes that he must also prepare his followers. Things will not be easy for them either. So he tells them of all of the things that are going to happen in life and how they will be individually affected. But he tells them that their faith will sustain them through the hard times. And that if they are able to remain faithful no only will things get better, but they will get a reward. Questions: How do you feel about people who do not carry their weight? How does working with these people affect your performance? What faith tribulations are you going through right now? How does it feel to be persecuted because of your faith in Jesus?