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Weekly Parashah |
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| Torah: Gen. 41:1–44:17 | Haftara: Zec. 2:14–4:7 | Brit Chadashah: Lk. 4:16–30 Rom. 10:1-13 |
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| Miketz (At the end of ) מִקֵּץ |
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Scripture: |
Genesis 41:1–44:17 |
Torah |
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Exalted by Pharaoh41 Now at the end of two whole years, Pharaoh was dreaming. Behold, there he was standing by the Nile. 2 Then behold, there were seven cows, good-looking and beefy, and they grazed in the reeds. 3 Then behold, there were seven other cows coming up after them from the Nile, ugly and emaciated, and they stood beside the cows at the edge of the Nile. 4 Then the ugly emaciated cows ate the seven good-looking beefy cows—and Pharaoh woke up. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.+41%3A1%E2%80%9344%3A17&version=TLV |
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Scripture: |
Zechariah 2:14–4:7
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Haftarah |
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14 “‘Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will live among you’[a]—it is a declaration of Adonai. 15 ‘In that day many nations will join themselves to Adonai and they will be My people and I will dwell among you.’ Then you will know that Adonai-Tzva’ot has sent me to you. 16 Adonai will inherit Judah as His portion in the holy land and will once again choose Jerusalem. 17 Be silent before Adonai, all flesh, for He has aroused Himself from His holy dwelling.”Joshua the Kohen Gadol3 Then he showed me Joshua the kohen gadol standing before the angel of Adonai and the satan[b], standing at his right hand to accuse him. [c] 2 Adonai said to the satan, ‘Adonai rebukes you, the satan. Indeed Adonai, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you.[d] Is not this man a brand plucked out of the fire?’3 Now Joshua was wearing filthy garments and standing before the angel 4 who answered and spoke to those standing before him saying, ‘Remove the filthy garments from him.’ Then to Joshua he said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you and will dress you with fine clothing.’[e] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zec.+2%3A14%E2%80%934%3A7&version=TLV |
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Scripture: |
Lk. 4:16–30
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Brit Chadashah |
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16 And He came to Natzeret, where He had been raised. As was His custom, He went into the synagogue on Shabbat, and He got up to read. 17 When the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him, He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Ruach Adonai is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me[a] to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, 19 and to proclaim the year of Adonai’s favor.”[b] 20 He closed the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue were focused on Him. 21 Then He began to tell them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your ears.” 22 All were speaking well of Him and marveling at the gracious words coming out of His mouth. And they were saying, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” 23 But He said to them, “Doubtless you will say to Me this proverb, ‘Doctor, heal yourself!’ and ‘What we have heard was done at Capernaum, do as much here also in your hometown.’” 24 But He said, “Truly, I tell you, ‘No prophet is accepted in his own hometown.’ 25 But with all truthfulness I say to you, that there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was closed for three and a half years and there came a great famine over all the land. 26 Elijah was not sent to any of them, but only to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a widowed woman. [c] 27 There were many with tzara’at in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them were purified apart from Naaman the Syrian.”[d] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lk.+4%3A16%E2%80%9330&version=TLV Romans 10 : 1 – 13Misdirected Zeal10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have zeal for God—but not based on knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Messiah is the goal[a] of the Torah as a means to righteousness for everyone who keeps trusting.5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on Torah, “The man who does these things shall live by them.” [b] 6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks in this way:“Do not say in your heart,[c] ‘Who will go up into heaven?’[d] (that is, to bring Messiah down), 7 or, ‘Who will go down into the abyss?’[e] (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead).”8 But what does it say?“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”[f] —that is, the word of faith that we are proclaiming: 9 For if you confess with your mouth that Yeshua is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart it is believed for righteousness, and with the mouth it is confessed for salvation. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom.+10%3A1-13&version=TLV |
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Parashah in 60 seconds |
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00 The reason to write my Theology
The Importance of Theological Underpinning in Pastoral Teachings: A Comprehensive Perspective
Introduction
Within Article Zero of the series on theology, I would like to introduce the reason for this writing.
Theology, the study of the divine and religious beliefs, practices, and experiences, is the backbone of any religious teaching. For a pastor, the theological ground from which he or she teaches is not just a matter of personal belief but a guiding principle that shapes the congregation's spiritual life. This article explores why it is essential for a pastor to provide this theological underpinning for the congregation and the importance of prayer, preparation, and making it publicly available.
Part I: The Significance of Theological Underpinning
1. Consistency and Clarity in Teaching
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Ensures teachings are consistent with core beliefs.
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Provides a clear framework for interpretation and application.
2. Personal Integrity and Authenticity
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Fosters integrity and authenticity.
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Builds trust in spiritual guidance.
3. Cultural and Contextual Relevance
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Ensures guidance is relevant and meaningful.
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Recognizes unique needs and challenges.
4. Fostering Spiritual Growth
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Provides a roadmap for spiritual development.
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Encourages deeper exploration and engagement.
5. Unity and Community Building
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Promotes unity within the congregation.
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Avoids divisions and conflicts.
Part II: The Imperative of Prayer, Preparation, and Public Availability
Prayer: Seeking Divine Guidance
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Aligns theological beliefs with God's will.
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Opens the heart and mind to divine revelation.
Preparation: Crafting a Thoughtful Framework
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Ensures a well-thought-out and comprehensive understanding.
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Demonstrates responsibility and accountability.
Public Availability: Transparency and Accessibility
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Fosters transparency and builds trust.
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Makes information accessible to all.
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Serves as an educational resource.
Conclusion
The theological ground from which a pastor teaches is a vital aspect of spiritual leadership. It provides consistency, fosters integrity, ensures relevance, promotes spiritual growth, and builds community. Defining and sharing this theological underpinning is a sacred task that requires prayer, preparation, and a commitment to public availability.
In a world where individual perspectives and interpretations can vary widely, and spiritual guidance is often sought and scrutinized, these principles serve as a compass, guiding both the pastor and the congregation toward a shared understanding of their faith. It is a reflection of the pastor's commitment to the spiritual well-being of the community he or she serves, and a testament to the profound responsibility that comes with the calling.
By understanding and articulating this theological foundation, a pastor can lead with clarity, authenticity, and relevance, nurturing a faith community that is united, engaged, and growing in their spiritual journey. It underscores the multifaceted role that theological underpinning plays in pastoral teachings, reflecting the complexity and significance of the pastor's role in guiding and nurturing the faith community.
