Rightly interpreting apocryphal texts, like those we have in Daniel, Ezekiel, Revelation, and here in Matthew 24, is often very challenging.  These texts are recorded visions which employ an incredible amount of metaphor and symbolism to reveal truths about God’s judgment of the wicked and His preservation of the righteous.  Though we might prefer more clarity, we must remember that Scripture is absolutely inerrant and completely sufficient.  God has given us exactly what we are meant to have, even in regards to descriptions of the end times.  So where precise identification of future events is difficult, we are to continue trusting Christ with the future and not be divided over different interpretative schemes.  Eschatology is one of those third-tier areas of theology where we can have loving latitude in opinions.

That being said, I wanted to go ahead and introduce us this week to the four main schools of interpretation.  Next week, I’ll write about the different views of the millennium.

(1) Historicism is the interpretive approach that understands the literary order of the visions to correspond to the actual course of history.  For example, historicists believe that Revelation 4:1 through 20:6 symbolizes the chronological order of events from the time of the apostles all the way until the time of the end of the world.  They link the movement through these chapters with the movement from the Roman Empire to the middle ages to the renaissance and reformation and on into the modern age.  Thus, only Revelation 20:7-22:5 deals with Christ’s second coming and the final judgment.  Historicism has been the historic Protestant interpretation.

(2) Preterism (from the Latin word meaning “things that are past”) contends that most of what is described in the book of Revelation took place in the ancient past, not long after the author’s own time during the early years of the Christian church.  Generally speaking, they believe that everything in Revelation 12-19 was completed by the time the Roman Empire fell in the 4th century.  Those who are full preterists insist that every prophecy in the New Testament was fulfilled by 70 A.D., thus denying Jesus’ second coming, the resurrection of believers, and the coming of the new heavens and new earth.  Partial preterists (rightly) believe that those particular end-time events are still to come in the future.

(3) Futurism is the approach that believes that the majority of what is in Revelation 4-22 is all in the future.  They typically contend that the book of Revelation describes events that are coming during the seven years of the tribulation (chapters 6-19) that will then be followed by the millennial reign of Christ on earth (20:1-6) and the final resurrection and judgment (20:7-22:5).  This view has become more prevalent in modern evangelicalism than it had been in previous centuries.

(4) Idealism, also known as the Spiritual approach, believes that the book of Revelation describes the spiritual realities present down through world history as Christ and His church are at conflict with Satan and the wicked.  There is not an order of history that is being followed in a single linear sense, but there are cycles that are continually repeating with the rise and fall of nations and the success and persecution of the church down through human history.  Thus, the book of Revelation is a record of vision cycles that were true for the early church age as well as true for the modern church age, and fulfillment of these visions is recurrent.  They do believe that the final chapters of Revelation refer to a final consummation when intense persecution of the church will lead to the final return of Christ and the new heaven and new earth.

As we delve into Matthew 24, I hope that all of us will be like Bereans, studying the Scriptures to clearly discern the truth and to establish our own approach to these challenging texts.  Regardless of where each of us may fall, we know that Christ will come again in all His splendor to reclaim His bride and to judge the wicked.  In this we can rejoice!

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Textbooks will be for sale on the 3rd floor before class begins

Christian Worldview (200)
Instructor: Reid Ward ~ Room: 300 (The Big Room)
Textbook: none

Systematic Theology 3 (103)
Instructor: Rick Quave ~ Room: 330
Textbook: Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Biblical Conflict Resolution (300)
Instructor: Scott Estes ~ Room: 329
Textbook: The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

Personal Evangelism (300)
Instructor: Joel Thompson ~ Room: 322
Textbook: Today’s Gospel by Walt Chantry

Men’s Accountability (300)
Instructor: Mark Reese ~ Room: 331
Textbook: none

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Christian Worldview (200)
Instructor: Reid Ward ~ Room: 300 (The Big Room)
Textbook: none

Course Description: The Truth Project is a small group curriculum comprised of 12 one-hour DVD lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study is designed to equip believers with a comprehensive biblical worldview.  Participants will be reintroduced to the truth claims of God, as each lesson discusses in great detail God’s design for living out the Christian worldview within each sphere of daily life, and the important need to marry our actions to our core beliefs.

