Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
April 21, 2020
Acts 3:1-6
Rev. George Miller
Welcome to all. A reminder of some basic tips-
1) It’s Ok to have beliefs challenged. No one knows it all.
2) What kind of Bible are you using- translation or interpretation?
3) Don’t be afraid to ask “Is this fact and this truth
Brief History: Acts is written by same author of Luke; a sequel if you will, perhaps written in the 90’s CE. We’re witnessing how this new thing called “Church” is coming about, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The author of Luke/Acts is fond of healing stories; 17 healing stories appear in Luke. In Acts, the healing is done by the apostles, but it is the name of Jesus that is used as the source of healing. The name represents the source of power behind it.
Thoughts/Questions:
Today’s reading a is a perfect example of “Do I think this story is a fact and happened exactly as reported OR do I think this story is truth, teaching us a lesson?” Is it possible the man was healed but didn’t have the exact response as reported in verses 7-10?
Does this story remind you of anything from the Old Testament? Can you think of other stories that involved walking? Other stories that involved healing? Do you recall the words of the prophet Isiah 35:6 and do you think this may have had an influence on Acts 3?
Happy Study and be blessed! -Pastor George
A UCC Pastor's walk through the spiritual waters of Scripture, pop culture and life.
Showing posts with label Narrative Lectionary Bible Study 2020. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Narrative Lectionary Bible Study 2020. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Narrative Lectionary Bible Study for 04 14 20; Acts 1:1-14
Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
Rev. George Miller
April 14, 2020
Acts 1:1-14
Welcome to our weekly N.L.B.S. Remember-
1) All thoughts are welcome; no one knows it all.
2) There are many, many kinds of Bibles
3) There is fact and there is truth.
4) It’s Ok when beliefs are challenged; wrestling with your faith is a cornerstone of Christianity.
Take a moment to read Sunday’s text, Acts 1:1-14
Take a breath to clear your head.
1st thing you may ask is “Who is Theophilus?”
2nd thing you may ask is “What did the Resurrected Christ do for those 40 days?”
Now, let’s do some history. Acts is written by the same author of Luke; a sequel of sorts. Whereas Mark was written during 70 CE as the city was being destroyed, Luke/Acts was perhaps written around 90 CE. The Temple has been long gone and the church is still in early formation.
Acts is a beautiful, exciting, inspiring book about how this rag tag group of disciples who were often stumbling over themselves and being perpetual Left Sharks somehow, someway were able to do the ministry of Christ on God’s earth, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Now, to answer the above two questions.
The author is writing to Theophilus. But no one knows who this historical Theophilus is.
It turns out that Theophilus means “Lover of God” or/and “Beloved Of God.”
Here is what’s so cool- some scholars believe that WE are all Theophilus; that the author was not writing to one person, but to all people, in all times, in all places, in all circumstances.
Meaning that WE are ALL Theophilus! Beloved of God/Love of God.
2nd- What did the resurrected Christ do for those 40 days? Most likely what Jesus did best- he ate and drank!
Though not all Bibles have it, there are copies of the scripture that reads in vs. 4 “While Jesus was eating with them, he ordered them not to leave…”
How cool is that? And how much more so does it validate the importance the ability to share a meal and partake in the Lord’s Supper really is.
Well, this is enough for now. I hope you have a safe day and happy wrestling.
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
Rev. George Miller
April 14, 2020
Acts 1:1-14
Welcome to our weekly N.L.B.S. Remember-
1) All thoughts are welcome; no one knows it all.
2) There are many, many kinds of Bibles
3) There is fact and there is truth.
4) It’s Ok when beliefs are challenged; wrestling with your faith is a cornerstone of Christianity.
Take a moment to read Sunday’s text, Acts 1:1-14
Take a breath to clear your head.
1st thing you may ask is “Who is Theophilus?”
2nd thing you may ask is “What did the Resurrected Christ do for those 40 days?”
Now, let’s do some history. Acts is written by the same author of Luke; a sequel of sorts. Whereas Mark was written during 70 CE as the city was being destroyed, Luke/Acts was perhaps written around 90 CE. The Temple has been long gone and the church is still in early formation.
