 |
To learn more about each of the countries of East Africa and ECLEA's work in those countries, please click on the flags of the countries above.
ECLEA Courses BOOK STUDIES: Ruth | Esther | Jonah | Habakkuk | Mark | Galatians | Ephesians | 1 Timothy | James | 1 Peter | Revelation TOPICAL STUDIES: Apologetics: Is Christianity True? | Biblical Counseling | Biblical Eschatology | Biblical Interpretation | Biblical Marriage & Parenting | Biblical Stewardship | Biblical Theology | Christianity and Islam | The Church | Expository Preaching | Forgiveness & Reconciliation | Bible Literacy: OT and NT Overview Good Christian & Bible-related websites. ECLEA has put together (and regularly updates) a list of good internet Christian and Bible-related websites, including Bible-study sites and websites featuring commentaries, sermons, and articles, apologetics, historical writings, scholarly theology journals, articles and sermons in non-English languages, and websites dedicated to informing about and answering Islam. This list may be accessed HERE. ECLEA's Courses & Teaching Books. Because most East African pastors lack good theological materials, one key to having a long-term impact is to provide good written theological materials and to have them translated into the major East African languages. ECLEA Director Jonathan Menn typically is back in the US for approximately 6-8 weeks between trips to East Africa. He spends most of that time developing new courses, revising existing courses, and working with African translators. These courses are designed to be practical and go to the heart of what church leaders need to shepherd their people and do their jobs well. The following is a list of ECLEA’s current courses and brief descriptions of the course books: You may read or download current free course books as PDF files below course descriptions. Many are available in several languages. More translations are under construction.
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Ruth. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 28-30 minutes in length:
The story of Esther takes place in in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, during the reign of the Persian king Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I), who ruled from 486-465 BC. Esther is the one book of the Bible in which God is never named. The circumstances and actions appear purely “natural,” without God’s overt appearance or supernatural interventions. Nevertheless, God is clearly present “behind the scenes.” The existence of multiple “coincidences,” irony, and ironic reversals necessary to the story, show that God is the one driving the plot. In these ways, Esther mirrors the book of Ruth, the only other book in the Bible named after a woman. Both Esther and Ruth involve God’s salvation of his people from actual or threatened disasters. Esther also explains the origin of the Jewish feast of Purim. Esther raises, but does not necessarily answer, important issues concerning how we should act in a pagan culture. It also includes a number of veiled foreshadows of the church and the gospel. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Esther. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 12-32 minutes in length:
The book of Jonah, at least the account of Jonah in the belly of the great fish, is known by many. The book, however, is relevant to us today. God’s sovereignty is prominent from beginning to end. Prayer also is very important in the book. God’s character and people’s relationship to him (especially compared to our attitudes to other people and our “things”) are also emphasized. The Lord is revealed as a God of both justice and compassion. Jonah’s own relationship with God is the most instructive relationship and is central to the book. As the story unfolds, the book of Jonah deals with tribalism and racism, extreme nationalism, materialism, our basic values and priorities, and our relationship with God. The conclusion of this book raises four fundamental issues: first, concerning the nature and character of God; second, concerning our relationship with the world and with things; third, concerning our relationship with people who are “different” from us; and fourth, concerning our relationship with God. Finally, APPENDIX 1—JESUS AND THE “SIGN OF JONAH” (MATT 12:38-41; 16:1-4; LUKE 11:29-32)—shows the intersection between Jonah and Jesus, the Messiah. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Jonah. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 22-32 minutes in length:
Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah. He wrote this book in a time of crisis. He is thought to have written shortly before or after the battle of Carchemish (605 BC), when Babylonia and its allies the Medes and Persians destroyed Assyria and its ally Egypt. The first two chapters of Habakkuk are a dialogue between Habakkuk and God; chapter three is the prayer of Habakkuk and his confession of faith. This book raises important issues including: sin, evil, suffering, injustice, and God’s view of these matters; and when God is silent and acts contrary to the way we think he should. In many ways, themes that are prominent in the books of Job, Revelation, and a number of the Psalms are echoed by Habakkuk. Appendix 1 deals with the “problem of evil,” and Appendix 2 gives multiple examples of the Doctrine of Concurrence, i.e., the same event is attributed both to God and to secondary agents.
