Exodus, Leaving Behind, Moving On

COVENANT
Making Commitments That Count

Relationships define who we are. Employees are committed to a place of employment, certain tasks and to coworkers. Students relate with a school, an area of study, professors and other students. Christians belong to a church, a denomination, God, Jesus, the Bible. Our names connect us to a family, a group or culture and sometimes even a nation.

We will be exploring the biblical idea of covenant, a term we will use when the Spirit of God is a present and active member of a relationship. Sometimes others use the word covenant when they want a special bond in a relationship in a marriage, friendship or business partnership. God can be involved in all of those. It gets harder when we expect God to play an important role but we act otherwise.

It is our hope that you will take an active part in this online Bible study by setting time aside each week to read the lesson and to answer the questions. Maybe finding a partner to share this with would deepen some of your understandings of what God expects from you. Have a question? You can always contact us at ExodusBibleStudy@aol.com or call us at (412) 361-1778.

  Schedule of Bible Study  

At that time Abimelech, with Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do; now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my off-spring or with my posterity, but as I have dealt loyally with you, you will deal with me and with the land where you have resided as an alien." And Abraham said, "I swear it."

When Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized, Abimelech said, "I do not know who has done this; you did not tell me, and I have not hear of it until today." So Abrahma took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. And Abimelech said to Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?" He said, "These seven ewe lambs you shall accept from my hand, in order that you may be a witness for me that I dug this well."

Therefore that place was called Beersheba; because there both of them swore an oath. When they had made a covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech, with Phicol the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. And Abraham resided as an alien many days in the land of the Philistines.

This passage explores the relationship between Abraham and Abimelech.

Within the relationship just established, Abraham complains to Abimelech about his servants' actions in seizing a well, an important resource in that place. Abimelech says he doesn't know anything about this. This discussion ends with a nonaggression pact which says they will maintain a relationship of integrity.

Abraham gives sheep and oxen as a sign of his promise and each sets seven ewe lambs apart and gives them special significance. When related to the nature of this specific event, it expresses a confidence in God's tending to this relationship long after the death of the present participants.

A covenant is a dynamic give-and-take agreement between two parties. There are covenants in our everyday lives - vows taken in marriage, agreements with banks (or schools) to pay back a loan, your credit card, sometimes even between friends. But not all covenants are alike. The promises you make to a friend do not carry the same weight as one made with a bank when you purchase a home.

There are three basic covenant types in the Bible. By looking at these, we can understand more about the covenants and promises in our lives today. We will also look at the question: How seriously should we take those covenants from the Old and New Testaments?

The first type of covenant is a promissory covenant. This agreement is a rapid, momentary exchange between two parties. Both parties give or promise something to the other party and then they go their separate ways.

What we read in Genesis 21 is an example of a promissory covenant. A little background - King Abimelech took Abraham's wife, Sarah, as his own. But it wasn't all his fault, Abraham told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister so that the king wouldn't kill him to get her. (The whole story is in Genesis 20:1-18.)

So, King Abimelech is a little leery of conducting business with Abraham. The king asks Abraham to swear by God that he has dealt honestly with both Abimelech and his children. Abraham does swear. And that's it - a promissory covenant.

But there's more verses, something about a well? The king pleads innocence. But Abraham wants the well so he buys it with seven lambs. Then that's it. It's his and he remains there in a foreign land.

· So, what promissory covenants have you entered recently?
· Remember these involve a quick exchange with no further obligations. So a purchase with cash is different than with a credit card…
· What rules should direct our daily use of promissory covenants?
· Should Christians engage in such rituals in the same way as non-Christians?
· Has a promise you made in the past become promissory because you did not follow-up?

As you start this new year, think about your promises. Don't make them in haste to get into or out of something. Know that your promise becomes a part of who you are. A promise unfulfilled leaves a gap. Can he or she be trusted?

Check out a new website: www.religion-online.org

Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make you name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was 75 years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother's son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

Genesis 15:1-6 NRSV

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great." But Abram said, "O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir." But the word of the Lord came to him, "This man shall not be your heir; no one but your own issue shall be your heir." He brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven and count the star, if you are able to count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your descendants be." And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

DID 'JA KNOW…

The promise of "blessing those who bless you" brings Abraham into relationship with those outside the chosen community. Those who treat Israel in life-sustaining ways will be blessed by God.

God's choice of Abraham will lead to blessing for all the families of the earth. God's choice of Abraham serves as an initially exclusive move for the sake of maximally inclusive end. Election serves mission.

Blessing becomes the key theme in Genesis (it's used 88 times!). It shapes the life of this family in many ways as well as those not in the family. Blessing stands as a gift from God that issues in goodness and expressions.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

Genesis 12 provides us with an example of a reward-based or royal grant covenant. One party gives a reward to the other party, who promises to be faithful and true to the one providing the reward or incentive. God promises Abram (later named Abraham):

1. Many offspring
2. A piece of land
3. Numerous blessings
4. Divine protection.

And what did Abram promise in return? NOTHING! He builds an altar, listens when God speaks and goes where he's told. Okay, so maybe he doesn't promise anything out loud, but don't you think he's thinking, "I'd better do everything he says 'cause this is gonna be great!"

