Religion

Next, we will explore John 13–21. Read and watch the following resources in order to better understand the second portion of John’s Gospel: John 13–21 Strauss, Four Portraits, One Jesus, pages 386–393 Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Lamb of God (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “I Am Sayings (Links to an external site.)” Green, Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, “Farewell Discourse (Links to an external site.)” Begin by reviewing all that you have learned from John’s Gospel in these last 2 weeks. Then, create a Fab 5 list of the concepts that you believe are the most important from John’s Gospel. You may follow a simple list structure for each Fab 5. Summarize the concepts in your own words. You need to have 2–3 sentences per item describing the concept and why it is valuable.

This week, we learned more about God’s use of covenant agreements, obedience and disobedience, and suffering. As you complete this assignment, consider how God uses all of these things to help develop personal character and strong leaders who make a difference in society. Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to: • Assess the principles of obedience and disobedience as these behaviors determine blessings and “curses” in relation to God’s law. • Explain the distinctive role that faithfulness to God plays in developing leaders who impact the well-being of Biblical society. • Demonstrate critical thinking that applies Biblical texts to present day living. Resources • Textbook: God with Us: An Introduction to the Old Testament • Bible: A standard translation, as noted in the syllabus

As Christians, we have a responsibility to view the world and its circumstances the way Jesus would. There is much in our society and the world as a whole that can sharpen our minds and our philosophies when it comes to this discipline. Applying the Gospel to what is happening around you is important in developing your biblical worldview. Begin by finding a reputable article about a current event that has occurred in the past year that displays similarity and disparity with John’s Gospel, its narrations, themes or purpose. Read the article and consider how it connects to what we have been learning in John’s Gospel. Then, in a 1- to 2-page, double-spaced reaction, complete the following: Provide the link to your article. Write a brief paragraph summary of the story in your own words. Share how you think this article displays similarity or disparity with John’s Gospel. Describe how this article fits or diverges from what we have been learning in the class. Draw a biblical connection to your article. This can be in the form of specific Scripture in John, or 1 of its narrations, themes, or purpose.

As you study passages in 1 and 2 Samuel this week, consider how God uses the principles of obedience and disobedience to prepare His people for the future. In what ways is God’s sovereignty illustrated in these two books? Upon successful completion of the course material, you will be able to: • Assess the principles of obedience and disobedience as these behaviors determine blessings and “curses” in relation to God’s law. Resources • Textbook: God with Us: An Introduction to the Old Testament • Bible: A standard translation, as noted in the syllabus Instructions 1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade. 2. Review the following in a standard translation of the Bible: a. 1 Samuel 13:1–14 b. 2 Samuel 11–12 c. Psalm 51 3. Review Chapter 12, God with Us: An Introduction to the Old Testament. 4. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following: a. Compare and contrast the sin of Saul and his response to Samuel’s rebuke (1 Samuel 13:1–14) with the sin of David and his response to Nathan’s rebuke (2 Samuel 11 and 12). Take into consideration Psalm 51, which was written by David as part of his response to Nathan’s rebuke. b. Describe the consequences of both Saul’s and David’s disobedience. c. Discuss the lessons present day leaders could learn from these two stories. 5. Cite your sources using correct APA format. 6. Your postings also should: a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking or asking critical thought questions.

General Theme: Justification for Accepting or Rejecting God’s Call Question: Was Jonah justified in rejecting God’s initial call to preach the message of repentance to the Ninevites? Make sure to include a works cited page and follow the outline that I have uploaded. This essay must be original and only credible sources are to be used.

In your weekly course journal, you will reflect on prompts and consider what it may look like to reflect a Christian worldview within Luke. Keep in mind that this is an opportunity to reflect on your growth and understanding and perhaps consider course concepts a bit differently than you have before. In 2 double-spaced pages, consider Luke’s Gospel from a biblical perspective. Choose 2 “threads” of integrating a Christian worldview to write about from the list of options below. Clearly identify which 2 threads you have chosen. Be sure to explain what your chosen threads might look like in theory and practice. Try to use all threads by the end of the course. Biblical Integration “Threads” (choose 2): God-Worshiping: The Christian worldview understands that worshiping God is about celebrating who God is, what God has done and is doing, and what God has created. Christians see worship as a way of life. Idolatry-Discerning: The Christian worldview understands that when other “things” are more important to us than our relationship with God, they become idols. Christians are challenged to identify, understand, and discern the idols of our time and to then respond prophetically. Earth-Keeping: Christians respond to God’s call to be stewards of all of creation. Beauty-Creating: The Christian worldview celebrates God as the #1 Creator and understands that when we create things we show that we are made in God’s image. We offer praise to God by creating beautiful things. Our creativity makes God smile! Justice-Seeking: Christians act as agents of change by identifying and responding to injustices. Creation-Enjoying: The Christian worldview celebrates God’s beautiful creation. Servant-Working: The Christian worldview works actively to heal brokenness and bring joy. Community-Building: Christians should be active pursuers and builders of communal shalom. Image-Reflecting: Christians bear the image of God in their daily lives. All humans are image reflectors. Order-Discovering: Christians find harmony and order in God’s creation.

