Bible Study Wednesday at 6:30

Hi everyone,

As we enter the 3rd week of Eastertide, the readings for this Sunday have us encountering the risen Christ: In Revelation, as the slaughtered Lamb at the center of all creation's praise; by Saul, as a blinding light who turns Saul into the great missionary theologian Paul; and by the disciples, as the giver of bread and fish who heals Peter from his denials.  When we assemble on Sundays, we also can see the Risen Christ.

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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 May 4, 2025

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.

John 21:1-19 When have you failed to live out your Christian commitment as you would have wished?

It is very likely that John’s gospel originally ended at 20:31, with this story about a Resurrection appearance being added after the death of the beloved disciple. The appearance takes place in Galilee, near the feeding of the five thousand, another meal of bread and fish surrounded by mystery. This almost ritual reenactment of the earlier denial and failure gave Peter gave Peter an opportunity for a “repeat” in the context of his Lord’s forgiveness. It is a story that reminds us of a God who restores the fallen and provides new opportunities for them in fruitful service and living up to their own best potential.

Revelation 5:11-14 Around what center does your life revolve? How has that center changed over the years?

In that time, especially in Asia Minor, loyalty was expressed through worship, including the cult of the Roman emperors. This scene of majestic, orderly worship, all focused on the true center of the universe, sets up a contrast with the little idolatrous centers of worship encountered throughout Revelation. Through this picture, now Christians could look at the majority population, who worshipped idols and the emperor as a deviant minority. 

Acts 9:1-20

Many Jews both had an Aramaic name and a Greek or Roman name, the latter being an accommodation to the dominant culture. The same person was known as Saul (Hebrew name, Shaul) and then also Paul (Roman for Paulus). Saul was not an accommodating person. His zeal for Torah was so consuming, so absolute, that he felt compelled to apply pressure by any means necessary upon fellow Jews found violating the covenant. Proclaiming as God’s Messiah a man condemned by the Temple leadership for misleading the people was, to him, a danger and a serious offense. He obviously changed his view over time, but he was not the only one. Ananias had to shift his prejudices and priorities as well. He was justifiably nervous and confused about having dealings with a man whose persecutions were well-known. Still, Ananias was led by God to become his bridge to a relationship with the disciples and future ministry in the Christian movement.

Closing Prayer

God of victory over death, your Son revealed himself again and again, and convinced his followers of his glorious resurrection.  Grant that we may know his risen presence, in love obediently feed his sheep,

and care for the lambs of his flock, until we join the hosts of heaven in worshiping you and praising him who is worthy of blessing and honor, glory and power, for ever and ever. Amen.