Equipping Classes

Weekly Update – January 5th, 2023

On Sunday, January 8^th, at 9:15am, we will begin what we are now calling, Adult Equipping Classes.  These Equipping Classes will take the place of what we have traditionally called Adult Sunday School or Bible Study Classes.  This hour won’t look much different from what it has looked like the last year or two.  We will still have three classes, they will still meet at the same time, and the studies will still be similar to what they have been in the past.  The reason for the change in name is simply to convey what it is we are trying to achieve during this hour in life of our church.

Our mission at First Baptist Church is to speak and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.  The reason for this mission, is so that we might see our vision fulfilled of seeing our families, our community and our world transformed by the power of God.  Therefore, we want to have a time where we can specifically teach and discuss what it looks like to apply the truths of scripture to our lives, so that we might equip our members to better speak and live in such a way that their transformation by the power of God is made evident in their sphere around them.  That means that the goal of our Adult Equipping Classes is to equip you to speak and live out the gospel before your family, community and the world around you. 

With this being said, there are three options for our Adult Equipping Classes that will be offered this winter and into spring:

First, War of Words.  The ability to talk and communicate is what sets us apart from the rest of creation.  Despite having the “gift” of words, how we speak can also be our greatest struggle.  We might try to “watch what we say” or “try to be positive” in how we speak, but often times, these efforts simply do not go far enough.  Our words ultimately come from our hearts (Matt. 15:18).  Therefore, to ultimately speak “words of life” instead of “words of death” we need a heart change.  This study will examine what that heart change looks like and how you can be “equipped” to speak words that show the transformation that God brings to us through Jesus Christ.  This study will take place in the sanctuary.

Second, Joel, Amos and Obadiah.  Through this study of the books of Joel, Amos, and Obadiah, we will be confronted with sin and judgment, but we will also be offered the hope of God’s salvation through our Savior, Jesus Christ.  As the prophets Joel, Amos, and Obadiah awaited a coming day of the Lord, we, too, eagerly await the day of the Lord in which our King and Savior Jesus Christ will return and establish his rule over all nations.  This study will seek to further “equip” you in living in a world tattered with sin, as you long for the return of Jesus.  This study will take place in the fellowship hall. 

Third, From Captivity to Restoration.  The nation of Judah experienced decades in captivity. But even in the land of their exile, God worked to provide for and restore His people both physically and spiritually. As the Old Testament narrative draws to a close, this Ladies’ study will see the gracious faithfulness of God on display and seek to “equip” you to live in the hope of Jesus.  This Ladies’ class will take place in M-5, next to the nursery suite.

Additionally, our youth will start their Sunday school class back up this week.  They will be using the gospel project curriculum as they walk through the Bible.  They will meet downstairs in the youth room.  Our children’s Sunday school classes will continue to meet upstairs, with K-3^rd meeting in U-5 and 4^th-6^th meeting in U-6.  Our nursery will also be available at this time as well. 

I hope that you will join us this Sunday!  There are a number of opportunities for you and your family to connect and be further equipped in living out the Christian life.  This all starts at 9:15am. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson