After completing our 3 1/2-year cycle of readings in the Torah, we’ve decided to continue with the historical books that follow, beginning with Joshua. We’ll read first about the conquest of the Canaanite tribes, then examine the disappointing time of the Judges – punctuated by the exploits of Gideon and Samson – and the turmoil that led up to the anointing of Saul as King.
Saul, in pursuit of David with 3,000 men, enters a cave alone in En-Gedi where David and his men are hiding. David sneaks up and cuts off the corner of Saul’s garment without his knowledge, then later shows it to Saul as proof of his good intentions. Saul repents of his anger and affirms that David will be king. But this good will is short-lived.
The Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus’ disciples on the Feast of Pentecost, celebrated on the 50th day after Passover. According to Jewish tradition, this was also the day God gave the Ten Commandments to his people. Mount Sinai was the shadow. Pentecost is the reality for us. The law is now written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). The Holy Spirit dwells within us. Pentecost is also associated with baptism: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38).
When David flees to the Wilderness of Ziph, the Ziphites betray him to King Saul. Jonathan finds him first and encourages him. Then Saul surrounds David and his men, but they slip away through a miraculous intervention. David later wrote Psalm 54 about this incident.
David and his men hear that the Philistines are “robbing the threshing floors” at the town of Keilah, so after inquiring of God through Abiathar the high priest, they attack and route the enemy. But Saul now thinks he has a chance of capturing David.
David secures a place of safety for his family in Moab, and then returns to Judah at the direction of the seer Gad. Meanwhile, Doeg informs King Saul about the High Priest Ahimelech’s aid to David. Saul orders the High Priest and all the other priests killed as traitors. David realizes it was his presence there that caused the murders. He writes Psalm 52 in condemnation of Doeg.
David flees to the Philistine court of King Achish in Gath, Goliath’s home city. His identity is discovered, and he has to feign madness, which causes Achish to send him away. Psalm 34 and 56 are written based on this incident.
David is now an outlaw. He seeks aid from the priests tending the Tabernacle, but Saul’s servant Doeg the Edomite sees him there. David and his companions receive the shewbread to eat, and David is given Goliath’s sword.
We're starting to renew our in-person meetings as the pandemic winds down. Sunday Big Group meetings, the Buckner Tuesday Bible study and Pete's Friday Bible study are currently meeting in person. (A Zoom option is also sometimes still available).
Our church community gathers throughout the week at different places on The Block, a neighborhood between downtown and the Lakewood area of Dallas, Texas, near the corner of Beacon and Columbia Ave. We'd love to have you join us!
If you can’t make it to The Block, you can listen to podcasts from the archive by our late elder, Ole Anthony, recorded at his daily Morning Bible Studies, available here.
Sundays
Note: There are no Sunday Morning meetings
Potluck Meal: We gather together for a potluck meal at 4 p.m. Sunday at The Lair, our community restaurant, located at 5644 Columbia Ave., downstairs.
'Big Group': Then we all gather from 5 - 6 p.m. Sunday for worship, singing and Bible study at the home of John and Joysanna Rutledge next door at 5640 Columbia Ave., upstairs. Contact John Rutledge jhnrutledge@gmail.com or call (214) 385-0230.
Spanish-language Bible Study
There is a Spanish-language Bible Study led by Pete Evans, Sundays at 8 p.m. Contact Pete at pete@trinityfi.org or call (214) 738-3349.
Tuesdays
Bible study at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Gary and Judy Buckner's home at 5632 Columbia Ave. Contact Gary Buckner, buckner.construction@gmail.com or call (214) 682-8007.
Fridays
At 7 p.m. Fridays, Bible Study taught by Pete Evans at 5640 Columbia Ave., downstairs. Contact Pete Evans, pete@trinityfi.org or call (214) 738-3349
Saturday Brunch - Pending
We're hoping soon to re-instate our Saturday brunch from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in The Lair, our community restaurant located at 5644 Columbia Ave. Stay tuned!
E-mail us: blockoncolumbia@gmail.com