St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Michael Kreutzer
Sunday, December 21, 2008

Samuel (7:1-11, 16)

Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the Lord is with you.” But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

> House of cedar -- desirable in those days.

> David was a brilliant tactician from Judah who made Jerusalem the capital and had the Arc of the Covenant delivered there and covered by a tent.

> Having a temple meant the gods became domesticated there and associated largely with royalty.

> The Lord reminded David that he will build a house for him -- a living kingdom!

> Significance in Matthew of 14 generations to the birth of Jesus:  DVD => 4,6,4 = 14

Romans (16:25-27)

Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

> Great mystery of God's plan to bring together Jews and Gentiles.

Luke (1:26-38)

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

> Waiting for John to be born in the 6th month of Elizabeth's pregnancy.

> Angels are now seen as separate beings (earlier they were an appearance of God).

> Mary was betrothed but not yet living with her husband (two stages of marriage).

> "Do not be afraid!"  Expectation of significant communication from God.

> In Matthew, Joseph names Jesus;  here Mary names him.

> The House of David did come to an end some 600 years earlier.

> The Holy Spirit plays a key role as the one who leads Jesus.

> This is the only Gospel which paints John as a relative of Jesus.

> In Luke, Mary is portrayed as the ideal disciple of Jesus, but in Matthew she is a non-believer.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Michael Kreutzer
Sunday, December 28, 2008

Isaiah (61:10-62:3)

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

> The identity of the servant is purposely left vague.

> The suffering servant is being glorified.

> Hopeful passage focusing on the universality of God.

> This passage is often used at Christmas.

Galatians (3:23-25; 4:4-7)

Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

> Relationship of law and faith.

> No longer slaves to God, but children -- "Abba" means "Daddy."

> Church architecture over the ages has portrayed God differently:  vaulted ceilings during the Middle Ages is an example.

> God is moving farther away -- must go through priest, then Mary, then Jesus to get to God.

> One must read and understand the entire scripture for the "big picture."

John (1:1-18)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

> Often read at the end of Eucharist service.

> There were multiple edits of John's Gospel.

> Jesus is always central.  The image of Jesus in John is the one most associated with 20th century Christian churches.

> Author Raymond Brown associates the Gospel of John to be written in a fashion similar to Sherlock Holmes stories.  Jesus knows everything, the disciples seem to not have a clue, and the reader is made aware of more than the disciples know.

> "In the beginning..." parallels Genesis and the concept of creation.

> The theme of light and darkness is used extensively.  At Judas' betrayal it was noted "And it was night!"  However, the ultimate darkness could not stop the light of Jesus.

> Emphasized many times John the Baptist was the precursor to Jesus.

> No one has ever seen God, but only through the Son -- disciples "didn't get it!"

> John is the only Gospel that refers to Jesus having a three-year ministry.

> John's Gospel is referred to as "High Christology."

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Michael Kreutzer
Sunday, January 4, 2009

Isaiah (60:1-6)

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

> Multiple authors.

> Israel had returned from its state of exile.

> Things were not working out:  land was in ruins; not everyone came back; famines occurred.

> Tie-in to gold and frankincense.

> There will be a long struggle for Israel, but "hope springs eternal!"

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

1 Give the King your justice, O God, *
and your righteousness to the King’s Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously *
and the poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *
and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

11 All kings shall bow down before him, *
and all the nations do him service.

12 For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *
and the oppressed who has no helper.

13 He shall have pity on the lowly and poor*
he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *
and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

> Gifts coming in.

> Image of kings comes from these passages.

Ephesians (3:1-12)

I Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—assume that you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

> God is coming for all people.

Matthew (2:1-12)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

> Comparison of Matthew and Luke (see below).

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Michael Kreutzer
Sunday, January 11, 2009

Genesis (1:1-5)

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

> May not have been created out of nothing.

> Wind, breath, and spirit all mean the same in both Hebrew and Greek.

> Most recent translation:  "Wind of God."  or  "Divine Wind."

> Here God is exercising total authority and is naming everything.

> Evening begins the first day in Jewish tradition.

Psalm 29

1 Ascribe to the Lord, you gods, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his Name; *
worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters;
the God of glory thunders; *
the Lord is upon the mighty waters.

4 The voice of the Lord is a powerful voice; *
the voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedar trees; *
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon;

6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *
and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord splits the flames of fire; 
the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; *
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

8 The voice of the Lord makes the oak trees writhe *
and strips the forests bare.

9 And in the temple of the Lord *
all are crying, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sits enthroned above the flood;*
the Lord sits enthroned as King for evermore.

11 The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace.

> The voice of the Lord is heard in a thunderstorm.

