Adult Bible Study Youth Children Sunday School Dorcas Quilters Bertha's Boutique Fridays on Main Salem League Willing Hands Boy Scouts Bereavement Committee
Welcome to the Salem Adult Study Group. Each week we meet to discuss topics of interest to Adult Christians. Usually each topic is broken into 6-8 weekly segments, to allow in-depth study and class participation. Some of the topics we have looked at in the past are: Biblical history, the Apostle Paul, the Amish, the 23rd Psalm, and Buddhism. For Advent, the four weeks preceding Christmas, we are studying the readings from the Common Lectionary.
We meet each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., one hour before the start of church. Classes are usually attended by 8-15 people. Discussion is encouraged and notes or a study guide is provided, and everyone is welcome.
MAY ALL HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS CHRISTMAS
We meet each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., one hour before the start of church. Classes are usually attended by 8-15 people. Discussion is encouraged and notes or a study guide is provided, and everyone is welcome.
MAY ALL HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS CHRISTMAS
SALEM ADULT STUDY
Advent 2011—Week Four
Week Four: Glorying in the Promised End to Come
2 Samuel 7:1-11—In this passage attention is drawn to the great irony of the relative difference of the house—or temple—in which David resides and the fact that God’s own dwelling is far from permanent. It is in fact a tent which houses the symbolic representation of God, the Ark of the Covenant. Nathan asks rhetorically for God, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Expecting no acceptable answer, he promises to David that his heirs will be given their own dwelling place, “I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them,…moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.” (Vs. 10-11)
There are two messages here. First, in the Ark, God has been traveling with the Israelites all along. He has dwelt in their midst and needs no special dwelling. The second message is that for David and the Israelites, one of David’s offspring will follow, and God “…will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” (Vs.13)
Two thoughts arise:
* * * * *
Luke 1:47-55—Mary’s pregnancy is symbolic of the new age to come. Several themes echo the words found in the readings from previous weeks: “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones; and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.” (Vs. 52-52)
* * * * *
Romans 16:25-27—This is Paul’s concluding doxology to the Thessalonians that links the eternal praise of God and the prophetic words, “…kept secret for long ages” which are now revealed in the mystery of salvation present in Jesus Christ and manifested by us in “…the obedience of faith.”
* * * * *
Luke 1:26-38--The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will become pregnant by God and bear “…the Son of the Most High,” whose reign will be eternal.
* * * * *
Advent 2011—Week Four
Week Four: Glorying in the Promised End to Come
2 Samuel 7:1-11—In this passage attention is drawn to the great irony of the relative difference of the house—or temple—in which David resides and the fact that God’s own dwelling is far from permanent. It is in fact a tent which houses the symbolic representation of God, the Ark of the Covenant. Nathan asks rhetorically for God, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Expecting no acceptable answer, he promises to David that his heirs will be given their own dwelling place, “I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them,…moreover the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.” (Vs. 10-11)
There are two messages here. First, in the Ark, God has been traveling with the Israelites all along. He has dwelt in their midst and needs no special dwelling. The second message is that for David and the Israelites, one of David’s offspring will follow, and God “…will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.” (Vs.13)
Two thoughts arise:
- How is God present to us even though, like David, we make no special place for Him?
- Does God, in fact need a special place—a “house of cedar” in order for us to be able to properly worship Him?
* * * * *
Luke 1:47-55—Mary’s pregnancy is symbolic of the new age to come. Several themes echo the words found in the readings from previous weeks: “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones; and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and has sent the rich away empty.” (Vs. 52-52)
- Has our own response to God’s indwelling among us done anything to strengthen our will to do his work of lifting up the lowly and filling the hungry?
* * * * *
Romans 16:25-27—This is Paul’s concluding doxology to the Thessalonians that links the eternal praise of God and the prophetic words, “…kept secret for long ages” which are now revealed in the mystery of salvation present in Jesus Christ and manifested by us in “…the obedience of faith.”
- Are we truly “obedient” to our faith? And what does that mean?
* * * * *
Luke 1:26-38--The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will become pregnant by God and bear “…the Son of the Most High,” whose reign will be eternal.
