Old Testament
1. Give both biblical and extra-biblical support for a young earth and a 24 hour day creation view.
Biblical:
-The dates in the Bible add up to about 6,000 years
-Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31
-God calling the light Day and the darkness Night. He said there was evening and morning for one day, and then 5 more evenings and mornings.
-Gen. 2:2
-God rested on the 7th day
-The key word, YOM
-It can refer to a 24-hour day, year, season or undefined length of time
-However, whenever a number and “YOM” is used in the OT, it always refers to a literal 24-hour day
-Exodus 20:9-11
-Six days of work and rest on the seventh
-If the creation days were not literal, 24-hour days this passage wouldn’t make any sense
Extra-biblical:
-Carbon-14 Dating
-Cosmic rays bombard the upper atmosphere which create chemical reactions, producing carbon 14 in living things
-There is a steady loss by decay so that the amount of C-14 in a dead animal shows how long it has been dead.
-Every sample of coal, wood, or bone that has been tested for C-14 content (even if retrieved from rocks supposedly “millions of years old”) always contains a measurable amount of Carbon-14
-Helium
-Radioactive elements generate helium as they decay
-Helium is not light enough to escape the Earth’s gravity and will therefore accumulate over time
-If such decay took place for “billions of years”, much helium should have found its way into the Earth’s atmosphere
-Taking that loss into account, the atmosphere today has only .05% of the amount of helium it would have accumulated in 5 billion years
-The Winding Up Dilemma
-Stars within galaxies rotate about the galactic center with different speeds, the inner ones rotating faster than the outer ones
-The observed rotation speeds are so fast that if our galaxy were even millions of years old, it would be a featureless disc of starts instead of its present spiral shape
-Deterioration of the Earth’s Magnetic Field
-The Earth’s magnetic field is converting its dipole energy to non-dipole energy
-There were rapid polar reversals during the Genesis Flood
-Today’s energy decay rate is so high that the magnetic field couldn’t be more than a few dozen millennia old
2. Give support for a universal flood: arguments pro and con.
Pro:
-Depth
-Genesis 7:19-20 says that the water was so high that it even covered the high mountains under the entire heavens
-This wording indicates a planetary flood.
-Water that is higher than the mountains is not contained locally
-The amount of water above the mountains and the draught of the Ark also support a global flood
-Strata and Fossils
-It has been shown that strata is formed during one huge event (such as Mt. St. Helens and the Little Grand Canyon) that happened quickly
-A global flood is the only thing that gives an explanation for mass graveyards of marine and other animal life. Thousands of animals were fossilized together. Also, many marine fossils have been found at the tops of mountains.
-Animals on the Ark
-If the flood were local, animals would have easily been able to migrate to an unaffected region, especially the birds
-All the animals were put on the Ark to preserve the various species from complete extinction
-Destruction of All Mankind
-The Flood destroyed all mankind except for Noah and his family (Gen. 7:4, 23)
-New Testament writers and Jesus confirm this (Luke 17:26-27, 1 Peter 3:20, 2 Peter 2:5)
-Other Flood Accounts
-In almost every culture there is a myth or legend about a flood that covered the earth long ago
-Myths usually originated from an actual event
-John Morris has compiled statistical data on these various flood accounts
Con:
-Universal Language is Not Literal
-Many times the context shows that “kol eretz” (the whole earth) refers only to a local area
-Kol eretz also refers to a group of people, not a geographic region
-Kol eretz is translated as the whole earth only 40 of the 205 times in the OT
-If it was global, a word like Tebel (used 37 times in OT and refers to the whole earth each time) should have been used
-Where did all of the water go?
-A global flood makes it impossible for water to recede anywhere
-A local flood would allow the water to recede back into the oceans
-GISP2 Ice Core
-A huge ice core in Greenland identified by Paul Seely
-Within the first 110,000 annual layers there is no evidence for a global flood; this would come from a large saline melted layer but no such layer exists
3. Give biblical support for the unconditional nature of the Abrahamic Covenant.
-Passages: Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22:16-18, 26:4-5; Jeremiah 31:31-38; Isaiah 51:2 (“I Will” statements); Hebrews 6:13-20; Rom. 4:13; Gal. 3
-Definition of the Abrahamic Covenant
-a covenant made between God and Abraham
-3 promises were made: land, seed, universal blessing
-Main points:
-In Genesis 15 when the covenant is established, it is God that walks through the animals, therefore binding the promise upon Himself and not anyone else
-It is solely upon God’s faithfulness which makes it unconditional
-In the passages when God speaks about the covenant to Abraham, He takes possession of it by showing the promise to be fulfilled by Him, and that it is not conditional upon the descendants of Abraham
-In Gen. 12-17, the terms “I will” or “my covenant” are used over 20 times when speaking of the covenant
-Even though the people of the covenanting were unfaithful and broke the covenant, God promised that as long as the created elements continue to exist, He will be faithful (Jer. 31:31-38)
4. Define the Documentary Hypothesis (authorship of the Pentateuch).
-It is a theory concerning the authorship of the Pentateuch (the five books of Moses) which divides these five books into four separate documents.
-Popularized by Julius Wellhausen in mid to late 19th century
-Theory sprang from a rationalistic train of thought that says that Israel’s history moved gradually from polytheism to monotheism, instead of by God intervening in the lives of the patriarchs and creating for Himself a special people
-Reasons for the four divisions
-Different names used to identify God
-Differing literary styles in parts of the Pentateuch
-The four supposed documents are identified by the letters JEPD, which reflect the characteristics of the different authors styles
-J= the YHWHist section; this is how God is referred to in these passages
-E= the Elohist; God is referred to as El Shaddai, El Elyon, Elohim, etc.
-P= the Priestly; based on the organization of the Hebrew’s religious practice
-D= The Deuteronomist; deals with the supposed period of Israel’s history where they are under the system of curses and blessing summarized in Deut. 28
5. Give the history of ancient Israel from Abraham to Nehemiah, including major dates and a chronology of the prophetic books.
