Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Jesus was the first to use the term “hypocrite” in the way it’s used to this day. Peter called believers to “rid” themselves of all hypocrisy. He knew the struggle firsthand. Don’t we all? Join us as we explore ways to jettison hypocrisy and walk in integrity.

Jesus sends the same Spirit he sent to the early church to help the church pursue the same mission today. But does he still help in the same way?

The "good Christian girl" she once was no longer exists. She has learned that "the more excellent way" is not always the compliant one. Jesus is the more excellent way—not rule keeping. He ate with sinners. He got down in the dirt with the marginalized.

The role of ministry spouse has been one that is often undervalued, taken for granted, and misunderstood in many churches.  Join me as we take a look at different “styles” of ministry spouses and explore the incredible impact when ministry spouses are fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill a vital purpose in the body of Christ that is often unseen.

Community changes people. This session explores a range of intentional group environments — from LIFE groups, Compass Groups, Growth Groups, to Leadership Development, and more  — and how each can help people move toward maturity, multiplication, and new leaders.

This lectureship explores the unbroken pattern of God’s provision as revealed in the details of creation and experienced in the life of the believer. From the feeding of the birds of the air to the clothing of the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:25–34), Scripture presents nature as a living testimony of God’s sustaining care. What God continually does for creation, He faithfully extends to His people.

 

Through a careful study of key biblical texts (Psalm 104; Matthew 6:25–34; and other texts), this class will examine how creation functions as theological evidence—declaring God’s character as Provider, Sustainer, and Faithful Keeper. Participants will consider the consistency of divine provision (“without pause”) and how it confronts human anxiety, strengthens trust, and calls believers to deeper dependence on God.

 

The session will also address practical implications: how observing God’s care in nature reshapes our perspective on lack, worry, and faith in uncertain times. Attendees will gain both a richer theological framework and a renewed personal confidence that the same God who sustains the world is actively and reliably providing for them.

 

Key Emphasis:

If God’s provision for creation is constant and intentional, then our assurance in His provision for us can be confident and unwavering.

A focus on the important elements of the faith—faithful postures that may cause us to recognize Christians in other churches.

How I Love Your 'Law!' Really!? The Psalmist declares not devotion but "love" for Torah, what is that about? How can any one love "law" much less the "Law of Moses?" What is Torah about that makes God's people declare it to be "sweeter than honey?

This class will explore leading like Jesus and following like Jesus. Leadership is a joint activity between leaders and followers. Churches have expectations of leaders and followers. The relationship between leaders and followers determines the culture and spirituality in the church. Leadership studies is a vibrant field of scholarship. Followership is gaining more and more attention among researchers. The intersection of these two fields of study is interesting to review, especially regarding the church.

A case for political peacemakers.

A case for political peacemakers.

Ministry isn’t about appearance—it’s about a heart to serve. No Heels, Just Healing equips men and women to move beyond performance and embrace purpose-driven, healing-centered ministry both inside and outside the church.

Over the better part of two decades, I have served children as a therapist, spending most of my time within the school setting as a licensed mental health therapist. Over that timespan I have noticed the overwhelming struggle that our students have been enduring, especially their struggles with overcoming anxiety and depression. Over the years students have shared their stories with me of what they would like their families to know that would help them to be healthier children and more successful students. This class will benefit those who have children or work with children on how to help them navigate some of these struggles, while also leading them to see themselves as God sees them too.

Leaders face constant pressure to act quickly, yet faithful leadership requires discerning when God is calling us to wait and when he is inviting us to move. This session offers biblical wisdom and practical tools to help leaders navigate ministry decisions with clarity, confidence, and trust in God's timing.

This class is will explain, historically and theologically, why we consider the Bible as our "final authority" in the Churches of Christ.

How to "advertise" (Heb: ya'ats and galah) the Gospel in a way that our commercial-oriented generation can understand!