For Further Reflection during Lent

 

Gods Covenant with Noah - Genesis 9:8-17

1)        To get a fuller picture of this promise that God makes to Noah, read Genesis 8:20-9:17. Does it seem odd that Noah - as soon as he gets off the boat - kills some of the animals that he has been so intent on saving? Why do you think this sacrifice is so important?

2)        Read Gen 8:22 and 9:15. The Flood was certainly God’s biggest judgment upon humanity in the history of the world.  Here God promises to never to judge the world like this again.  How do you think fits with the Last Judgment? (see Matthew 25 or Revelation 21)

3)        Read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.   Paul is speaking here of the Judgment that awaits Christians.   Does the idea of God’s judgment make you feel uncomfortable?   Is there ever at time that it shouldn’t?   What is the difference  between a Christian’s discomfort at the thought of final judgment and someone who doesn’t confess Christ?

4)        Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. If we are reconciled to God through Christ, then what kind of judgment awaits Christians?   Does being reconciled to God make a difference in your day to day life?   What does that look like - at home, at work, out and about, with your spouse, with your friends?

5)        With whom do you need to be reconciled? Especially during this season of Lent, whom do you need to forgive?   From whom do you need to ask forgiveness?

 

 

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We’re already a couple of days into Lent, but if you’re like me, then you’re either doubting your resolve already or you’re unsure about your choice of what you have “given up.”  STOP right there!.

First, remember that’s not really the main point of Lenten fasting.  God’s not MAKING you give up anything.  He’s asking you what you want and then giving you the opportunity to see that, in Christ, you have it already.  This is why we fast:  to clear a space to receive.

Second, don’t go it alone!  Make your Lenten choices with your family or a close friend.  Ask for their input for your fast.  Once you have decided, then hold each other accountable.  Check in with each other every day.  You’re not asking, “Did you eat any chocolate? (or fill in the blank)” but “What has God given you today?”  Perhaps you shouldn’t STOP doing anything.  Perhaps you should START doing something.  Let others weigh in – this is why we’re called the Body of Christ.

Last, there are several Lenten opportunities at St. Paul’s:

•  Lenten Sermon Series:  The Covenants of God.  Over the next five weeks we’ll be looking at God’s promises to His people from the Old Testament.  You can prepare yourself throughout the week by reading ahead.  See the margin notes for “Next Week’s Lessons.”

•  Lenten Prayer Lunch:  Prayer is responding to God, but it is hard to respond if we don’t make the space for it.  This is a special hour, immediately following the Second Service to respond to God.  See below for more details.

•  Stations of the Cross:  Ever since Jesus died, his followers have dedicated special days and times to remember his death – particularly Fridays from the hours of noon to three, when he hung on the cross.  Join us at 12:00 pm EVERY Friday of Lent as we follow the Stations of the Cross.  See below for more details.

Your brother,

Jordan

The Rev. Jordan Easley

Assistant

On the Mark February 26th

My exercise routine includes time on an elliptical trainer.  These machines are great for an aerobic workout.  On the machine are handles somewhat like ski poles.  Most of the time my hands hold onto the poles – but for certain periods I grip the poles and mentally fix myself to refuse to let go for 2, 3, 4 or more minutes.  It is a task that requires strict discipline.  If the music I am listening to contains a song I don’t like, I can’t let go and change it.  If I have a thought I’d like to write down (and I get many) while I’m “gripping” the poles, I don’t let go and write it down.

What is worse is that I cannot stop in order to wipe perspiration that is rolling into my eyes and ears.  Nor do I release my grip in order to soothe a pain or relieve an itch.  It is all part of self-discipline and self-denial.

Whatever you may decide to do for Lent this year, will you decide to be more conscious and deliberate in taking hold of Jesus Christ?  “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”  [Philippians 3:12b] 

Another thought to keep in mind is that the Lord Jesus has taken hold of you as you “grip” him.  Matt Redman has a song whose words go like this:

“Oh no, you never let go

Through the calm and

Through the storm

Oh no, you never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, you never let go of me.”

Have blessed Lent.

In His grip,

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

On the Mark February 19th

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I like the following which take place in February:

•  My mother was born

•  Two great US Presidents, Washington and Lincoln, were born

•  It is the last full month of winter

•  The following holy days occur:

2/2    The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

2/3    Anskar, missionary to Denmark c. 855

2/4    Cornelius the Centurion

2/5    The Martyrs of Japan

2/13   Absolom Jones, African American priest, d 1818

2/14   Cyril and Methodius, brothers,

missionaries to the Slavs, 19^th Century

2/15   Thomas Bray, priest & missionary to

Maryland, d 1730

2/23    Polycarp, Bishop & Martyr of Smyrna, d. 156

2/24    St. Matthias the Apostle

2/27    George Herbert, priest and poet, d. 1633

•  Lent usually begins in February (this year Ash Wednesday is February 22) and it is preceded by  Shrove Tuesday.

Please join me in making this month a holy journey of faith and witness – knowing we are part of a great move of God.

Christopher

The Rev. Christopher P. Leighton

Rector

On the Mark February 5th