Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references may be linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.)  Lectionary Ruminations is also cross-posted on my personal blog, Summit to Shore. 

First Reading - Acts8:26-40

v. 26 How do YOU deal with angels?  Why Philip? So what that this is a wilderness road?

vs. 27-28 There is a lot in this verse to unpack.  Why are we told so much about this man?

v. 29 Has the angel become the spirit?

vs. 30-31Why read anybody read anything on their own if they need a guide to help them understand it?

vs. 32b-33 Where is this found in Isaiah?

v. 36 Was there a reason or not?

v. 37 This sure sounds like confessional language.

v. 39 Why would the Spirit snatch Philip away?

v. 40 What do you know about Azatos?

Psalm - Psalm 22:25-31

v. 25 Who, or what, is the great congregation?  What vows?

v. 27 How many ends does the earth have? How many  families of the nations are there?

v. 31 Done what?

Second Reading - 1 John4:7-21

v. 8 What does it mean to say that God is love?

v. 9 How can a sacrifice atone?

v. 12 What does not seeing God add to the argument?

v. 13 Is it logical to shift from so abruptly from loving to abiding?  From the Son to the Spirit?

v. 16b I think this is not only good poetry but good theology.

v. 17b “as he is, so are we”?

v. 18 I like this verse.  What does this verse say to hell, fire and damnation sermons?

v. 20 How does this verse inform Christian ethics?

v. 21 How does this relate to the new Commandment of John’s Gospel?

Gospel John 15:1-8

v. 1 Is there a difference between the vine and the true vine?

v. 2 Even fruit producing vines are occasionally cut back.

v. 3 is cleansing the same as pruning?

v. 4 How do we abide?

v. 6 I think it is wrong to, in any way, connect this verse to any concept of hell or fires of hell. 

v. 7 Anything? ANYTHING? Really?

ADDENDUM

In addition to serving as the half time Pastor of North Church Queens and writing Lectionary Ruminations, I also tutor part time.  If you or someone you know needs a tutor, or if you would like to be a tutor, check out my WyzAnt page and follow the appropriate links.