> The phrase is used seven time (i.e. perfect number).

> The wind is coming from the northwest (significant).

> Naming of something or someone implies power over it.

> See and hear God in nature.

Acts 19:1-7

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?" They replied, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." Then he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They answered, "Into John's baptism." Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied-- altogether there were about twelve of them.

> Accounts on baptism.

> Not consistent:  hands -- spirit -- baptism.

> The early church baptized in the name of Jesus only -- now it's the Trinity.

> The number "12" may or may not be significant here.

Mark 1:4-11

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

> John the Baptist was well-known at that time.

> Baptism of repentance -- a positive response to God.

> The confession of sin -- announced or implicit in the river.

> John's camel's hair coat was similar to that in Elijah's writings.  Implied dressing like a prophet.

> John proclaims he is not the Messiah.

> The dove is a revelation only to Jesus -- not the same in the other Gospels.

> No reference to dove in the Old Testament.

> The voice interprets what is happening.

> Jesus is the Messiah and the servant of the Lord.

> In Jewish tradition, you clothes are torn when significant evil has been experienced.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, January 18, 2009

Samuel (3:1-10)

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

> Dark time; Eli knows what's about to happen.

> Eli's eyes are growing dim.

> Samuel has a revelation directly with God, but doesn't know who or what it is.

> Eli was able to figure out that God was speaking directly to Samuel.

> Samuel learns that the Lord will do something large and catastrophic to Israel.

> Eli's lineage will be destroyed!

> Eli's revealing to Samuel what the Lord said agreed with the Messenger's message!

> This meant a change of leadership was coming, and from a completely unexpected source!

Psalm 139:1-17

1 Lord, you have searched me out and known me; *
you know my sitting down and my rising up; 
you discern my thoughts from afar.

2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *
and are acquainted with all my ways.

3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.

4 You press upon me behind and before *
and lay your hand upon me.

5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *
it is so high that I cannot attain to it.

6 Where can I go then from your Spirit? *
where can I flee from your presence?

7 If I climb up to heaven, you are there; *
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.

8 If I take the wings of the morning *
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

9 Even there your hand will lead me *
and your right hand hold me fast.

10 If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, *
and the light around me turn to night,”

11 Darkness is not dark to you; 
the night is as bright as the day; *
darkness and light to you are both alike.

12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *
your works are wonderful, and I know it well.

14 My body was not hidden from you, *
while I was being made in secret
and woven in the depths of the earth.

15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;
all of them were written in your book; *
they were fashioned day by day, 
when as yet there was none of them.

16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *
how great is the sum of them!

17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; *
to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.

I Corinthians (6:12-20)

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.

John (1:43-51)

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, February 1, 2009

Deuteronomy (18:15-20)

Moses said, The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." Then the LORD replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak-- that prophet shall die."

> Second law, one of the original five.

> Great focus on the law during that time period of history.

> Alleged to be a speech by Moses before his death.

> Speech of Moses / Intro to Law / Book of Law / Traditions of Moses

> Used mostly in the Northern Kingdom

> They were looking for another prophet like John the Baptist -- sets stage for Jesus' identity

Psalm 111

1 Hallelujah!
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, *
in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. 

2 Great are the deeds of the LORD! *
they are studied by all who delight in them. 

3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *
and his righteousness endures for ever. 

4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 

5 He gives food to those who fear him; *
he is ever mindful of his covenant. 

6 He has shown his people the power of his works *
in giving them the lands of the nations. 

7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *
all his commandments are sure. 

8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *
because they are done in truth and equity. 

9 He sent redemption to his people;
he commanded his covenant for ever; *
holy and awesome is his Name. 

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; *
those who act accordingly have a good understanding;
his praise endures for ever.

> A song of praise!

I Corinthians (8:1-13)

INow concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him. Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "no idol in the world really exists," and that "there is no God but one." Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth-- as in fact there are many gods and many lords-- yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. "Food will not bring us close to God." We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.

> A letter to the church at Corinth, which was having problems.

> Questioning if they should still obey some of the Jewish laws.

> Do not have to obey all the rules unless it has a negative effect on your fellow Christians.

> Especially true if they had a weak nature.

> Do not sin against members of your family.

> Love and concern for others is the most important.

Mark (1:21-28)

Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching-- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

> After calling the first four disciples, Capernaum becomes the base of operations.

> Home of Peter and Andrew.

> Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach as one of great authority!

> The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus.  Jesus rebukes him and command him to come out!

> The unclean spirit obeys Jesus, which lead others to believe he is truly the Messiah.

> Jesus tries to keep his fame from spreading, but to no avail!