- Mary consents, saying, “…let it be with me according to your word.” If Mary gives her consent to God’s presence physically in her, do we also agree to God’s presence in our lives? If so, how? If not, why not?
* * * * *
- Has this Advent study helped your understanding of the meaning of the Season?
- How?
SALEM ADULT STUDY
Advent 2011—Week Three
Week Three: Good News…For Those Being Saved
The entire message of this week is the revelation to be accomplished for those for whom Jesus represents the bearer of a new message of God’s deliverance for His chosen people.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11—This passage opens with the poet declaring “The spirit of the Lord is upon me” and continues, offering a series of images of deliverance especially for those who are deemed by society to be the most outcast or undesirable—the oppressed, the broken-hearted, those held captive and prisoners. These are the people in society most likely to be those who mourn. It is these are the people who will receive “garlands”, who will be anointed, and become “oaks of righteousness.” In short, the social order will be overturned. It is they who will “raise up the former devastations.”
The poet, speaking as if he/she were God, gives the reason: “For I the Lord love justice.” This is a covenant which will now extend to their heirs, “…the offspring among the peoples,” who now can count themselves as “blessed.”
In vs.10-11, the voice changes from that of God to the poet, who presents a series of images of the great blessing of deliverance now bestowed upon him/her. He will “rejoice,” arrayed in “garments of salvation…the robe of righteousness…garlands and jewels.” (Vs. 10) Like the new life found in a spring garden, this transformation will bring forth a new “righteousness.” (Vs. 11)
Psalm 126—Like the psalms found in previous weeks, Psalm 126 reinforces the message of Isaiah. We are presented with the joy of the Israelite people upon their return from exile in Babylon, their fortunes (probably not monetary) restored (Vs. 1), but able to act “like those who dream”. Whereas sorrow was their lot in years past, they now “laugh…shout with joy, and rejoice.” (Vs. 2-3) There has been an entire reversal of the past, as ‘those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy” and “Those who go out weeping…return with joy.” (Vs. 6)
I Thessalonians 5:16-24—Paul concludes this letter in a manner consistent with his other writings. The entire passage (Ch 5: 12-28) can be read as a benediction to the early church in Thessalonica. Verse 23 references a theme common to much of Paul’s writings—the second coming of Christ, when he says, “…may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” For Paul this is not entirely a passive process. Christians can aid the process by “Being at peace among yourselves…not repaying evil with evil…doing good to one another, and to all…rejoicing…praying giving thanks…for this is the will of God.” (Vs. 13b-18)
John 1:6-8, 19-28—this passage is similar to the reading from last week (Mark 1:1-8). In John is again identified as the one who baptizes. Both passages incorporate the words of Isaiah, however, whereas Mark quotes Isaiah as saying ,”I am sending my messenger,” John the Baptist refers to himself in the first person, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” In both passages, referring to Jesus, John declares he “is not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.” Like Mark, John affirms that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit (John1:33). One significant difference occurs in John 1:6-8 when the gospel writer declares Jesus to be the “true light…coming into the world.”
In summary: Last week the emphasis of the Lectionary was on preparing for the end of the old order. This week we begin to see the promise of deliverance emerging.
Advent 2011—Week Three
Week Three: Good News…For Those Being Saved
The entire message of this week is the revelation to be accomplished for those for whom Jesus represents the bearer of a new message of God’s deliverance for His chosen people.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11—This passage opens with the poet declaring “The spirit of the Lord is upon me” and continues, offering a series of images of deliverance especially for those who are deemed by society to be the most outcast or undesirable—the oppressed, the broken-hearted, those held captive and prisoners. These are the people in society most likely to be those who mourn. It is these are the people who will receive “garlands”, who will be anointed, and become “oaks of righteousness.” In short, the social order will be overturned. It is they who will “raise up the former devastations.”
The poet, speaking as if he/she were God, gives the reason: “For I the Lord love justice.” This is a covenant which will now extend to their heirs, “…the offspring among the peoples,” who now can count themselves as “blessed.”
