Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Good Morning!

Just fyi, no one asked for a book, but I know that some of you don't have a book. I've got some books coming that will be at church on Sunday, so come on by and get one, even if you can't stay for class. Don't be shy. If you need me to send it to you, let me know and I will mail one or drop one by your house. The great thing about this study, since every section is more or less self contained, is pick back up right where we are. If you are looking for some past information, it is on the web at www.leapclass.blogspot.com.

The new unit for this week is Unit 12, Holiness of Heart

Focus Scripture for the Week: Hebrews 4:7

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart.

Today's topic: Mark 12:28-34

-- just for context, today's verses come from a section where Jesus is in the temple during the week prior to Good Friday. The various religious leaders and scholars have been asking him tricky questions, trying to trip him up and discredit his ministry. This question was somewhat of a tricky question, because, over the centuries, the Jews had gone beyond the Ten Commandments and added a lot of different "laws" and commandment about how people should conduct themselves, based on their readings of the Old Testament. Some groups divided these into major and minor laws; others felt strongly that all of the laws were equally important. While I don't get a sense that the man who asked this question was trying to trip Jesus up as much as asking an honest question that he wanted the answer to, the question and Jesus's answer could have provoked some controversy.

-- Jesus' summary is very succinct and easy to follow -- love God, love others. Everything else is an elaboration on these two thoughts. The connection with this week's theme is that much of what "holiness of heart" is about is about living out these two thoughts. If you think about the things that we consider holiness -- doing the right thing, watching our language, telling the truth, etc. -- these things are all done out of a love for God and a love for others. If holiness is about keeping God's commandments, then we really only have two rules to follow - thought there is an awful lot of territory included in these two commandments.

Today's prayer request: Mrs. Martin, the mother of a friend of Jay.

Mrs. Martin is suffering from lung cancer, and is not doing very well. She has been through three rounds of chemo, with very little improvement.

Today's class member prayer:

Jodi Findlay

Have a great day.

Jay