Acts is a beautiful, exciting, inspiring book about how this rag tag group of disciples who were often stumbling over themselves and being perpetual Left Sharks somehow, someway were able to do the ministry of Christ on God’s earth, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Now, to answer the above two questions.
The author is writing to Theophilus. But no one knows who this historical Theophilus is.
It turns out that Theophilus means “Lover of God” or/and “Beloved Of God.”
Here is what’s so cool- some scholars believe that WE are all Theophilus; that the author was not writing to one person, but to all people, in all times, in all places, in all circumstances.
Meaning that WE are ALL Theophilus! Beloved of God/Love of God.
2nd- What did the resurrected Christ do for those 40 days? Most likely what Jesus did best- he ate and drank!
Though not all Bibles have it, there are copies of the scripture that reads in vs. 4 “While Jesus was eating with them, he ordered them not to leave…”
How cool is that? And how much more so does it validate the importance the ability to share a meal and partake in the Lord’s Supper really is.
Well, this is enough for now. I hope you have a safe day and happy wrestling.
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Narrative Lectionary Bible Study for 04 07 20; Mark 16:1-8a
Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
Rev. George Miller
April 7, 2020
Mark 16:1-8a
Welcome to our #3 Narrative Lectionary Bible Study. Remember-
1) All thoughts are welcome; no one knows it all.
2) What kind of Bible are you using? A translation or an interpretation/paraphrase?
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. It was acceptable back then to use both to share info & ideas.
4) If anything challenges your belief- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we’re all on our way to being theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Take a moment to read Sunday’s text, Mark 16:1-8a.
Take a breath to clear your head.
1st thing you may ask is “What is 8a?”
2nd thing you may ask is “Where is Jesus?”
3rd thing you may ask- “Why about the verses afterwards?’
Great questions. Let’s do some simple history. It is believed that the Mark was writing when Rome was attacking Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed. Mark is writing for people who are scared and in survivor mode.
Scholars believe the original version of Mark ended with verse 8a in which the women flee the empty tomb, afraid.
This seemingly abrupt ending did not sit well with later generations, so around the 3rd Century, verse 13:b was added to create some closure. Verses 9-19 were added on at another time trying to create a “finished” product.
Why do you think Mark would choose to end the Gospel this way? How do we feel about the Gospel ending with questions as opposed to answers?
No one can answer these for you, but here are some thoughts
1) Maybe the author is using a storytelling technique in which it is the audience who bring closure to the story (Kind of like how GONE WITH THE WIND leaves us imagining what happens next for Scarlett and Rhett).
2) Maybe the disciples are not shown because we are expected to now be the disciples, taking the next chapter of the resurrection out into the world.
3) Maybe, by not showing the Resurrected Christ, the reader is made to seek out where the Resurrected Christ is in their own life.
For those who want to fill their week with extra study, here is something to do- read all the resurrection stories in the order they were most likely written and see what is different, what is the same.
1) I Corinthians 15:3-9, 12-17, written by Paul in the 40’s/50’s
2) Mark 16:1-8; written in the 70’s
3) Matthew 18, perhaps written in the 80s
4) Luke 14, perhaps written in the 90’s
5) John 20-21, perhaps written in the 100’s.
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
Rev. George Miller
April 7, 2020
Mark 16:1-8a
Welcome to our #3 Narrative Lectionary Bible Study. Remember-
1) All thoughts are welcome; no one knows it all.
2) What kind of Bible are you using? A translation or an interpretation/paraphrase?
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. It was acceptable back then to use both to share info & ideas.
4) If anything challenges your belief- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we’re all on our way to being theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Take a moment to read Sunday’s text, Mark 16:1-8a.
Take a breath to clear your head.
1st thing you may ask is “What is 8a?”
2nd thing you may ask is “Where is Jesus?”
3rd thing you may ask- “Why about the verses afterwards?’
Great questions. Let’s do some simple history. It is believed that the Mark was writing when Rome was attacking Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed. Mark is writing for people who are scared and in survivor mode.
Scholars believe the original version of Mark ended with verse 8a in which the women flee the empty tomb, afraid.
This seemingly abrupt ending did not sit well with later generations, so around the 3rd Century, verse 13:b was added to create some closure. Verses 9-19 were added on at another time trying to create a “finished” product.
