In a couple of weeks I will be giving the Bible Studies at the UCA Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. The theme of the Synod is 'Living God's Transforming Story' (one of those titles that has every evidence of being the result of the deliberations of a committee). However, for some reason it was good enough to prompt me to take a look at Mark's gospel. Here is what I have come up with for the 4 studies:
The Ingredients of Transformation – A Day in the Life
of Jesus
The aim of the four studies is to take 4 episodes from Mark’s account of the initial 24 hours of Jesus’ public ministry, and through an exploration of these dramatic scenarios, to consider the necessary ingredients of a transformation that takes its cue from the good news that in Jesus, the reign of God has broken into the reality of this world.
Title: Kingdom Proclamation: Mark 1.14-15
Focus:
transformation occurs when action is interpreted by proclamation and when the
reality of this world is named as the arena in which God’s rule can be known. A
transforming church must give attention to its ability to name God in the world
in a way that bears witness to what God has done in Jesus Christ.
Title:
Kingdom Invitation: Mark 1.16-20
Focus:
transformation occurs when a new possibility is offered for life in the world.
A transforming church must give attention to its ability to continually offer
to the world a persuasive invitation to join the revolution that begins as
Jesus calls his first followers.
Title:
Kingdom Confrontation: Mark 1.21-28
Focus:
transformation occurs when there is clarity about what must be resisted in the
light of God’s intended rule. A transforming church must give attention to how
it names and resists evil as a way of making a space and creating a silence in
which truth can be heard and seen.
Title:
Kingdom Restoration: Mark 1.29-45
Focus: transformation occurs when those who have heard and responded to the good news, and who have learned what must be resisted in the light of it, commit themselves to practices that bring the rule of God into direct contact with the reality of human need. A transforming church must give attention to the ministry of healing as an urgent priority.
I am looking forward to preparing and writing the studies. On top of the stack of books on Mark is Joel Marcus' fine Anchor Bible commentary.
I'll be there. Must remember to arrive on time.
Posted by: cheryl | Thursday, May 06, 2010 at 04:28 PM
I trust that Ched Myers isn't too far down the pile
Posted by: The Revd Paul J Lavender | Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 08:18 PM
Sounds great. I want to be there. Can you swing it?
Posted by: Glen | Wednesday, May 05, 2010 at 07:24 PM