As I listened to the news the other morning, I was struck by how surreal the events of the world seemed to me. Fear and doubt can weigh heavily on us, but Jesus' words, "I am the light of the world," bring comfort at moments such as these. Jesus shines brightest at the cross, where we are called from the darkness of sin and death, to new life. Links to course materials can be found below. Please contact me if you have any questions. Lenten Blessings, Pastor Richard John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (NRSV) Week Four Handout

Wednesday Bible Study Podcast

Seven Wonders of the Word: The Word Saves

This week we look at Exodus 20, which is where the Ten Commandments can be found in the Bible. Links to course materials are below. Of special interest is the link to excavation sites in Israel. Feel free to contact me with your questions. Lenten Blessings, Pastor Richard Exodus 20.1-2: Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (NRSV) Week Three Handout 16 Excavations Sites

Seven Wonders of the Word: The Word Commands

Our topic this week is how the word of God calls. Jeremiah was called to be God's messenger to the nations. His call is a reminder that God calls us too. We're called to rejoice and celebrate in the Good News of life through the cross of Christ Jesus, and to share our reason for joy. Links to course materials are below. Please contact me if you have any questions. Lenten Blessings, Pastor Richard Jeremiah 1.4-5 (Jeremiah said) "Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.'” Week Two Handout

Seven Wonders of the Word: The Word Calls

This week we begin a new series, Seven Wonders of the Word. In this seven part series we will consider the question, "What's so amazing and wonderful about the Word of God?" This week we're looking at how the Word of God Creates. Please take a moment to check out course links below. As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Many Blessings, Pastor Richard Genesis 1.1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (ESV) Week One Handout

Seven Wonders of the Word: The Word Creates

For our final lesson in this series, we look at the temple in Jerusalem. Take a moment to look at some of the materials I've linked below. Next week we begin a new series, Seven Wonders of the Word. In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions. Many Blessings, Pastor Richard Mark 13.1-2: And as (Jesus) was going out from the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, "Teacher, look at what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" And Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be a stone left here on another stone; nothing will escape destruction." Week Seven Handout +The Temple Mount+

Picture the New Testament: The Temple

This week we follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane. The name Gethsemane literally means oil press, which seems appropriate given the amount of pressure Jesus was under as He prepared to go to the cross so that He could bring forgiveness to the world. Links to class materials can be found below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Many Blessings, Pastor Richard Mark 14.41b-42: "Behold, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise! Let's go. My betrayer is here." Week Six Handout Mark 14 in Pictures Ancient Oil Presses

Picture the New Testament: The Garden of Gethsemane

This week we follow Jesus to the Pool of Bethesda, which is the sight of one of Jesus' most famous miracles. The healing Jesus provided this individual points to the greater spiritual healing Jesus offers us through the cross. Links to class materials can be found below. Please contact me if you have any questions. Many Blessings, Pastor Richard John 5.8-9: Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. (NKJV) Week Five Handout Bible Places: John 5

Picture the New Testament: The Pool of Bethesda

This week we follow Jesus to Jericho. As we do so, we're confronted with Jesus purpose, which is: to seek and save the lost. The lost Jesus came to seek and save included Zacchaeus, and you too. Take a moment to check out class materials, including the link to Bible Places: Jericho. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Many Blessings, Pastor Richard Luke 19.9-10 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” (NRSV) Week Two Handout Bible Places: Jericho

Picture the New Testament: Jericho

This week we journey to the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus called three individuals to follow him. Just as Jesus called Peter, James, and John that day, so too he's calling you. Take a moment to check out course materials below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Have a blessed day! Pastor Richard Luke 5.10b-11 Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. (NRSV) Week Three Handout The Sea of Galilee Info

Picture the New Testament: The Sea of Galilee

This week we follow Jesus to Caesarea Philippi, where He posed the question of identity to the disciples. Jesus asked them very directly, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter responded with what is known as Peter's great confession, and the rest is history. Unfortunately, Peter's actions quickly demonstrated that he didn't really understand the meaning of his own words. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is the Messiah? How does the fact that Jesus is the Messiah impact you? Links to course materials can be found below. Feel free to contact me with any questions. God bless! Pastor Richard Matthew 16.15-16: He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (NRSV) Week Two Handout Caesarea Philippi Info

Picture the New Testament: Caesarea Philippi

This week we look at Bethlehem, which is most notable for being the birthplace of King David and Jesus. But more than being the place of two notable births, Bethlehem is the place where God's plan of salvation for the world began. Take a moment to check out course materials, and particularly the links to the articles, Finding King Herod's Tomb and Herodium: The Tomb of King Herod Revisited. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. In Jesus, Pastor Richard Matthew 2.1-2: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (NIV) Week One Class Handout Finding King Herod's Tomb The Tomb of Herod Revisited   This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office.

Picture the New Testament: Bethlehem

Thanks for participating in this look at some of the Biblical songs that point to Jesus. As a reminder, our upcoming schedule is as follows: December 25 - No Class January 1 – No Class​ January 8 – Class Resumes​ New Topic: Picture the Testament As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions or comments. Advent Blessings, Pastor Richard Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (NRSV) Class Handout (Week 3)  

Mary’s Song (Week 3)

The focus of our lesson this week is Isaiah 42 and Luke 1. Isaiah 42 reveals God's plan to bring comfort and peace to the world through a child, while Luke 1 reveals how God put this plan into action. Take a moment to check out course materials below. Advent Blessings! Pastor Richard Class Handout (Week 2)  

Song of Light (Week 2)

This week we begin our preparation for Advent by looking at some Biblical songs that reveal Jesus. One such song is Psalm 96.  These words serve as a reminder that the God loves us and provides for us. Take a few moments to check out the course links below. Advent Blessings, Pastor Richard Psalm 96.1-3 (ESV) Oh sing to the Lord a new song;     sing to the Lord, all the earth!   Sing to the Lord, bless his name;     tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations,     his marvelous works among all the peoples! Class Handout (Week 1)   This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office.

God’s New Song (Week 1)

This week our focus is on the people of Israel's journey to Mount Sinai, which is where God ultimately gave them the Ten Commandments. For them--and us too--sin makes it impossible to keep these Commandments. Thankfully, God is full of grace and mercy, and forgives and cleanses us from all sin. Our upcoming schedule is as follows: November 27 – No Class​December 4 – Class Resumes​December class dates: 4, 11, 18​New Topic: You Shall Have a Song​December 25, January 1 – No Class​January 8 – Class Resumes​New Topic: Picture the New Testament Exodus 32.32 (Moses said) "But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, blot me out of the book that you have written." (NRSV) Week Four Handout This is an embedded Microsoft Office presentation, powered by Office.

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Wednesday Bible Study Podcast

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