Bible Matters begins Wednesday, September 13

JOSEPH: Humbled and Exalted Servant of God's People.

Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings. 

Bible Matters also allows for people unfamiliar with the Bible and the Christian faith the freedom to ask questions and even to challenge what we believe, because we believe the Bible stands up to scrutiny and that the Bible matters.  We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. 

Bible Matters will meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM.  Here is our tentative schedule for the Fall.

          Sept 13                 Favoritism and Jealousy (Genesis 37)

          Sept 20                NO CLASS

          Sept 27                Joseph sold into slavery (Genesis 37)

          Oct 4                    Fleeing from temptation; Suffering for faithfulness (Genesis 39)

          Oct 11                   Dreams and Prophesy; Joseph is exalted (Genesis 40-41)

          Oct 18                  Being put to the test (Genesis 42-43)

          Oct 25                  Standing before the sovereign king and judge (Genesis 44)

          Nov 1                    God’s people preserved (Genesis 45-46)

          Nov 8                   Forgiveness; not deserved by freely given (Genesis 50)

          Nov 15                  The hope of the resurrection (Genesis 49-50; Exodus 13:19)

          Nov 22                 Thanksgiving Worship (7:00 PM)

All are welcome.  Feel free to bring guests!

Something from ... Martin Luther on the hope of the resurrection among the Patriarchs

"We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come."  This is from the Nicene Creed and is the final hope of all Christians.  The resurrection of the body, however, is not a New Testament innovation.  It has always been the hope of God's people.

This is also recognized in the Old Testament among the Patriarchs.  They faithfully endured hardships and clung to promises which remained unfulfilled at the moment of their death.  If they did not believe in "the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting" (Apostles' Creed), why did they willingly endure hardships and refrain from indulging every twinge of lust, greed, gluttony, drunkenness, etc...?  They fought against their sinful urges and remained devoted to the word of the Lord for this reason: They looked for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  They sought a better life, a perfect home, and an everlasting peace and glory.

While the resurrection is taught much more clearly in the New Testament, it is clearly believed in the Old Testament, as Luther explains here:

"Christ says: 'God is not God of the dead, but of the living' (Matt. 22:32).  Therefore all the fathers who hoped in God undoubtedly also believed in the resurrection of the dead.  This can be clearly demonstrated from the argument of Christ: Abraham, Isaac, and the other patriarchs endure even unto death with the firmest faith; therefore they believe in the resurrection of the dead.  For if no other and better life remains after this one, what need is there of faith or of God Himself or of hope in God beyond death?  If the resurrection is not to be expected, there is also no faith and no God.  On the contrary, if there is faith and any hope in God, it is necessary that there be a God who is the God of all who trust and hope in Him and for His sake retain the hope of immortality.  For since all must face death and the godly trust in God in spite of this, they confess the necessity that after this life another, eternal life remains." (Martin Luther.  Luther's Works: American Edition.  Volume 7 (Lectures on Genesis, chapters 38-44, pages 116-117)

Adult Bible Class -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Beginning this Sunday, October 25, we are starting a new series for Adult Bible Class.  We are focusing on the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

Our attention will be how God's promise of a Savior was proclaimed and worked through these men of faith.  We will recognize their faith and their flaws, but especially God's grace.  The class will follow this tentative schedule.  

Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM.

1.  Genesis 12:1 – 14:16         God calls Abram; Abram and Lot

2.  Genesis 14:17 – 15:20 Abram and Melchizedek; God's covenant with Abram

3.  Genesis 16:1 – 18:15         Abraham & Hagar; Covenant of Circumcision; Promise of Isaac

4.  Genesis 18:16 – 19:38 Abraham's prayer; God rescues Lot from Sodom; Lot and his daughters

5.  Genesis 20:1 – 21:34         Abraham & Abimelech; Birth of Isaac

6.  Genesis 22:1 – 23:20         Abraham sacrifices Isaac; Death of Sarah

7.  Genesis 24:1 – 25:18         Isaac & Rebekah; Death of Abraham

8.  Genesis 25:19 – 27:40 Birth of Esau & Jacob; Isaac & Abimelech; Isaac blesses Jacob

9.  Genesis 27:41 – 29:30 Jacob flees to Haran; Jacob marries Leah and Rachel

10.  Genesis 29:31 – 30:43 Jacob's children; Jacob's prosperity

11.  Genesis 31:1 – 33:20 Jacob flees from Laban; Jacob wrestles with God; Jacob meets Esau

xx.  Genesis 34:1 – 36:43 bypass (Dinah; God renames Jacob to Israel; Esau's descendants)

12.  Genesis 37:1 – 38:30 Joseph's dreams; Joseph sold into slavery; Judah and Tamar

13.  Genesis 39:1 – 41:57 Joseph & Potiphar's wife; Joseph interprets dreams

14.  Genesis 42:1 – 43:34 Joseph's brothers come to Egypt

15.  Genesis 44:1 – 46:27 Joseph makes himself known; Jacob and Joseph reunited

16.  Genesis 46:28 – 48:22 Israel settles in Egypt; Israel blesses Joseph's sons

17.  Genesis 49:1 – 50:26 Israel blesses his sons; Israel dies; Joseph forgives his brothers