Adult Bible Study Online

Repentance leads to community

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Lesson text: Mark 1:1-8, Matthew 3:1-3
By: June Galle Krehbiel
Email: pjkreh@mtelco.net

Where would we be without John the Baptist, the New Testament guy calling us to repent? He paves the road for the way of Jesus. He sets the table for the spread of the kingdom. John turns on the mic so we hear the baptism’s splash.

What draws us into community? If I teach, I will ask the class to describe the groups to which they relate. Rather than noting idealistic ones we can recall from years past, we will identify our current neighbors. These folks call us from our wildernesses and into community. What words, actions, and events have drawn us to relate to others this week?

Today’s theme is repentance. Sometimes reaching the act of turning from our sins can take us a long time. Last month the Episcopal Church announced it will hold a Day of Repentance at its fall convention to publicly apologize for its involvement in the slave trade. Transatlantic slavery was outlawed in the United States in 1808—yes, 200 years ago! But many believe that the church continues to benefit materially from the cultural aspect of slavery.

“Only when you repent can you move on,” says Jayne Oasin of the Episcopal Church’s anti-racism program (“Episcopal Church to Apologize for Slavery” by Tim Murphy, Religion News Service, Aug. 12, 2008).

We all must repent of the grasp the human problems of slavery and discrimination have on us. These lie rooted in the sin of exclusivity. This holds us in a with-us-or-against-us kind of thinking. The differences we face can draw us into fake communities where we cling to one another just because we are like-minded. But thinking the same does not make us a community. Rather, a community forms when we need each other to hold hands as we follow the One calling us.

What other current issues might call our church to a Day of Repentance?

And here’s one more question: “Is repentance more a human act or an act of God?”

Editor's Note:
ABSOnline writer of this weekly online feature for this fall quarter is June Galle Krehbiel, Moundridge, Kan., a freelance writer/editor. She authored God with Us Today: Devotions for Families (Faith and Life Resources, 2006) and 101 Devotionals with Children (Herald Press, 1999). She also occasionally writes articles for Mennonite Church USA. June chairs the worship committee and teaches Sunday school at Eden Mennonite Church (Western District Conference).Readers may respond to June’s suggestions by using her e-mail address at the beginning of this writing. Readers also may contact the editor at horsch@mph.org.

This message relates to the Adult Bible Study. For additional information on Adult Bible Study or Adult Bible Study Teacher, send email to info@mpn.net. To order either publication call Mennonite Publishing Network at 1 800 245-7894.