Why do you think Mark would choose to end the Gospel this way? How do we feel about the Gospel ending with questions as opposed to answers?
No one can answer these for you, but here are some thoughts
1) Maybe the author is using a storytelling technique in which it is the audience who bring closure to the story (Kind of like how GONE WITH THE WIND leaves us imagining what happens next for Scarlett and Rhett).
2) Maybe the disciples are not shown because we are expected to now be the disciples, taking the next chapter of the resurrection out into the world.
3) Maybe, by not showing the Resurrected Christ, the reader is made to seek out where the Resurrected Christ is in their own life.
For those who want to fill their week with extra study, here is something to do- read all the resurrection stories in the order they were most likely written and see what is different, what is the same.
1) I Corinthians 15:3-9, 12-17, written by Paul in the 40’s/50’s
2) Mark 16:1-8; written in the 70’s
3) Matthew 18, perhaps written in the 80s
4) Luke 14, perhaps written in the 90’s
5) John 20-21, perhaps written in the 100’s.
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Narrative Lectionary Bible Study for 03 24 20, Mark 13:1-23
Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
Rev. George Miller
March 24, 2020
Mark 13:1-23
Greetings and welcome to our 1st Narrative Lectionary Bible Study during this era of uncertainty. If you haven’t attended one of our classes, here are some basic things to know-
1) All opinions/views are welcome; no one knows it all. If you wish to engage in conversation about what’s discussed, you can say anything as long as it is prefaced with an “I” statement- “This is what I believe,” “This is what I heard,” “This is what I was taught,”, etc.
It is in my opinion that I-statements allow us to hear one another much clearer. (See what I did right there?)
2) Pay attention to what Bible you’re using. Is it a translation, like the NRSV, NIV, KJV, The Good News? Or is it an interpretation/paraphrase, like The Message or The Living Bible? Translations try to stay true to the text, interpretations try to make the text more readable.
In my opinion, all Bibles have a bias and particular voice due to who their editor/translator/interpreters is, and when they get it right, they get it right, when they get it wrong….it can be way off base. (See what I did again?)
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. Fact is something that can be witnessed, measured and recorded. Truth is something that’s more poetic and filled with imagery that is used to convey an idea.
For example, I could tell you “Last night it rained 5 inches” and that would be a fact. Or, I could say “Last night it rained cats and dogs” and that would be a truth.
You know that it did not literally rain cats and dogs, and you’d understand that in American vernacular “cats and dogs” is a fun way to say “a lot.” A truth is not a lie, but it is not necessarily a fact.
Ancient people living in ancient times often told their stories using truth, but modern day Americans raised in a technological, industrial era often take everything as fact.
If this all makes your head hurt- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we are all on our way to becoming wizened theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Today’s lesson is Mark 13:1-23
Take a moment to read it to yourself.
Now, read it out loud.
What are your “a-has!!”?
What are your “huhs???”/ Questions?
What things caused you to wrestle or feel uncomfortable?
What do you think Jesus is trying to say?
What do you think the author of Mark is trying to say?
For some historical info- the Gospel of Mark takes place around 30 or 33 CE, but it was most likely written around the year 70 CE (which means the Christian Era. CE is now used instead of the familiar AD).
Mark was most likely a Jew writing for other Jews.
Do you know what was going on in Mark’s hometown when Mark was writing this Gospel?
The Romans were attacking Jerusalem from 67-70 CE. In the year 70 the Romans sets fire to the Temple and then tore every last stone to the ground. (Some of the stones were 40 feet in length and weighed up to 100 tons.)
So…..there is a good chance that as Mark was reporting Jesus’ words in 13:1-23, that the Temple was either about to be attacked, was under attack, or the attack has just taken place.
Which leads us to wonder-
Did Jesus actually say what Mark reported (which would be a fact)?
Or did Mark put words into Jesus’ mouth to reflect Mark’s own experience (which would make it a truth)?
Or could it be a bit of both? Did Mark see the Temple being set aflame and torn down, and Mark recalled that Jesus had talked about that very thing?
Do you think Jesus, in the year 30-33 was speaking about the destruction of the Temple in 70, or do you think Jesus was talking about the end of the world as we know it?
Or… do you think Jesus (or/and Mark) are trying to tell us something else?