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
When I Forget: Normal Aging or Something Else
A Study Led By Dr. William Askren
Sunday, February 8, 2009

Background:

Dr. Askren (Bill) was one of the original founders of the Psychology Department at Wright State University.  He is a Fellow of the American Psychology Association and has published over eighty articles on various subject matters.  His hobbies include reading and bicycling.

Normal Aging or Something Else:

> Normal vs. Diseased Cognitive Aging

> Symptoms /  Causes of Diseased Cognitive Aging

> Suggestions to Keep the Brain Alert

> The brain is very complex.  Memory is formed by the formation of synapses between neurons in the brain.

> Some of Bill's discussion today is based upon the works of Prof. Sarah Faias,  Dept. of Neurology, University of California, Davis.  Everyday cognition "ECog."

>Everyday Cognition:    Memory /  Language  / Visual-Spatial Perceptual / Planning / Organizing / Divided Attention, etc.

> Language:  1) Forget names of objects.  2) Verbal instructions confused.  3) Finding the right words.  4) Remembering thoughts in the right sequence.  5) Following TV shows.  6) Remembering common words., etc.

> Visual-Spatial Perceptual:  1) Follow a map to a new location.  2) Read a map and give others directions.  3) Find your car in a parking lot.  4) Find a meeting spot.  5) Finding your way around the house., etc.

> Planning:  1) Plan a new trip.  2) Anticipate weather changes., etc.

> Organization: 1) Keep living space organized.  2) Keep financial records., etc.

> Divided Attention: 1) Do two things at once (multiplex).  2) Cook and talk at the same time., etc.

Rating a person's ability relative to the above lists, Dr. Faias developed a list of 39 items to be ranked against the following three groups:  1) NORMAL AGING, 2) MODERATE COGNITIVE IMPAIRED, AND 3) DISEASED COGNITIVE IMPAIRED.

Procedure:  A spouse or very close friend or relative of the person under study would be asked the list of questions relative to the above subject matter.  The responses were then ranked with the following scale:

Better or no change = 1;     Questionable changes = 2;     Some degradation = 3;   Much degraded = 4.

The person would then be ranked in each of the major groups:  Memory /  Language  / Visual-Spatial Perceptual / Planning / Organizing / Divided Attention, etc. and plotted on a chart.

The results proved that this type of testing method was very effective in determining if a person was aging normally or if their cognitive abilities were degrading in a more accelerated matter due to disease, etc.

Medical people look for some of the following symptoms:  get lost in familiar places, repetitive questioning, odd behavior, forgetting recent events, falling or losing ones balance, no planning or organizing skills, change in eating habits, change in hygiene, apathy, language difficulties, etc.

The risk factors include:  high blood pressure, diabetes, poor nutrition, social isolation, heart disease, family histories, stress and depression, environment, etc.

A new study has shown that the environment can actually have a direct effect on someone's genetic makeup.

Suggestions to help keep the brain alert:  don't smoke, limit alcohol consumption, keep physically active, have routine checkups, exercise for good cardio-vascular fitness, stay socially active, religion, etc.

To keep an active brain, try new things you don't normally do!  Try doing activities with your opposite hand!  Buy a new computer, learn an instrument, do different things!

Many thanks to Bill for his very informative discussion!

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, February 15, 2009

II Kings (5:1-14)

Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.” But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.” So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.” But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.

> The story take place in the mid-800's BC and was put together some 300 years later.

> It was a time when Israel was becoming aware of the universality of God.

> Naaman is a pagan.  The Lord had previously let Naaman defeat Israel's armies!

> He was a mighty warrior, but suffered from leprosy.

> Even though the king of Israel cannot heal him, his servant has the solution.

> When Naaman finally went to Elisha, he did not meet with him but sent word that he should bathe seven times in the Jordan River.

> The mighty Naaman was furious to be treated in this manner!  But his servants finally convinced him to go.

> After following instructions, his skin was restored to a child-like condition.  Similarly, he became a changed person.  His boastfulness was gone and he became child-like in his attitude toward God.

> Upon being healed, Naaman wanted to reward Elisha and tried to make him accept some very expensive and precious gifts.  Elisha refused noting it was the Lord who healed him and not Elisha.

> Naaman also wanted to take some earth back to his home land (as as symbol of the God of Elisha's land) and he asked God to forgive him if he still had to obey his king of Aram and worship his false god.

> However, on his way home after Elisha would not accept any of his gifts, Elisha's servant thought he himself could get some of the reward by tricking Naaman into thinking that Elisha really did want some of his gifts.

