GSMC BibleStudy Podcast

Sarah looks at the 4th assigned lectionary text for the 5th Sunday of Easter.  John 14:1-14 is part of Jesus' farewell discourse, where he imparts as much to his disciples and followers as possible before his imminent betrayal, arrest, and death.  In these verses he tells the that he is going ahead to prepare a place for them, that in knowing him they know God, and that they will continue the work that he has begun. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at the third of the 4 assigned lectionary texts for May 14, 2017, the 5th Sunday of Easter.  In 1 Peter 2:2-10 the author tells the community that they are like living stones, which make up the temple.  It is less about where the worship and more about with whom they worship.  They have all been made new in the body of Christ, and are called to proclaim God's word in the world. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16, which is assigned for the 5th Sunday of Easter.  Psalm 31 is an individual prayer for protection that transitions into a prayer of trust in God's refuge and protection.  It tells of the psalmist being in great pain and distress, but still trusting absolutely in God. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses Acts 17:22-31 where Paul speaks to a group in Athens.  Paul's words are about the God that Paul has experienced through the risen Christ.  God, who has made all of creation, made us in God's own image, and therefore cannot be captured in inanimate materials such as gold or silver or stone. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html  

Sarah talks about the 3rd and 4th of the assigned lectionary texts for the 4th Sunday of Easter, May 7, 2017.  This Sunday is often called Good Shepherd Sunday, and both texts involve imagery of shepherd and sheep.  1 Peter 2:19-25 continues the letter to early church communities in Asia Minor, and what it means to live as brothers and sisters in Christ.  John 10:1-10 has Jesus describing himself metaphorically as both a shepherd and the gate to the sheep pen. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at the first 2 of the assigned lectionary texts for May 7, 2017, the 4th Sunday of Easter.  This Sunday is referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday, with 3 of the texts talking about sheep and/or shepherds.  Psalm 23 is arguably one of the most popular and recognizable Psalm with it's image of a shepherd who leads his sheep to safety and comfort.  Acts 2:42-47 is a transitional point in the story, moving from Peter's sermon on Pentecost to the workings of the early church communities. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the final of the four Lectionary texts assigned for the week of April 30, 2017, the 3rd Sunday of Easter.  In Luke 24:13-35 is the story of the road to Emmaus where 2 of Jesus' followers encouner the risen Christ, although they do not recognize him until later.  This text provides openings for thinking about our own Emmaus stories and how we recognize Jesus in our lives. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah talks about the 3rd of 4 assigned Lectionary readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.  1 Peter 1:17-23 continues the verses discussed last week, building on the theme that the recipients of the letter are one family, made new through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at the 2nd of 4 assigned Lectionary readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.  Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 are part of a Psalm of Thanksgiving.  The Psalmist tells of the trials and afflictions endured and how God was there throughout, aiding and guiding.  The Psalm (or song) is the author's way of giving thanks to God for that presence. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at the first of the assigned lectionary texts for the week of April 30, the 3rd Sunday in Easter.  Acts 2 36-41 continues Peter's Pentecost sermon which was also discussed last week.  In this week's installment Peter talks about repentance and forgiveness.  The text concludes with 3,000 people being baptized after hearing Peter's words. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at the gospel text assigned for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, April 23, 2017.  In John 20:19-31 we hear the story of Doubting Thomas, who refused to believe in the risen Christ until he was able to see and touch his wounds.  Was Thomas wrong to want this?  Wasn't he only asking for what the other disciples had already seen?  There is a lot to be learned from this story. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the second New Testament reading assigned for the week of April 23, the 2nd Sunday in Easter.  In 1 Peter 1:3-9 the author encourages his readers to remember that they have been made new in the promises of Christ's death and resurrection.  No matter what is happening in their lives, they have been given a new creation and God is always with them. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah talks about Psalm 116, the Psalm assigned for the week of April 23, 2017, the second Sunday of Easter. Psalm 116 is a Psalm of trust, where the Psalmist expresses the intimate relationship we have with God and how that relationship becomes the foundation of our faith. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah discusses the first of 2 assigned New Testament readings for the week of April 23rd, the second Sunday in the season of Easter.  Acts 2:14a, 22-32 relays part of Peter's sermon on Pentecost in which he tells of his experience of Jesus Christ's ministry, death, and resurrection. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html

Sarah looks at Colossians 3:1-4, which encourages us to seek that which is above, and asks the question, "what does that mean?"  During the season of Easter we celebrate the resurrection and the new life promised to us through Christ.  We are reminded that we have died and been resurrected with Christ. Follow the GSMC Bible Study Podcast at http://www.gsmcpodcast.com/bible-study.html