Upcoming Sunday and Wednesday Bible Classes
SUNDAY MORNINGS (August 9-October 4)
On Sunday mornings, we’re going to study Luke chapters 1-12. (We’ll finish chapters 13-24 in early 2027.) Matthew, Mark (via Peter), and John were firsthand witnesses of the ministry of Jesus. However, Luke wrote his account with the eyes of an historian. He was especially interested in the language of repentance, which requires a fundamental shift in our hearts to God. Through His grace, we find reconciliation and salvation. Here are just two of the interesting verses that we will study in upcoming weeks: Luke 7.47 “Whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” And early next year, Luke 15.7 “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (Beginning August 12)
Practical Christian Living (Alternate title: “Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Was a New Christian”) (Roger Erickson, Auditorium)
This class will teach practical concepts of Christianity so we may grow closer to the Lord God. These concepts can be used to improve our relationships with family and friends, increase our spiritual maturity, and give us insight into how we can walk with less mature Christians. These are some of the weekly topics to be considered: Pursuing Righteousness; Purging Sin From Our Lives; Trusting in God Rather Than Ourselves; Recognizing and Dealing with Idolatry In Our Lives; Understanding Our Role In Protecting Our Hearts and the Hearts of Others; Distinguishing Between Obedience and Legalism; and Walking with the Spirit Daily by Relying on Him Rather Than Our Own Efforts.
The Meaning Behind Our Favorite Hymns (Women’s Class, Lindsay Denton, Fireside Room)
Hymns are designed to focus our worship on God. They are often sung during worship services. However, there are many different occasions on which a hymn might be sung. These occasions include funerals, weddings, receptions, retreats, camps, etc. Knowing the meaning behind some of these hymns is beneficial in knowing the right occasion to sing it in. Sing along with me as we study the history and theology of 12 hymns that may be familiar to you but are a mystery in their history.
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, by Richard Foster (Men’s Class, ALIVE Classroom)
These are just a few of the spiritual disciplines described in the Bible: meditation, prayer, fasting, submission, service, confession, and worship. This will be a group Bible study outlined by Foster’s book with a goal of understanding and increasing our personal discipline in service to Jesus.