New Testament 1 Syllabus Introduction As we move on into the New Testament we become initiated into the life of the

One who was to come. From Genesis to Malachi the need is obvious that God must intervene in the lives of both Israel and mankind. As you study the gospels try to embrace not just the knowledge that is available in your study, but the wonder of God becoming man. The study of Christ; His deeds and teachings, is the most profound you are going to encounter. Christianity starts with Christ. Becoming familiar with the gospels is one of the best things you can do for yourself and for those you minister to. Drink deeply of the gospel for it gives life and health to those who come with open hearts. The book of Acts for some is prescriptive, others descriptive. For most it is a bit of both. Regardless it is the story of the Holy Spirit working through the first church and its leaders, bringing the gospel to the Jews and going out to the Gentiles. Acts is the beginning of Church history. Realizing this may help you to see how doctrines are formed and forged by the friction of the world and the proclamation of the church under the influence of the Spirit. Purpose: 1. To give the student the familiarity with gospels of the New Testament and the book of Acts. 2. To get to know the Christ of the gospels better. 3. To be able to share the gospel in its profundity and simplicity to others 4. To see be able to defend the deity of Christ in a logical way that stands firmly on the scriptures. Required texts: Note: Some of these texts will be used for more then one course and will not be required to be read in their entirety for this course. These texts are available for download or as hardcopy. Popular Survey of the New Testament, A by Norman Geisler Halley's Bible Handbook with the New International Version By Henry H. Halley Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, Second Edition By Craig Bloomberg With The Word Bible Commentary (Bible Handbook) by Warren W. Wiersbe Assignments The student is required to complete all reading, discussion, and writing assignments. I Interactive assignments (Due each week posted) Most weeks there will be questions that you will be required to answer posted on the course web site. You are required to respond online to each question by Wednesday and then by Friday read all responses and then thoughtfully reflect to at least one (more then one is good!) other persons posting. These answers and responses should be substantial, meaning they require more then a single paragraph that expresses some thought concerning the question. It would also be beneficial to reflect on someones answer that has not had someone else respond to their thoughts. II Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 2)

Note: Read each of your texts only where specifically stated. They may be used again in further courses. Make a careful note of what to read in each of your texts for they are all different. Important Note: Reading levels are different for different books. Take note of the introduction to the Pastoral Leadership Institute on reading for all courses and note whether the reading level is 1, 2, or 3. A popular survey of the New Testament should be read at #2 reading level. A Popular Survey of the New Testament read to the end of Acts 1. Summarize what the author states about the 4 gospels and Acts (2-4 double space pages) III Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 3) Halleys bible handbook- the Messianic strain of the Old Testament to the end of Acts 1. Summarize what the author states about the period between the Testaments (1 page double spaced). 2. Choose one or more things that interested or intrigued you that Halley mentions dealing with each gospel and Acts and write about it from his and your own perspective (1 double spaced page for each of the 4 gospels, for a total of 5 pages). IV Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 5) Jesus and the gospels- read part 1(chapters 1-3), part 3 (chapters 6-9), part 4 (chapters 10-17). Reading level 1-2 1. Write about the three backgrounds of the gospels, part 1(chapters 1-3) and their importance in understanding the gospels. (2-3 pages double spaced) 2. Write about what is distinctive in each of the gospels part 3 (chapters 6-9) (2-4 double spaced pages). 3. Give and overview of the life of Jesus according to part 4. (3-4 double spaced pages) part 4 (chapters 10-17). V Reading and writing assignment (Due Sunday week 6) With The Word Bible Commentary (Bible Handbook) Matthew to Acts Reading level: 2. Read with your Bible close at hand so you grasp the context of each chapter. 1. Write about how the writer focuses on one of the four gospels (whichever one you choose) and how it could help in a teaching and or preaching ministry (2 double spaced pages). 2. Choose three parables. State them in your own words. What was the meaning to the people at the time. Share what applications may be appropriate to your life and ministry today (4-6 double spaced pages). 3. Refer to an incident in the book of Acts: Tell about it in your own words. State what about it inspires you and why. (1-2 double spaced pages) Exam There will be no exam in this course. Marking You will be marked on how well you did each part of your assignment in terms of content and thoughtfulness. Make certain you answer all questions in writing assignments. Interactive assignments I 25% Reading and writing II assignment 10%

Reading and writing III assignment 20% Reading and writing IV assignment 25% Reading and writing V assignment 20%