A recap of our discussion:
Abraham does not give priority to the covenant with God. He fears for his life, and tries to save his own skin. But then, from his point of view, how would God's promise be fulfilled if Abraham gets killed? We thought that it was a natural reaction to try to save your own life. We had a rendition of a song "NEver make a pretty woman your wife" (the real root of Abe's problem?)
God, on the other hand, took action to protect the covenant and not derail the promise of an heir for Abraham and Sarah. God realized limitations, and moreover, prevented Abimilech from sinning.
Was it acceptable for a godly man to deceive pagans because they did not fear God? Various opinions: A godly man shouldn't have to deceive anyone. If pagans are threatening you, deceiving them is okay.
Why didn't God abandon Abraham and just pick someone else? The group's consensus: there wasn't anybody else better.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Fire and Brimstone, Death and Destruction
Genesis 19
How does Lot demonstrate his righteousness in this passage?
What can we learn from the results of Lot's choices?
How does Lot demonstrate his righteousness in this passage?
What can we learn from the results of Lot's choices?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Genesis 18: Abraham argues with God
Some questions to ponder, when reading Genesis 18: 16-33.
Is Abraham’s appeal addressed to God’s justice or to God’s mercy?
Would you be afraid to tell God he was not acting appropriately?
Is Abraham’s appeal addressed to God’s justice or to God’s mercy?
Would you be afraid to tell God he was not acting appropriately?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Genesis Chapter 17
May 10, 2009
Genesis 17
Today we talked about the happy topic of circ*umci*sion!
This is also the passage where God changes Abram's name to Abraham, and Sarai's name to Sarah. A few of the questions we discussed are:
In what ways does baptism for Christians serve a similar function as circumcision for Jews?
Can ceremonies and rituals (e.g. sacraments) become powerless and perfunctory, or do they have power in themselves whether or not the participants take them seriously?
Next week: The Three Visitors (Genesis Chapter 18)
Genesis 17
Today we talked about the happy topic of circ*umci*sion!
This is also the passage where God changes Abram's name to Abraham, and Sarai's name to Sarah. A few of the questions we discussed are:
In what ways does baptism for Christians serve a similar function as circumcision for Jews?
Can ceremonies and rituals (e.g. sacraments) become powerless and perfunctory, or do they have power in themselves whether or not the participants take them seriously?
Next week: The Three Visitors (Genesis Chapter 18)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
May 3, 2009 Hagar and the birth of Ishmael
Genesis 16 : The Birth of Ishmael
One commentary states that in this passage “the basic conflict is between certain specific legal rights and natural human feelings.” What are the feelings of the major characters, and how do these feelings influence their actions?
What action does Hagar take and what does she learn about the Lord in this traumatic experience (16:6-14)?
One commentary states that in this passage “the basic conflict is between certain specific legal rights and natural human feelings.” What are the feelings of the major characters, and how do these feelings influence their actions?
What action does Hagar take and what does she learn about the Lord in this traumatic experience (16:6-14)?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 5: Belief, covenant, and ritual
Genesis 15
Abram is still bopping around without any kids, and in this passage he asks God what's up with that promise. This passage includes a description of an ancient covenant ritual. The Bible says in verse 6 that Abram believed, and in verse 9 Abram begins the ritual, at God's direction. If Abram believed, why did God have him perform this ritual?
Abram is still bopping around without any kids, and in this passage he asks God what's up with that promise. This passage includes a description of an ancient covenant ritual. The Bible says in verse 6 that Abram believed, and in verse 9 Abram begins the ritual, at God's direction. If Abram believed, why did God have him perform this ritual?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
