Bible Study on Wednesday at 7:00

Hi everyone,

This Sunday we again hear our primary Advent preacher, John the Baptist, helping us to prepare the way for our Lord.  With Joy this Sunday, in the word we hear and in the holy communion, we continue to draw upon the strength of God's promise through our baptism.  Then, rejoicing in such great gifts, we may begin to bear the fruits for which John calls.

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 December 15, 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.

Luke 3:7-18 How are you sharing your possessions with your neighbors?

Last week’s Gospel reading introduced John the Baptist as the end-time messenger who called people to prepare to encounter God. Repentance and a return to God’s ways was a recommended strategy for surviving “the wrath to come.” Here we find John’s prescriptions for preparation for the “one who is coming.” 

John warns the crowd that no ritual purification would suffice to guarantee safety on the day of Judgment. Rather, the fruits of a repentant heart must be clearly visible. The metaphor of the clearing out of unfruitful trees in 3:9 emphasizes the importance of finding fruit pleasing to God in our lives. 

This answer is in keeping with Luke’s special emphasis on sharing possessions and using one’s goods to benefit the needy. It is astounding for the American mind to see what John considered to be “surplus” and therefore available for sharing with the needy. John gives the command to those in every profession to act honorably—not using their jobs as opportunities to plunder their neighbors. Aware of God’s Spirit behind John’s call to repent, the people wondered about his role in God’s plan: Was he the Messiah? John said no, he was only the forerunner of the Coming One. 

Philippians 4:4-7 How much do your church relationships reflect a vibrant, reciprocal partnership? 

“Joy in the Lord” is an important motif running through Philippians. The third Sunday of Advent reminds us of the joy that awaits the believer in Christ’s appearance. Even in prison, Paul is full of this joy—a joy that does not depend on external circumstances but on the friendship of God and fellow believers.  By focusing on the person of Christ, he becomes attuned to the character and will of God. 

Centering on this joy provides a resource of unity and peace for the community of faith. This joy enables “gentle forbearance” toward all people, and through it one is freed to respond with patience rather than anger or harshness. Thanksgiving for God’s past help also offers this peace, witnessing to our hearts how magnificently God has cared for us. “The Lord is near” refers to God in terms of time. Christ stands ready to break into history and usher in God’s reign. This is a source of confidence to all the harassed Christians in Philippi. As the be-all and end-all, God is the source of everlasting joy, stability, and peace.