Concordia Adult Bible Class

We all have causes – things to which we devote our passions and energies. Some people devote themselves to humanitarian work. Some people devote themselves to their favorite team. Jesus’ cause is that of His Father’s house, that is, the worship of the one, true God, for Jesus understands, in the words of the Westminster Catechism, “The chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him for ever.” Is your cause the same as Jesus’ cause?

What do you celebrate in life? In the day-to-day grind of life’s hectic schedule, celebration can easily get lost. Even in the final week of His life, Jesus participates – and indeed, hosts – a celebration. Though the crowds do understand Jesus, they celebrate Him. Even when we do not fully understand God’s ways in our lives, do we still celebrate Him?

Jesus' words are not meant merely to be heard; they are meant to be done! To hear Jesus’ words and then to reject them by our actions is utter foolishness. Where do you need to grow in doing Jesus’ words?

With great wealth comes great responsibility. This sums up Jesus’ teaching on money. No matter how much treasure we may have on earth, our primary calling is to use our earthly treasure to heavenly ends – to share and show the gospel of Jesus to people who need to hear and believe it.

Jesus’ words about “judging not” (cf. Matthew 7:1) have to be some of the most misunderstood words in the history of biblical interpretation. In this message, we look at what the Bible says about judging and when and how to judge and when and how to not.

The old saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This is usually meant to be a reminder that someone who looks like little on the outside may be incredibly wise on the inside. But sadly, the inverse can also be true. Those who look righteous on the outside can harbor deep wickedness on the inside. Jesus warns us against these kinds of people and reminds us that these kinds of people can look a lot like…us.

Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount with a word on how we are blessed by God. Now, Jesus exhorts us to be a blessing to others – but not just to any old “others,” but to our enemies. In this message, we look at some ways to bless those we like the least.

Jesus certainly does not shy away from tough topics in the Sermon on the Mount. He talks about murder and anger and making vows and loving enemies and foregoing worry. In these verses, Jesus talks about sexual morality. Like Jesus, we must never be afraid to tackle even the tough and controversial topics of our day. People need and want to know what the Lord says.

In the ancient world, shepherds were considered to be blue collar, insignificant scoundrels. But it is to these simple men that God chooses to herald the birth of His Son. God takes insignificant shepherds and gives them a significant role in one of the most famous stories of all time. God can also use us – no matter how insignificant we may feel – for amazingly significant things.

Herod was ignorant that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. The wise men were ignorant that Herod was an evil despot. Both needed to understand God’s Word and plans more fully. We too need to understand God’s Word and plans. Thankfully, God reveals Himself to us through Jesus so that we do not remain ignorant of who He is.