Prophetic Books (B.C. for all dates)
Obidiah- 850-840
Joel- 830-810
Jonah- 760
Amos- 760
Hosea- 755-725
Isaiah- 740-700
Micah- 737-690
Nahum- 630
Zephaniah- 625
Jeremiah- 627-580
Habakkuk- 607
Daniel- 605-530
Ezekiel- 593-570
Haggai- 520-505
Zechariah- 521
Malachi- 450
History of Ancient Israel (B.C. for all dates)
Patriarchs: 2166-1867; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua
Exodus: 1446-1406; (same as above)
Conquest: 1406-1399; (same as above)
Judges: 1390-1018; Deborah & Barak, Gideon, Samson, Samuel
Kings: 1011-931; Saul, David, Solomon
(United Kingdom)
Samuel anointed David king: 1029
David escapes Saul: 1020-1011
David becomes king: 1011
Divided Kingdom, Kings:
Jeroboam I: 930-909
Omri: 885-874
Ahab: 874-853
Jehu: 841-814
Jeroboam II: 793-753
Prophets:
Elijah: 874-850
Elisha: 850-798
Assyria officially defeats Israel: 722
Sennacherib invades Judah but is defeated by the angel of the Lord: 701
Judah, Kings:
Rehoboam: 930-913
Uzziah: 792-740
Hezekiah: 729-686
Manasseh: 697-642
Josiah: 640-609
Zedekiah: 597-586
Babylonians conquer Judah and destroyed Jerusalem and Temple: 586
Cyrus takes over Persia: 550
Persia conquers Babylon and rules Israel: 536-331
Esther: 480-474
Ezra: 458-456
Nehemiah: 445-433
6. Give a general outline of the following books:
Genesis:
-Primeval history (1-11)
-The Creation (1-2)
-The fall (3-5)
-The judgment of the flood (6-9)
-The judgment on the Tower of Babel (10-11)
-Patriarchal history (12-50)
-Life of Abraham (12-25)
-Life of Isaac (25-26)
-Life of Jacob (27-36)
-Life of Joseph (37-50)
Daniel:
-Introduction (1)
-Nebuchadnezzar conquers Judah
-Daniel and companions deported to serve the king, refuse king’s choice meal, and chosen for royal service
Prophetic History of the Gentiles (2-7)
-Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of tiered statue: God’s program for Gentiles (2)
-Persecution of Hebrew youths in fiery furnace (3)
-Nebuchadnezzar’s experience of God’s sovereign rule as a beast (4)
-Belshazzar’s overthrow (5)
-Daniel in the lion’s den (6)
-Daniel’s vision of God’s program for Gentiles (7)
Prophetic History of Israel (8-12)
-Daniel’s vision of a ram and goat: latter times of Gentile rule (8)
-Prophetic plan for Israel’s future in 70 weeks (9)
-Daniel’s vision of Israel’s future (10-12)
7. Be able to identify the book and chapter(s) in which each of the following are found:
-The fall of man: Genesis 3
-The Noahic flood: Genesis 6-8
-The Tower of Babel: Genesis 11
-The birth of Isaac: Genesis 21
-The Abrahamic covenant- Genesis 15
-Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 19
-Abraham offering up Isaac on Mt. Moriah: Genesis 22
-Joseph sold into slavery- Genesis 37
-The sin of Nadab and Abihu- Leviticus 10
-Day of Atonement- Leviticus 16, 32
-The three pilgrimage festivals- Leviticus 23
-The birth of Moses- Exodus 2
-The crossing of the Red Sea: Exodus 14
-The Ten Commandments: Exodus 20
-The birth of Samuel- 1st Samuel 1
-Israel’s demand for a king- 1st Samuel 8
-The rejection of Saul- 1st Samuel 15
-Saul and the witch at Endor- 1st Samuel 28
-David and Bathsheba- 2nd Samuel 11-12
-The revolt of the Northern Tribes- 1st Kings 12
-Hezekiah and Sennacherib- 2nd Kings 18-19
-Destruction of the Northern Kingdom : 2nd Kings 17
-Balaam oracles- Numbers 22-24
-Valley of Dry Bones- Ezekiel 37
-Gog and Magog- Ezekiel 38-39
-Decree of Cyrus to repatriate the Jews- Ezra 1
-Golden Calf incident- Exodus 32
-The 12 spies bring an evil report: Numbers 13
-The “shema” of Israel: Deuteronomy 6
-Fall of Jericho- Joshua 6
-The covenant renewal at Ebal-Gerazim- Joshua 8
-Samson and Delilah- Judges 16
-Death of Eli and capture of the Ark- 1st Samuel 4
-The selection of Saul by Lot- 1st Samuel 10
-David and Goliath- 1st Samuel 17
-Davidic Covenant- 2nd Samuel 7
-The accession of Solomon- 1st Kings 1
-Elijah destroying the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel- 1st Kings 18
-The destruction of the Southern Kingdom- 2nd Kings 25
-Promise of the New Covenant- Jeremiah 31
-God’s glory departing from the Temple- Ezekiel 10
-Millennial Temple- Ezekiel 40-42
8. Describe the basic geographical regions of the land of Israel.
WestEast Directionally:
Coastal PlainShephelahHill CountryJudean WildernessJordan Rift ValleyTrans Jordan
Coastal Plain: Along the Mediterranean Sea. The International Coastal Highway ran through the coastal plain.
Shephelah: The foothills; was a strategic area which created a buffer zone between Israel and the Philistines
Hill Country: Has large hills and contains such cities as Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Central Benjamin Plateau ran through here and served as a buffer zone between Ephraim and Judah in the OT.
Judean Wilderness: wilderness leading to the Dead Sea. This was the area Jesus went to when He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days.
Jordan Rift Valley: Valley around the Jordan River which is the eastern border of Israel. It extends from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. It is through the Rift Valley that the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
Trans Jordan: East of the Jordan River, where countries such as Ammon, Gilead, Moab, and Edom were located. This is where the King’s Highway ran.
North South Directionally:
Golan HeightsGalileeSamariaJudahNegev
Golan Heights: Area to the north east of the Sea of Galilee
Galilee: Area to the north west of the Sea of Galilee. Broken up into four sections (Upper West, Upper East, Lower West, Lower East) The bulk of Jesus’ life and ministry were here
Samaria: Samaritans lived here, and Jesus ministered to a woman in Sychar. A strategic and well-protected city that withstood a 3-year Assyrian siege.
Judah: Contained cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron. The Central Benjamin Plateau ran through here.
Negev: Mostly desert, but contained important cities like Beersheba, Arad, and Eliat.
9. Be able to briefly identify the following individuals:
1. Cain- Adam and Eve’s first born, committed first murder/violent sin
2. Abel- Adam and Eve’s second born, brother of Cain, his offering was accepted and was murdered by Cain
3. Enoch- taken to heaven without first having died, his son was Methuselah and he was an ancestor of Noah
4. Shem- son of Noah, passenger on the ark during the flood, covered Noah while he was naked and received a blessing
5. Abraham- formerly Abram, but changed by God to Abraham, father of Judaism- Jesus came from his lineage, followed God in faith, left Ur and settled in Canaan, God promised to make him into the nation of Israel, barren wife, Sarah, give birth to Isaac, God told him to sacrifice Isaac, and in faith Abraham was going to, but God spared Isaac
6. Lot- nephew of Abraham, followed him to Canaan, parted ways with Abraham and moved to Sodom, was delivered before its destruction by God
7. Sarah- originally Sarai, but changed by God, unable to have children, God miraculously allowed her to have a son, Isaac, Abraham’s half-sister and wife
8. Isaac- son of Abraham and Sarah, his sacrifice was used to test Abraham’s faith, Rebekah was his wife, sons were Jacob and Esau
9. Esau- firstborn son of Isaac, sold his birthright to his brother for a bowl of soup, later his blessing was stolen from him by his brother
10. Rebekah- wife of Isaac, found by Abraham’s servant through offering him a drink from the well, later deceived her husband through helping her son Jacob steal his brother’s birthright
11. Jacob- had 12 sons, each a tribe of Israel, 2nd son of Isaac and Rebekah, deceived his brother and stole his birthright, after this, he fled to Uncle Laban and married his daughters Leah and Rachel, wrestled with God, name changed to Israel
12. Aaron- brother of Moses, first high priest of the nation of Israel, voice of Moses publicly, especially with Pharaoh, consented and participated in making a golden calf for the people to worship, still allowed to be High Priest, family was to be in the priestly occupation, carried Ark of the Covenant
13. Balaam- false prophet, intended to curse the children of Israel, but God used it to bless them, paid by Balak, King of Moab, his talking donkey saved his life
14. Achan- sinned by taking gold, silver, etc. from the conquered city of Jericho, as a result, Israel was defeated in a battle with the city of Ai, once discovered, he and his family were stoned to death
15. Belshazzar- King of Babylon, God warned him by a finger writing on the wall, warning was about the end of the Babylonian kingdom
16. Jehu- general of Israel, later became king, responsible for the elimination of the descendants of the evil king Ahab
17. Hannah- barren woman, promised God her child if He gave her one, gave birth to Samuel the prophet and devoted him to God
18. Saul- first King of Israel, brought David to prominence and then tried to kill him, lost his kingship because of his lack of faith in God, through offering his own sacrifice and his disobedience in not totally destroying the people who he was to conquer
19. Jonathan- best friend and confidant of David, father was Saul, helped David escape when Saul wanted to kill him, he ate food after his father declared a fast
20. Joab- general in army of Israel under King David, later was killed under the wishes of David by Solomon
21. Absalom- usurper of his father (David’s) throne, died in battle at the hands of Joab
22. Gideon- judge, w/only 300 men, God called him to defeat the Midianites and successfully did so
23. Rehoboam- Solomon’s son, followed the advice of his friends, dealt harshly with the people of Israel, which led to the division of the kingdom of Israel
24. Elijah- prophet during reign of Ahab, known for standoff on Mt. Carmel between God and Baal where God prevailed, taken to heaven before dying, King Ahab and wife Jezebel persecuted him
25. Job- very prosperous man, with God’s consent, Satan attacked him and Job lost all of his wealth and children, he never stopped following God and was rewarded by having his possessions restored.
