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.
The Earthly Ministry of Jesus (2) (Y3, Q2)
The Earthly Ministry of Jesus (1) (Y3, Q1)
January 16, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
All foregoing Bible history and literature has anticipated one single life – that of Jesus of Nazareth. Our next two quarters of study will survey the adult life of Jesus from His biographies (gospels). The first quarter will cover the majority of His ministry which is centered in and around Galilee; the second will examine the last days of Jesus’ life in Perea and Judea.
The Earthly Ministry of Jesus (1) (Y3, Q1)
Exile and Restoration (Y2, Q4)
January 13, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
Our survey of the Old Testament concludes with a study of the exile (Ezekiel and Daniel), the return of a remnant and the renovation of Jerusalem (Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zechariah), the threat of Jewish extermination (Esther) and Malachi’s warnings against revived sinfulness. The quarter ends with a look at Daniel’s visions of the future.
Exile and Restoration (Y2, Q4)
The Decline and Fall of Judah (Y2, Q3)
January 12, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
In this study, Judah will follow Israel down the same path of decline and destruction. The time span from Israel’s fall to Judah’s is 120-140 years. We will study the historical accounts of the last kings of Judah along with the “minor” prophets Zephaniah, Nahum and Habakkuk. We will conclude with the life of Jeremiah and his Lamentations over Judah’s demise.
The Decline and Fall of Judah (Y2, Q3)
The Decline and Fall of Israel (Y2, Q2)
January 12, 2009 by Jim Jonas ·
This study centers upon the spiritual, moral and political decay which caused Israel’s downfall. Attention will also be given to conditions in Judah during Israel’s decline. The history of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles will be studied along with the prophets whom God sent to the people: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah and Micah. Special emphasis will be given to Messianic passages.
