The Tower of Babel story is a tough one! In my mind, the fear that God had is that the people may have really made a tower to heaven (or at least as tall as they could) and then they would begin to feel superior and then have no need for God. Was it that God needed to feel superior or did God not want people to forget God? There are some commentaries that point out the wall and tower would have been waterproof, and that the people may have not believed God when God said that there would be no more floods-- so was God angry that they didn't believe God? The word usage of "us" comes up a few times, pointing to the Trinity again.
We then turn to the story of Abram's call to leave Haran and journey to Canaan. According to the text, Abram was 75 years old when God called. Can you imagine being 75 and pulling up stakes to wander to wherever God wanted? That's the big part of this story-- Abram didn't question God's intention or calling. How many times do we get an idea that God is requesting us to do something, but we shy away or back out of it? I know that has happened to me many times. My calling into ministry was one of doubt and fear and feelings of inadequacy. But, God persisted, and I finally(?) answered that call. Five years of active ministry at my current appointment-- with hopefully many more ahead!
Abram and Sarai get caught in a lie while they are in Egypt and it is the Egyptians that are punished! I think that this comes from God knowing the bigger plan. Had nothing happened to the Pharaoh, he may have kept Sarai as his wife. If that happened, then Abram and Sarai would not have had their son Isaac and the whole plan God had imagined would have failed. Does this make sense? I guess the point is, God does have long range plans and will let nature take its course, even if its bad, to fulfill God's plan.
Paul's letter to the Ephesians highlights much of these stories in Genesis. Trust and obey each other- trust and obey God! How easy is it to forget those things though- especially the part about trusting and obeying God. Abram trusted and obeyed God and became the chosen people-and we follow in that lineage! Thanks to Abram we are children of God!
Being children of God allows us to wear the "clothing of God" as Paul continues: righteousness, peace, and truth so that we can fully and faithfully fight the evils in the world!
Our next reading: Genesis 14- 15, Psalm 47, Matthew 1
Friday, February 24, 2017
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Psalm 8, Genesis 9-10, Ephesians 5
We hear the first covenant made with God's people, the Noahic Covenant. God will never destroy the earth again with a flood. As a signature a reminder, God placed the rainbow in the sky. How does that make you feel, that God made a promise to all of humanity? Are there times when you think that your world is ending, but then reflect on these words from God and about God's love?
An interesting story about Noah's nakedness at the end of chapter 9. Drunk with wine, Noah is sleeping naked and, by accident, Ham walks in, sees Noah, and then becomes cursed? It wasn't Ham's fault, but he is paying the consequences of Noah's nakedness. This doesn't settle well with me, but bodies were sacred and nakedness in public was a shame to all people.
The world becomes repopulated with all of Noah's descendants. An interesting note: only sons were mentioned, but one must assume that there were daughters born also!
In Ephesians 5, we hear Paul tell the church that we must be imitators of God: honest, upstanding, righteous people that walk in the Light (Christ).How do you reflect/ imitate God? It isn't easy all the time to imitate God, in fact, it is quite difficult at times to be the good person that God wants us to be! We all know how we are supposed to be, how we are supposed to respond to others, how we are to treat others, but do we?
The next series of Scripture (vv 22-33), Paul reminds women how they are to be in a marriage relationship. Keeping in mind the time these words were written and the role of women in relationships and society, one can understand where Paul is coming from. Bringing these words up to date, marriage is a three way cord: God, partner 1, and partner 2. the two partners are equals with each other, loving and carrying each other, with full recognition that God is an intimate part of the marriage. Without respect for each other and respect of God, a wholesome marriage cannot exist. The two people in a marriage covenant must work together and respond to each other fully. Comments?
All these readings from today come together in the poetry of Psalm 8. The psalmist comments of the majesty of God, God's greatness, and the love that God has for God's people, Look around you, see all that God created and all that God has given us. It is amazing that we are in God's world and commissioned to care for this greatness. How do you feel when you look out into this world? How do you feel when you see the environmental destruction that is happening? How do you feel when you read about global climate change, ozone destruction, and other major disruptions of earth? How do you image God feels about these things? Lots to think about!
Comments welcome!
Next reading: Genesis 11- 13 and Ephesians 6
An interesting story about Noah's nakedness at the end of chapter 9. Drunk with wine, Noah is sleeping naked and, by accident, Ham walks in, sees Noah, and then becomes cursed? It wasn't Ham's fault, but he is paying the consequences of Noah's nakedness. This doesn't settle well with me, but bodies were sacred and nakedness in public was a shame to all people.
The world becomes repopulated with all of Noah's descendants. An interesting note: only sons were mentioned, but one must assume that there were daughters born also!
In Ephesians 5, we hear Paul tell the church that we must be imitators of God: honest, upstanding, righteous people that walk in the Light (Christ).How do you reflect/ imitate God? It isn't easy all the time to imitate God, in fact, it is quite difficult at times to be the good person that God wants us to be! We all know how we are supposed to be, how we are supposed to respond to others, how we are to treat others, but do we?
The next series of Scripture (vv 22-33), Paul reminds women how they are to be in a marriage relationship. Keeping in mind the time these words were written and the role of women in relationships and society, one can understand where Paul is coming from. Bringing these words up to date, marriage is a three way cord: God, partner 1, and partner 2. the two partners are equals with each other, loving and carrying each other, with full recognition that God is an intimate part of the marriage. Without respect for each other and respect of God, a wholesome marriage cannot exist. The two people in a marriage covenant must work together and respond to each other fully. Comments?
All these readings from today come together in the poetry of Psalm 8. The psalmist comments of the majesty of God, God's greatness, and the love that God has for God's people, Look around you, see all that God created and all that God has given us. It is amazing that we are in God's world and commissioned to care for this greatness. How do you feel when you look out into this world? How do you feel when you see the environmental destruction that is happening? How do you feel when you read about global climate change, ozone destruction, and other major disruptions of earth? How do you image God feels about these things? Lots to think about!
Comments welcome!
Next reading: Genesis 11- 13 and Ephesians 6
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Genesis 7-8, Ephesians 4
The flood comes. Noah is instructed to put animals into the ark and prepare for the end of civilization. Noah and his family were selected because of Noah's righteousness. Why do you think that there were no other righteous people on the earth? What caused all of humanity to be bad...the fruit of the tree of wisdom? the Cain- Abel murder? the mistrust that probably propagated as a result of these things? How do you feel about the righteousness of humanity in these contemporary days? What is God thinking now? How would you talk to God about the state of humanity today? God vows never to destroy the earth again, with the closing statement of "...the intent of peoples' heart is evil from their youth..." (Genesis 8:21). What are your thoughts about that? Do you think people are born to do evil and then need to be "trained" to do good...or are people born good and then trained to be "evil"?
Paul talks to the people of Ephesus and comments that we are to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of all people since we are of the same Spirit (4:2). Did God act that way in the time of Noah's flood? Was God tolerant, patient? How patient and tolerant are you when someone goes against you? Think about how you respond to your children? your neighbor? your spouse? your significant other?
Paul continues and talks about the walk of the Christian-- its difficult at times to be a good person, but we all need to work at it. Speak the truth, be honest, act in love, temper your anger and carry on conversations with those around you to clear up misconceptions and unclear thoughts. Being a Christian is not easy; people look to us as they way to act and respond, but we do not always respond the "right" way! Why is it so tough? "We may be the only Bible people read" was a statement I found while I was researching for a message a few weeks ago. I think that's what Paul is saying here. When people see you, what kind of Bible are they reading? When people look to you, what do people see?
