Month: August 2019
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Questions for Reflection and Discussion – Genesis 19 1, 5-26, 29
We are studying Genesis 19:1, 15-26, 29 for Sunday, September 1. This is the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which involves God’s rescue of Abraham’s nephew Lot, and a couple of his daughters, from that destruction, by means of a helpful angel. [Notes on the text are here.] Normally, this is where […]
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Study Notes – Genesis 19 1, 15-26, 29
We are studying Genesis 19:1, 15-26, 29 for Sunday, September 1. Our newly redesigned curriculum also gives us the background scripture, which in this case is Genesis 18:6-19:29, the whole story of YHWH’s negotiation with Abraham over how many people it will take to spare Sodom and Gomorrah, along with chapter 19 up to Lot’s […]
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Study Notes – Ephesians 5:21-33
We are studying Ephesians 5:21-33 for Sunday, August 25. God, make speed to save me. [Some questions on the text are here.] This is one of the most controversial passages in scripture, and I think not only “these days.” The person I know at church who told me “I ripped the book of Ephesians out […]
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Questions for Reflection and Discussion – Ruth 3
We are studying Ruth 3 (selected verses) for Sunday, August 18. This is the episode where Ruth follows Naomi’s instructions to meet Boaz on the threshing floor and, in effect, boldly propositions marriage. [Study notes on the text are here.] Here are some questions we might want to consider before class, or discuss in class: […]
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Why Not?
Claiborne, Shane and Martin, Michael. Beating Guns: Hope for People Who are Weary of Violence. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Brazos Press, 2019. [An Installment of the “Read Me” Project.] Why I wanted to read Beating Guns: It said it was for people who are weary of violence. My demographic. One of the authors, Michael Martin, is […]
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Study Notes – Ruth 3
We are studying Ruth 3 for Sunday, August 18. This is the part of the book of Ruth where Naomi devises a plan for Ruth’s future, and Ruth and Boaz go along with it. [Some questions on the text are here.] Here are my notes on the text: BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT: After the opening of […]
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Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
[A sermon delivered at the Corydon Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 11, 2019.] A lot of times these Bible stories we read in church start sort of the in the middle of things, and we need some backstory … but we can read the book of Ruth as a whole self-contained little story, really, and […]