Issues In Perspective

We begin a study of the Book of Hebrews: Dr Eckman reviews 7 significant statements about Christ & why He is the superior revelation of God, plus beginning discussion of His superiority over angels.

Dr. Eckman closes out our study of Acts. Despite tremendous challenges, Paul's journey to Rome continues just as God said it would, where Paul ultimately preaches the Word & teaches about Jesus.

Paul pleads his case & the case for Christ before King Agrippa.

Paul is taken into custody & makes his plea to Felix, the Roman governor at Caesarea, who leaves Paul in jail & his case goes unheard. The case drags on for 2 years, & is taken up by Festus.

Paul addresses the Jews at Jerusalem, making his case with his credentials, upbringing, and zeal for God's Word, in sharing how Jesus is the Messiah. The Sanhedrin become divided, which leads to a plot to kill Paul.

Paul returns to Jerusalem: his presence stirs the city, leading to his arrest.

Paul lays out a warning to the pastoral leadership of the local church, encouraging them to soundly teach the Word to their flock, while being aware of internal & external influences that can corrupt.

The Lord works through Paul to defeat sorcery & false gods, and take back the city of Ephesus for the Kingdom. Then & today, the world is a battleground: the power of Satan versus the power of God for control of people's lives.

Paul's Third Missionary Journey takes him around the Mediterranean region again. Ephesus is an important city, and Paul spends 2 years there, teaching & preaching to Jews & Greeks alike.

Paul concludes his second missionary journey with a visit to Corinth. The Lord protects Paul, as local Jews bring him before the courts.

Paul creates an alternative way for the Gentiles of Athens to think about the spiritual world. Today, this still challenges the thinking & views of a non-theological society.

Paul's visits to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens are powerful & fruitful in bringing more Greeks to faith.

The Second Missionary Journey continues: events at Philippi & Thessolonia, including the jailing & beating of Paul & Silas.

Dr Eckman leads discussion of Paul's Second Missionary Journey.

The First Church Council writes a letter to Gentile believers, encouraging their behavior for the sake of the Jews they are trying to reach with the Gospel. Excellent in-depth side discussion of Personal Liberty vs a Christian obligation to new or non-believers.

Paul, Barnabas, & Peter go to elders of the Church in Jerusalem, to dispute the false doctrine being taught, and educate them we are justified by Faith alone, & not by our works or the keeping of laws & traditions.

Continued discussion of Paul & Barnabas' first missionary journey, performing miracles & sharing the Gospel

A review of Paul's message to the Jews at Persidian Antioch, plus additional discussion of "sustaining grace vs saving grace", and God's divine sovereignty vs Man's responsible freedom.

Paul speaks to Jews at Persidian Antioch, sharing how Jesus in the Messiah they've been awaiting.

The first Missionary journey of Paul: encountering false prophets in Cyprus, and sharing the Gospel with Jews in Persidian Antioch.

The Church at Antioch faces continued persecution from King Herod - including the death of James, and the arrest of Peter. Despite these acts, the Church continued to grow & believers multiplied throughout the region.

Dr Eckman leads discussion of the growth & influence of the Church at Antioch, under the guidance of Barnabas & Saul.

Acts 10:30-11:15

Peter is further enabled for ministry through the resurrection of Tabitha, and his vision at Joppa, which helped him to see that when the Holy Spirit comes, the old Jewish laws are set aside & the New Order of Jesus has begun.

Continued discussion of Saul's conversion from a Jewish leader who persecuted Christians, to a believer proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.