Jesus to Us - Don't Worry

For February 27, 2011


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.  The Lectionary scripture for today is another from the Sermon on the Mount. One of the themes of Jesus’ teaching was that we are to be God centered; to seek to experience God in our daily lives. We should change (repent) and see things in a new way. Old priorities should be questioned and new ones established based on seeking God’s influence and guidance. He is also clear that it will not be easy at first because we live with the values of our culture and the values Jesus speaks of are based on a radically different world view. So let us take a look at some more of Jesus’ sermon and some of the questions it might generate. The first teaching is a one liner, a teaching tool he often utilized; short and simple but radical:

Matthew 6:24"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.

· What is your reaction to this teaching? What does the word worship mean to you? What would be some signs that we were worshipping something? The American Heritage Dictionary defines worship in this way,
n. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed. Ardent devotion; adoration.
It is relatively easy to see how this applies to worship as we understand the term but can you see it applying to a secular things like money, a special talent or ability, or something else in our lives that receives special focus and attention? When might our attention to something begin to take on the characteristics of worship?

· Jesus speaks out on many occasions about the dangers of a focus on money and material things, it is one of the major themes of his ministry, We all have to have to survive, buy food, clothing, a place to live, support our families, pay our taxes, when does our relationship with money move from a place Jesus might affirm to the worship he speaks out against?
· Jesus uses some very strong words to make his point, “Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other.” The American Heritage Dictionary defines contempt as:

The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn. Open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body. It seems that there are degrees of contempt. What lies behind the choices you make each day on what will receive your time and energy. How do you decide what gets first priority? Are there any elements of contempt as you make choices?

Jesus continues with some words which might help us understand what he is talking about. How radical of a change would have to occur to live in this way:
Matthew 6:25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

Notice that he begins with, “If you decide”, which emphasized the fact that we have a choice which we make either by a conscious decision or by falling into a pattern of behaviors and priorities.
· Can you summarize in a few words what it takes to really live as Jesus describes? What would have to change in order for you to live in this way? Do you think that it is really practical? · Can you think of anyone whom you would say tried to live in this way? Would you like to be able to do it? What would have to happen in your spiritual life to move in this direction?
And Jesus has more to say:
27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
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.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

· What point is Jesus trying to make in speaking about wildflowers? What does he want us to understand about God? Do you see God as actively doing his best for you?
· Jesus speaks of God’s giving and our focus on getting, what does the scripture tell us happens if we make the change? Has your faith journey included any examples of the benefits of focusing on God’s giving?
· What does he tell us must happen if we are to move away from our culture to a new way of living? Does changing focus to building a strong spiritual life seem attractive to you? Where might you find some resources to help you begin or continue a faith journey? You are already using one of many tools – the internet.
· This is not easy stuff and again it is radical and in some ways illogical, certainly against conventional wisdom. It also raises many questions including:
- How would people who struggle for enough to eat every day respond to this scripture?
- Are we guaranteed material blessings because of our faith?
- Should we drop out, simplify, sell all our belongings?


What questions does it raise for you?

Closing Prayer

Lord we know that you are with us in all things. Grant us the wisdom to seek your presence in every corner of our life. For your love is with us, bringing strength and peace. Amen



Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19 or Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28, Psalm 46 or Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28, (29-31), Matthew 7:21-29

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

All Scriptures from The Message

Jesus to Us - Grow Up!

For February 20, 2011All scriptures are from The Message

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. 

It is possible that some of the written sources that eventually became part of the Gospels consisted of nothing more than a listing of Jesus’ teachings. Today’s scripture is part of the Sermon on the Mount and is written by Matthew in that format. It is possible that Jesus did present all of the material in Matthew 5-7 in one setting but more likely Matthew decided to present that which he felt were Jesus’ important teachings in one section of his Gospel. You might want to read all of the Sermon on the Mount before taking a more detailed look at the scripture we discuss today:

Matthew 5: 38-42"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
Jesus is proclaiming a radical change from the Jewish ideas of fairness and justice which were part of the Law. An example of their concept of making an injustice right can be found in Leviticus:

24:17-22 "Anyone who hits and kills a fellow human must be put to death. Anyone who kills someone's animal must make it good—a life for a life. Anyone who injures his neighbor will get back the same as he gave: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. What he did to hurt that person will be done to him. Anyone who hits and kills an animal must make it good, but whoever hits and kills a fellow human will be put to death. And no double standards: the same rule goes for foreigners and natives. I am God, your God."

