For the last 3 weeks I have been doing an online Bible study which a number of people have taken part in. My intention is to start putting these on the Daily Reflection page on a Wednesday, however, between now and then I will post the ones that we have already covered with questions to reflect upon.
Read Mark 1:1-11
- Baptism has been at the heart of our Christian faith from the very beginning, however, when we look at this passage, has the Church got the balance right between Baptism being seen as a welcome and a call to repentance?
- The waters of the River Jordan and the Baptism itself are clearly symbolic of cleansing, but is that how we actually view Baptism? Are such symbols important in our spiritual lives, and if so, what might they be?
Read 1 Peter 3:8-22
- In this passage the writer appears to link Baptism to a change of behaviour – an eagerness to do good, even when provoked. Why might this be? And do we as a Church have a part to play in encouraging such behaviour among youngsters who are Baptised in our Church?
- Peter also tells his readers to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope they have. Are we prepared and ready to do this?
- Mark’s use of the phrase, ‘heaven being torn open’, could in a sense be a visual picture of those moments when experience the closeness of God in our lives, rather like an invisible curtain being drawn aside. But do we leave space in our lives for this to happen and if not what could we try and do during Lent to help with this.