VII.As you return to this passage today, pay attention to how some people countered Stephen’s speaking to them. VIII.Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue) The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great … Continue reading
V.Did you notice, “… they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.” Hold that thought in mind as your return to this passage and read it once again. V.Acts 6:7-15 (NRSVue) The word of God … Continue reading
IV.Notice who has questions, who is frightened, who has answers, who is willing to travel in search of one who is due homage, who pays attention to stars, ancient writings, and dreams, and who finds joy. V.Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSVue) In … 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
IV.Let’s begin today by considering Paul’s statement, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” As you spend time with this passage, pay attention to how wisdom and foolishness are described. V.1 … Continue reading
I.Notice Paul’s direction to the the recipients of his letter, “Consider your own call …” (1 Corinthians 1:26) Couple that with his earlier statement, “… to those who are called…” (1 Corinthians 1:24), I take it that Paul considered these … Continue reading
VII.This week we end for now our time with James. This might be a good time to review what James had to say – Scripture for August 2 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201%3A19-27&version=NRSV,ESV,MSG Scripture for August 9 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%201%3A19-27&version=NRSV,ESV,MSG Scripture for August 16 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%202%3A14-26&version=NIV,CEB,MSG Scripture … Continue reading
Let’s go back to the Scriptures for a moment. Here are three translations to consider –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%203%3A13-18%3B%205%3A7-11&version=NRSV,MSG,LEB V.The other day I asked you to consider the two kinds of “wisdom” James speaks of and to note the words or phrases that … Continue reading
I.With this week’s readings from James’ letter we come to a close of our time with James. Or maybe not. We’ve only taken time to reflect on selected passages, so perhaps you want to find time to review the entire … Continue reading
I.In this week’s scripture we are first reminded by the writer of Ecclesiastes that there is a proper “…season, and a time for every matter under heaven….” And then we jump over the naming of many of those “seasons” to … Continue reading