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.
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the climax of the ten days of awe and is
considered to be the most important day for the Jews in the liturgical year. The fast, which we will observe October 1-2, coincided with the sin offering offered for all Israel and the Kol Nidrei, the absolution of vows. Twin goats were chosen by lot, one for sacrifice and the other for release, bearing away the people’s guilt. It was the one time of the year that the high priest entered into the Temple’s Holy of Holies.
Jesus fulfilled this feast:
Hebrews 9:12 – “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
Also called the “Feast of Trumpets,” Rosh Hashanah marks the creation of the world and of the new year. Scholars have pinpointed this as the time of year when Christ was born; and it represents the new birth of believers, too. The feast begins the 10-day period called The Days of Awe, a time of self-reflection and repentance, ending with Yom Kippur.
In a battle that foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, God gives the Israelites victory over the Philistines when they hear the “sound of marching” in the rustling leaves of the baka = the “trees of weeping.”
The remaining tribes of Israel approach David to invite him to be king over them. He makes a “league” or covenant with them and is anointed for a third time, cementing his rule. Then he takes the citadel of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and makes it his capital.
Hearing of Abner’s death, two of king Ishbosheth’s captains decide to murder their king to curry favor with David. They badly miscalculate and are themselves executed. The last remaining descendant of Saul, Jonathan’s young son Mephibosheth, is lame and unable to rule. So this marks the end of the House of Saul.
Violence and revenge are byproducts as David consolidates his kingdom. Ishboshth accuses Abner of sleeping with Saul’s concubine. The charge angers Abner, who defects to support David. But while in Hebron, Joab murders Abner as revenge for killing his brother Asahel. David mourns Abner but refrains from punishing Joab as he tries to bring all the tribes into unity under his reign.
David is anointed king of Judah, while Saul’s son Ishbosheth is made king of Israel. Their conflicting reigns illustrate the internal spiritual struggle that takes place when we hear the gospel but “self” tries to maintain control.
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