Friday's readings: Psalm 8, Genesis 9-10, Ephesians 5
Paul talks to the people of Ephesus and comments that we are to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of all people since we are of the same Spirit (4:2). Did God act that way in the time of Noah's flood? Was God tolerant, patient? How patient and tolerant are you when someone goes against you? Think about how you respond to your children? your neighbor? your spouse? your significant other?
Paul continues and talks about the walk of the Christian-- its difficult at times to be a good person, but we all need to work at it. Speak the truth, be honest, act in love, temper your anger and carry on conversations with those around you to clear up misconceptions and unclear thoughts. Being a Christian is not easy; people look to us as they way to act and respond, but we do not always respond the "right" way! Why is it so tough? "We may be the only Bible people read" was a statement I found while I was researching for a message a few weeks ago. I think that's what Paul is saying here. When people see you, what kind of Bible are they reading? When people look to you, what do people see?
Friday's readings: Psalm 8, Genesis 9-10, Ephesians 5
Monday, February 13, 2017
Genesis 5-6, Psalm 12, Ephesians 3
I find it "interesting" for lack of better words, in Genesis 6:2, the author writes "the sons of God and the daughters of humans..." One could rationalize that since women (back in the day) were of lower status, that's why the author chose these words. It still does't make it right!
Nephilim are the offspring of "sons of God" and "daughters of men" They are supposedly giants and may give rise to the Phillistines (Goliath) later. The name may come from the Hebrew word for fall, which is nphl meaning that these are immediate descendants of the original fall of humanity.
For many generations, people had gone against God, and God decided to rid the world of humanity and start over again. Noah and Noah's family was left to repopulate. One may wonder what would have happened if Adam and Eve didn't eat the fruit and Cain and Abel got along...would the flood had happened? Any thoughts?
We know the story of Noah, and how he responded to God. How would you have responded? Has God "contacted" you and told you to do something?
How does Psalm 12 settle with you? Are there good people in the world today? Does God "keep the needy safe and protect us from the wicked" (v 7). I sometimes wonder!
Paul speaks to the Gentiles in Ephesus and invites them into the family of God (Ephesians 3:6) How often do you "invite" others to the family of God? Paul seemed to really be faithful in his evangelism...why aren't we so faithful? Paul wants the people to realize the depth and height and breadth of God's love for all people (v 18). I think it is hard for us to sometimes realize that deepness of love that God has for us. Why is it so tough? What prevents us from full grasping onto the love that God gives freely to us?
Comments??
Reading for Wednesday: Genesis 7-8, Ephesians 4
Nephilim are the offspring of "sons of God" and "daughters of men" They are supposedly giants and may give rise to the Phillistines (Goliath) later. The name may come from the Hebrew word for fall, which is nphl meaning that these are immediate descendants of the original fall of humanity.
For many generations, people had gone against God, and God decided to rid the world of humanity and start over again. Noah and Noah's family was left to repopulate. One may wonder what would have happened if Adam and Eve didn't eat the fruit and Cain and Abel got along...would the flood had happened? Any thoughts?
We know the story of Noah, and how he responded to God. How would you have responded? Has God "contacted" you and told you to do something?
How does Psalm 12 settle with you? Are there good people in the world today? Does God "keep the needy safe and protect us from the wicked" (v 7). I sometimes wonder!
Paul speaks to the Gentiles in Ephesus and invites them into the family of God (Ephesians 3:6) How often do you "invite" others to the family of God? Paul seemed to really be faithful in his evangelism...why aren't we so faithful? Paul wants the people to realize the depth and height and breadth of God's love for all people (v 18). I think it is hard for us to sometimes realize that deepness of love that God has for us. Why is it so tough? What prevents us from full grasping onto the love that God gives freely to us?
Comments??
Reading for Wednesday: Genesis 7-8, Ephesians 4
Friday, February 10, 2017
Genesis 3-4, Ephesians 2
Today's readings in Genesis refer to the fall of humanity. The serpent convinces Eve to eat the fruit (notice it wasn't an apple!); she in turn convinces Adam. God searches for them and they hide, because of their nakedness. In V 10, Adam responds that he is afraid. When have you been afraid of God? Why would one be afraid of God, especially so early in human existence.
