Thursday, November 4, 2010

Bible Study Summary - Upcoming Sunday's Scriptures


Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday worship services.

All Saints’ Sunday – November 7
What is All Saints’ Sunday? A day to give thanks for those who have faithfully lived and died and who now are in glory forever and who await the coming resurrection.
Who are the saints?
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Scripture – Luke 6:20-31

Jesus has just called 12 men to be his disciples. This echoes God’s calling of the 12 tribes of Israel to be God’s people.

1st Century Context: Prosperity was viewed as divine favor. John Wesley said that prosperity is “a sweet poison.”

Jesus offers the 12 a vision for what it means to be God’s people: 4 promises and 4 warnings. This is similar to the blessings and cursing from the Book of Deuteronomy.
The good news of God’s kingdom will include an upside down change.

Love your enemies – Think of the best thing you can do for the worst person and do it! God is generous to his people. We too, are called to be generous to everyone.

What would our community and world look like if a lot of people lived out Jesus’ vision for his kingdom? What if even just a small number lived out this new vision?

John Wesley’s Three Simple Rules 1) Do no harm 2) Do good 3) Stay in love with God.

Covenant Groups – Small groups of people who meet weekly to share how each is doing in the areas of acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion.

Questions:
1. The church year has built in times to help us remember, grieve, and give thanks for those who have gone before us. All Saints’ Sunday & Ash Wednesday. What are the stages of grief that can help us to find healing?
2. All Saints’ Sunday raises the question of what happens to people after they die. The bible offers us the hope and promise of eternal life.
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