Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for August 8th: Isaiah1:1,10-20; Psalm 50:1-8,22-23; Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16 Luke 12:32-40. Theme: What does it mean to have faith in Christ?
Hebrews: We begin the first week of a four week study of the book of Hebrews. The author (which may be Paul) is teaching us the meaning of faith. Even though we can’t see, hear, or touch faith, faith is a living force in the world. It is not just a chance to use our creative imagination. It is a real and living force in our lives, which is working to guide us through difficult times. Just ask those who have been in difficult situations, did they make it up, or did they really know God’s presence in their lives.
Luke: This is a continuation of last week’s lesson on defining our treasure. Where we put our treasure is where we put our hearts. We have to be reminded that even though we have houses, cars, jewels, loved one here; our real treasure is in Jesus Christ. The world economy is dependent upon us as Americans wanting more and more stuff. Our need to buy keeps the world going. Jesus asks us, when is it ever enough – the attitude of scarcity keeps us enslaved into the world and its economy. Preparing ourselves spiritually brings us freedom.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What does it really mean to be rich toward God? How can you turn scarcity into abundance? How can you turn your spiritual weaknesses into strengths?
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
August 1, 2010
Scriptures for August 1st: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107:1-9,43;
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Living on Earth with our mind’s set on Earth
Colossians: Paul reminds us that we are to live in the world, but not of the world. Christians are different because their responses are different. Paul tells us that we are not concerned with what happens on earth, but in heaven. We are not concerned with what others think, but what God thinks. We were raised in the world, and have the same culture as those around us, but in baptism, we are given a new set of clothes, a new mindset, a new expectation of who we are to be in the world.
Luke: Jesus gives us an example of what it means to live in the world and to forget about God. This rich man has everything that he needs, as a matter of fact, he has more than he needs. Yet Jesus makes a point that in the ultimate realm of things – none of that matters. When we die, we leave it all behind. It is more important to be rich in the things of God.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What behaviors do we need to set aside in order to be clothed in Christ? What does it really mean to be rich toward God?
Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21 Theme: Living on Earth with our mind’s set on Earth
Colossians: Paul reminds us that we are to live in the world, but not of the world. Christians are different because their responses are different. Paul tells us that we are not concerned with what happens on earth, but in heaven. We are not concerned with what others think, but what God thinks. We were raised in the world, and have the same culture as those around us, but in baptism, we are given a new set of clothes, a new mindset, a new expectation of who we are to be in the world.
Luke: Jesus gives us an example of what it means to live in the world and to forget about God. This rich man has everything that he needs, as a matter of fact, he has more than he needs. Yet Jesus makes a point that in the ultimate realm of things – none of that matters. When we die, we leave it all behind. It is more important to be rich in the things of God.
Questions: What are the things that we as a church treasure? Where is Jesus Christ on that list? Where is doing what Christ tells us to do in that list? What behaviors do we need to set aside in order to be clothed in Christ? What does it really mean to be rich toward God?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
June 27, 2010
Scriptures for June 27th - 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62
Songs: Precious Lord – UMH 474; Make Me a Channel of your Peace – TFWS 2171; His Eye is on the Sparrow – TFWS 2146; O God our Help in Ages Past – UMH 117
2 Kings: This is one of my favorite verses, and it is very appropriate for today. It is the story of the changing of the guard between one prophet, Elijah to another – sort of like the changing of pastors. It is a story of transition. Elijah is not only leaving his ministry, he is leaving his earthly life. His ministry has been a story of zeal for the Lord, a story of lonely working and traveling, a story of following in God’s steps. Once he is gone, who is going to take over that work. The answer to that question is Elisha – his student. Elisha is not only excited to carry on that work – he has one parting request of Elijah – give me a double portion of whatever God gave you. Elijah does not know if he can pass on his relationship with God, Elisha will have to establish that for himself, but he does know that God has provided for the commission to continue to work to save others has been fulfilled in his absence.
Galatians: We continue our conversation of what it means to be free in the spirit of Christ. When we realize that we are not bound by the law – then also realize that being in Christ changes us. We don’t have to be so in tune to what the world expects of us – we become in aware of the what the Spirit of Christ expects of us. The world is focused on the needs of the flesh- we listen to our emotions, our needs, our desires which lead to bad behavior. But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No one has ever been hurt by too much of these things, we can give them freely.
Questions: Who are the people who have mentored you in your life? In your faith? Who are the people who you intentionally mentor and are willing to help through life? When you are gone, what plans do you want to make sure carry on after you? How do you avoid becoming enslaved to sin? How do you ensure the growth of perfect love in your life? What things still hold you back from letting perfect love in your life? How can the fruits of the spirit help you to overcome that burden?
