September 3, 2025

Bible Study                                                                                                                                          Fall 2025

The Holy Bible is our primary source for everything necessary for faith and salvation. We use the Bible as a devotional book that draws us closer to God. Sermons are written on the basis of various scriptures from the Bible. Children learn about the stories of faith contained in the pages of the Bible. As Christians, we are called to organize our lives around the Word of God contained in the pages of the Bible. But, what is the Bible, really?

If you would like to learn more about the Bible, there are a number of opportunities at Pell City First UMC. These are listed at the bottom of this article. However, I would invite you to two specific classes that I will be teaching over the next couple of months.

Making Sense of the Bible, Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Wesley Conference Room

This study is based on the book Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the power of Scripture today written by Rev. Adam Hamilton. You do not have to read the book to participate, but are welcome to purchase a book on your own and read along. There will be video presentations each week featuring Rev. Hamilton.

Topics include, Making Sense of the Old and the New Testaments, Questions about the Nature of Scripture and Science, Troubling Issues such as Violence and Suffering, and Wrestling with Issues of Sexuality and Relationships.

JOIN US for the Introductory session TONIGHT, Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. in the Wesley Conference Room.

The Book of Revelation, Sundays 4:00 – 5:30 p.m., Wesley Conference Room

Modern interpretation of the Book of Revelation has been distorted by ideas about the Rapture and Armageddon. What does the book of Revelation REALLY say?

The class will not have a text other than the Book of Revelation itself. Participants are just asked to bring an open mind as examine the historical context in which the book was likely written, what it would have meant to its first readers and what meaning it has for us today. We will also discuss the rise of modern interpretations that have been popularized by the Left Behind books and movies and why these may not be the most meaningful way to understand the book of Revelation.

Join us on Sunday, September 7th for the first class at 4:00 p.m. in the Wesley Conference Room.

Opportunities for Bible Study:

o Revelation - Sunday Afternoons, 4-5:30pm                                                      Teacher: Pastor Rachel

o Disciple - Wednesday Nights                                                                                  Leader: Jim Starnes

o Tuesday morning, lectionary texts, 10 a.m.                                                         Teacher: Rev. Ed Sims

o Pastor’s Study: Making Sense of the Bible - Wednesday Night                         Teacher: Pastor Rachel

o Sunday school Classes, Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

                New Wine, Room 111; Teacher: Janet Jones

                Ava’s Class, Room 116; Teacher: Various class members

Rachel Gonia