Pastor John Wright

Our readings continue through Romans and Matthew during this â€œnormal timeâ€. The lectionary makes no attempt to coordinate them, as in other seasons of the church year. The OT reading, however, is matched up with the Gospel reading. This leaves us with an option â€“ close continuous readings through Romans and/or Matthew or seeing how the passages work in their relationship with each other. As we re-organize for the summer, perhaps you could let me know what is best for the Bible study groups.

For this week, however, the passage has a wonderful progression from Godâ€™s reconciliation of us in Jesus Christ toward the mission to which God calls us as the body of Christ, and individually members of it

Romans 5:6-11

What is the basis of our reconciliation to God? What did we do to achieve this reconciliation? What does this reconciliation tell us about ourselves and about God? Having been reconciled to God through Christâ€™s death, what does that mean for us now and in the future? What is it to â€œboast in God through our Lord Jesus Christâ€? Why would one do this?

Exodus 19:2-8a

This passage from Exodus is rightfully read several times in the church year and through the whole three-year cycle of readings. The passage comes within a context of the story of Israel where God has freed them from slavery to Pharaoh in order to fulfill Godâ€™s promise to make Abrahamâ€™s descendants a blessing to all nations. The passage gives a mission for Israel, a rationale for the giving of the Law that is to come. Why should Israel obey Godâ€™s commands when they are given? Why is it that God gives commands? What will happen if they fulfill the mission for which God is giving them? How do the people respond?

Matthew 9:35-10:15

How does this passage begin? What is the impact of Jesusâ€™ interaction to the people on Jesus when he sees the crowds? Is Jesus paternalistic or negative in assessment of the crowds? Why or why not? Why does Jesus call his disciples to him? What is the purpose of then the twelve? How do they relate to what Jesus has just seen and said? What are the particular instructions that Jesus gives to the twelve? How are the related to the mission to which they are called by Jesus? How does the â€œday of judgmentâ€ frame the mission of the twelve? When does/will the â€œkingdom of Godâ€ come in its fullness?

Given these passages, what is the basis for our mission in the world, individually and as a congregation? What is the mission? How might we better â€œboast in God through Christâ€? These passages together might allow us to look at our mission statement together. On the basis of these Scriptures, what is your assessment of the statement? Can it be improved?
We believe that we are reconciled to God and one another through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ and recognize the power of the Holy Spirit to transform and sanctify the lives of all people. We therefore devote our lives to God and to one another, embracing the spirit of the early church, the Wesleyan vision, and the mission of the Church of the Nazarene, as we work together with other believers, extending Godâ€™s kingdom and grace through the proclamation of the gospel, sharing of the sacraments, and serving of Christ among the poor.

Have a wonderful evening!

March 2010

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