Tag Archive for: Adult Education

Matthew 16:24-17:1-8

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 38 – 11/16/2014

Sampson Kasapakis

16:24-17:1-8

 

Bible Passage:

16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 “Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

17:1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us [a] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

What it means to take up our Cross:

  • Today and every day are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow a life towards Christ.
  • When we look at the literal definition of denying oneself, it is defined as a refrain from satisfying one’s desires and needs.
  • One of the early Church Fathers, Caesarea of Arles, says, “Just as we are lost through loving ourselves, so we are found by denying ourselves.”
  • Looking at the Greek text, the words that are used for taking up our cross are “ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ.” Aράτω can mean to take up or away, but what is more interesting is that it is similar to the Hebrew word nasa’ which means to expiate sin, remove sin.

The Meaning of the Transfiguration of our Lord:

  • It was a lesson for the disciples about who Jesus was.
  • The Transfiguration occurred to show the true authority of Jesus Christ.
  • It confirmed that the Kingdom of the Messiah would be characterized by glory.
  • It is the key to understanding the Cross of Jesus and His commitment to it.

Matthew 16:16-20

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 37 – 11/9/2014

Fr. John Codis

16:16-20

Jesus is Christ the Son of God

 

“But who do you say that I am?”

Peter was the first man on earth, whom it was revealed to him by the Father, to proclaim Christ as The Son of the Living God.

The revelation of the Messiah and His true purpose could not be realized through flesh and blood men; it could only come through divine revelation.

“You are Peter, and on this rock”

Christ will build His Church on such a rocklike “confession of faith” as Peters.

Peter is the rock – not in himself, but insofar as he embodies the Church’s confession.

Theodore of Mopsuestia says “This means he will build his church upon this same confession of faith.”

“I will build my church”

The church in this sense is not a building an institution with organizations, buildings, offices, services and meetings, it is understood here as a “gathering assembly.” Christ refers to the gathering of His disciples as “they meet to form and constitute the renewed messianic Israel,” the new Israel.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven”

Peter is made the steward of the Kingdom with “authority to administer God’s house.” He will be responsible and given the great power and blessing to open the doors for thousands upon thousands of people.

“ Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

“Christ declares that His disciples, gathered in community, have power to speak with the voice of God. To join the Church is to receive the Kingdom, and to oppose it is to war against the Most High.”

“Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no on that He was Jesus the Christ.”

To tell people that Christ was the Messiah was to spark rebellion against the Roman Empire. Christ did not want that to happen yet. The time would be the Cross and Resurrection.

Conclusion

Peter was given the great revelation of the truth about Jesus Christ; the responsibility and privilege. It is a revelation that we all have the ability to see and comprehend and when we are given it, the same privilege and the same responsibility will be laid upon us.

Matthew 15:10-28

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The Gospel of Matthew

10/19/2014

Seraphim Danckaert

Matthew 15:10-28

 

 

Both Law and Gospel: We Need Both

Section 1 (Matthew 15:10-20)

  1. In this section of chapter 15, we have a new law, a new set of Christian ethical principles. This law comes directly from Jesus, who gives a new Shema, a new “Hear, O Israel!”.
  2. The radical nature of Jesus’ new law is evident when compared to the old  law (Leviticus).
  3. “It is not what goes into the mouth [food] that defiles the person; it is what comes up out of the mouth [speech] that defiles the person.“
  4. Reversing the “outward/inward” principle. Our own hearts and thoughts condemn us.

Section 2 (Matthew 15:11-28)

  1. In this section, we see the good news, the answer to our ethical problem, the solution to inner failure to live according to divine precepts.
  2. What we say is critical once again. “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David.”
  3. “Then Jesus responded and said to her, “O woman, your faith is terrific; let it be done to your exactly as you want.”

Conclusion: In the first part of chapter 15, Jesus broke decisively with a whole section of Hebrew Scripture, laying down a new (very difficult) law. In the next section, he breaks with tradition again, opening up salvation and healing to all who call upon his name.

