Exploring Scripture is an experiential class that invites attendees to engage scripture in new ways. We focus on formation that allows the text to form us (and hopefully, transform us). The weekly Thursday class will primarily practice lectio divina, an ancient spiritual practice that allows us to experience scripture as God’s living Word. Latin for “divine or sacred reading,” lectio divina helps us interact with scripture through quiet reflection and listening for God’s leading.
If you are not able to attend the class, you may practice on your own.
If you are new to lectio divina, click here for instructions.
Sign Up Information
To sign up for class or to receive the weekly Reflection by email, exploringscripture@foothillsumc.org
Exploring Scripture meets each Thursday at 1:00 pm.
The current session begins April 9th, 2026 and goes through May 21st, 2026.
Exploring Scripture Reflection Oct 8, 2026
Exploring Scripture, October 15, 2026
Sermon Title: Giving My All
Preaching: David Youngblood
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22
1 Thessalonians 1-10 NRSVUE
Salutation
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace.
The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy from the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. 9 For they report about us what kind of welcome we had among you and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Matthew 22:15-22 NSRVUE
The Question about Paying Taxes
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. 16 So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one, for you do not regard people with partiality. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20 Then he said to them, “Whose head is this and whose title?” 21 They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed, and they left him and went away.
How do these scriptures suggest “stewardship” to you?
YOUR THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS: