Sunday Morning Adult Education - St. John the Divine

In this Hot Topics Adult Bible Education class, we explore what the Bible teaches about the devil, spiritual warfare, and the victory of Christ. Discover how Scripture helps us understand our adversary—not through fear, but with confidence that Jesus has already won the battle through His death and resurrection.

In this Hot Topics Adult Bible Education class, we explore what the Bible teaches about the devil, spiritual warfare, and the victory of Christ. Discover how Scripture helps us understand our adversary—not through fear, but with confidence that Jesus has already won the battle through His death and resurrection.

In this Hot Topics Adult Bible Education class, we explore what the Bible really teaches about heaven, hell, and the hope of eternal life. Rather than focusing on fear, this lecture invites us to see how Scripture points us to Jesus Christ—calling us into a life of transformation, discipleship, and communion with God.

In this Hot Topics Adult Bible Education class, we explore the biblical and theological conversation surrounding women's ordination. Together, we examine key passages of Scripture, church tradition, and the role of women in ministry, seeking to approach this important topic with humility, charity, and a commitment to faithful biblical interpretation.

In this Hot Topics Adult Bible Education class, we explore artificial intelligence through the lens of Christian faith. What does Scripture teach about technology, human relationships, and the purpose of our lives? Join us as we consider how Christians can engage AI with wisdom, discernment, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly human.

In the finale of Walking the Way of the King, we explore how God's mission is revealed through the Old Testament and the work of the Holy Spirit. From Genesis to the tabernacle, discover how the Spirit prepares creation for God's presence and calls us to join in His ongoing work in the world.

In this session of Walking the Way of the King, we explore John's account of the Great Commission and Christ's call to the ministry of reconciliation. Discover how Jesus sends His people into the world with peace, the Holy Spirit, and the mission of forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

In this session of Walking the Way of the King, we explore Luke's account of the Great Commission—what it means to be witnesses of Christ's resurrection and to share the Gospel through both our words and our lives. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out this calling every day.

In this continuation of Walking the Way of the King, we explore Jesus' call to live out the Great Commission—sharing the Gospel, serving others, and making disciples in everyday life. Be encouraged to step into your role as a follower of Christ, bringing His love and truth to those around you.

Join us for the beginning of our Adult Bible Education series, Walking the Way of the King. This opening session explores Jesus' call to follow Him and live out the Gospel in everyday life—inviting us into a life of discipleship, purpose, and mission.

In this Adult Bible Education session, of, The Last Words of Jesus, we reflect on Jesus' final words from the cross: “It is finished” and “Into Your hands I commit My spirit.” This talk explores the completed work of Christ, the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption, and the assurance we find in trusting our lives fully into God's hands.

In this session of The Last Words of Jesus, we reflect on Jesus' words from the cross, “I thirst” (John 19:28). Exploring the mystery of Christ as fully God and fully human, this message reveals the paradox of the cross—where suffering, sacrifice, and divine love meet. Through Scripture and theology, we see how these simple words point to the depth of God's unconditional love and redemption for the world.

In this Last Words of Jesus session, Hari Radhakrishnan reflects on Jesus' cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Exploring Psalm 22, this talk shows how Jesus points from suffering to hope and God's ultimate redemption. The lesson highlights metanoia—a change of heart and perspective that helps us see God's purpose even in the midst of suffering.

In this session of “The Last Words of Jesus,” we reflect on Christ's words from the cross to His mother and to John the Apostle: “Woman, here is your son… Here is your mother.” (John 19). We explore the biblical context, the tradition surrounding Mary and John, and what this tender moment reveals about Jesus' compassion — and the new spiritual family He forms at the cross.

Week 2 of our Adult Bible Education series, “The Last Words of Jesus,” takes us to Luke 23:43 and Christ's stunning promise to the thief on the cross: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” We explore sin, confession, grace, and the immediacy of salvation. We are all one of the two thieves—the difference is contrition and trust. A powerful reminder that Christ's final words from the cross are personal, certain, and filled with hope—for today and for eternity.

In this first session of The Last Words of Jesus, we reflect on Christ's opening words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Set against the suffering and silence of the crucifixion, this class explores the depth of Jesus' forgiveness, the seriousness of sin, and the hard but healing call to forgive others—and ourselves.

In week Three of Temple, Tabernacle, Today, we move from the wilderness tent to the settled glory of Jerusalem's Temple—and see why both are essential for understanding Jesus and the life of the Church. Tracing the story from Sinai to Zion to Christ, we'll explore how sacred space reveals God's holiness and nearness, shapes a people's identity, and becomes a beacon of mission—a place where heaven and earth meet, and where God's presence sends us back into the world with hope.

This talk launches our Art in Advent Adult Education series with an exploration of the Virgin Mary through the lens of art history. Beginning with the brief biblical account, we trace how centuries of artists, theologians, and storytellers sought to understand Mary's identity, vocation, and holiness through painting, legend, and devotion.Drawing on Renaissance masterpieces and early Christian sources, this session examines how images of Mary's life, family, and childhood shaped Christian imagination and theological reflection as the Church prepared for Christmas. Together, we consider why Mary mattered so deeply to early believers and how art helped make the mystery of the Incarnation visible.

