Invitation to share thoughts on Sunday August 28 Scripture

Friends,

The Prophet Isaiah used the image of a potter working clay in her hands as a way of speaking about how God shaped the people of Israel. In the United Church of Christ we talk about Faith practices.  Prayer, study, and works of love help us to return to the love of God and neighbor. 

Last month, I told a story about my days playing baseball and how important practice with the rest of team was.  We have enjoyed Ohio Light Opera musicians throughout this summer and I have grown in appreciation for the amount of practice actors and musicians put into each performance for no less than six different shows!  Can you imagine what it would be like if the musicians and actors never practiced before the performance?!?!  Faith is exactly like that.  We need to practice far more than we preach!

As our lives change and new technologies become available nearly every day, we need to use the best ways we can to help people practice their faith.  There was a good response to last month’s newsletter article about an online reflection group to read scripture and share their questions and reflections on a piece of scripture that will be featured during an upcoming Sunday service.  On that Sunday, I’ll recognize the people who respond and contribute to the discussion about the scripture.  This is an experiment in "Collaborative preaching".  

This is a Beta test on the scripture for Sunday, August 28^th, Hebrews 13:1-8, 14-16.

Please read the scripture and let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Kevan

What were your reactions to this scripture after you read it?  What did you think about after reading it?

What questions do you have?

What would be a good sermon title for this passage?

Hebrews 13:1-8, 14-16   New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

13 Let mutual love continue. ² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.^[a] 4 Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. ⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” ⁶ So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper;
    I will not be afraid.
What can anyone do to me?”

⁷ Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

¹⁴ For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. ¹⁵ Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.¹⁶ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.