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Habakkuk. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 24-31 minutes in length:
Many scholars consider Mark to be the first gospel written. Church father Papias attributed the book to Mark, and said his information came from Peter. This was not disputed in the early church, and various data render this plausible. The book is action-oriented. It is one of the “synoptic” gospels along with Matthew and Luke, because those three gospels contain many of the same stories, in similar sequence, and often with similar wording. Although it is the shortest of the gospels, it is often the most detailed, with many Jewish customs explained for gentile readers. Mark shows how Jesus fulfills the OT prophecies of the coming Messiah and is, as Mark states in the very first verse, “the Son of God.” Read or download a PDF of this course book: Mark-Part 1:
Mark-Part 2:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Mark. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-32 minutes in length:
The book of Galatians was written by the apostle Paul and probably was the first book he wrote. This book does essentially three things: (1) It establishes Paul’s apostleship; (2) It is an eloquent defense of the “gospel”—the fundamental Christian doctrine that people are saved only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ—and this makes the entire Christian family (Jew and Gentile alike) one; (3) It then discusses the implications of this radical salvation for the new community: people are to live a new life by the faith that flows from the working of the Holy Spirit in them. This book, perhaps more than any other, describes the uniqueness of Christianity: every other religion in the world essentially is a list of laws and rules to follow which enslave people. Christianity is different: in Christ we have been freed from slavery to the law and to the flesh; that does not mean that Christians are lawless. Instead, Christians have the “law of Christ” inside of them, and through the internal guiding of the indwelling Holy Spirit they are being transformed to live like Christ. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Ephesians is an epistle of the apostle Paul, probably written in AD 60-61 while he was imprisoned in Rome. It is likely that it was a “circular letter” to be distributed to the churches in the Roman province of Asia (the western part of modern Turkey). The book is both theologically deep and very practical. It deals with: who Christ is and our blessings in Christ; the nature, means, and purpose of salvation and the nature of the church; and the oneness of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. The second half of the book emphasizes our Christian walk: how we are to demonstrate unity and maturity; the characteristics of being filled with the Holy Spirit; our responsibilities in marriage, the family, and at work; and how we should stand with each other and against the devil and his minions in spiritual warfare. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Ephesians. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 21-35 minutes in length:
First Timothy is one of the most important books in the New Testament, both doctrinally and practically. It deals with the most important aspects of our faith: salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; the importance of prayer; the qualifications to be a leader in the church; and the centrality of Jesus. The book also deals with important practical issues: true versus false teaching; spiritually disciplining one’s life; rebuking and counseling people; the church’s responsibility to the poor and needy; issues involving church elders; and the gospel and money. This volume contains a detailed outline of, and commentary on, the book of 1 Timothy. The “Inductive Training Manual” is a series of questions on each section of 1 Timothy, designed for small group discussion, to help Christians in general and church leaders in particular evaluate their own spiritual lives and the condition of their churches. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
The book of James was probably written by the half-brother of Jesus, and most scholars consider it to have been probably the first New Testament book written. The book contains many parallels with the teachings of Jesus. The book concentrates on what is necessary for us to live as we should. It discusses many of the most important issues of life, including: testing, trials, and temptations; prayer; the sin of partiality; the nature of true, living faith; control of the tongue; wisdom from above versus wisdom not from above; indwelling sin and its outward manifestations; the sin of autonomy and its outward manifestations; and true faithfulness. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of James. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 20-30 minutes in length: 1 Peter was written by the apostle Peter, probably in AD 62-63. The themes of salvation, Christian living (i.e., applying our salvation), the church, suffering, and important aspects of the person and work of Jesus Christ are prominent in 1 Peter. Salvation is discussed from God’s perspective, from our perspective, historically, theologically, and in relation to how we live as Christians (i.e., practically). Our salvation should affect us mentally and behaviorally. Peter addresses how all Christians should live and gives specific instructions to different groups within the church, including servants, wives, husbands, elders, and younger believers. He discusses different aspects of suffering and our individual and corporate responses to suffering. Each of these themes is viewed from different angles, they are all interrelated, and each one is tied to the person and work of Christ. Peter frequently quotes from or alludes to the OT, and he sees the church as the new, true, spiritual Israel. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of 1 Peter. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 28-31 minutes in length:
The book of Revelation is one of the most misunderstood and misused books in the Bible. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important books of the Bible. Revelation contains approximately 630 allusions to the Old Testament alone. It was written to, for, and about the church, which appears throughout the book in symbolic form. It ties together and completes the entire Bible. The book of Revelation was written to explain to the church how God is dealing with the world, to call Christians to persevere in the struggle against the powers of evil, and to comfort and encourage believers because Christ is victor. The book continually raises the issues: Where do my primary loyalties lie? and Who is my true Lord? By giving us God's perspective on the world, Revelation helps to enable us to critique our own societies and cultures. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Revelation. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-30 minutes in length: TOPICAL STUDIES
In this book we consider why Christianity is true. The book is in three parts: Part 1 looks at the trustworthiness of the Bible and at Jesus Christ. Jesus was a man but also claimed to be God incarnate. He was recognized as such and verified his claim by his fulfillment of prophecy and his resurrection from the dead. Part 2 shows that the great alternative to Christianity, namely, materialism or naturalism—the belief that there is no God or supernatural realm and that the universe and all that exists does so simply by natural forces—not only is false but is impossible. Part 3 deals with perhaps the greatest challenge to Christianity, namely, the so-called “problem of evil,” i.e., if God is all knowing, all powerful, and all good, then why is there so much evil in the world? Appendix 1 describes what the Gospel is; appendix 2 gives multiple examples from the Bible of the doctrine of concurrence, i.e., the same event can be attributed both to God and to secondary agents; and appendix 3 answers the question which is asked by some atheists, namely, if God created the world, then “Who created God?” Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Is Christianity True? Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 15-38 minutes in length:
