Thursday, October 13, 2011

Bible Study Summary - Upcoming Sunday's Scriptures



Sermon – “Transformed Living: Pennies in the Fountain”

Deuteronomy 8:11-18

-         Book of Deuteronomy Information: It means, “Second Law” because of its use of repetition.  It’s Moses’ last sermon to the Israelites before his death.  The theology of Deuteronomy tends to be that if you follow the commands of God, God will bless you.
-         The passage is a warning to not forget to worship and thank God for the many blessings we have.

II Corinthians 8:7-15

-         This 2nd letter was probably written in 56/57 AD.  It’s Paul’s most personal letter because before this letter, Paul had visited them and it was painful and humiliating (see 2:1-11)  This prompted other Christians to come to Corinth and criticize Paul and call into question his credentials.  This letter focuses on the meaning of the cross of Jesus in the way we live.
-         Paul was collecting an offering for the church in Jerusalem who were experiencing a drought.  To encourage the Corinthians to give generously, Paul pointed out the generosity of the Macedonia Christians who gave generously out of their extreme poverty.

Luke 20:45 – 21:4

-         The Gospel of Luke is addressed to Theophilus which means “lover of God.”  We’re not sure if this was an actual person or a creative way to refer to anyone who is a lover of God.  This is part of a two volume history which includes Acts.  Written by Luke who was a doctor and a friend of Paul.  The Gospel of Luke is particularly concerned for those who are marginalized and forgotten in society.
-         This passage is a good example of how Luke highlights someone who would normally be overlooked in Jesus’ day – a poor widow.
-         God’s people were not getting that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah and so Jesus denounces their religious pretensions and praises the lowly widow.  The money she is donating to the Temple is going to the religious leaders who end up oppressing people like her!
-         God’s measure of spirituality and generosity is not the same as the world’s view. 
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