This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years.
June 10, 2024
Bob Mulholland was one of my favorite professors while I attended Asbury Theological Seminary. He was a gentle giant on campus. While at school, I attended Lexington First Methodist where he taught Sunday school. I remember him teaching Revelation with only a small Greek text. He simply went word by word, translating it into English. I was amazed. One of the things I learned from Bob’s lessons is what I call the slow walk of obedience. Being a Christian is a way of life that is minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, and day-by-day. It is not a flash-in-the-pan event to later be set on a shelf. In memory of Bob, I want to share his idea of spiritual formation from a portion of his book, Shaped by the Word.
Spiritual formation is not an instantaneous process, although there may be instantaneous experiences at certain points along the journey. Spiritual formation is a lifelong process of growth into the image of Christ. This gradual aspect of spiritual formation moves against the grain of our instant gratification culture, as we now have been conditioned to expect almost immediate returns on our investments of time, energy, or resources. For this reason, you may find it difficult at points to accept the necessity of undergoing a lengthy period of spiritual discipline before experiencing any substantive change in your life. Spiritual formation is not an option. Spiritual formation is not a discipline just for “dedicated disciples.” It is not a pursuit only for the pious. Spiritual formation is not an activity for the committed alone. Every event of life is an experience of spiritual formation. Every action taken, every response made, every dynamic of relationships, every thought held, every emotion allowed: these are the minuscule arenas where, bit by bit, infinitesimal piece by infinitesimal piece, we are shaped into some kind of being. We are being shaped either toward the wholeness of the image of Christ or toward a horribly destructive caricature of that image. This is why Paul urges Christians, “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). The Christian’s spiritual journey is a life lived in, through, and for God.
This summer, Dr. Green wanted to share some of his favorite First Steps from previous years. The writings of Dietrich Bonheoffer are often chosen for theological studies and inspiration.
June 3, 2024
Dietrich Bonheoffer once said, “Only the believing obey, only the obedient believe.” Often, we think of faith and obedience as dichotomies. In fact, they are twins, for they are linked together with a closeness that should be seamless. Faith and obedience are one and the same where the follower of Christ has faith and naturally walks in obedience. It should be natural.
All of this is a work of grace where God penetrates the heart of the person empowering him or her to walk the way Christ walked. I love Bonheoffer’s quote. This week as you go about your days, focus on the close connection between faith and obedience.
We have begun to read the Bible in about a year! Also, our sermon series, “Genesis: All in the Family” is ongoing, which coincides with the first book of the Bible. Please join us as we continue growing our faith together.
Things to Pray About:
Experiencing Christ in the Pentecost Season, as the disciples did.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
Our unwillingly absent members.
Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
Finding peace in our city, state, country, and the world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
As we approach Memorial Day, a time set aside to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we are reminded of the profound act of selflessness demonstrated by Jesus Christ and echoed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Memorial Day calls us to remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to their country. Their sacrifice embodies the essence of love as Jesus described it: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). Through their sacrifice, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the depth of love.
Likewise, Pentecost invites us to remember another sacrifice — the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the soldiers who gave their lives for their companions, Jesus laid down his life for the sake of humanity, demonstrating the ultimate act of love. On Pentecost, we celebrate the fulfillment of Christ's promise to send the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live lives of courage, faith, and love.
The connection between Pentecost and Memorial Day is profound. Both remind us of the power of sacrifice and the importance of remembering those who have gone before us. Just as we honor the memory of fallen soldiers, we also honor the memory of the disciples who boldly proclaimed the Gospel, often at great personal cost.
As we reflect on Pentecost and Memorial Day, let us remember the spirit of sacrifice that runs through both. Let us honor the memory of those who have given their lives for our freedom and let us live lives worthy of their sacrifice. Let us be filled anew with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to love boldly, serve faithfully, and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need.
Reflection Questions:
How does the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross inspire you to live a life of sacrificial love?
In what ways can you honor the memory of those who have made sacrifices for your freedom?
How can you allow the Holy Spirit to empower you to live boldly for Christ?
We have begun to read the Bible in about a year! Also, our sermon series, "Genesis: All in the Family" is ongoing, which coincides with the first book of the Bible. Please join us as we continue growing our faith together.
