Adult Bible Studies
Current Adult Bible Studies
Back to the Basics: Studying Luther's Large Catechism
In his Large Catechism, Martin Luther writes this of the catechism, “A Christian should daily exercise themselves in the catechism, which is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures.” But what do we usually end up doing once we are catechized? We put away Luther’s Small Catechism and it gathers dust on a shelf. Why do so many Christians do this? Well, Luther has the not-so-good answer: “[We] assume that [we] have finished learning the parts of the catechism or know it well enough in all points. But, even if [we] know and understand the catechism perfectly (which, however, is impossible in this life), there are still so many benefits and fruits to be gained.” In other words, we think that we have graduated and so, we must know enough.
So, what can be gained by studying the catechism? Well, catechism study is a most effective help against the devil, the world, and all evil thoughts. It helps to be occupied with God’s Word, to speak it, and meditate on it. Certainly, as Luther says, you will not release a stronger repellent against the devil than to be engaged by God’s commandments and words, and speak, sing, or think them.
If your Small Catechism has gathered dust over the years, check it out, read it, and you’ll be surprised at all the things you thought you knew, but didn’t fully understand.
Beginning in February, the Sunday Adult Sunday School will begin a study on the Six Chief Parts of the catechism starting with the Ten Commandments. Throughout each week, we will be utilizing our various senses with study, pictures, and song with Luther’s Large Catechism as we go back to the basics of the one true Christian faith.
Did you know that Luther wrote hymns to go along with Christian catechesis? Did you know that Luther’s Small Catechism originally had woodcuts (like cartoons today) to further describe Christian teaching? Luther knew that everyone learns differently and so we will be following Luther’s example in teaching the basics of the one true Christian faith. I hope to see you each week during this study!
In Christ,
Pastor Adelsen
Studying the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism
Following each study, the PDF will be available:
The study will continue with the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar.
The Book of Revelation - Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Many early Christians endured unimaginable pain simply because they refused to give up their faith in Jesus. They were thrown to the lions and other wild beats while onlookers cheered. They were set on fire, hurled down cliffs, skinned alive, and even boiled in oil. The cruelty was off the charts!
It would have been easy to deny their faith in such circumstances. Then steps in the Book of Revelation. The Holy Spirit inspired John to write to God’s people so they would stand firm despite the storms that roared around them. The Book of Revelation has one focused message: Jesus is victorious, and He is coming soon!
We may not face the same persecution and cruelty that the Early Church faced, but persecution has not slowed, and it appears to be increasing. Satan has not suddenly stopped hating Christ’s Church. Despite all that Christians have faced and continue to face, God’s people have endured for the name of Jesus, since the victory is His and has been won for all who trust in Him. Christ gives us the victory. We are His forgiven, dearly loved sisters and brothers.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, the Wednesday Morning Bible Study will begin a study on the Book of Revelation. Please join us as we will study together the unveiling and revealing pictures that the Book of Revelation reveals in Jesus Christ!
So, what can be gained by studying the catechism? Well, catechism study is a most effective help against the devil, the world, and all evil thoughts. It helps to be occupied with God’s Word, to speak it, and meditate on it. Certainly, as Luther says, you will not release a stronger repellent against the devil than to be engaged by God’s commandments and words, and speak, sing, or think them.
If your Small Catechism has gathered dust over the years, check it out, read it, and you’ll be surprised at all the things you thought you knew, but didn’t fully understand.
Beginning in February, the Sunday Adult Sunday School will begin a study on the Six Chief Parts of the catechism starting with the Ten Commandments. Throughout each week, we will be utilizing our various senses with study, pictures, and song with Luther’s Large Catechism as we go back to the basics of the one true Christian faith.
Did you know that Luther wrote hymns to go along with Christian catechesis? Did you know that Luther’s Small Catechism originally had woodcuts (like cartoons today) to further describe Christian teaching? Luther knew that everyone learns differently and so we will be following Luther’s example in teaching the basics of the one true Christian faith. I hope to see you each week during this study!
In Christ,
Pastor Adelsen
Studying the Six Chief Parts of the Catechism
Following each study, the PDF will be available:
- Preface to Luther's Large Catechism
- The Ten Commandments: The First Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Second Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Third Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Fourth Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Fifth Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Sixth Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Seventh Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Eighth Commandment
- The Ten Commandments: The Ninth and Tenth Commandments
- The Ten Commandments: The Close of the Commandments
The study will continue with the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar.
The Book of Revelation - Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Many early Christians endured unimaginable pain simply because they refused to give up their faith in Jesus. They were thrown to the lions and other wild beats while onlookers cheered. They were set on fire, hurled down cliffs, skinned alive, and even boiled in oil. The cruelty was off the charts!
It would have been easy to deny their faith in such circumstances. Then steps in the Book of Revelation. The Holy Spirit inspired John to write to God’s people so they would stand firm despite the storms that roared around them. The Book of Revelation has one focused message: Jesus is victorious, and He is coming soon!
We may not face the same persecution and cruelty that the Early Church faced, but persecution has not slowed, and it appears to be increasing. Satan has not suddenly stopped hating Christ’s Church. Despite all that Christians have faced and continue to face, God’s people have endured for the name of Jesus, since the victory is His and has been won for all who trust in Him. Christ gives us the victory. We are His forgiven, dearly loved sisters and brothers.
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6, the Wednesday Morning Bible Study will begin a study on the Book of Revelation. Please join us as we will study together the unveiling and revealing pictures that the Book of Revelation reveals in Jesus Christ!
Past Sunday Adult Bible Studies
Christian DenominationsThe Fall 2023 and Winter 2024 Sunday Adult Bible Study is studying the similarities and differences of church bodies within each Christian denomination from a Lutheran perspective.
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God in the JukeboxThis Summer 2023 Sunday Adult Bible Study studied how Christian doctrine rightly and wrongly portrayed in popular music and how we are catechized by what we watch and listen to daily.
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