> When the servant returns home, Elisha is aware of what happened and instead passes on Naaman's leprosy to his servant as punishment for being so greedy.

Psalm 30

1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up *
and have not let my enemies triumph over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, *
and you restored me to health.

3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; *
you restored my life as I was going down to the grave.

4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; *
give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness.

5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, *
his favor for a lifetime.

6 Weeping may spend the night, *
but joy comes in the morning.

7 While I felt secure, I said,“I shall never be disturbed. *
You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains.”

8 Then you hid your face, *
and I was filled with fear.

9 I cried to you, O Lord; *
I pleaded with the Lord, saying,

10 “What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? *
will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness?

11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; *
O Lord, be my helper.”

12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; *
you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy.

13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; *
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever

> Response to the first reading.  Theme of restoration.

I Corinthians (9:24-27)

Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.

> Striving to reach the goal.

Mark (1:40-45)

A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

> Leprosy could have meant a variety of skin diseases, many of which were not contagious.

> The man kneels before Jesus and challenges him.

> Jesus touching him was a radical act since anyone with leprosy was to be completely avoided.

> The man was "immediately" made clean.

> He had to show himself to the priest before readmission to society.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Readings
A Study Led By Rev. Dean Mary Slenski
Sunday, February 22, 2009

II Kings (2:1-12)

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.” Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.

Psalm 50:1-6

1 The Lord, the God of gods, has spoken; *
he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *
God reveals himself in glory.

3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *
before him there is a consuming flame,
and round about him a raging storm.

4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *
to witness the judgment of his people.

5 “Gather before me my loyal followers, *
those who have made a covenant with me
and sealed it with sacrifice.

”6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *
for God himself is judge.

II Corinthians (4:3-6)

If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Mark (9:2-9)

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

> First impressions: huge gathering of images beyond what is said.

> Parallels with Exodus 24:  (i.e. go to the top of the mountain and something -- the Deity --  is revealed; similar patterns and similar manifestation of glory of God appearing)

> Differences with Exodus 24: Moses went to the top of the mountain and the others only went part way.  In Mark's Gospel, the disciples went with Jesus all the way to the top.

> The disciples were like the 70 elders in Israel, the next leaders.

> The disciple thought Jesus would take permanent residence there, so they asked him if he wanted a house built for that purpose.

> The cloud was like God's clothes.  The word "overshadow" usually has negative meanings, but here it means more like the care and protection of someone.

> There was also the parallel of the Festival of the Booths, which celebrates the giving of the Law.

> Jesus does not speak to the people he brought with him; God speaks to them directly.  This contrasts when God was speaking to Jesus at his baptism.

Elijah is relevant in that he symbolizes the end of time

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Christian Households: A Sanctification of Nearness
by Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal
An Introduction Led By Bishop Breidenthal 
Sunday, March 1, 2009

Bishop Breidenthal began discussion by explaining to the group why he wrote his book.  It all began a number of years ago when he was employed by the General Theological Seminary in New York City.  He had just moved his wife and two young daughters there from Ashland, Oregon when it was discovered there was somewhat of a crisis there regarding housing and same-sex couples.  A committee of around twenty was formed to address this issue, which was one of social justice.  The seminary had accepted that these couples could be together, but the housing policy at the time did not reflect that.  After living through these times of difficult decisions, the seminary became a better and healthier place to live.

It was from living through this experience, the Bishop began to think about what it meant for people to live together.  The people living in seminaries must learn these issues as they are in essence a living laboratory for the Christian community.  It has been noted that the Jewish faith supports the community to a greater extent than the Christian faith.  Early Christian around the 4th century had their altar in the middle of the church and developed the exchange of the peace.  It was God, self, and your neighbors that were important.

As Christianity developed in the Greco--Roman empire, however, traditions changed.  The prevailing philosophy of the time was one that looked for the philosophical truth where the body simply got in the way.  It was the flight of the "alone to the alone."  The goal was to withdraw from everyone in pursuit of "the truth."  These attitudes influenced Christianity which led to its members becoming more isolated from each other.  One example of this is how difficult it was for many to be comfortable with "The Peace" when it was re-instituted a number of years ago.

The Diocese reminds us of community, which is what is at the core of the book.  Why do we value life together to to prepare us for the kingdom of God?  There are lots of rule when any two people wish to live together in a permanent relationship. So it became very important for the seminary to set itself up as a laboratory for holiness and develop the wider understanding of what can make up a household.

We must remember that even though there is a family feel to church, it is indeed a public place.  Early Christians built churches in areas similar to our indoor malls.  The church was very public!  People living together in harmony is like practicing what it's going to be like in heaven!

Return to Christian Education