The Law

Interpreting and applying the Mosaic (Sinaitic) law is the focus of the fourteenth class from my course, Hermeneutics. The first part of the class provides a brief overview of the historical background, purpose, and function of the law, as well as a discussion of its nature and some of its peculiarities. The second part of the class focuses on the application of the law in light of the New Covenant. Audio and notes are available here.

The Church's Hope

The return of Jesus, the resurrection, and the renewal of creation are the primary Christian hope expressed in the New Testament. These are discussed along with heaven (which is not viewed as the primary Christian hope of the New Testament) in the 22nd class of the course, God's Story of Redemption. Audio and notes are available here.

Interpreting the Gospels & Parables

This week's Hermeneutics lesson focuses on the interpretation of the Gospels and of Parables. Audio and notes are available here.

The Church's Identity

Today's class from God's Story of Redemption looks at some of the major biblical metaphors for the church, such as the Body of Christ, the Temple of God, and the Bride of Christ. These are considered in continuity with God's original purpose for humanity and creation. Also briefly considered is a nuanced understanding of the church as the "true" Israel, which does not necessarily view the church as fully replacing historical Israel and God's purposes for the nation. Audio and notes are available here.

Interpreting OT Narrative & Acts

In class #12 of my Hermeneutics course various interpretive guidelines are given for OT narratives and the Book of Acts. Included is a discussion of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and two handouts. One handout is a brief, categorized analysis of the five instances recorded in Acts which involve believers being initially filled with the Holy Spirit. The second handout is a brief, categorized analysis of the twelve instances recorded in Acts which involve the proclamation of the apostolic gospel to non-believers. Audio & notes are available here.

Jesus the Messiah II

Class #20 of God's Story of Redemption continues its focus on Jesus as the promised Messiah. Topics covered include his fulfillment of the suffering dimensions of Isaiah's Servant of Yahweh, as well as his partial fulfillment of the major categories of the Old Testament messianic promises. Also included is a discussion of the eschatological framework of the New Testament, which addresses the concepts of "the Last Days" and of the phrase "already, not yet."

Audio and notes are available here.