A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Thursday, May 27, 2010

Post Bible Study Reflections


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.

Prayer for Trinity Sunday
Almighty God, you have given us grace, by the confession of the faith of your holy church, to acknowledge the mystery of the eternal Trinity and, in the power of your divine majesty, to worship the Unity. Keep us steadfast in faith through the reading and hearing of your holy word and bring us at last to see in your eternal glory, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Psalm 8
• Verses 4-7 – (See Hebrews 2:5-9 where this is attributed to Christ.)
• Verse 4 – “ben adam” or “mortals” literally means “children of earth.”
• Verses 5-8 – Reflects the 6th day of creation (Genesis 1:26-30) Human beings are meant to be priests and rulers under God’s rule. This is a lofty purpose for human beings!
• Verse 5 – The words used for “God” is plural. Does this reflect the Trinity?

Questions:
1) What does it mean for us to be priests and rulers under God’s rule? How can we refrain from being triumphalist and rule with Christ-like humility instead.

Romans 5:1-5
• Look for the purpose/mission of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in this passage.
• Verses 1 & 2 – Celebrates our access into the presence of God. This is the language of the Temple.
• Verse 3 – We can celebrate IN our sufferings not BECAUSE of our sufferings. It builds character and shapes us into the people we were created to be.
• Verse 5 – What is the Holy Spirit in relation to this verse?

John 16:12-15
• Jesus uses imagery of giving birth to express what is going to happen through is suffering, death, and resurrection. (See v. 21)
• New creation (Genesis creation story) is about to be birthed. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit will bring about this new creation. But, like childbirth, there will first be pain and struggle.

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