This is also known as the Abrahamic Covenant (you'll be able to remember that) and is considered on of the three most sacred covenants in the Old Testament. God's promise would be passed from one generation to the next, so all descendants of Abraham inherited this covenant. All persons of Jewish, Islamic, and Christian descent are bound to God by this set of promises.

Genesis 15 has Abram reminding God about promise #1 - offspring. (In the biblical tradition of reward-based covenants, it's o.k. to remind God of promises made. I think I'd read the small print on that one!) What has Abram concerned is that a Canaanite custom states that if a man of property dies without a male heir, all of this property (including his wife) will be inherited by his chief servant. God simply takes Abram outside, tells him to look at the stars and says that is how many descendants he will have. Abram is satisfied with that answer (for now).

Rules. We may not like all of them but they are what helps keep order. In a rule-based covenant, a powerful force (usually God or a nation) imposes rules and regulations on a set of people, who promise to follow these rules in return for protection. Disobedience resulted in severe consequences for either an individual or the community.

In Jewish and Christian traditions, we view the first 5 books of the Old Testament as having our "rules". These books contain over 613 laws that God's people have followed for generations. There are some that Christians no longer observe, but there are other religious communities who do. Included in these books are The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 1-17 or Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

As a people of Promise, we are asked to behave in ways that mirror God's intention in our lives. As a community of believers, we inherit the rewards of faith given by God to our ancestors. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be responsible to the obligations made explicit through the Bible, our church and our society.

REFLECTION…

· Remember the 4 promises God made to Abram? What does it mean for you to be connected to God through your own birth, having a place to live, the specific blessings of your life and ways in which God looks after you?
· Can we show God the same attitude that Abram did in response to God's promise? (Respect, loyalty, attentiveness to God's word, worship, resources, love. Add to the list…)
· Have you ever called God's actions into question? Were you justified? Did you just need to wait to see how God worked things out? (Reminder: God's time is not our time, look at the concern over Jan. 1, 2000)
· It can be hard to believe God, especially when someone else is using God's words to force you to do something. You need to find out what God has in mind for you, in your own way. You will need to read the Bible, meditate, pray and put yourself into faith-filled situations. That's where you will find God.
· Whose rules are most important for you? Where does experience fit in?
· Do you have a set of commandments that you live by? What about those "rules" you try to fit others into so you are more comfortable?

THERE'S MORE…

Here are some terms to know:

Pentateuch comes from a Greek word meaning "five books." The term is often used by Christians to describe Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy as a single collection.

Torah comes from ancient Hebrew. While commonly translated as "law," this term means more: the words of God for the people of God who must listen. Torah is used primarily within Jewish communities to describe the same 5 books as above as a single collection.

Mosaic Covenant refers to the hundreds of specific obligations recorded within.  Torah. It was assumed that Moses wrote the Pentateuch while on Mount Sinai. This collection (often called "the Law" in the New Testament) became associated directly with Moses.

I am guilty of making rules for others - crying children should not eat at my restaurant; drivers should be more courteous to me; when it's raining or snowing a walking person goes before a car can; 8 items or less really means that… I'm sure you have some rules too. I am going to try harder to be less critical of others actions.

Getting to Know You
Week starting Monday, January 29

DID 'JA KNOW…

Laban and Jacob are most certainly not friends. Laban feels Jacob mistreats his daughters, and when Jacob left, he did so in secret so that Laban could not say good-bye to his family.

Jacob left in secret because he was afraid of Laban. Jacob calls witnesses to defend his actions against Laban. Laban cannot admit defeat and says that everyone and everything really belong to him.

The fact that these two people after deception upon deception on both sides can part in peace (even if it's strained peace) shows the power of God. Laban is not heard from again in the Bible.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

"My relationship with Mary is so great; I have never felt more alive!"

"Dave and I have been dating for several months. Recently, things have become quite serious. I wonder, am I really ready for a commitment?"

"Leslie and I are such good friends. At times we seem to read each other's minds. I know we will always be there for each other."

"Relationships stink. I've given up on them. It's just me and my gerbils from this day forward."

How can the Bible assist in love, relationships and covenant? Throughout the Old and New Testaments, persons made covenants with other persons. Jonathan with David (I Samuel 18 & 23), Ruth pledged her life to Naomi (Ruth 1), Jesus established the Lord's Supper (Mark 14). What do these have in common?

First, covenants between persons in the Bible usually evoke God as a witness to the contract. One party will ask God to oversee the agreement. The agreement between Laban and Jacob was a business deal. It was the business of establishing and keeping a family line.

Second, covenants between persons use the language of love and intimacy. These terms suggest the desire of one person to be completely and honestly known. Deciding how we are to be known by others is key to fashioning a Christian lifestyle.

Some may find it odd for persons of the same gender to make such declarations of love and intimacy to one another. But if it means becoming fully known by another, then honest and open relationships-regardless of gender-seem appropriate. However, mutuality and respect for another person demands a careful negotiation of acceptable behaviors. A common definition must exist between persons for true love to exist.