Systematic Theology 3 (103)
Instructor: Rick Quave ~ Room: 330
Textbook: Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Course Description: Theology is the science that deals with all the facts that are knowable concerning God and His relation with the universe.  It seeks to organize these facts in a logical manner in order to determine what the whole Bible teaches about any given topic.  In this course, we will examine the doctrine of redemption, including election, regeneration, justification, conversion, sanctification, glorification (the order of salvation), and union with Christ.

Biblical Conflict Resolution (300)
Instructor: Scott Estes ~ Room: 329
Textbook: The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

Course Description: Serious, divisive conflict is everywhere: within families, in the church, and out in the world. And it can seem impossible to overcome its negative force in our lives.  This class will be a comprehensive and practical theology for conflict resolution designed to bring about not only a cease-fire but also Christlke unity and harmony.  The course will show how conflicts can can be turned into true, life-changing reconciliation with family members, coworkers, and fellow believers.

Personal Evangelism (300)
Instructor: Joel Thompson ~ Room: 322
Textbook: Today’s Gospel by Walt Chantry

Course Description: Scripture calls us to be faithful to proclaim the gospel wherever God has placed us.  Walt Chantry writes, “Differences between much of today’s preaching and that of Jesus are not petty; they are enormous. The chief errors are not in emphasis or approach but in the heart of the Gospel message.” Based on the account of the Rich Young Ruler, this class will demonstrate that what so often passes for the gospel message today is not what Jesus was teaching.

Men’s Accountability (300)
Instructor: Mark Reese ~ Room: 331
Textbook: none

Course Description: Are you a man without an accountability group? God calls men to walk in faith together, not to be “loners” in their relationships with Christ. If you don’t have an accountability group or you would like to fold your group into another, this is the class for you! You will be encouraged to sharpen one another as iron sharpens iron, and to resist the devil’s temptation with the Word of God and the power of the gospel.

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

I love being an American. Despite all of the troubles our country faces today, the cultural and material advantages that we experience as modern Americans are really so far beyond the standard of living of the vast majority of humanity across the world and though the ages that they are almost incomparable. Oh how blessed we are! Thanks to God’s grace to me through the blessings of this land, I am warm in winter, cool in the summer, medicated when sick, fed when hungry and even entertained at the touch of button. Statistically speaking, I can be reasonably confident, Lord willing, that all of my children will survive to adulthood, and I’ll probably one day even enjoy grandchildren. This is a combination of blessings that most of humanity would have, at one time, considered only available to the richest of the rich.

You and I have so much to be thankful for, but least we stop there, we would be wise to remember that blessings in the hands of sinners (read “us”) are easily misused and can quickly become curses. Abundance of food becomes gluttony. Abundance of leisure time becomes idleness. Abundance of provision becomes entitlement and thanklessness and the list goes on. How, you may ask, could this relate to corporate worship? It’s actually quite simple. We come to worship as Americans and not as Christians. This is not at all to say that the categories “American” and “Christian” are necessarily exclusive, but to assume that they are necessarily connected is to do so at the peril one’s own soul. As Americans, we are always looking for the return on our investments. This is the way that we are taught to think about our money, our time, our attention, and sometimes even friendships. Thus, rather than arriving at our corporate gathering as the redeemed adopted heirs of the Kingdom of Christ, we often find ourselves in worship as consumers, spectators, thrill-seekers or even critics.

