Pod Be With You

The Lectionary gives, and the Lectionary takes away. We have two very different passages to look at today, Matthew's version of the Parable of the Great Banquet, and Paul's wrap up of his letter to the Philippians. One is inspiring, and hopeful, and empowering, and the other is...well, not. What do we do when the scripture is difficult? We look at the big picture, just as Paul does. Join us for a deep dive into this week's Lectionary readings, and a few words on how we interpret the Word.

This week the lectionary gives us some tricky, challenging passages, both in Matthew and in Philippians, that have been historically (ab)used against Judaism. Despite the fact that neither Jesus nor Paul say, or even seem to imply these things, their words have been interpreted to suggest that Christianity supersedes Judaism as the language through which God is speaking to the world. Much wrong has been done with these passages. So, is there something inspirational and salvific in them. We think so, so join us on this journey. 

Jesus and Paul leave it all out on the field this week. They both face real questions about authority and unity, belief and behavior. And they hold nothing back. For all the challenge of their words, they also offer a real way forward, into grace, into community, into love.

Our lectionary track brings us to some interesting places this week. In Philippians, we get a glimpse of what's really going on in Paul's life and mind as he is imprisoned and possibly facing death. His hope rings true, and inspires not just the Philippians, but also us. And our Parable for the day is a familiar one, a loved one, and a deeply challenging one about grace, and worth, and abundance. Join us for another journey through the scriptures today.

Following Christ isn't always roses and rainbows, isn't always easy. And so, this week, we get challenging words from both Jesus and Paul about what it means to live in community with each other. Hint: It's about putting the Other first. Not ever a simple thing, but vital to living out the love of God.

Jesus and Paul are on the same page today. (Well, every day, we hope.)  Both the Matthew passage and the Romans passage in this week's lectionary are about how to love in community...in the good times, in the conflicted ones, and everything in between. It's not always easy, but it is always important. From the Prophets to the Apostles, the Law of Love is central to the life of faith.

In the Gospel lesson for Sunday, Jesus tells his disciples to follow him. But what exactly does that look like? Will it be all sunshine and roses, or is it a more challenging path? This leads us to the book of Romans, where Paul lays out what following Christ might mean, an optimistic list of actions that are anchored in Divine Love. Join us for a meditation on what it means to follow.

Pivotal moments are on our radar this week, those moments when we look at what is, and ask the question "What is most essential?" As Aaron continues his exploration of Acts, that question is asked by the Apostles at the Council of Jerusalem, as they make decisions that will change the face of Christianity going forward. And as Paige wraps up her musical summer sermon series, that question gets asked in the face of death...are we living our lives in a way that makes room for the most important things? Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on life, death, faith and transformation.

Two Bible stories this week with strangely similar themes...four friends lowering their paralytic friend down through a roof to be healed, and Peter's vision of a sheet being lowered from heaven filled with all sorts of animals, clean and unclean. This week is about breaking through boundaries, building up community, facing opposition, and being empowered by the Spirit to do the work. Join us for a far ranging discussion on Pod Be With You.

What do the Apostle Paul and Mary Poppins have in common? More than you might imagine! Today's Bible Study is about conversion, transformation, and lovingkindness toward those who can't necessarily give you anything back. Join us as we delve into the Acts of the Apostles and a little Disney maagic!