Lord, This Is A Hard Saying!

Lectionary Leftovers 2 - May 5 - Acts 10, Isaiah 66, Psalm 98, John 15, 1 John 5

Once again we have some awesome readings to crawl through. In Acts 10 we see Peter on a role. Along with his fellow apostles we see the acting out of Isaiah 66. Psalm 98 reminds us that Jesus does the Yahweh things. In John 15 we meditate on what the Love of God really looks like, and in 1 John 5 we find that our victory is already won, and it's Christ who won it for us on the cross.

Lectionary Leftovers 1 - April 21 - Acts 4, Psalm 118, John 10, Ezekiel 34

When reading the New Testament, it's imperative to go back and read the Old Testament chapters which the New Testament authors cite. When Peter tells the Scribes and Priests that Jesus was the stone which the builders rejected, he's citing Psalm 118 and everything that goes with it. We then move to John 10, where Jesus says he's the Good Shepherd. This brings Ezekiel 34 to mind, and Jesus says a whole lot by simply saying he's the Good Shepherd.

10 - The Problem of Suffering - Psalm 73, Job 38, Habakkuk 1, 2 Corinthians 12

Theodicy: The Problem of Suffering We wrap up our class on Hard Sayings with the question of theodicy, or the problem of suffering in light of an all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent God. “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.” --Psalm 73:3-6 Why does God call some Christians to suffering while others are called in times of peace and prosperity? Well, as we’ve learned, earthly prosperity is often very bad for the soul. And when our priorities are straight, we see that the riches and comforts of this world pale in comparison to the eternal riches which are ours through Christ Jesus. God blinded Paul in order that he might see the Gospel. God may still sometimes blind us for our own good, in order that we might see, and it’s for the good of our eternal souls. That said, as was with Job, sometimes the answer from God is simply “trust me and my eternal promises.” And…it’s worth noting, too, that often the righteous judgments of God are hidden or delayed in this life, but will be fully displayed on the last day, when all will be naked and exposed before the one to whom we must give account. On that day, you better have Christ as your advocate when you stand before a holy God burning with righteous justice. You can find any class handouts (PDF) here: https://electricsystemconsulting.com/secret⁠ All music recorded by Jonathan. Intro and outro music was played on a Seagull Merlin Strumstick Dulcimer. Interludes are a regular 6-string guitar.

9 - Why Aren't We Bound By All The Old Testament Laws? - Old VS New Covenant

Today we discuss the New Covenant verses the Old Covenant, and why we don’t practice all the Old Covenant laws anymore. From the moment after Christ ascended, the early church had several topics to work through, including circumcision and dietary laws to name a few. Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews have more than a few things to say on the subject. We discuss several forms of Judaizing which some Christians still struggle with today, and we’ll find that the New Testament isn’t silent, and understanding the extremely important, but often overlooked, topic of the New Covenant sheds important light on the subject. Rejoice! For we are under a New, Better Covenant! You can find any class handouts (PDF) here: https://electricsystemconsulting.com/secret⁠ All music recorded by Jonathan. Intro and outro music was played on a Seagull Merlin Strumstick Dulcimer. Interludes are a regular 6-string guitar.

8 - Not Peace, but a Sword - Matthew 10, Ephesians 5, Luke 14

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.” --Jesus Too often we make Jesus fluffy. He surely is compassionate and merciful, and he came to be a servant, but he also wields a proverbial giant two-edged sword. Today we discuss this and the cost of discipleship, which is not always sunshine and roses. We see, however, that the costs are not even worth comparing to the eternal gifts he freely gives.