The fact is, when we apply these habits to worship and come with underlying assumptions and expectations of a capitalistic-type transaction of mutual benefit (i.e. “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”) we are treating the church like the market and thinking like pagans. Sadly, much in contemporary Evangelical church culture even encourages us to think just this way. Rather than describing our own churches in terms of what we believe to be true of God (theology), we drop theological words from our names and instead advertise our churches as if they were time-shares, attempting to coax prospective members to spend a weekend with us while we show our amenities (programs, activities, worship styles for every preference) and eventually push toward closing the deal and working out the payment plan. Thinking like this is worlds removed from the biblical concept of the church as the “Pillar and support of the truth” (I Tim. 3:5) and a gathering of “aliens and strangers” (I Peter 2:11), or the fellowship of redeemed sinners (I Pet. 1:18) and it will destroy your joy.

In contrast to the spectator/consumer mindset that we can so easily (and even unknowingly) adopt, the Christian response in worship to God’s person and work is one of overflowing thankfulness (Eph. 5:19, Ps. 23:5, I Thess. 5:18, Rom. 1:21) and praise (Eph 1:3-10, I Pet. 2:9). This is not at all to suggest that when we come to worship we should check our minds at the door, but rather that the central desire of our hearts should be glorifying God through joining together in communion with Him around the elements of worship. If we come to worship looking for fulfillment and perfection from the “forms” of worship or even other worshippers, our focus is misplaced, for these things can only be found in Christ himself. Again, this is not to say that we should adopt an “anything goes” attitude, but rather that our hearts should be set upon the Christ who pardons and sanctifies sinners, and thus gracious towards our co-heirs of God’s unmerited favor. The idea that we should offer or withhold our praise based upon our preferences in worship style, personal comfort with public singing or even approval or disapproval of other believers is completely alien to the Bible. Try to imagine a “Consumerist” among the worshipers pictured in the book of Revelation. It’s absolutely inconceivable! In John’s view of the throne room of God, everyone in the company of Heaven worships: the Elders, the Living Creatures, the Angels and especially the Redeemed. The only people in the book not joining in to worship the Lamb are those who have no purchase with him. Oh dear Saint, do you love the Lamb? If so, you have no business being among those who stand before him with no praise to offer for their place is a sad one indeed.

If you find yourself attending corporate worship with the mindset of the concert-goer or a critic, then you probably need, in that moment, to privately repent to God of making your preferences the true object of your worship. Be thankful for the earthly blessings that your citizenship in our country affords you, but reject the idols of our culture! Oh dear Believer, fight to remember that you have received more from Christ that you can ever measure or repay and let thankfulness consume you! Consider anew your citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven and fight to remind yourself that you come to worship as one purchased by precious blood. Consider the depths of sin from which Christ has redeemed you and tremble in joy that the Lamb has written your name in his book of Life, the great register of all of His worshippers.

In His Eternal Mercies,

David

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

The prices are as follows:

Godly Marriage 1

Tying the Knot Tighter – $8.00

This Momentary Marriage – $13.00

Systematic Theology 2

Bible Doctrine – $20.00

Holiness in Christ 2

Holiness – $10.00

Preparing for Short Term Missions

Serving with Eyes Wide Open – $11.00

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Godly Marriage 1 (301)

Instructor: Dr. Shawn Merithew
Co-Instructor: Lisa Merithew
Room: Fellowship Hall
Textbook: This Momentary Marriage by John Piper and Tying the Knot Tighter by Martha Peace and John Crotts.

Course Description: Do you long to go deeper in your marriage?  Godly Marriage 1 is the class for you.  We will begin by examining marriage as a covenant relationship that represents the relationship between Jesus Christ and His Church.  We will also examine biblical roles, communication, conflict resolution, sexual intimacy, and management of the home.  Husbands and wives must attend together.  Homework will consist of reading and discussion with your spouse each week.

