Post one thread of 400 words that summarizes what Comiskey says regarding small groups and ecclesiology. Give 2-3 strategies on how you are planning to grow and multiply new small groups for the future.

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Discussion Thread: How to Multiply a Small Group

Discussion Assignment Instructions

  • Read Biblical Foundations for the Cell-Based Church: New Testament Insights for the 21st Century Church by Joel Comiskey, Chapters 5-9
  • Read  Leading Healthy, Growing, Multiplying, Small Groups by Earley & Dempsey  Chapters 40-46

Read Comiskey, Why Cell Multiplication is Necessary https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/

Read Comiskey, Ways to Multiply Cell Groups https://joelcomiskeygroup.com/

 

After reading the aforementioned materials, post one thread of 400 words that summarizes what Comiskey says regarding small groups and ecclesiology. Also, give 2-3 strategies on how you are planning to grow and multiply new small groups for the future. You must support your assertions with 2 scholarly citations in Turabian format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook and the Bible.

 

 

What did you learn from reading the posts of others? What insights were consistent or inconsistent with your own thoughts on the topic? Given your own opinion and the opinions of others, how would you best summarize the topic from an academic and biblical perspective?

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Discussion Assignment Instructions

The student will complete 2 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 250 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned Module: Week. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 100 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 citation from the textbook and 1 citation from Scripture in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 citation from the textbook or scholarly research and 1 citation from Scripture in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and other scholarly sources.

Instructions

Initial Thread: You will discuss each topic with reference to course content and a biblical worldview. Present an opinion with research support and integrate your perspective with a biblical worldview. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer for these discussions; therefore, you will not be graded on your opinion but on the quality of your support of and reflection on that opinion.

Reply: The reply must critically analyze the classmate thread and discuss the course content answering the following questions:

  • What did you learn from reading the posts of others?
  • What insights were consistent or inconsistent with your own thoughts on the topic?
  • Given your own opinion and the opinions of others, how would you best summarize the topic from an academic and biblical perspective?

Be sure to also reply to classmates who respond to your initial thread.

Notes:

  • It is best to avoid using direct quotations from the textbook or any other source (except possibly a short Scripture verse) in any of your threads or replies. These submissions must be in your own words (paraphrased) so that you clearly demonstrate your mastery of the material.
  • Do not attach a Microsoft Word document; rather, type directly into the textbox or copy and paste from a Microsoft Word document directly into the textbox.
  • Be conversational but stay on topic. Do not simply repeat information you find in our textbook but incorporate your ideas and unique perspectives. After you write your post, compare what you have written to the assignment instructions (for the initial thread and for the reply posts) to ensure that you have addressed each discussion point.
  • Citations and references must be written in current APA format.
  • Finally, proofread your work carefully to catch spelling, capitalization, grammar, and sentence structure errors. Refer to the grading rubric to ensure an outstanding grade.

How does a fuller view of the implications of the gospel affect how you live out your life? How can you more effectively communicate the gospel as something that is not just about a point in time, but also a life that is lived that reflects the gospel?

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Discussion reply

Introduction to Theology Survey

Discussion Thread: The Impact of the Gospel 50 pts
In the final discussion interactions, you will further previous discussions by considering the impact the gospel has in shaping a Christian’s interaction with his/her culture.

  •  How does a fuller view of the implications of the gospel affect how you live out your life?
  •  How can you more effectively communicate the gospel as something that is not just about a point in time (i.e. a prayer for salvation), but also a life that is lived that reflects the gospel?

Review the Discussion Assignment Instructions prior to posting. You may also click the three dots in the upper corner to Show Rubric.

Post-First: This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in response to the provided prompt.

Select one chapter from ”James Cone’s God Of The Oppressed” and critically engage the text while bringing into concert your voice, lecture notes, and the readings.

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Midterm paper

Each student will prepare a midterm paper. In this essay, students will select one chapter from James Cone’s God Of The Oppressed and will critically engage the text while bringing into concert their voice, lecture notes, and the readings. Students will be graded on grammar, structure, syntax, vocabulary, and knowledge of course material. (typed, double spaced, 12 font, times new roman)

Make clear the distinction (difference) between the assurance of salvation, the evidence of salvation, and security of salvation by contrasting the 3 terms.

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Reply From Christology to Pneumatology

Discussion Assignment Instructions

The student will compose two replies of around  3 – 4 sentences apiece for each student, which also must contain one citation each for each reply. The student must only cite the course textbooks.

