There
are six theological themes around which the studies of the Uniform
Lessons Series are organized: creation, call, covenant, Christ,
community, and commitment. In each quarter of the 2004–2010
cycle, one of these theological themes is highlighted. If you
are already using or are considering The Present Word adult
Sunday school curriculum, give special attention to the order
in which we will study these themes in the next few quarters:
- Fall 2006: Covenant
- Winter 2006–2007: Christ
- Spring 2007: Community
What sets this sequence apart is not only the theological emphases,
but the particular Scriptures used to explore each of these
themes. Approaching the Bible study with the theological themes
in mind will give participants a greater appreciation for the
significant relationships among the topics of these next three
quarters.
Fall 2006 quarter draws on selected texts of the Old Testament
to explore the biblical meaning of covenant. In the Bible, covenant
means “promise” (rather than “contract,”
as we sometimes now use the word). In studying the promises
God made in the Old Testament, we are inevitably drawn to look
to subsequent generations to see when and how God kept these
promises.
The winter quarter develops a picture of Christ as seen through
the New Testament letters of Colossians, Philippians, and Ephesians.
The theological emphasis on Christology is a fitting follow-up
to the fall study of covenant, because these books teach that
all the promises God made to Israel in the Old Testament are
perfectly fulfilled in Christ.
The spring quarter delves into the books of Revelation and
1, 2, and 3 John, drawing most of us into unfamiliar territory.
Once again, however, it follows the emphases of the previous
quarters. The covenant promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled
in Christ, and they call forth a community of Christ-followers
who encourage one another in Christian hope amid all kinds of
persecution, knowing that in the end God’s promises to
them will be gloriously fulfilled.
Do you see how the end takes us back to the beginning? All
the promises God has made to humanity since time began culminate
in the final victory God promises at the end of time. As the
Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches, God has created us to
glorify and enjoy God forever. To live as people of faith is
to wait expectantly for the fulfillment of all that God promised
at the first moment of creation. |