26. Joseph- 1 of 12 children of Jacob, brothers despised him and sold him into slavery, God blessed him and he was elevated to 2nd in command in Egypt, saved his family by providing food for them during a famine
27. Miriam- Moses’ sister, turned against Moses’ leadership and was plagued with leprosy for a time
28. Moses- raised by the Pharoah’s daughter, leader of emerging nation of Israel, used by God to lead the people out of slavery in Egypt, wrote first five books of the Bible
29. Joshua- successor of Moses, leader of Israel into the promised land
30. Isaiah- prophet, called the nation to repent during the time of King Hezekiah, prophesies about Christ in book bearing his name
31. Daniel- in captivity in Babylon, refused to stop praying to God/ thrown into lion’s den/ no harm done, prophesied about the kings of Babylon, including Nebuchadnezzar
32. Ezra- scribe, allowed to bring the Israelites back to their land after being held in captivity
33. Samson- given extraordinary physical strength by God to fight the Philistines, rebellious and turned form God and His commands, died when he destroyed a pagan temple where he was a prisoner
34. Ruth- Moabite widow, went w/mother-in-law to Israel, married Boaz, ancestor of David and Jesus
35. Samuel- son of Hannah, pledged to God before birth, appointed Saul and David as kings
36. David- son of Jesse, killed Goliath, became king, in the lineage of Christ, man after God’s own heart
37. Solomon- son of David, great wisdom from God, wealthiest man the world had ever seen, built first temple
38. Ahithophel- advisor of David, turned against David in order to support his son Absalom’s rebellion, later killed himself
39. Jeroboam- king of Northern Tribes of Israel, tried to reason w/Solomon’s son Rehoboam, but he wouldn’t listen and caused the rebellion and split of the kingdom
40. Josiah- one of the few good kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, the lost book of the law was found under his rule, attempted to follow the commandments in his life and government
41. Elisha- disciple and follower of Elijah, assumed Elijah’s ministry after he was taken to heaven
42. Jonah- reluctant prophet to people of Nineveh, after being swallowed by a fish was submissive to God’s call
43. Nebuchadnezzar- king of Babylon, many Jews taken captive, including Daniel, converted testimonies of 4 men and 7 years of being humbled by God
44. Esther- relative of Mordechai, married King Xerxes, saved the Jews from being killed by a decree from Haman
45. Hezekiah- good king of Judah, should have died but was allowed to live for 15 more years because God granted his request for more life, built a tunnel that brought water to Jerusalem
46. Eli- high priest, in Samuel’s care, was removed from his office due to the wickedness he allowed his sons to commit
47. Nehemiah- cupbearer for King Artaxerxes, rebuilt the wall in Jerusalem and repaired the temple
48. Jeremiah- weeping prophet, persecuted and ignored by own people, ministered in Judea
New Testament
1. Trace the life of Christ discussing the major periods of His life, His ministries, activities and discourses.
Birth to Death (33 years)
Initial Judean Ministry (1 year)
Galilean Ministry (1.5 years)
Judean Ministry (3 months)
Perean Ministry (3 months)
Passion Ministry (7 days)
Resurrection Ministry (40 days)
Birth and Childhood
-foretold in the OT
-announced to Mary
-born in Bethlehem in 6-4BC
-visits the Temple at age 12 and amazes Jewish rabbis
-silent years from age 12-30
Initial Judean Ministry
-announced by John the Baptist
-baptism and temptation in the wilderness
-begins miracles
-cleanses the Temple
Galilean Ministry
-Public emphasis: preaching and teaching
-First tour of Galilee: healings and miracles to the multitudes
-Discourse 1: Sermon on the Mount
-Discourse 2: Commissioning of the 12 disciples
-Second tour of Galilee
-Discourse 3: Kingdom parables to the disciples
-Third tour of Galilee
-Withdraws across lake to Phoenicia, Decapolis, and Philip’s Territory
-Transfiguration
-Private emphasis: teaching and parables to the 12 disciples
Judean Ministry
-Discourse 4: At Feast of Tabernacles, Childlikeness of Believer
-I AM statements
Perean Ministry
-raising Lazarus from the dead
Passion Ministry
-Saturday: Mary anoints Jesus in Bethany
-Sunday: Triumphal entry
-Monday: cleanses temple
-Tuesday: Discourse 5: Olivet
-Wednesday: silent day
-Thursday: Passover, Discourse 6: Upper Room, prayer in Garden of Gethsemane
-Friday: early morning arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial
-Saturday: body lays in tomb
-Sunday: RESURRECTION!
Resurrection Ministry:
