INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE - USAfmcusa.org/.../Introduction-to-Christian-Doctrine-Dave-Nicholson.pdf · INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Syllabus for 2013 J-term ... Board

Dr. David Nicholson Page 1 9/27/2012

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Syllabus for 2013 J-term (student) (rev. June 6, 2012)

INSTRUCTOR Dr. David L. Nicholson

18930 Monarch Springs Drive

Noblesville, IN 46062

317-965-9298 (cell)

[email protected]

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introductory course that bases the theological formation of

students upon biblical data as well as upon the classical Christian tradition, contemporary

theology, and Wesleyan theological distinctives with a view to helping students grasp the

importance of theology for an intimate and living walk with Jesus as well as the practice of

ministry.1

TEXTS Required for all students

Purkiser, W. T. Exploring Our Christian Faith

Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1978 edition

Available online at: Wesleyan.org/wph

or ebay or other used book sites

Demaray, D. E. Basic Beliefs

Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1992 edition

Available online at Wesleyan.org/wph or ebay or

other used book sites

Board of Bishops “Chapter 1” of the 2011 Book of Discipline of the Free

Methodist Church of North America.

Bastian, Donald N. “Does Doctrine Matter?”

Indianapolis, IN: Light and Life Communications

Wesleyan.org/wph

Required for students applying for credit toward ordination

Board of Bishops 2011 Book of Discipline of the Free Methodist Church

Indianapolis, IN: Light & Life Press, 2011

Wesleyan.org/wph

Thank you, to Dr. Jerry L. Van Kuiken, for his graciously allowing me to use his initial

syllabus. Dr. Nicholson has modified that syllabus.

INTENSIVE This is an intensive course. Therefore, we will usually cover two (2) "Lessons"

in each "Session." There are multiple assignments to bring to the first class.

1 Thank you Asbury Theological Seminary for the basis of this course description.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.wphonline.com/product.asp?sku=2158_FM0319



http://www.wphonline.com/advSearch2.asp?mode=search&selQuickSearch=quicksearch&txtTitle=2011+book+of+discipline&x=16&y=5


ASSIGNMENTS

1. Under each major topic, read the assigned pages in Exploring, Basic Beliefs, “Does Doctrine

Matter,” and the "Articles of Religion" in the Discipline. Read each Biblical reference in the

Discipline.

2. Answer the assigned question from your study. Be brief but thorough [oxymoron?] in your

answer. Include Biblical reference when possible. (40% of class grade)

3. Be prepared to discuss your answers on the respective class dates. (30% of class grade)

4. Lessons will be handed in at the end of each class. You will want to keep a copy for

yourself. The lessons will not be returned. You will have time in class to ask the instructor any

pertinent questions you may have about the subject matter.

5. This study is foundational to your walk with Jesus and your future ministry. Determine to

give your best effort to the glory of God. Be persistent and disciplined. You can do it!

6. On each homework page please define the lesson being worked and number your answers.

Please write the questions on your answer sheet.

7. There will be a written mid-term and final exam. (30% of class)

8. Be prepared to answer in class at the end of each lesson the question, “What one belief,

behavior, or attitude will I change as a result of what I have learned?”

8. If you adequately complete the homework, participate in class discussion, and take the exam,

then you will pass the class, I promise! More importantly, you will have a foundation for your

faith and walk that can last a lifetime.

SUGGESTED SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTS

Board of Bishops Pastors and Church Leaders Manual

Wesley, J.W. 52 Standard Sermons

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity

McDowell, J. More than a Carpenter

Strobel, L The Case for Christ

Veldman, Russell J. III Classic Cathechism


FINAL EXAM:

There will be a written mid-term and final exam to be taken during the class period. The

final exam will be graded no later than two weeks after completion of class.

SUPPLIES The student is expected to supply a three-ring binder to keep all papers together.

Paper and writing utensils. Texts listed above.

SCHEDULE All classes are held on the regular J-term schedule as set by the Coordinator.

Assignment before arrival: Lessons 1-3



Yes – these are to be completed before arrival. This is for your good as previous classes

have given feedback on the amount of work required during the week.

We will take a field trip on Wednesday evening – 6:00 through 8:00pm

Assignment for Thursday: Lessons 10-12

Assignment for Friday: Lessons 13-15

Assignment for Saturday: Lesson 16 and Final Exam


In class discussion/introduction

What is this course?

