The Return of Christ Enacted in the Lives of the Faithful

Bro. Art Sankey

Throughout our weeklong classes, we will consider how the details of Christ's return have been clearly and dramatically foretold in the lives of the Faithful in the Old Testament. Each day, we will consider a different character such as Moses, Abraham, Esther and David and seek to demonstrate how, through events in their lives, they unknowingly provided the Bible Student with a clear depiction of the glorious return of the Messiah. Our goal in studying this subject will be to establish a surety of our understanding of latter-day events that will encourage us to faith and good works as we await what is surely Christ's eminent return.

Eternal Life: When will we ever get it?

Bro. Ian Cude

Bro. Thomas Williams commented in The World's Redemption that "the principle promise in the gospel is eternal life." What should be a spiritually uplifting, in-depth study of the Scriptures about the great hope of eternal life may in fact evoke mixed emotions. The doctrines relating to eternal life have been vigorously debated within the household of faith for many years, resulting in various schools of thought even through today. Where is the truth to be found? God willing, we will objectively investigate the positive teachings of eternal life found throughout Scriptures and written references by multiple brethren dating as far back as Bro. John Thomas. The goal of the class is to successfully equip the believer to "try the spirits whether they are of God."

The Lord's Supper

Bro. Shawn Moynihan

We celebrate it at least once a week and it is the intended focal point of our communal worship. Despite its simplicity, the Lord's Supper raises some fundamental questions in the mind of a disciple:

• What are the purposes of the Lord's Supper?
• How does participation in the Lord's Supper impact my relationship with God, Jesus, and fellow disciples?
• What should my mindset be when I participate in the Lord's Supper?
• How did we arrive at the current structure of the Lord's Supper?

God-willing, this class will explore a variety of aspects regarding the Lord's Supper. We will begin by examining what Jesus meant when he said, "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Then we will explore the historical practices of the early church and the early Christadelphian community. Next, we will explore the role that the cup played in Jesus' life by better understanding his statement, "You will indeed drink of my cup." Similarly, we will discuss the role of bread in Jesus' ministry and the meaning of "Take, eat, this is my body." Finally, we will seek to understand Paul's admonition to examine ourselves and discern the Lord's body.

The Miracle of Jesus

Bro. Richard Harrison

The title of my class is somewhat of a play on words. It surrounds the topic of miracles, especially as they pertain to Jesus. In reading the scripture, we find many cases of miracles being done. Indeed, miraculous voices from on high have often heralded important messages to people on earth, such as a warning to Noah and the promises to Abraham. At other times, the Almighty has used the presence of angelic visitors like a Gabriel to speak directly to purposeful people: a Daniel, a Zacharias, and a Mary. Whenever or whatever the situation called for, miracles have often preceded an event mirroring the verity of our God in heaven as well as the importance of the upcoming mission below. They bring with them the power to stimulate faith and motivate action on a very high level. Yet as rich and powerful as miracles can be, they often became controversial, ascribed to demons, and sometimes had the completely opposite effect, as we find in the four gospels. Now, Jesus is God's greatest miracle to man! So this week, we want to observe how people responded to him and his message, when using his God given power to convince those around him that he was who he claimed to be: The Son of God -- the Messiah of Israel. By selecting a number of his miracles, we shall see how our Father in heaven and his Son drew out from all mankind those chosen vessels requisite for bearing the family name, turning the world upside down, and changing the landscape as we know it. I promise as a fellow servant to do my very best to make this class an enriching experience.

Building the House of God

Bro. David Stanley

In the book of Haggai, the LORD urges the exiles from Babylon to "Consider your ways". Babylon's reign had come to an end at the hands of the Medo-Persian assault. The Jews had been allowed to return to their land. They had been charged with reconstructing the temple; with building the house of God. Once in the land, they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, set up an altar and established regular worship. With a shared excitement, the temple site was cleared and they began the construction. However they soon encountered fierce opposition from the surrounding nations and the building efforts ceased. So the LORD sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage them to continue their work. The times of these prophets closely parallels what is happening in the world today. "Like living stones, we are being fashioned into a spiritual house...to be a holy priesthood." We are charged with helping to build God's spiritual house. And we also can face opposition to our building efforts. There are times when we need encouragement to continue the building. In our studies we will look at the history of their time, 2500 years ago, but so similar to today. We will be examining the visions given to Zechariah that were designed to strengthen the resolve of all of God's people by assuring them that the LORD's house would be completed at that time, and at a time in the distant future...the Kingdom age. Our objective for the week is to energize our commitment as vehicles of God's will to move His Plan forward, and bring about the completion of His spiritual house.

Micah: A Timely Message for Our Age

Bro. Bill Yake

This class will look at the prophet Micah and his message to Israel - and to us. In the eighth century B.C., both Israel and Judah were entrenched in an era of affluence, materialism, idolatry, immorality and religious apostasy, not dissimilar to our own age. The Book of Micah provides us with an encapsulated view of the "Gospel" message with an emphasis on God's judgments against Israel's sins and the failures of its rulers coupled with a spiritual remedy of repentance and mercy. Micah also supplies us with amazing assurances of hope beyond this age of darkness through the marvelous light of remarkable prophecies. He vividly illustrates the great and precious promises of the coming glorious Kingdom and Israel's righteous King. Finally, this study will also take a close look at God's impassioned plea for Israel's repentance and the necessity for His people to treat everyone justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Micah reassures his people with the promise of the restoration of Israel and manifold blessings for all those who love God, the Prince of Peace, and Zion.