22 Summary

The final lesson of the Metanarrative of Redemption has been completed. The essential elements of the course were reviewed in an interactive classroom setting. Because of this the audio has not been posted, but the seven page lecture notes are available as usual via the course link in the upper right column of this webpage.

If you have been following along with the entire course, look at the lecture notes and see if you understand the main points stated in brief form for each of the lessons.

In addition, I've listed some suggested further reading, as well as a brief Gospel summary that includes a few of the elements that were highlighted in this metanarrative course.

21 The Apostolic Gospel

Lesson 21 of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the content of the Gospel preached by the apostles as recorded in the Book of Acts. This New Testament book records the message that was specifically communicated to non-Christians. An analysis of this content is a window to the core message preached by the church in the first century. Significantly, there are differences between the content of this apostolic Gospel and the Gospel that is popularly preached today in many places.

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

20 The Church's Mission

Lesson 20 of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on the mission of the church in the light of the church's hope and identity, all of which are framed by God's plan of redemption for humanity and this world. Consideration is given to what it means for the church to be both a sign and a sacrament of the coming fulness of the kingdom of God to be realized at the bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth.

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

19 The Church's Identity

Lesson 19 of the Metanarrative of Redemption focuses on four major images used in the New Testament with regard to the church's identity, all of which are connected with Jesus. After briefly considering the nature of analogical language used in the Bible, the four images are addressed: the body of Christ, the temple of God, the bride of Christ, and the "true" Israel.

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

18 The Church's Hope

Lesson 18 of the Metanarrative of Redemption reflects upon the central hope of the New Testament, which is the return of Jesus, the resurrection, the renewal of creation, and other related themes. In addition, various biblical texts which have at times been misunderstood by some to emphasize an eternal destiny in heaven (without regard to the renewal of the earth) are considered more carefully in their context.

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