BOOK STUDIES

Ruth

The book of Ruth is by an unknown author, probably written around the time of Judah’s exile to Babylon in 586 BC. The story itself takes place during the time of the Judges, 500 or more years before the exile. The three central characters are Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. The story is a great love story but also deals with several important issues. The book deals with family tragedy and the restoration of Naomi’s family. The concept of hesed (relationship-based loving commitment) and the role of a kinsman-redeemer (go’el) are central concepts for such restoration. The family tragedy and restoration are set in the context of God’s greater plan for the nation of Israel and his overall plan for the world. Thus, Ruth bears a certain resemblance to Habakkuk, which deals with geopolitical injustice, evil, and disaster, and 1 Peter, which deals with persecution and suffering, in the context of God’s overall plan. Ruth also raises the issues of race, tribe, and sex, and God’s inclusion of “outsiders” as an integral part of his plan. The fact that the circumstances and actions appear purely “natural,” without God’s overt appearance or supernatural interventions, and the existence of multiple “coincidences” necessary to the story, show that God is the one driving the plot; in these ways, Ruth mirrors the book of Esther.

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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:

1-Introduction; 1:1-5-The setting, characters, and tragedy

2-1:6-22-Naomi returns to Bethlehem with Ruth

3-2:1-23-Ruth and Boaz meet

4-3:1-18-Ruth proposes to Boaz

5-4:1-12-Boaz redeems Naomi's property and acquires Ruth

6-4:13-22-The birth of Obed; restoration of Naomi; and the genealogy of king David

 
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Jonah

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.

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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:

Jonah: Introduction; author; structure; themes

Jonah 1-Jonah tries to flee to Tarshish, is cast into the sea and swallowed by a great fish

Jonah 2-Jonah's prayer from inside the fish; he is then vomited onto dry land

Jonah 3:1-4:4-Jonah proclaims to Nineveh; Nineveh repents; God relents; Jonah is angry

Jonah 4:5-11-God's interaction with Jonah and the plant; the lessons of the book

Jesus and the "sign of Jonah" (Matt 12:38-41; Matt 16:1-4; Luke 11:29-32)

 

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Habakkuk

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.

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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:

1-Habakkuk: Introduction and Hab 1:1-11-First dialogue between Habakkuk and God	2-Hab 1:12—2:1-Habakkuk's second complaint	3-Hab 2:2-4-The beginning of God's second answer	4-Hab 2:5-20-The balance of God's second answer	5-Hab 3:1-15-Habakkuk's prayer, part 1
6-Hab 3:3-19-Habakkuk's prayer, part 2	7-The Problem of Evil: Introduction and Responses to the Problem of Evil (part 1)	8-Responses to the problem of evil (part 2), and God's relationship to evil (part 1)	9-God's relationship to evil (part 2)	10-Possible reasons why God ordained the existence of evil

 

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Mark

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.”

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Mark-Part 1:

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Mark-Part 2:

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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:

1-Introduction and Mark 1:1-13-The Gospel; John the Baptist; Jesus' Baptism and Temptation	2-Mark 1:14-45-Announcement of the kingdom; calling the first disciples; healings and exorcisms	3-Mark 2:1-12-Jesus heals a paralytic	4-Mark 2:13-17-The calling of Levi	5-Mark 2:18–3:6-Opposition to Jesus regarding fasting and the Sabbath	6-Mark 3:7-35-Healings; choosing the Twelve; blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; Christ's true family
7-Mark 4:1-34-Jesus teaches in parables	8-Mark 4:35–5:43-Jesus calms the sea, heals a demoniac and a woman, and raises a girl from the dead	9-Mark 6:1-32-Jesus in Nazareth; the Twelve are sent out and return; the fate of John the Baptist	10-Mark 6:33–7:23-Jesus feeds 5000, walks on water, disputes with Pharisees, and defines defilement	11-Mark 7:24–8:10-Jesus heals a Syrophoenecian woman's daughter and a deaf mute man and feeds 4000	12-Mark 8:11-26-The Pharisees seek a sign; the disciples do not understand; Jesus heals a blind man
13-Mark 8:27-38-Jesus is Messiah; he will be killed but rise again; the cost of discipleship	14-Mark 9:1-50-The Transfiguration; Jesus heals a demonized boy; and the nature of discipleship	15-Mark 10:1-31-Jesus teaches about divorce; Jesus blesses children; Jesus and the rich young man	16-Mark 10:32–11:11-Jesus predicts his death; true discipleship; heals a blind man; enters Jerusalem	17-Mark 11:12–12:12-Jesus rejects Israel; his authority is questioned; parable of the vine-growers	18-Mark 12:13-44-Jesus answers challenges; he is Lord; warning against hypocrisy; the widow's mites
19-Mark 13:1-37-The Olivet Discourse	20-Mark 14:1-31-Jesus is anointed with costly perfume and the Last Supper	21-Mark 14:32-72-The Garden of Gethsemane; arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin; Peter's denials	22-Mark 15:1-41-The trial before Pontius Pilate, and Jesus' crucifixion and death	23-Mark 15:42–16:20-Jesus' burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances; conclusion

