Prophets and Prophetism

Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets. - Amos 3:7

Prophets and Prophetism

Class offered Sunday mornings
Sundays, Jan 7 - Feb 11
10:30am, Room B
Rev. Dr. Wayne Wilke
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Class Recordings

PART 1
During the reign of Kings David and Solomon, Israel was a regional superpower. Their position astride major trade routes guaranteed a steady flow of money and influence. Spiritually, however, Israel abandoned its covenant with GOD and followed after false deities. The result was that four centuries later, Israel was reduced to groups of refugees returning to their homeland after 70 years of exile. Throughout this long spiritual decline, God sent a series of prophets to the people of Israel. They reminded Israel of her covenant with God; they interpreted what was happening to Israel and why God allowed it. Finally, they called Israel to repentance and the hope of a renewed future.

Seventeen of the thirty-nine books in the Old Testament are prophetic works. Rev. Dr. Wayne Wilke  will introduce us to this prophetic literature and help us find ways to apply their teaching to issues we face today.

Part 2
Despite repeated catastrophes, the people of Israel refused to hear God’s word of warning delivered by the prophets. Even as the unimaginable unfolded before their eyes, the people went their own way blindly disregarding the prophets’ calls for repentance and renewal. God continued to use the prophets as spokesmen interpreting what was happening in light of God’s continuing love for his people. Isaiah’s ministry occurred in the 40 years prior to the destruction of Jerusalem. Jeremiah witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people. Ezekiel’s entire prophetic ministry occurred in Babylon with the exiles. Daniel provided instruction and encouragement as the remnant of God’s people waited for the promised return.

Jerusalem was leveled. The Temple was destroyed. The exile did happen. But as a result of the prophetic ministry, a renewed people of God would return from exile. God would lead them into a new covenant relationship, and the Messiah would come as promised. In the midst of great darkness, the prophets of God offered the bright light of hope.

Join us for Prophets and Prophetism -Part Two Sunday mornings at 10:30am in Room B, January 7 through February 11

Class Recordings

Part 1
Week 1

Part 1
Week 2

Part 1
Week 3

Part 1
Week 4

Part 1
Week 5

Part 1
Week 6

Part 1
Week 7

Part 2
Week 8

Part 2
Week 9

Meet the Instructor

Rev. Dr. Wilke is a retired Lutheran pastor and professor with over thirty years of experience teaching in Lutheran colleges and seminaries.  He enjoys teaching classes on books of the Bible as well as topics that arise throughout the Bible. Also, the broad theme of religion in American life is a rich source of topics for future study. The goal in every class is to assist each student to answer the question, “How does this apply to my life today?”

Wayne and his wife, Grace, are frequent travelers.