The Book of Romans: The Righteousness and Wrath of God (Randy)

Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the most important documents ever written. In it, he describes the “Gospel of God” – the good news promised from the beginning of time. In this lesson, we look at the powerful first three chapters where he describes life-transforming righteousness of God that saves us from his terrible but judicial wrath.  We all need the gospel.  We all need Jesus. 

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The Book of Romans: Gospel and Faith (Chris)

The Apostle Paul is one of the most important people who ever lived.  He took the teachings and message of Jesus Christ from the backwaters of the Roman Empire and catalyzed a movement that swept the world.  We would not have the Bible or the church without Paul.

Moreover, Paul is our great interpreter.  Jesus's teachings in the Gospels are powerful and deep.  Paul's letters explain them to us and help us to understand the amazing truth of our Salvation in Christ and how we should live in response. 

The masterpiece of Paul's revelation is the Book of Romans.  Meant to comprehensively explain the purpose and meaning of Jesus Christ to other new believers, it is a powerful source of understanding for us as well.  We are excited to explore Romans with you this spring. 

In this lesson, we introduce the Book of Romans by delving into life in the Age of Christ and the amazing story of Saul of Tarsus whom Christ redeemed and transformed for us as Paul.

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God's Promises: Emmanuel (Chris)

We conclude our series on God’s Promises.  During this lesson, we look at three key OT figures – Abraham, Moses, and David – and how their lives offer a perspective on faith, foundation, and followership, and then turn to the NT to see how Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth follow the same archetypes.  We’ll pull it together by returning to the original covenantal promise to Abraham and show how it was fulfilled by Jesus through his birth thousands of years later.  We hope you will join us!

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Lesson Plan
Video mentioned at end of class

God's Promises: King Rehoboam and The Consequences of Ignoring God (Chris)

The saga of King David and King Solomon reaches an unwelcome end in the largely forgotten King Rehoboam.  Inheriting power and potential glory, Rehoboam causes the division of Israel and the helps along its eventual destruction.  His story is a lesson in the consequences of disobedience to God.  It also highlights how Jesus provides a perfect counter-example for us to follow as we seek to avoid damage and to seek blessings in our own lives. 

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God's Promises: King Solomon and Dealing with Success (Randy)

David appointed his son, Solomon, to succeed him on the throne as the second king of Israel. He became the wisest man in the world and built up the kingdom, but neglected to credit God for his success.  God responded by allowing the kingdom of Israel to become divided.  In the same way, we are at risk of allowing our successes to go to our head.  Thankfully, Jesus reminds us how to think about our success and guarantees we will never lose the kingdom of God.

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God's Promises: King David and Overcoming Adversity (Chris)

The reign of King David ended in success for Israel.  Yet David and the nation endured many challenges and difficulties.  David himself was beset by serious adversity over and over.  Some of the difficulties were caused by others and some by David.  Some of the challenges he handled with faith and honor and some he did not.  Exploring David's life and comparing it to Jesus helps us to find ways in which we can manage hardships ourselves.  In the end, David was anointed by God and given blessings, honor, and glory in spite of himself.  In the same way, we are anointed by association with our Savior Jesus Christ and given blessings, honor, and glory in spite of ourselves and our circumstances.  We can face adversity in this life because Christ conquered the world on our behalf!

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God's Promises: Saul and the Art of Self Deception (Bryant Cornett)

Bryant Cornett explores the story of how Israel ended up with its first King, Saul, and how it may not have turned out exactly how they wanted.  We must be careful what we wish for!  Bryant is a frequent attendee and guest speaker of our class.

Listen to God's Promises: Saul and the Art of Self Deception
Handout

You can also find the lesson on Bryant's site here:

Saul & the Art of Self Deception

http://ontheporch.libsyn.com/sauls-self-deception