From promise to fulfillment, Matthew reveals Jesus as the Christ — the long-awaited King. Through His teachings, miracles and sacrifice, we see God’s kingdom come near. Join us to behold His power, purpose and reign made evident in Matthew.
We are excited to announce the theme for the 90th annual Freed-Hardeman University Lectures: “Our God, His Kingdom: Seeing the Christ in Matthew.”
While some features are paralleled in Mark and Luke, Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that connects the Messiah to Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1–18). After Jesus’ unique birth and baptism (Matt. 1:9–3:17), Christ is led into the wilderness, where He withstands Satan’s temptation (Matt. 4:1–11). Following the calling of His first disciples, Jesus delivers the greatest sermon ever preached — the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7). Throughout the rest of Matthew, readers see the Christ fulfill the Law and Prophets (Matt. 5:17), while working miracles (Matt. 8–9, 14), anticipating the founding of the church (Matt. 16:16–18) and speaking through parables and sermons (Matt. 10, 13, 18, 24–25). As Christ’s authority is challenged by the leaders, He is betrayed (Matt. 26:17–56), crucified (26:57–27:56) and raised (27:57–28:15), before commissioning His disciples (Matt. 28:16–20). In 28 chapters Matthew mentions the kingdom of God — or heaven — 36 times. May we see the Christ more clearly in Matthew, seeking to honor our God in His kingdom.
The lectureship committee takes seriously the stewardship of planning and implementing a program that has blessed the church for 90 years. It is our goal and prayer to provide an atmosphere where the FHU campus community and every guest (whether in person or online) can grow in their faith, love for Jesus, service to others and in the knowledge of God’s Word. We recognize that a whole host of trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, students, sponsors and other team members help to make this happen. We hope you will consider taking advantage of every opportunity the FHU Lectureship offers. We are particularly excited about some new aspects of the Lectureship in 2026, while also looking forward to experiencing many of the traditional aspects of the program that have made it great year after year. It is our prayer that the 2026 Bible Lectureship will be a blessing and an encouragement to you.
TEACHING AND PREACHING — The 2026 program includes several series designed to equip preachers and teachers, including the Preacher’s Toolbox “Connecting Christ to the People” series (8:30 a.m., Tues.-Thurs., Balc. A), the Teaching Like the Master series (12:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Balc. C), Preaching the Old Testament – Isaiah (1:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Balc. D) and two tracks on the Greatest Sermon Ever Preached (The Sermon on the Mount; 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Dryden Main Floor).
ENHANCED TEEN LECTURESHIP AND YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY WORKSHOPS — The two-day Youth and Family Workshop, hosted by Philip Jenkins, Ben McGreevy and Jon David Schwartz, will feature over 20 sessions and a host of speakers or panelists who desire to help attendees grow in ministering to children, families and youth. Also the Teen Lectureship, under the direction of Ben Coleman and Aarek Farmer, will feature a number of studies and group discussions that will challenge and encourage all teens (6-12 grades) in attendance to grow closer to the Lord. In addition to these programs, the Kids Lectureship will continue to provide a safe and wholesome environment for children in the fifth grade and under.
DIGGING DEEP (BACKGROUNDS AND THEOLOGY) — The Lectureship is a place where deep Bible study is encouraged and put into practice. In 2026 the series on Bible Backgrounds (8:30 a.m., Tues.-Thurs., Balc. B) will challenge participants to engage the archaeology, ancient coinage and historians from the time of Christ, while other series connected to “Difficult Questions” of Matthew (8:30 and 9:30 a.m., Tues.-Thurs., Balc. D), the fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew (9:30 a.m., Tues.-Thurs., Balc. B), the Synoptic Gospels (12:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Balc. B), the incarnation of Jesus (1:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Balc. A) and other “Contemporary Concerns” (2:30 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., Balc. A) will certainly be encouraging times of growth and reflection.
CELEBRATING 250 YEARS — In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a series titled “The Riches and Responsibilities of the American Christian” will be featured in Butts Family Conference Room on Tuesday-Thursday at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. The lessons will reflect on the freedom and unique opportunities Christians have had and have in the present. A panel discussion, moderated by Stephen Morris, will follow the presentation each afternoon.
The 2026 FHU Annual Bible Lectureship is dedicated to Dr. James L. and Becky Gardner.
Jim has taught at Freed-Hardeman University since 2005. Over the last 20 years, he has accepted the challenge of teaching some of the FHU Lectureship’s most difficult biblical topics. His knowledge of biblical languages and his thoughtful and honest way of interacting with challenging texts demonstrates both substance and humility. He speaks not only from a well-informed approach to scripture but also from the heart.
Outside the pulpit and the classroom, Jim is a wise and astute voice in a variety of settings. He has served on the Bible Lectureship committee for many years and frequently contributes perspectives that fundamentally shape the content and direction of the programs that our guests experience. His role on the Open Forum is invaluable, his comments saturated with both discernment and charity.
Becky is a kind and generous soul who quietly goes about doing good. Countless students have experienced the hospitality of their home, many of them living with the Gardners during their time at FHU. Jim and Becky have been especially welcoming to international students. She has a deep love for souls and makes time for natural, fruitful conversations with individuals in need of the Gospel. She perseveres through hardship with God-centered joy and people-minded service. Her quiet determination and positive outlook are inspiring.
Together, Jim and Becky Gardner stand as an inspirational example of faith and how that faith ought to work in the Christian’s life. To know them is to love them, and to see them is to see Christ in them. It is our pleasure to dedicate the 2026 FHU Lectureship to this godly couple.
The Appreciation Dinner will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Brewer Sports Center’s Auxiliary Gym. Tickets are $20. Individuals can register online or contact Christy Hardin at 731-989-6956.
We know good study books for personal or congregational Bible study can be difficult to come by, so we are excited about the production of two Bible study books in 2026. The first book will feature chapters written by 14 men for a general audience, while the other book titled “The Right Side-Up Kingdom in an Upside-Down World” was written by 13 women and is especially for women’s Bible study. The books will be available in print and Kindle formats. The books may be purchased for $15 each through Amazon or at the Lectureship. In addition, recordings of all the 2026 lectures will be available for purchase as well.
Authors include: Tyler Alverson, Cindy Baker, Jerrie Barber, Jim Barr, Andy Baumberger, W. Kirk Brothers, Colleen Elliott, Ryan Fraser, Jared Green, Will Hanstein, Becky Hartle, Christy Huntsman, Dianne Ivery, Jeff Jenkins, Jacque Jones, Debbie Kea, Kathy Pollard, Molly Risley, Rachel Robertson, Elias Roque, Erynn Sprouse, Kaylan Stewart, John Thomas, Natalie Thomas, Bart Warren, Allen Webster and Jeremy Weekley.
We hope that you and your family will make plans to be with us for a week of Christian fellowship, spiritual encouragement and dedicated study of God’s Word.
To access the full schedule and find additional information, visit fhu.edu/lectureship.
