ISSL Reflections November 5 2023 Acts 15:1–11 Post 3

VII.“After much debate Peter stood up and said to them …” As you read this passage today, think of what those who wanted the Gentile believers “to be circumcised and ordered to keep the law of Moses” wanted to hear … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections November 5 2023 Acts 15:1–11 Post 2

IV.From where we stand in the history of the spread of the Christian religion, I think we know which side “won” this argument? Right? What if it wasn’t resolved in the way it was? V.Acts 15:1-11 (NRSVue) Then certain individuals … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 22 2023 Galatians 3:1–14 Post 3

VII.Before you reread these words directed to Jesus’ disciples in Galatia, still your spirit, open your mind and heart to any words of encouragement you find. VIII.Galatians 3:1-14 (NRSVue) You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 15 2023 Galatians 2:11–21 Post 2

IV.In the last post I concentrated on what I saw as the passion with which Paul recalled his confirmation with Peter. Today let’s look at the second paragraph in this week’s reading and look for the energy and passion he … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 8 2023 Romans 7:1–12 Post 1

I.In our Scripture for this week Paul sets his focus on “the law.” As you spend time with this passage, set your own focus on what says about “the law.” Pay attention to what he might say about the positive … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections October 1 2023 Romans 2:12–24, 28–29 Post 3

VII.Let’s go to a couple of things Paul wrote in other epistles. “… even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections September 25 2022 Genesis 35:22b–26; 38:24–26; 49:10–12 Post 1

I.I have to say – in my initial reading of this week’s focus Scriptures, I was confused, speechless and wondering where this collection of verses was supposed to lead me. Why jump between these passages? So, I went back to … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections May 22 2022 Galatians 5:1–15 Post 3

VII.Did you notice? Paul wrote, For in Christ Jesusneither circumcision nor uncircumcisioncounts for anything;the only thing that counts isfaith working through love. How do you hear Paul presenting more aspects of such a statement? VIII.Galatians 5:1-15 (New Revised Standard Version) … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections May 22 2022 Galatians 5:1–15 Post 2

IV.Let’s think with Paul today about what could lead us to “ … submit again to a yoke of slavery.” V.Galatians 5:1-15 (New Revised Standard Version) For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections May 15 2022 Galatians 3:18–29 Post 1

I.I have to admit the first sentence in this passage has me going in circles – “ … from the law … no longer … from the promise … but … through the promise …” “Why then the law?” Good … Continue reading