|
Weekly Parashah |
|||||
| Torah: Gen. 37:1–40:23 | Haftara: Amos 2:6–3:8 | Brit Chadashah: Jn. 2:13–4:42 Mt.1:18-25 |
|||
| Vayeshev (And he settled) |
|||||
Scripture: |
Genesis 37:1 – 40:23
|
Torah |
|||
|
|
Joseph, Favored Son37 Now Jacob dwelled in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the genealogies of Jacob. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen.+37%3A1%E2%80%9340%3A23&version=TLV |
||||
Scripture: |
Amos: 2:6 - 3:8
|
Haftarah |
|||
|
6 Thus says Adonai: |
 |
||||
Scripture: |
John 2:13–4:42
|
Brit Chadashah |
|||
|
|
13 The Jewish feast of Passover was near, so Yeshua went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple, He found the merchants selling oxen, sheep, and doves; also the moneychangers sitting there. 15 Then He made a whip of cords and drove them all out of the Temple, both the sheep and oxen. He dumped out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. 16 To those selling doves, He said, “Get these things out of here! Stop making My Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written, “Zeal for your House will consume Me!”[a]18 The Judean leaders responded, “What sign do You show us, since You are doing these things?”19 “Destroy this Temple,” Yeshua answered them, “and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Judean leaders then said to Him, “Forty-six years this Temple was being built, and You will raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was talking about the temple of His body. 22 So after He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He was talking about this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Yeshua had spoken. 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem for the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, seeing the signs He was doing. 24 But Yeshua did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all men. 25 He did not need anyone to testify about man, for He knew what was in man. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jn.+2%3A13%E2%80%934%3A42&version=TLV Matthew 1 : 18 - 25The Miraculous Birth of Yeshua18 Now the birth of Yeshua the Messiah happened this way. When His mother Miriam was engaged to Joseph but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Ruach ha-Kodesh. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her publicly, made up his mind to dismiss her secretly. 20 But while he considered these things, behold, an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Miriam as your wife, for the Child conceived in her is from the Ruach ha-Kodesh. 21 She will give birth to a son; and you shall call His name Yeshua, for He will save His people from their sins.”22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by Adonai through the prophet, saying, 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”[a]24 When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did as the angel of Adonai commanded him and took Miriam as his wife. 25 But he did not know her intimately until she had given birth to a Son. And he called His name Yeshua. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mt.1%3A18-25&version=TLV |
||||
Parashah in 60 seconds |
|||||
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
-
Ensures teachings are consistent with core beliefs.
-
Provides a clear framework for interpretation and application.
2. Personal Integrity and Authenticity
-
Fosters integrity and authenticity.
-
Builds trust in spiritual guidance.
3. Cultural and Contextual Relevance
-
Ensures guidance is relevant and meaningful.
-
Recognizes unique needs and challenges.
4. Fostering Spiritual Growth
-
Provides a roadmap for spiritual development.
-
Encourages deeper exploration and engagement.
5. Unity and Community Building
-
Promotes unity within the congregation.
-
Avoids divisions and conflicts.
Part II: The Imperative of Prayer, Preparation, and Public Availability
Prayer: Seeking Divine Guidance
-
Aligns theological beliefs with God's will.
-
Opens the heart and mind to divine revelation.
Preparation: Crafting a Thoughtful Framework
-
Ensures a well-thought-out and comprehensive understanding.
-
Demonstrates responsibility and accountability.
Public Availability: Transparency and Accessibility
-
Fosters transparency and builds trust.
-
Makes information accessible to all.
-
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.