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Galatians

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.

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Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book of Galatians. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-30 minutes in length:

Gal 1:1-9-Introduction	Gal 1:10-2:10-Paul's Life and Ministry	Gal 2:11-21-Walking in Line with the Truth of the Gospel	Gal 3:1-14-The Law versus Faith	Gal 3:15–4:7-The Purposes of the Law and Our Adoption as Sons
Gal 4:8-31-Appeals to the Galatians and Typological Summary of the Law-Promise Distinction	Gal 5:1-15-Freedom in Christ–The Life of Love	Gal 5:16-26-The Deeds of the Flesh versus the Fruit of the Spirit	Gal 6:1-18 Bearing Another's Burdens; Sowing and Reaping; and Conclusion

 

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1 Timothy

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.

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Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book 1 Timothy. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-30 minutes in length:

1 Tim 1:1-5-Introduction and Goal	1 Tim 1:6-17-The Law and the Gospel	1 Tim 1:18–2:7-Faithfulness, Prayer, and the Gospel	1 Tim 2:8-15-Men, Women, Holiness, and Prayer	1 Tim 3:1-13-The Requirements to be a Leader in the Church	1 Tim 3:14-16-The Nature of the Church and the Mystery of Godliness
1 Tim 4:1-7a-False Godliness	1 Tim 4:7b-16-Spiritual Discipline	1 Tim 5:1-16-Dealing with Congregants and the Needy	1 Tim 5:17-25-Issues Involving Church Leaders	1 Tim 6:1-12-Employees, False Teachers, and the Love of Money	1 Tim 6:13-21-Jesus Christ, Storing up Treasure, and Conclusion

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James

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.

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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:

Jas 1:1-11 Introduction; Tests of Faith; and Wisdom	Jas 1:12-27-The Origin of Sin; Doers of the Word; and the Nature of True Religion	Jas 2:1-13-The Sin of Partiality	Jas 2:14-26-Living, Working Faith
Jas 3:1-18-Control of the Tongue and Earthly versus Heavenly Wisdom	Jas 4:1-10-Self-centeredness versus Submitting to God	Jas 4:11–5:6-The Sin of Autonomy and its Manifestations	Jas 5:7-20-Concluding Exhortations

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1 Peter

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.

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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:

1 Peter: Introduction and 1 Pet 1:1-2-Salutation	1 Pet 1:3-12-Salvation, part 1	1 Pet 1:13-2:10-Salvation, part 2	1 Pet 2:11-3:6-Living righteous lives: all believers; servants; wives
1 Pet 3:7-3-12-Living righteous lives: husbands; all believers (summary)	1 Pet 3:13-4:11-The suffering of the righteous	1 Pet 4:12-5:5a-The church's response to suffering; elders; younger members	1 Pet 5:5b-14-The church's response to suffering; all believers; concluding salutation

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Revelation

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.

