Weekly Practice 1/12/26
After doing this week’s practice, try to share your experience with a friend.
Scripture
Matthew 5:17-20 GNT
“Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to make their teachings come true. Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with—not until the end of all things. So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments and teaches others to do the same, will be least in the Kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys the Law and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the Kingdom of heaven. I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires.”
Here are some different translations to try out as well:
New Testament for Everyone (translated by N.T. Wright)
Practice
Rethinking our relationship with the Bible: Part 2
This week, watch or listen to the next episode from Practicing the Way’s “Rule of Life” podcast: Scripture 02: When the Bible seems weird to you. Then, reflect on the following questions:
How do you respond when the Bible is strange, confusing, or even offensive to you? Do you dig in and study it out? Set it aside and try not to think about it? Are you unsure of what to do?
According to the Bible Project, "The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus." Is this a new concept for you? How might this approach change the way you read and relate to Scripture?
All the Wright moves
Here’s a link to the book our guest speaker, Glenn Schroder, mentioned yesterday. Tom Wright is a New Testament scholar, Pauline theologian, and Anglican bishop. He’s translated the New Testament (see link above) and written numerous books and Bible commentaries. He also has a great podcast. It's especially nice if dense, Biblical academia is not your cup of tea. And speaking of tea, Tom has a lovely, British accent!