 

Matthew 14:28; 15:1-9

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 34 – 10/12/2014

Fr. John Codis

14:28; 15:1-9

Collapse and Recovery, the Ministry of Christ, Clean and Unclean,

Breaking God’s law to keep man’s law

 

Opening thoughts and basis for discussion

  1. We cannot jump in feet first without knowing where our feet will land. It is necessary to consider all things then speak or make a decision.
  2. Preach the Gospel always, help those in need, never refuse to help, use words if necessary.
  3. Keep love in all things and to all things; to God and to his people.

Consider all the facts!

We too often act on impulse and without facing the situation and considering the cost; looking at a situation in all its bleak grimness before acting (Luke 9:57, 58; Matthew 16:24, 25).

Through our failures we can become closer to Christ. Although we fall from time to time, we are not perfect; Christ never falls and is perfect.

In every time of storm and stress, the presence of Christ and the love which flows from the Cross bring peace and serenity and calm.

“Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words” – St. Francis of Assisi

Christ always was visiting and healing people; he never refused to help! There are no words that replace an act or deed.

One of the most tremendous characteristics of Jesus is that he “taught men what God was like by showing men what God was like. He did not tell men that God cared; He showed men that God cared.”

We always want the privileges of being Christian but never its responsibilities.

Do not make up the Gospel and speak falsities

“The issue of transgressing the traditions of the elders had gotten so inverted that they were insisting that their own commandments be kept even if God’s commandment was violated.” Chrysostom.

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” The Orthodox Study Bible

Matthew 14:13-27

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Adult Bible Study

Session 33 – 10/05/2014

Rev. Christopher T. Metropulos

Matthew 14:13-27

pg.  41-42

Feeding the Five Thousand/ Walking on the Water

 

What is your ROI?

  1. You give them something and eat- Jesus calls the Apostles to action
  2. Send them away- why this response?

What is the significance of the 5 loaves and 2 fish?

5 loaves- 5 Books of the Torah- depended on them for direction

2 fish- for nourishment- preaching of the prophet & John

Blessing and Breaking of the Bread- The teachings are to be broken apart and consumed.

And everyone ate.

Walking on the Water

How does Jesus deal with fear and the awakening of stony hearts?

The Lord comes in the 4th Watch

1st watch- Adam to Noah

2nd watch- Noah to Moses

3rd watch- Moses to the coming of our Lord

4th watch- Lord appear in splendor to His Ascension

Take Heart ; Have no Fear

How does one deal with fear?

If one believes does that mean he will have no trouble in his/her life?

Matthew 14: 1-12

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 3 – 9/28/2014

Sampson Kasapakis

Matthew 14:1-12

Herods Fears

 

Intro: Story-“Young and the Restless, General Hospital, One Life to live…”

Meaning of the story: The importance of knowing the people of the Bible passage, who they really are, and what their role is in the Bible passage.

Transition: Today we are going to talk about the two main people in this bible passage we will cover today. We will cover what their roles are and how they are different.

Herod the Tetrarch

1. Generally known as Herod the Tetrarch or Herod Antipas. Caesar Augustus of Rome ratified Herod’s position as tetrarch when his father, Herod the Great had died and his kingdom was divided into four parts.

2. There are plenty of Herods throughout the Bible. This one is not to be confused with:

a. Herod the Great, his father, who ruled when Jesus was born – Mt 2:1,3,19

b. Herod Agrippa I (nephew), who killed James in Acts 12:1-2

c. Herod Agrippa II (grand-nephew), before whom Paul appeared in Acts 26:1

3. His “Accomplishments” as Tetrarch: Governed Galilee and Perea for 42 years (4 B.C. – 39 A.D.), Built the cities of Sepphoris, Tiberias, and oversaw other projects, Imprisoned and executed John the Baptist (Mk 6:14-29), Sought to kill Jesus because He described Herod as “that fox” in (Lk 13:31-32), Later mocked Jesus prior to His death, which led to friendship with Pilate (Lk 23:7-12)

