Engaging God's Word and God's World
Duke Kwon, a well-known pastor at Grace Meridian in Washington, DC, once captured well the challenges many face today when it comes to the Bible in, of all things, a Twitter thread. In a series of tweets, Kwon articulately recounted how, with a history of Scripture’s misuse and general and warranted distrust of authorities in our minds, many of us find it difficult to know how to relate to the Bible, how to see it as life-giving (the psalmist in Psalm 19 describes the Torah as reviving the soul and rejoicing the heart) or even useful (1 Timothy 3:16).
When I first read Kwon’s thoughts (tweet-thoughts!) they resonated with me and my sense of where so many of us struggle with how to engage with the Bible. We might reflexively feel like it has some import, or have been taught as much, but we’re unsure of how it might helpfully inform our lives and how we might engage with this ancient text.
With this reality in mind, I’m excited that beginning this Sunday we’ll be looking at these kinds of questions during our Coffee and Catechism hour. Mike Field, a thoughtful and faithful member of COTC, will be leading this four week course where we will discuss “The Hows and Whys of Reading the Bible.” More than just a discussion, these times will also involve actually engaging with Scripture, for example through lectio divina, and considering how the texts of Scripture serve us today. Whether you feel the force of the questions Kwon identifies or not, I invite you to come out for these weeks, as we learn together to read, mark, and inwardly digest the word of God.
In addition to engagement with God’s word, we’re also called to engage with God’s world, especially in deeds of service and blessing. In this vein, I’m also happy to highlight our Lunch and Learn, led by COTC member Lyndee McKinley who heads up the Austin Foster Closet, focused on the ongoing foster care crisis in Texas and how to get involved in all manner of ways. If you’ve entertained the thought of fostering in the future you should definitely be there, but even if not, you too can come to educate yourself and grow in your ability to pray well and thoughtfully for those affected. Sign up here today as we plan for food and childcare!
In Christ,
Peter+
Ps. Speaking of engaging God’s world, this video, put out by the And Campaign, is a powerful one related to what might be called a “consistent life ethic.” This video was recommended to me as an example of what the church’s witness to Christ in public should be and I couldn’t agree more.