BIBLE STUDY & DESCIPLESHIP
Why a Learning Hour?
Christ called His followers to know the truth that would set them free, and the Bible repeatedly warns us not to fall prey to teaching that is attractive but empty. The Learning Hour feeds our minds and hearts on goodness and truth, helping us to better understand our faith and better resist the many things that would pull us away from the Gospel. Spending time together in God’s Word is also a great way to develop deeper friendships.
A Typical Learning Hour Class
Courses range from a half dozen to fifty people, and some have a video component while others rely on group discussion or the main speaker. Leaders and participants are generally friendly and would love to have you join them no matter how much you do or don’t know about the Bible.
Current Classes:
-- Foundations Video Series from Answers in Genesis, led by Jesse Hogue, in the Music Room We hope this class will be of interest to adults of any age and at any level of “spiritual maturity.” In this hard-hitting yet often humorous 12-session DVD series, popular Australian-born author Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis uses modern events as the backdrop for the most important messages of his life. A description from the Answers in Genesis website: “Millions of Christians have decided that the Bible is out of date. They’ve decided that the words of Jesus aren’t always true. The Foundations reveals the alarming state of Christianity today. Today, possibly more than at any time in America’s history, a culture detached from God and willingly ignorant of His hand in creation and world events needs Jesus. But the church is not nearly as effective in reaching the lost as it was only a generation ago. There is a foundational reason.”
-- Wurmbrand Video Series from The Voice of the Martyrs, led by Matt Heintz, in the Naumann Room This class will include six weeks of video sessions and discussions providing lessons you can put into practice as you face hardship and opposition in your own life. At the conclusion of the six weeks, we plan to show the movie that corresponds to the study, Tortured for Christ, divided over two weeks. A description of the course from the study guide: “The Bible calls us to forgive, love, and reach our enemies for Christ. But fulfilling that call is not easy! Let the story of Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand challenge and inspire you as your group learns about their lives and studies how God helps followers serve faithfully – and victoriously – in the face of extreme difficulty, suffering, and opposition. In this study, you will see real-life examples of the kind of biblical discipleship to which we all aspire and learn lessons from these bold, faithful lives you can put into practice. God’s power is sufficient to overcome every obstacle we face, and his grace will transform us.”
-- EXPLORING OUR FAITH - In this course we will explore the six chief parts of the Christian faith as outlined by Dr. Martin Luther in his catechisms. In so doing, you will find that our Lutheran faith is Bible based, and in agreement with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Once you’ve taken the course you will have prepared yourself to become an active communicant member of St. Michael Lutheran Church, if you so desire. Video segments from this class are offered below.
EXPLORING OUR FAITH
INTERESTED IN STARTING THE NEW SESSIONS IN THE FALL?
Contact Pastor Naumann at naumann@mightymessengers.org
Jesus teaches us wherever we go, and discipleship truly extends beyond the classroom and sanctuary into every part of a Christian’s life. Here are a few opportunities to consider at SMLC:
Small Groups - Small Groups are where faith can be formed and put to use in an informal, caring community. Studying the Bible and talking about what matters, these groups have a variety of different meeting times, locations, and specialties. For more information, visit the Small Groups page.
Other Conferences - Our church’s members attend several conferences throughout the year, including Luther Hostel, the Michigan District Theological Conference, and others. Contact the church office for details.
More Resources for Individuals or Groups
CPH Faith Courses: Age Adult-High School
- Podcasts: KFUO and other Confessional Lutheran podcasts abound on iTunes
- Around the Word devotions online
- CPH’s Small Catechism app
- So many great books:
- Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey
- Portals of Prayer
- Book of Concord
- A Martyr’s Faith in a Faithless World
- Religion on Trial
- Clearly Christian