Christian Education
Growing Deeper in God's Word, Together
Christian Education at SBC Wheaton exists to help every member, from a brand-new believer to a longtime student of Scripture, grow in the knowledge and love of God's Word through consistent, guided study.
Wednesday Bible Study
To join virtually, visit Zoom.us and enter
Meeting ID: 802 973 031
To join by phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter Meeting ID: 802-973-031.
Every Wednesday at 7:00 pm.
Saturday School Conference Call
Dial: 312-626-6799 / Access Code: 322 476 888
Every Saturday at 9:00 AM
Bible Study
Making Peace with the Past
Forgiveness is a door. It’s the way to peace and joy. But it’s a small door, and it can’t be entered without stooping — or kneeling. And sometimes it is very hard to find.
When we hurt the people we love, how do we go about restoring the relationship?
When we suffer the pain of betrayal or injury or rejection from someone else, how do we deal with the anger and resentment we feel?
This Bible Study will help you discover, understand and practice what the Bible says about “How God Forgives Us” (Lessons 1-4) and “How We Forgive Others” (Lessons 5-8).
This bible study will run from 9/23/2026 - 11/11/2026. Please note the following schedule exceptions:
11/18 - No bible study (Revival)
11/25 - No bible study
LESSON 01
LUKE 15:11-32
Our Forgiving Father
God is a loving and forgiving Father who eagerly welcomes us back with open arms when we repent and return to Him.
LESSON 02
EPHESIANS 2:1-10
Why We Need Forgiveness
We need forgiveness because sin separates us from God, but through His grace and mercy, He makes us alive in Christ and offers us salvation as a gift.
LESSON 03
I JOHN 1:5 - 2:2
Confessing Our Sin
When we honestly confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us, cleanse us from unrighteousness, and restore our fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ.
LESSON 04
PSALM 32
The Shout of a
Forgiven Man
True joy and freedom come when we confess our sins, receive God's forgiveness, and experience the blessing of living in His grace.
LESSON 05
MATTHEW 18:21-35
Out of Debt!
Because God has forgiven our enormous debt of sin, we are called to extend that same grace and forgiveness to others.
LESSON 06
MATTHEW 18:15-20
When We Are Wounded
When we are wounded by others, God calls us to seek reconciliation through loving confrontation, forgiveness, and a commitment to restoring relationships.
LESSON 07
MATTHEW 6:5-15
As We Forgive Others
As we receive God's forgiveness, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, reflecting His grace and love in our relationships.
LESSON 08
PHILEMON
Forgiving When We Don't Feel Like It
True forgiveness means choosing to extend grace and release resentment, even when our feelings make it difficult, following the example of Christ.
When we hurt the people we love, how do we go about restoring the relationship?
When we suffer the pain of betrayal or injury or rejection from someone else, how do we deal with the anger and resentment we feel?
Sunday School
Fall 2026 Unit 2: From Settled People to Judges
Settled People to Judges
Following Joshua’s death, a new generation arises, one that “[knows] neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel” Judges 2:10; see Lesson 6). They fall into apostasy, seemingly forgetting Joshua’s warning. The book of Judges records a cycle of infidelity to God that plagues the Israelites for generations. Recognition of their sinful ways happens periodically and includes repentance. The people call on God when trouble ensues. However, after God intervenes to rescue them, they turn away
from him and return to pagan gods. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful, raising judges like Ehud—a left-handed warrior who liberates Israel (Judges 3:15–23, 30; see Lesson 7). However, peace does not last. The people repeatedly fall back into the cycle of apostasy and lawlessness; everyone does what is right in their own eyes (17:6; see Lesson 8). Chaos ensues, leading this generation to demand a king.
October 4, 2026
LESSON 5
A Renewed Covenant
Joshua 24:18-27
By the time of the events in today’s lesson, the Israelites had defeated various coalitions of
Canaanite kings (Joshua 10:28–12:24). However, some parts of the land remained unconquered
(13:1–5).
October 11, 2026
LESSON 6
A Faithless Generation
Judges 2:6-15
Joshua had no successor. After his death, God’s people became a tribal confederacy, without a central political leader (Judges 21:25). Their shared ancestry, tradition, and service to God bound them to one another. However, the Israelites in
the period of the judges regularly neglected their
distinctive history. God’s covenant was the structure
for reinforcing their memories, but the people fell (or jumped!) away. They became more and
more like the surrounding nations in this process.
October 18, 2026
LESSON 7
An Unlikely Deliverer
Judges 3:15-23, 30
When we hear the word judges, the first image that may come to mind is that of officials adjudicating legal disputes. But that was not their primary
task in the book of Judges. Their recorded actions reveal that they were chiefly deliverers or (in an earthly sense) saviors. Judges 2:16 reveals this meaning: “Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.” The book of Judges is largely a compilation of narratives depicting these valiant deliverers for the Israelites during times of oppression.