REFLECTION…

· Look at the first 4 statements. Which best summarizes your understanding of intimacy?
· The Mizpah Benediction, "The Lord watch between you and me, when we are absent one from another" often sealed business contracts in the ancient world. When have you evoked God as a witness in your dealings with others?
· Would you think or feel differently about a relationship that God was watching?
· What about breaking a covenant with another? Just as both parties need to agree on what is acceptable, both need to agree that it is over.
· Some agreements end in anger and disappointment. Did God drop the ball or did the parties involved forget about mutual goals and respect?
· What are acceptable behaviors that must be negotiated?

THERE'S MORE…

1 Samuel 18, 19, 20 & 23

David has just killed Goliath and has come before King Saul to tell him that it was accomplished. Saul decided to "keep" David as his own son. Saul's own son, Jonathan, receives this news with love. David is the brother he never had. An evil spirit causes Saul to try to kill David. Jonathan hears of the plan and warns David. Jonathan made a covenant with David that David would be king and Jonathan would be second to him.

Sounds like Jonathan knew his limitations and chose David to be the son that Saul needed. This is a very unusual. Can you think of a time where you would be able to give up something out of love for another?

The story of Ruth and Naomi is one of loyalty and love. The book of Ruth in the Old Testament is only 4 chapters long. Take time to read this. Also check out Project Ruth on this web site-it's about putting your faith in to action.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Week starting Monday, February 5

Mark 3:31-35 NRSV

Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you." And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

Colossians 3:12-15 NRSV

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.

DID 'JA KNOW…

The five virtues given here are required for harmonious living in a community. The new Christians need a deep and heartfelt sympathy for the situations of others and active consideration for others' interest and needs.

Bearing with others involves fully accepting them for who they are and allowing them worth and space. Because you have been forgiven through Christ should release you to a spirit of generosity needed to forgive others.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

What do covenants have in common? Last week we looked at:
1. Covenants between persons in the Bible usually evoke God as a witness.
2. Covenants between persons use the language of love.

Third, they must provide extreme respect for the other party. God expects us to respect each other. Individuals should be respected and loved for their unique gifts and qualities.

Kristen: Keifer and I have been dating for over a year, and I really love him. But my friends think he's not as supportive of me as he could be. While he spends a lot of time at work and with friends, I still think he makes as much time for me as possible. But my friends think I deserve somebody who will place me as a higher priority.
Keifer: Kristen is great fun. OK, so she's a little silly and illogical at times, but it's that playful quality that I really like. I do think she resents me at times, but these moments pass quickly. I let her do anything she wants and tell her when I will be working late or going out with my buddies. Personally, I think the openness of the relationship helps us last as a couple.

RESPECT - the special esteem or consideration in which one holds another person or thing. To respect someone allows them to be all that they were meant to be. And if that clashes with who we are, then something will have to worked out. But usually it's a problem with expectations. Kristen's friends want him to be around more, Kristen understands that some time away is necessary for him. Keifer thinks she resents him, while it's more likely that she resents the time he spends away if that time becomes excessive and he has nothing left over for her. Kristen and Keifer will need to respect or consider each other's expectations of time.

Fourth, covenants call us to place the life of the other party on the same level as our own. Communication. Unless it's said out loud or written down, how are we to know? There are risks involved, maybe our expectations are not the same. But if we don't communicate, the relationship is sure to become stale and not a relationship or partnership at all. Trying to place another's life on our own level causes us to think about them and not take them for granted.

God calls us into relationships with each other. Striving to use the biblical guidelines of covenants will strengthen and nourish our relationships.

REFLECTION…

· Identify instances of respect in the Bible passages at the beginning of the lesson.
· In families, we often lay aside respect out of familiarity with those involved. Look for ways to increase your respect for your family members.
· The same is true in friendships…what can you do to put others needs on the same level as yours?
· Do you think Kristen and Keifer really understand each other? What changes, if any, would you suggest in their relationship?
· Are you offering unwanted advice to others because you see things differently? Different is not bad, but be wary of trying to get everyone into your mold of "shoulds".
· It is difficult to take a risk in an important relationship. Can you remember a time that you did that? Was the situation resolved or is it still unresolved?
· Look for ways that you can improve your relationships and thank God for those persons with whom you can share yourself.

THERE'S MORE…

Back to Ruth and Naomi - they did not start out loving each other. Ruth watched out for Naomi when she really didn't have to, it was not her "job". Ruth continued to offer love even when it was not returned. For both Ruth and Naomi, they learned that the past did not determine the present or the future. God sometimes calls us into difficult situations with difficult people. But God never leaves us without resources. Look at the examples of covenants and see what will work for you.

Look at www.christianitytoday.com for some insights on relationships. When you get to this site, look at the left side under What's New Today and click on Campus Life/Teen Channel.

Earth.com
Week starting Monday, February 12

Genesis 1:27-30 TEV (Good News)

So God created human beings, making them to be like himself. He created them male and female, blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds, and all the wild animals. I have provided all kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit for you to eat; but for all the wild animals and for all the birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food" - and it was done.

