Upcoming Lectures
We have an excellent line up of lectures by professors who are recognized experts in their field. Check them out below with dates and times.
FALL 2026
Dr Faro (PhD, MDiv) is Interim President and Professor of Old Testament at Northern Seminary in the Chicago area. She previously served as Dean of Academic Affairs at Northern, Dean of Theology at the Scandinavian School of Theology in Sweden, and Director of Masters Programs at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School where she also taught Hebrew and Old Testament.
September 13, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Ingrid Faro
Topic: Genesis and the Problem of Evil
When we look at the world around us, we recognize that something is wrong. We see injustice, suffering, violence, and broken relationships, yet people often disagree about the source of these problems and how they can be addressed. Competing cultural narratives offer different definitions of good and evil, definitions that frequently shift with the values of society. Genesis offers a different perspective. The Hebrew text presents God's vision for creation and traces the origins of evil to humanity's decision to define good and evil on its own terms rather than according to God's wisdom. This lecture explores how Genesis understands evil, human rebellion, and the brokenness that continues to shape the world.
Advance registration is encouraged; walk-ins are also welcome.
Registration
October 11, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Joel Willitts
Topic: Did Jesus Abolish the Jewish Law? Rereading Ephesians 2:11-21
Did Jesus’ death abolish the Jewish law? Ephesians 2:15 can appear to say so. But the passage is not describing the replacement of Judaism by Christianity. Drawing on the imagery of Israel’s temple and Isaiah, this lecture argues that Jesus removed the barrier that kept Gentiles at a distance from God. The result is not the erasure of Jewish identity but a united—and still differentiated—Jew-and-Gentile community in which God dwells.
Advance registration is encouraged; walk-ins are also welcome.
Registration
Dr. Joel Willitts is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at North Park University and serves as the Director of the Schubach Library Study Center in Skokie. One of the areas of Joel’s research has focused on reading Paul’s letters within Paul’s ancient Jewish context. His forthcoming book is titled The New Testament within Judaism.
Zachary Wagner (DPhil, MA) is an author, ordained minister, and New Testament scholar.
November 1, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Zach Wagner
Topic: The Study of Paul and Supersessionism
Lecture description forthcoming
November 8, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Paul Sloan
Dr. Sloan (PhD, MLitt, MATS) is Associate Professor of Early Christianity and Chair of the Department of Theology at Houston Christian University, where he also serves as Program Coordinator for the MA in Theological Studies. His teaching and research focus on the New Testament, Early Christianity, and theological interpretation.
Topic: The Jewish Law in the Synoptic Gospels
Lecture description forthcoming.
Advance registration is encouraged; walk-ins are also welcome.
Registration
Topic: Isaiah’s Suffering Servant: Israel, the Prophet, and/or the Messiah
December 6, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Dr. Andrew Abernethy
Within the book of Isaiah, the "servant" figures prominently in four so-called "servant songs" in Isaiah 40-55: The enigmatic nature of these passages has led to fierce debate over whether Isaiah's servant refers to the nation of Israel, a historic prophet, or a coming Messiah. After a brief overview of the earliest Jewish interpretations of these passages, the lecture will carefully consider how the servant in Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:1-7, 50:4-11, and 52:13-53:12 fits into the unfolding message of Isaiah. The result will be a clearer recognition of the close relationship between God's story with Israel and Jesus's identity as the Suffering Servant.
Advance registration is encouraged; walk-ins are also welcome.
Dr. Abernethy (PhD, MDiv) is Assistant Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies in the Litfin Divinity School, Program Director of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis Program, and Professor of Old Testament. His primary research areas are Isaiah, Psalms, the Latter Prophets, hermeneutics, and biblical theology. He is the President of the Institute for Biblical Research, as well as a fellow of Every Voice Kingdom Diversity.