Scripture: Ephesians 1:8-10;Romans 5:12-21;1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Dr. Jeff Mallinson teaches about Irenaeus of Lyon and his concept of recapitulation, or Christ's "recapturing" of the human story. Examining what this idea says and doesn't say about theories of the atonement is covered. Ways in which the idea of "re-chaptering" can help each of us process and recover from personal life traumas in our lives are discussed too.

Consecration of the elements (bread and wine) was reviewed. Handling and consumption of the consecrated elements was discussed in depth.

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Scott Keith shares that empathy, forgiveness, mercy and grace should be on every father's mind as he guides and cares for his children. Much discussion is devoted to the example of the father in the parable of the Prodigal son.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13; 1 Corinthians 1:4-10;Proverbs 16:31, Paul describes his heartache about having been torn away from the Thessalonian believers and not being able to return to them. Roadblocks by Satan have hindered the spread of the Gospel. Paul is thankful for their remaining faithful in the midst of their suffering and reminds them Christ will sustain them until the Last Day- a promise that is God's work.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-20, Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica to be faithful in what God has called them to do. Included in this lesson is a discussion on how to evaluate if a church's stated vision and mission is being carried out successfully, and how to define the function of a pastor using biblical standards.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5;, This session covers pages 83 to 85 of our book that focuses on Jesus' solid imperative as to the presence of the true body and blood of our Lord being present in the Supper, and Jesus' use of ambassadors (i.e. pastors) to use this monergistic path of grace.

Lay missionary John Wolf discusses his role working in operational support of mercy projects so pastors can focus on proclaiming the Gospel in Africa.

This lessons begins with a concise review of the thesis "The heart of the Church has been beating in the Lord's Supper", a quote from Herman Sasse. (p.68). We then jump to P.77-82 in the book and discuss Loehe's statement that "the whole of Lutheranism is contained in the Sacrament of the Altar". The Lord's Supper is the manifestation of the Gospel in our midst. The new Temple of God is the flesh and blood of Christ! The fruit of the Tree of Life is the body of Christ. Heaven invades the Church on earth in the Lord's Supper.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Acts 16:16-40;Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church saying he preached to them boldly about salvation being outside of themselves. This was very different from the itinerant preachers of the day. Paul was single-minded and passionate to spread the same message Jesus gave. He spoke to please God, not man. Upon hearing the report from Timothy, Paul was surprised and encouraged to see the fruitfulness of the Gospel at work in these people in the midst of their persecution.