Lenten Worship & Study

Written By Jonathan Krogh

Dear Lenten Travelers:

Beginning this Wednesday and for the following four weeks, we will celebrate Communion in the Ashland Chapel at 6:30 p.m. and then retire to the Parlor for a study series on the politics of first century Palestine. I realize the topic may seem extremely dry since it combines politics, history and a foreign land, but bear with me as you consider attending.

We spend nearly every Sunday discussing some aspect of Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels. But as we attempt to apply his precepts to our circumstances, it is important to remember that Jesus was speaking to his world, his contemporaries. Lifting texts without consideration of their context easily degrades them into a pretext for a prooftext (a quote attributed to theologian D.A. Carson’s father, a Canadian minister). In other words, looking to justify or defend some preconceived idea, we’re tempted to run to the Bible to lift some phrase or quote that supports our argument. That’s not how scripture should work.

Given the political turmoil of our world today, my hope is to use these study sessions as an opportunity to consider the complexity of Jesus’ historical context and see how he responded to the principalities and powers of his age. As much as we would like to think that religion should transcend politics, it is important to remember that religious gossips used politics to nail Jesus to the cross. Understanding the political history of first history Palestine may grant some insight regarding the Gospel’s relationship to civic and religious authority.

In the weeks following Easter we will consider offering a support group for those who are experiencing grief over the current state of political discourse. I hope these classes will provide some scriptural and historical background for those conversations as we seek to move beyond the rhetoric to provide genuine care for one another. Even if you are not looking to participate in an ongoing discussion, I hope these studies will bring us deeper understanding of Jesus’ words.

This Wednesday, February 25, will be our first study. All are invited to participate in our Communion service, or the study group, or both.

Hope to see you Wednesday evening, as I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor 

Jonathan Krogh
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Preparing for a Happy Lent!