I.We read that King Josiah “kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem.” We might wonder, wasn’t the Passover always kept? Well, no, it wasn’t. This represents a continuation of the religious reforms of Josiah we begin to read about … Continue reading
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
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
I.We find some tension here – “… certain individuals came down from Judea … others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem …” But it is not merely a tension in geography – “… were teaching … unless you are … Continue reading
IV.Let’s look at this passage again and notice how Paul writes about being “imprisoned,” “enslaved,” “minors,” and even “heirs.” V.Galatians 3:23-4:7 (NRSVue) Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore … Continue reading
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
I.As we begin our reflections on this week’s focus passage, let’s start with “… a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something external and physical.” Literally that is not true. What does the above … Continue reading
I.Think about the description of the Pharisees, “… they were watching him closely…. they were silent…. they could not reply to this.” And this is in the context of Jesus “going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees … Continue reading
VII.There can be little doubt this passage is about “commandments.” After all, we read, “This entire commandment that I command you today … whether or not you would keep his commandments…. Therefore keep the commandments of the Lord your God … Continue reading
IV.The other day I came across these words in Leviticus, Do what I tell you;live the way I tell you.I am the God who makes you holy.(Leviticus 20:8, The Message) These sentences from Deuteronomy speak to what the Israleites had … Continue reading