Songs: Precious Lord – UMH 474; Make Me a Channel of your Peace – TFWS 2171; His Eye is on the Sparrow – TFWS 2146; O God our Help in Ages Past – UMH 117
2 Kings: This is one of my favorite verses, and it is very appropriate for today. It is the story of the changing of the guard between one prophet, Elijah to another – sort of like the changing of pastors. It is a story of transition. Elijah is not only leaving his ministry, he is leaving his earthly life. His ministry has been a story of zeal for the Lord, a story of lonely working and traveling, a story of following in God’s steps. Once he is gone, who is going to take over that work. The answer to that question is Elisha – his student. Elisha is not only excited to carry on that work – he has one parting request of Elijah – give me a double portion of whatever God gave you. Elijah does not know if he can pass on his relationship with God, Elisha will have to establish that for himself, but he does know that God has provided for the commission to continue to work to save others has been fulfilled in his absence.
Galatians: We continue our conversation of what it means to be free in the spirit of Christ. When we realize that we are not bound by the law – then also realize that being in Christ changes us. We don’t have to be so in tune to what the world expects of us – we become in aware of the what the Spirit of Christ expects of us. The world is focused on the needs of the flesh- we listen to our emotions, our needs, our desires which lead to bad behavior. But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. No one has ever been hurt by too much of these things, we can give them freely.
Questions: Who are the people who have mentored you in your life? In your faith? Who are the people who you intentionally mentor and are willing to help through life? When you are gone, what plans do you want to make sure carry on after you? How do you avoid becoming enslaved to sin? How do you ensure the growth of perfect love in your life? What things still hold you back from letting perfect love in your life? How can the fruits of the spirit help you to overcome that burden?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
June 6, 2010
Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for June 6th: I Kings 17:8-24; Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 Songs: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – UMH 57, My Life is in You Lord – TFWS 2032 (sing twice); I’m Gonna Live so God Can Use Me – TFWS 2153
I Kings: We have entered into ordinary time of the church calendar. The presence of the Holy Spirit is old news, it has been with us for awhile. As a matter of fact it is with us all of the time. Now we have to think about what to do with this gift. We now focus on the ministry of the prophets. In this story, Elijah is instructed by God to go to Zarephath – a city truly in need of God. He is not told to teach, or the preach, or to even to tell the people that they are wrong. Just to be present. To live with a widow, to get the know the people, and to meet the needs of this widow’s family, as she takes care of him. The widow’s son dies – and Elijah brings her most precious gift back to life. What does the presence of God do to bring us back to life in the dead spots of our life?
Luke: On the surface this is a similar story to the one in Kings. a widow’s son dies and the prophet comes and brings him back to life. Jesus uses this story for a very different reason. This son is a young adult, who is responsible for taking care of his mother. A widow has no other way of being cared for but the man in her life. She too will follow her son in death. But Jesus has sympathy for her. Jesus teaches all of his disciples (including us) to respond to injustice, the help those who are not able to care for themselves. Jesus makes sure that she will live, by bringing her son back to life. We are reminded that it is time to get in mission, to see the widows in our community who are in need.
Questions: In the ministry of presence what role do you play? Are you the prophet listening to the needs of the people or are you the one instructed by God to help the prophet in order to get your own needs met? How many signs of God do you miss because you are not listening? How do we show support for those who lose their means of support? How do we help those who lose a family member or a job? What does compassion mean for this community?
Scriptures for June 6th: I Kings 17:8-24; Psalm 146, Galatians 1:11-24; Luke 7:11-17 Songs: O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing – UMH 57, My Life is in You Lord – TFWS 2032 (sing twice); I’m Gonna Live so God Can Use Me – TFWS 2153
I Kings: We have entered into ordinary time of the church calendar. The presence of the Holy Spirit is old news, it has been with us for awhile. As a matter of fact it is with us all of the time. Now we have to think about what to do with this gift. We now focus on the ministry of the prophets. In this story, Elijah is instructed by God to go to Zarephath – a city truly in need of God. He is not told to teach, or the preach, or to even to tell the people that they are wrong. Just to be present. To live with a widow, to get the know the people, and to meet the needs of this widow’s family, as she takes care of him. The widow’s son dies – and Elijah brings her most precious gift back to life. What does the presence of God do to bring us back to life in the dead spots of our life?
Luke: On the surface this is a similar story to the one in Kings. a widow’s son dies and the prophet comes and brings him back to life. Jesus uses this story for a very different reason. This son is a young adult, who is responsible for taking care of his mother. A widow has no other way of being cared for but the man in her life. She too will follow her son in death. But Jesus has sympathy for her. Jesus teaches all of his disciples (including us) to respond to injustice, the help those who are not able to care for themselves. Jesus makes sure that she will live, by bringing her son back to life. We are reminded that it is time to get in mission, to see the widows in our community who are in need.
