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, October 21, 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.

Below are the notes from this week's bible study:

Exodus 4:1-17
Verses 10-17 are key verses for this Sunday’s sermon on being a witness and sharing our faith with others.
- Moses is to be a spokesperson for God. This is an awesome task. No wonder Moses offered an excuse!
- The Lord offers reassurance to Moses: 1) A reminder that the Lord has created him. 2) The Lord will be with him when he speaks. 3) The Lord will continue to teach him.
- Moses still resists – v. 13
- The Lord provides a solution – Aaron, Moses’ brother can speak. The buddy system! Notice that Aaron is already on his way (v. 14). The Lord works fast!
- Moses is to tell Aaron what the Lord wants him to say. Moses isn’t off the hook. He still has a part to play by instructing Aaron and he needs to be attentive to what the Lord wants to say through them.
- Verse 16 is a good verse on the task of being a witness/preaching.

Matthew 5:13-16
- This is a call for God’s people to know who they are and who they have been – salt of the earth and the light of the world! Why do we forget who we are and what we have been created to be?
- We are to be the light of the world (Isaiah 42:6 & 49:6). Are we shining the light or are we making things darker?

Thoughts on Being a Witness for Jesus:
1. Share your faith story!
2. Think about the Apostles’ Creed. It’s a summary of what we believe.
3. Like Moses and Aaron, use the buddy system in sharing your faith with others.
4. Like Moses, keep in daily communication with God so you know what you are to share about God and your faith with others.
5. Step out of your comfort zone!
.

No comments: