St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, January 9, 2011

FIRST READING: Isaiah (42:1-9)
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.” Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols. See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.”

> Second half of Isaiah -- written mid 500's BC

> Servant of the Lord -- an indefinite person

> Justice: an important concept - sharing of God's gifts

> Emergence of creation theme

> Yahweh is the ONLY God (no other Gods as in earlier verses)

> New beginnings

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 author has the voice of God in a thunderstorm

> The storm starts in the sea

> Next, the storm comes over Lebanon and shakes the cedar trees

> Then the storm shakes Mount Hermon and then the wilderness and forest

> The Lord sits calmly above the storm and gives his blessings of peace

SECOND READING: Acts (10:34-43)
Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

> Early members of the church are Jewish

> Peter gives a speech to Cornelius, a friend is among the first non-Jews to convert

> Luke emphasized the physical being of Jesus  (Ate with his disciples)

> Universality of salvation 

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (3:13-17)
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

> Earlier John had noted that a greater one was coming than himself

> To dispel who is greatest, John says Jesus should baptize him

> But Jesus notes it is God's plan

> God speaks to everyone - not just Jesus

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, January 16, 2011

FIRST READING: Isaiah (49:1-7)
Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the Lord, and my reward with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and my God has become my strength—he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.

> Second of the Servant Songs (mid-500's BCE)

> Call people before they are born

> God's protection before others know

> Israel is the servant in this text

> From the time of exile, many failures, but Israel is still trusting in God

> God's plan:  Israel destined to save all nations, not just the Jews

> Helped the disciples understand Jesus' role to reach the ends of the earth

Psalm 40:1-12
1 I waited patiently upon the Lord; *
he stooped to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; *
he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God; *
many shall see, and stand in awe,
and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Happy are they who trust in the Lord! *
they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.
5 Great things are they that you have done, O Lord my God!
how great your wonders and your plans for us! *
there is none who can be compared with you.
6 Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *
but they are more than I can count.
7 In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *
(you have given me ears to hear you);
8 Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *
and so I said, “Behold, I come.
9 In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *
‘I love to do your will, O my God;
your law is deep in my heart.’”
10 I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *
behold, I did not restrain my lips;
and that, O Lord, you know.
11 Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;
I have spoken of your faithful- ness and your deliverance; *
I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the great congregation. 
12 You are the Lord;
do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me for ever.

> Discusses the reversal that takes place

> Hebrew poetry: no meter or rhyming

> Has a parallelism between the first and second half of reach verse

> There are different types of offerings as discussed in Leviticus

> Sometimes sacrifices are grain, wines, or animals

> Complex rituals were part of the temple cult

> Ritual impurity: not considered immoral; but cannot enter the temple

> Moral impurity; still could enter the temple

> Jesus emphasized that moral impurity was the worst type

SECOND READING: I Corinthians (1:1-9)
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

> Paul was on his missionary journey

> Paul had made a brilliant speech in Athens, but was ridiculed

> He was crushed and headed toward Corinth

> Corinth was a seaport city, very corrupt and rough

> God talks to Paul and assures him this is where he needs to spread the Gospel

> The verse opens with an introduction and then words of praise

> This was typical of the letter writing of the times

> Paul was continually looking for the second coming of Jesus

> The story will continue next week 

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (1:29-42)
John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

> This week we take a break from Matthew

> Years B and C have different stories

> Jesus makes his first entrance into the story

> John has Jesus dying at 3:00 PM the day before the Passover

> This has religious symbolism as the priests would be in the temple slaughtering lambs at that same time

> John the Baptist does not know Jesus ahead of time

> Only the aftermath of the baptism is in John

> The descending of the spirit is how John know Jesus is the Messiah

> John's audience is the Greek followers of Jesus

> He does not give them an exact answer but invites them to "come and see"

> Andrew and one unnamed are the first two disciples

> John has to translate some of the Hebrew terms for his audience

> Then Simon Peter is made a disciple:  Peter = Cephas = "rock"

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, January 23, 2011

FIRST READING: Isaiah (9:1-4)
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

