Good morning brothers and sisters,
I wanted to remind you briefly of the memorial service for Ann Gammariello at Laurelton on Saturday, April 30 at 10:30. Come and celebrate Ann's life and offer some comfort to her family.
This is a favorite Easter story. Luke is the only Gospel writer who tells it, and it takes place Easter afternoon. When might we be seeing Jesus but not recognizing him? What allows us to recognize Jesus in our lives?
God bless,
Sam
Luke 24:13-32
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?”
They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”
25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label scriptures. Show all posts
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
a symbol of authority
Good morning sisters and brothers,
This is my least favorite passage in 1 Corinthians. Passages like this made me distrust Paul for a long time and continue to keep many women from connecting with this apostle and with church tradition. The important thing to remember here and elsewhere is that Paul was a product of his time. He grew up in a culture that was convinced that women and men were not equal. The law of Moses didn't allow women to be witnesses in trials, and Greek philosophy understood men to be logical and women to be overly ruled by emotion. Paul's reading of scripture here is suspect as well. Going back to the creation story he says that men are created in God's image, but women are created in man's image. In fact women and men are both made in God's image.
Before we totally discount what Paul has to say here, notice that he does expect women to prophesy. Despite Paul's shortcomings, he knew that God spoke through women as well as men. He was simply trying to figure out how to help the church follow God in a challenging world. Like all of us, he had blind spots and imperfections, but he also has much to teach us.
Blessings as you keep faith today,
Sam
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ.
4Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, 5but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head—it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. 6For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. 7For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. 8Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. 10For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. 12For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? 14Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
This is my least favorite passage in 1 Corinthians. Passages like this made me distrust Paul for a long time and continue to keep many women from connecting with this apostle and with church tradition. The important thing to remember here and elsewhere is that Paul was a product of his time. He grew up in a culture that was convinced that women and men were not equal. The law of Moses didn't allow women to be witnesses in trials, and Greek philosophy understood men to be logical and women to be overly ruled by emotion. Paul's reading of scripture here is suspect as well. Going back to the creation story he says that men are created in God's image, but women are created in man's image. In fact women and men are both made in God's image.
Before we totally discount what Paul has to say here, notice that he does expect women to prophesy. Despite Paul's shortcomings, he knew that God spoke through women as well as men. He was simply trying to figure out how to help the church follow God in a challenging world. Like all of us, he had blind spots and imperfections, but he also has much to teach us.
Blessings as you keep faith today,
Sam
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions just as I handed them on to you. 3But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the husband is the head of his wife, and God is the head of Christ.
4Any man who prays or prophesies with something on his head disgraces his head, 5but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled disgraces her head—it is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. 6For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. 7For a man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. 8Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. 9Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. 10For this reason a woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.
11Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man or man independent of woman. 12For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman; but all things come from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head unveiled? 14Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16But if anyone is disposed to be contentious—we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.
Monday, October 18, 2010
nourished by the word
Good morning friends,
We're back to Psalm 119 today after a bit of a break. This section makes me think of Jeremiah or Paul because there is a hint of persecution in the background and the trust that even in the midst of taunting and hardship, God's word offers strength and hope. In particular we can imagine Jeremiah when he's locked up in the palace or Paul locked up but making his appeal to governors and finally the emperor feeling sure they will not be put to shame when they trust in God's commands. Most of the time when we see heroes of the Bible in trouble they draw on a deep knowledge of scripture to keep strong. As we study and read the Bible, it takes root within us and gives us a source of hope and comfort for hard times. The more we spend time with scripture, the stronger our faith will be.
While not directly related to this passage I want to share a blog with you. As many of you know, my brother and his wife are passionate about peace in the Middle East. One of Will's friends, Tiffany, is now in Northern Iraq as part of a Christian Peacemaking Team. I'm hoping Tiffany will come to Laurelton during the winter to share her experience with us. In her blog you will see a powerful faith in action to make peace in a challenging region. I've been moved by what I've read, and I think you will be too. Please keep Tiffany, her team, and all who work for peace and face violence in your prayers.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:41-48
41Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.
42Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
43Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances.
44I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.
45I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your decrees before kings, and shall not be put to shame;
47I find my delight in your commandments, because I love them.
48I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
We're back to Psalm 119 today after a bit of a break. This section makes me think of Jeremiah or Paul because there is a hint of persecution in the background and the trust that even in the midst of taunting and hardship, God's word offers strength and hope. In particular we can imagine Jeremiah when he's locked up in the palace or Paul locked up but making his appeal to governors and finally the emperor feeling sure they will not be put to shame when they trust in God's commands. Most of the time when we see heroes of the Bible in trouble they draw on a deep knowledge of scripture to keep strong. As we study and read the Bible, it takes root within us and gives us a source of hope and comfort for hard times. The more we spend time with scripture, the stronger our faith will be.
While not directly related to this passage I want to share a blog with you. As many of you know, my brother and his wife are passionate about peace in the Middle East. One of Will's friends, Tiffany, is now in Northern Iraq as part of a Christian Peacemaking Team. I'm hoping Tiffany will come to Laurelton during the winter to share her experience with us. In her blog you will see a powerful faith in action to make peace in a challenging region. I've been moved by what I've read, and I think you will be too. Please keep Tiffany, her team, and all who work for peace and face violence in your prayers.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:41-48
41Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.
42Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.
43Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances.
44I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.
45I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.
46I will also speak of your decrees before kings, and shall not be put to shame;
47I find my delight in your commandments, because I love them.
48I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
persistence and scriptural guidance
Good morning sisters and brothers,
Our reading from Timothy is one of my favorite statements on scripture. Paul reminds Timothy to strengthen himself in the scriptures because they instruct in Christ's salvation. He also reminds him to dedicate himself to scripture in his teaching because "All scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." He also warns Timothy that people will be drawn away by teachers they choose for themselves who simply tell people what they want to hear, rather than keeping the challenge and demand of the gospel in front of them.
Our reading from Luke reminds us to keep praying, even when it seems like God isn't listening. God hears us, and God wants to hear us. Never give up because God's final victory of love is certain.
On a (sort of) separate note, we are starting a new series at the Boulevard Wednesday evening at 8pm. The focus of the series is getting back to the basics of who God is and what the story of faith is about. My hope is to invite people who don't go to church to join the conversation. If you have someone in your life who doesn't believe, or believes but doesn't go to church, this may be the series for them. It's less intimidating than a Sunday school class because it's at a bar instead of the church.
God bless,
Sam
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
*Sunday
Luke 18:1-8
1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Our reading from Timothy is one of my favorite statements on scripture. Paul reminds Timothy to strengthen himself in the scriptures because they instruct in Christ's salvation. He also reminds him to dedicate himself to scripture in his teaching because "All scripture is inspired and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." He also warns Timothy that people will be drawn away by teachers they choose for themselves who simply tell people what they want to hear, rather than keeping the challenge and demand of the gospel in front of them.
Our reading from Luke reminds us to keep praying, even when it seems like God isn't listening. God hears us, and God wants to hear us. Never give up because God's final victory of love is certain.
On a (sort of) separate note, we are starting a new series at the Boulevard Wednesday evening at 8pm. The focus of the series is getting back to the basics of who God is and what the story of faith is about. My hope is to invite people who don't go to church to join the conversation. If you have someone in your life who doesn't believe, or believes but doesn't go to church, this may be the series for them. It's less intimidating than a Sunday school class because it's at a bar instead of the church.
God bless,
Sam
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
*Sunday
Luke 18:1-8
1Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, 'Grant me justice against my opponent.' 4For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, 'Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.'" 6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
guarding our way
Good morning friends,
I like the opening question to this section of Psalm 119: How can young people keep their way pure? Put a different way, since purity speaks to me less than integrity or moral strength: How can young people stay on the right path? Reading this right after hearing from Geoff and Sandy Smith from Youth For Christ really speaks to me as their ministry is very much about helping kids find and stay on the right path. The life of faith in general has a lot to do with keeping ourselves and our children on the right path, living the way we know we should.
The answer to that question the psalmist gives is exactly what we would expect: Guarding their way with God's word. We all read the Bible, at least occasionally, but where the Bible usually starts to really come alive is when we think about how scripture fits with our everyday life. Sunday worship is great, but if our faith doesn't impact the way we live the other six days of the week it won't be the powerful, life changing force that it should be. If we read scripture expecting it to help us make decisions and letting it guide us, God will keep us on the right path. Scripture truly can guard our way during the week. In that we will find not only faithfulness to our calling but also delight as we feast on the Word.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:9-16
9How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
10With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
11I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.
13With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.
14I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways.
16I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
I like the opening question to this section of Psalm 119: How can young people keep their way pure? Put a different way, since purity speaks to me less than integrity or moral strength: How can young people stay on the right path? Reading this right after hearing from Geoff and Sandy Smith from Youth For Christ really speaks to me as their ministry is very much about helping kids find and stay on the right path. The life of faith in general has a lot to do with keeping ourselves and our children on the right path, living the way we know we should.
The answer to that question the psalmist gives is exactly what we would expect: Guarding their way with God's word. We all read the Bible, at least occasionally, but where the Bible usually starts to really come alive is when we think about how scripture fits with our everyday life. Sunday worship is great, but if our faith doesn't impact the way we live the other six days of the week it won't be the powerful, life changing force that it should be. If we read scripture expecting it to help us make decisions and letting it guide us, God will keep us on the right path. Scripture truly can guard our way during the week. In that we will find not only faithfulness to our calling but also delight as we feast on the Word.
God bless,
Sam
Psalm 119:9-16
9How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
10With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commandments.
11I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
12Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes.
13With my lips I declare all the ordinances of your mouth.
14I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.
15I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways.
16I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
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