Encounter the Bible

This week we conclude the sermon that is Deuteronomy.  As you read, you will encounter various laws as well as a series of blessings and curses.  The blessings are for those who obey and are faithful; the curses are for those who disobey and are unfaithful to God.  Keep this in mind when we get to the Psalms because there you will see this theme come up often as the psalmist asks God to bless those who are obedient and to curse those who are disobedient or opposed to God. There's also a small section of Chapter 31 that talks about the public reading of the law.  I wonder if that is still applicable to us today as we think not just of "the law," but of God's Word, the Bible, as a whole.   As Deuteronomy closes, we hear the song of Moses and his blessing of the Israelites.  As the people anticipate a transition, both to a new leader and to a new land, Moses blesses the people. How does that speak to us today? As you read, keep in mind our reading questio...

Welcome to Week 2 of Deuteronomy.  As we consider chapters 10-21, you may hear some echoes or duplications from Leviticus.  As God prepares his people to enter the Promised Land, there are lots of laws and religious details that need to be addressed.  As you read those laws, ask yourself why God would establish that particular law.  Better yet, consider what would happen if that law was not in place.   As you read, you'll also encounter the establishment of cities of refuge.  That is still something we have today.  Is this a good idea?  Do today's cities of refuge exist for the same reasons as they did long ago? Much to read and consider and then relate to today's context. As you read, keep in mind our reading questions.  Use these as general questions to keep in mind as you read to help formulate your reflections, observations, and questions. Our guiding questions are these: What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confu...

  Welcome to our 3-week journey through Deuteronomy.  The book of Deuteronomy is known as a second giving of the law.  Essentially, Deuteronomy is an extended sermon from Moses to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land.  In his sermon, Moses reminds the people of what they have been through, he reminds them of the law God gave them at Sinai, and he gives some warnings about the future; specifically, what would happen if they departed from God's ways. What messages from Deuteronomy resonate with us today?  What kind of message do God's people need to hear today?   As you read, keep in mind our reading questions.  Use these as general questions to keep in mind as you read to help formulate your reflections, observations, and questions. Our guiding questions are these: What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change ...

The journey comes to a close!  The end of the journey involves some counting, some looking back, and some plans.  If you're ever moved, you understand the need to make plans for your new location; for example, knowing the dimensions of your rooms to make sure your furniture will fit.  As the journey nears its end, plans are made around things like celebrating festivals, establishing boundaries of the land and specific territories.  All the while, God is leading his people and putting them just where he wants them to be.   As you read, keep in mind our reading questions.  Use these as general questions to keep in mind as you read to help formulate your reflections, observations, and questions. Our guiding questions are these: What stood out to you in the reading? Was there anything confusing or troubling? Did anything make you think differently about God? How might what you read change the way you live? Please post a comment below with some of your...