> Refer to the end of Chapter 8 to get the full story

> Discusses the destruction of the areas of Israel north of the Sea of Galilee

> They are still preaching about "other gods" at  this time

> However, God promises new life will be coming there

> There will be no gloom for a new dawn is coming

> These verses are also quoted in Matthew's gospel reading

Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?
5 One thing have I asked of the LORD;
one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days 
of my life;
6 To behold the fair beauty of the LORD *
and to seek him in his temple.
7 For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe 
in his shelter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.
8 Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
9 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
10 Hearken to my voice, O LORD, when I call; *
have mercy on me and answer me.
11 You speak in my heart and say, "Seek my face." *
Your face, LORD, will I seek.
12 Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.
13 You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

> Hebrew poetry: parallelism between 1st and 2nd half of each verse

> God is the light, salvation, and strength

> The Psalmist is under stress in verse 5, but then receives God's response

> There are increasing threats, but there is still trust in God

> The "single" request is really 3-fold: a) dwell in temple; b) behold God's presence, and c) seek God

> God's protection has already begun

SECOND READING: I Corinthians (1:10-18)
Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

> Paul gives updates to the messages he has received

> There have been other prophets the people have followed, such as Apollos

> These various teachers and preachers who came have caused confusion and conflict within the church

> Paul is trying to get everyone back to the unity in Christ and the cross -- this and only this can tie everyone together

> These verses were probably written in the mid 50's and were among the earliest books in the New Testament.  I Thessalonians is probably the first one written.

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (4:12-23)
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.         "rock"

> These verses describe the immediate following of Jesus

> Jesus started his ministry after John the Baptist was arrested

> Matthew is seeing the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy with the coming of Jesus

> Kingdom of Heaven = Kingdom of God: In this context it means the reign of God here on earth

> Jesus saw Simon Peter and Andrew at the Sea of Galilee and asked them to follow.  In John's gospel, Jesus sees them at a location further south.

> James and John, sons of Zebedee left their father next

> Jonah (Peter and Andrew's father) and Zebedee were both middle class fishermen and boat owners

> Jesus will be teaching, proclaiming the Good News, and healing the sick

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, February 6, 2011

FIRST READING: Isaiah (58:1-9a, [9b-12])
Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God. “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am. [If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.]

> Jesus is teaching his disciples what to do and what not to do.

>  The script was composed during the time of restoration after Babylonian conquest.

> 3rd part of Isaiah

> The Israelites practice their religion, but their hearts are not in it.

> They show God their observances, but God is not responding to their requests.

> God answers that they aren't living up to their practices.

> God speaks to the people to say he does not want ceremony but justice and mercy.

> If you do that your light will shine brightly and you will receive abundant rewards.

> After Epiphany, the Old Testament readings correspond with the Gospel readings.

Psalm 112:1-9
1 Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.
6 For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.
7 They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right; they put their trust in the Lord.
8 Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.
9 They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.

> This in an achronistic psalm in that each verse starts with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

> It's a "hallel" or hallelujah psalm

> The first three verses talk about who are righteous and the rewards they will receive.

> The next verses describe what their lives are like and how they reflect God's characteristics.

> Eternal remembrance is important for the Israelites as they did not believe in eternal life after death, but they will be remembered on earth after they die.

> Verse 10 (not included in the reading) shows the negative side.

SECOND READING: I Corinthians (2:1-12, [13-16])
When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. [And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. Those who are unspiritual do not receive the gifts of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. Those who are spiritual discern all things, and they are themselves subject to no one else’s scrutiny. “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.]

> Paul was in Athens and made a great speech, but he received little or no response from the crowd there, which greatly deflated his ego.

> He spoke of bodies rising from the dead to the Greeks who believed you should get rid of your body after death.

> Greatly humbled, he spoke to the people of Corinth, where he traveled to after his humiliation in Athens.

> At the time, Corinth was a rough seaport town.

> Paul spoke of a different type of wisdom... the wisdom of the cross is what you should follow.

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (5:13-20)
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

> Jesus was still on the mountain.

> "Salt of the earth."  This referred to the the practice of using salt on animal dung to help keep it burning for fuel for small clay ovens, which in Jesus' time were called "earth."  In other words, act as a catalyst.

> Paul noted that he did not come to abolish the Old Testament law.

> Jesus took things to extremes to make a point.

> The kingdom of heaven refers to the kingdom of God in the here an now and not after death.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, February 13, 2011

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy (30:15-20)
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

> Moses will give a different account of the law.

> Very clear cut -- black and white

> Same theology they expounded in Samuel and Kings

> If you do well then you will have a long and healthy life.  But life is not always like that.

> The "prosperity churches" latch onto this.  If you obey the laws and send me money, then you will also prosper.  Some of these churches are prevalent in Africa.

> Getting to the end of Moses' life -- the last words just before his death are spoken.

Psalm 119:1-8
1 Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!
3 Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.
4 You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.
5 Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!
6 Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.
7 I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

> Reflects back on the first reading

> Longest psalm.  Longest chapter in the Bible.  176 verses!

> Achronistic psalm.  There are eight verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

> Two of the beatitudes are recited here.

> First verse:  walk in the law meaning live your life in the law

> The Torah was more than just a book of laws.  It was also a set of instructions on how to live a happy life following God's will.

> The reading ends with a prayer.

SECOND READING: I Corinthians (3:1-9)
And so, brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

> Continues the theme of Paul addressing the divisions within the church.

> None of the things that try to divide you are important.  Only following God is important.

> Apollos and Paul do not matter.  They were not competing.  Do not serve the, only God.

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (5:21-37)
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell. It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”

> Four of the six antitheses are presented here.

> Jesus takes each one to an extreme to make his point.  They reach to the root of what can lead people away from God.

> The extreme examples are not to be taken literally.

> He calls attention to the ideal.

> Collection of Jesus' sayings, which happened over time, that Matthew pulled together.

> Example -- Murder:  You are guilty even if you are angry at another person.

> Example -- Adultery:  You are guilty even if you lust in your mind.

> Under Jewish law, divorce was a man's choice.  Women had no protection.

> Instead of worrying which oaths were binding, Jesus said to just speak the truth.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, March 6, 2011

FIRST READING: Exodus (24:12-18)
The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

> The Lord will give Moses the law and commandments.

> Took place on Mount Sinai (Mount Horab)

> Put Aaron and Hur in charge -- very questionable

> Symbolism of seven days and forty days... a very long time

Psalm 99
1 The Lord is King;
let the people tremble; *
he is enthroned upon the cherubim;
let the earth shake.
2 The Lord is great in Zion; *
he is high above all peoples.
3 Let them confess his Name, which is great and awesome; *
he is the Holy One.
4 “O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
”5 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and fall down before his footstool; *
he is the Holy One.
6 Moses and Aaron among his priests,
and Samuel among those who call upon his Name, *
they called upon the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them out of the pillar of cloud; *
they kept his testimonies and the decree that he gave them.
8 “O Lord our God, you answered them indeed; *
you were a God who forgave them,
yet punished them for their evil deeds.”
9 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord our God
and worship him upon his holy hill; *
for the Lord our God is the Holy One.

> Annual enthronement ceremony

> Declaration that our God reigns over heaven and earth

> God is on who establishes justice and righteousness

> God spoke with some of the great people of our history: Moses, Aaron, and Samuel

> Worship the God who is enthroned in his temple in Israel

SECOND READING: II Peter (1:16-21)
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

> Latest book written in the New Testament (c. 120 AD)

> Written on behalf of the original author, Peter

> Battling against distortions of the Gospel that had happened over the years

> Still anticipating the second coming of Christ, but realize it may be a while

> The testimony is written by people inspired by God

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (17:1-9)
Six days after Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

> In chapter 16, at Caesarea-Phillipi, Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah

> Six days after the recognition, Jesus takes him up a high mountain (parallels Moses)

> Jesus takes his inner circle with him

> Jesus shines like the sun, which is God's confirmation he is the true Messiah

> Moses and Elijah appear, but Jesus is passive here as God does the revelation

> A cloud appears similar once again to Moses' experience

> The disciples are overcome by fear but Jesus puts out his hand to calm them.

> The disciples are then brought back to reality again after seeing Jesus in that light.

> Jesus tell his disciples not to mention this vision until after his resurrection.

> Perhaps there is concern that no one would believe them.