Genesis 9:1-7 TEV

God blessed Noah and his sons and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth. All the animals, birds, and fish will live in fear of you. They are all placed under your power. Now you can eat them, as well as green plants; I give them all to you for food. The one thing you must not eat is meat with blood still in it; I forbid this because the life is in the blood. If anyone takes human life, he will be punished. I will punish with death any animal that takes a human life. Man was made like God, so whoever murders a man will himself be killed by his fellowman.

DID 'JA KNOW…

Although Noah is in some ways the new Adam, God must take into account that the inclination of his heart is evil. The world is no new Eden. This passage assures the readers that God has not withdrawn from creation. God still rules and the basic shape of divine relationship to the world still holds, with its blessings, commands and promises.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

"I recycle aluminum cans, newspapers, plastics and glass. I've encouraged my church to do the same thing. They are still using Styrofoam plates though.
I do these things because it is something I can do to help preserve the earth's natural state."

"We hear about "saving" things in the media - rain forests, oceans, seals, whales, spotted owls. There seems to be a Hollywood star's name attached to each cause. I know they are trying to do their part by picking a specific cause but how can I make a difference without a lot of money?"

"This stuff gets on my nerves. How does my one aluminum can hurt anyone? God places everything here for our use, so I'm using it. Humans will win over nature in the end."

Which of these philosophies do you affirm? Which would you challenge? We have all become more aware of the interconnectedness of all living things. But awareness does not always lead to significant changes. How can the Bible help redirect our tendency to place our own comfort over all others?

In the Bible, the word often translated as "steward" means "overseer" or "manager" of another person's property. In Genesis 1:28-30, God has the man and the woman act as stewards of the earth. To "be fruitful and multiply" is not just for Adam and Eve's lineage, but to multiply the value and worth of all of creation. We are called to practice a life of accounting - we are responsible for the things that God has created.

Our value as humans relies on how well we manage God's world. We are to do this not for reward, but because it is part of being human. It's Noah's job to renew God's faith in humans. We are to manage ourselves as we keep an eye on how it affects the earth. We may eat both plants and animals, but only for survival. We promise to honor all life and God promises never to destroy the world by water. A rainbow reminds us that God continues to evaluate our work as earth's managers.

REFLECTION…

· Was there a time that you were asked to "steward" the property or belongings of another person? Did you treat those things as your own or were you more careful?
· What do "subdue" and "have dominion" mean to you?
· Where do you see "dominion" and what form does it take?
· What steps should we take to regulate what's happening to the earth?
· Write an Earth Care Contract. Be specific about what you can do for the next 3 weeks. Try to get some friends to join you in this effort.

THERE'S MORE…

Read Luke 16:1-13. It's the story of the dishonest steward. Jesus says, "Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones."

I know you can find some people who are doing recycling on campus. See what you can do to help. It's what you are called to do.

Everything in Order
Week starting Monday, February 19

Romans 8:19-23 TEV (Good News)

All of creation waits with eager longing for God to reveal his sons. For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, not of its own will, but because God willed it to be so. Yet there was the hope that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth. But it is not just creation alone which groans; we who have the Spirit as the first of God's gifts also groan within ourselves as we wait for God to make us his sons and set our whole being free.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

The apostle Paul writes about the unity of creation and the fulfillment of redemption within the created order. As children of God, we are expected to continue in the covenants that we set in place before we came along. What we have allowed to decay will one day be redeemed. But there is groaning and waiting and pain. The Spirit will work with us, giving us the hope needed to wait.

Christian communities should be called by God through Christ into a new lifestyle. A lifestyle of responsibility for our earth as well as for our brothers and sisters. Doesn't it make sense that when we think beyond our own small place on the planet that our vision includes people, places, plants and animals?

For a local church to become an instrument that fosters hope for salvation, it must understand that salvation extends to the earth, not just its inhabitants.
We must become "managers", offering God's creation to all.

Brad: The problem is greed: people using more than they need. We should scale our lives down to the bare minimum and mandate that those persons who live beyond the bare minimum be taxed for their excessiveness.
Char: Brad's solution sounds like we would all live like monks or something. I think we should all share-you know, spread the wealth. All persons should have equal and fair access to the same amount of resources. Then the greed problem would be solved. If the world is a gift, we should make sure everyone benefits from it equally.
Jake: Excuse me, but you both sound like time travelers. We need to look at today and practice these three things: reuse, renew, and recycle. We need to replenish what has already been taken. Science can repair the ozone, increase crops, invent new energy sources, and make new things out of our trash. We just don't want to spend the money it would take to make changes.
Stephanie: We cannot hide from our problems nor can we ignore what is being destroyed while we look for solutions. It makes me sad to see how our shortsightedness will bring about destruction. The earth will become uninhabitable because we refuse to change our way of life.

The earth is a gift from God and its care is supposed to be our principle occupation. Wise management includes preservation and working toward increasing the value of the gift we were given. Managers have respect for their boss as well as what they are expected to manage. What can we do to enhance rather than destroy God's creation?

REFLECTION…

· What experience do you have in earth management?
· What would you tell the 4 friends about God's expectations?
· Can we reclaim our role as managers?
· Think about the place where you spend most of your time during the day. What are the areas of the greatest waste of resources?
· Are resources (including persons) being abused in the name of greed?
· What policies or programs encourage you to be the best steward?
· Which of your attitudes can you change to become a better steward?
· What are areas of decay in creation that your church is addressing?
· If not your church, is there a local group that is taking on this responsibility?