Biblical Counseling is an important part of a pastor’s responsibilities. This manual presents the basics of Biblical Counseling. It covers the most important aspects of Biblical Counseling in a practical way: the goal and nature of Biblical Counseling; the nature of God and people; the characteristics and activities of biblical counselors; and a strategy for a short-term counseling relationship. The focus of this manual is on the skills of a biblical counselor: attending skills and communication skills: understanding; listening; and empathy. Specific problems that are frequently encountered in counseling are discussed, as are problems that often arise, and suggestions for personal soul care. Case studies and counseling forms are attached to assist the biblical counselor. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Biblical Eschatology Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Biblical Eschatology. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 23-33 minutes in length:
This course provides a description and explanation of the principles of how to understand and interpret the Bible truly and accurately. Included are the nature of the Bible, theories of biblical translation, descriptions of the major biblical genres, principles of hermeneutics and exegesis, and a focus on applying the biblical text today. Examples of the principles of interpretation and application are liberally provided. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Interpretation. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 28-33 minutes in length:
Biblical Marriage & Parenting Read or download a PDF of this course book:
This course is an exposition and application of God’s Word concerning biblical stewardship, which covers the meaning, creation, and nature of biblical stewardship, and our roles and responsibilities as stewards in major areas of our lives. Particular attention is given to stewardship of the environment, our minds, time, bodies, relationships, money and possessions, and the church: its basic mission and purpose; the church and finances; and the church’s responsibility to the poor and needy. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Stewardship. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 22-30 minutes in length:
Biblical Theology Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Theology. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 16-32 minutes in length:
Christianity and Islam: The Essentials is an examination of Islam from a Christian perspective and a comparison of major Christian and Islamic doctrines. It includes examinations of Islam’s basic authorities, beliefs, sects, and history and comparisons of Jesus and Muhammad, sin and salvation according to Christianity and Islam, Yahweh and Allah, and the Bible and the Qur’an. This analysis reveals Islam’s commonalities with and differences from Christianity. Many Muslim sources are cited and quoted from. The bibliography indicates which sources are written by Muslims, ex-Muslims, and non-Muslims. Appendices include the chronological order in which the Qur’an’s surahs were given, examples from the Hadith of what Muhammad requires and prohibits Muslims to do and believe, and the 99 names of Allah. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Because Christianity and Islam: The Essentials is a lengthy book, for teaching purposes it may be helpful to use a condensed version. Below is a condensed version of this course book in three parts. Part 1 includes examinations of Islam’s basic authorities, beliefs, sects, and history and discusses the primary Muslim objections to what Jesus did and who Jesus is, namely, that he was crucified, resurrected, and is the divine Son of God. Part 2 includes a discussion of Jesus as found in the Qur’an and looks at the character of Muhammad. It also discusses sin and salvation according to Christianity and Islam and the radically different implications they each have. Part 3 includes discussions Yahweh and Allah and the Bible and the Qur’an. The text concludes by discussing ways to bridge the divide between Islam and the gospel, including using the Qur’an and Islamic practices to point Muslims to Jesus Christ. The Appendix lists the chronological order in which the Qur’an’s surahs were given. Read or download a PDF of this course book: Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 1:
Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 2:
Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 3 (including Appendix):
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Christianity and Islam: The Essentials. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 15-30 minutes in length:
The Church: Its Nature, Mission, and Purpose concerns the only organization Jesus Christ founded. The church is more than simply an organization: it is “the body of Christ”—the visible manifestation of Christ on the earth. As such, the church is of supreme importance. This book discusses the nature of the church, its characteristics, organization, leadership, and administration (church discipline, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper). It also explains the four primary missions and purposes of the church: worship; discipleship; mission; and unity (wholeness). Appendices include an historical survey of the doctrine of the church and a list and description of discipleship resources and courses available for free online. Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book The Church: Its Nature, Mission, and Purpose. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is betwen approximately 15-30 minutes in length: Expository Preaching
Forgiveness & Reconciliation Read or download a PDF of this course book:
Dr. Everett L. Worthington, Jr. of Virginia Commonwealth University has spent his professional life studying the issue of forgiveness. He has developed a 6-hour small-group course to promote forgiveness (which can be expanded to 12 or 18 hours) entitled Experiencing Forgiveness: Six Practical Sessions for Becoming a More Forgiving Christian. Dr. Worthington has graciously permitted ECLEA to include both the Leader’s Manual and the Participant Manual on the ECLEA website. Read or download a PDF of the Leader's Manual: Read or download a PDF of the Participant Manual: Bible Literacy: OT and NT Overview
Bible Literacy: OT Overview, Part 1:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Literacy Course: OT Overview, Part 2. This lecture is in three sections, each one focusing on a specific topic of how the OT books fit into the biblical timeline: section 1 is a review and covers the United Kingdom; section 2 covers the Divided Kingdom; and section 3 covers the Exilic and Post-Exilic periods. The entire lecture is approximately 1 hour and 13 minutes in length:
Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Literacy Course: NT Overview. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 24-36 minutes in length:
Donate now to help ECLEA thrive! Please visit the Contact & Donations page to support our work with a secure online donation or to mail us a check. |