-women visit the tomb
-appearance to women, disciples, and 500 in Galilee
-Great Commission and Ascension
2. Trace the life of Paul, and include the dates and background of each of his epistles.
Chronology of the Life of Paul
Paul’s conversion -35
First Jerusalem visit- 37
Tarsus and Antioch- 37-48
Second Jerusalem Visit- 47
First missionary journey- 48-49
Jerusalem Apostolic Council- 49
Second Missionary Journey- 50-52
Third Missionary Journey- 53-57
Caesarean Imprisonment- 57-59
First Roman imprisonment- 60-62
Journey to East- 62-64
Journey to Spain (4th missionary journey?)-64-66
Journey to East- 66-67
Second Roman imprisonment (Death in Rome)-68
Chronology of Paul’s Epistles
Galatians-49: Judaizer problem
1 Thessalonians- 51: Paul is grateful for the Thessalonians from Timothy’s report
2 Thessalonians- 51: Encouragement and correction of issues
1 Corinthians- 56: Correction of several issues
2 Corinthians- 56: Defense of apostolic Authority, reception of repentant believers, thankfulness
Romans- 56-57: Presentation of Gospel and Christian worldview/doctrine
Ephesians- 60: God’s Redemption through Christ, and Christian living
Colossians- 61: Response to Epaphras
Philemon- 61: written to send Onesimus back to Philemon
Philippians- 62: thanks for financial gift and encouragement to the church
1 Timothy- 62: encourage Timothy and refute false doctrine
Titus- 66: Church living
2 Timothy- 67: Encourage Timothy since Paul was going to die soon
3. Identify the distinctive focus and audience of each of the four Gospels, and outline one of them.
Matthew: Audience: Jews; Explanation of Kingdom; Christ as King
Mark: Audience: Romans; Impress the power of the Gospel; Christ as servant
Luke: Audience: Greeks; Set in historical order; Christ as perfect humanity
John: Audience: World; Emphasized plan of salvation; Christ as deity
Outline of Matthew:
-The early years of Christ
-Genealogy and birth of Christ (1)
-Flee when Herod kills all the babies (2)
-The beginning of Christ’s ministry
-Jesus baptized (3)
-Jesus tempted (4)
-Sermon on the Mount (5-7)
-Jesus performs many miracles (8-12)
-Jesus tells parables (13)
-The middle of Christ’s ministry
-Death of John the Baptist (14)
-Continuation of miracles (14-16)
-The transfiguration (17)
-Jesus tells more parables (18-22)
-The Triumphal Entry (21)
-The end of Christ’s ministry
-Jesus prophesies about the end and tells more parables (23-25)
-Betrayal and arrest of Jesus (26)
-Jesus tried before Pilate and hung on the cross (27)
-Jesus’ resurrection and the Great Commission (28)
4. Define and describe the “Synoptic Problem,” and indicate your understanding of a proper solution to the problem.
Synoptic is defined as the idea of a common view or common reference point. It has to do with the literary agreement of the Gospels. The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark and Luke (John is NOT; John’s material is very unique to John). These three gospels are similar in their arrangement of narratives, content, sentence structure and word order, and particular terms.
Attempts to reconcile the problem have been to say that they drew from a common source. One of these sources is commonly known as the “Q” (Quelle) document. The “Q” document is believed to be a pre-gospel, but we do not have them.
The Documentary Hypothesis has been seen to be a solution to the problem and has two main theories: the “Two Document” theory and the “Four Document” theory. Both of these involve Matthew, Mark, Luke and “Q”. The “Two Document” theory is that “Q” and Mark influenced Matthew and Luke. The “Four Document” theory is that there were four sources that influenced Matthew and Luke.
The biblical view for a solution to this ‘problem’ is that the gospels express four different sides with four different authors and four different facets and four different perspectives. While they constantly compliment one another, they never contradict. Each book has a particular audience and a particular theme to it, unique to each author. They each wrote about many of the same events but each from their own point of view, meaning that they all saw different things or the same things a little differently, or they all put a different emphasis on some of the same events. No two plus authors description of the same event is ever going to come out exactly the same.
5. Give an overview of the historical development of the Intertestamental Period.
Persian Period (583-333 BC)
-Jews allowed to return
-Tension between Persians and Greeks, Israel in the middle
-Persians decline, Greeks become world power
Hellenistic Period
-Alexander the Great: Greek language and culture to all conquered lands
-Death leads to four-way division of empire
-Ptolemies: Egyptian based, tolerant of Jews, ruled from 300-200BC
-Septuagint translated in Alexandria during this time
-Seleucids: Syrian, oppressive of Jews, ruled from 200-143 BC
-167 BC: Antiochus IV Epiphanies
-Maccabean Revolt
-Begun by Matthias, continued by Judas
-164 BC: Maccabeans recapture Jerusalem and rededicate the Temple
Hasmonean Period (163-143 BC)
-Priest/kings
-Power was to continue until a suitable prophet should appear
-corruption increases and rule crumbles from inside
-Pharisees and Sadducees emerge during this time
Early Roman Period
-establishment of Herodian Dynasty
-Antipater II (67-43 BC)
-Herod the Great (47-44 BC)
-Building projects: Herod’s Temple, Masada, Caesarea, Herodium
-Rome steps into stop power struggle after Herod’s death; divides kingdom amongst his sons; gives jurisdiction of Judea to Roman appointed procurators
-Herod Antipas (4 BC- AD 39)
-Given control of Galilee and Perea during the time of Christ
6. Give a chapter by chapter outline of Romans.
Chapter 1
-Paul’s introduction
-Theme of the letter = the righteousness of God as revealed in the Gospel
- Man’s rejection of God and its consequences
Chapter 2- Condemnation- of the Jews
Chapter 3- Condemnation- of the World; Justification-by faith
Chapter 4- Justification- OT examples of justification by faith
Chapter 5- Justification- the result of justification by faith; Contrast of the righteous and condemned
Chapter 6- Sanctification- Believer’s relationship to sin
Chapter 7- Sanctification- Believer’s relationship to the law
Chapter 8- Sanctification- Deliverance through Christ; Victory in Christ
Chapter 9- Restoration- Israel’s past rejection
Chapter 10- Restoration- Israel’s current rejection of the Gospel
Chapter 11- Restoration- Israel’s future rejection
Chapter 12- Application- In relation to God, the Body of Christ and the World
Chapter 13- Application- In relation to the State
Chapter 14-Application- In relation to the Weaker Brother by not judging or causing him to stumble
Chapter 15- Application/Conclusion- In relation to the Weaker Brother by following the example of Christ and being of the same mind with one another
-Purpose in writing
-Future plans
Chapter 16- Conclusion- Personal greetings and final exhortations
-Benediction
7. Discuss the themes of the following epistles:
-Galatians: written to counter those who taught that Christians must keep the Old Testament law in order to be accepted by God. The central message is that a person is justified through faith in Jesus Christ, not works of the law.
-Ephesians: written to help believers better understand the extent of God’s eternal purpose and grace. The church is made up of all Christians throughout the ages, and there is to be unity. Another theme is to be thankful for blessings and to live in a manner worthy of them.
-First Thessalonians: written to encourage new believers, to give them assurance about the eternal state, and to exhort them to godly living. The primary message is eschatological.
-Hebrews: written to encourage Christians in a time of trial; focuses on the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as a mediator of God’s grace; our faith and everyday living are to imitate the example of Christ and those in chapter 11. Also, the term “better” occurs 15 times.
8. Discuss the basic approaches to interpreting the book of Revelation, and indicate which you would employ, and why.
Allegorist (Idealist):
-rooted in allegorism
-advocates a non-literal interpretation of Revelation, stressing only ideas, principles, and spiritual lessons
-Augustine’s brand of allegorism sees the book as the conflict of God vs. evil
-Application: the book is equally applicable to different ages of the church and does not focus on one special era. Steps of judgment are successive in thought rather than time.
Preterist (standing previous):
-Revelation tells us of contemporary conflicts and the first century victory of Christianity in the world
-Symbols are descriptive, not predictive, and refer to contemporary events of that day
-Ch. 4-19 occurred between 30-70 AD
-Revelation has no future significance
-Babylon and the Beast= Roman civil power
-The False Prophet= the Asian Priesthood promoting the worship of women (12:1), which equals the persecuted church
Historicists (Historical)
-Held by Reformers such as Luther
-Revelation is a symbolic presentation of the total of church history culminating in the Second Advent
-Symbols picture the church and civil history from the day of the writer (John) to the Second Coming of Christ
-Seals, trumpets, and bowls are chronological and successive stages in the development of the church historically
-Logic: Ch. 1-3 pertains to 7 historical churches and 21-22 to the future Jerusalem, so all in between must naturally depict the steps between these
-The Beast= Roman Papacy
-The False Prophet= the Roman Church
Futurist
-Held by most premillenialists
-Regards Revelations as futuristic beginning with ch. 4 and therefore subject to future fulfillment
-believe that to a wide degree the interpretation of Revelation is literal
-the purpose of the book is to reveal the plan of God for the future redemption and literal 1000 year kingdom on earth (ch. 4-22)
-second purpose is to show the urgency of overcoming the moral and doctrinal problems in the churches (ch. 2-3)
I hold the futurist view because it seems to be the least problematic, and it makes the most sense with how I’ve been taught. I believe that Revelation is talking about things that will come to pass in the future. As with the rest of the Bible, I believe that it is to be interpreted literally where possible.