In vs.10-11, the voice changes from that of God to the poet, who presents a series of images of the great blessing of deliverance now bestowed upon him/her. He will “rejoice,” arrayed in “garments of salvation…the robe of righteousness…garlands and jewels.” (Vs. 10) Like the new life found in a spring garden, this transformation will bring forth a new “righteousness.” (Vs. 11)
Psalm 126—Like the psalms found in previous weeks, Psalm 126 reinforces the message of Isaiah. We are presented with the joy of the Israelite people upon their return from exile in Babylon, their fortunes (probably not monetary) restored (Vs. 1), but able to act “like those who dream”. Whereas sorrow was their lot in years past, they now “laugh…shout with joy, and rejoice.” (Vs. 2-3) There has been an entire reversal of the past, as ‘those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy” and “Those who go out weeping…return with joy.” (Vs. 6)
I Thessalonians 5:16-24—Paul concludes this letter in a manner consistent with his other writings. The entire passage (Ch 5: 12-28) can be read as a benediction to the early church in Thessalonica. Verse 23 references a theme common to much of Paul’s writings—the second coming of Christ, when he says, “…may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” For Paul this is not entirely a passive process. Christians can aid the process by “Being at peace among yourselves…not repaying evil with evil…doing good to one another, and to all…rejoicing…praying giving thanks…for this is the will of God.” (Vs. 13b-18)
John 1:6-8, 19-28—this passage is similar to the reading from last week (Mark 1:1-8). In John is again identified as the one who baptizes. Both passages incorporate the words of Isaiah, however, whereas Mark quotes Isaiah as saying ,”I am sending my messenger,” John the Baptist refers to himself in the first person, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” In both passages, referring to Jesus, John declares he “is not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.” Like Mark, John affirms that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit (John1:33). One significant difference occurs in John 1:6-8 when the gospel writer declares Jesus to be the “true light…coming into the world.”
In summary: Last week the emphasis of the Lectionary was on preparing for the end of the old order. This week we begin to see the promise of deliverance emerging.
- Do the changes in our lives by accepting the Christian faith bring out the type of joyous feeling depicted in Psalm 126?
- How can we live out Paul’s advice to the Thessalonians to: “be at peace, not to repay evil with evil, to do good to one another, and to rejoice, pray, and give thanks…for this is the will of God.”? (Vs. 13b-18)
- Finally, how is Jesus the “true light” for us?
SALEM ADULT STUDY
Advent 2011—Week Two
Week Two: Getting Ready for the End to Come
Isaiah 40:1-11—this passage at the beginning of what is commonly called “Second Isaiah” (chapters 40-55) provides the background for the good news to come. The chapter begins by recounting how “Jerusalem has paid her penalty”—for her sinful ways prior to the Babylonian conquest in 589 B.C.E. Here the city of Jerusalem becomes a metaphor for humanity and mankind’s transgressions against God. (Vs.1-2)
What follows are a series of poetic statements when an unidentified “Voice cries out” which evokes the greatness of God as he prepares for his entry into the world manifested in images such as—a voice in the wilderness— a highway in the desert—mountains made low—valleys lifted up—rough places made plain--finally revealing the “glory of the Lord.” Vs. 3-5)
Next, we are brought to attention when, again, “A voice says, “Cry out!” and in awe and wonder, the poet asks, “What shall I cry?” (Vs. 6a)
What follows is another series of poetic images--first, of the people as grass (Vs. 6b-8).
Next in Vs. 9—10 the people of God, now identified concretely as “Jerusalem” and “Zion”—the people of God’s faithfulness are now told to proclaim—as “heralds” do, that in no uncertain terms, “Here is your God.”
Finally, the poet closes with a passage common to our association of Jesus as shepherd “feeding the flock,” “gathering them in his arms,” “carrying them in his bosom,” and finally “leading the mother sheep.”
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Here, verses 1-2 repeat the same theme as Isaiah, as God “restores the fortunes of Jacob,” forgiving “the iniquity of your people.” (Jacob was renamed Israel in Gen 32:28)
Like the “Voice” in Isaiah,” we now hear the Psalmist asking the people to hear as God speaks, of “peace,…salvation,… and his glory.” (Vs. 8-9)
The Psalm concludes with the assurance of the goodness that will surely follow as the people meet their God with the promise of “Steadfast love,…faithfulness,…righteousness,… and peace,” including God’s provision for material welfare as he gives what is good, “and our land will yield its increase.” (Vs. 10-13)
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Second Peter confounds our sense of time as we wait for the coming of the Lord: “…with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day.”
