What Do You Say? What Is Your Faith Story?

For 2/10/2013


Just what is being a Christian all about? Jesus preached and lived the good news and it was recorded in the Gospels, but what is its essence? How would you explain to someone in a 2-3 minute conversation just what the meaning of Jesus’ life and ministry is to you? In I Corintians 15 Paul writes his very condensed version of the gospel message well before the four New Testament gospels are written. Many credit him as being the first Christian theologian and we can see in his extensive writings the foundation of what is now the orthodox Christian message. Read and think about this telling of the essence of Christian belief and then reflect on what is even more important; your own personal understanding of the gospel message:

15 1-2 Friends, let me go over the Message with you one final time— this Message that I proclaimed and that you made your own; this Message on which you took your stand and by which your life has been saved. (I’m assuming, now, that your belief was the real thing and not a passing fancy, that you’re in this for good and holding fast.)  The Message Version

Paul is writing to a congregation that he formed and taught; to people whom he personally evangelized and many whom he may have baptized. His relationship with them has been up and down over the years resulting in letters to them which alternately praised, cajoled, scolded and taught.

• How important is the Message that Paul proclaimed – what does he believed it did? How important do you think it is to him and how important should it be to those who read his words?

• What has been the impact of your interaction with the Christian faith? He says that it saved the Corinthian’s lives, how would you characterize its importance to you? How important do you think it is for others to incorporate a faith journey into their lives?

Paul now validates the message by describing what happened after the resurrection:

3-9 The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest followers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him;   The Message Version

• What is the Message? How many sentences does it take to express it? Is it clear and unambiguous? Do you think that some crucial points are missed? You will have a chance to embellish later.

• What are some things he cites to support the validity of the message? What of what he says is new to you?

• How does this compare with your personal experience with the gospel message? Who or what experiences made it credible to you?

• Write down the major important points you would include in a very brief telling of the good news. Why is it valid for you and how would you authenticate it in your telling to someone?

Now Paul gives the source of his understanding of the gospel message:

and that he finally presented himself alive to me. It was fitting that I bring up the rear. I don’t deserve to be included in that inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those early years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence.  The Message Version

And it is even more clearly expressed in Galatians:

1: 11-12 Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.  The Message Version

• What is clear in Paul’s mind about the certainty of his theology – what gives it credibility? How much of it is spiritual; coming to him through his spiritual connection to God through Jesus Christ? What is your reaction to this assertion?

• What are the sources of your faith, your understanding of your relationship with God? How much comes from your “God moments” when the presence of God seemed close to you?

So what responsibilty do we have as hearers of the message - here is Paul's testamony:

10-11 But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it. So whether you heard it from me or from those others, it’s all the same: We spoke God’s truth and you entrusted your lives.   The Message Version

• Paul is an evangelist who is driven to spread the gospel message. What does he say drives and motivates him? What burden does he feel he takes upon himself?

• What kind of person would you picture speaking these words, is it someone you would relate to?

• Do you share his feelings that we should in our own way be workers spreading the good news? Mainline Christians are for the most part leery of being perceived as evangelical – why might this be the case? What are some consequences of being hesitant to share elements of our faith life? Who is the worst for it?

• What is your take away from reflecting on the scriptures and questions? Has any of your thinking changed? Has anything been reinforced? What do you want to explore with more study and discussion?

Closing Prayer

Loving God, thank you for your presence in my life.

Thank you for those who invited me to know you.

Guide me to those for whom I might prepare the way.

Give me the wisdom to know when to speak and what to say?

Amen

Next Week’s Scriptures: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13

Paul's Motivation

For February 5, 2012

All Scriptures are from The Message Version
It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader. The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Commentaries for these scriptures can be found on Textweek.com through this link
http://www.textweek.com/pauline/1cor9a.htm

Paul spent most of his ministry in some sort of conflict. He raised the ire of both Jews and pagans as he preached the gospel message, argued with other Christians about the Jewish dietary laws and the need to be circumcised, and suffered personal criticism from members of the congregations he help found. In this section of the letter he is dealing with discord among members of the Corinthian Church, urging them to avoid practices, in this case dietary, which might offend others. He uses his own example of not accepting financial support from the congregation for his work even though he strongly supports the obligation they have to do it for others:
1 Corinthians 9:16- 18 If I proclaim the Message, it's not to get something out of it for myself. I'm compelled to do it, and doomed if I don't! If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I'd expect some pay. But since it's not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don't even have to pay my expenses!

