THEOLOGY COHORT

  • To equip and train men and women in the necessary doctrines and skills for effective, fruitful ministry in the local church.

    1. Convictions and Competence in Biblical & Systematic Theology

    2. Convictions and Competence in Pastoral Theology and Practice

  • Bi-weekly assignments and discussion meetings (two hours per meeting, three hours of weekly reading) focused on clarity of content, pastoral applications of content, and personal growth plan with content.

PRIMARY RESOURCES

  • Biblical and Systematic Theology:

    -Moody chapters 1-26

    -Vlach videos- Hermeneutics, covenants, eschatology 

    Pastoral Theology and Practice:

    -Select articles/position papers on:

    • Divorce and Remarriage 

    • Complementarianism and Egalitarianism

    • Women in ministry

    • Apostolic gifts versus spiritual gifts

    • Babies who die or reach/age of accountability 

    • Church discipline

    • Knowing the will of God

    • Abuse

    • Election, foreknowledge, salvation

    • Demonic realm/possession/oppression

  • Get to know you:  What do you hope to accomplish by the end of this course?

    Read Eastmont’s Doctrinal Statement and Distinctives. 

    Read Moody: Chapters 1-2 (optional to read chapters 3-8)

    Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

    Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermenutics

    Misquoting God

    The Bible: The Holy Canon of Scripture

    Interpreting The Scriptures by John Hopler

    Discussion questions:

    • Discuss several reasons why the study of doctrinal beliefs is important for a believer.

    • What starting point does Eastmont use for the study of doctrine/the Bible? What are the dangers of using a different starting point? Give examples of churches or individuals who have been negatively influenced because they had the wrong starting point in their theology of God, spiritual growth, and experience. 

    • Review Eastmont’s doctrine and distinctives. What issues are close-handed?  What issues are open-handed?

    • Chpt 1 - What are the key indicators of Biblical theology vs systematic theology? What pros and cons do you see about each approach?

    • What is the importance of the unconditional covenants in the Old Testament? How do these covenants help us see the themes of the Biblical narrative?

  • Read Moody: Chapters 9-16

    Discussion questions:

    • Discuss how the historical background, themes, and context give you confidence in scripture as God’s word?

    • What is something new that you learned in these chapters?

    • What was the most challenging part of your reading?

    • What questions do you still have about the New Testament?

  • Week 3: Systematic Theology

    Read Moody: Chapters 17-18

    Discussion Questions:

    • What is systematic theology?

    • Why use a “system for theology?

    • Why is inerrancy important to our understanding of scripture?

    • What is the role of general revelation?

    • Describe the literal, grammatical, and historical interpretation of the Bible. 

    • What questions do you have about this section?

  • Read Moody: Chapter 19

    ‍A Brief Definition of The Trinity by James White

    Discussion Questions:

    • Give examples of situations when the immanence of God may encourage a believer. 

    • God’s immanence together with his transcendence seems like a paradox. How do you explain both concepts to someone who is confused?

    • Some have said, “The God of the bible is limited because he can only do what he supposedly has promised to do.” How would you respond to this?

    • Explain how God is personal, and not just a force or a concept.

    • What aspects of God’s character do you think should be talked about more often?

    • How would you respond to the following:

      • “If God allows pain and suffering, doesn’t that make God cruel?”

      • “Is it wrong to feel upset or disappointed with God when I see all the earthquakes, tornadoes, and natural disasters that kill hundreds of thousands of people?”

    • How do you explain the Trinity to someone who is confused about how the God of the bible can be three persons in one?

    • Give an example of how one aspect of God’s nature has helped you in a situation of difficulty. What scriptures were helpful to you? How did you apply truth? In what ways have you then been able to help someone in a similar situation?

  • Read Moody: Chapter 20

    Discussion Questions:

    • Why is the hypostatic union (dual nature) of Christ important theologically?

    • How has Christ’s humanity helped you understand the Christian life?

    • How has the divine nature of Christ encouraged your life? 

    • How could these two natures help you shepherd people at Eastmont?

    • How do the offices of Christ help you understand his nature and role?

  • Read Moody: Chapter 21

    Read The Essential Ministry of the Holy Spirit by John Macarthur

    Read Does God Whisper? By Greg Koukl

    Read Does God Whisper? Pt. 2

    Read Does God Whisper Pt. 3

    Discussion Questions:

    • What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit’s Role? (List the things he does.) 

    • How does the Holy Spirit direct us?

    • What do you think of Koukle’s conclusions on the Holy Spirit? 

    • What is the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Father and the Son?

    • What pitfalls do Christians face when talking about the Holy Spirit?

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