OUR STUDY OF JESUS CHRIST
The study of Jesus Christ is literally endless, yet I had a two-part series through the highlights of Jesus’ life and teachings that we’ve been working through on Wednesday nights. Tonight, however, I am concluding the first part of Jesus’ life, and rather than continue into the second half (which includes more parables, miracles, the introduction of the church, his growing opposition and eventually his death and resurrection), I will instead wrap the series up and start a new series next week.
Without a classroom setting to get into the intricacies of the Gospels, and without a church service setting where we would go verse by verse through a Gospel, I’ve concluded that my survey approach was less effective than simply going verse by verse.
So, starting next week, we will begin a new style of study through the book of Romans.
SITTING CLOSER. Don’t get too comfortable, because throughout the summer (at least) we will move everyone to one section—more like a class.
PREPARING MUCH, BUT NOT A UNIT. I will prepare many verses ahead, but instead of one thought unit such as in a typical sermon (“today’s sermon is about the Gospel” or “Today we’re talking about loving God”), we will look at many different ideas each week as they come up in each verse.
A BIT MORE INTERACTION. One reason for sitting together is to allow for a bit more interaction. It won’t feel as much like a Sunday school class (our Rooted class talks the whole time!), but it will include a few more question/answer times for everyone.
I’m looking forward to trying it out! Invite someone to join you next Wednesday, and plan now to scooch on in to a new row.
– Pastor Ryan