Christianity 201: “The Life of Christ”

Who is Christ?  Why was He born?  How can He be both God and man?  What did He accomplish on earth?  What was the heart of His teaching?  What did He accomplish at the cross?  What was the real purpose for His death?  How can we know for sure He arose from the grave?  What was the significance of His resurrection?  What will happen when He returns?  These are just a few of the many questions that will be answered in this study. J. Oswald Sanders’ “The Incomparable Christ” will serve as the supplemental text.

 Christianity 202a: “Faith Lessons from the Old Testament”

Filmed on location in Israel, “Faith Lessons from the Old Testament” is a unique series that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious and geographical contexts, historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures' significance for believers in this day and age. Each lesson includes a 12-18 minute video segment that will be viewed in connection with the lesson.  Each session can be viewed on a stand alone basis.

 Christianity 202b: “Faith Lessons regarding the Life and Ministry of Christ”

Marvel at the magnificence of Herod's palace and learn how it shaped the culture of the day. Scramble among the ruins of Qumran. Wonder at the simplicity of Jesus' parables. Study the events of Jesus' day that impacted His life, His ministry and His communication.  Filmed on location in Israel this unique series brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into Christ’s teachings for believers. Each lesson includes a 12-18 minute video segment that will be viewed in connection with the lesson.  “Nothing has opened and illuminated he Scriptures for me quite like the Faith Lessons series.”  Dr. James Dobson

 Christianity 203: “Christian History, 1st – 15th Century”

Just as the Overview of the Bible covers the revealed word of God from Genesis to Revelation, Christian History (part 1) covers the work of God from the earliest days of the church in the first century to the impact of the printing press by Johann Gutenberg in the 15th century.  How did Gnosticism affect the early church?  How did Roman Catholicism evolve?  What was the role of creeds in the church?  What was the influence of Constantine on the church?  What significance did the debate between Pelagius and Augustine in the fourth century have on the modern church?  How did the role of the pope evolve?  What about Muhammad and the beginning of Islam?  Who influenced the doctrine of the church and how did they do it?  How did Christianity spread to Europe?  What happened to the church during the Middle Ages?  These are only a few of the many questions to be answered as you study the first 1500 years of church history.  Dr. Timothy Paul Jones’ “Christian History Made Easy” ($14.00) will serve as a textual guide.

Christianity 204: “Christian History, 16th – 21st Century”

Christian History (part 2) covers the impact of the Holy Spirit and the various developments within the church from the 16th century to modern day.  What was the significance of the Protestant Reformation?  Why do we have so many denominations?  How did the various denominations develop?  Why do denominations disagree about the clear teachings of scripture?  What was the impact of the Puritans on the establishment of America as a nation?  How did the three great revivals in the 1700s and 1800s impact the modern church and education?  How did the concept for altar calls, invitation hymns, stain glass windows, and various other practices and religious emblems develop within the church?  These are only a few of the questions to be answered as you study through the last 500 years of church history.  Dr. Timothy Paul Jones’ “Christian History Made Easy” ($14.00) will serve as a textual guide.