Introduction to Biblical Covenants and Systematic Theology Course Syllabus Grace Bible Church 2014-15 Instructors: Matt Morton, Blake Jennings, Trey Corry Class Description: The class provides a basic understanding of biblical and systematic theology. Topics include biblical covenants, dispensationalism and covenant theology, contemporary issues in soteriology, discussion of problem passages, and an introduction to systematic theology. [5 hours of homework & 2 hours in class] Learning Objectives: After the course participants should be able to: 1. Articulate clearly the overarching theme(s) of Scripture revealed through covenants. 2. Describe the distinctions between dispensationalism and covenant theology. 3. Compare different soteriological systems and apply them to relevant case studies. 4. Demonstrate competency in interpreting difficult problem passages such as James 2, Hebrews 6, and Hebrews 10. 5. Communicate a basic appreciation for the issues involved in each category of systematic theology and articulate and defend personal positions for each category. Time Requirements: Class: Monday 2-4 PM Homework: Approximately 3-4 hours outside of class per week Course Requirements: Class attendance, reading assignments, and homework completion are required for all participants in the Fellows Program. If you have a conflict on any given week, please inform your instructor at least one week in advance. Basic Assignments: 1. Come to class having completed reading and written assignments each week. 2. Memorize portions of Scripture as assigned by instructors. 3. Pass the final exam at the end of each semester. 4. Take one of your leaders through the biblical covenants material in weekly discipleship. Assessments of Learning: 1. Complete the Biblical Covenant & Eschatology worksheet by end of the Fall semester. 2. Write a one-page paper to summarize the content from each week s class. Course Projects: 1. Create a one-page summary of the Bible, based on the biblical covenants discussed in class. 2. Write a five-page paper summarizing the key concepts underlying dispensationalism and contrasting this interpretive system with covenant theology. Include at least two examples of
how these differences effect our lives and/or churches. Include key scriptural references and endnotes where appropriate. 3. Create a four-page doctrinal statement that explains your position on each category of systematic theology discussed in class. Include key biblical references for each category. This paper should fulfill part of the requirements for a future ordination exam. 4. Timeline Project: To understand the big picture for the historic and poetic books as well as the ministry of the prophets, create a chronological chart beginning with Abraham to the close of the Old Testament period. You can use date ranges or the approximation symbol (~) when dates are uncertain. For each date, include both a citation of where you found that date and a brief (1-3 sentence) explanation of how that source arrived at that date. These can be on the chart or included in footnotes or endnotes. Your chart must be original work. Don t just copy an existing chart. However, you may make use of other charts for details. (Remember: that the process of making the chart is just as important as the product). Apply your creativity. Your chart needs to be sufficiently large to make it clearly readable (no 8 point font!) Poster paper will work better than lightweight paper. You may use larger than 8 ½ x 11 paper, and may use more than one sheet if necessary. Include a bibliography on a separate sheet of paper following the chart. It should cite all the sources you use to establish dates, including books, articles, websites, and other charts. Below is the basic information that needs to be found in the timeline. More can be added. a. Abraham s birth and life. b. The Exodus c. The writing of the Torah d. The beginning of the conquest e. Birth and ministry of Samuel (approximate dates are sufficient) f. Dates for the 3 kings of the united kingdom (Saul, David, Solomon) g. The building of Solomon s Temple h. Date the divided monarchy began i. Dates of the reigns of all the kings of Israel (20) and Judah (20) and indicate whether the Bible describes them as a good or bad king j. Dates of the ministries of Elijah and Elisha k. Dates of the ministries of each of the writing prophets l. Date of the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel m. Dates of the three attacks on Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar which led to exile of the southern kingdom n. Dates of the three primary returns from Babylonian exile (1 st led by Jeshua and Zerubbabel; 2 nd led by Ezra; 3 rd led by Nehemiah) o. Date Temple was rebuilt after exile p. Date wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt after exile q. Note approximately when (within 50 years) the empires of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia were the world powers in the Ancient Near East.
