LifeLight Bible Study has been a cornerstone of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri since 1997. This in-depth Bible study series from Concordia Publishing House takes participants deep into Scripture — not skimming the surface, but digging into the text, the context, and the theology that shapes our faith and life. Through regular in-depth study of Scripture, the goal is simple: that more and more Christian adults may grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Over nearly three decades, Immanuel’s congregation and community have worked through more than 70 LifeLight studies — from Genesis to Revelation, from the Psalms to the Epistles. Whether you are new to Bible study or have been in the Word for years, you are welcome at this table.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

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Our current LifeLight series is a 9-session study of the Book of Judges, beginning Thursday, August 6, 2026. After Israel enters the Promised Land, the people fall into a heartbreaking pattern: they forsake the Lord, suffer under their enemies, cry out in distress, and are rescued when God raises up a judge to deliver them — and then the cycle begins all over again. Judges is unflinchingly honest about human sin and the chaos that unfolds when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).

Yet Judges is finally a book about God’s patience and mercy. Again and again the Lord is “moved to pity” and raises up flawed, unlikely deliverers — Deborah, Gideon, Samson — to save His people. Each imperfect judge points ahead to the perfect Judge and King, Jesus Christ, who alone breaks the cycle of sin once and for all. This study connects Judges to what Lutherans confess about Law and Gospel, sin and grace, and the deliverance God works for us in Christ. The study is led by Jason Glaskey and is open to the whole Joplin community. Books are provided. Join us Thursday mornings.

The Nine Sessions

1. An Everlasting Covenant
2. God Is in Charge
3. Three Helping One Another
4. Power Made Perfect in Weakness
5. Paying for Wickedness
6. A Foolish Vow
7. O Mirror of Our Fickle State!
8. Worship neither in Spirit nor in Truth
9. Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. … For the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them.

Judges 2:16, 18 (ESV)

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Since 1997, Immanuel has worked through more than 70 LifeLight studies. The record below reflects God’s faithfulness — year after year, the congregation has gathered to hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest His Word. This is what it looks like when a community commits to knowing Scripture deeply over a lifetime.

Early Era — 1997 to ~2005

Studies marked * used the original LifeLight format. Approximate order.

Study	Notes
Matthew (Parts 1 & 2)*
Revelation*
Isaiah (Parts 1 & 2)*
Hebrews*
1 Corinthians*
2 Corinthians*
Daniel*
Romans (Parts 1 & 2)*
1 Peter & 1 John*
John (Parts 1 & 2)*
Galatians / Colossians / Philippians*
Acts (Parts 1 & 2)*
Prophecy*
Luke (Parts 1 & 2)*
Life of David*
Genesis (Parts 1 & 2)*
Ephesians / Thessalonians*

Transitional Era — ~2005 to 2008

Approximate order; exact sequence uncertain from original records.

Study	Notes
Genesis (Parts 1 & 2)	Second time through
1 John
Joshua
Timothy / Titus / Philemon
John (Parts 1 & 2)	Second time through
Revelation	Second time through
1 / 2 / 3 John
The Triune God	1st time
Mark
Selected Psalms
Miracles	1st time
1 & 2 Corinthians	Second time through
Law & Gospel
Creation / New Creation
1 & 2 Peter	~2006, 1st time

Modern Era — 2009 to Present

Year	Study
2009	Exodus (Parts 1 & 2)
2009	The Triune God (2nd time)
2010	1 & 2 Peter (2nd time)
2011	Bible Feasts / Galatians / Philippians / Colossians
2012	Ruth & Esther / Christian Mission
2013	Proverbs / Ephesians / Thessalonians
2014	Daniel / James & Jude
2015	Chronicles / End Times
2016	Time Between the Testaments / Hebrews
2017	Romans (Parts 1 & 2)
2018	Romans (cont.) / Parables / Heaven & Hell
2019	Heaven & Hell (cont.) / Prayer / Minor Prophets
2020	Prayer (cont.) / Matthew Part 1
2021	Matthew Part 2
2022	Worship / Baptism
2023	Baptism (cont.) / Job
2024	Bible Overview / Wilderness Wandering
2025	1 & 2 Samuel / 1 & 2 Kings (completed Sept. 25) → Miracles (started Oct. 9)
2026	Miracles (completed ~Jan. 12) → Ecclesiastes / Song of Solomon → 1 & 2 Peter → Judges (began July 30)

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Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LifeLight Bible Study?

LifeLight is an in-depth Bible study series published by Concordia Publishing House. Each study focuses on a single book or theme of Scripture across 9 sessions of guided reading, discussion, and application. It is designed for adults who want to go deeper than a survey-level study — engaging the original context, Lutheran theology, and real-life faith. The goal, as CPH describes it, is that through regular in-depth study of Scripture, more and more Christian adults may grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Do I need to buy a book or have prior experience?

No experience required, and books are provided. A $10 donation per study is appreciated to help cover materials, but no one is turned away. Just come — we will take care of the rest. If you are new to Bible study, this is a welcoming place to start.

How long is each study, and when does the class meet?

Each LifeLight study runs 9 weeks. The class meets Thursday mornings, 9:30–11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. New studies begin throughout the year — you can join at the start of any new study.

Is this only for Lutherans or members of Immanuel?

Not at all. LifeLight is open to anyone in the Joplin community — members, guests, neighbors, and seekers alike. Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and our teaching is rooted in the Lutheran confessional tradition. But you do not need to be Lutheran or a member to participate. Curiosity and a willingness to open the Word are the only prerequisites.

What has the class studied over the years?

Since 1997, Immanuel’s LifeLight class has completed more than 70 studies — Matthew, Romans, Revelation, Daniel, Isaiah, Psalms, Ruth & Esther, Baptism, the Triune God, and dozens more. The complete history is listed above on this page. It is a remarkable record of a congregation committed to knowing God’s Word deeply over a lifetime. Families with children at Martin Luther School are especially encouraged to join — faith formation does not stop in the classroom.

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Immanuel Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804. LifeLight Bible Study materials are published by Concordia Publishing House. For more about our ministries, visit our staff and leaders page or learn what to expect on a Sunday morning.