Reading the Bible LXXI
Midweek Bible Study for the
Sundays, August 24 - September 28, 2008

August 20, the readings for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 21, August 24
Exodus 1:8-2:10 - Why does this text start the way it does? The rescue of Moses is significant in many ways. How many do you see?
Psalm 124 - To what event does this psalm refer? Why is it a good one for the First Reading?
Romans 12:1-8 - The word “transformed” in verse 2 is “metamorphisis.” How are we changed by God’s grace? Are the gifts we have a result of that change, or does that grace make our gifts more effective?
Matthew 16:13-20 - Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ (“Christ” is Greek; “Messiah” is Hebrew) is the center point of each of the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Can you find how Jesus has been addressed up to this point? Why do you think this is such an important moment?

August 27, the readings for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 31
On August 31 we have the wedding of John Bergo and Jean Hansen in our worship. These are the texts they selected for that day.
Psalm 100 - This psalm of praise, thanks, and joy is a great one for any occasion. Why do you think it’s a good one for this day?
Colossians 3:12-17 - We often use this for weddings. But Paul is talking about all our relationships and our life in community. What are the attributes of Christian relationship he mentions?
John 15:9-12 - All our relationships are shaped by the love of God in Christ. How does Jesus describe that here?

September 3, the readings for the Seventeen Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 23, September 7
Exodus 12:1-14 - The story of the Passover is a familiar one. What liturgical instructions for future generations do you find in this story?
Psalm 149 - There’s just a little bit of vengeance in this psalm. What do you think of it? Does it fit the Passover story?
Romans 13:8-14 - Do you think verse 8 is a good one for our deep-in-debt culture? Is it financial advice, or is Paul speaking of another kind of debt?
Matthew 18:15-20- The constitution of our congregation, and those of our synod and the ELCA, say that disputes shall be handled according to Matthew 18. How would you see that happening? In what kinds of situations in the congregation could this be useful?

Septemer 10, the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 24, September 14
Pastor d’Ambruoso is the preacher.
Exodus 14:19-31 - The crossing of the Red Sea is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. Do you see anything new here?
Psalm 114- The psalm recounts the crossing of the Red Sea. Do you think verse 7 is a good one in the face of what happened?
Romans 14:1-12 - What does verses 7-9 mean? Are they comforting to you?
Matthew 18:21-25 - What is Jesus saying about forgiveness in this text? Does he make it easier or harder?

September 17, the readings for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 25, September 21
Pastor Winder is the preacher.
Exodus 16:2-15 - What do you think about the people’s complaining? Where is the word “manna” in this text?
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45 - We’re reading psalms that tell the stories of God’s actions for people. Try your hand at writing a psalm about God’s actions for you.
Philippians 1:21-30 - This is the first of four readings from the book of Philippians. It’s short, so read it through. What themes does Paul bring in this letter? What do these words in this reading mean: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? How does Paul talk about how we live our lives throughout the letter?
Matthew 20:1-16- Do you think the grumblers are justified?

September 24, the readings for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 26, September 28
Pastor d’Ambruoso is the preacher.
Exodus 17:1-7 - The people are still complaining, this time about water. What is significant in this familiar story?
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 - How does this psalm retell the story in Exodus 17. Does it take a slightly different slant?
Philippians 2:1-13 - We read this passage, beginning with verse 5, on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Do you think verses 1-4 can be separated from the rest? What is Paul’s point in this whole passage? Is it about Jesus or about us?
Matthew 21:23-32 - Jesus tells a story about authority. What is the definition of “authority?” Why does Jesus include the story about the two sons?