9. Be able to identify the book and chapter(s) in which each of the following are found:
-The Great Commission: Matthew 28
-The birth of Jesus Christ: Matthew 1
-The resurrection of Christ: Matthew 28
-The ascension of Christ: Acts 1
-The coming of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2
-The first missionary journey: Acts 13-14
-The second missionary journey: Acts 15-18
-The third missionary journey: Acts 18-21
-The conversion of Paul: Acts 9
-The qualifications of an Elder: Titus 1
-The thousand year millennial reign of Christ: Revelation 20
-The Olivet Discourse: Matthew 23-25
-The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7
-The Upper Room Discourse: John 13-17
-The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23
-Divorce and Remarriage: 1 Corinthians 7
-The Day of the Lord: 2 Peter 3
-The Rapture: I Thessalonians 4
-The message to the seven Churches in Asia Minor: Revelation 2-3
-The Jerusalem Council: Acts 15
-Abraham as an example of justification by faith: Romans 4
-Transfiguration: Matthew 17
-Golden Rule: Matthew 7
-Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6
10. Be able to briefly identify the following individuals:
1. Joseph- Carpenter, earthly father of Jesus, made journey to Jerusalem w/Mary
2. Mary- pledged to be married to Joseph, found to be with child through Holy Spirit, gave birth to God’s son, Jesus Christ, in Bethlehem
3. Simeon- righteous and devout saint, Holy Spirit revealed that he would not die before he saw Jesus, saw Jesus in temple and praised Him and His family, prophesized that Jesus is Savior and will cause many hearts to be revealed
4. Zacharias- visited by Gabriel (angel), told that his wife, Elizabeth was going to give birth to a son named John, doubted and was not able to speak until John was born, praised God when John was born
5. Elizabeth- righteous before God, barren for many years, promised to give birth to a son and name him John
6. John the Baptist- “forerunner of our Lord”, his mission was prophecy, spoke mostly repentance, baptized those who believed in Jesus, cast into prison and beheaded
7. Nicodemus- visited Jesus by night to learn about His doctrines, protested against those plotting against Christ, took part in the preparation for the anointing and burial of the body of Christ
8. Peter- originally called Simon, fisherman who heard prophesies about the coming Messiah and became a disciple of Christ, denied Jesus and saw Him after He was raised from the dead, cast into prison/continually preached Gospel, even under persecution
9. James- one of Christ’s original 12 disciples, present at the transfiguration, first martyr among the apostles, beheaded by King Herod
10. John- brother of James, son of Zebedee, one of Christ’s original 12 disciples, the one that Jesus loved, began ministering in Judea
11. Andrew- one of Christ’ original 12 disciples, present at the feeding of the 5,000, brought others to Christ 3 times
12. Matthew- former name was Levi, tax-gatherer, one of Christ’s original 12 disciples
13. Luke- a Gentile and evangelist, converted by Paul, Paul’s companion during his journey to Jerusalem
14. Lazarus- Mary and Martha’s brother, raised from the dead after being in the tomb for 4 days, because of this the Jews wanted to put both Jesus and Lazarus to death
15. Mary & Martha- the two are contrasted, Mary had chosen the “good” part by spending time with Jesus, Martha was “cumbered about many things”
16. Philemon- Master of Onesimus, called a “fellow-laborer”, held some office in church in Colosse, helped spread the Gospel, held a prominent place in the Christian community
17. Onesimus- slave who robbed his master, Philemon, fled to Rome, was converted by Paul, Paul sent him back to his master, Philemon forgave him
18. Caiaphas- Jewish high pries at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, in this position when Jesus was condemned and crucified, sent Jesus to Pilate
19. Annas- first priest Jesus was brought to before being sent to Caiaphas, leader of the Sanhedrin that Peter and John were brought to in Acts 4
20. Pilate- Governor of Judea, reign extended over the period of the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus, questions Jesus and delivers him to Jews
21. Matthias- replaced Judas in the original 12 disciples, chosen after the disciples cast lots after praying to determine who was to take the place
22. Ananias & Sapphira- Ananias was a member of the church in Jerusalem, conspired together to deceive the Christian brothers, both died after lying about giving all of their money from selling their land to the church
23. Stephen- first Christian martyr, gave a speech in front of the Jewish leaders about the gospel being for Jews and Gentiles, stoned by the Jews
24. Barnabas- took a missionary journey with Paul to Antioch, did no go on a second one together because they had a falling out regarding whether or not to take John Mark, took John Mark to Cyprus
25. Cornelius- centurion in Caesarea, led to Christ by Peter, first Gentile to be saved, whole family was baptized
26. Philip- evangelist, led Ethiopian eunuch in chariot to Christ by explaining a passage in Isaiah, after the eunich was baptized, Philip was taken away by God, ministered in Azatus and Caesarea
27. Felix- Roman procurator of Judea, Paul spoke before him about his faith in Christ
28. Festus- successor of Felix as procurator of Judea, heard Paul defend himself before Herod, did not find Paul guilty
29. Paul- formerly Saul/persecuted Christians, converted on Road to Damascus, became a missionary to the Gentiles, arrested and persecuted many times, executed for his faith in Christ
30. Silas- also called Silvanus, prominent member of church in Jerusalem, accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their return to Antioch, went with Paul on his 2nd missionary journey
31. Timothy- young disciple, Paul’s companion on many of his journeys, when Paul was a prisoner at Rome, Timothy joined him
32. John Mark- nephew of Barnabas, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement about him and split up, went with Barnabas to Cyprus
33. Michael- one of the chief angels with special charge of Israel, disputed with Satan
34. Gabriel- sent to Daniel to explain his vision to him and communicate the prediction of the 70 weeks, announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus
Systematic Theology
1. Define the million terms.
2. What is the New Testament gospel message? It must be clear and biblically supported.
The New Testament gospel message is centered around 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. To summarize, the NT gospel is the story of the person and accomplishments of Jesus Christ and what benefits His accomplishments bring to lost and helpless sinners.
We can break the gospel message into 4 parts:
-Who God is:
-God is Holy (1 Peter 1: 15-16)
-God is Just (Deuteronomy 32:4)
-God is Judge (Psalm 7:11)
-God cannot look upon sin (Habakkuk 1:13)
-We are all sinners who need a Savior
-Romans 3:23, 6:23
-A Savior satisfies God’s wrath (Romans 5:9)
-A Savior reconciles us to God (1Timothy 2:5)
-We cannot pay the debt (Hebrews 10:11-14)
-God provided the Savior through Jesus Christ:
-He is His Son (Colossians 1:15-17)
-Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life (Hebrews 4:15)
-Christ died for our sins (1 Peter 2:24)
-Christ rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:4)
-This proved His deity and conquering of sin
-Without this, our faith is in vain; He would have been like any other man
-It was God’s stamp of approval on Jesus’ life and sacrifice on the cross
-We have a personal obligation to choose
-Salvation is not based on works (Titus 3:5)
-Salvation is a result of God’s grace (Galatians 2:16)
-We must have faith/believe (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10)
-Repentance and turning from sin (Acts 3:19)
-God forgives our sins (Acts 2:38)
-We have eternal life (John 3:16)
3. Describe the biblical view of human nature.
Human nature is created in the image of God. This is depicted in Genesis to the later books of the New Testament. Because of the fall (Gen. 3), all that is like God in us is perverted. Not one part of us is left untouched.
