Scripture: 1st John 5:1-6
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.
Thought for the Day: My former theology professor, Dr. Joe Jones, has written a new book entitled, A Lover’s Quarrel: A Theologian and His Beloved Church. I have not finished it yet, but there are so many challenging and unsettling ideas put forth…and when I say unsettling, I mean wonderfully thought-provoking. Early in the book, Joe offers his basic statement of faith. He doesn’t do so as if it is the only way of articulating the faith. He does so because he believes (and I would agree) that we are not very good when it comes to talking about our faith. These statements of belief allow us to better engage one another, discuss faithfully, think critically, and strengthen our sense of discipleship. Joe wrote:
I am stalked by an undeserved but overwhelming sense that there is good news—a Gospel—arising out of the biblical witness that the God of Israel, incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth, and alive in the Holy Spirit is graciously weaving down through human history and is determined to have the ultimate word on human destiny and meaning.
I found Joe’s words a helpful conversation partner, and the part that spoke to me most powerfully was the final words that spoke about how the Holy Spirit, which is alive with Jesus – the incarnation of the God of Israel – is determined to have the ultimate word on human destiny and meaning. Joe describes a God who remains a respecter of freewill, but whose ongoing work will have the conclusive say on where and how human existence will culminate. How do you read Joe’s words? Where do they challenge you? What might you say differently and why?
Prayer: O Source of Truth, lead us into meaningful conversations that challenge our world views and deepen our commitment to seeing your kingdom come alive on earth. Amen.
TODAY
Join in the conversation…
Noon Study (11:30 for a brown bag lunch)
6:30pm Study (pizza by the slide at 6:00pm)