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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:

1-Revelation: Introduction; Genre; Symbolism	2-Revelation: Interpretive Approaches; the Situation of the 1st Century Churches; Purposes & Themes	3-The Structure of Revelation	4-The Church in Revelation (Part A): Slaves; the Seven Churches; Saints; those Purchased; Martyrs	5-The Church in Revelation (Part B): The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	6-The Church in Revelation (Part C): The Temple; the Holy City; and the Two Witnesses
7-The Church in Revelation (Part D): God's Children; People; Bride; Armies; Camp; and Beloved City	8-Rev 1:1-20-God; the Holy Spirit; Jesus Christ; and Implications for Us	9-Rev 2:1–3:22-Jesus' Evaluation of the Church and Promises to Overcomers	10-Rev 4:1–6:17-Heaven; the Lion who is the Lamb; the Book; the Seals	11-Rev 7:1–11:19-The Church; Tribulation; and the Trumpet Judgments	12-Rev 12:1–15:4-The History of the Church; the Fall of Satan; the Beasts; and Victory
13-Rev 15:5–16:21-The Bowl Judgments	14-Rev 17:1–18:24-Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots	15-Rev 19:1-21-Rejoicing in Heaven; the Marriage Supper of the Lamb; and the Second Coming of Christ	16-Rev 20:1-6-The Binding of Satan and the Reign of the Church	17-Rev 20:7-15-The Loosing and Destruction of Satan and the Final Judgment	18-Rev 21:1–22:21-The New Heaven and the New Earth

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TOPICAL STUDIES

Biblical Counseling

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.

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Biblical Eschatology

Biblical Eschatology is the study of the “last things.” This study includes sections on how to interpret prophecy and apocalyptic and the importance of eschatology. It discusses the Bible’s overall eschatological structure, how the OT fits together with the NT, provides an historical overview of eschatological thought, with particular emphasis on the apostolic and post-apostolic fathers, and deals with such major themes as the Antichrist, the millennium, the “rapture,” and the Second Coming of Christ. The major systems of eschatological thought are discussed, and the most important portions of Scripture that deal with eschatology are surveyed, including Ezekiel 40-48, Daniel 9:24-27, Zechariah 14, the Olivet Discourse, Romans 11:25-26, and the book of Revelation. Helpful tables and appendices are attached.

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An expanded version of this book (Biblical Eschatology, 2nd ed.; ISBN: 9781532643170) has been published by Wipf & Stock Publishers. Print and Kindle editions may be ordered from multiple online booksellers or directly from the publisher (at a 20% discount on the hard copy) by phone (541-344-1528) or email (orders@wipfandstock.com).                                                                    Click the book cover at right to learn more.

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:

1-Introduction to Biblical Eschatology	2-Interpreting Prophecy and Apocalyptic	3-OT Eschatological Expectations and Christ's First Coming	4-The Bible's Eschatological Structure & Christ's Second Coming	5-Historical Overview of Eschatological Thought	6-Historic Premillennialism; Dispensational Premillennialism; and New Creation Millennialism
7-Postmillennialism; Amillennialism; and Preterism	8-The Olivet Discourse, Part 1	9-The Olivet Discourse, Part 2	10-The Rapture	11-The Antichrist	12-The Importance of Eschatology
13-The Amillennial Position Explained	14-Ezekiel 40-48 (the vision of a new temple)	15-Dan 9:24-27 (the 70 weeks)	16-Zechariah 14 (its relation to Christ's two advents)	17-Romans 11 (and so all Israel will be saved)	18-1 Cor 15:20-57: The Resurrection, the Parousia, and the Millennium

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Biblical Interpretation

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.

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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:

1-Introduction to Biblical Interpretation	2-General hermeneutical principles for understanding the Bible	3-Core principles: Text and Framework; Staying on the Line; and Finding the Main Point	4-Core principles: Biblical Theology	5-Genre: Narratives; Poetry; Wisdom Literature; Parables; and Epistles	6-Genre: Prophecy and Apocalyptic
7-Core principles: Genre	8-Exegesis: Principles for Exegeting a Biblical Text	9-Core principles: Structure and Asking Good Questions	10-Exegesis: Word Meanings and Figures of Speech	11-Application: Introduction; Ideals; Doctrine; Examples	12-Core principles: Traveling Instructions-Application of Biblical Laws, Commands, and Rules

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Biblical Marriage & Parenting

This is a Christ-centered biblical exposition and application of God’s revelation concerning marriage and parenting. It looks at men and women as the image of God and the physiological, neurological, and other similarities and differences between men and women. The book covers the origin and purposes of marriage and our roles and responsibilities, with particular attention to relationships, communication, sex, parenting, family planning, and divorce.