Genesis 1:26-28 depicts the ways in which we are like God:
-created by God to relate to each other (human relationships) and with our Creator
-created as image-bearers to rule over the earth, with God as the absolute ruler over all creation
-when people see us they should see a representation of our invisible Creator; by sinning (Romans 3:23), we fail to display the glory of God
Physically: the image of God in us is what makes us distinct from the animals, not our bodies (though our bodies were created by God and seen as “good”)
Intellectually: God created us with intellect and expects us to use it; primarily to know Him more (Jeremiah 9), not that we should boast in it or use it without submission to God (1 Corinthians 1).
Emotionally: both positive and negative emotions are ascribed to God in the Bible (compassion, anger, jealousy, gratitude, joy, etc.), but they are distorted by our sin and can spring forth from evil motives
Morally/Spiritually: humans are designed to be in relationship with creation, each other, and most importantly with our Creator
“Parts of Human Nature”:
-Trichotomy: body, soul, spirit (1 Thessalonians 5, Hebrews 4)
-Dichotomy: body and soul/spirit
-terms for soul and spirit are used synonymously/interchangeably in the Greek and Hebrew
-describing death, Scripture says either the soul departs or the spirit…not both
-both the soul and spirit of a person can sin; the soul and spirit do the same things
-Monism: man as one essential component; human nature being divine
Human nature is subject to death
-physical: as a consequence to sin, man returns to dust (Genesis 3)
-spiritual: the decomposition of the likeness of God in human nature
-eternal: subject to eternal punishment or reward, death
4. Explain the key aspects of what is called “original sin” and how “total depravity” relates to it.
Original Sin, first aspect:
-it refers to the sinful nature that all human beings inherit from Adam
-this sinful nature causes sinful tendencies, desires, and dispositions within a person
-it is sometimes called “original pollution”
-it is present in every human at conception
-key verse: Psalm 51:5
Original Sin, second aspect:
-refers to the guilt of Adam’s sin that is imputed to every human being
-all humanity not only shares in the effects of Adam’s sin, but also the guilt of Adam’s sin
-refers to a person’s legal standing before God
-this guilt is imputed to a person when they are conceived and thus every person is guilty of Adam’s sin before they have actually committed a sinful act (Romans 5:12)
It is important to make the differentiation between the first aspect of original sin that is inherited and the second aspect that is imputed. The first refers to our corrupted nature, the second refers to an unregenerate person’s legal standing before God.
Another important differentiation to make is between Adam’s first sin and the sinful nature we receive from Adam. The theological term “original sin” does not refer to Adam’s first sin, but to the sinful nature we inherit from Adam.
Total depravity refers to the extensiveness of the corruption of human nature inherited form Adam. The sinful nature we received from Adam is entirely corrupted, meaning that it affects every aspect of our human faculties. It is this moral corruption (total depravity) that deprives us of holiness and alienates us from God. Another aspect of total depravity it that of “total inability”. This refers to the corruption of human nature which is so great that no one can desire, choose, or do any spiritual good apart form God’s grace. The doctrine of total depravity refers to the state of humanity, while the doctrine of total inability refers to the implications of total depravity.
5. What is meant when orthodox Christianity speaks of God as a “Trinity?”
Definition: God eternally exists as 3 persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and each is fully God, and there is one God.
Description:
-God is 3 persons
-the God-head is three distinct persons
-the Father and the Son are distinct: the Word was with God, so therefore it is distinct from the Father (John 1:1-2)
-the Holy Spirit is distinct: the Holy Spirit was given by Christ, so that His followers would remember His words, so therefore it is distinct form the Son (John 14:27)
-Each Person is fully God
-Father is clearly God: evidenced throughout the whole Bible beginning with Creating and culminating in the Day of the Lord
-Son is fully God: (John 1:1-4)
-Holy Spirit is fully God: (Matthew 28:19)
-God is One
-the three different persons of the Trinity are one in purpose and essential essence (Deuteronomy 6:4, Romans 3:30)
6. Explain the person of Christ, giving biblical support for His humanity and deity.
Hypostatic Union:
-This is not two persons in one nature, nor is it one nature blended in with another
-The two natures of Jesus Christ are two distinct natures which are inevitably connected
-Jesus is 100% God and 100% man, not 50/50
-Jesus the man does not exist outside or disconnected from Jesus the God
-He was one with the Father (John 10:30), yet sympathized with man in every way (Hebrews 2:14)
Kenosis Passage of Philippians 2:5-7
Scriptural Basis of Jesus’ Humanity:
-born a virgin woman in human flesh: Luke 1:31
-the Word, God, became “flesh” : John 1:14
-becomes weary, as any human would: John 4:6
-grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men: Luke 2:52
-experienced physical hunger: Matthew 4:2
-suffered weakness in every way that humans do, yet without sin: Hebrews 4:15
Scriptural Basis of Jesus’ Deity:
-Jesus is God over all: Romans 9:5
-He is our great God and Savior: Titus 2:13-14
-The Word (Jesus) was God: John 1:1
-Jesus said He and the Father are one: John 10:30-38
-Jesus forgave sins as God: Mark 2: 5-7
-Psalm 45:6-7 and Hebrews 1:8-9
7. What is meant when orthodox Protestantism speaks of justification by faith alone?
Definition of Justification: The act by which God acquits the believer of all sins and grants him a right legal standing on the basis of the work of Christ.
-one must have faith in the saving work of Christ; justification by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-10)
-one cannot be justified by works (Romans 11:6, Galatians 2:16)
-faith does not earn us the status of righteous; rather, it accepts and appropriates it
-righteousness by faith is the theme of Romans 3:21-31
-when God justifies a person, He declares them righteous in advance (before the actual judgment to come)
In other words, you cannot be justified by works. Justification only comes by faith.
8. Why, and how does the death and resurrection of Christ save sinners?
Why:
-Christ died for all men
-It satisfied God’s wrath against sin, due to the demand of His holy character
-The full penalty for sin has been paid
-The death of Christ is what allows sinful men to be reconciled to God
-The resurrection provides eternal life for those who believe
How:
-Christ’s death was the substitute for sacrifices
-resurrection proved the deity of Christ
-Christ’s resurrection proves God’s acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice
-Allows us to experience regeneration
-Makes justification possible
-Provides eternal life for those who believe
9. Distinguish presuppositional apologetics from evidential apologetics.
Presuppositional:
-The apologetic method where a person will respond to the evidences that are given him solely based on his or her presuppositions
-One’s presuppositions have so conditioned a fallen man that he cannot and will not respond when presented with evidence to an argument for Christianity
-Apologetics is really only for Christians
-Do no believe there is any common middle ground with which to meet a non-Christian
-A non-Christian must reject their worldview entirely, and accept the God-centered worldview
Evidentialist:
-specializes in historical proofs
-there is common middle ground between Christians and non-Christians
-use common middle ground as a starting point to argue towards God and the Bible
10. Explain the classic rational arguments used to defend the existence of God.
-The Cosmological Argument: everything within the universe has a cause; therefore the universe itself must have a cause, which can only be God
-The Teleological Argument: there is evidence of order and design in the universe; this design gives evidence of an intelligent purpose; since the universe appears to be created with a purpose, there must be an intelligent and purposeful God to create it
-The Moral Argument: states that man has a sense of right and wrong; the need for justice to be done; therefore, there must be a God who is the source of right and wrong, and who will bring justice to all people
-The Ontological Argument: God is a necessary being, as humans we may or may not exist, but God must exist
11. Distinguish the view of believer’s baptism from infant baptism. What biblical and theological reasons are used to argue for each?