Also, here are some things to ponder-
1) This story features three of the disciples who went up the mountain with Jesus during the Transfiguration in Mark 9:2-8. See any similarities in these two texts?
2) This scripture takes place right after Jesus condemns the scribes inside the Temple and sees the widow give her last 2 coins. Do you think there is a connection to between12 and 13?
3) Do you see any parallels with this week’s reading and what we are going through at this moment?
4) Where do you see the hope? Is there Good News that can be gleaned from the reading?
5) In addition to today’s reading, you may want to check out Psalm 102, which was written during the Babylonian Exile, dealing with the 1st time the Temple was destroyed and not available as a place of worship.
This is enough, for now.
May you be blessed, and safe, and find comfort in the Lord.
Peace, Pastor George
Rev. George Miller
March 24, 2020
Mark 13:1-23
Greetings and welcome to our 1st Narrative Lectionary Bible Study during this era of uncertainty. If you haven’t attended one of our classes, here are some basic things to know-
1) All opinions/views are welcome; no one knows it all. If you wish to engage in conversation about what’s discussed, you can say anything as long as it is prefaced with an “I” statement- “This is what I believe,” “This is what I heard,” “This is what I was taught,”, etc.
It is in my opinion that I-statements allow us to hear one another much clearer. (See what I did right there?)
2) Pay attention to what Bible you’re using. Is it a translation, like the NRSV, NIV, KJV, The Good News? Or is it an interpretation/paraphrase, like The Message or The Living Bible? Translations try to stay true to the text, interpretations try to make the text more readable.
In my opinion, all Bibles have a bias and particular voice due to who their editor/translator/interpreters is, and when they get it right, they get it right, when they get it wrong….it can be way off base. (See what I did again?)
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. Fact is something that can be witnessed, measured and recorded. Truth is something that’s more poetic and filled with imagery that is used to convey an idea.
For example, I could tell you “Last night it rained 5 inches” and that would be a fact. Or, I could say “Last night it rained cats and dogs” and that would be a truth.
You know that it did not literally rain cats and dogs, and you’d understand that in American vernacular “cats and dogs” is a fun way to say “a lot.” A truth is not a lie, but it is not necessarily a fact.
Ancient people living in ancient times often told their stories using truth, but modern day Americans raised in a technological, industrial era often take everything as fact.
If this all makes your head hurt- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we are all on our way to becoming wizened theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Today’s lesson is Mark 13:1-23
Take a moment to read it to yourself.
Now, read it out loud.
What are your “a-has!!”?
What are your “huhs???”/ Questions?
What things caused you to wrestle or feel uncomfortable?
What do you think Jesus is trying to say?
What do you think the author of Mark is trying to say?
For some historical info- the Gospel of Mark takes place around 30 or 33 CE, but it was most likely written around the year 70 CE (which means the Christian Era. CE is now used instead of the familiar AD).
Mark was most likely a Jew writing for other Jews.
Do you know what was going on in Mark’s hometown when Mark was writing this Gospel?
The Romans were attacking Jerusalem from 67-70 CE. In the year 70 the Romans sets fire to the Temple and then tore every last stone to the ground. (Some of the stones were 40 feet in length and weighed up to 100 tons.)
So…..there is a good chance that as Mark was reporting Jesus’ words in 13:1-23, that the Temple was either about to be attacked, was under attack, or the attack has just taken place.
Which leads us to wonder-
Did Jesus actually say what Mark reported (which would be a fact)?
Or did Mark put words into Jesus’ mouth to reflect Mark’s own experience (which would make it a truth)?
Or could it be a bit of both? Did Mark see the Temple being set aflame and torn down, and Mark recalled that Jesus had talked about that very thing?
Do you think Jesus, in the year 30-33 was speaking about the destruction of the Temple in 70, or do you think Jesus was talking about the end of the world as we know it?
Or… do you think Jesus (or/and Mark) are trying to tell us something else?
Also, here are some things to ponder-
1) This story features three of the disciples who went up the mountain with Jesus during the Transfiguration in Mark 9:2-8. See any similarities in these two texts?
2) This scripture takes place right after Jesus condemns the scribes inside the Temple and sees the widow give her last 2 coins. Do you think there is a connection to between12 and 13?
