Adult Bible Study on ZOOM – Starts December 6
Starting Wednesdays at 6:00 pm
We will continue to email to those that wish until we are able to meet together again.
Stay well.
Email Frank Here for the weekly Bible Study materials
Call in the New Testament
During this quarter we will examine God’s call in stories found I the New Testament. Of course, the greatest call came to Jesus. The other calls in the New Testament led to the extension of Christian ministry into the known world.
The call stories of the Old Testament are probably better known than those in the Christian scriptures, the New Testament. We can name Moses’ call in the burning bush story. We remember that Isaiah’s call in the temple resulted in his saying, “Here I am, lord, send me.” We may recall from Sunday school days the call of the young Samuel in Eli’s house in the middle of the night. And the lineup of Jesse’s sons that ended up with David being anointed as the future king has shaped our expectations of what God’s call looks like.
While it’s true that the Old Testament narratives of call have a bit of drama, they are not the only way God calls people. Jesus taught his disciples that everyone brings something to the table when it comes to bringing God’s realm to everyday life. And God doesn’t call only those who are qualified. Quite the opposite – often God empowers the very people we would not expect.
From foreign wise men to rich women to gentle old men, God provides what is needed through ordinary people like you and me. We have our own unique calls to bring the good news of God’s love to our friends, families, neighbors, and coworkers.
The goals of this study include developing a broader and deeper understanding of God’s call and an appreciation for the ways people respond positively to that call. We will gain familiarity with several books of the New Testament and the call stories found there.
Our Writer
Chip Borgstadt is called husband, dad, and grandpa and is also blessed to be called pastor of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Iowa, and St. John Lutheran Church in Dunlap, Iowa. He and his wife love to travel, garden, and spend time with family.
For the Grace Weekly Update
Lesson 1 Dec. 6 Called through Heritage Matthew 1:1-6, 16-17; Hebrews 1:1-5
Lesson 2 Dec. 13 Called before Birth Matthew 1:18-25
Lesson 3 Dec. 20 A Regal Response to Holy Light Matthew 2:7-15
Lesson 4 Dec. 27 Called to Prepare the Way Matthew 3:1-12
Lesson 5 Jan. 3 Called to Proclaim Luke 4:14-22
Lesson 6 Jan. 10 Called to Significance Luke 5:1-11
Lesson 7 Jan. 17 Called to Heal Mark 2:1-12
Lesson 8 Jan. 24 Called as the Intercessor John 17:14-24
Lesson 9 Jan 31 Prophesying Daughters Luke 2:36-38; Acts 2:16-21; 21:8-9
Lesson 10 Feb. 7 Called to Evangelize John 4:25-42
Lesson 11 Feb. 14 Mary Magdalene: A Faithful Disciple Luke 8:1-3; Mark 15:40; John 20:10-18
Lesson 12 Feb. 21 Priscilla: Called to Minister Acts 15:1-3, 18-21,24-26; Romans 16:3-4
Lesson 13 Feb. 28 Lydia: Called to Serve Acts 16:11-15, 40; Corinthians 1:26-30