08 The Law

The eighth lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses the role and nature of the Law in the overall plan of redemption. The relationship of the the Law to salvation is considered, including seven implicit foundational truths which would become critical to attaching meaning to the crucifixion of Jesus. Also briefly addressed is the misunderstanding that commonly arises when New Testament texts are read that apparently make pejorative comments about the Law.

Audio and notes may be accessed via the course link located in the upper right column of this webpage.

07 The Land

The seventh lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the thematic significance of land. Attention is given to the role of land in the creation mandate, as well as to the parallels between the Promised Land and the Garden of Eden. The Promised Land is viewed as a new paradise with similar strategic missional value as the original intersection of heaven and earth.

Audio and notes are available via the course link located in the upper right column of this webpage.

06 Exodus

The sixth lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the missional significance of the Exodus in light of God's plan of redemption. The Exodus is understood as being paradigmatic of God's ultimate plan of redemption for all nations through the salvation brought through Jesus Christ.

Audio and notes are available via the course link in the right column of this webpage.

05 Israel

The fifth lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the missional significance of the nation of Israel in its inception in light of God's plan of redemption. Israel's missional continuity with Abraham is highlighted. Biblical references are drawn from Exodus and Deuteronomy.

Audio and notes are available via the course link in the right column of this webpage.

Queen of Sheba

The biblical account of the Queen of Sheba is a fascinating study of a woman, whose spiritual hunger, along with her abilities and character, is an idealized, typological foreshadowing of the great ingathering of Gentiles into the people of God. Earlier this year I had the privilege to speak about her at a Sunday worship service at Bethel World Outreach Church in Brentwood, TN.

The audio and notes can be accessed via these links: Audio + Notes.

04 Abraham

The fourth lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the missional significance of Abraham in light of God's plan of redemption by surveying Abraham's numerous encounters with God, with specific attention given to language which echoes the original Creation Mandate.

Audio and lecture notes are available via the course link in the right column of this webpage.

03 The Rebellion

The third lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the biblical account of the initial human rebellion against God as recorded in the third chapter of Genesis, and its consequences for humanity, creation, and the Creation Mandate.

Audio and lecture notes are available through the course link in the right column of this webpage.

02 Image of God & Creation Mandate

The second lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on two topics: the significance and meaning of humans created in the image of God as understood from an Ancient Near Eastern perspective, and the mission assigned to humans (known as the Creation Mandate) as recorded in the first two chapters of Genesis.

Audio and lecture notes are available via the course link in the right column of this webpage.

01 Intro & Cosmic Temple

The first lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption provides an introduction to the course, as well as an overview of the creation account of Genesis chapter one. The concept of the creation designed to be a cosmic temple for the habitation of God is also considered.

Audio and lecture notes are available via the course link in the right column of this webpage.

Metanarrative of Redemption

The Pastors' and Ministers' Development program of Bethel World Outreach Church resumes its academic schedule with the course, The Metanarrative of Redemption. The course is a reprise of God's Story of Redemption. [God's Story of Redemption was taught as a 26 week Sunday School course in 2010-2011.]

The course description is as follows: Students should grow in their theological understanding of the biblical metanarrative of redemption in terms of its grounding in the purposes of creation, its cohesiveness throughout Scripture, and its objectives in the present and coming age, and consequently grow in their awe of God, their eschatological hope for the return of Jesus Christ, and their desire to holistically engage in God’s mission now.

More information regarding textbooks, the class and reading schedule, as well as access to the lecture notes and lecture audio recordings may be accessed here, or via the link in the upper right column of this page.

Systematic Theology - Hiatus

For those who have been following the Systematic Theology course, we will be taking a hiatus until September, 2015. In its place I will be teaching the Metanarrative of Redemption, which will take place from September, 2014 until May, 2015. There will be no classes held this summer.

The Metanarrative of Redemption course has been taught under the title, "God's Story of Redemption," which is available via the link in the upper right column of this page.

Atonement 2 (Sys Theo #31)

Six alternative models of the atonement are reviewed and considered in light of the overall teaching of Scripture. Discernible biblical truths are underscored, while simultaneously identifying errors or misleading conclusions. The extent of the atonement is also considered as to whether it is limited or unlimited, with an emphasis on the points of agreement between the views in terms of praxis.

Audio and notes are available on the Systematic Theology page, which can be accessed via the link in the upper right column of this page.

Atonement 1 (Sys Theo #30)

The thirtieth lesson of Systematic Theology centers in on the doctrine of the Atonement. The Scriptural witness to the atonement is covered, as well as the atonement's necessity and nature. The class finishes with an overview of a holistic understanding of penal substitution. Next week additional biblical metaphors and insights into the atonement will be considered.

Audio and notes are available on the Systematic Theology page located via the link in the upper right column of this webpage.

Ascension (Sys Theo #29)

The historical event of the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven following his bodily resurrection from the dead is the focus of lesson 29 of Systematic Theology. After referencing the biblical data for the ascension, focus is given to the nature of the ascension (and hence, heaven itself), its significance for both Christ and humanity, and the substance of Christ's being seated at the right hand of God (i.e., his session).

Audio and notes may be accessed on the Systematic Theology page, which can be accessed via the link in the upper right column of this page.

Jesus' Resurrection (Sys Theo #28)

Lesson 28 of Systematic Theology looks at the resurrection of Jesus. Topics covered are the biblical data for the resurrection, the nature of Jesus' resurrection body, and the significance of his resurrection. Audio and notes are available via the Systematic Theology page, which can be accessed by the link in the upper right column of this page.

Incarnation 2 (Sys Theo #27)

The relationship between the divine and human natures in the person of Christ is the focus of this second lesson on the incarnation of the Son of God, and is the twenty-seventh lesson in the Systematic Theology course. Numerous heresies regarding this issue are considered, followed by the Chalcedon Definition and some orthodox statements by J. I. Packer. The lesson concludes with a brief consideration of three important implications of the incarnation.

Audio and notes are available via the Systematic Theology page, which can be accessed by the link in the upper right column of this page.

Incarnation 1 (Sys Theo #26)

The incarnation of the Son of God is the subject matter for lessons 26 and 27 of Systematic Theology.  The first of these lessons reviews the biblical evidence for his full humanity and full divinity, along with his sinlessness. Kenosis, or the "self-emptying," of the Son of God is also briefly considered, along with his conception and birth by the virgin, Mary.

Links to the audio and notes are available on the Systematic Theology webpage, or via the link in the upper right column of this page.

Source of Sin (Sys Theo #25)

The Source of Sin, lesson 25 of Systematic Theology, addresses the following: (1) two common erroneous views of the source of sin; (2) internal and external enticements to sin; (3) the universality and totality of sin; (4) inherited, or original, sin; (5) a brief consideration of the sinfulness of infants and children. This lesson concludes the series on the doctrine of humanity. The next lesson will begin the doctrine of Christ.

Audio and notes are available via the Systematic Theology page, the link to which is located in the upper right column of this webpage.

Results of Sin (Sys Theo #24)

Lesson 24 of Systematic Theology focuses on the results or consequences of sin. These are considered in terms of the damage done to our relationship with God, to ourselves, and to our relationships with others. The social dimensions of sin are also considered with reflection given to the biblical concepts of the "world," the "powers," and corporate identity.

Here is a brief excerpt from the lecture notes that describes the biblical concept of the "world" in the pejorative sense:

• The “world” consists in the entire system of human civilizations developed over the long history of the human race, consisting of the many complex and integrated political, economic, educational, business, and social structures of various societies that are an ongoing reflection and manifestation of the innumerable sinful acts and ways of fallen humanity expressed over many generations, that also exerts a controlling influence over the course and direction of individuals, people groups, entire nations, and even civilizational blocs of nations. This “world” system is under the control of Satan, but is ultimately under God’s judgment.

Audio and notes are available on the Systematic Theology webpage, which can be accessed through the link provided in the upper right column of this webpage.

Nature of Sin (Sys Theo #23)

Lesson 23 of Systematic Theology focuses on the nature of human sin. It is the first of three classes that will focus on the doctrine of human sin. An extensive reading from Millard Erickson begins the class by surveying the connection between the doctrine of sin and several other biblical doctrines. The majority of the class is spent focusing on multiple terms identified by Erickson regarding the causes, character, and results of human sin. The class concludes with a consideration of three different views concerning the fundamental essence of human sin.

Audio and notes are available on the Systematic Theology course webpage, which can be accessed via the link provided in the upper right column of this webpage.

Nature of Man (Sys Theo #22)

The Nature of Man is the focus of the 22nd class of Systematic Theology. The question of whether humans consist of one, two, or three constituent parts is considered (body, soul, spirit). The conditional unity of the material and immaterial aspects of humanity is emphasized, with consideration given to its implications. A brief overview of the source of the human soul finishes the class.

Audio and notes are available here, or via the Systematic Theology link in the upper right column.

Image of God (Sys Theo #21)

Humans as created in the image of God is the subject matter for the 21st installment of the Systematic Theology class. Biblical texts relating to original, fallen, and redeemed humanity are surveyed, as well as those relating to Jesus Christ. Various theological views of the nature of the image of God are considered in addition to a synthesized view. Lastly, historical insights from the Ancient Near East are also considered. The result is a fascinating study on what it means for humans to have been created in the image of God.

Audio and notes are available through the course link in the upper right column of this page, or by clicking here.

Human Origins 2 (Sys Theo #20)

Our study of the doctrine of humanity continues with the second lesson on human origins. Taught by guest lecturer, Dr. Brian Miller, the lesson focuses on various models of human origins generally held by Christians, various views of the age of humans, as well as some other pertinent scientific issues.

Dr. Miller received his B.S. in physics from MIT and his Ph.D. in physics from Duke University. He speaks internationally on topics of science, worldview, and society. He is also a partner with the Aslan Guild, which is an inventor's guild dedicated to bringing innovative new products into the marketplace.

Audio and notes are available through the link for the course in the upper right column of this webpage, or by clicking here.

Human Origins 1 (Sys Theo #19)

The second semester of Systematic Theology has begun with Lesson #19 on the topic of Human Origins as part of the broader doctrine of Humanity. Some general non-biblical Western views of humanity are considered first. Different Christian views of Adam and Eve are introduced next, followed by some thought given to the theological meaning of being humans deliberately designed and created by God.

Audio and notes are available through the link in the upper right column, or by clicking here.