This Week.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18

Some folks read the Sermon on the Mount as a correction to the Torah. Pointing to Matthew 5:17 through 6:4, they describe Jesus as providing antitheses to the shortcomings of the Jewish law. Scholar Amy-Jill Levine writes that these are not antitheses but extensions of the law. Jesus is not correcting the law, but is instead challenging us to protect the law and take it more seriously. Jesus places a “fence around the Torah,” and by doing so the Torah is protected because is harder to get yourself in a situation where you would break the law.

Putting a fence around something can be an important tool. If we are trying to quit a bad habit, the first thing to do is remove the temptation. If we are trying to develop a healthy discipline, sometimes we have to make space and remove distractions. When we do this, we are showing our commitment and how important the thing is that we are trying to change.

How can you protect what is important when there is so much competition and distraction? In this day of information overload, are there things you need to put a fence around? Do you need to protect a relationship with family or a friend? Time for rest? Time for joy? What are the temptations or distractions that you need to clear out to make room for God?

I hope you join us this week, either at BSC or Trinity Commons. Don’t forget to register for Fall College Retreat at Camp McDowell by October 1.

Also, GOOD NEWS, this Sunday we will offer Sunday Supper to-go following our worship service. So, come and say your prays and share a meal!

-Kelley

SCHEDULE

• 11:45 a.m. Worship at BSC
  Join us in Norton 121 as we begin our look at the Sermon on the Mount during a short service of prayers and scripture.
• 3-6 p.m. Drop-in Hours at Trinity Commons
  Come by for a chat or just to take a break. And if you are interested, you can even grab a popsicle or ice cream cone. You can also drop in on Zoom.

• 6 pm Worship at Trinity Commons & Zoom
  Join us for Church in the chapel. Sunday Supper to-go following the service. Wear a mask and invite a friend. You can also join us via Zoom.