October 25, 2026
LESSON 8
A Lack of Instruction
Judges 17:1-6 18:18-19, 27
An accurate understanding of the book of Judges hinges on knowing the covenant God
established with the Hebrew people. God gave instructions for holy living and proper worship.
For example, he expressly prohibited the making of carved images and idols (Exodus 20:4; 34:17; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 5:8; 27:15). God
inaugurated the tabernacle as the central place of worship for Israel (Exodus 26:1–37; 36:8–38;
40:1–38; Deuteronomy 12:1–14). From all these and others, we see a picture of required faithfulness and obedience through attention to detail.
November 1, 2026
LESSON 9
The Prophet is Called
1 Samuel 3:8-20
Historical
Prophets filled one of the three essential roles in ancient Israel, the other two being priest and
king. Prophets had close relationships with the Lord and received his words directly. Therefore, they spoke in the name of God, proclaiming
and interpreting God’s words to whomever he directed.
Literary
Today’s lesson picks up partway through what scholars call Samuel’s “prophetic call narrative” (compare Exodus 3–4; Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1; Ezekiel
1). The chapter begins by noting that it was uncommon for the people of Israel to hear from
God directly or to see him (1 Samuel 3:1). God was not absent from the Israelites, but it may have felt like it.
November 8, 2026
LESSON 10
The Ark Is Lost
1 Samuel 4:12-22
Today’s lesson takes us to about the year 1067 BC. It was a year of transition for the tribes of Israel: one judge’s rule ended (Eli), a new judge emerged (Samuel), and the community lost the
ark of the covenant to the Philistines in battle. The Israelites had built the ark from plans God gave Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:10–22).
Thus, the ark had been a distinctive part of Israelite
identity for some 380 years.
Across those centuries, the ark had traveled with the Israelites as they moved through the wilderness; it had rested in the tabernacle as they settled
in a location. It served as a substantial visual aid as the people crossed the Jordan River (Joshua 3; Lesson 2) and followed God’s instructions in
the fall of Jericho (6:2–13; Lesson 4).
November 15, 2026
LESSON 11
Israel Rcommits to God
1 Samuel 7:3-11, 15-17
The intervening verses between Lessons 10 and 11 describe how the Philistines took the ark of the covenant from the Israelite settlement at Ebenezer and moved it to the temple of Dagon in the city of Ashdod (1 Samuel 4:11; 5:2). However, to
put it mildly, things did not go well for the people of Ashdod after the ark’s arrival (see 5:3–6)! The inhabitants of Gath fared no better when the ark was transferred to their city, about twelve miles east of Ashdod (5:7–8). Neither did the citizens
of Ekron, about eleven miles due north of Gath (5:8–12).
November 22, 2026
LESSON 12
David Is Anointed King
1 Samuel 16:4-13
Today’s lesson takes us back to approximately 1025 BC. The exodus from Egypt (1447 BC) was more than four hundred years in the past. The dismal period of the judges (approximately 1380–1050 BC) came to an end and gave way to something different but not necessarily better: an era of
a united monarchy for Israel, which lasted approximately
120 years (1050–931 BC).
The Israelites’ desire for a human king meant the rejection of God as king (1 Samuel 8:7). It was a time of transition—some might say Israel reached a “tipping point.” Samuel had served honorably
as judge and prophet for many years (7:15–17).
When we hurt the people we love, how do we go about restoring the relationship?
When we suffer the pain of betrayal or injury or rejection from someone else, how do we deal with the anger and resentment we feel?
Why Christian Education
At SBC Wheaton, Christian Education isn't a single class, it's the ministry responsible for the church's entire teaching life. Our Christian Education Department oversees Sunday School, Bible Study, New Members Orientation, and the ongoing training that helps our teachers and members alike grow in their walk with Christ.
We believe studying Scripture together, not just hearing it preached, is how faith takes root and lasts. Whether you're new to the Bible or have studied it for decades, there's a place for you here.
What We Offer
Sunday School
Bible study for every age group, held each Sunday before worship. Classes are organized by age so children, youth, and adults each study at a level that fits them.
Bible Study
A weekly, in-depth study for the whole congregation, digging into Scripture verse by verse rather than just a topical overview.
New Members Orientation
For anyone who has recently joined SBC Wheaton, a class covering what we believe, how the church is organized, and how to get plugged in.
Vacation Bible School
Our annual VBS brings Christian Education to children in a week of games, music, and Scripture built just for them.
Workshops & Trainings
Periodic trainings for teachers, group leaders, and anyone who wants to grow in how they study and share God's Word.
Ready to Grow in the Word?
Join a class, start a lesson, or reach out to our team, wherever you're starting from, there's a next step here for you.
Phone
630-260-0190
Address
1520 Avery Ave Wheaton IL 60187