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, March 13, 2011

FIRST READING: Genesis (2:15-17; 3:1-7)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

> Second creation story (Story of the fall)

> God creates everything first and man is added as a caretaker

> Ancient mythology of talking and walking serpents - used to explain why people die

> The serpent implies that God will be worried if you become like him!

> The woman fell for the story.

> This is in contrast to Jesus refusing Satan's temptations.

Psalm 32
1 Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, *
and whose sin is put away!
2 Happy are they to whom the LORD imputes no guilt, *
and in whose spirit there is no guile!
3 While I held my tongue, my bones withered away, *
because of my groaning all day long.
4 For your hand was heavy upon me day and night; *
my moisture was dried up as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, *
and did not conceal my guilt.
6 I said," I will confess my transgressions to the LORD." *
Then you forgave me the guilt of my sin.
7 Therefore all the faithful will make their prayers to you in time of trouble; *
when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach them.
8 You are my hiding-place;
you preserve me from trouble; *
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
9 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; *
I will guide you with my eye.
10 Do not be like horse or mule, which have no understanding; *
who must be fitted with bit and bridle,
or else they will not stay near you."
11 Great are the tribulations of the wicked; *
but mercy embraces those who trust in the LORD.
12 Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the LORD; *
shout for joy, all who are true of heart.

> Happy are the people whose faults are forgiven.

> Ties in with scripture from Romans - we have failed, we are forgiven

> Do not blindly fall for temptation

SECOND READING: Romans (5:12-19)
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned—sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

> Paul wrote this - his poor grammatical style is present

> Complex back and forth dialog

> First man failed, second man succeeded, which points to the Gospel

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew (4:1-11)
After Jesus was baptized, he was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! for it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.

> Parallels throughout the Gospel

> Jesus reenacts what Israel had gone through

> Herod's act of killing the first-born male children

> The flight to Egypt

> Forth days and forty nights - same as in Exodus and for Noah and the flood

> The pinnacle of the temple was the high point - perhaps where rabbi called to prayer

> The three-fold temptation parallels Israel's temptation, except Jesus succeeded

--- 1) Turn stone into bread - Jesus quotes scripture

--- 2) Throw yourself down and God will save you - do not put God to the test

--- 3) Accept gifts from me - worship only the Lord your God

St. Mark’s Adult Education Meeting Summary
Today's Scripture Lessons 
An In-Depth Discussion Led by the Rev. Mike Kreutzer
Sunday, March 20, 2011

FIRST READING: Genesis (12:1-4a)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.

> Call of Abram and his journey of faith

> If you follow God, you will be rewarded.

Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you 
will not fall asleep.
4 Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5 The Lord himself watches over you; *
the Lord is your shade at your right hand,
6 So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8 The Lord shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.

> Goes back to the first reading

> Put your trust in God and he will keep you safe.

SECOND READING: Romans (4:1-5, 13-17)
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation. For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”)—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

> Refers back to Abraham

> Example of his journey of faith

The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (3:1-17) 
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

> Pharisee Nicodemus - leader of the Jews

> Comes to Jesus by night -- symbolism of light and dark

> Calls him "rabbi" or teacher

> Nicodemus plays the "Watson role" when comparing to Sherlock Holmes

> Six time "can" comes up in the passage

> With the three questions that Nicodemus asks, he gives Jesus a platform from which to speak

> No one can see the kingdom of God -- from the Greek: means born from above or born again

> Jesus answers referring to water and spirit -- baptismal theme

> Flesh - refers to the earthly; Spiritual - refers to being on a higher level

> Spirit / Wind / Breath: same word in Greek; Wind refers to the breath of God

> Mysterious - don't know where it comes from or where it is going

> Nicodemus is now thoroughly confused and ready to begin the journey of faith

> After asking his last question, Nicodemus disappears into the darkness

> John refers to Jesus being "lifted up."  cross - resurrection - giving of the spirit

> Jesus knows these things because he has seen God

> Some of John's passages are not in chronological order

> There's a reference to Moses' serpent (connection to doctor's symbol today)

>  Nicodemus will come back twice in later chapters of John as he completes his journey of faith.

> After the crucifixion, he assists Joseph or Aramathia with Jesus' burial and declares his discipleship

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