Student 1 Sara

 Son of God

Returning to the creation of man that is described in Genesis 1, Moody reminds us that we were made in the Image of God. Of course, this perfect image was destroyed when Genesis 3 explains mankind’s first sin.[1] Seeking to rectify the separation of His relationship with humanity, Scripture declares, “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14).[2] The author of Colossians then says, “When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, [Jesus] made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross (2:13–14).[3] This one verse identifies that Jesus died for the sins of all human beings. Or, as Moody explains, the sins causing our separation from God were “nailed to His cross.”[4] First John 5:12-13 recognizes the necessity of the Son’s work for being awarded eternal life: “He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”

Spirit of God

If it weren’t for the unified work of the Son and Spirit, salvation would not be possible. Being saved is impossible by knowing all the facts. So, the Spirit will convict individuals of their wrongdoings and provide the required faith to believe in Jesus’ forgiveness. Once accepting Christ, believers are comforted by the Spirit’s abiding presence and depend upon its direction in ministering salvation to the unsaved.[5]

Assurance of Salvation

Moody acknowledges five criteria guaranteeing salvation. As stated previously, one requirement is a personal relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Considering the new nature and heart for Christ, saved individuals should strive to live a life that honors God over seeking to worldly securities. Also, godly actions should be practiced following salvation. This person will also be experiencing a process of spiritual maturity. No developing Christian can live in our sinful world without training to be more like Christ. Lastly, the existence of the Holy Spirit within a believer’s life provides assurance that the individual has been saved. “But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” (Romans 8:9).[6]

Evidence of Salvation

Moody again emphasizes five qualities providing evidence of salvation. The first is when God’s presence in so great in a believer’s life that an outside observer will also recognize that their vocation is centered on Christ. Next, the believer should naturally exhibit godly behaviors in response to their thoughts being so consumed with God’s Word. Third, a true Christian is evident after defeating the challenges and confidently sharing the gospel of Christ with others. Moody refers to 1 John 4:16 when discussing the fourth characteristic: “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” In layman’s terms, the saved person should not be living in continual sins but seeking to live a righteous and holy life. The final specified feature to identify someone’s evidence of salvation is tenderness. In keeping with Jesus’ commands, this is a required attribute for Christ-followers: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).[7]

Security of Salvation

Based on my developing theological knowledge, I argue that our salvation is secure because it completely belongs to the Lord. Salvation began with Jesus’ birth, atoning death, and victorious resurrection. His Word confirms that our salvation will be completed when Jesus returns: “So Christ … will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him” (Heb. 9:28). This ultimately defines the past, present, and future life of God’s children. I’m not a biblical commentator, but I interpret that Paul included God calling lost individuals to redemption and then promising to raise their bodies (figuratively) into His glory after death in his Roman epistle: “And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified” (Rom. 8:30, ESV).

[1] Christopher Moody, Disciple-Making Disciples: A Practical Theology of the church (Franklin, TN, Carpenter’s Son, 2021), 91.

[2] Ibid., 107.

[3] Ibid., 196.

[4] Ibid., 197.

[5] Ibid., 171.

[6] Ibid., 87-97.

[7] Ibid., 100-13.

 Student 2 Amba

Discussion Thread: From Christology to Pneumatology.

“Salvation consists of three steps: effectual calling, conversion, and regeneration. Through the Holy Spirit, God calls the unbeliever to salvation. The human response to that call involves turning from sin to faith in Christ. Faith also includes belief. God responds by regenerating the person to new life in Christ. We can only stand in awe of God’s work of saving us and regenerating us as spiritual beings.” (Millard J. Erickson).

What role does each of them have?

“God chooses some persons to be saved and that their conversion results from that decision on God’s part. Because all humans are lost in sin, spiritually blind, and unable to believe, however, some action by God must intervene between His eternal decision and the conversion of the individual within time. This activity of God is termed special or effectual calling.”

“Scripture speaks of a general calling to salvation, an invitation extended to all persons. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). There is a universal dimension to Isaiah’s “Turn to me and be saved, all you end of the earth” (Isa. 45:22). This passage combines an emphasis on the exclusiveness of God and the universality of His offer. Further, when Jesus said, “For many are invited, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14), He was probably referring to God’s universal invitation. But note the distinction here between calling and choosing. Those who are chosen are the objects of God’s special or effectual calling.”

“George Ladd remarks that the first work of the Spirit is to enable men to understand the divine work of redemption. The cross was an event whose meaning was folly to Greeks and an offense to Jews. But to those enlightened by the Spirit, it is the wisdom of God. In other words, Paul recognizes a hidden meaning in the historical event of the death of Christ (“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,” 2 Cor. 5:19) that is not evident to the human eye, but which can be accepted only by a supernatural illumination. The Spirit does not reveal heavenly realities but the true meaning of an historical event. He does not impart some kind of “gnostic” esoteric truth but the real meaning of an event in history. Only by the illumination of the Spirit can men understand the meaning of the cross; only by the Spirit can men therefore confess that Jesus who was executed is also the Lord (1 Cor. 12:3).”

Make clear the distinction (difference) between the assurance of salvation, the evidence of salvation, and security of salvation by contrasting the 3 terms.