5. Geographical/Exposition Study: Present a series of 4-6 maps (which may be photocopied, scanned, or downloaded) and develop accompanying explanations to assist in the study of the Old Testament. The following information must be addressed on one or more of your maps: (1) regions (Fertile Crescent, Shephelah, Cis-Jordan, Trans-Jordan, Mesopotamia, Jezreel Valley, Carmel Range, Rift Valley, Coastal Plain, Anatolia, Arabah, Negev, Central Mountain Range), (2) Countries (Israel [Incl. Divided Kingdom], Ammon, Edom, Moab, Assyria, Babylon, Aram [Syria], Persia, Egypt, Philistia), (3) Cities (Babylon, Nineveh, Jerusalem, Samaria, Megiddo, Shiloh, Bethel, Dan, Jericho, Ur [traditional], Philistine pentapolis, Damascus, Tyre and Sidon, Susa), (4) Bodies of water (Mediterranean Sea, Jordan River, Dead Sea, Tigris River, Euphrates River, Nile River, Wadi El-Arish, Red Sea, Sea of Galiliee), and (5) Significant Routes (Great Trunk Road [a.k.a. Via Maris, Way of the Sea, International Coastal Highway], The Kings' Highway, The Ridge Route [a.k.a. The Way of the Patriarchs]). a. At least one map that shows the setting of Israel in the Ancient Middle East including such countries/regions as Egypt, Mesopotamia, etc. b. Another map could show those countries that border Israel/Judah. c. Another map could show the main cities and routes of ancient Canaan. d. A map could show which countries the prophets addressed. e. Note: maps do not have to be original but each map taken from a source should be properly footnoted. Each map should include a brief description (2-4 sentences) of its content and date. Also, each map should include a listing of the OT books that are relevant to the geography it presents. f. The following web sites may be of help in finding maps to complete this assignment: www.bible.org/maps www.studylight.org/pastoral-resources/bible-map-archive/ www.scrollandscreen.com/biblicalmapping/index.htm www.preceptaustin.org/bible_maps1.htm Required Texts: Pentecost, J. Dwight Ryrie, Charles C. Dillow, Joseph Enns, Paul Edwards, Gene Anderson, Leith Thy Kingdom Come Dispensationalism The Reign of the Servant Kings (selections) The Moody Handbook of Theology (selections) The Tale of Three Kings (provided) To the Golden Shore (provided) Optional Texts: Erickson, Millard Christian Theology Berkhof, Louis Systematic Theology McClain, Alva The Greatness of the Kingdom Pyne, Robert A. Humanity and Sin Robertson, O. Palmer. The Christ of the Covenants Showers, Renald There Really Is A Difference
Fall Schedule: 9/1 Semester Introduction 9/8 Overview of biblical covenants; Genesis 1-11 Pentecost, 1-50 9/15 Abrahamic Covenant Part 1 Pentecost, 51-81 9/22 Abrahamic Covenant Part 2 9/29 Mosaic Covenant Pentecost, 82-136 10/6 Davidic Covenant Pentecost, 137-163 10/13 New Covenant Pentecost, 164-183 10/20 Covenants in the NT Part 1 Pentecost, 184-214; Chart due 10/27 Covenants in the NT Part 2 Pentecost, 215-262 11/3 Covenants in the NT Part 3 Pentecost 263-322 11/10 Covenants wrap-up Maps & One-page Bible Summary due 11/17 Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism P1 Ryrie, 23-78 11/24 Thanksgiving Week, no class 12/1 Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism P2 Ryrie, 79-160 12/8 Covenants Wrap-up/Q & A/Exam distributed Dispensationalism paper due 12/16 Exam due
Spring Schedule: 1/26 Introduction to Systematic Theology Enns, ch 17 2/2 Bibliology Enns, ch 18 2/9 Trinitarianism Enns, ch 19,21 2/16 Christology Enns, ch 20 2/23 Anthropology Part 1 Enns, ch 23 3/2 Anthropology Part 2 Selections from Pyne 3/9 Soteriology Enns, ch 24; Dillow, 7-42 3/16 SPRING BREAK 3/23 Contemporary issues in Soteriology Dillow, 111-176 3/30 James 2 Dillow, 177-208 4/6 Hebrews 6 & 10 Dillow, 93-110 4/13 Sanctification Models Enns, ch 33,34,37 4/20 Ecclesiology Enns, ch 25 4/27 Eschatology Enns, ch 371 5/4 Course wrap-up/q&a/exam distributed Doctrinal statement due 5/11 Exam due