THERE'S MORE…

The Romans passage speaks of two times: the current age when all of creation exists in a state of decay and the future age when God will reclaim and restore creation. The idea of decay is from when the earth was cursed as a result of Adam and Eve's sin. Paul sees where this can be reversed through the Spirit. The faithful will take care of the earth as well as its inhabitants, restoring us to a state such as was enjoyed in the Garden of Eden.

Take time to think about how you are using God's resources. Pray for God's help to respect all living things, and the commitment to stewardship of God's gifts.

Check out projectruth@aol.com for ways to serve. "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do." -Helen Keller

Rules, Rules, Rules
Week starting Monday, February 26

Exodus 24:1-14 NIV

Then he said to Moses, "Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him."

3When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, "Everything the Lord has said we will do." 4Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said.

He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. 6Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. 7Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, "We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey."

8Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words."

9Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself. 11But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

12The Lord said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."

13Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14He said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them."

DID 'JA KNOW…

This passages represents two themes. First, there is communion in the presence of God. Here the tablets are presented. The second theme is covenant making where Moses binds Israel to Yahweh.

God invites Moses to go back up the mountain. According to Thomas Dozeman's analysis, the movements up and down the mountain provide location patterns as well as indicating the relations of power and influence.

An important scene in this passage is when Israel sees God. Rabbi Hoshoia says "They fixed gloating eyes upon the Divine Presence". This is a foundational moment and one that is not repeated in Israel's history.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

While many Christians believe that God alone establishes the rules by which humans should live, the Old and New Testaments offer a variety of responses. Exodus 24 suggests three different ideas concerning rule formation.

Exodus 24:1-2, 9-11 tells of Moses and seventy religious elders approaching the throne of God to receive the Law, implying that God established the rules only for religious leaders. The people were to simply follow the instructions of the leaders. Many churches, families, businesses, and governments operate under this same assumption.

Carol: I have always liked this system. Somebody tells me what to do, and I do it. My parents provided me with pretty good guidance in this type of system. At church, I never questioned my Sunday school teacher or pastor. I find myself looking for a spouse who will provide that kind of direction for me. I feel that the rules are clear for those who will read the Bible.
Jorge: My life has been different. I have always challenged authority figures. Nobody is ultimately responsible for me but me. Any religious authority that claims to know all the answers is probably corrupt. I left my former church when the pastor told me that I had to follow their rules or I would be condemned to hell. I now belong to a church that encourages me to figure things out for myself.
Simon: I choose the middle ground, some may call it the "grey area". We must follow some rules while we question others. Some laws, like those for nature and physics, cannot be violated. But the rules set for churches should be reviewed regularly to see if they serve the interests of the majority of the people. "We've always done it that way…" is no reason to decide how things are to be done.

Exodus 24:3-8 tells a different story. Moses gives the Law directly to the people, who enter into a special relationship with God as followers of the Law. Living by the rules makes the faith community unified.

The rules of the covenant would be determined by all members of the faith community. If everybody had input in shaping the rules, then nobody would have an excuse for violating them. But how does a group reach consensus on its rules? Some denominations hold regular gatherings of representatives to make these rules. Other denominations do this on a church-by-church basis. But consensus does take time and usually somebody is unhappy with the outcome.

Exodus 24:12-14 describes the Law and commandments as a gift to the people. Each person has the responsibility to decide how to respond - going to church, doing service, making a career choice, involved in daily prayer and meditation, or doing nothing at all. The response is a free choice. God loves each person, no matter what their choice. Just as your parents give you gifts and hope that you will use them, but they love you even when you set the gift aside.

REFLECTION…

· Should Christians follow every rule in Scripture?
· What about following leaders instead of the rules?
· Have you had to reach a consensus on rules in a recent situation? How did it work? Was everyone pleased with the results?
· Can you be individually responsible for all the rules that govern your life?
· Do you know people who subscribe to one of the three options (Carol, Jorge or Simon)? What is your response?
· How does your denomination or church establish rules? You may need to contact your pastor if you are unsure.
· What has been your response to God's gift? Did you set it aside without acknowledging it or are you working on using that gift?

THERE'S MORE…

Think about your family and how they design their rules. Is there anything you would like to change? Don't just run in one day and say, "This all has to change…" but try to find ways to implement changes that could help your family. "The family is the essential presence-the thing that never leaves you, even if you have to leave it." --Bill Buford, in The New Yorker

I John 5:14-15 We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.

Following Rules
Week starting Monday, March 5

Matthew 26: 26-29 NIV

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."

Exodus 24: 8

Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words."

DID 'JA KNOW…

Blood is what makes life possible. In these passages, we are able to see how "new" life begins through the symbolism of blood. This "new" life through and with blood symbolizes obedience, sacrifice and covenant.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

Why do we follow rules? Do men and women look at rules and covenants in the same manner? Here are some reasons for following rules - As children, we learn to follow rules for the reward or to avoid punishment. As we get older, we see where "good" persons keep certain rules and that following rules maintains the social order. We can also see where following the rules reflects a moral principle of respect for others.