“The first step of the Christian life is called conversion; it is the act of turning from one’s sin in repentance and turning to Christ in faith.”

The negative aspect of conversion is the abandonment or repudiation of sin. This is what we mean by repentance. It is based on a feeling of godly sorrow for our sin. Repentance is godly sorrow for one’s sin together with a resolution to turn from it. As repentance is the negative aspect of conversion, turning from one’s sin, so faith is the positive aspect, laying hold of the promises and the work of Christ. Faith is at the very heart of the gospel, for it is the vehicle by which we are enabled to receive the grace of God.”

Although we have depicted conversion as a human response to divine initiative, even repentance and faith are gifts from God. Jesus made very clear that conviction, which repentance presupposes, is the work of the Holy Spirit: “When (the Spirit) comes, He will convict the world of guilt regarding sin and righteousness and judgment.

Jesus also said, “No one can come to me, for example, exercise faith unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). This work of the Father is effective: “All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me, I will never drive away. Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to me” (John 6:37, 45).

“There are three essential elements among the objective aspects of salvation: Union with Christ, justification, and adoption. Union with Christ is a generally inclusive term for all of salvation. It is also specific, referring to an intimate relationship with Christ, akin to the marriage relationship between husband and wife. In justification God imputes the righteousness of Christ to the believer, which cancels God’s judgment on the believer.”

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.

 

Research on the relationship between Ise Shrine, Izumo Shrine, and the Imperial family in Japan. Describe your findings about these three aspects and the relationship between them.

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Japanese Mythology

Research on the relationship between Ise Shrine, Izumo Shrine, and the Imperial family in Japan. Describe your findings about these three aspects and the relationship between them.

Try to include not only information other people have written (although you must include this as well), but also your own interpretation and opinions. Include citations and/or links to the resources you use in an academic way.

 

After reading the text and scripture, and viewing the presentations for this module, discuss your understanding of Romans 12 as it relates to the worship of God. Provide an extensive rationale for your explanation, including citations from the class text, scripture, and other scholarly sources.

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Read Peterson: Chapters 6-7, Borchert Chapter 6-8,10, Romans 12, Colossians 3:1-17.

After reading the text and scripture, and viewing the presentations for this module, discuss your understanding of Romans 12 as it relates to the worship of God. Provide an extensive rationale for your explanation, including citations from the class text, scripture, and other scholarly sources.

Research a place of worship for any religion in any of the styles that we discuss in this class OR for any religion that was in existence or begun before the year 1400.

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Place of worship for any religion

For this assignment you are to research a place of worship for any religion in any of the styles that we discuss in this class OR for any religion that was in existence or begun before the year 1400.

You must turn in a 800 word (minimum) paper with MLA formatting and all sources properly cited. The word count does not include your list of sources or works cited.

The building must have been built by 1400 or at least be begun by 1400.

Your first paragraph should explain why you chose this particular structure.

Your second paragraph should describe the exterior in detail, especially any decoration.

Your third paragraph should describe the floor plan—the general shape of it, aisles, altar, etc.

Your fourth paragraph should describe the interior in detail, especially any decoration.

Your fifth paragraph should be the conclusion. In this paragraph explain anything that you would change in the building to make it more appropriate or innovative (but remember, no electricity!) for the time period.

You should use a minimum of four sources with at least three being internet sources or databases. Use some of the databases available on the :

LINK:

 

Complete four assignments using the techniques of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application. Examine a given passage of Scripture, consult various Bible study tools, and employ the structure as well as techniques detailed in the Everyday Bible Study text.

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Bible Study Project Assignment

During this project, the student will complete four assignments using the techniques of observation, interpretation, correlation, and application. These are the four components of inductive Bible study outlined in Everyday Bible Study.

Among other things, the student will examine a given passage of Scripture, consult various Bible study tools, and employ the structure as well as techniques detailed in the Everyday Bible Study text.

Using the correct templates, inductively study the given passage. Be sure to pay attention to the specific instructions for each section in the templates so that the answers provided are correct, complete and sufficiently detailed.

 

How does the tendency to push religion away from the public arena affect the Christian’s ability to engage culture? What are the areas within your own life that depict the sacred/secular divide?

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Discussion Thread: The Sacred/ Secular Divide 50 pts

You will continue the previous discussion by considering the sacred/secular divide that is often seen within society today. After watching the presentation titled The Sacred/Secular Divide, interact with your classmates by discussing the following questions:

  • How does the tendency to push religion away from the public arena affect the Christian’s ability to engage culture?
  • What are the areas within your own life that depict the sacred/secular divide?
  • How can the sacred/secular divide be eliminated within your sphere of influence?

In your discussion, indicate to which of the points of the Sacred/Secular Divide you are responding throughout your post.
Review the discussion Assignment Instructions prior to posting. You may also click the three dots in the upper corner to Show Rubric.

Post-First: This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only be able to read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in response to the provided prompt.