GSMC BibleStudy Podcast

Sarah talks about the Old Testament lectionary text assigned for the first Sunday in Lent:  Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7, which tells the story of Adam, Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden.  This story has been interpreted in numerous ways over the years and Sarah explores some of those different ways of looking tat this text. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah reads the assigned Gospel text for Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21.  Ash Wednesday marks the season of Lent, the 40 days leading up to Easter.  Many people choose to either take something on or give something up as a spiritual discipline during this season. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah talks about the New Testament Lectionary readings assigned for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany.  1 Corinthians 1:10-18 has Paul imploring the church of Corinth to look past their differences and remember that they have all been baptized into one family in the body of Christ.  Matthew 4:12-23 tells the story of Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow him and become fishers of people. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the Old Testament Lectionary texts for the 3rd Sunday in Epiphany.  Isaiah 9:1-4 gives us an image of light in the darkness, of joy in times of despair.  Psalm 27:1. 4-9 also continues this theme of light, identifying God as not only our light and our salvation, but our stronghold in times of difficulty. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the New Testament texts for Lectionary 23, the week of September 4, 2016.  Paul's letter to Philemon encourages Philemon to make a transformative choice based on his relationship with Christ.  The Gospel of Luke 14:25-33 is a difficult text wherein Jesus tells his would-be followers that they must hate their brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers in order to follow him.  Both texts are about the choices we make and how those choices matter. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the Old Testament texts for the week of September 4, 2016, Lectionary 23.  In Deuteronomy 30:15-25 Moses concludes his discourse of history and instructions to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land. Psalm 1 gives instructions to make good choices and stay on the path leading to God rather than following those who do not have our best interests at heart, leading us to make choices that aren't good for us or our relationships. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the New Testament lessons for Lectionary 22, the week of August 28, 2016.  Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 concludes the letter, outlining 6 ways for the community to live in relationship with each other and within the society around them.  In Luke 14:1, 7-14 Jesus tells a parable of a banquet which describes both humility and hospitality. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the Old Testament lessons assigned for Lectionary 22, the week of August 28, 2016.  Proverbs 25:6-7 speaks of not putting yourself in a higher position lest you be reprimanded publicly.  Psalm 112 is an alphabetic acrostic and speaks of living in fear (reverence) of God and the blessings that come from such a lifestyle. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the New Testament texts assigned for the week of August 21, 2016, Lectionary 21.  Hebrews 12:18-29 continues to build on the themes of faith and relationship with God in this 3rd of 4 continuous weeks spent in this Epistle.  The Gospel reading from Luke tells the story of Jesus healing a woman who had been bent over for 18 years.  The problem?  Jesus healed her on the Sabbath and angered the leader of the synagogue. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast Network at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the Old Testament texts for the week of August 21, 2016, Lectionary 21.  Isaiah 58:9b-14 shows the importance of keeping the Sabbath appropriately. Psalm 103 is a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving which also urges us not to forget the amazing things God has done for us throughout history. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

In this episode Sarah discusses the Lectionary 20 New Testament texts assigned for the week of August 14, 2016.  Hebrews 11:29—12:2 discusses the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us:  The people in our lives who encourage us in our faith.  Luke 12:49-56  presents a picture of a (seemingly) very cranky Jesus who speaks the truth even when we aren’t sure we want to hear it. Follow the GSMC BIble Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

In this episode Sarah discusses the Lectionary 20 Old Testament texts assigned for the week of August 14, 2016.  Jeremiah 23 addresses the difference between false prophets who do not speak God’s truth and Jeremiah, whose words are harder, but come from God.  Psalm 82 depicts a trial in which the one being tried is accused of ignoring those in society who need protection:  the poor, the widow, the orphan, the powerless. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the New Testament texts for Lectionary 19, the week of August 7, 2016.  Both texts are about waiting and having faith and patience during times when we are fearful or uncertain of God’s timing.  We are encouraged to wait actively rather than passively and to remain in engaged in our relationship with God. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the Old Testament lessons for the week of August 7, 2016, Lectionary 19.  Both Genesis 15:1-6 and Psalm 33:12-22 deal with patience and waiting. Sarah discusses how being in relationship with God is active, and waiting does not have to, nor should be, passive. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the New Testament texts for Lectionary 18, the week of July 31, 2016. Paul encourages the church in Colossae to put away their old habits and instead clothe themselves in the new clothes of Christ, meaning new ways of being in the world that reflect Christ’s teachings.  The Gospel text from Luke tells the parable of a rich man who hoards his possessions only to discover he can’t take them with him when he dies.  This text is similar to the Ecclesiastes text for this week but comes to very different conclusions. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html