Things to Pray About:
Experiencing Christ in the Pentecost Season, as the disciples did.
Pray for guidance, protection, healing, strength, courage, and faith.
Our unwillingly absent members.
Comfort those who are grieving and in distress.
Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times.
Family restoration through forgiveness.
Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
Finding peace in our city, state, country, and the world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
During the third week of Eastertide, our focus is on the witness of Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection. Amid fear and disbelief, Jesus offered them peace and assurance. Then, he commissioned them to proclaim forgiveness and repentance.
The resurrection of Jesus is not only a triumph over death but a testament to the power of forgiveness. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offered reconciliation and restoration to all who repent and believe. Notice that the disciples first received and then sent out to preach what they received. As we live each day as if it is Easter, we celebrate his victory and the power of forgiveness in our lives. Likewise, we extend that same love and forgiveness to others. We are Easter people, and we live in the shadow of the Resurrection. Go Easter the world!!
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation leading up to Easter Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds hailed Him as the Messiah, laying palm branches before Him as He rode on a donkey.
This event is rich with symbolism, revealing profound truths about Jesus’ character and mission. Despite the exuberant crowds and their shouts of praise, Jesus enters Jerusalem not as a conquering king on a warhorse but as a humble servant on a donkey. This act of humility speaks volumes about the nature of His kingdom and His mission on earth.
In a world that often values power, prestige, and self-promotion, Jesus’ choice of a donkey as His mode of transportation is a powerful reminder of the upside-down nature of His kingdom. It stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world, which often rely on force and coercion to maintain their authority. Jesus’ kingdom is built on love, service, and humility.
As we reflect on Palm Sunday, let us consider the example of Jesus and strive to emulate His humility in our own lives. Like Jesus, may we be willing to set aside our pride and self-interest, choosing instead to serve others with love and compassion. Let us remember that true greatness is found not in exalting ourselves but in lifting others up.
As we journey through Holy Week, let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus, walking the path of humility, service, and sacrificial love. May we allow His example to shape our lives and transform our hearts, so that we too may participate in the building of His kingdom here on earth.
This Week’s Readings: – Monday – John 16 – Tuesday – John 17 – Wednesday – John 18 – Thursday – John 19 – Friday – John 20
Things to Pray About: – The violence and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world. – Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith. – Our unwillingly absent members. – Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. – Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. – Family restoration through forgiveness. – Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
2 And the earth was tohuvavohu (without form, and void), and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Ruach Elohim was hovering upon the face of the waters.
There is a word in the above verse of Genesis 1:2 that is underlined: Tohuvavohu (TOH-hoo vah-VOH-hoo). It is difficult to translate because it is a play on words. It is a Hebrew way of describing the absence of things without using the negative form. In the verse, it is the absence of form (formless and void). It describes a condition of something like an empty desert without water. At the same time, the Ruach (breath or spirit) of Elohim (God) was hovering over the face of the waters. In the next verse, that same breath of God calls forth light.
What God did in creation, God still does today in our lives. God desires something more than tohuvavohu in you. In the New Testament, we are reformed by the nature of Christ. It is Christ in us that is the hope of glory. This work of God is not tohuvavohu. God doesn’t desire the formless and wants to fill the voids with His presence. His spirit continually hovers over those places that need to be filled. He continually calls forth light.
The book of Genesis asserts the reality of God, God’s ongoing work of creation, God’s dominion of order that tames the chaos. This work of God didn’t stop in Genesis. It continues today. Frankly, I’m humbled by and grateful for this work. This is hope—hope for those inward places that still need light. Hope for places around the world that are still filled with darkness. There is something so reassuring to know the Breath of God still hovers over the tohuvavohu, wherever it is, and wants to bring order, beauty, and light.
This Week’s Readings: -Monday – John 11 -Tuesday – John 12 -Wednesday – John 13 -Thursday – John 14 -Friday – John 15
Things to Pray About: -The violence and finding peace in our city, state, country, and in the world. -Pray for guidance, healing, protection, strength, courage, and faith. -Our unwillingly absent members. -Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. -Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. -Family restoration through forgiveness. -Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
