A Study in Greatness Class Page

PROVIDENCE: George Washington often referred to the providence of God in the founding of our nation. Some of America’s Founding Fathers considered Washington to be the only man who could or should lead our nation’s first army or be our first president. The focus of discussion is the meaning of providence and God’s will in our lives.

SLAVERY: William Wilberforce and Hannah More were the main leaders in abolishing the slavery trade in the United Kingdom. His political work and her writing changed an economy committed to the slave trade. Scripture had been falsely interpreted to support slavery.

NON-VIOLENT LIFESTYLE AND PROTEST: Jackie Robinson and Rosa Parks are 20^th century heroes in the struggle for equal rights for African-Americans. An understanding of Biblical references to slavery and the role of non-violent protest and lifestyle will be presented. Discussion questions lead eventually to the current issues with which we deal in Richmond, Virginia, and cultural prejudice in our world today.

FAITH IN ACTION—POLITICALLY: The faith of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Saint Maria of Paris led them to support their political involvement in Germany, Russia, and France respectively. We will discuss the role of the church and faith in their lives and situation. Also, we investigate the scriptures and theology to apply it to historical and current affairs in the United States and the world.

SALVATION, SANCTIFICATION AND SERVICE: Charles Colson pled guilty to his crime after having been converted to faith in Jesus. He came out of prison and established Prison Fellowship scripture. Our discussion will include prison ministry and our ministry as the body of Christ.

CHRISTIAN WOMEN THEN AND TODAY: Susanna Wesley was a key contributor from her home in the great Wesleyan Revival. Her sons, John and Charles, are still influencing theology and Christian living today. The scriptures give many examples of the effective ministry of women. We will discuss how this affects the body of Christ today.

THE POWER OF CHRISTIAN SELF-DENIAL: Mother Teresa experienced real challenges: a divorce, questions of faith, health issues, and cultural morals in India.  The scriptures, her church, and the Lord guided her to literally change the culture in India regarding the poor and outcast. We will discuss how denying oneself through faith-in-action can change our culture.