Systematic Theology (102)

Instructor: Rick Quave ~ Room: 330
Textbook: Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Course Description: Systematic Theology is the summarization of what is taught by the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics so that we can know and profess what we believe about each one.  Systematic Theology II will include the study of the creation of man and his nature, the fall and sin, the person of Christ and His role in the salvation of man, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Preparation for Short Term Missions (300)

Instructor: Jonathan Oue ~ Room: 322
Textbook: Serving with Eyes Wide Open by David Livermore

Course Description: Are you planning to go on a short-term missions trip this year? If so, this study is for you. The class will help you prepare for that trip from the mundane to the spiritual. Among other things, you will learn how to get your passport, write support letters, deal with hostile governments in restricted countries, prepare for cultural challenges and prepare spiritually for your short-term trip.

Small Group Study: Holiness in Christ (202)

Instructor: Dr. Tom Hicks ~ Room: 329
Textbook: Holiness by J.C. Ryle

Course Description: This course will be a study of what is widely considered the best book ever written on the Christian life: Holiness by J.C. Ryle.  Ryle teaches the Bible’s theology of loving Christ, growing in His grace with faith, humility, and persevering obedience to Him. To facilitate group interaction, the course will be a small group study of only 12 people.  If you’re interested, please sign up before space runs out!

Sign up Sunday morning during service or by calling the church office at 272-2304.

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Sunday Evenings

5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Ladies’ Study: An Inductive Bible Study in Philippians 300

Instructor: Lisa Merithew, Room: 331
Textbook: That I May Know Him by Kay Arthur

Course Description: Ladies, it’s time to get in the Word together!  We will work through the book of Philippians using Kay Arthur’s study: That I May Know Him.  Expect to devote about 15 minutes each day to studying God’s Word.  During class, we will have a teaching time, small groups with discussion questions, and prayer as we seek the Lord together.  Join us and discover for yourself that knowing Christ is knowing joy!

Men’s Study: Calling Men to Supreme Loyalty 300

Instructor: Joe Medlin, Room: 322
Textbook: What Jesus Demands from the World by John Piper

Course Description: This is a class for men to consider the demands Jesus made in the Gospels.  The aim is rightly to understand these demands, to seek God’s grace, and to find in Him our supreme joy.  We will learn not only the severity of Christ’s demands but also their sweetness. Using the Bible, Piper’s book, discussion and prayer, the class will call men already saved into more God-glorifying obedience to Jesus.

Systematic Theology 101

Instructor: Rick Quave, Room: 330
Textbook:  Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem

Course Description: Theology is the science that deals with all the facts that are knowable concerning God and His relations with the universe.  Systematic Theology is the summarization of what is taught by the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics so that we can know and profess what we believe about each one.  In Systematic Theology 101, we will examine the Doctrine of the Bible and the Doctrine of God.

Small Group Study: Holiness in Christ 200

Instructor: Tom Hicks, Room: 329
Textbook: Holiness by J.C. Ryle

Course Description: This course will study what is widely considered to be the best book ever written on the Christian life: Holiness by J.C. Ryle.  Ryle teaches the Bible’s theology of loving Christ deeply, growing in His grace with faith, humility, and persevering love for Him. To facilitate group interaction, the course will be a small group study of only 12 people.  If you’re interested, please sign up before space runs out!

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

September 19 – November 21
Sunday Evenings, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Practical Instruction for Lifestyle Evangelism (300)
Instructor: Dr. Shawn Merithew – Room: 330
Textbook: The Complete Evangelism Guidebook, edited by Scott Dawson

Theology of Evangelism (200)
Instructor: Rick Quave – Room: 329
Textbook: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

Evangelizing Your Children (300)
Instructor: David Hardgrave – Room: 331
Textbooks: Disciplines of a Godly Family by Kent and
Barbara Hughes and A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

Also offered during the M.I.T. time

White Stone Men
Instructor: Mark Reese – Fellowship Hall

To register, please call the church office at 272-2304.

