6-week series: January 7/8 – February 11/12
Wednesdays Online @ 11am
Thursdays @ 1pm, Community Classroom
Is Matthew your favorite gospel, and you want to know more about it? Is it your least favorite and you want to know why? Do you just want to get a little further into it? If so, join Pastor Danielle and Vicar Ian for a new study to do just that, using Matthew Skinner’s book Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings and take a deep dive into the “Beatitudes” Gospel!
The Gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus and his message as full of tender compassion and urgent warning. This six-part exploration of this year’s Gospel takes readers into the themes, topics, and tensions at the heart of Matthew’s story about the life and work of Jesus. Chapters focus on blessing and comfort, judgment and retribution, the meaning of discipleship, Jesus’ vision for the Church and world, conflicts and complaints, and how the Gospel of Matthew still speaks to believers today. Join Pastor Danielle and Pastoral Intern Ian Clarke as we explore the themes of our gospel for this lectionary year in worship. We’ll note Matthew’s distinct portrayal of Jesus, how it connects to Moses, and the ways John the Baptist serves as a bridge between them.
Matthew L. Skinner is the Asher O. and Carrie Nasby Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. His published works include resources for church leaders and laypeople who are interested in the Bible’s connections to faith and life, and he is a longtime cohost of Sermon Brainwave, a weekly podcast that accompanies preachers (like Pastor Danielle!) as they prepare their sermons.
Books can be purchased from your favorite bookseller or click MORE BOOK INFO
This six-session class will be presented in two formats in January & February: Wednesdays at 11:00 online and Thursdays at 1:00PM in-person in the Community Classroom. Grab your favorite Bible and come for either class or join us or use the recorded sessions for a self-guided study! Please RSVP for the online class to receive the contact information.
The class includes a Participant book, which is not required. If you would like your own copy of the book, please contact Pastor Danielle or email info@tllc.org to reserve a copy. The suggested donation is $20. Please note “Pastor’s Bible Study” on your gift. Copies of the book are also available from your favorite bookseller in print or e-book.
Class Schedule:
January 7/8
Chapter 1: Promised Blessings (also read Introduction)
January 14/15
This week we begin with the Chapter 2: Judgment, as well as 3 selections from the Gospel of Matthew noted in the chapter. We’ll explore a little bit about the context and history of parables and how Jesus uses them – often dualistically. We’ll also look at John the Baptist and his baptism of repentance.
January 21/22
This week we continue working through the book with Chapter 3: A Vision for the Church and World, as well as the 5 selections from the Gospel of Matthew noted in the chapter. We’ll explore a little bit about Jesus being a dreamer, Jesus’ approach to Torah and how it applies to church today, humility, and the “helpless and harassed!” Vicar Ian will lead the Wednesday session, and Pastor Armin will lead Thursday’s. We look forward to seeing you!
January 28/29
This week we continue working through the book with Chapter 4: “Participating as Disciples,” as well as the 6 selections from the Gospel of Matthew noted in the chapter. After hearing Jesus’ vision for the church and the world last week, now we hear the call to participate as disciples. Is this daunting? Exiting? Join Pastor Danielle to discuss!
February 4/5
This week we continue working through the book with Chapter 5: “Conflicts & Criticisms,” as well as the selections from the Gospel of Matthew noted in the chapter. After hearing Jesus’ vision for the church and the world and participating in it as disciples, now we hear that this call might draw conflict and criticism. Is this daunting? Exiting? Join Pastor Danielle to discuss!
February 11/12
This week we continue working through the book with Chapter 6: “Taking Matthew Seriously,” as well as the selections from the Gospel of Matthew noted in the chapter. After hearing Jesus’ vision for the church and the world and participating in it as disciples, now we hear that this call is something we need to take seriously still today. Is this daunting? Exiting? Join us to discuss!