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Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Marriage and Parenting. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-30 minutes in length:

1-Introduction to Biblical Marriage	2-Men, Women, and the Image of God	3-Men and Women: Similarities and Differences	4-God's will for Wives, Part 1	5-God's will for Wives, Part 2
6-God's will for Husbands, Part 1	7-God's will for Husbands, Part 2	8-Effective Communication	9-The Five Love Languages	10-Being a Blessing to your Family
11-Sex in Marriage	12-Biblical Parenting	13-Family Planning	14-Divorce

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Biblical Stewardship

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.

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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:

1-Introduction to Biblical Stewardship	2-Stewardship of the Environment	3-Stewardship of the Mind	4-Stewardship of Time	5-Stewardship of the Body
6-Stewardship of Relationships	7-A Biblical Overview of Money	8-The Miracle of Budgeting	9-Old Covenant Giving: The Law of the Tithe	10-The Joy of New Covenant Giving
11-Critique of the Prosperity Gospel	12-The Mission and Purpose of the Church	13-The Church and Finances	14-The Church's Responsibility to the Poor & Needy

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Biblical Theology

Biblical Theology is the basic story-line of the Bible, from the creation of the world and humanity in Genesis, through the fall of humanity into sin and its aftermath, and the history of God’s progressive redemption of humanity, culminating in the new heavens and new earth in Revelation. The Bible tells a coherent story, with Jesus Christ at its heart. Biblical Theology looks at major themes that run throughout the entire Bible, focusing on God’s relationship with humanity. It also shows how Christ and the church are the fulfillment of the covenants, promises, prophecies, and institutions begun in the Old Testament. Maps, timelines, and summaries are attached as helpful aids.

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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:

1-Introduction to Biblical Theology	2-Creation	3-Humanity's fall into sin and its aftermath	4-From Abraham to united Israel in the land	5-From divided Israel to the New Heaven and New Earth	6-Jesus Christ as the subject and fulfillment of the OT
7-How Christ and the church fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant	8-How Christ and the church fulfill the Davidic Covenant	9-How Christ and the church fulfill the New Covenant	10-Christ is the new, true, faithful Israel	11-The church is the new, true, spiritual Israel	12-Christ and the church are the true temple of God
13-Christ fulfills and replaces the feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Weeks	14-Christ fulfills and replaces the fall feasts, Sabbath year, year of Jubilee, Purim, and Hanukkah	15-Christ fulfills and replaces the entire OT sacrificial system and priesthood	16-Christ fulfills and replaces the entire OT Law	17-Christ fulfills and replaces the OT Sabbath	18-Christ and the church are the prophesied Servant of the Lord
19-God's dwelling with his people: the Garden of Eden, Tabernacle, Temple, and New Jerusalem	20-God's relationship with his people in terms of marriage	21-God's Sovereignty, Human Responsibility, and the Existence of Sin and Evil: Part 1	22-God's Sovereignty, Human Responsibility, and the Existence of Sin and Evil: Part 2	23-Jesus Christ as fully God and fully man	24-Jesus and the Sign of Jonah

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Christianity and Islam

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.

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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.

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Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 1:

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Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 2:

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Christianity & Islam (condensed), Part 3 (including Appendix):

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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:

1-Overview of Islam	2-The Islamic view of Jesus	3-The Crucifixion	4-The Resurrection	5-Jesus is the Son of God	6-Jesus in the Qur'an
7-The Character of Muhammad	8-Sin and Salvation: Christianity	9-Sin and Salvation: Islam	10-Implications of Sin and Salvation	11-Yahweh and Allah	12-The Trinity
13-The Bible	14-Is Muhammad in the Bible?	15-The Development of the Qur'an	16-The Qur'an: Contradictions; Errors; and the Doctrine of Abrogation	17-Bridging the Divide Between Islam and the Gospel	18-Using the Qur'an and Islamic Culture to Lead Muslims to Christ

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The Church

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.

