Survey of Bible Doctrine The Grace Institute Grace Community Fellowship Winter/Spring 1999

Download the class syllabus as a Microsoft Word file.

Have you ever wondered:

• What does the Bible says about the nature of God, the nature of humanity, and who Jesus was?
• What makes the Bible so important and what is the right way to interpret the Bible?
• What does the Bible says about angels and spiritual beings, or the end times?
• What Christians mean by such unfamiliar terms like "trinity," "atonement," and "salvation?"

Maybe you know a lot of these things already, but you don't know where it is found in the Bible or how to communicate it to someone else. Have been told all your life what to believe, but have never investigated these things for yourself. Maybe you jus t need someone to hold you accountable to studying the Bible on a regular basis.

Then you should consider joining us Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:15 p.m. for the winter/spring semester of the Grace Institute.

This semester we are going to explore basic Bible Doctrine and Systematic Theology. But don't let the sophisticated name fool you. We are going to look at the basic teachings of the bible in an interesting and accessible manner. You won't be told what to believe, but will be challenged to discover for yourself what the bible says and asked to draw your own conclusions.

Readings

1. Charles C. Ryrie, A Survey of Bible Doctrine - Order this book from Amazon.com today!
2. Various other readings as provided.

Class Outline & Notes

Understanding the difference between Biblical, Systematic, Dogmatic and Historical Theology

Bibliology - A look at the authority and inspiration of scripture.
Homework. Reading: Lewis Sperry Chafer, Major Bible Themes, pp.11-35

Bibliogology - Understanding the process of illumination and how to interpret the scriptures.
Homework. Reading: Bernard Ramm, Protestant Biblical Interpretation, pp. 23-92

Theology Proper - Looking at the attributes of God and our response to those attributes
Homework, Reading: Charles Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life, pp. 87-102

What Is God Like?- Part II

Theology Proper - A look at the names of God and the doctrine of the Trinity.
Homework, Reading: The True God, pp.101-116

Christology - Explore the dual nature of Jesus. Understanding his humanity and his divinity.
Homework, Reading: Josh McDowell, More Than a Carpenter, pp. 7-24

Christology - Looking at Jesus as the Second Adam and as our Advokate.
Homework, Reading: Ben Witherington III, "Primary Sources," Christian History, pp. 1-6

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

Pneumatology - Discussions regarding the nature and work of the Holy Spirit
Homework

What About Angels, Demons, and Satan?

Angelology - Discussion regarding the nature and role of angels and a look at fallen angels.
Reading: Billy Graham, Angels: God's Secret Agents, pp. 17-25

Anthropology - What does it mean to bear the image of God?
Reading: Ronald B. Allen, The Majesty of Man, pp. 66-108

Our Great a Salvation - Part I

Soteriology
Reading: Leon Morris, The Atonement, pp. 106-150

Our Great a Salvation - Part II

Soteriology
Reading: Leon Morris, The Atonement, pp. 151-202

What Is the Church?

Ecclesiology
Reading: Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church, pp. 75-109

Eschatology - Looking at the scriptures, the future timeline, and the point of biblical prophecy.
Reading: Lehman Strauss, Bible Prophecy, p. 1-11