Rhythms are the grooves in the record that allow the music of our lives to find expression. The record begins to skip when the rhythm is disrupted, but we can find ways to fix the vinyl. We are in a season where society as a collective has found their well-worn grooves skipping. Sometimes the disruption is a good thing; it creates space for us to make grooves and to rediscover old ones. One of the rhythms that we have at FōS is SOAP, a daily plan for reading the Bible and journaling our reflections. SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you want to join us in our rhythm of SOAP, you can find more information here (fos.church/soapdaily-readings). Our series over the next few weeks is called "The SOAP Sessions," and will consist of messages pulled from our daily reflections. 

This week Glenn leads us through a conversation about finding new meaning in the Scriptures as we explore 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Scripture:

For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received—that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures...51 Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed...54 ...then the saying that is written will happen, "Death has been swallowed up in victory." 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 51, & 54

Observation:

The author of First Corinthians, Paul, spends a few chapters discussing the tensions present within the community. He lists the obstacles they must overcome as they learn to become a new community reduced to love. Paul reminds them why we entered into the struggle in the first place. “According to scripture” is repeated in chapter 15 to call the people back to their shared story, Jesus. The story of Jesus is the catalyst that changes everything and restores the broken systems that threaten to disrupt the unity of those gathered around the table of Christ. The followers of Jesus anticipate this transformation by gathering around the Eucharist (ch 11), becoming love (ch 13), and learning to hear the new ending of the story that was written: “according to scripture.”

Application:

The Jesus story is constantly causing us to have to reimagine our faith as we try to find a way forward, and as we take up the work of restoration with Christ. FōS Church as a community seeks to engage the story of Jesus in such a way that everyone is able to find hope, beauty, and purpose within it.

Prayer:

Lord, help us create space for people at your table. Help us to imagine our faith in ways that cultivates hope for others. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen …

Formational Learning:

(Head)

• How do we find new meaning in the Bible in a way that is life-giving and healthy? 

(Heart)

• As we reimagine our faith together, what changes do you see coming that cause you to be hopeful for our future?

(Hands)

• What practice could we try this week to help us learn to lean into a responsive reading of the Bible?