Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Discussion for November 13, 2011

After reviewing the possible Lectionary scriptures (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, Psalm 90:1-12 and Matthew 25:14-30) I had to go with the Thessalonians slection. I was initially excited to look at Zephaniah because if holds one of my favorite verses 3:17 but Sunday's reading didn't come anywhere near this verse. So we're back to Thessalonians.


Have you ever seen a sign that reads: "Jesus is coming.....act busy?" or a bumper sticker that says, "Jesus is coming...are you ready?"


1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

New International Version (NIV)

The Day of the Lord

 1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

For Consideration:

-In Verse 5 Paul tells the Thessalonians they are "children of the light" and not in darkness. Does this sound arrogant, exclusive? Could churches today use this passage to convey unhelpful speculation on who is understood to exist in the foreboding realm?

-Verses 10 and 11 give us the reasons to act and what to do. How and when do we benefit from, "encouraging and building up each other?" 
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1 comment:

  1. GMNovember 14, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    Vitamin F

    After our class Helen Fleming and I were discussing alternatives to overcome depression (1 in 5 Americans suffer). Sun light, exercise and diet are three of the components and the fourth is interesting but not s surprise: Socializing with others....community! Here is a copy of an email Helen received about Vitamin F.

    "Why do I have a variety of friends who are all different in character? How do I get on with them all? I think that each one helps to bring out a "different" part of me. They are all like pieces of a jigsaw.

    When completed they form a treasure box. A treasury of friends! They are my friends, who understand me better than myself, Who support me through good days and bad days.

    Dr. Oz calls them Vitamin F (from Friends) and counts the benefits of friends to our well being. If you take Vitamin F constantly you can be up to 30 years younger than your real age. The warmth of friendship stops stress and even in your tense Moments it decreases the chance of a cardiac arrest or stroke by 50 %.

    I am so happy that I have a stock of Vitamin F!
    In summary we should value our friends and keep in touch with them. We should try to see the funny side of things and laugh together... Don't forget to take your daily dose of vitamin F!!!! Thank you for helping to keep me healthy!"

    Maybe this dovetails with Paul's instructions in verse 11 encouraging and building up each other.

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