3) Do you see any parallels with this week’s reading and what we are going through at this moment?
4) Where do you see the hope? Is there Good News that can be gleaned from the reading?
5) In addition to today’s reading, you may want to check out Psalm 102, which was written during the Babylonian Exile, dealing with the 1st time the Temple was destroyed and not available as a place of worship.
This is enough, for now.
May you be blessed, and safe, and find comfort in the Lord.
Peace, Pastor George
Narrative Lectionary Bible Study for 03 31, 20; Mark 11:1-12
Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
Rev. George Miller
March 31, 2020
Mark 11:1-12
Welcome to our 2nd Narrative Lectionary Bible Study during this era of uncertainty. A reminder of some basic things-
1) All opinions/views are welcome; no one knows it all. When responding, please use “I” statements
2) What Bible are you using? Is it a translation or an interpretation/paraphrase?
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. It was acceptable back then to use both to share info & ideas.
4) If anything challenges your belief of makes your head hurt- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we are all on our way to becoming wizened theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Take a moment to read this Sunday’s text, Mark 11:1-11.
Take a breath to clear your head.
Let’s do some simple history. The story takes place at the beginning of Passover Week, a major event in Jerusalem, sort of like 12 Hours of Sebring, in which folk from all over came to town. A big part of the festival was the ruler riding into town on a huge war horse filled with pomp and circumstance, surrounded by all the important people.
Mark tells of another kind of leader riding into town from another direction, on a more humble, smaller creature. The crowd is made up of the regular folk, the “people.”
Imagine these two “parades” taking place at the same time, in opposite directions. 2 different kind of men who folk saw as a “king”, 2 different kind of creatures used for mobility, and 2 kinds of crowds.
What do you think Jesus is trying to accomplish? What do you think the author of Mark is trying to say?
Read Mark 11:1-11 again, this time pay attention to the words that are actually there, not what you think is there.
What do you think the author of Mark is trying to tell us?
Now…for the real head-hurting part, compare Mark’s account with the other Gospels. Find what is different, what’s the same.
As you read the 4 accounts, ask yourself, “Is this a fact? Or is it truth?” “Why would the same story be told 4 different ways?” And for great fun, see if you can spot the visual of Jesus’ entry that Matthew creates.
Mark 11:1-11
Matthew 21:1-17
Luke 19:28-46
John 12:12-19
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
Rev. George Miller
March 31, 2020
Mark 11:1-12
Welcome to our 2nd Narrative Lectionary Bible Study during this era of uncertainty. A reminder of some basic things-
1) All opinions/views are welcome; no one knows it all. When responding, please use “I” statements
2) What Bible are you using? Is it a translation or an interpretation/paraphrase?
3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. It was acceptable back then to use both to share info & ideas.
4) If anything challenges your belief of makes your head hurt- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we are all on our way to becoming wizened theologians.
So…..Let’s get started.
Take a moment to read this Sunday’s text, Mark 11:1-11.
Take a breath to clear your head.
Let’s do some simple history. The story takes place at the beginning of Passover Week, a major event in Jerusalem, sort of like 12 Hours of Sebring, in which folk from all over came to town. A big part of the festival was the ruler riding into town on a huge war horse filled with pomp and circumstance, surrounded by all the important people.
Mark tells of another kind of leader riding into town from another direction, on a more humble, smaller creature. The crowd is made up of the regular folk, the “people.”
Imagine these two “parades” taking place at the same time, in opposite directions. 2 different kind of men who folk saw as a “king”, 2 different kind of creatures used for mobility, and 2 kinds of crowds.
What do you think Jesus is trying to accomplish? What do you think the author of Mark is trying to say?
Read Mark 11:1-11 again, this time pay attention to the words that are actually there, not what you think is there.
What do you think the author of Mark is trying to tell us?
Now…for the real head-hurting part, compare Mark’s account with the other Gospels. Find what is different, what’s the same.
As you read the 4 accounts, ask yourself, “Is this a fact? Or is it truth?” “Why would the same story be told 4 different ways?” And for great fun, see if you can spot the visual of Jesus’ entry that Matthew creates.
Mark 11:1-11
Matthew 21:1-17
Luke 19:28-46
John 12:12-19
May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George
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