Nurture

September 2023 Bible readings

stjohnstmarkchurchburySaturday, August 26, 2023

Here are the September 2023 Bible readings which we’ll be using in church. Please make use of these readings and reflect on what they might be saying to you.

The readings

We’re still in what the Church calls ‘Ordinary Time’ but September is also the ‘Season of Creation’ where we think of God as the creator and sustainer of life. You can find out more by following this link to the Church of England website.

Our Gospel readings this month have Jesus telling more of his short stories to help us think about how best we should live our lives and get along with others. There’s a lot about forgiveness…

• Sept 3 – Trinity 13: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-end; Matthew 16:21-end;
• Sep 10 – Trinity 14: Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20;
• Sep 17 – Trinity 15: Genesis 50:15-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35;
• Sep 24 – Trinity 16: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16;

If you don’t have access to a Bible, then please follow this link to the Vanderbilt Divinity Library. It’s not always the same but it’s normally pretty close!

The September 2023 Bible readings include this one from Romans 12:9-21, where we get more great guidance…

Let love be genuine

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Many thanks again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash