Adult education at First Church

The World Is a Tough Place

The last few years have been unsettling. We have faced wars and rumors of war, a global pandemic, unrest, supply chain issues, soaring inflation, business closures, divisive politics and the list goes on.

If you are a student of history, then you likely think back to plagues, famines, wars, financial catastrophes, and the very best and the very worst of leaders through the ages. King Solomon would remind us there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

When you read the headlines and worry creeps upon you and fear grips your breath, where can you turn for comfort and peace? For truth and the wisdom of God? The church through the ages has pointed us to the Word of God for guidance.

We live as people with hope

The purpose of this article is to encourage each of us to dive into the Bible with energy and joy to face trials with the strength of God’s Word. He has generously given us His story so we might come to know Him fully. Reading, listening, studying, and talking about the scriptures helps us understand and receive the beautiful message of hope and love that reside within the pages of the Bible. Underline verses, write in the margins, pray passages that touch your heart, read it again and again until the pages look crinkled and tired. Here you will find the promises that are life giving and that you can stand upon each day, even the days when the world is tossing out some pretty grim stuff.

Here is one example of Jesus’ promises.

Amazing, isn’t it?

By being in the Word, you encounter the living Lord! By leaning into this relationship, you discover that you want nothing more than to follow Him.

How First Church can help with this endeavor

The Discipleship Committee of First Church wants to help you grow in your faith and in your role as Christ’s devoted disciple. Here are some avenues for you to explore:

• Sunday School classes for all ages. We have a dedicated Sunday School hour at 9:30 a.m. for all ages, from the youngest to the oldest disciples. Commit to an hour of worship and an hour of learning each Sunday. We have many topics and teachers lined up for the semester – this is an excellent opportunity to explore the constructs of faith and discuss them with your fellow followers of Christ.
• Weekday classes and Bible studies. Pastor’s study (Jim Miller), Monday School (Wally Johnson), a new women’s Bible study,
  Seasons (Julia Metcalf and Sarah Savage), are a few of the many weekday offerings designed to help you go deeper in your knowledge and commitment.
• Spiritual retreats. Saturday retreats three to four times per year.
  Slip away for some quiet time with God as we learn spiritual disciplines that have been practiced by Christians for generations.
• K Groups. Enjoy fellowship and authentic friendship within a small group that cheers each other on, prays for one another, studies and experiences life together.

Read E-News and the church website for new classes:
FirstChurchTulsa.org/E-News and FirstChurchTulsa.org/Events

In closing, consider the Good Shepherd’s promise below. May it cause you to yearn to study the Word so that you may indeed recognize and listen to the Master’s voice, both now and always.

About the author:
Duff Points is the executive director of Adult Ministries and has worked for First Church for 11 years. Duff considers this role to be a calling from the Lord and finds great joy in serving alongside such gifted lay leaders, pastors, and staff. When she isn’t at 7th and Boston, you will find Duff spending time with friends and family, listening to music or podcasts or walking her devoted border collie, Blue.