Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Religion should come with a warning: promise and peril lie ahead! Some of the most beautiful stories in global history emerge from deep religious traditions. We also know the past and current horror of weaponized faith. The genius and passion of any movement remain vulnerable as faith is passed from one generation to the next, and Churches of Christ are no exception. In this session we will explore the promise, peril, genius, and passion of the American Restoration Movement and the Churches of Christ. Teacher: Don McLaughlin

How do you keep running when you are dry, parched and tired? There are lessons in the desert we will never learn while running in the park. Come take a lap with Israel to find hope among miracles, mistakes and mourning. Teacher: Jeff Walling

In the fourteenth century, the woman known as Julian of Norwich received a series of sixteen visions which she recorded in the book, Revelations of Divine Love. Twenty years after this mystical experience, Julian wrote an expanded version of her revelations that included her meditations on the visions in the years after they occurred. In this class, we will take a brief look at Julian's theology based on her writings and consider whether it has any relevance for today. Teacher: Candace Nicolds

This class includes a hybrid of teaching and panel discussion exploring the virtue of sharing Christ with our neighbors. Teacher: Neil Reynolds Panelists: Bruce Bates, Graham Clifford, Bri Clifford, Scott Lambert, and Doug Peters

Part One of this class explores the historical setting and context for the leadership characteristics listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. We will consider the lives of early Christians in their ancient societies as well as their communal life together in order to better understand the kinds of virtues that emerge as essential for leaders in the community. Teacher: John Boyles

We all know the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, etc. But who are the people who “were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection” (Heb 11:35)? Come learn about the martyrs of 2 Maccabees 6-7 and other “forgotten scriptures” that inspired early Christians to persevere in their faith. Teacher: Nick Zola

The writers of Scripture seem to prioritize transformation over conveying information. What do sermons look and sound like when preachers do the same? Teacher: Wade Hodges

Embark on a compelling journey with Mike Shepherd, a dual-citizen with a unique perspective on faith in diverse cultural narratives. This class invites those ready to explore the depths of belief in a post Christian landscape, seeking to harmonize ancient scriptural truths with the pulse of today's society, much like the exemplars of faith in the Hebrews Hall of Faith. In a world that often seems divided, how can we hold fast to our beliefs with compassion and love, becoming beacons of light rather than critics of culture? Mike's insights, born from a life lived at the intersection of Australian and American spiritual climates, offer a rich tapestry of understanding to his audience. In this engaging class, we will: Cultivate a nuanced understanding of spirituality that stands resilient amidst secular currents while radiating compassion and kindness. Foster a faith that is both vibrant and reflective, capable of engaging with the post-Christian landscape with authenticity, grace, and a heart for service. Join us for a session that promises not just to inform but to transform as we seek to navigate the frontiers of faith with intelligence, heart, and the spirit of Christ's love and adventure. Teacher: Mike Shepherd

Some people believe truth is relative, others believe truth to be absolute, why? Who or what can we trust to know the truth today? Can we trust science, politics, academia, media, the bible or the Church? Once we believe we know the truth, how does that influence how we act or not? Teacher: Donny Pierre

Is it possible to increase your faith when life isn’t turning out the way you’d imagined and prayed for? The truth is, Scripture shows us that our lives are part of God’s much bigger story, and may not feel complete or resolved in our lifetime. Lori Ann Wood is a lifelong Christian, a heart failure survivor, and multi-award-winning author of Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted. She’ll explore the challenge of maintaining—and even growing—faith in the middle of a difficult narrative. If you’re traveling a detour you never saw coming or living a story you didn’t want (or if you love someone who is), her experience and insight will leave you with renewed hope and practical steps forward. Teacher: Lori Ann Wood