Some scholars suggest that women generally understand rules from a prospective of caring and relationships rather than intellectual principles. Survival, acceptance, affirmation and caring.

Carol: I follow rules because I was always taught to respect my father and mother. I follow God's plan for my life because if I do not, I will suffer the consequences. And I look for relationships with persons who look up to the same authority figures as I do. God's rules are different than human standards. God really cares what happens to us.

Jorge: Following rules first requires making rules. In every group, I first learn the "official" rules. Then I determine whether those rules promote my interests. If not, I leave. I break a rule when I think it is putting me down.

Simon: Here I am in the middle again. I follow rules because no society can be rule-free. We have a court system that insures the rules are followed. When someone fails to come up with a good reason for violating the law, they pay a fine or go to jail. But when a person points out that a law is unjust, like Martin Luther King, Jr., then someone tries to change the law. And I would say the same thing about religious rules. They should promote human dignity or be rejected.

In the scripture about the Last Supper, Jesus breaks some rules. Jews were not to drink blood or to eat human flesh. Jesus tells the disciples to do that in a symbolic way with the wine and the bread. Jesus is setting new rules for a new day. The wine and bread are physical reminders of what Jesus gave for us.

He was also reminding them of the blood covenant between God and humankind. The covenant continues but with new rules. No more sacrifices, no more blood, but God still expects to be obeyed. The blood covenant was established when God gave Moses the 10 commandments, the rules for getting along with each other. Don't follow the rules just because, but because they help us look out for others' interests. We have to be reminded to love our neighbors.

By treating everyone we encounter with the same love revealed by Jesus, we can transform a world of rules and regulations into God's kingdom. We can "do justice…love kindness, and…walk humbly with [our] God" (Micah 6:8). There will always be rules. Something or someone will always have the final word. What would your life be like if the final word was always form the example of Christ?

REFLECTION…

· Why do you follow rules? Did Carol, Jorge or Simon come closest to your position?
· Why should Christians follow rules? If you discovered there was no heaven or hell, would you still be a Christian?
· Christians disagree (a lot!). How should we deal with these conflicts?
· If the Scriptures are the most basic rule, how do they shape your life?
· In what ways did the meal with Jesus make a difference in the lives of the disciples?
· How did this final meal bring them together?
· What rule makes the most difference in your life? Positive or negative?
· What rule makes the most difference in your neighbor's life? Positive or negative?
· Are you willing to make a change, either for yourself or on the behalf of someone else?
· Do it!

THERE'S MORE…

Where are you?

1. Follow rules to avoid hell or God's wrath.
2. Follow rules to go to heaven or gain salvation.
3. Follow rules to be a good Christian or role model.
4. Follow rules to maintain Christian community and life.
5. Follow rules, but review rules for equality, truth, and fairness to all.
6. Follow rules that promote the equality of all living things.

Matthew 5:43-47a "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your friends, hate your enemies.' But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons and daughters of your Father in heaven. For he makes his the sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary?"

Broken Promises
Week starting Monday, March 12

If you will only obey the Lord your God, by diligently observing all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth; all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God:

Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your livestock, both the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

Deuteronomy 28:15-19

But if you will not obey the Lord your God by diligently observing all his commandments and decrees, which I am commanding you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you:

Cursed shall you be in the city and cursed shall you be in the field. Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Cursed shall be the fruit of your womb, the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle and the issue of your flock. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.

DID 'JA KNOW…

While you are only looking at a few verses, this passage goes on for a total of 68 verses! It is a series of blessings and curses and the curses outnumber the blessings by a large amount! Makes you wonder if there is more wrong than right, why bother?!

I WAS JUST THINKING…

Nobody leads a perfect life. We all break promises. As Christians, we strive to keep violations to a minimum. However, many of us have experienced the pain of broken promises.

It would be nice if the Bible provided a step-by-step method by which to deal with broken promises and promise breakers. Here are four possible responses found in the Bible:

1. broken covenants bring bad consequences
2. broken covenants bring bad eternity
3. broken covenants bring opportunity for forgiveness
4. broken covenants bring new covenants and healing

In Deuteronomy, if a community obeys its covenant with God, then it will be blessed. If a community disobeys its covenant with God, then it will be cursed. This is known at the Deuteronomic law. The focus of punishment or reward rests on the community, not the individual. And God acts like a cosmic parent, dispensing rewards and punishments. The question is why must an entire community suffer for the wrongs of an individual?

Think about persons who turned into bad leaders. There are several in the Bible and their actions brought grief to everyone under their control. Hitler turned Germany into a place of hatred and death. Are these images still present when you think about the country and peoples of Germany? The wrongs of an individual have caused an entire country to be punished.

"Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins." Isaiah 40:1-2

The writer feels that the people were punished because they broke God's laws
but that God forgave them because they admitted their guilt and tried to
right the wrongs. Forgiveness is not cheap, they were exiled for 40 years.
Even with Jesus' death we are expected to admit when we break a promise and
try to make it right somehow. We are still asked to live a life of faith, not for the rewards, but because we want to do what Gods asks.