• Here Paul speaks about his motivation for proclaiming the gospel. What words stand out for you and what are the feelings and emotions behind his ministry? He is even more blunt in 1 Corinthians 9:1-2:

Haven't I been given a job to do? Wasn't I commissioned to this work in a face-to-face meeting with Jesus, our Master? Aren't you yourselves proof of the good work that I've done for the Master? Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!

• Where is Paul coming from in this argument? What is the essence of his view of the work he is doing in bringing the gospel message to Corinth? How do you picture Paul as he dictates these words to his secretary – demeanor, attitude, voice? Do you see the powerful feelings that are behind his long and demanding journeys to spread The Message?
• Do you react to his assertions? Would you have liked to be around him for any period of time?
• Do you feel all Christians have an obligation to share the gospel message with others? Paul felt personally called to do it, should we? What do you understand to be the gospel message we are to share? Have you ever done it? If so how did it work out?
• What do you think that people really might want to hear from us about our faith life? Will they necessarily immediately relate to the Good News or is hearing about other aspects of our faith journey a better path for building understanding among non-believers?
• We have all had the gospel message shared by someone with us, apparently effectively. What made the Christian faith something you wanted to commit to? Have there been persons who shared the message with you that you that was offensive or in some way made you uneasy? Is it bad to be made uneasy?
• What would have happened if you had not had the message shared with you? Would your life have been different? How so?

Paul continues with some comments about of his approach to sharing The Message:

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!

• What is Paul’s strategy to effectively share the gospel message? What does he really mean by this description of his approach to others? Does it involve any compromises? If so do you think that ends justify the means?
• Do you think that this is good advice for us as individuals? What are some of the plusses and minuses of taking this kind of approach? Did Jesus take this approach through the sometimes questionable (in the minds of his contemporaries) character of the company he chose to keep? Can you think of any examples of people who have chosen to minister to those who might be looked down upon?
• What is your response to the word evangelism? Does it have a positive or negative connotation to you? What is behind the feelings you have about this word? What has motivated you to share your faith in the past? What inhibits you?
• Where did the power behind Paul’s work come from? Do you think that that power and a similar call to share our faith comes to us from the same place?

Closing Prayer

Holy one, who makes all things possible, empower us so that we are truly feel free to share the story of our faith with those who need to hear it. Amen

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Mark 1:40-45, 2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Please comment by clicking on the word comments in the sentence “Posted by John at XXXX “ at the bottom of the page

We Plan – God Laughs

For January 1, 2012
All Scriptures are from The Message Version

It is helpful to use this blog as a discussion starter for two or more people but it will also stimulate some thoughts if used by one reader.  The material is used by a Sunday Study Group at Hamilton Christian Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

An old Yiddish proverb – “We Plan – God Laughs” and Robert Burns’ “The best laid plans of mice and men/often go awry” both speak to the uncertainty inherent in the next year, the next month, even the next hour. The new year is a traditional time of evaluation and goal setting for many, but to what end, with what purpose will we build our to do lists and with what tools will we work?

First some reflection on your personal life:
• What are you really looking forward to this year, what are you excited about?

• What is the biggest challenge you are facing this year, what wears on you?


• What resources will you use to prepare for them? How will your faith life impact your preparations, where do you find strength and insight?


And some reflections on your faith community:


• What are you looking forward to seeing in the life of your community this year?


• What is the biggest challenge you are facing as a community this year?


• What strengths do we have and what spiritual resources can we rely upon as a faith community as we begin 2012?


We Plan – God Laughs - What meaning do those words have for you? As people of faith we count on God’s presence in our lives, do you think that God is cynical about our plans or is it something else? There are many scriptures which speak to planning, as you look at those below consider:


• Should we expend the energy to plan ahead? If so what are some essential things we need to include in the process? What do we need have as foundations to build our plans upon?