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Kirundi

Kiswahili

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:        

1-The Nature of the Church	2-Church Government, Leadership, Discipline, and Sacraments	3-Worship	4-The Basis and Substance of Discipleship
5-The Discipleship Process	6-Ministry Within the Church	7-Mission	8-Unity (Wholeness)

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Expository Preaching

Expository preaching—i.e., how to expound, preach, and apply the Bible well—is described and demonstrated. The importance of the preacher’s own life is explained. Each aspect of a good sermon, from the introduction, through the proposition and exposition, to the applications and conclusion, is analyzed and made clear. How to prepare and organize a good sermon is examined, different organizational models are presented, and detailed sermon outlines are included. What makes communication persuasive, and the preacher’s style, are discussed.

Read or download a PDF of this course book:

English           Kirundi

Kiswahili

Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Expository Preaching. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is betwen approximately 24-33 minutes in length:

1-Introduction to Expository Preaching	2-The life of the preacher	3-The Rail-Fence sermon model and audience awareness	4-Understanding and explaining the biblical passage	5-Application of the passage
6-One big point: the proposition and organizational sentence	7-Introductions, transitions, and conclusions	8-Sermon organization	9-Persuasive communication and the preacher's "style"	10-Effective sermons: research and conclusions

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Forgiveness & Reconciliation

Forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of Christ’s ministry to us, and are to be at the heart of our approach to others. This course deals with the important Scriptural bases of forgiveness and reconciliation. It discusses what forgiveness and reconciliation are and what they are not as well as how reconciliation differs from forgiveness. Practical reasons why forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary are discussed, and practical models for how to forgive and how to reconcile are included. Also covered are the relationship of forgiveness and repentance and the issue of forgiving oneself.

Read or download a PDF of this course book:

English

Kinyarwanda

Kirundi

Kiswahili

 

Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Forgiveness & Reconciliation. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 22-31 minutes in length:

1-The necessity and importance of forgiveness	2-What forgiveness is NOT	3-What forgiveness IS	4-How to forgive	5-Saying "I forgive you"; guideposts to forgiveness; and forgiving yourself
6-Forgiveness and repentance	7-Seeking and receiving forgiveness for your own sins	8-The necessity and importance of reconciliation	9-Forgiveness vs. reconciliation; why to reconcile; and how to reconcile

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:

English

Read or download a PDF of the Participant Manual:

English

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Bible Literacy: OT and NT Overview

This is a basic Bible literacy course. The Old Testament overview, which consists of two parts, makes understanding the OT easy as it takes us through the 39 books of the OT. It includes the 5 categories (law, history, poetry, major prophets, minor prophets) and the 8 major periods of OT history (beginnings, patriarchal period, Israel becoming a nation, conquest and occupation of the promised land, united kingdom, divided kingdom, exilic [captivity] period, and post-exilic period). The first part of the course looks at the major persons and events of each period and shows how major OT prophecies are fulfilled by Christ. The second part of the course then shows what each of the poetry and prophetic books covers and where they fit into the 8 time periods. The New Testament overview describes the nature of the categories of the books (Gospels, history, church, pastoral, and general letters, and prophecy). It also provides summaries of each of the 27 books of the NT and lists major events in the life and ministry of the apostle Paul. Many helpful maps are included.

Read or download a PDF of this course book:

Bible Literacy: OT Overview, Part 1:

English

Kiswahili

Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Literacy Course: OT Overview, Part 1. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 26-28 minutes in length:

Bible Literacy Course-Part 1, Segment A: Introduction to the OT; first three periods of OT history

Bible Literacy Course-Part 1, Segment B: From entry into the land through the post-exilic period

Bible Literacy Course-Part 1, Segment C: Seeing Christ in the OT

Bible Literacy: OT Overview, Part 2:

English

Kiswahili

Below are video lectures (MP4 format) that summarize the highlights of the book Biblical Literacy Course: OT Overview, Part 2. Each lecture is focused on one topic or section of the book and is between approximately 25-41 minutes in length:

Bible Literacy Course-Part 2, Segment A: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon

Bible Literacy Course-Part 2, Segment B: The Major Prophets

Bible Literacy Course-Part 2, Segment C: The Minor Prophets

Bible Literacy: NT Overview

English

Kiswahili

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:

Bible Literacy Course-Part 3, Segment A: Introduction to the NT and the four Gospels

Bible Literacy Course-Part 3, Segment B: Acts - Philemon and the life of Paul

Bible Literacy Course-Part 3, Segment C: Hebrews - Revelation

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