Bible Study for November 17, 2024

Hi everyone,

Every November, before Advent begins, there is always at least one Sunday that considers the end of the world.  This upcoming Sunday is that Sunday!

The apocalyptic language of Daniel coincides with the same kind of language in Mark.  Thinking of "end times", we pray in the Lord's Prayer to "Save us from the time of trial" and we know that God saves us.

With hearts and bodies made clean in baptism, we assemble to hear the Holy Spirit empower the new covenant again among us, fortifying us through Communion to spread God's love in our world.

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Pastor Tim

"God has led you to the desert, and spoken to your Heart."

Mount of Olives Lutheran Church

3546 E. Thomas Rd

Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-956-1620 office

Bible Study for November 17, 2024

Opening Prayer:

Creator of all, we thank you for the opportunity to gather in study. Open our minds and hearts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, unite us in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to the gospel and to walk humbly with you. Grant us your peace as we grow in wisdom and understanding. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 13:1-8 How do you view Jesus’ comments on the “end times”?

Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple, the center of religious life. As clear as Jesus was about a final devastation, he was more ambiguous about the timing of the event(s). He pointed to a period when several people will “come in my name” and claim special authority (“I’m the one!”); later in the chapter, Jesus stated more directly that many false Messiahs and prophets will appear (Mark 13:22). 

Jesus, like Daniel in the OT reading, carries the weight of knowing the pain of what is to come for him, and the grief and confusion those who follow him will endure. Stones will be thrown down, one will roll away, and out of death will come eternal life; separation will be destroyed, connection and full relationship will be restored. There will come a love like no other, connecting us forever to the one who loved us into being.

Hebrews 10:11-25 Do you struggle with accepting God’s grace and love? 

It must have been quite a revelation to hear this section of Hebrews preached for the first time. These concepts of forgiveness, hope, and love are difficult to grasp. This may be why the author of Hebrews goes on to assure the audience that Jesus is so much more than the priests they have seen in the past. Those who believe in Christ are to approach him with boldness and confidence – a confidence born of the faith, hope, and love Christ gives us as we journey with him, provoking one another to love and good deeds, to gather together, and to encourage one another.The idea of provoking love and good deeds among all God’s beloved children seems nearly as revolutionary as a God that forgives, remembers our misdeeds no more, and loves us forever.

Daniel 12:1-3  How might you seek and serve those new to your community?

As an advisor to the King, Daniel bore the weight of knowing – knowing that God had and would deliver the Israelites and knowing that this deliverance would not come soon or without anguish. Like Daniel, many in our day are faithful and courageous, and still burdened physically, emotionally, and spiritually by unjust, oppressive systems. As Christians, we are called to love, serve, and respect the dignity of every human being. This is the work we are called to do, and we, like Daniel, carry the weight of knowing this work will continue until all things are made new. 

Closing Prayer