• How would you characterize God’s presence as we look into our individual and congregational futures – what should we be confident about?


Matthew 6:30-33 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.


Luke 12:16-19 Then he told them this story: "The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. He talked to himself: 'What can I do? My barn isn't big enough for this harvest.' Then he said, 'Here's what I'll do: I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll gather in all my grain and goods, and I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!' 20"Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods—who gets it?' 21"That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God."


God Plans
There is a conviction by many that God has a plan for our lives, what is your response to this theology? How do we discover what the plan might be? Is this a comforting thought for you? Are there events in your life that make you question the reality of this idea?


Paul’s thoughts on planning:
Romans 12:1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.


• As you look at these words what must we do to know what God wants for us? What must we give up and what must we take up?


• How practical are these words for you, what questions do they raise?


• Will this way of living happen overnight? What will we have to practice letting go of and what must we learn to rely upon?


My Plans
After contemplating these ideas what are some plans you have for 2012:

Closing Prayer

O, Holy Spirit, giver of light and life, impart to us thoughts higher than our own, and prayers better than our own, and powers beyond our own, that we may spend and be spent in the ways of love and goodness, after the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
                                                                                        Eric Milner-White, Oxford Book of Prayer


Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Mark 1:4-11, Acts 19:1-7, Psalm 29, Genesis 1:1-5


Please comment by clicking on the word comments in the sentence “Posted by John at XXXX “ at the bottom of the page

How To Treat Others

For 9/28/2011
All scriptures are from The Message Version

Today we look at three scriptures that deal with and give guidance on living in community with one another. This is a theme that runs throughout the bible, both the formal rules of the Old Testament Law and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. First we will look at a teaching by Jesus that sets the stage for understanding the foundation for living together as a faith community. The context is Jesus telling his followers that he is going to Jerusalem and that he would be crucified and what would be required if they were to follow him but there might be a wider application:

Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

· Jesus reminds his disciples (us) that we are followers; what is the essence of that reminder? This is easy to hear in concept but how should we apply it in practical terms to our daily lives? How do we relinquish being in the driver’s seat as we face the issues and decisions of daily life?
· How do you react to his words on suffering and self-sacrifice? How is our true self revealed thru accepting these things; have you had experiences that gave you insight on your true self (for better or worse).
· Can you relate any of this to what is needed to live successfully as a faith community and also with those whom we come across each day?

Next we look at specific advice Paul gives for living faithfully with others. Read the entire scripture and then come back and reflect on each section. As you read this are you reminded of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7?

Romans 12: 9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

· What do you relate to in these verses? What is called for as the scripture begins? Can you relate this to Jesus’ many, many teachings – This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you (John 15:12)
· What is Paul’s bottom line and how much practice does it take to play second fiddle?

11-13Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

· How do we avoid burn out? Is that a problem with our church leadership pool today? What are some ways in which we can recharge our spiritual batteries as individuals and as a faith community?
· What practical advice does he give for hard times and how might they fit into the life of your congregation today?
· Should we only help needy Christians?

14-16Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

· Do you relate to the thought that you might have enemies in the congregation?
· How do you feel about your congregation's expression of Paul’s encouragement for relationships with one another? Can you think of specific examples?
· Have you had the experience of discovering beauty in someone you didn’t like? Was it helpful?

20-21Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

· There are lots of stories about taking positive steps to mend a relationships between two people who did not like one another, do you have one?
· Might there be a difference in applying this to believers as opposed to non-believers? Should we be selective in with whom we seek to repair a broken relationship?

Lastly Paul speaks to the understanding and reality that we need to embrace in order to be an effective person of faith, to incorporate the good we have been discussing into our lives.

Romans 12:3 I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

· What is the key to understanding ourselves and motivating us to be proactive in living ou our faith in everyday life? Does it give you any new insight?
· What will you take away from this discussion today? What would you like to know more about?

Closing Litany
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
The Lord's Prayer - The Message Version

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14, Psalm 149or Psalm 119:33-40, Exodus 12:1-14 or Ezekiel 33:7-11