PDF version of the lesson notes.

I. Introduction

• Today, we the cover the letter to the Hebrews. Despite being called a letter it lacks the standard formulas that we have encountered so far among the Pauline epistles. For example, there is no greeting. I think Hebrews is a fun book to read because of it use of the homily. The homilist quotes Old Testament scriptures and then provides commentary which includes a discussion of how the scripture should be applied (often in practical ways). Read the rest of this entry »

PDF version of the lesson notes.

I. Introduction

• Teaching a lesson about Paul’s epistle to the Romans is somewhat intimidating. “Romans is one of the eminent text of Western History. From Augustine to Luther, from Wesley to Barth, Christian thinkers of every era have been profoundly shaped by this, the longest Pauline epistle.”[1] Additionally, there seems to be some hesitancy among us, as Mormons, to fully embrace the letter to the Romans. Maybe it is the density of the letter or that it reminds us of charges of pelagianism or semi-pelagianism and a general uncormfortableness with Protestant readings of Romans. Finally, the task is made even more difficult by that fact that we cover the entire epistle of Romans in one week. Read the rest of this entry »

PDF version of the lesson notes.

I. Introduction

• Today, we turn to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian saints. However, it is really not the second letter because it appears that Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthian church even before 1 Corinthians (see 1 Cor 5:9). Also it is not clear that 2nd Corinthians is only one letter; it may be a composite of multiple letters by Paul to the Corinthian saints. Margaret MacDonald explains: Read the rest of this entry »

PDF version of the lesson notes.

I. Trouble and Humiliation at the Lord’s Supper

• Last week we discussed divisions in the Corinthian congregation. Today, we continue with that theme. In 11:17-34 Paul addresses specific problems and divisions with regard to the Lord’s Supper. Read the rest of this entry »