I.We start this week with, “Then she started to return …” Why? You want to take a extra moment to read the first five verses of Ruth 1, which sets the stage for the journey Naomi intends. There you read … Continue reading
Category Archives: ISSL
VII.This passage becomes (at least for me) an exercise in “if … then.” “If (A) is true, and if (B) is true, what THEN.” Maybe we could think of this as some of the paradoxes inherent in discipleship. If “paradoxes” … Continue reading
IV.After your initial reading (probably a re-reading) of this passage what freedoms do you hear Paul mention or imply? V.1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 (NRSVue) “All things are permitted,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are permitted,” but not all … Continue reading
I.How free is the religious person? Some folk think to be religious is to lose freedom. Others may think, to be religious is to find greater freedom. This week let’s consider the perspective Paul brings to the discussion. II.1 Corinthians … Continue reading
VII.Today as we reread this passage, let this be our guide through the passage, “… holding fast to the head.” VIII.Colossians 2:16-23 (NRSVue) Therefore, do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food or drink or of observing festivals, … Continue reading
IV.As we return to this passage, please notice the last sentence, “These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.” What does … Continue reading
I.As we turn to these few sentences to the Epistle to the disciples in Colossae, do you hear Paul tell them, “Do Not submit to regulations.” Take that waring from Paul and listen to him speak of “regulations” that are … Continue reading
VII.Let’s give another reading to both of these passages. Take note that Paul speaks of what fulfills, what never ends, and what ceases. Read the passages again, looking for how the eternal might break into our lives that are often … Continue reading
IV.Today, let’s read both of these passages and then return to the 1 Corinthians passage and reread it. In part this passage deals with time. What do you hear it telling you about time and the ending of things? V.Romans … Continue reading
I.This week we will focus on passages from two of the Pauline epistles, Romans and 1 Corinthians. Both passages stress “love.” After you read both passages, come back to the Romans passage and listen for how love “fulfilled the law.” … Continue reading