ISSL Reflections March 24 2024 Acts 6:7–15 Post 1

I.
We turn our attention this week to Stephen (both his actions and words) and the reactions some had to him.

First, let’s see what we know about Stephen.

You may want to review the Acts 6:1-6 where we learn a little more about Stephen.

II.
Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue)

The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith

Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

III.
What have you discovered about Stephen?

Acts 6:1-6 indicates he was one of seven selected by the community for what task?

What do you think it might mean when he is characterized as “full of grace and power”? Are the “wonders and signs” he did related to that?

Why did some “[stir] up the people as well as the elders and the scribes” against him? What did he do wrong?

And, let’s ask what he did right?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 3

VII.
Do you think I ended the last post with a fair question?

“Where do we stand? Is our focus drawn to the outward or the inward?“

As you spend time with this Scripture passage today, notice how it speaks of the outward aspects of a disciple’s life and of the inward aspects of a disciple’s life.

VIII.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

IX.
Let me call our attention to one statement from this reading,

Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect.

Do you think it might be true that if you live from a place of “hope that is in you” it is so exhibited in our daily living, folk will ask you about it?

And that leads to another question – What is the “hope that is in you”?

Answer that and maybe the lifestyle follows?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 2

IV.
Today let’s focus on two things in this passage.

First, it is written to “Those who love life and to see good days…

I wonder how many self-help books and seminars have promised to help folk get on top of those kinds of things?

Second, what does any of this have to do with his invitation to “in your heart sanctify Christ as Lord”?

With those competing thoughts in your mind, spend some time with this passage.

V.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

VI.
What is this passage about?

Is it a description of the “good life”? Is it a road-map for developing attitudes and activities that lead one to a “good life”?

Is it about the outward aspects of having a “good life”?

Or is it about the kind of “heart” that makes “good living” possible?

Where do we stand? Is our focus drawn to the outward or the inward?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 17 2024 1 Peter 3:8–17 Post 1

I.
As we begin our reading and meditating with this Scripture, take time to read it slowly taking in the description of the “the good life.” Might we call it the lifestyle of a disciple of Jesus?

II.
1 Peter 3:8-17 (NRSVue)

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse, but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. For

“Those who desire to love life
      and to see good days,
let them keep their tongues from evil
       and their lips from speaking deceit;
let them turn away from evil and do good;
       let them seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
       and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect. Maintain a good conscience so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.

III.
Of all the aspects of the life God calls us to, what two or three stand out to you most?

Is it the unity of the community? The love for one another? A humble mind? Seeking peace? That God hears our prayers? Or the hope that is in us?

Something else?

Whatever it might be, hold that in your consciousness today as you go about your tasks, your encounters with other folk, and in your moments of stillness and quiet.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 3

VII.
Today, pay attention to how Paul concludes this letter and let that be the lens through which you read his words again.

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

VIII.
2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (NRSVue)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may be restored. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

IX.
So we are to “listen … agree with one another … live in peace …

Is that the means by which we are “restored”?

Or maybe, “the God of love and peace” who is with us is the means of restoration and redemption and experiencing the abundant Kingdom life Jesus spoke of and prayer of …

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be on earth as in heaven.

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 2

IV.
In considering the Season of Lent, the Book of Common Prayer invites us to “the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.”

While observance of Lent began many, many years after this letter to the Christian community at Corinth, Paul already recognized the need for self-examination.

As you read these words today, take note of the hope you find in them.

V.
2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (NRSVue)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may be restored. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

VI.
It would be easy to read this and see it as negative and threatening. And, indeed, there are some who claim to be preachers of the Gospel that use it in such a way. To cause folk to fear God, if they don’t do things “right.”

Take some time to focus your attention on this statement,

… we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth.

What was that – “ … may appear to have met the test …

This is not about “testing for testing’s sake;” it is not about a kind of teaching and studying that has only “passing the test” in mind. At times our educational institutions seem more concerned with the percentage of folk who score passing marks on a test and not on the life after the test.

Paul asks us to engage in honest self-examination not to “seem to have met the test” but to equip ourselves to most fully live the life God calls us into.

I have to wonder, what might God ask me to question about my life?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 10 2024 2 Corinthians 13:5–11 Post 1

I.
Are you ready for this week’s “exam”?

Paul offers some “study questions” for our upcoming exam.

As you notice his insistence that his readers “examine yourselves,” what holds your attention?

II.
2 Corinthians 13:5-11 (NRSVue)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may be restored. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be restored; listen to my appeal; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

III.
Is Paul asking his readers to take seriously the life God has called them to?

  • Examine … test … fail … not failed … not do anything wrong … appear to have met the test … do what is right … may seem to have failed … restored …

Consider for a moment that this correspondence is addressed to you.

Consider that you might be asked to sit for this test.

How would you feel about that? Would you face the test with confidence or might you worry you might not be up for the exam?

Or, would you ignore Paul’s invitation to self-examination?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 3

VII.
Let’s try a couple of things today

First, read the first paragraph below and pay attention to the description of the “worldly people,”
Second, as these people are described, how might we look at these traits and see how the reverse could describe the “beloved.”

VIII.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

IX.
What captures your attention as a way to think of the “beloved”? As a characteristic of how the “beloved” interact with others?

You do understand you are God’s beloved? Right? Take that with you today.

And, return to the prayer that closes these words, “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling, and to you make you stand ….

How do you complete that prayer today?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 2

IV.
Today let’s spend some time paying attention to how the “beloved” are described.

V.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

VI.
What did you notice about the “beloved”?

They build themselves up, they pray, they stay connected to the love of God, they are forward looking, they take seriously the mercy they find in the Lord Jesus Christ and they are concerned about others. What more did you notice?

Of those descriptions of God’s beloved you read above, are there any you sense a need that they be more deeply rooted in your life? How do you think that can come about?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}

ISSL Reflections March 3 2024 Jude 17–25 Post 1

I.
In this week’s Scripture, we are offered a contrast between “worldly people” and the “beloved.”

Read the passage paying attention to what you are told of the “worldly people.”

Reread the passage and take note of what you learn about the “beloved.”

Then read again the prayer that is offered in the concluding sentence.

II.
Jude 17-25 (NRSVue)

But you, beloved, must remember the words previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, indulging their own ungodly lusts.” It is these worldly people, devoid of the Spirit, who are causing divisions. But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on some who are wavering; save others by snatching them out of the fire; and have mercy on still others with fear, hating even the tunic defiled by their bodies.

Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to make you stand without blemish in the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

III.
What in the description of the “worldly people” gives you the most concern?

Why is that?

Do you notice such a disposition in any people you encounter on a day to day basis?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}