Who is this Prof.?

Who are these students?

LESSON #1 Major Topic: GOD

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 6 The Christian Concept of God and

7 God and the World

Basic Beliefs Chapters 1 Does God Really Exist? and

2 Who Is God? and 3 God and Christian Doctrine

Discipline No assignment


STUDY: Exploring Chapters 8 Biblical Christology and

9 The Holy Spirit

Basic Beliefs Chapter 7 Who Is Jesus Christ?

Discipline Chapter 1

LESSON #3 Major Topic BIBLE

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 3 Divine Revelation and the Bible

Basic Beliefs Chapter 4 The Bible, A Divine Communication


LESSON #4 Major Topic: MANKIND

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 10 What is Man? and

11 The Human Predicament

Basic Beliefs Chapter 5 Humanity and Sin


LESSON #5 Major Topic: MANKIND

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 26 Christian Values and 27 Personal

Christian Ethics and 28 Christian Social Ethics

Basic Beliefs Chapter 6 Optimism Versus Pessimism



LESSONS #6 Major Topic: SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 1 The Realm of Faith and 2 Belief in God and

5 Christianity and the Religions of Mankind

Basic Beliefs No assignment


Catch up time or other class agreed upon activities

LESSON #7 Major Topic SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 12 Atonement. The Death and Resurrection of

Christ

Basic Beliefs Chapter 9 What is Atonement

“Does Doctrine Matter” complete


LESSON #8 Major Topic: SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 13 The Conditions of Reconciliation and

14 The New Life

Basic Beliefs Chapter 10 Repentance and Conversion


Mid-term Exam

LESSON # 9 Major Topic: SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 15 Deliverance from Sin




STUDY: Exploring Chapter 16 The Nature of Sanctification

Basic Beliefs Chapter 11 What is Sanctification?



STUDY: Exploring Chapter 17 Crisis and Process in Sanctification





STUDY: Exploring Chapter 18 The Effects of Entire Sanctification




STUDY: Exploring Chapter 24 The Maturing Personal Christian Life and

25 The Outreach of the Holy Life



LESSON #14 Major Topic: CHURCH

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 4 Historic Interpretations of the Faith and

19 The Nature of the Church and 20 The Means of Grace

Basic Beliefs Chapter 8 Jesus Christ and His Church and

12 The Sacrament of Baptism and

13 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper


LESSON #15 Major Topic: ESCHATOLOGY

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 21 The Kingdom of God and

22 The Second Coming of Christ

Basic Beliefs Chapter 14 Immortality and What Is to Come

LESSON #16 Major Topic: ESCHATOLOGY

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 23 The Future Life



REVIEW

CATCH UP (if necessary)

REVIEW

FINAL EXAM



STUDY: Exploring Chapters 6 The Christian Concept of God and

7 God and the World

Basic Beliefs Chapters 1 Does God Really Exist?, 2 Who is God?,

and 3 God and Christian Doctrine


QUESTIONS: (Page numbers refer to references in Exploring.)

1. What is meant by the Sovereignty of God? (117)

2. If God created everything that exists, what does this tell us about god and His existence and

the relationship between the Creator and His creation? (118)

3. Explain Transcendent and Immanent in relation to God and His creations. Quote a Biblical

reference that includes both of these concepts. (119)

4. What do the terms Omnipotence, Omniscience and Omnipresence mean in reference to God?

(120-121)

5. What are the limits (#4) if any?

6. What does it mean to say that God is a person? (122)

7. What does it mean for us to call God "Father"? (124-125)

8. What is meant by the Holiness of God? (125-127)

9. Are holiness and the love of God contradictory?

10. What do we learn about God and His relationship to the created universe from the creation

account of Genesis 1? (131-134)

11. In regards to cosmology, what is materialism?

12. Why do you think the term Mother Nature is commonly used in the secular terminology of

our day? (135-137)

13. Give a brief working definition of the term miracle in relation to God. Give a contemporary

example. (137-139)

14. From your study of the origin and nature of evil in the cosmos, where did evil come from?

How do you answer the parent who questions God caused his child to die? or the man who asks

why God caused a tornado to kill his family and destroy his home? Why do insurance policies

refer to natural disasters as "acts of God"? (139-147)


Vocabulary/Terms for Lesson 1

Omnipotence

Omniscience

Omnipresence

Cosmological Argument

Teleological Argument

Ontological Argument

Moral Argument

Cosmology

Pantheism

Dualism


LESSON #2

Major Topic: GOD

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 8 Biblical Christology and

9 The Holy Spirit

Basic Beliefs Chapters 7 Who Is Jesus Christ?

