VII.Today look again at the form of Hezekiah’s prayer. Pay attention to the order of the different elements in his prayer. VIII.2 Kings 19:14–20, 29–31 (NRSVue) Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; then … Continue reading
VII.Today let’s spend time with our focus passage taking notice of what we learn about God. VIII.Titus 3:3-11 (NRSVue) For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and … Continue reading
IV.We took time in the last post to consider the before/after contrast Paul presents us in this passage. Today, let’s pay attention for the positive aspects of how he describes those he calls “heirs.” V.Titus 3:3-11 (NRSVue) For we ourselves … Continue reading
I.I have a question: What are folk like before “ … he saved us …” and afterwards? We find here some observations of what one can be like on both sides of the experience of “… rebirth and renewal…” What … Continue reading
IV.Let’s start our reflection today by taking notice of the phrase, “For the grace of God has appeared ….” For Paul, what follows from the appearance of the “grace of God”? V.Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15 (NRSVue) Paul, a servant of God … Continue reading
I.In almost the last sentence of this week’s focus passage tells a young minister to “Declare … exhort … and reprove…” As you spend time with this passage, what do you find that Paul “declares”? II.Titus 1:1-3; 2:11-15 (NRSVue) Paul, … Continue reading
VII.Today, let’s take note of Paul’s reference to Deuteronomy 30:14, “The word is near you,in your mouth and in your heart” How does that image find expression in these words from Paul? VIII.Romans 10:1-17 (NRSVue) Brothers and sisters, my heart’s … Continue reading
IV.Let’s spend a little more time thinking about “zeal.” What do you take to be Paul’s warning about “zeal”? V.Romans 10:1-17 (NRSVue) Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. … Continue reading
VII.Today let’s return to the idea of God’s “demonstration of his righteousness.” As you spend time with the passage, what do you notice about how righteousness is demonstrated? VIII.Romans 3:21-30 (NRSVue) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of … Continue reading
IV.Returning to our focus passage today, notice the comment, “Through what kind of law?” What kinds of “law” does Paul put before us? V.Romans 3:21-30 (NRSVue) But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed and … Continue reading