Questions: In the ministry of presence what role do you play? Are you the prophet listening to the needs of the people or are you the one instructed by God to help the prophet in order to get your own needs met? How many signs of God do you miss because you are not listening? How do we show support for those who lose their means of support? How do we help those who lose a family member or a job? What does compassion mean for this community?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
May 30, 2010
Scriptures for May 30th – Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8, Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15
Songs: Spirit of the Living God UMH 393; Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise – UMH 103; Standing on the Promises – UMH 374
Proverbs: This is our first Sunday back into the Hebrew scriptures. This is one of three proverbs which celebrates wisdom. Wisdom cries out in the streets and asks for us to listen. Sometimes we wish that God would just speak to us, not realizing that God finds all kinds of ways to speak. And we find all kinds of ways not to listen. In this passage the wisdom that has been with the world since the beginning of time, is personified as a women – Sophia. She helped in the creative process of creating the world. The wisdom of the Word also comes to us in the life of Jesus Christ, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. Today wisdom comes to us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
John: We are still focusing on the last teachings of Christ. And he is still telling us that the Holy Spirit is coming to make all things clear. The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the wisdom out in the world, speaking to us in the streets. John’s passage says that the Holy Spirit guides us, declares what is to come, glorifies God and speaks what is so. What is the Holy Spirit saying to us now, and how do we take the time to listen?
Questions: How is wisdom different from knowledge? What things is Jesus saying to you that you are not able to hear? How does the Spirit of Truth help you deal with difficult situations? What forms does wisdom take in your life? How do you respond when you recognize wisdom?
Songs: Spirit of the Living God UMH 393; Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise – UMH 103; Standing on the Promises – UMH 374
Proverbs: This is our first Sunday back into the Hebrew scriptures. This is one of three proverbs which celebrates wisdom. Wisdom cries out in the streets and asks for us to listen. Sometimes we wish that God would just speak to us, not realizing that God finds all kinds of ways to speak. And we find all kinds of ways not to listen. In this passage the wisdom that has been with the world since the beginning of time, is personified as a women – Sophia. She helped in the creative process of creating the world. The wisdom of the Word also comes to us in the life of Jesus Christ, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. Today wisdom comes to us in the form of the Holy Spirit.
John: We are still focusing on the last teachings of Christ. And he is still telling us that the Holy Spirit is coming to make all things clear. The Spirit of Truth is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the wisdom out in the world, speaking to us in the streets. John’s passage says that the Holy Spirit guides us, declares what is to come, glorifies God and speaks what is so. What is the Holy Spirit saying to us now, and how do we take the time to listen?
Questions: How is wisdom different from knowledge? What things is Jesus saying to you that you are not able to hear? How does the Spirit of Truth help you deal with difficult situations? What forms does wisdom take in your life? How do you respond when you recognize wisdom?
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May 23, 2010
Breaking Open The Scriptures
Scriptures for May 25th: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-27 Songs: As a Fire is Meant for Burning – TFWS 2237; O Spirit of the Living God – UMH 539; Because He Lives UMH 364
Acts: We have been waiting on God’s promise of the Holy Spirit all Easter season. When Jesus was resurrected, he promised that the Holy Spirit has come. We have seen evidence of those appearances all throughout the scriptures. Now it is time for us to look for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our live and in the world. This is Pentecost Sunday – the birthday of the church. This is the day when all of those appearances come together and is manifest in all nations. The Jews who were present on the day of Pentecost represent 16 different nations. They were probably people who were exiled and were returning. They represent the unity of the body of God. This day shows us that we can do much more as a group then we can as individuals. The gifts of the Spirit are for the community, not for us to keep for ourselves. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the community to reach out to others, not for us to enjoy in our own circle. Now that that Spirit is here, we have work to do.
Psalm: God is the source of all life. God’s spirit allows us to move, and love and be. God’s Spirit is life. We say this psalm on Pentecost to remind us of what we are waiting for the breath of God to renew us and give us new life. With God we can do nothing, and yet God is willing to give us everything - his Son, his breath. In verse 26 Leviathan who is the devil of chaos is portrayed as a playful whale; Reminding us that our deepest fears can become a source of joy, if we are in touch with God’s spirit. Even death can become an opportunity for life if God’s spirit is present. That is the message of Easter.
Questions: When has God crashed into your life with power to get your attention? How often do you take time to witness the wisdom in God’s creation? Where do you see the face of the ground renewed through God’s Spirit? What does it mean to be the body of Christ? What are ways that we can reenact the Pentecost experience and move in unity with one another and the spirit of Christ?
