Bible Study for June 22, 2025

Hi everyone, 

We are entering "Ordinary" times, in which we learn lessons and insights from Jesus' life and teachings.  In this last part of Isaiah, God stands ready to welcome the people with open hands, but they turn away just as we all do.  We are called to repentance, so that we may praise the God of grace.

TO JOIN ONLINE

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https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88689075784?pwd=K3lRMnVmL2Z6MGFoQ3AzRjJsRFplZz09

Meeting ID: 886 8907 5784
Passcode: church

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 June 22, 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.

Luke 8:26-39 How do you tend to respond to unusual or awesome events — with doubt and suspicion, or with openness to see signs of God at work in new ways?

When Jesus stilled a raging storm, the disciples asked, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water?” Today’s passage implies a similar question: “Who is this person that casts out demons?” The question is not voiced, but is buried beneath the people’s fear. Just as they had ostracized the man that was filled with demons, so they sent away the one who had healed him. They did not recognize God’s power at work in Jesus. This story is significant in that it is Luke’s only story of Jesus’ ministry beyond Jewish territory. It foreshadows the Christian mission to the Gentile world that would begin after Jesus’ death. 

Galatians 3:23-29 What other categories might you add to Paul’s words that Jesus breaks open wide?

When law-abiding Jews became disciples of Christ, they struggled to understand the place of law in their new lives. Some of Paul’s fellow Jewish Christians believed they should continue following the law and argued that Gentiles who became Christian must begin to follow it, as well. Paul did not discourage Jews from their religious observance but argued that Gentile Christians need not come to Christianity by way of Jewish law. All persons, Paul argued, are justified (brought into right relationship with God) by God’s grace received through faith. 

Isaiah 65:1-9

There is a stark contrast between a rebellious people who have consistently turned away from God and God's persistent efforts to reach them. The passage opens with God declaring that He was "sought by those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me." This highlights Israel's spiritual apathy and disobedience. Despite their persistent rebellion and the severity of their sins, God, in His ultimate justice and mercy, announces a coming judgment that will differentiate between the disobedient and a faithful remnant. This remnant, God's chosen servants, will inherit His mountains and His chosen ones will settle there. This emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises. It serves as a reminder that while God judges sin, His ultimate purpose is to preserve a people for Himself, a people who will ultimately embody righteousness and receive His blessings.

Closing Prayer:

Most holy and eternal God, you dwell in the heights of heaven, yet you walk among those who refuse to see you.

Hold out your hand to those who rebel against you, and free us from the chains that bind us, that we may be healed by Christ and proclaim his saving deeds to all the world. Amen.