Back to Basics (Y5, Q3)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
In this quarter we will study the epistles of James and John. As these writers address unique problems, they do so by going back to basics. Thus we read of faith and obedience, love for God and fellow man, pride and humility, forgiveness of sins, overcoming temptation, prayer and other fundamental components of the Christian life.
Jesus vs. Judaism (Y5, Q2)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
Our present study examines the book of Hebrews. The author of this epistle vigorously confronts Jewish saints who, under the stress of persecution, are entertaining a return to their Mosaic roots. The main objective of the book is to portray the surpassing excellence of Christ in contrast to the shortcomings of Mosaic Law. The book is full of exhortations to faithfulness.
Persecution and Perversion (Y5, Q1)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
Our attention now turns to three epistles which are concerned with two major threats to the church: growing persecution against the faith and gross doctrinal perversion. Persecution and perversion have plagued brethren from the beginning but are now becoming more systematized and intense. We will study Peter’s two epistles and the short letter penned by Jude.
Persecution and Perversion (Y5, Q1)
Evangelistic Exhortations (Y4, Q4)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
The latter years of Paul’s life are sketchy with details incidentally supplied in the epistles of this quarter’s study: Timothy and Titus. These men have long been Paul’s faithful co-workers and companions, and with his departure now “at hand,” Paul increasingly relies upon them. These epistles advise the evangelists on soundness in the local church.
Evangelistic Exhortations (Y4, Q4)
In Roman Custody (Y4, Q3)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
The next period of Paul’s work includes four years of custody by Roman authorities. Luke devotes one-quarter of the book of Acts to these events (21:26 – 28:31) which will be studied first as a historical backdrop. While confined Paul writes four “prison epistles” which we will survey in the following order: Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and Philippians.
Focus Upon Rome (Y4, Q2)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
This study covers the latter part of Paul’s third journey. Paul’s sights are set further westward and he hopes to travel to Rome and beyond. However, he must first return to Jerusalem and complete unfinished business there. His three-month stay in Corinth produces the Roman epistle, the great treatise upon justification by faith. The quarter will focus upon this letter.
An Open Door in Asia (Y4, Q1)
January 17, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
After previously being forbidden to preach in Asia, Paul now returns to this province for three years of fruitful labor. This quarter examines the history of this period both from the book of Acts (18:23 – 20:2) and from references in 1 & 2 Corinthians, written from Ephesus and Macedonia respectively. We will also note the condition of the Corinthian church from these epistles.
Expansion into Greece (Y3, Q4)
January 16, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
This quarter concentrates upon Paul’s second preaching tour wherein the kingdom of Christ spreads as far as the Grecian peninsula. The study includes the historical accounts of Acts 15:36 – 18:22 and the epistles of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, written most likely by Paul from Corinth. The epistles offer comfort and additional teaching to steady the troubled young church.
Expansion into Greece (Y3, Q4)
The Early Days of the Church (Y3, Q3)
January 16, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
This quarter will focus upon the establishment and gradual expansion of the fledgling kingdom of Christ. We will first study the history of Acts 1-15, then turn our attention to the book of Galatians which addresses some of the cultural stresses between Jew and Gentile as both learn to embrace a common faith and practice.
The Early Days of the Church (Y3, Q3)
The Earthly Ministry of Jesus (2) (Y3, Q2)
January 16, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
Our study now takes us through the last few months of Jesus’ earthly life, months spent in tense confrontation with Jewish leaders. The bulk of His work has been completed, but the greatest event of all – His resurrection and glorification – is yet ahead. More is known of Jesus’ death than any figure in ancient history. Close attention will be given to His final week.