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

September 19 – November 21

Sunday Evenings, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Practical Instruction for Lifestyle Evangelism (300)

Instructor: Dr. Shawn Merithew
Textbook: The Complete Evangelism Guidebook, edited by Scott Dawson
Room: 330

Course Description: Have you ever passed up a witnessing opportunity because you didn’t know how to begin a spiritual discussion?  This class is for you! The class will explore specific, practical ways to engage lost persons in witnessing conversations. We will establish the basic message of the gospel and discuss hospitality evangelism, servant evangelism,
and marketplace evangelism.  We will explore how to initiate encounters and witness to people in different vocations, religions, generations, and ethnic groups.

Theology of Evangelism (200)

Instructor: Rick Quave
Textbook: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer
Room: 329

Course Description: God has spoken and is speaking to His creatures.  What is the essence of that communication and what are we as believers to do with what has been communicated?  In this class, we will examine what the whole Bible teaches about the content of the gospel and the command to go and make disciples of all the nations.  The study will seek to establish a summarization of what is taught by the relevant passages in the Bible on the subject of evangelism.

Evangelizing Your Children (300)

Instructor: David Hardgrave
Textbooks: Disciplines of a Godly Family by Kent and Barbara Hughes and A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent
Room: 331

Course Description: Do you want to learn how to be more faithful in evangelizing your children? This course is for you! We will examine the biblical issues surrounding sharing the gospel with children in the context of the home.  Special attention will be given to methods for developing a gospel culture within the family as well as methods for discerning a child’s comprehension of the essential truths of the gospel itself.

SIGN UP THIS SUNDAY!

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

M.I.T. Courses Fall 2010

September 19 – November 21

Sunday Evenings, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Practical Instruction for Lifestyle Evangelism (300)

Textbook: The Complete Evangelism Guidebook, edited by Scott Dawson

Instructor: Shawn Merithew

Room: 330

Theology of Evangelism (200)

Textbook: Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

Instructor: Rick Quave

Room: 329

Evangelizing Your Children (300)

Textbooks: Disciplines of a Godly Family by Kent and Barbara Hughes and A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

Instructor: David Hardgrave

Room: 331

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

The word “Fellowship” in Scripture comes from the Greek word Koinonia which denotes a social partnership or relational participation.  In the Christian context, it more specifically denotes a shared relational communion established on the basis of a common Lord and faith.  In his first epistle, the Apostle John writes, “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3) A few verses later, he continues, “But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1:7)

These verses, and many others like them, set forth very clearly the fact that our vertical relationship with God through Christ results in a horizontal relationship with all believers.  We embrace those horizontal relationships as we identify with the local church and enter into a body of fellowship governed by the Word.  One of the clearest pictures that Scripture gives us of this community is found at the end of Acts 2:

And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.  And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.  And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts2:42-47)

In this passage, we see the activities of biblical fellowship.  First, they gathered regularly to devote themselves to biblical teaching.  The community established by the Word of Christ has an identity defined by continuing in the Word of Christ – the bride will love the sanctifying truth of her husband.  Second, prayer was also integral to their fellowship.  In prayer, we express worship and dependence to our sovereign God as we adore Him and trust every necessity to His hand.  As we pray for one another, we are also to confess our sins to one another as a matter of horizontal accountability (James 5:16).

Third, we see the observance of the ordinances in the body.  In this particular passage, the first mention of the “breaking of bread” refers to the Lord’s Supper.  Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are living pictures of the grace of Christ given by Him as tangible worship experiences that project our identity as His body.  Fourth, we see how needs were met in the fellowship – earthly goods were provided by the body for anyone who had need.  1 John 3:17 says that meetings the needs of our brothers is evidence that we abide in the love of God.

Fifth, we see that they were intimately involved in one another’s lives as they went “from house to house” enjoying the fellowship of the Spirit and growing in the grace of Christ.  I’m afraid that we often allow the pace of our lives to cut us off from the simple beauty of having brothers and sisters in Christ regularly in our homes.  This reality serves to limit our accountability and the depth of love we are to manifest in our churches.  Home-based hospitality fosters a joy and unity between families that strengthens churches.  Thus, let me encourage you to recover the real depth of biblical fellowship – open your home and your heart more often to those who are part of our covenant community.  Forsake not the gathering (Heb 10:24-25) and fail not to love as Christ has loved you (John 13:35).  I cherish you all!