Believer’s Baptism:
-The NT shows faith tied closely with the rite of baptism (Colossians 2:12)
-The NT links baptism and regeneration (Acts 22:16)
-The NT presents the church as a body of regenerated believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)
-The New Covenant (baptism/spiritual rebirth) is different from the Mosaic Covenant (circumcision/natural birth)
-Spirit Baptism unites the church with Christ and to other members of the church
Infant Baptism (Paedo-Baptism):
-Said to have been practiced in the church from the earliest centuries
-Practice of household baptism in the NT (Acts 16:29-34)
-when the head of the family confessed, the whole family was baptized
- 1st Corinthians 7:14
-Argued from instances in the Gospels when Jesus willingly relates to children in His ministry (Luke 18:15-17)
-Reformed covenant of grace
-concluded that the sacraments of the NT era functioned similarly as those in the OT (circumcised as babies baptized as babies)
12. What biblical and theological reasons are used to defend Premillennialism?
-A literal interpretation of Revelation 20 (1,000 years is an actual chronological period)
-Isaiah 11:2-9
-Satan will be bound
-Believers will reign with Christ during the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 2:26-27)
-The four unconditional blessings to Israel from the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12-15)
-Seed, land, universal blessing, a final world supremacy through the “great” divine blessings would flow out to all mankind
-the prophecies of Christ first arrival were literal, so the prophecy of His second arrival must be taken literally
13. What biblical and theological reasons are used to defend the cessation of the “sign” gifts today?
-signs were used to delineate authenticity of the Gospel, the means of salvation
-God distributed the gifts to Apostles to attest and bear witness of the Gospel
-sign gifts were used for the advancement of the early church (Hebrews 2:3-4)
-Tongues
-Were used publicly to further God’s glory and for the edification of God’s people; not to edify one’s self (1st Corinthians 14)
- 1st Corinthians 13:8 specifically says that love will never fail, but the sign gifts will end
-Must be careful when it comes to prophesying (2nd Peter 1:20-21)
-They were used to affirm true apostleship (2nd Corinthians 12:12)
-Scripture is complete now
-We are not to take words away from the Bible (Revelation 22:19)
Practical Theology
1. Compare and contrast the various views of church government.
Government within the local churches:
-the single monarchial Bishop
-the body of elders
-the congregation
-a fourth view might be added here: there are some radical Christian groups that hold the view that there are no authorities in the local church
Monarchial Bishop: The New Testament uses two terms, “elder/presbyter” and “bishop/overseer”, relatively synonymously for the chief office in the local church. A third term with some NT warrant is “pastor/shepherd” for the same office.
Quickly the earthly postapostolic church distinguished between the office of elder and bishop. The “elders” were generally plural in a particular city or town while the “bishop” was singular. The singular bishop quickly became the final authority over the particular congregation, presiding over the elders, deacons, and laity.
In support of this form of local church government, NT texts could be cited that encourage submission to the church’s leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Even the term “overseer/bishop” suggests investiture with authority. This form of government is practiced in the denomination with an Episcopal hierarchy, but it is also de facto the form of government in many churches in which a sole pastor rules dictatorially.
Elder Rule: In this form of government, the body of elders is the final human authority in the local church. The church has multiple elders. No single elder has this authority, but collegially they exercise it together. Hebrews 13: 7, 17 as well as texts affirming authority to elders (1st Timothy 5:17, Acts 20:28, 1st Peter 5:2) support this form of government. Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 also give the spiritual qualifications for an elder. In elder rule, there is no distinction between the bishops/overseers and the presbyters/elders.
Congregation Rule: It is important to note that this position in church government does not say that the only local church authority is the congregation. Almost all churches affirming congregational rule are not pure democracies; the congregations delegate authority to the pastors/elders, deacons, and other officers. What congregational government affirms is that the final human authority in the local church is the congregation. In other words, congregational government insists that regardless of church office, the congregation as a whole can overrule and/or call to account any member of the church- even a pastor. Support for this form of government can be found in passages that affirm congregational input into the decision making process and teach the accountability of every member including elders to the congregation as a whole (2 Corinthians 2:6, Matthew 18:17, 1st Timothy 5:19-20, Acts 6 and 13).
2. Briefly discuss the views of the role of women in the church, and biblically support your view.
-There are two views of the role of women in the church: egalitarian and complementarian.
-Egalitarian: women can hold positions of leadership and authority over men, basically any position in the church; no governing or teaching roles in church are reserved for men
-Complementarian: women are a helpmate or complement to men, leaning and serving in humble submission; some governing and teaching roles in church are restricted to men.
-The Danvers Statement (1987) also speaks on the role of women in the church:
-In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men.
-In both men and women a heartfelt sense of call to ministry should never be used to set aside Biblical criteria for particular ministries. Rather, Biblical teaching should remain the authority for testing our subjective discernment of God’s will.
My view is the complementarian view, I believe that women are prohibited form preaching (1st Timothy 2:9-15, 1st Corinthians 14:34). I also believe that woman was created as a helpmate to man. This can be found in such verses as Genesis 2:18, 1st Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22. Even though the Bible says that woman is not to have authority over man, this does not mean that she does not have a place in the church. It is also important to understand that women can have opinions, but they must learn humbly. Therefore, I am strongly against the egalitarian view because the Bible specifically says that a woman is not to be over a man.
3. Biblically support your view of church discipline.
Matthew 18:15-17
-If a brother sins against you, go to him privately and tell him his sin.
-If you have tried repeatedly and he is still not repentant, bring two to three witnesses with you.
-If the brother is still not repentant, bring it to the church
-If the sinning brother still does not repent, treat him as a Gentile/tax collector. In other words, an unbeliever
1st Timothy 5:19-20
-If it is an elder, a charge cannot be accepted until at least two or three are also witnesses of this leader’s sin.
-If the leader persists in sin and does not repent, he is to be rebuked in the presence of all (some say that this means only elders, and some say that this means the whole congregation).
4. Give the various views of Baptism and biblically support your view.
-Sprinkling of water over the head or body
-Pouring of water over the head
-Full immersion into water- Jewish Mikvah
Full immersion into a body of water is the most accurate way of baptism as shown in Scripture. In Matthew 3:16 (Jesus’ baptism), it says that He “came up immediately from the water”. This verse portrays Jesus as having been under water, and then coming up from it. Also, in Acts 8:38-39 this same idea is shown with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. It says that Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and that they “came up out of the water”.
5. Give the various views of Communion and biblically support your view.
Transubstantiation: this theory arose to explain the physical presence of the body of Christ in the elements. By this theory, it was thought, the very nature or ‘essence’ of the elements of communion.
Consubstantiation: Protestants broke with the approved Catholic teaching. Following Luther, Lutherans accepted this theory by which they deny a change in the elements of communion, but affirm a real, physical presence of the body and blood of Christ in communion.
