Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them. Mt 18: 20

A Gathering of 2 or 3 Cultivating a Knowledgeable Faith

Gathering in the Messiah Immanuel Jesus' name - discussing what & why we believe. Biblical Theology for the Ecclesia / Church

Wed 6:30 - 16300 Alba, Lemont, IL

A Gathering of 2 or 3 Cultivating a Knowledgeable Faith

Gathering in the Messiah Immanuel Jesus' name - discussing what & why we believe. Biblical Theology for the Ecclesia / Church

Wed 6:30 - 16300 Alba, Lemont, IL

A Gathering of 2 or 3

AG23 Mission

To edify, mature, and unify those of Christian faith through the presentation and discussions of Biblical Theological concepts in the Scriptures. Bringing Biblical Theology to the laity.

AG24 Vision

To exemplify an ecclesia, pursuing knowledge, wisdom, and worship through rigorous scholarship, discussions, and relationship.

AG23 Format

Professional presentations by Biblical Theologians, Educators, Authors, and Specialists prioritizing applied Biblical Theology, critical thinking, and irenic Christian discussions.

AG23 Gathers

To listen, learn, think critically, and discuss; to consider new insights; to communally gather in the safety of a respectful community; to examine Scripture in light of historical, cultural and linguistic parameters as taught and expanded by professional Biblical educators, researchers, and presenters.

A Gathering of 2 or 3

Who is A Gathering of 2 or 3?

"Faith" people

"Church" people

"Seeking" people

"Curious" people

"Thinking" people

"Loving" people

How

Trained, Educated, Vetted, Specialists, Professionals present and discuss their Biblical Theological expertise fostering a mature understanding grounded in rigorous scholarship strengthening the unity of Christians.

Tools

Power Points, Handouts, Learning Materials, Visual Aids, Graphics, Videos etc. are required.

Location (subject to change)

16300 Alba, Lemont, IL 60439

Doors open 6:00; Start 6:30 sharp

Statements of Faith

God – God is spirit. There is one God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who created and sustains all that ever was, is, and will be.
Trinity – God is one essence in three persons Father, Son, and Spirit.
Father – The Father is a person of the Trinity. The Father wills all things through the Trinity. The Father’s will and Jesus’ will are equally empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus– Jesus Immanuel (God with us) is a person of the Trinity. The pre-incarnation, birth, life, death, resurrection, comings, judgments, messiah-ship, and Lordship of Jesus Immanuel is the Gospel to be shared. Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ to Jews and Gentiles. Jesus is Lord of his visible or invisible church and Lord of creation. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is a person of the Trinity, the indwelling power of God. The Holy Spirit can be grieved and blasphemed which Jesus warned against as the unforgivable sin. The Holy Spirit does not act alone, but within the trinity.
Scripture – The 66 autograph books of the Bible is God’s written revelation. Contextual exegesis, hermeneutics, ex-positing, and apt interpreting are God’s will.
Inerrancy and Interpretation - The Bible is inerrant in its original autographs. The historical grammatical methodology is primary in translating Biblical languages to English.
Sin - All humans are sinners. All sins are consequential. Acknowledgement, confession, repentance, restitution, forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation with God and each other are God’s will.
Eternal Salvation - Eternal salvation was, is, and always will be by grace through faith, never by works. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth determines salvation only possible by grace through faith. Those believing in Jesus receive eternal life after human mortal death.
Sanctification - Believers in Lord Jesus, the Immanuel are to be taught. Sanctification is a process.
Worship - True worship is in spirit and truth. Worship methods are not limited. Worship by means of music, vocal, song, instruments, choral, drama, dance, acting, study, and dialogue only done in spirit and truth can glorify God.
Baptism - Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a public response by a confessing believer aware of their sin and Spirit’s indwelling. A act of Baptism is not salvific nor propitiatory.
Lord’s Supper - Regularly sharing bread / cup is an ordinance to be practiced among like-minded Christina communities. The act of the Lord’s Supper is not salvific nor propitiatory.
Kingdom of God – The Kingdom of God has been fully established, is everlasting, and always increasing. The Kingdom is perceivable and is to be sought and entered. The Kingdom and reign of the King is fully here and now.
Heaven(s) – To be in Heaven is to be in God’s presence at all levels of Heaven.
Miracles – God is sovereign, not limited by man’s subjective interpretations, meaning God can produce the miraculous choosing how, when, where, and through whom God works.
Last Things – Ages end, but God, God's creation, God's Kingdom, and God's will for his creation never end.

Founder

Richard Ligthart, MBA, Alliant Intl. University, CA; MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School, inclusive of Koine Greek.

Richard is denominational ordained pastor, author, and edifier, specializing in personal, ministerial, and ecclesiastical renewal through applied Biblical Theology. He has served churches as Senior Pastor and also served as Executive Director / President of para-church ministries.

Richard's decades of leadership experience in corporate and ecclesial para-church ministry improvement and turnaround is well established.

His focus on "Applied Biblical Theology" and dedication to teaching and research provide attendees with insight to faith and understanding.

Holding A Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School (including thesis) he has been trained in Exegesis, Hermeneutics, Textual Studies and Criticism, Interpretation, OT / NT Theology, Systematic Theology, Intertestamental Judaism, Ecclesial History, Life and Teachings of Jesus, and Koine Greek.

He invites learned presenters to edify their topics of expertise to attendees of A Gathering of 2 or 3.

Richard is an associate member of the Evangelical Theological Society and has researched, written, and presented at regional meetings titled:

Addressing the Ethical and Moral Descent of Christian Leadership:

Why Church and Academy Must Reach Beyond the Bible to Theology

What Would Jesus and Paul Be Teaching about Justice in today’s

21st Century Church?

Political and Religious Economic Factors in First-Century Jerusalem

as a Background for Understanding the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Sexually Astray Sheep and Shepherds: The Academy’s Restorative

Role - Applying Biblical Theology to Ministry of Sexual unholiness and

its Consequences

Separation and Divorce in the 21st Century: A Fresh Look at Jesus’

and Paul’s 1st Century Words (Synopsis: A morphological, exegetical,

and lexical word study of four N.T. Koine Greek words

transliterated: apoluo, apheimi, chorizo, and apostacion.)

Richard is the author of, Those with Ears to Hear...all that Jesus commanded them: A Reference Commentary on the Greek Imperative Mood Usage of Jesus.

Richard and wife Donna reside in Lemont, IL.