Paul wrote at a time when Christians expected Jesus’ imminent return; he challenged his friends to be ready when that day came. Two thousand years later, the church is still waiting, still affirming that Jesus will return, and still proclaiming that this world has already been transformed by God’s life-giving love. Our challenge remains to live in ways that demonstrate our trust in the resurrection.

Many of the questions asked by our earliest siblings in faith remain ours, too. How can our lives demonstrate our trust in Jesus Christ’s victory over death? What do we do when different understandings of the gospel undermine church unity? How can Christians understand gender and sexuality? When conflict arises, how do we deal with it? This Bible study will raise many questions while providing few direct answers. Those, you will seek yourself through prayerful reading, thinking, and discussion. I pray that unity in Jesus Christ will guide you and your study group and inspire you, together, to do everything in love.