Spiritual/Mystical: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox doctrine support much of their view of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist by virtue of the authority of tradition, councils, and church officials. Biblical support generally rests upon the Lord’s words at the supper, “this is my body”, interpreted completely literally.
Symbolic/Object Lesson: Almost all Protestants (except Lutherans) reject the previously listed views. Jesus and the apostles often used simple verbs to indicate representation (Matthew 5:13, 5:14, 1st Corinthians 10:4) It is unwarranted to assume Christ is being metaphorical in His words at the Last Supper. Jesus did not mean to be literal when he said “This is the cup of the new covenant” (1st Corinthians 11:25). Obviously Christ did not mean that the clay or metal cup used at that time was actually an agreement called the new covenant- He meant that the cup symbolized the New Covenant.
6. Give the various views of divorce and remarriage, and biblically support your view.
-No divorce, no remarriage
-Divorce in some cases, No remarriage
-Divorce and Remarriage for adultery or desertion
-Divorce and remarriage for a variety of circumstances
-Remarriage only if one’s spouse has died, not if there is divorce
My view is divorce and remarriage for adultery or desertion. While God makes it very clear that He hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), the Bible does teach that adultery allows divorce and remarriage (Matthew 5:32, 19:9). The Bible also teaches that divorce and remarriage is allowed if the unbelieving spouse leaves (1st Corinthians 7:12-16).
In other words, Jesus states that there is only one valid reason for which a person may properly divorce the other and then marry someone else: unrepentant adultery on the part of the spouse (Matthew 19:9). Or, if the spouse initiates the separation, the deserted spouse may divorce and remarry (1st Corinthians 7:15).
I would also add that I do agree with remarriage after one’s spouse has died, based on such passages as Romans 7:3, 1st Timothy 5:14, and 1st Corinthians 7:39. However, I hold the view that remarriage is allowed for both the death of the spouse along with the unrepentant adultery and desertion.
7. Discuss the Christian view of “vocation” or calling.
Calling is the truth that God calls us to Himself so decisively that everything we are, do and have is invested with special devotion and dynamism lived out as a response to His summons.
-To call means to name
-Call is a synonym for salvation
-Jesus calls His followers to Himself
-Jesus also calls His followers to peace, fellowship, eternal life, suffering, service, and discipleship
-Our primary calling as followers of Christ is by Him, to Him, and for Him
-Our secondary calling, considering who God is as sovereign, is that everyone, everywhere and in everything, should think, speak, live, and act entirely for Him.
-Our primary calling cannot be separated from our secondary calling.
-Primary and secondary callings must be kept in the proper order
-We must make sure that the primary calling leads without fail to the secondary calling
-Special calling refers to those tasks and missions laid on individuals through a direct, specific, supernatural communication from God. Many Christians make the mistake of elevating special calling or of talking as if everyone needs a special call for every task.
8. How would you communicate the Gospel message to an unbeliever? It must be clear and biblically supported.
The Four Spiritual Laws (Campus Crusade for Christ)
1) God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life (John 3:16, John 10:10)
2) Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know or experience God’s love and plan for his life. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)
3) Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for man’s sin. Through Him you can know and experience God’s love and plan for your life. (Jesus died in our place, Romans 5:8; He rose from the dead, 1st Corinthians 15:3-6; He is the only way to God, John 14:6)
4) We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (John 1:12); then we can know and experience God’s love and plan for our lives. (We must receive Him by faith, Ephesians 2:8-9; we will then experience a new birth, John 3:1-8; we receive Christ through personal invitation, Revelation 3:20)
Emphasis
1. Describe and discuss the educational cycle of local church ministry.
This cycle is made up of nine components. The first two must be established before the seven component cycle can begin. At the very beginning is the Biblical Imperatives. This has to do with why we are doing something, and what Scripture commands us to do. The second is the Biblical Objectives. This is where the goals come from and the and the what we are doing. From here starts the cycle. Current Needs are at the beginning. Where they are at, what are the felt needs (learner) and real needs (teacher). Next is the Current Objectives. This is where the teacher takes the needs and Biblical objectives and makes them modern. After this, one can create/find Curriculum. Curriculum is what is taught. Unfortunately, people usually start the cycle with curriculum. The next step is Organization and Administration. An example could be a youth group. From here we have Methods and Materials. This is how to pull it off (teaching methods, trips, programming). The final part of the cycle is Revised Needs. If you’re not where you’re supposed to be, then you need to start the cycle over at the current needs.
2. Describe the nature of youth culture today. Be specific and offer support.
The nature of youth culture today is shaped by many influences. A list of some of them are: music, movies, TV, internet, media, money, facebook/myspace movement, blogging, interaction with the law (can I break a law because it seems unreasonable or unfair?), dating (how far is too far?) Other issues that plague youth culture have to do with when youth are to be and act like an adult; what is the role of a man or woman and how do they respond in the world; how do we respond to post-modernism; and how do we respond to the emphasis for toleration. These are all topics and questions that affect a teenager.
There are also many parallels with the nature of today’s youth culture, to that portrayed in Proverbs. For example, love, friends, enemies, truthfulness, gossip, laziness, kindness, anger, relationships with parents, and many others are issues that face youth culture just as much today as they did back then.
3. Describe the instructional system and how it affects teaching.
The instructional system is made up of five parts. On the top left there is the teacher; the top right there is the student; the bottom left is content; and bottom right is method. There are arrows pointing between teacher and student, student and method, method and content, and content and teacher. In the middle of this rectangle is the learning environment. There are two sets of arrows (they look like an ‘x’) with one pointing to teacher and method and one pointing to content and student.
This system affects teaching in many ways. First, a teacher must know their strengths and weaknesses in order to be most effective. Secondly, the arrow between teacher and student is relational. Third, when it comes to method, this has to do with how we are teaching. One must know the different methods and how to use them well. With content, this is what we’re teaching. With the arrow between content and method, it is important to understand that these two can’t always work for everything. For example, lectures won’t work for all content. Finally, it is very important to understand that the learning environment can affect all four of these areas such as noise, time, heat, etc.). When it comes to teaching, one must understand that these five components work together either positively or negatively.
4. Discuss Acts 2:42 as it relates to overall church ministry.
Acts 2:42 has to do with the biblical basis for Christian education. This verse emphasizes the corporate priority of Christian education. Acts 2:42 says, “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” From this verse come four elements that are “typical navigational landmarks for a corporate philosophy of ministry for a community of believers” (Behle). The first is the Apostle’s teaching; this means a strong teaching emphasis. The second is fellowship; this has to do with all of the “one another’s”. The third one is the breaking of bread; this is communion. The final one is prayer. These are sometimes referred to as the WIFE acronym: Worship, Instruction, Fellowship, Expression
5. Discuss Matthew 28:19-20 as it relates to overall church ministry.
Matthew 28:19-20 has to do with the biblical basis for Christian education. These verses emphasize the Great Commission or Christian education.
From the verses come two principles: the priority of discipleship and the pattern of discipleship. First, when one is being discipled, that disciplee should be discipling others, and so on. The second aspect is the pattern of discipleship. First, going goes with evangelism. We need to go where they are. Also, evangelism is not a method. Second, baptizing goes with identification. Finally, teaching goes with education. One must teach to observe; this means how to practice Christianity. Overall, this has to do with church ministry, because discipleship must be a part of church ministry.
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