STUDY

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Our study of scripture is also to place these verses in the context of our daily lives. The invention of the printing press allowed Martin Luther to place the Bible in the hands of the people, in the language they understood. He also produced the Large and Small Catechisms to assist in the teaching of faith and scriptures. Imagine what Luther could do with today’s internet, texting, and twitter technologies! What do these scriptures mean for us, today, as they confront and give freedom to people of faith?

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Sunday, October 4, Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch.
You never know when you may be called upon to teach. The best preparation for teaching is to study. Just as Philip was called to guide the Ethiopian, we, too, might be asked by someone to explain something from the Bible.
I continually hear from those who have been recruited to teach Sunday school or confirmation that they learn so much more because of their preparations for teaching. The faith practice of study encourages us to be in a continual state of learning as our Lord is revealed in many new and astounding ways.

When have you learned something insightful that caught you by surprise?

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Monday, October 5, Matthew 7, Caution, log removal!To study scripture is to open ourselves to transformation. This transformation is of God's making. While study is to give affirmation to our Christian faith, it also acts to confront our preconceptions and challenge us to think forward and beyond our own circumstances.
I like to make this statement, "Are we bold enough to let God be God." Too often we limit our understanding of God within the confines of what we think God is. However, given the boldness with which God acted in Jesus Christ, we dare not keep God in a box and have faith that God is at work in places and ways we may not understand.

[Claudia Josephson]

The prospect of making Bible Study a daily occurrance is, for most of us, I think, a daunting task. But I don't think we should look at it as a task, but an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and expand our understanding of the love of God and our savior, Jesus Christ. Just taking the time to read and/or study our Bibles can be an empowering and freeing experience. As you say, Pastor Greg, we never know where a learning experience will be or a bit of wisdom that strikes just the right note will come from. Knowledge is freedom and power. Study of God's word SHOULD empower AND free us to be His and lead to a better relationship with Our God. Knowing more about God hopefully will take Him out of the box for most of us and put Him foremost in our lives, hearts and minds. I believe that my discipline of study can do that for me.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Tuesday, October 6, Deuteronomy 22:13-21, 24:1-4, A woman’s place in the old testament.
I have been so blessed by women in ministry in my life. It began with my mother and her volunteering spirit. I remember Mae Glad and Ebba Wiberg leading Sunday School openings with those traditional but everlasting songs. I learn from women who teach me many lessons of life, vocation, and faith. I have come to see and hear and resonate with their stories of struggle in a world that often values them less than their male counterparts. I celebrate with them as they overcome issues of injustice, prejudice, and sexism. My wife continually has my ear to keep my awareness and sensitivity sharp to every occasion.
The old testament speaks to a different culture than our own. Imagine the embarassment of such treatment and the objectification of women as simply property. Culturally, it happened. In the eyes of Christ we are given the freedom to see women (and all people) in the light of children of God. All possessing gifts. All receiving the same gifts of grace and love and respect. All empowered to share the Good News of Jesus that all are worthy of an equal access to the kingdom of God. Rather than look down on those experiencing the harshness of life, we are taught by Jesus to look and act in realms of compassion, and healing, and wholeness.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Wednesday, October 7, Hebrews 2:10, “…salvation perfect through sufferings.”
As we study the scriptures we find that Jesus often addresses those who are undergoing great hardship. The Beattitudes point to this in Matthew 5. While no one wants to find themselves in a situation of suffering, it is often in those times that we discover a need for God beyond ourselves and beyond our moments of pain. And when we find ourselves in a good place in life, Jesus points us to those who are vulnerable and who do suffer horribly and calls us to stand with them.
It is this Jesus who suffered on this earth which identifies with our pain. God is not far off. God is in the midst through Jesus. In our study faith practice we hear continually a message and a hope for those who suffer. It is God in the wilderness. It is the voice of the prophets raising the plight of the poor, the widows, and the orphans. It is Jesus who touches those who are "unclean." It is God who is not afraid to enter into our pain and carry us through to a future with hope.

[Rev. Gregory Isaacson]

Friday, October 16, Hebrews 4:16, "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness."
I am encouraged when I hear people tell their story of participation and transformation. Our congregation supports the work of an organization called Valley Outreach which manages the community food shelf, clothes closet, and emergency fund. One member commented that if someone questions the need for such services, they need only go to volunteer at Valley Outreach to see the people in need and the importance of having a place of dignity to find help. Another member shared that as he was assisting a client in the food shelf it compelled him to think, "If I were to lose my job I could easily be in this person's situation."
Engaging our faith in boldness might simply be a call to participate in ways that give of ourselves for the good of God's world. In doing so we approach the throne of grace and see the world in the eyes of the risen Lord who gives life and faith to all.