Therefore, the faithful are counseled to be “patient” for God does not want anyone left behind. His true desire is for “…all to come to repentance.” (Vs. 9)
In this text Peter lays out a rough schematic for living the Christian life, asking a rhetorical question, “…what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness?” (Vs. 11b) He further admonishes the early Christians to “…strive to be at peace (Vs.14) and to not allow themselves to be led away by “lawlessness” and to “grow in grace.”
Mark 1:1-8
Mark opens this chapter repeating the words of Isaiah 40:3 “…prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Here we are introduced to John the Baptist and the promise inspired by Jesus, “I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Vs. 8)
* * * * *
In summary:
- How is Christmas the story of our own restoration as depicted in Isaiah and the Psalms.
- How can we bring ourselves into harmony with the will of God, understanding that such a process will require time and patience as Peter suggests. How can we rely on living in “holiness and godliness” in this process, and will it bring “peace” as he suggests?
- Mark’s reading is brief, but requires a more affirming action than Peter. We are told that only “baptism with the Holy Spirit” can provide us with those gifts. How can we believe this?
SALEM ADULT STUDY
Advent 2011—Week One
Week One: The End We Need to Come
Isaiah 64:1-9—Here we need to remember the background of the entire book of Isaiah:
- Isaiah 1-39— “First Isaiah”--which foretold the destruction of Jerusalem
- Isaiah 40-55—“Second Isaiah” which captured the joyous return from exile in Babylon
- Isaiah 56-66—“Third Isaiah” express the anticipation of the promise of a “new” Jerusalem yet to come. In the original Hebrew the understanding of this promise was of both a new spirit and a physically new, reconstructed city for the returning exiles.
In the Christian imagination the passages of Isaiah 56-66 are commonly read to anticipate the coming birth of new Savior.
Themes:
· Vs. 1-4—a dramatic entry, causing “the nations to tremble” and “the mountains to quake at your presence”
· Vs. 5-7, 9—recognition that God’s anger has been aroused at human iniquity
· Vs. 8—“Yet, Oh Lord, you are our Father”—a humble acknowledgement that God is, indeed our sovereign
What is our response to such a dramatic entry by God, to the possibility that this (the coming of his Son) is His response to the reality of human sin, and to the acknowledgement that God is in fact our Father.
* * * * *
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
In these verses, the same themes are expressed, especially vs. 4, “…how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?”
Again in vs. 7, humility and supplication are expressed—“Restore us, O god of hosts; let your face shine so that we may be saved.”
In both vs. 3 and 7, there appears the common refrain, “Restore us, Oh God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” In our Christian reading, these words put emphasis on the coming of the Savior.
I Corinthians 1:3-9 Here Paul writes the early Christians—giving thanks to God for the grace given by Him through Jesus Christ, and also for the enrichment in speech and knowledge in their belief while they wait for the “revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son…”
- How are we enriched by Christ’s coming presence?
- Do we deserve God’s faithfulness? How are we called?
Mark 13:24-37
- Mark 13:24-27—in these opening lines, the gospel writer presents a powerful poetic image first, of chaos and suffering (vs.24-25), then of the triumphant entry of the Son of Man—who sends out angels and gathers the elect from the ends of the earth.
- Mark 13:28-31—using another poetic image, Mark compares the time of the coming of the Lord to a fig tree about to bloom in the spring. Just as we are able to foretell the fruit which will soon appear by the blossoming of the tree’s branches, we are able to sense the coming of Christ into our lives in this time of Advent.
- Mark 13:32-37—Mark warns us to be watchful and alert, much as Advent reminds us of the great event to come on Christmas Eve.
In summary:
- How do these passages—the arousal of God’s anger and wrath in Isaiah; the appeal to God for restoration in Psalms; the promise in I Corinthians of God’s faithfulness to those who heed the call; and Mark’s admonition to be alert to the coming of the Son, all prepare us for Christ’s coming in our lives today?
114 Morgan Street
Tonawanda, New York 14150
P: (716) 692-3429
