We are part of a grand Story—one that begins at creation and is fulfilled in the restoration and healing of all things. This is the story of salvation, and it is real, and true and beautiful. As we read the Scriptures we encounter this story, and as we follow Jesus we enter into it more intentionally and fully.
On Sunday mornings at 9am from September through May we engage with this story specifically through one of the Gospels—Matthew, and the way it presents the life of Jesus Messiah. We are being led in this journey by a team of gifted teachers under the mentoring of New Testament professor Dana Harris, of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Amanda Holm, Redeemer's Pastor for Worship and Congregational Care, shares some insight about this opportunity:
Amanda Holm
Having grown up in the Christian church, I am fully aware that Bible Studies are a dime-a-dozen. I've read the gospels multiple times and heard many sermons on gospel passages, so the events recorded in the gospel of Matthew are very familiar to me. I'm not expecting to discover some new "event" in the life of Jesus through an ongoing, consecutive study of Matthew. So why am I so excited about this year's COR@9?
I'm excited because I know that this study of Matthew is about more than, "what happened in Jesus' life," because the book of Matthew is more than just a random string of events and teachings. Every story, every teaching recorded in Matthew falls where it does for a reason. "Why did Jesus say these words at this time?" "Why is this story in this spot in this gospel?" "And what does that mean for our understanding of who Jesus is?" "And how does the Old Testament fit into all this anyway?" As we explore questions like these, we'll come to see that the gospel is richer and deeper in meaning than we knew, full of the Spirit and of life, not just full of information.
So, I'm excited when I think about COR@9, because to me, it's not just another Bible Study: it's a chance to discover that a story—one that is both familiar and perplexing—is more powerful, challenging, and full of meaning than I knew. And that discovery, by God's grace, can transform us.
Join us each week, or whenever you are able, but make plans to participate in this vital and life changing study of Matthew's Gospel. For more information contact Amanda Holm, zaholm at gmail.com
> Read Professor Harris' bio
