Bible Reading Plans 2026

 Please join us in hearing from God as we read a book of the bible together:

Plan:  1 Corinthians - 1 January to 17 February 

2026 A prayer for a new year

 As Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Australia in NSW and ACT and New Zealand I have prepared a prayer for all 

The prayer poster is available here

Small group or worship resource - Lutheran Fellowship Gatherings weekly resource

 

The Lutheran Fellowship Gathering weekly resource is for small groups or small worshipping communities to help them connect with God and each other focussing on the Gospel reading of the Revised Common Lectionary  

One of the reasons for making this resource available is to support people who wish to gather around God’s Word, focussing on Jesus and to grow as part of God’s church.  

You may want to use it to help you start a small group in your church community, or to gather people in a community where a Lutheran church currently is not present.  

This resource is offered free of charge to non-commercial situations, on the understanding that you will not charge for copies or its use.   

This resource has been developed by Pastor Richard Schwedes, richardschwedes@gmail.com 

Click on the weekly links below to access the weekly resources

January weekly resources

January week 2:  Baptism of Jesus - Matthew 3:13-17

January week 3:  Epiphany 2 - John 1:29-42

January week 4:   Epiphany 3 - Matthew 4:12-23

February weekly resources

February week 1:  Epiphany 4 - Matthew 5:1-12

February week 2:  Epiphany 5 - Matthew 5:13-20

February week 3:  Transfiguration - Matthew 17:1-9

February week 4:  Lent 1 - Matthew 4:1-11

Help us develop more resources 

https://lutheranfellowshipgatherings.blogspot.com/

Book: Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels

Understand the Life of Jesus in Cultural Context

Discover a deeper, richer understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus with Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by renowned scholar Kenneth Bailey. 

This book invites readers to see Jesus through the lens of his historical and cultural context, lifting away the layers of Western interpretation that have shaped modern perspectives. From Jesus' birth to his parables, from the Beatitudes to his relationships, Bailey helps readers remove modern Western interpretations to see Jesus as he was understood in his own time, offering readers a kaleidoscopic view of the person of Jesus that is simultaneously ancient and refreshingly new.

In Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, you'll find

• Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Jesus within his Middle Eastern context, removing Western cultural blinders.
• A Transformational Perspective: Be inspired to read the Gospels with renewed clarity and depth, seeing Jesus in the light of his historical and cultural setting.

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes is a valuable resource for anyone passionate about studying the New Testament and the life of Jesus deeply and meaningfully. Explore Jesus’ story as it was meant to be seen and enrich your spiritual study with this compelling, context-driven approach.

Available on Amazon