The Rector’s Study
Lectionary Bible Study
January 23, 2024The Rector’s Study
The Book of Revelation
With its vivid descriptions and colorful characters, the Revelation to St. John has long been a source of misunderstanding, confusion, and fear. But in reality, Revelation presents an encouraging and hopeful message to followers of Jesus Christ, especially for those living in difficult times. Join with Fr. Kevin at 9 am on Sundays beginning January 8 and going through May as we peel away the mystery of this last book of the Bible, uncovering its background and interpretation as we learn to apply its meaning to our lives. This study will be both in-person, and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
YouTube videos of "The Book of Revelation:"
Part 1: General Introduction
Part 2: The Day of the Lord
Part 3: Brief History of Interpretation
Part 4: Understanding Apocalyptic Style
Part 5: The Faithful Witness
Part 6: Setting the Scene
Part 7: The Lampstand and the 7 Churches
Part 8: The Lampstand and the 7 Churches
Part 9: The Saga of the Lion
Part 10: The Saga of the Lion
Part 11: The Saga of the Lion
Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
In 2022, Fr. Kevin offered a multi-week introduction to the Gospel of Luke. Luke’s Gospel was the primary Gospel for Sunday readings throughout 2022.
YouTube videos of "Introduction to the Gospel of Luke:"
Lesson one: January 16, 2022
Lesson two: January 23, 2022
Lesson three: January 30, 2022
Lesson four: February 6, 2022
Lesson five: February 13, 2022
Lesson six: February 20, 2022
Made for this World: Creation, Humanity, and the God-Centered Life
In John 18:36, Jesus tells Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world," a statement that is often understood to mean his kingdom is "in heaven". But is this what Jesus meant? To grasp the true intent of Jesus' claim, we first need to understand God's desire for all of creation, including the role of human beings. Only by knowing what it means to be "of this world" can we fully understand what it means to be "not of this world". Join Fr. Kevin as he explores the mystery of our creation and God's purpose of humanity.
Part I: Light, Life and Creation
Part II: Made in the Image of God
Part III: Good Works and Good Work
Part IV: Made for this World
Stages on the Journey: The Three-Fold Path and the Spiritual Life
"Spirituality" is familiar topic in books and magazines, as well as on podcasts, television and thousands of websites. In our culture, the topic of spirituality is often spoken of separate from the influence of any particular expression of faith. In fact, many people who don't identify themselves as being "religious" in any way will readily label themselves as "spiritual" people.
But what does spirituality look like from the perspective of Christianity? What does it mean to someone who professes the Christian faith? In this four-part teaching series, Fr. Kevin Dellaria considers "spirituality" as the fulfillment of a person's divine potential. Human Beings were created to share in the life of God, a reality demonstrated fully in the life of Jesus Christ, and the spiritual journey is our learning to embrace the truth of God's unconditional love.
The Three-Fold Path - Part 1: The Spiritual Life or Life in the Spirit?
The Three-Fold Path - Part 2: Purgation and the Spiritual Life
The Three-Fold Path - Part 3: The Gift of Illumination
The Three-Fold Path - Part 4: Living in Union with God
Introduction to the Bible
Don't know much about the Bible? In this seven-part series, Fr. Kevin explores the very basics of the Bible, from explaining the difference between the various types of Bibles we find, to sharing some fundamental ideas of interpretation. In between, the series explores the sources and formulation of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles, the work of translation, the history of the English Bible and its modern development, the difference between the Old and New Testaments, and the layout of the individual books found in most Christian Bibles. What are the Torah and TaNaKh? Where do we find the Apocrypha? What does LXX mean, and why is it important? What is the difference between an NRSV translation and The Living Bible? What is "biblical criticism" and why is it important and useful? Fr. Kevin will answer these questions, and many more, in this practical, introductory lesson on this most fundamental written document of the Christian faith.
Introduction to the Bible (Part I) - Judging the Book by its Cover
Introduction to the Bible (Part II) - Ancient Translation - Genesis 1 to the Roman Empire
Introduction to the Bible (Part III) - Getting to the English
Introduction to the Bible (Part IV) - Modern Translations and the Two Testaments
Introduction to the Bible (Part V) - The Shape of the Canon
Introduction to the Bible (Part VI) - Interpretation Old and New
Introduction to the Bible (Part VII) - Reading Scripture with the Head and the Heart