RTS Women's Bible Study Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Mike Kruger, President of Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS), Charlotte.
• Occasion: Launch of the RTS Women's Bible Study.
• Participants: 165 women signed up, with a waiting list due to high demand.
• Historical Context: Previously studied Romans for 2 years, took a year off, and now commencing Hebrews.

RTS and the Women's Bible Study

• Purpose: Share the Word of God and build a community among women.
• Materials Provided: Notebooks for Hebrews study, with weekly handouts.
• RTS Overview: Includes a brochure of events, RTS magazine, and a free coffee coupon (not redeemable on Wednesdays).
• RTS Campuses: Main campuses in Jackson, Orlando, Charlotte; smaller ones in DC, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, NYC.
• 25th Anniversary: Charlotte campus celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Bible Study Format

1. Schedule
   • Time: Wednesdays, 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM.
   • Structure:
     • 9:15 AM: Coffee and fellowship.
     • 9:30 AM: Teaching begins.
     • 10:20 AM: Transition to discussion groups.
     • 10:45 AM: Conclude.
2. Teaching Materials: Participants use ESV Bible translation, weekly outlines.
3. Discussion Groups: Facilitators assigned to each table to guide discussions.

Video Recording

• Purpose: Weekly sessions recorded and uploaded for those who miss a session.
• Availability: Aims to make videos available by Friday each week.

Study Goals

1. Introduction to RTS Women's Bible Study: Purpose, logistics, and structure.
2. Introduction to the Book of Hebrews: Overview and key themes.

Book of Hebrews

• Purpose of Study: Address the neglected nature of Hebrews and clarify its teachings.
• Key Themes:
  • Relationship between Old and New Testament.
  • The supremacy of Christ.
• Audience: Jewish Christians considering reverting to traditional Judaism.
• Warnings: Contains warnings against abandoning Jesus.

Main Themes and Message

• Central Theme: "Jesus is better" than anything else, including Old Testament figures and traditions.
• Modern Application: Address our own temptations to replace Jesus with other "idols".

Structure of Hebrews

• Outline Themes:
  • Christ's superiority (to Prophets, Angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Old Covenant).
  • Six warning passages throughout.

Reflection and Discussion

• Discussion Questions:
  • Personal introductions.
  • Expectations from the Hebrews study.
  • Personal struggles with faith.

Conclusion

• Future Sessions: Begin with Hebrews 1:1-3 next week.
• Prayer: Closing prayer for study success and fruitful discussions.