June 20, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for June 20th: 1 Samuel 17: 1-49, Psalm 9:9-20, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41 theme: Father’s Day; Song – this is my Father’s World UMH 144 Mark: All of us go through tough times in life. None of us want to hear someone tell us that we just need to be a stronger person and this would not be happening to us. The disciples were experiencing one of the worst storms in their lives, they had no answers and Jesus was no where to be seen. Suddenly Jesus appears and they cry out in fear. Jesus does not tell them the weather the storm – Jesus calms the storm and eases their fears. They realize that there is something different about this teacher, who is this who the storms obey and cares about them and responds to their prayers? The messiah has the ability to calm the storms of our lives, but he also helps us to realize that his answers are bigger than us. This story gives generations of people after the disciples the faith to believe that the messiah cares about us all. If he took care of the disciples on the Sea of Gailiee, he will also take care of us. 2 Corinthians: The second book of Corinthians is a stewardship message to help people to understand why they are giving to help others. This week and the next we will look at that message and think about what it means for us today. Paul starts out by telling us not to listen to this message in vain. It is intended for us to respond to this message. Paul starts to recount all of the elements of his mission. He has had some very productive times and he has had some very difficult times. Through it all, he never gave up on the message of Jesus’ salvation. He has stayed dedicated to the people he is talking to. He says that we should pay attention to what he is saying – Paul is telling us the story of a wonderful personable God who loves us so that we can love others. Questions: When have you been afraid in your life? How did Jesus calms the storm for you? Why is the gospel so important? How are we responding to learning about the love of Christ?