· What is the essence of the Jewish concept of justice? Does it make sense to you? How does it compare to the philosophy that was used to establish our current legal system?
· Have you ever been the victim of a crime or some other form of abuse? Would you be satisfied if the matter could have been resolved using the Leviticus guidelines?· What is the essence of Jesus’ teaching about dealing with an injustice? How is it different than the Jewish tradition? How do you think that the Jews who heard this teaching would have reacted?
· How do you react to his teaching? Do you think that it is fair and just? Think of a time when you were treated unjustly, possibly even physically abused what would you have to be willing to give up and put behind you in order to respond as Jesus teaches? What might people think of you if you behaved as Jesus suggested?Let’s explore one specific teaching in this scripture to better understand the significance of Jesus’ message:

If someone strikes you, stand there and take it.
· Let’s explore physical abuse first. What was Jesus’ demeanor during the abuse he took during the crucifixion? How did he handle it? Was his behavior consistent with the picture and understanding you have of him?
· But should we just take it? From a faith perspective what tools do we have to deal with problems out of our control? What might we receive if we lift up abuse to God in prayer? Will prayer necessarily change the person abusing us or might we receive something else?
· Does just taking it imply continuing to live in a situation that makes abuse possible? Do we run the risk of seeming weak if we do not respond to abuse with abuse? This is hard stuff, Jesus came to teach and be an example of living in a totally new way – and it is not easy.

And now some more from the Sermon on the Mount:

43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
One of Jesus’ most consistent teachings which he repeated over and over again was to “Love your Neighbor”. This seems to be a scripture based on that imperative.

· Jesus seems to teach that our enemies are included in the “neighbors” we are to love. Think of someone or some group you consider your enemy, what does he teach that we MUST do about our enemies? What would you have to let go of in order to act in this way? Does it mean that we forget the reality of enemies and let our guard down? Does it mean that we should suddenly be friends with an enemy in spite of past and potential future threats? Again no easy answers.
· Jesus teaches that our focus should be “on the energies of prayer”. Pick an enemy, someone who has been a big problem for you – what would you pray for them – what would you pray for yourself? How does God treat everyone? Are God’s blessings limited to the good only? How does that fit into your understanding of Jesus’ teaching?· What does Jesus tell us we should expect to receive if we act in this way? Are we to be rewarded in the traditional sense of being rewarded for good behavior? Isn’t the absence of reward the whole point?
· I think that verse 48 contains the essence of the whole matter – “live out your God-created identity”. Can we rely on our human nature to guide us in living in this way of this teaching? Should we expect to be able to live in a “God created” manner right away or will it take some work and prayer? Do you have someone in mind that with whom you could begin to practice some of these teachings? Try taking up what you have learned today in prayer and possibly recording your experience in a journal.· A final thought; we are called to “grow up”. What do these words mean to you as you think about your spiritual life? What are some steps you have taken on your faith journey to discover your ‘God-created identity”? What new steps could you take to continue to “grow up”?

Closing Prayer

O Holy Spirit, whose presence is liberty, grant us that freedom of the Spirit which will not fear to tread in unknown ways, nor be held back by misgivings of ourselves and fear of others. Ever beckon us forward to the place of thy will which is also the place of your power. Amen. George Appelton – The Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalm 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 6:24-34

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

Resurrection Christians

For February 13, 2011

All scriptures from The Message

An amazing transformation took place among the disciples after Jesus’ crucifixion. All through their travels with Jesus they had many occasions when they failed to understand who Jesus was and what he was about and at times seemed to have hopes of personal prestige and rewards by being with him. Worst of all they waivered and became fearful during the days leading up to Jesus’ execution and even after the resurrection some accounts have them going back to their previous lives and occupations. Fear and discouragement seemed to prevail, even after Jesus’ resurrection.

Today we will look at some scriptures which trace their personal spiritual resurrections and consider some of the amazing changes that took place in their willingness to speak out about their faith. Several Scriptures from Acts will trace the nature of that transformation.

The first scripture sets the stage and prepares them for the winds of change which will blow over them:

Acts 1:2-5 After his death, he presented himself alive to them in many different settings over a period of forty days. In face-to-face meetings, he talked to them about things concerning the kingdom of God. As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but "must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon."

· Put yourself in the apostle’s place, how would you have felt if were present that day after everything they had been through during Passover week? What would you have thought as you say Jesus’ presence and heard these words after seeing him hanging on the cross?

· What questions would you have had? What might being “baptized in the Holy Spirit” have meant to them?

· Reflect again on the disciples behavior and confusion before Pentecost, can you relate to feeling this way during your spiritual journey? Have there been times when you had questions about your faith, failed to take an opportunity to share your faith, felt badly about the priority you have given to strengthening and living your faith? If you don’t feel you have had experiences like this you fall into a very select group to say the least.

· What has given you hope as you struggle with the reality of living as a person of faith while living in a real world with competing priorities for our time and energy? What has enabled you to stay on the path of faith? What are some things that have encouraged you and sustained you on your faith journey?

Let us look a the few sentences which speak to one of the most momentous occasions in the Christian faith:

Acts 2:1-4 When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.

· What must it have been like in that place? How do you envision the wind and the spreading of the Holy Spirit “through their ranks?” Would you have liked to have been there?

· What is the first result of the presence of the Spirit? What must it have been like to move from the sound of a strong wind to these hearing the choirs of different languages being spoken?

· How would you feel as the commotion died down after this astonishing experience? Think of being present on this day, how would it impact your faith and willingness to tell others about it?

· Can you name one or two events that have made a significant positive impact on the quality of your faith life? Have you had any experiences that you felt transformed you spiritually in a small or major way? How did they affect how you felt and acted immediately afterwards?

The immediate reaction of the disciples was to speak in foreign languages but the real change, the real impacted included this transformation of the faith community:

Acts 2:43 43-45 Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met.
46-47 They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.

· What did people see that energized them and how did they respond? What characterized life in this congregation, how did they see that they were to live as a faith community? Would you like to have been present among them or do you have some reservations?

· It is probably not practical for this kind of communal living to occur today. How would you like to see the spirit of “holding everything in common” be lived out in your faith community? What keeps it from becoming a reality?

· Notice where they worshipped, they were both different and then in some ways connected to their previous religious practices. What would it have felt like to meet at the Temple after your faith convictions had been so strongly rejected by the Jewish community? What does it tell us about living out our faith today in a world in which many reject religion and religious practices?

· Have you ever been part of a faith community which displayed some of this kind of enthusiasm and growth? Remember – where did it start, what brought about this dynamic community, what provided the driving force?

· What does this tell us about what we need to ensure we are in touch with we go about living as a faith community? What can we do to encourage the growth of the Spirit in congregational life? Can you think of any examples you have experienced?

Our last scripture looks at the change in Peter, who denied Christ three times:

Acts 5: 25-26Just then someone showed up and said, "Did you know that the men you put in jail are back in the Temple teaching the people?" The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.
27-28Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said, "Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man."
29-32Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."

What is causing the conflict in this passage? Who are the adversaries and what does each insist upon? What change does it seem has occurred in the people who demanded Jesus’ execution? What must have been their perception of the new faith community?

· Why do the apostles insist upon their right to continue teaching? Do you think that the high priests thought they were also obeying God through their actions? What particularly grates against the High Priests, how do they feel that they have been unjustly accused by the disciples?

· What has occurred to cause the previously fearful and seemingly clueless disciples to act in this way?

· What would have to happen for you to be willing to risk everything you have – relationships with friends, job, financial goals and security – in order to live as overt a spiritual life as the members of this congregation and the disciples did? Do you know of anyone who has been willing to take risks and live out their faith in such a dedicated way? This is the choice they made, this is the impact of the Spirit actively being at work among them.

· What would you like take from this first congregation and incorporate into your faith community and your personal life? Where might we begin?