REFLECTION…

· Under what conditions would it be appropriate to break a promise?
· You have broken your promise to someone. Was there a consequence?
· Is there something you need to do to make amends?
· Someone broke their promise to you. I know you were hurt, possibly humiliated. Looking back, was there a good reason for that break?
· Can you look at it more objectively now?
· If not, try to practice forgiveness and rid yourself of the pain you still feel.
· Has God been blessing you as part of a community or because you are so darn good?
· Do your actions, good or bad, affect those around you?

THERE'S MORE…

I know that this lesson brings up lots of questions. Check out a new web site, www.bibleinfo.com
It may get you thinking…

Why does God let bad things happen to good people? This is one to talk with
several people about. You can always contact us at 361-1778 or by e-mail at
ucmpgh@aol.com. Your pastor has gotten this question before, so ask him or
her.

Putting the Pieces Together
Week starting Monday, March 19

I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars; I alone am left, and they are seeking my life." But what is the divine reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:11-16

So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their stumbling salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling means riches for the world, and if their defeat means riches for Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry in order to make my own people jealous, and thus save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead! If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches also are holy.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

In a letter to the Christian community in Rome, written approximately 30 years after the death of Jesus, Paul uses references to the Old Testament to explain how God allowed the Jews to break their covenant. Then God could enter a relationship with the non-Jew or Gentile. Through belief in the teaching of Jesus, his death and resurrection rather than the old laws of Torah, the Gentiles would develop a relationship with God. In turn, the Jewish communities of the day would be reminded of their possibility of intimacy with God and return to keeping the ancient covenant. So by breaking an old covenant, a new covenant could arise.

We often find that covenants (relationships) we entered with good intentions no longer work. Friendships dissolve. Marriages fail. We leave our church for another faith community or for no church at all.

According to Paul's reasoning, one would normally not break a covenant unless doing so could promote healing and wholeness with both parties involved. Obviously this model requires a great deal of discussion and clarity about the nature of relationships and what the future would hold.

To their friends, Katie and Dan said it was "love at first sight." When they met three years ago, it was as if they had known each other their entire lives. Dan moved across the country to be closer to Katie and they were married exactly a year after meeting.

But things changed. Work placed heavy responsibilities on each and they argued about money. Katie expressed political and religious views that were different from Dan's. He simply rejected these opinions as ill-informed or just plain wrong. Katie and Dan attended marriage counseling with their pastor, but found they couldn't agree. Enough was enough. Katie moved to an apartment, leaving Dan with the house and the cat.

While God wants us to have happiness, our relationships with others can often bring heartache. But the prospect of difficulty should not lead us to avoid relationships or to believe that God "has it in for us." Instead Christian faith asks us to consider the following:

1. What will be the real consequence of breaking a covenant with this person?
2. At what point would breaking a promise be either ethical or moral?
3. How do I wish to be remembered when I die? What will be my legacy?
4. How do I admit to breaking a promise?
5. In what concrete ways can I repair the damage I have caused to others?
6. When should a relationship be terminated? Under what conditions?
7. What does my faith (Bible, church, prayer) suggest I should do?

What is your faith calling you to do?

REFLECTION…

· Where was God when Katie and Dan could not agree? Was he there when they first fell in love and then just left?
· When would leaving a friendship, job or marriage promote healing and wholeness for both parties?
· What needs to be considered before breaking a relationship?
· Don't people sometimes drift apart for no apparent reason? Should we try to reconnect with them?
· When was breaking a promise (covenant) the most positive thing to do?
· Are you taking your promises seriously enough?

THERE'S MORE…

Isaiah 40:1-5 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall be become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

In the OT there is no Hebrew word corresponding to promise; the words word, speak, and say were used instead. In the NT, the word promise is often used. Christ was the fulfillment of the OT promises. Jesus also promised to send the Holy Spirit. You may want to look up some more promises by checking a concordance.

Making Sacrifices
Week starting March 26

But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of the heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. Where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. Hence not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment had been told to all the people by Moses in accordance with the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you." And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

"When Jay and I started dating, we discovered the need to make sacrifices. It was no longer just about me. I had to consider what might be best for both of us. Now that we plan to be married we will have to sacrifice space, privacy and some of our independence."

"Sacrifice only counts if what you surrender causes you to change your life drastically. I joined an international peace movement and lived in Vietnam for two years, teaching English as a second language. Life was rustic but the sacrifices I made brought incredible rewards."

"It is too hard to give up anything. I work hard for the things I own. How would changing my lifestyle help anybody else? God gave me the blessings of a nice house, car, education and job, so who am I to doubt God's generosity?"

All covenants require some kind of sacrifice. Couples surrender privacy and time to each other. Employees may yield independence to their employer. College students give up the security of home to attend an institution.

The word sacrifice comes from Latin, "the act of making something sacred or holy." In the Old Testament, blood and grain sacrifices were performed at the Temple to change sinful people or conditions (like bad weather or crops) into holy and pure ones. This action was meant to restore the covenant with God to its original order.