When questioned, Adam blames, Eve and Eve blames the serpent. Sounds typical for humans- blame someone else for your misguided decisions! Has that ever happened to you? I wonder what life would be like if Adam and Eve said to the serpent, "Nah, no thanks on the fruit!" Why can't we (why didn't they) resist temptation?
Then the story of Cain and Abel. Cain a crop farmer; Abel a shepherd. For some reason God preferred Abel's offering more-- the text says Cain brought an offering, Abel brought a firstling. Does that mean Cain didn't bring his first crops or best crops-- as was requested? Cain kills Abel-- and the fall of humanity continues. Any comments about this story? Its a tough one.
The family tree of Adam and Eve continue with Seth and Enoch. Not many people realize that Adam and Eve had more children! Are you surprised?
In Ephesians, we hear the author talk about breaking down the wall between Jews and Gentiles. Remember, the earliest "Christians" were Jews. They struggled with keeping the Laws while also remembering that Jesus negated the Laws (that's where the reference of circumcision and uncircumcised comes in). Christ died for all people- Gentile, Jew, Christian- whoever accepts Him. How do you feel that ALL people are invited to be part of God's family through their acceptance of Christ? Is it a struggle for you? Think about the fall of humanity that we read about in Genesis and the fact that Jesus resolves all sins. Any comments about that?
Reading for Monday: Genesis 5-6 , Psalm 12, Ephesians 3
Peace+
When questioned, Adam blames, Eve and Eve blames the serpent. Sounds typical for humans- blame someone else for your misguided decisions! Has that ever happened to you? I wonder what life would be like if Adam and Eve said to the serpent, "Nah, no thanks on the fruit!" Why can't we (why didn't they) resist temptation?
Then the story of Cain and Abel. Cain a crop farmer; Abel a shepherd. For some reason God preferred Abel's offering more-- the text says Cain brought an offering, Abel brought a firstling. Does that mean Cain didn't bring his first crops or best crops-- as was requested? Cain kills Abel-- and the fall of humanity continues. Any comments about this story? Its a tough one.
The family tree of Adam and Eve continue with Seth and Enoch. Not many people realize that Adam and Eve had more children! Are you surprised?
In Ephesians, we hear the author talk about breaking down the wall between Jews and Gentiles. Remember, the earliest "Christians" were Jews. They struggled with keeping the Laws while also remembering that Jesus negated the Laws (that's where the reference of circumcision and uncircumcised comes in). Christ died for all people- Gentile, Jew, Christian- whoever accepts Him. How do you feel that ALL people are invited to be part of God's family through their acceptance of Christ? Is it a struggle for you? Think about the fall of humanity that we read about in Genesis and the fact that Jesus resolves all sins. Any comments about that?
Reading for Monday: Genesis 5-6 , Psalm 12, Ephesians 3
Peace+
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Genesis 1-2, Ephesians 1, Psalm 148
Did you know that there were two different Creation stories? Many people don't know that! The first story was written approximately 1500 BC while the second story was written approximately 900 BC. Notice the style and the word usage in the two stories: how is God addressed, what is the sequence of events, how is God portrayed, what style and wording does the author use?
In Genesis 1:26- 28, the author writes about God creating people in God's image. How does that make you feel, that you are created in the image of God. What is that image? When you think of God, what do you imagine, what do you see? The author continues in v. 31 and writes that God was well pleased. We are pleasing to God!
In Genesis 2, we hear a slightly different Creation story, but I think an important point is brought up by the author in v.7-- God breathed into the nostrils of the first person and they were brought to life. Every day God breaths life into us; the Spirit of God dwells in us and gives us life. Any comments?