Closing Prayer

Embolden us to grow as witnesses, O God. Free our words and deeds to the Spirit’s leading. Make us bold to tell the good news of the risen Christ, inviting others to join with us as followers in Jesus’ way. Amen.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, Psalm 119:33-40, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48

Awesome Responsibility

For February 6, 2011

All scriptures are from The Message

One of the characteristics that we all acquire is the urge to pass on the wisdom we feel that we have acquired from our life’s experiences. 2 Timothy is written in just that vein with an added sense of urgency, Paul wants Timothy to pick up the responsibilities he feels he will soon be unable to carry on. Even though there is considerable doubt that Paul was the author of this letter, it might contain some fragments from his other writings, it is instructive for us to read and reflect upon. The first thing we should understand as we read the letter to Timothy is Paul’s situation, he is in prison and:

2 Timothy 4:6-8 You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.

• What emotions do you see in these words which might have reflected Paul’s feelings as he was imprisoned in Rome, contemplating his execution. What does he feel has been important in his life and what are the reasons?

The second thing we need to know is – Who is Timothy?

Acts 16:1-3 Paul came first to Derbe, then Lystra. He found a disciple there by the name of Timothy, son of a devout Jewish mother and Greek father. Friends in Lystra and Iconium all said what a fine young man he was. Paul wanted to recruit him for their mission, but first took him aside and circumcised him so he wouldn't offend the Jews who lived in those parts. They all knew that his father was Greek.

Timothy’s name becomes familiar to us as we read Acts and the epistles credited to Paul for it becomes clear that he plays a key role in the success of Paul’s mission.

• What must have drawn this young man to motivate him to leave his family and join Paul the traveling evangelist? What does it say about both him and Paul? What kind of person and mission would it take for you to leave everything behind and take on an uncertain future?

Let’s read the first part of our scripture for this week and look at the feelings Paul expresses for Timothy:

2 Timothy 1:1-2 I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. I write this to you, Timothy, the son I love so much. All the best from our God and Christ be yours! To Be Bold with God's Gifts
3-4Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.
5-7That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

• What does Paul include about himself in his words of greeting? What has motivated him in his work, what does he feel he is carrying out? Have you ever felt that in some small or large way you were doing something that the Spirit called you to do? What caused you to feel that you were being called and how did it effect your response?

• How does he refer to Timothy, what are the feelings he expresses for him? What does it say, Paul of course had no children, about their relationship? Do you have any non-family member that you in some measure feel this way about?

• Paul includes Timothy in his prayers, who do you regularly include in your prayers? Why are they included and what do you pray for? Does praying for them have any effect on you?

• Earlier we reflected on the reasons Timothy would have left everything and followed Paul. What do you see in verses 5-8 that were part of motivating him to make the decision he made? What were some things that energized the young man? As you look back on your faith journey what were some events or people who energized you?

• What did Paul point out to Timothy about the origins of his faith? Who do you feel passed the gift of faith to you – were they all relatives? How important is the act of passing on our faith to those we care about and what are some issues that might inhibit us?

The letter continues with advice and encouragement for Timothy as he carries on with Paul’s work:

2 Timothy 1:8-10 So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
11-12This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end.
13-14So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us.

• What is Paul reminding Timothy he will face as he delivers the Message? Are there places in the world that this remains true today and are there those who in spite of it deliver the Message? Some things never change.

• What role does God play in the work Timothy is being charged with continuing? What is your reaction to Paul characterizing the work and the suffering that goes along with it a “gift”? Have you ever thought about sharing the gospel message, being an ambassador for Christ, in these terms?

• What does Paul see as that which he has “been set apart” for? What has sustained him throughout? As you look back on your faith life do you feel you might have been “set aside” at any time for some role or task? Was there any sense of God’s presence as you worked to fulfill your calling?

• How do you think that Timothy might have reacted as he read this letter and realized the magnitude of the responsibility that was being passed on to him? Have you ever experienced having some kind of significant responsibility (birth of a child, at work, etc.) given to you? What were your feelings and what sustained you in fulfilling your new role?

• We all should have a will for legal and family considerations. What would you like to pass on about your faith life? Write down some of the things you would include in this declaration?

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for all those whose faith and witness have enlightened us and brought us closer to you. Strengthen us by your Spirit that we may encourage the faith of others. We ask in the name of Jesus, our redeemer and guide. Amen


Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37