Discipline Chapter 1

QUESTIONS:

1. Why was it necessary for Christ to be born of a virgin? (pp. 148-151)

2. What is the emphasis of Purkiser when he says that "Biblical Christology is confessional?"

(148)

3. What else could it be?

4. What is your current response to Purkiser's statement regarding Christ Jesus' "descent into

Hades?" (153)

5. Why did Jesus come into the world?

6. How did He reveal His purpose and mission to mankind? (151-154)

7. Briefly summarize the various errors with respect to Jesus' humanity, His deity, and the

relationship of the human and divine in Jesus. (154-159)

8. State the Biblical teaching about Jesus as "fully God and fully man." (159-164)

9. Identify the nature of the Holy Spirit's ministry during the Old Testament times. (165-170)

10. What are the three groups or "categories" of OT references to the Holy Spirit? (166-170)

11. Briefly describe the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit. (170-179)

12. According to Purkiser what are the "essential marks of a personality?" (171)

13. What is your personal best illustration/explanation of the Trinity?


Vocabulary/Terms for Lesson #2

Propitiation

Redemption

Reconciliation

Gnosticism

Unitarianism


LESSON #3

Major Topic BIBLE

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 3 Divine Revelation and the Bible

Basic Beliefs Chapter 4 The Bible, A Divine Communication


QUESTIONS:

1. List the three major ways in which God has chosen to reveal Himself to mankind.

2. How are these three ways related to the Trinity? (52-54)

3. Discuss briefly the way God chose to reveal Himself in history. (54-56)

4. What does God's self-revelation in Christ tell us about God? (56-57)

5. Discuss briefly the Biblical doctrine of the Inspiration of the Scriptures and note the several

factors related to inspiration. (57-60)

6. In considering the method of the inspiration of the Scriptures, discuss briefly the

relationship of the divine and human elements. (60-64)

7. What is meant by the term Plenary Inspiration? (64-66)

8. What is your personal understanding and view regarding the inspiration of the Scriptures?

Vocabulary/Terms for Lesson #3

Dictation Method

Dynamic Method

Partial Degree

Plenary Degree


LESSON #4

Major Topic: MANKIND

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 10 What is Man? and

11 The Human Predicament

Basic Beliefs Chapters 5 Humanity and Sin


QUESTIONS:

1. What does it mean for you to have been created by God "in His image?" (190-193)

2. Briefly describe the three major theories of how human life (soul or spirit) is passed on from

parent to child. What theory seems most Biblical to you? Why? (189-193)

3. Is the human body, "the flesh" sinful in itself? Discuss briefly the relationship of sin to the

body and the possible theological implications of your answer, especially with regard to

"deliverance from all sin." (193-199)

4. In a brief paragraph describe mankind’s God-given potential and his greatest problem. (200-

201)

5. In a brief paragraph state several non-Biblical theories of the origin of sin. (201-207)

6. Briefly state the Biblical teaching of the origin of sin. (207-210)

7. Summarize briefly the Biblical teaching of the nature of sin. (210-213)

8. Quote several Biblical references that teach the fact that every human shares in the guilt and

corruption of sin. (213-214)


LESSON #5

Major Topic: MANKIND

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 26 Christian Values, 27 Personal Christian Ethics,

and 28 Christian Social Ethics

Basic Beliefs 6 Optimism Versus Pessimism


QUESTIONS:

1. Think about the sources or criteria you use in choosing your life-values. Write a brief

paragraph outlining how you would communicate this to a non-believer who is searching for

truth and a meaningful life. (477-490)

2. Define values. (477)

3. What is axiology? (477)

4. What gives a person, any person value or worth? (479)

5. What is the value of a person compared to other things? (Mark 8:36)

6. What are the major personal ethical issues you regularly have to face?

8. What sources or criteria do you use in determining your ethical decisions? (491-507)

9. According to Purkiser “Christian ethics presupposes the ________ ________ as written in

the constitution of man.” Through the moral fall depicted in Genesis the Imago-Dei is now

corrupted and distorted. Although the “conscience” is a guide to personal ethics, is it reliable?