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Course Descriptions

Dates: March 21 – June 13
Times: Sunday Evenings 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Sign up sheets for M.I.T. will be available Sunday.

Parenting Young Children 300

Instructor: Jim Smith
Textbook: Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp
Room: 329 (Adult 3)

Are you a first time parent, or are you the parent of young children? If so, this is the class for you! Scripture is full of practical and detailed instruction about how parents ought to teach their children the gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn what the Bible teaches about how to train young children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The Doctrine of God (Special Elective) 200

Instructor: Jon English Lee
Textbook: The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink
Room: 322 (Adult 1)

What is the nature of God? What is He like? The most important thing about a person is what he believes about God.  This course will cover attributes such as the knowledge of God, the supremacy of God, the power of God, and the love of God.  Come learn what the Bible reveals about the nature and character of our great God.

Theology of Missions 300

Instructor: Judd Hough
Textbook: Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper and Mission in the Old Testament by Walt Kaiser
Room: 321 (New Members Room)

Do you want to learn about God’s heart for the nations? From cover to cover, the Bible declares that God’s purpose is to redeem a people for Himself from every tribe and tongue to display the fullness of His own glory. God invites and commands us to call others from every people group to worship Him joyfully! Come learn what the Bible teaches about the vital importance of missions.

Biblical Theology 102

Instructor: Tom Hicks, Jr
Textbook: According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy
Room: 331 (Adult 4)

Have you ever wondered how the Bible fits together as a unified whole? The Bible is a single book with a single story running through it. Part two of biblical theology will work through the Bible, beginning with Exodus and working through the rest of the Scriptures, showing that Jesus Christ and redemption in Him is the Bible’s main theme!

NOTE: To get a certificate of lay theological education, you need six 100 level courses, six 200 level courses, and six 300 level courses for a total of eighteen courses. Following this approach will balance your studies.

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Winter Quarter:  January 10 – March 14

Sunday Evenings 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Christian Worldview 200
Text: Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey
Room: 329 (Adult 3)  Ben Robinson

New Testament Survey 200
Text: New Testament Introduction by Donald Guthrie
Room: 321 (New Member’s Room)  Joel Thompson

Biblical Theology 101
Text: According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy
Room: 331 (Adult 4)   Tom Hicks

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

Christianity (and for that matter, Evangelicalism) in the United States has indeed become a very “Me-focused” enterprise.  People often choose their churches based upon what they and their family will “get” in the way of spiritual perks, preferences, and programs.  Many Christians seem to be drawn to the type of worship and preaching that dominantly focuses on soul therapy and self-improvement rather than truly knowing God.  In such churches, any sense of the peril of sin, personal sacrifice, and divine holiness is downplayed in the name of being “attractive” to the world in order to show them the “love” of God.

What the church in America needs is biblical revival and spiritual awakening.  We need to get on our knees and get a right perspective of who we are in light of God rather than always viewing God in light of ourselves.  We do indeed need to return to a biblical understanding of the centrality and supremacy of God in all things.  But as we seek to swing the pendulum away from man-centeredness and back to God-centeredness, must we abandon every mention of “Me” as an object of God’s glorious redemption?  Is it wrong for us to sing “Jesus Loves Me?”

The answer to that question is a resounding “No!”  In our desire to restore a biblical theology of God’s glory to the church we must not throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater.  We must restore the primary realities of our faith to their proper level of emphasis, but in the process we must not discard the precious truths that were once sinful preoccupations.  What we need comes down to two things:  Biblical Perspective and Biblical Balance.

In terms of biblical perspective, God’s person and His revelation of Himself in Scripture must be the standard by which all other things are prioritized and proclaimed.  God is love, and God does indeed love us, but His primary motivation in redemption is the glory of His name in our hearts and among the nations.  More specifically, God is glorified as Christ is lifted up before all men (John 17:1-3).  Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation;” “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together;” therefore, He is “to have first place in everything” (Col 1:15,17,18).

