In this class we will be studying the Book of Ephesians. Paul spent a lot of time in Ephesus, and the church there was strong. In this letter, Paul both encourages and challenges the church. We will look at each chapter and discuss how it applies to our life today. We will discuss the problems that the Ephesian church had and how we can learn from them.

The letter of James may be the most loved and criticized of all New Testament books. James has a very direct style. He doesn’t get bogged down in lengthy, technical theological arguments, but is very practical as he discusses everyday issues. Issues like how we speak, how we should think about wealth or lack of wealth, how to approach conflict, how to deal with sickness and suffering. James’ letter demands our attention because it is all about what it means to truly follow Jesus Christ. It will show us what genuine faith looks like and how our actions must reflect that faith through our everyday experiences. We will learn how to embrace our life with joy, purpose, and abiding faith.

In this class we will be studying the inspired writing of James. We will approach this lesson with 2 main goals: 1) To learn the scriptures. We will look at the context of the time and writing to better understand the reason James was writing this particular letter to this particular audience so that we can better understand the letter itself. 2) Application. What meaning does this letter have to us today? What can we learn from the author, audience, and culture of the time that can lead us to a better understanding of God and His Word today?

This study will follow Paul’s example of a life of service. Students will look at the need to serve, what it looks like to serve in the face of opposition, and what it looks like to serve alongside others as Paul did with Barnabas, Silas, Peter, and others.

The parables of our Lord were one of His most familiar aspects of teaching. Matthew 13:35 says “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundations of the world”. Jesus gives two reasons for using parables, 1) hardness of the heart, and 2) willingness of some to hear and obey. We will look at our Lord’s parables and their relevance then and today.

We will look at several of the Kings of Israel and Judah to better understand the impact of their actions on the people of God and seek to learn relevant lessons for our lives today.

This study will help students learn about who God is, how He shows us who He is through His word. Students will then look at who they are in the world, and in Christ. Finally, students will put these two together and look at what it means for a Christian to live like they know who God is, and who they are in Christ.