Why or why not? List Scriptures to support your view. (493)

10. Christians live as citizens of two worlds. What positive contributions are you personally

making to better your world; to improve the quality of life for others; to help make the world a

better place to live? (508-524)


LESSONS #6

Major Topic: SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 1 The Realm of Faith and 2 Belief in God and

5 Christianity and the Religions of Mankind



QUESTIONS:

This is an open forum on faith, God, and religions of mankind.


LESSON #7

Major Topic SALVATION

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 12 Atonement – The Death and Resurrection of Christ

Basic Beliefs Chapter 9 What Is the Atonement?


“Does Doctrine Matter” complete

QUESTIONS:

1. Give a general definition of the term Atonement in the Biblical context. (217)

2. List the Old and New Testament terms relating to Atonement.

Give basic meanings and Biblical references. (218-219)

3. Various English words convey some aspect of Atonement.

List and briefly describe each term. Give Biblical references. (220-223)

4. List the major Atonement theories of the modern age and briefly describe each. (228-235)

5. List the general principles used to evaluate any theory of the Atonement. (235-236)

6. Why is the resurrection of Christ the central theme of the preaching and teaching ministry of

the New Testament Church? Give Biblical references to support your answer. (236-244)

7. Briefly state how the resurrection of Christ is important to the Biblical doctrines of God; the

Son; the Holy Spirit; Salvation; and Christian Hope. (244-249)

8. What changes are evident in your life as a result of the resurrection of Christ? 9249-253)

9. What are these focal points for freedom from sin?

10. List the general categories of Biblical evidence used to refute the Limited Atonement

theory of historic Calvinism. Give a few Biblical references for each. (253-256)

a.

b.

c.

d.


LESSON #8


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 13 The Conditions of Reconciliation and

14 The New Life

Basic Beliefs Chapter 10 Repentance and Conversion Chapter


QUESTIONS:

Chapter 13

1. What is the principal concern of the Bible?

2. Briefly state the general steps God has initiated to fulfill His concern. (259-260)

3. What is meant by Prevenient Grace? (260-268)

4. List the Steps to Salvation according to the Reformed or Calvinistic understanding and

according to the Arminian understanding. (260-268)

5. Give a Biblical definition of Repentance. List Biblical references. (269-272)

6. Give a Biblical definition of Saving Faith. List Biblical references. (272-274)

Chapter 14

1. Give a general definition of Conversion, including the major related terms.

(refer to summary on 290). (275, 276, 290)

2. Define Justification and its implications for the believer. (276-279)

3. Give a brief Biblical explanation of Regeneration. (279-284)

4. Briefly discuss the meaning of Adoption. (284-285)

5. What is included in the Assurance of the Believer, the "Witness of the Word and the Spirit"?

(285-290)

(Mid-term exam)


LESSON # 9


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 15 Deliverance from Sin



QUESTIONS:

1. Briefly summarize the comprehensive Biblical teaching on Sin. (291-295)

2. What is the Calvinistic definition of sin? (291/292)

3. What is the Wesleyan definition of sin? (292)

4. Briefly summarize the Biblical teaching on Deliverance from Sin. (295-305) .

5. A challenge question: How do you answer from Scripture the Calvinist who says that all

Christians continually sin and that no person can be completely delivered from sin in this life?

(Have you studied/read A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley or Life in the

Son by Robert Shank, ISBN 1-55661-091-2)? (305-307)


LESSON #10


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 16 The Nature of Sanctification

Basic Beliefs Chapter 11 What Is Sanctification?


QUESTIONS:

1. Discuss briefly the Old Testament teaching on Holiness and Sanctification. (311-317)

2. Briefly characterize the New Testament teaching on Sanctification. (319-322)

3. When does Sanctification begin in the believer? (322-323)

4. Give a brief definition of Entire Sanctification. (323-326)

5. What is meant by Christian Perfection? (326-328)

6. What is the relationship between The Baptism of the Spirit, The Fullness of the Spirit, and

Sanctification? (328-329)


LESSON #11


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 17 Crisis and Process in Sanctification



QUESTIONS:

1. Briefly summarize the Wesleyan understanding that Entire Sanctification involves a Crisis, a

definite time and experience when the fully consecrated believer is entirely sanctified. (330-

337)

2. What are the agencies God employs in effecting our sanctification? (337-339)

3. Discuss briefly the relationship between Crisis and Process in our sanctification. (343-346)

4. Is entire Sanctification merely a Biblical doctrine for you or is it a personal experience?

Would you want to share a brief personal testimony?