Paul emphasizes these points to the people in Ephesus. Paul writes about how we were selected, even before the world was created, to be part of God's family (Ephesians 1:4) and that all God has to offer us is available for us: salvation, redemption, hope, forgiveness. Can you relate to that? How would you express that to someone who is on the fence about God? Do you live your life with that in mind?
Finally, Psalm 148 calls all of creation to praise God. Sometimes it is difficult to praise God, isn't it? Cancer, death, chaos, natural disasters, pain; the list could go on. People may look around and say, "If there is a God, why is this happening?" Do you take time to praise God-- on a daily basis, or do you like to complain more? What are one or two aspects of your life that you'd like to praise God about?
Please comment and add your thoughts. Reminder- please be respectful and aware that we are all on the same journey, just maybe taking different paths!
The next reading set will be for Friday, February 10, 2017: Genesis 3 and 4, Ephesians 2.
In Genesis 1:26- 28, the author writes about God creating people in God's image. How does that make you feel, that you are created in the image of God. What is that image? When you think of God, what do you imagine, what do you see? The author continues in v. 31 and writes that God was well pleased. We are pleasing to God!
In Genesis 2, we hear a slightly different Creation story, but I think an important point is brought up by the author in v.7-- God breathed into the nostrils of the first person and they were brought to life. Every day God breaths life into us; the Spirit of God dwells in us and gives us life. Any comments?
Paul emphasizes these points to the people in Ephesus. Paul writes about how we were selected, even before the world was created, to be part of God's family (Ephesians 1:4) and that all God has to offer us is available for us: salvation, redemption, hope, forgiveness. Can you relate to that? How would you express that to someone who is on the fence about God? Do you live your life with that in mind?
Finally, Psalm 148 calls all of creation to praise God. Sometimes it is difficult to praise God, isn't it? Cancer, death, chaos, natural disasters, pain; the list could go on. People may look around and say, "If there is a God, why is this happening?" Do you take time to praise God-- on a daily basis, or do you like to complain more? What are one or two aspects of your life that you'd like to praise God about?
Please comment and add your thoughts. Reminder- please be respectful and aware that we are all on the same journey, just maybe taking different paths!
The next reading set will be for Friday, February 10, 2017: Genesis 3 and 4, Ephesians 2.
Let's Get Started!
Let's Get Started!!
After some discussion with several people, I have decided to work with a thematic approach to our Bible study. I will be using the reading plan provided by Bible Study Tools; the entire plan can be found at Thematic Reading Plan.
It is a year long plan, but I imagine that we will not be able to do the complete plan in a year. My goal will be to do a set of readings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with running commentary on the readings as we do them.
Each day of readings will be a new "page" and the title will be the readings so we can know what we are commenting on. Add your comments, questions, thoughts. It may be helpful to identify what translation/version you are reading from as different translations/versions may have different words that can sometimes really change the context of a piece of Scripture! Please be respectful as we are all learning and journeying.
You should be able to post responses by clicking on the "Post A Comment" link and sign in.
Our first reading assignment will be posted Wednesday, February 8, 2017. For you early starters, we will read Genesis 1 and 2, Psalm 148, and Ephesians 1.
Ready?
Go!!
After some discussion with several people, I have decided to work with a thematic approach to our Bible study. I will be using the reading plan provided by Bible Study Tools; the entire plan can be found at Thematic Reading Plan.
It is a year long plan, but I imagine that we will not be able to do the complete plan in a year. My goal will be to do a set of readings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with running commentary on the readings as we do them.
Each day of readings will be a new "page" and the title will be the readings so we can know what we are commenting on. Add your comments, questions, thoughts. It may be helpful to identify what translation/version you are reading from as different translations/versions may have different words that can sometimes really change the context of a piece of Scripture! Please be respectful as we are all learning and journeying.
You should be able to post responses by clicking on the "Post A Comment" link and sign in.
Our first reading assignment will be posted Wednesday, February 8, 2017. For you early starters, we will read Genesis 1 and 2, Psalm 148, and Ephesians 1.
Ready?
Go!!
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