In Hebrews, Christ is the sacrificer (chief priest) as well as the sacrifice, in hopes that a new covenant (relationship) between God and the world will be realized. In ancient times, blood was considered the substance in which life was found. By sacrificing the life (or blood) of an animal, the most sacred thing accessible to human beings was offered to God. When New Testament writers describe the "blood" of Jesus, they are describing Jesus' life as the most sacred thing accessible to humans, surpassing the life/blood of all other living things.

But how should Christians today understand sacrifice, the act of making something sacred? First, Christians proclaim the death of Jesus as a central event. By dying on a cross, Jesus suffered for his beliefs, practices and teachings. Standing for what one knows as truth can be risky. Christian sacrifice can involve standing by the truth of the Gospel, even if ridiculed for your decision.

Second, Christian sacrifice promotes holiness, a term that describes a specific relationship with God, available through Jesus. Because we have been introduced to God by Jesus, we behave differently than other folks. The WWJD (what would Jesus do) bracelets, t-shirts, necklaces, etc. are an outward sign of what we should be doing automatically, all the time. Jesus thought of others, their pain, their situation, their confusion. His actions, whether healing or just pointing the way, were all to bring God into that person's life. With God in your life you are different. You make sacrifices all the time but may not consider them sacrifices because you feel that's the way you should be acting…helping someone, watching out for another's welfare, taking the time to smile and say, "Hello", not drinking, not swearing. Well, you know what I mean and you know what God means.

REFLECTION…

· At the beginning of the lesson, what did our three friends consider as "sacrifice"?
· Were there common elements between them?
· What is "Christian sacrifice"?
· What are the characteristics of holiness?
· How are sacrifice and holiness related?
· Have you had to stand up for your beliefs or made a sacrifice that made you unpopular or stand out from the crowd?
· Where did you find the strength to do such a thing?
· How did it end? Would you do it again?
· Your idea of sacrifice and someone else's may not be the same. Be careful not to ridicule or belittle someone else's sacrifice.

THERE'S MORE…

The blood of Jesus - some Christians understand this to mean that Jesus offered his life as a substitute for our own. Others insist that Jesus paid a ransom with his own life so all humans could be free. Still others believe that "blood" refers to the moral example Jesus provided through his life. Your understanding may be one, two or a combination of all of these beliefs. As we get closer to Easter, think about the sacrifice Jesus made and what it means in your life.

Sacrifice may not make you feel badly, in fact it may make you feel good. Sacrifice a little of yourself this week to help someone.

It's Not That Easy
Week starting Monday, April 2

Hebrews 10:1-25 NRSV

Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken not pleasure. Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God'…"

When he said above, "You have neither desired not taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burn offerings and sin offerings." (these are offered according to the law), then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God's will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of God," and since then has been waiting "until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds," he also adds, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is through this flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke on another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging on another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I WAS JUST THINKING…

That was a lot of reading this time. Did you read it all, skim over it or just skip the whole thing? Remember sacrifice? You may have to do that just now. Go back and read it. There are some interesting statements that you could take and discuss for quite awhile.

OK, you're back. Have you ever had to provoke someone? I'm sure there are some of you that do that naturally, but we're looking for a time when you provoked someone into doing something for their own good. We are to provoke one another to love and to do good deeds. When you provoke others by living a Christian life, an example, you are treating them as God's special creation. You care enough to show them what God has to offer.

"Last night was going just fine. TJ and I had just returned from class. There was a knock on the door and two of TJ's friends walk in. I don't really care for these guys, but TJ likes them, so I didn't say anything. They started talking about the "old days" of high school, leaving me out of the conversation. By the time they left I was miserable. Why couldn't TJ show me more respect?"

Treating somebody as God's precious creation is not easy. It may not even be practical. What about forgiveness? Should we just let someone treat us poorly and keep turning the other cheek?

The Book of Hebrews expressed the views of many early Christians who believed that reality existed on two levels: the physical world and the spiritual world. The physical world, a "shadow and no true image" of the spiritual realm calls the faithful disciples to act as if they are already living in the spiritual world. Faith requires us to forgive because we are forgiven. We make sacrifices through good works and deeds as an act of faith. We believe in the spiritual, live in the physical world and act as if we were in the spiritual world.

To sacrifice means to make something holy through good deeds and forgiveness because you honestly believe that doing so will bring about the kingdom of God.

Sacrifice means

v Accepting Christ as authority
v Doing good deeds for others
v Exercising forgiveness
v Living in Christian community
v Building the kingdom of God

REFLECTION…

· When were you provoked into doing something good?
· Can you be provoked into loving someone?
· What is the difference between sacrifice as making something holy and sacrifice as giving something up?
· How should the church teach persons about Christian sacrifice?
· Think of someone you believe demonstrates Christian sacrifice.
· Can you use your current resources to make someone's life better?
· How do you understand the relationship between the physical and the spiritual?
· "Work as though it's all up to you, pray as if it's all up to God."

THERE'S MORE…

These are the ways of the world

1. Seeing yourself as ultimate authority
2. Acting only for your best interests
3. Living in anger or hatred
4. Avoiding Christian fellowship
5. Neglecting acts of peace and justice

Turn them into the ways of Christian sacrifice.

Sunday is Palm Sunday. Go to church and celebrate Jesus' coming. Remember him ushering in the kingdom of God and what a glorious feeling that must have been.