LESSON #12


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 18 The Effects of Entire Sanctification



QUESTIONS:

1. What are some practical results of Cleansing From All Sin in the life of the believer?

2. What real difference does Cleansing make in our everyday living? (347-356)

3. Discuss briefly how you can know with assurance that you are entirely sanctified. (356-

359)

4. What are some of the abiding results or evidences of The Baptism of the Holy Spirit in

the life of the believer? (359-362)


LESSON #13


STUDY: Exploring Chapter 24 The Maturing Personal Christian Life, and

25 The Outreach of the Holy Life


Discipline Paragraph 8400 (Ministerial Candidates only)

QUESTIONS:

1. Briefly present some ways in which God produces maturity in His children.

If possible, give a brief personal testimony to the maturing process in your own experience.

(449-457)

2. List some of the most important characteristics or traits of a mature Christian from your

perspective. (457-460)

3. Do you believe and if so, how would you answer if someone asked you to explain your belief

that "The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever"? (461-465)

4. How does God intend for His Church to continue and fulfill the mission and ministry of

Jesus today?

5. How are you personally contributing to the fulfillment of the Great Commission? (466-476)


LESSON #14

Major Topic: CHURCH

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 4 Historic Interpretations of the Faith, and

19 The Nature of the Church and

20 The Means of Grace

Basic Beliefs 12 The Sacrament of Baptism, and

13 The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper


QUESTIONS:

1. Identify the term Kerygma and briefly state the major emphases of the Kerygma. (71-74)

2. State the basic principles of the Protestant Reformation teaching. (81-82)

3. Briefly state the major concerns of Arminius and his followers in relation to the teaching of

Calvinism. (83-86)

4. What would you identify as the major contributions of Wesley and Wesleyanism to the

Christian movement? (86-92)

5. Why is Pentecost generally considered the birthday of the Church? (363-365)

6. List some of the New Testament metaphors used to describe the Church. Give Biblical

references. (365-367)

7. In your understanding, what is the essential purpose and major function of the Church? (367-

369)

8. Characterize briefly the three major types of church government in today's Church.

How does this apply to Free Methodism? (370-373)

9. What is the central purpose of your local church?

10. What are the major functions of your local church as reflected in your weekly activities?

11. How well is your local church following the Biblical pattern? (373-375)


Vocabulary/Glossary

Kerygma (71-74)

Didache

Apologist

Arius

Athanasius

Augustine (74-80)

Constantine (p. 76)

Augustine (p. 79)

Greek Orthodox (p. 81)

Martin Luther’s Thesis (p. 82)


LESSON #15

Major Topic: ESCHATOLOGY

STUDY: Exploring Chapters 21 The Kingdom of God, and

22 The Second Coming of Christ



QUESTIONS:

1. Briefly describe the relationship between the Church and the Kingdom of God, according to

your understanding. (397-404; 408-410)

2. Describe briefly the post-, pre-, and a- millenialist positions. (405)

3. Briefly describe what is meant by the "here and now" and the "there and then" nature of the

Kingdom of God. (405-408)

4. Briefly describe what the future Kingdom of God will be like.

Give Biblical references. (410-412)

5. Give some Biblical evidence that the imminent return of Christ was a vital belief and earnest

expectation of the New Testament believers. (413-420)

6. Briefly outline your personal understanding of the timing and general order of events related

to the Parousia. (420-427)

7. Why is the Parousia referred to in Scripture as The Blessed Hope? (427-432)


LESSON #16

Major Topic: ESCHATOLOGY

STUDY: Exploring Chapter 23 The Future Life


QUESTIONS:

1. Briefly describe the Resurrection Hope of the believer. (432-437)

2. List some Biblical truths about God's Judgment of Sin. (437-440)

3. Briefly describe the Biblical teaching on the Final Destiny of Unbelievers. (440-443)

4. Briefly describe the Biblical teaching on The Final Destiny of Believers. (443-446)

Documents

INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE - USAfmcusa.org/.../Introduction-to-Christian-Doctrine-Dave-Nicholson.pdf · INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Syllabus for 2013 J-term ... Board