Summer Sunday School
All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of
the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate
in special Bible lessons.
Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at
home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a
short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions
for further study and personal reflection.
This week’s passages are
from Psalm 8:1-9 and John 16:12-15.
Psalm 8 is a beautiful ancient poem about God’s creative powers.
Some scholars believe that it was even written before the Genesis creation
narratives. Whatever its origins, the psalm is an expression of wonder and joy.
Even today, with all of our amazing technology to look at the stars at the
furthest part of the universe, this psalm invokes a wonderful thought of people
being lovingly and specially created by God. As we look at the night sky and
think about the wonders of creation, what is it, the psalmist asks, that makes
us so special in God’s eyes?
Questions for study and
reflection
How does the world
around us display God’s majesty and power?
When you look at the
stars, what do you think about?
Why do you think God
made people?
Why do you think God
made you?
The Gospel of John was written at a
time when the Young Christian Church was in jeopardy. The apostle John was
among the last known surviving followers of Jesus, so his Gospel is written at
a time when second and third generation Christians were wondering if the
stories about Jesus were actually true.
In this short passage, John
emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit to bring the Church guidance and truth.
These gifts were essential for the ministry and mission of the Gospel to
continue. They are also sacred gifts that every generation of Christ’s
followers require, even down to this present day.
Questions for study and
reflection
How can we know if what
is written in the Gospels about Jesus is actually true? Where does that truth
come from?
Why does the Church
still need to be guided by the Holy Spirit? What important issues are we
currently struggling with and experiencing?
Where do we see the Holy
Spirit at work within the Church?
How does the Holy Spirit
help us to become better disciples of Christ? Does He do it for us or Jesus?
Any other thoughts or
questions?
Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm
96:1-6 & Luke 7:1-10
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