Thus, the church must recover both a theology and a methodology that exalts Christ for the glory of Almighty God.  In all that we do – our worship, preaching, teaching, serving, praying, giving, evangelism, and fellowship – Christ the Savior must be lifted up and God the Father must be seen as ultimate; we must have a biblical perspective that aligns and evaluates everything else in light of His person and purpose.

In terms of biblical balance, the exaltation of God in Christ must certainly be the primary focus and motivation of all we do, but maintaining this priority does not preclude us from celebrating and praising God for what He has done FOR US.  In 1 Timothy 1, though he used the word “me” a lot, Paul was not being “Me-centered” in recounting his salvation and calling to ministry.  In fact, his remembrance of all that Christ had done FOR HIM is what led him to a doxology of praise in verse 17:  “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.”

One of the most well-known songs of praise in the Bible – Psalm 23 – recounts the personal benefits and blessings of knowing God as one’s Shepherd.  Is David being “Me-centered” when he sings this Psalm?  No!  He is rightly rejoicing in the fruits of grace wrought by God in his life.  In fact, I believe it is the blessings recounted in Psalm 23 that lead him to exalt God as the “King of Glory” in Psalm 24.

In summary, we should strive for a biblical perspective in all things – a perspective that keeps God and His glory at the center.  But this perspective does not mean we must divest ourselves of anything that speaks of the personal benefits of salvation.  Biblical balance is the need of the hour.  We must remove man from the throne and put Christ there, but it is not wrong to rejoice in the fruits of His grace.  God is glorified when we speak and preach and sing of our victory in Jesus, our freedom from the law through faith, and the amazing grace of God made available to us at Calvary.

So sing “Jesus Loves Me” with all your heart, “For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Cor 4:15)

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church

September 13 – November 22

Sunday Evenings 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Don’t forget that for the certificate of lay theological training, you need six 100 level courses, six 200 level courses, and six 300 level courses!

Adoption 301

Instructor: David Hardgrave

Text: Adopted for Life by Russ Moore

This class will explore how the Gospel relates to adoption.  During our time together we will consider what it means to be adopted in Christ and how we should in live in Christ likeness as both the “adopted” and imitators of our adopting God.  While considering God’s call on the Church to care for orphans, there will be a small “how-to” element for those families considering, or in the process of, adoption themselves.  All are welcome!

Cross-Cultural Communication 301

Instructor: Judd Hough

Text: Intercultural Communication by Rogers and Steinfatt

This is an introductory course on cross-cultural communication.  It will help make you aware of different cultures and demonstrate how communication within these cultures is distinct.  This understanding is a prerequisite to communicating the Gospel across cultures and fulfilling the Great Commission.  Though the course will look academically at culture, communication, verbal communication, non-verbal communication, and assimilation, we will also practically address these subjects through individual case studies.

Issues in Contemporary Theology 201

Instructor: Shawn Merithew

Text: Materials will be supplied in class.

In this class, we will critically examine 5 theological challenges to orthodox Christianity from the past century:  Classical Liberalism, Open Theism, the New Perspective on Paul, Liberation Theology, and Evangelical Feminism.  Students will be assigned readings by the instructor and guided through an interaction with and biblical refutation of each false perspective.  As a result, students will develop a biblical framework for refuting contemporary heresies.  No course text is required; reading materials will be provided by the Pastor.

Old Testament Survey 201

Instructor: Joel Thompson

Text: Old Testament Survey by House and Mitchell

Fitting the specific stories of the OT into its overall plot and purpose is not an easy task.  This course surveys the major elements that will help you grasp the unity of the OT and understand individual passages within the larger biblical picture.  Attention will be given to the key persons, people groups, places, events, and theological themes of each book in order to discover God’s message from the text.

SOURCE: Morningview Baptist Church