April 22, 2018, Lectionary

Seems to me the apostles were insistent that it was the name of Jesus that had the power to heal. They didn't claim that it was the spirit of Jesus, or the power of Jesus, or the love of Jesus. I'm pondering and comparing Acts 3:12-19 and Acts 4:5-12.

The Psalmist calls on humans to give unto the Lord the glory due unto the Lord's name. I wonder what kind of glory is due and how a person would do that. Psalm 29

It would be easy for me to forget that Jesus is here, alive, and it is the Holy Spirit's work to remind me. 1 John 3:16-24

I can know and respond to Jesus' voice as does a beloved pet to the voice of its master. John 10:1-18

Thoughts about Listening

What are words commonly used to claim a higher authority for what a person is doing? Acts 4:5-12

Let us give the honor due each other as fellow humans, that of respectful listening. Psalm 29

Gift listening, calm presence, no-agenda attention is merely another way of giving love. 1 John 3:16-24

Each voice has its own identity, recognizable through changes in tone, pitch, or pace. John 10:1-18

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Research the meaning of your name. Were you told the meaning of your name during your childhood? Tell your group.

2.    Read or listen to Acts 4:5-12. Read, ponder, and discuss these additional Bible segments about Jesus’ name: Acts 3:12-19; Acts 2:21; Acts 19:13-17; Philippians 2:9-11; Matthew 1:21. Is there magic in the name or is this about the authority of Jesus?

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 29. Name and voice indicate identity. Each voice has its own identity and authority, recognizable despite all changes in tone, pitch, or pace. How would a person give to the Lord the glory (splendor, beauty) due to the Lord’s name, to the Lord’s identity and authority?

4.    Read or listen to 1 John 3:16-24. How can a person know Jesus has authority in his or her life? By the love for others Jesus gives, by the keeping of Jesus’ commandments, and through the work of the Holy Spirit. Discuss whether a person should try to do these things in order gain or prove Jesus’ authority in his or her life.

5.    Read or listen to John 10:1-18. How do name, voice, identity, and authority find a nest and illustration in Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and shepherd? Draw, dance, or dramatize the sheep and the Good Shepherd. Will you follow him?

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1.    Investigue el significado de su nombre. ¿Le dijeron el significado de su nombre durante su infancia? Comente con su su grupo.

2.    Leer o escuchar Hechos 4: 5-12. Lea, medite y discuta estos segmentos adicionales de la Biblia sobre el nombre de Jesús: Hechos 3: 12-19; Hechos 2:21; Hechos 19: 13-17; Filipenses 2: 9-11; Mateo 1:21. ¿Hay magia en el nombre o esto se trata de la autoridad de Jesús?

3.    Leer  o escuchar el Salmo 29. El nombre y la voz indican identidad. Cada voz tiene su propia identidad y autoridad, reconocible a pesar de todos los cambios del matiz, entonación o ritmo. ¿Cómo podría una persona darle la gloria al Señor (esplendor, belleza): debido al nombre del Señor, a la identidad y autoridad del Señor?

4.    Leer o escuchar 1 Juan 3: 16-24. ¿Cómo puede una persona saber que Jesús tiene autoridad en su vida? Por el amor a los demás que da Jesús, al guardar los mandamientos de Jesús y a través de la obra del Espíritu Santo. Discuta si una persona debe tratar de hacer estas cosas para obtener o probar la autoridad de Jesús en su vida.

5.    Leer o escuchar Juan 10: 1-18. ¿Cómo el nombre, la voz, la identidad y la autoridad encajan en la ilustración de las enseñanzas de Jesús sobre las ovejas y el pastor? Dibuje, baile o dramatize a las ovejas y al Buen Pastor. ¿Lo seguirá?