Scriptures for May 25th: Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-27 Songs: As a Fire is Meant for Burning – TFWS 2237; O Spirit of the Living God – UMH 539; Because He Lives UMH 364
Acts: We have been waiting on God’s promise of the Holy Spirit all Easter season. When Jesus was resurrected, he promised that the Holy Spirit has come. We have seen evidence of those appearances all throughout the scriptures. Now it is time for us to look for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our live and in the world. This is Pentecost Sunday – the birthday of the church. This is the day when all of those appearances come together and is manifest in all nations. The Jews who were present on the day of Pentecost represent 16 different nations. They were probably people who were exiled and were returning. They represent the unity of the body of God. This day shows us that we can do much more as a group then we can as individuals. The gifts of the Spirit are for the community, not for us to keep for ourselves. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the community to reach out to others, not for us to enjoy in our own circle. Now that that Spirit is here, we have work to do.
Psalm: God is the source of all life. God’s spirit allows us to move, and love and be. God’s Spirit is life. We say this psalm on Pentecost to remind us of what we are waiting for the breath of God to renew us and give us new life. With God we can do nothing, and yet God is willing to give us everything - his Son, his breath. In verse 26 Leviathan who is the devil of chaos is portrayed as a playful whale; Reminding us that our deepest fears can become a source of joy, if we are in touch with God’s spirit. Even death can become an opportunity for life if God’s spirit is present. That is the message of Easter.
Questions: When has God crashed into your life with power to get your attention? How often do you take time to witness the wisdom in God’s creation? Where do you see the face of the ground renewed through God’s Spirit? What does it mean to be the body of Christ? What are ways that we can reenact the Pentecost experience and move in unity with one another and the spirit of Christ?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 16, 1020
Scriptures for May 13th – Ascension Sunday – Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47,
Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
Songs: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name UMH 155; You Alone are Holy – TFWS 2077; Lord I Lift your Name on High – TFWS 2088
Acts: In many ways, the scriptures is a continuation of the Easter readings, we still hear the story of the Holy Spirit and the work that it does. But in other ways this Sunday marks a new period. Jesus has been appearing to the disciples all throughout the Easter season. This is Jesus’ final appearance. But the disciples still don’t understand why – is he coming to bring about the Kingdom of Israel? Jesus tells them that the kingdom of God is much bigger than that. God’s kingdom is for everyone – everyone in the whole world. And the work of the spirit is to empower us to reach out to everyone, no matter who they are, and where they are.
Luke Acts is a retelling of the events of Luke. Jesus has been on the earth for 40 days after the death event. He has been teaching his disciples. This is the final teaching, it is time for him to ascend into heaven. He tells his disciples the good news that must be spread out throughout the whole world - teach the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the key to our salvation. All we have to do to help others understand what it means to repent is to tell our stories – stories of how we have seen Jesus in our lives, stories of how we have been forgiven, stories of how the Holy Spirit is still in the world 2000 years later, still making a difference.
Questions: How do we focus on what is going on right in our lives, and not look up to heaven expecting a miracle? Why is the message of forgiveness so hard for us to hear? How does our church witness to the risen Christ? Where have you personally seen proof of the risen Christ? How does Jesus bless us to spread the gospel? Why is the Ascension important to our faith?
Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
Songs: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name UMH 155; You Alone are Holy – TFWS 2077; Lord I Lift your Name on High – TFWS 2088
Acts: In many ways, the scriptures is a continuation of the Easter readings, we still hear the story of the Holy Spirit and the work that it does. But in other ways this Sunday marks a new period. Jesus has been appearing to the disciples all throughout the Easter season. This is Jesus’ final appearance. But the disciples still don’t understand why – is he coming to bring about the Kingdom of Israel? Jesus tells them that the kingdom of God is much bigger than that. God’s kingdom is for everyone – everyone in the whole world. And the work of the spirit is to empower us to reach out to everyone, no matter who they are, and where they are.
Luke Acts is a retelling of the events of Luke. Jesus has been on the earth for 40 days after the death event. He has been teaching his disciples. This is the final teaching, it is time for him to ascend into heaven. He tells his disciples the good news that must be spread out throughout the whole world - teach the forgiveness of sins in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the key to our salvation. All we have to do to help others understand what it means to repent is to tell our stories – stories of how we have seen Jesus in our lives, stories of how we have been forgiven, stories of how the Holy Spirit is still in the world 2000 years later, still making a difference.
Questions: How do we focus on what is going on right in our lives, and not look up to heaven expecting a miracle? Why is the message of forgiveness so hard for us to hear? How does our church witness to the risen Christ? Where have you personally seen proof of the risen Christ? How does Jesus bless us to spread the gospel? Why is the Ascension important to our faith?
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