In the finale of our Prayer: Conversations with God series, Tom draws us into Paul's letter to the Colossians and shows how prayer reveals God's plan for our lives.Paul urges the church to pursue the knowledge of God's will, to live in harmony with God and one another, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. From Colossians to 1 Thessalonians, we discover a simple but transformative call: be joyful, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.Through Scripture, story, and a powerful reflection inspired by Max Lucado, this teaching reminds us that joy, prayer, and gratitude are not products of our circumstances. They are choices we make each day because of what Christ has done.A hopeful and practical ending to our series on prayer.

In this week's lesson on Prayer: Conversations with God, we look at Acts 4:23–31 and see how the early church responded when pressure and persecution came their way. After healing the lame man and proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus, Peter and John face opposition, but their first instinct is to gather with their community and pray.This talk reminds us to remember who God is, trust His sovereign work, root our prayers in Scripture, and ask for the boldness to keep speaking the truth of Jesus Christ. When we pray this way, we can expect God to answer.

How do we learn to make wise choices and see the world as God sees it? In this Sunday Adult Education talk, David Modesett explores the gift of discernment through the story of Solomon and the two women in 1 Kings 3. True wisdom is not simply about clever judgment, but about compassion, listening, and seeing people as God does.Drawing from Scripture, prayer, and personal stories, David reminds us that discernment grows through prayerful attention to God, learning to “pray attention” as we seek His guidance in every part of life. Through Christ, the Word made flesh, we are given not only wisdom but the indwelling Spirit who teaches us how to listen and to love.

In a world that constantly tells us we need more, how do we learn to be content with what we have?Drawing from Proverbs 30 and Philippians 4, this talk explores the wisdom of living between two extremes, neither wealth that leads to self-reliance nor poverty that leads to despair. Through scripture, personal stories, and humor, we're reminded that true contentment comes from trust in God's provision, gratitude for daily bread, and generosity that reflects His heart.

Prayer isn't just something we say. It's the power that connects us to the heart of God. In this week's Adult Education series on prayer, we look at Psalm 19 and discover how creation, Scripture, and self-reflection draw us closer to our Creator. As David prays, “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight,” we're invited to make every thought and word a reflection of God's glory.

In this reflection on Numbers 6:22–27, Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit unpacks one of Scripture's oldest and most beloved prayers: “The Lord bless you and keep you.” She explores the context of the priestly blessing, what it reveals about God's name and character, and how we can carry that blessing into our own lives and relationships. Rooted in worship and trust, this timeless prayer reminds us that true protection and peace come from the Lord alone.

What does real prayer actually look like? Is it reserved for spiritual experts, or is it something we are all invited into in every season, setting, and circumstance?In this honest and practical talk, we explore how prayer is far more than a Sunday ritual. It is a conversation, a partnership, a wrestling match, and even a dance. Prayer can be messy, ordinary, joyful, frustrated, or profound, and yet it remains the way we connect with God and are shaped by Him.Whether you have been praying for decades or do not know where to start, this talk is an invitation to see prayer not as a performance but as a living, breathing relationship with God in the midst of real life.

What do we do when our prayers seem unanswered? In this Week 3 of Prayer: Conversations with God The Revd. Dr. Michael Lloyd thoughtfully explores the mystery of prayer, the reality of suffering, and the hope we have in God's presence. With honesty and compassion, the talk reminds us that every prayer matters, that God's love is never absent, and that even in weakness we can glimpse His transforming power.

Week 2 of Prayer: Conversations with God explores corporate prayer and what it means to become a praying church. We look to Jesus' own prayer life, consider revival rooted in repentance and humility, and name the marks of a Spirit-led community: fellowship, dependence on God, and mission. Join us as we ask the Holy Spirit to awaken our church for God's purposes.

Prayer isn't just a topic to study. It's a relationship to live. In this opening session of Prayer: Conversations with God, we explore how prayer moves beyond rituals and techniques to become an encounter with the living God. Drawing on Scripture, story, and reflection, we're invited to lay down our burdens, open our hearts, and imagine the “more” that God has prepared for us.

Members of St. John the Divine share stories from their recent mission trip to the Diocese of Kondoa in Tanzania. Hear firsthand accounts of vibrant worship in rural villages, the courage of first-generation Christians, and the joy of partnerships that cross cultures and continents. From ordinations and baptisms to sewing schools and church plants, discover how God is at work in Tanzania. See how this growing relationship is transforming lives on both sides of the globe.

Join members of St. John the Divine as they share heartfelt stories from their mission trips to Amistad in Bolivia. This isn't a trip about building houses or digging wells. It's about friendship, presence, and love. Hear how God's Spirit was felt in orphanage “family homes,” in Bible studies with caregivers, and in simple moments of connection with children whose joy and resilience shine brightly. Learn about the deep, ongoing relationship between our church and Casa Monte Serra, and discover ways you can pray, give, or even join the next trip to be part of this life-changing mission.