4. Herod had the potential and power to be a great man. But those in positions of power often have personal failings. Such was true of Herod Antipas since he was easily manipulated.
St. John the Baptist:

A. He was faithful to the Word:

1. His message was a call to lead everyone to repentance Mt 3:1-2

2. He did not back away from pointing out the sins of the king since Herod had married his brother’s wife, Herodias. It was an unlawful marriage for several reasons: a) Philip was still living, making it adultery b) She was Herod’s niece c) The Law prohibited marrying a brother’s wife – Lev 18:16; 20:21

3) Rather than change his message to accommodate the king, John was willing to go to prison and ultimately die for the Word of God!

 

Conclusion:

The difference between them: Fear! Let us think to ourselves, what is our deepest fear?

 

Ending Quote from Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Matthew 13:51-53

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 31 – 9/21/2014

Seraphim Danckaert

13:51-53

Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there”

1. This is Jesus’ “exam” after his course on the Kingdom of Heaven. He preached seven parables, each revealing a different facet of what the Kingdom is and what it means to say “Thy Kingdom come!”

2. Jesus’ concluding statement in this exam is that we must be like a steward bringing forth from the treasure entrusted to us both “new and old things.” This statement is unique to the Gospel of Matthew, and is a summary of what the Gospel of Matthew is all about.

3. This statement is the key to how we should read the Bible today. In reading the Bible, we too must be “scribes” — but a specific kind of scribe: the kind Jesus calls for here.

4. Bringing forth both “new and old.” The “new” realities of Jesus are rooted in the “old” things of Israel, and yet it is only through the “new” that we can truly understand the “old.”

Women’s Bible Study

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Beloved ladies of the St. Demetrios community,

Do you know you are deeply loved and treasured by God?

Do you know that your Father in Heaven seeks to have a more personal relationship with you?
Do you know that God stands eager to make you whole in mind, body and spirit?cross and heart

Will you ladies receive His free gift?

If you hunger for more of God’s Word in your life, then I invite you to feast with me in the Bible as we open up and dig into God’s Word to hear His voice as He desires to speak to you, His precious daughter.

Our first class  will  be on Sunday, October5th upstairs in the church, and from then on  the first Sunday of every month. The study will begin promptly at 1pm and you are asked to arrive early. Please bring your Bible, notebook, pen and open heart for God.

If you are interested, please contact me at:

Helena@marinafoods.com subject line: HUNGRY
or call 954-593-2628

 

 

In His service for His Glory,
Helena Ioannou

Matthew 13:33-46

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The Gospel of Matthew

Session 30 – 9/14/2014

Fr. John Codis

13:33 – 45

Parables of the Leaven, Hidden Treasure, and the Pear of Great Price

 

Opening thoughts and basis for discussion

To illustrate and make things familiar to his listeners, Christ drew from the scenes and activities of everyday life.

The transforming power of leaven

Leaven is like yeast. It can be seen working yet unseen working as well.

The comparison Christ makes between the Kingdom of God and leaven, is to provide a certain shock. This shock was used to derive interest and attention.

More importantly the point and purpose of the leaven is not to convert the whole world, but that the whole world would be reached in the “transforming power of the leaven.”

“The introduction of the leaven causes a transformation in the dough; and the coming of the Kingdom causes a transformation in life.”

“Sold absolutely everything he had”

The reason for giving up all possessions and selling them comes from the joy we receive from our discovery.

“Joy is the engine of change!”

“In the parables he (Matthew) represents (the kingdom) as of great value in itself and of great advantage to those who embrace it.”

Conclusion

We cannot compare occurrences with yesterday, last month or last year, but look at the whole picture. We must count our blessings through our entire. If we do then we see a steady progress of the Kingdom.

However we discover the will of God, it is worth anything and everything to accept it.