Exploration of the profound questions raised in Jonah, Job, and James: Jonah, a prophet who questioned God's loyalty to justice and Israel; Job, a righteous man who wrestled with God's righteousness; and James, a faithful follower who challenged the value of faith without works.
Together, these books reveal the complexity of faith, justice, and human responsibility in the divine narrative.
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This study explores the profound questions raised in Jonah, Job, and James: Jonah, a prophet who questioned God's loyalty to justice and Israel; Job, a righteous man who wrestled with God's righteousness; and James, a faithful follower who challenged the value of faith without works. Together, these books reveal the complexity of faith, justice, and human responsibility in the divine narrative.
Click here for a viewable, printable, and downloadable class schedule.
This study takes a fresh approach to exploring these three books of the Bible, distinct from previous classes. Each in-person session will focus less on lectures and more on fostering engaging class discussions. As a result, weekly video recordings or presentations will not be published. However, summary notes and handouts will be made available on this website as needed.
There are many versions or translations of the Bible. Students are encouraged to read and refer to their preferred translation. Each weekly lesson will cover selected chapters of the Bible. The online Scripture references use the services of BibleGateway. BibleGateway is an extremely useful online Bible with many versions and translations. BibleGateway also provides a parallel or side-by-side view of selected translations. Students are invited to explore the various translations.
For this study, Rev. Spence has selected the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) as the default translation referenced on BibleGateway. Click here for information about the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition translation.
An optional, but useful resource, are short videos that provide an overview of the books of the Bible from BibleProject. BibleProject is a nonprofit, crowdfunded organization that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes, and educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone everywhere.
If you have questions or problems accessing any resource on this site, click here to submit a support request.
Click on any web link, colored in blue, to access Bible passage or video.
Week Date Scripture Discussion Topic BibleProject Video Supplement
(Classes meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays)
1 January 7, 2025 Jonah: 1-4 Jonah runs from God. God spares Nineveh. Jonah sulks. Jonah - Short Video Summary
2 January 14, 2025 Job: 1-3 A Heavenly Dare With Earthly Consequences. Job - Short Video Summary Job Summary
3 January 21, 2025 Job: 4-13 Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar Speak. Job Responds.
4 January 28, 2025 Job: 14-27 Job's Friends speak again. Job Responds.
5 February 4, 2025 Job: 28-37 Job Speaks. Elihu Enters the Discussion.
6 February 11, 2025 Job: 38-42 God Speaks. Job Responds. Job is Restored.
7 February 18, 2015 James: 1 Discussion of Chapter 1 James - Short Video Summary
8 February 25, 2025 James: 2 Discussion of Chapter 2
9 March 4, 2025 James: 3 Discussion of Chapter 3
10 March 11, 2025 James 4-5 Final Discussion of James