In the final installment of “Our Favorite Heresies,” seminarian Karlie Keller explores what it means to be saved—by whom, from what, and for what. Through ancient heresies like Docetism, Pelagianism, and Quietism, Carly traces the boundaries of Christian belief to reveal the depth and beauty of salvation through Jesus Christ. Along the way, she unpacks major atonement paradigms and affirms the role of the Church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and our call to faithful, embodied discipleship.

In this talk, Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit explores ancient heresies about Jesus's nature and why they still matter. With insight and humor, she unpacks what it means for Christ to be fully God and fully human, and why that truth offers both comfort and hope. Theology, she reminds us, isn't just for the mind but speaks to our everyday lives.

What does it really mean for God to be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God? In this session of our “Favorite Heresies” series, we explore three major Trinitarian heresies: Adoptionism, Modalism, and Arianism, and why they matter for our faith today. We unpack how each distorts our understanding of who God is, why it's essential to hold to the historic teaching of the Trinity, and how the Nicene Creed helps keep us grounded. Along the way, we look at everyday analogies, examine what Scripture says about God's triune nature, and discover how knowing God as Trinity shapes our relationship with Him. Join us as we dive into the mystery of the Trinity and why it matters for your life.

What if the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament aren't the same? That question isn't new—it's at the heart of an ancient heresy called Marcionism, and it's one many still wrestle with today. In this second week of our summer series on heresies, Kira Moolman Pettit explores why Christians have sometimes tried to cut the Bible in half, how the Church responded, and what we lose when we dismiss the Old Testament. Along the way, we'll talk about how Scripture was formed, why it still matters today, and how God continues to speak—through the Bible, the world, and the community of faith. This isn't just a history lesson. It's about how we come to know who God really is.

Think heresies are ancient history? Think again. In this engaging and insightful talk, Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit kicks off a series on the “greatest hits” of Christian heresies—starting with Gnosticism. Why does it still matter? Because the idea that the material world is bad and secret knowledge will save you hasn't exactly gone away. With humor, clarity, and depth, this session explores what's at stake when we get creation, salvation, and God's identity wrong—and how these old errors can help point us back to the beauty of Christian orthodoxy.

What does it really mean to love our city like Jesus? In this powerful panel, three local leaders share how their faith led them from corporate careers to full-time service in Houston's communities. Hear inspiring stories from Michelle Schonbeck (Christian Community Service Center), Charles Rotramel (Houston Revision), and Dana Thomas (The Forge for Families) as they talk about their calling, the impact of volunteers, and how everyday Christians can make a difference.If you've ever wondered how you can answer God's call to serve—even in small, meaningful ways—this conversation will speak to your heart.

In this powerful session from our “Loving Our City Like Jesus” Easter series, we hear from the people behind A Lighted Path—a nonprofit born from the Church of St. John the Divine to be a light for the city of Houston. Through stories of transformation and hope, panelists share how three key initiatives—Strong Start, Adults in Training, and Loving Lamar—are making a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and young adults.You'll hear from volunteers, nonprofit partners, and program participants about the ways Jesus is at work in Houston through early childhood education, support for young adults aging out of foster care, and deep connection with a local high school. It's an inspiring look at what it means to go forth and love the city like Jesus.

Between the cross and the resurrection, Jesus descends—to the dead, to the depths, to the forgotten places. In this short Holy Week lecture, explore the mystery of Holy Saturday through Scripture, tradition, and ancient art, and discover how Christ's love reaches beyond even death itself.

David Modesette shares a heartfelt, deeply personal reflection on Philippians 4:1–9—the cornerstone passage that carried his family through cancer, anxiety, and the everyday struggles of life. With wisdom, humor, and honesty, he reminds us why surrendering our worries to God isn't optional—it's essential. This is a talk about peace that “surpasses all understanding,” moral clarity without judgment, and the kind of faith that carries across generations.

What motivates your life? What's in your proverbial “spiritual box”? In this talk, Larry Lawyer dives into Philippians and Paul's message of joy, perseverance, and true citizenship in heaven. From warnings about legalism and hedonism to the call for spiritual maturity, we explore how to fix our eyes on Christ and live as His disciples.

Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit and The Rev. Sutton Lowe discuss how Anna is unique in all the stories that we've shared this Advent. She is called a prophetess and, yet, none of her words are recorded directly in Scripture. This doesn't mean that her prophetic voice is unheard. It means that her ordinary faithfulness of going to the temple to worship and to be with the people of God year after year, decade after decade was an act of bearing witness to who God is. This widow of many years continued to be be a part the faithful community and her reward was an unexpected encounter with an unlikely savior, Jesus. Her story means that we do not have to have visitations from angels or words spoken directly by the Holy Spirit to find Jesus. He comes to us in the most ordinary of ways.

Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit and The Rev. Sutton Lowe jump ahead in time to show how the waiting of Advent carries forward through all the season of life. Simeon waits, relying on a promise of the Holy Spirit that he will not die before he sees Israel's savior. When he sees the infant Jesus brought into the temple the Holy Spirit moves him to sing and praise God. Kira and Sutton discover that the main actor in all of these Advent stories is the Holy Spirit, who is also the main actor in our lives as well.

Week 1