Read the following case study below regarding a church’s desire to put on a play about Luke’s Gospel. Utilizing what we have learned in the class so far and any prior knowledge or experience you have in this area, determine what you would recommend to be done to solve the problem the church is facing. Post your thinking here, and then review what your classmates have posted. Discuss which of the proposed ideas might be most effective. Additionally, discuss what information you might lack that, if known, could change which approach would be best. Case Study: As a Bible college student, your church would like you to review the script for an upcoming Christmas drama that centers on the beginning scenes in Luke’s Gospel. As you read the script, you notice that the Lukan scene about Jesus at age 12 (Luke 2:41–52) is not correct. Instead of focusing on Jesus, the drama begins at that scene to focus on Mary. Here are the lines that trouble you: As Mary came into the Temple, she saw Jesus defiantly challenging the religious leaders. “You hypocrites,” Jesus shouted at them, “In the days ahead I will destroy this Temple and rebuild it again.” As Mary drew closer, she whispered to Jesus: “Son, it’s time to go home. We’ve looked all over Jerusalem for you.” Jesus looked up at her and sternly rebuked her: “Woman, my time has not yet come. I must teach these wayward religious leaders, so that they are warned about the coming judgment.” Mary replied: “Son, as you grow into manhood, you need to learn, as we all do, how to best honor one’s parents. In your judging others, we must let the Law judge us: honor your father and your mother.” With these words, Jesus grabbed his mother’s hand and left for Galilee, to grow and develop into a godly young man. Imagine that you have thought carefully about this portion of the script, and are meeting with those who are managing the drama. At the meeting, they will ask you if you would change anything and why. Compose your initial post in 2–3 paragraphs. Respond winsomely but clearly to those at the meeting. You must respond beyond simply stating that the biblical text is not being followed. You must also explain why the script about Jesus is not correct to Luke’s Gospel and what the ramifications of that script might be for those who watch the play, in their understanding of Jesus. In your replies, pose follow-up questions or compare/contrast to 2 classmates’ initial posts. Additionally, as a result of the discussion that ensues, create a post that states which proposed idea you feel might be most effective. It may not have been your initial idea. Include thoughts on additional information that, if known, might change which approach would be best. It is possible that the best course of action may be a combination of several classmates’ ideas. Try to come to a general consensus.

The purpose of this assignment series is to identify the particular and distinctive contributions of Luke’s Gospel. To accomplish this, you will create an imaginary interview with Luke, and while some of the questions are provided below, you will provide what you think their answers would be according to Luke. Below are the questions you must ask Luke: What motivated you to write your Gospel? What credentials do you have in writing this Gospel? Since Matthew, Luke, and John also wrote Gospels, what do you offer in your Gospel as a distinctive contribution? What do you hope that readers of your Gospel especially understand and apply after reading your Gospel? In 10 words or less, explain your portrait of Christ. In other words, state what one learns about Jesus in your Gospel in a way that that is especially unique to your Gospel. Ensure you have answered the questions above. Then create an additional 5 questions and answer them according to what you believe Luke would have said.

Read Chapter 2 in “Teaching Today’s Teachers To Teach” by Donald L. Griggs In 300-450 words analyze (critique) 2 of the following concepts from chapter 2: 1. Change from a “doing my duty” approach to a “this is my ministry” approach. 2. Change from recruiting to calling the teachers based on their gifts. 3. Emphasize what is expected of teachers rather than understating the expectations. ANALYZE – (a critical assessment) Questions to consider in your analysis: 1. Are the concepts relevant, realistic, manageable? Why/Why not? 2. Which concept(s) resonate with you? Why/Why not? 3. Which concept(s) do not resonate with you? Why/Why not?

A Voice for Deists, Agnostics and Atheists The following quotes are from Thomas Paine, Deist and founding father of America, who drafted the first Amendment to the U. S. Constitution in 1787: “My country is the world and my religion is to do good.” “I believe in one God and no more . . . . I do not believe in any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church. [God guides us by the gift of Common Sense.]  ” “All national institutions of churches . . . appear to me no other than human inventions set up to terrify and enslave mankind and monopolize power and profit.”  First Amendment in the Bill of Rights to the U. S. Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. In order to better understand where agnostics and atheists are coming from, your instructor has required you to virtually attend a presentation by Ron Reagan, the son of President Ronald Reagan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h922B3Svzw , watch this FFR commercial -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7INIhD9P0Pw  and respond to the following prompts in a minimum of 500 words. 1. On a scale of  1 – 10 gauge your own feelings about what Ron Reagan says. (from a 1 if “he will or should go hell” to a “10” for “I couldn’t say it better myself” or a number in-between.). In a couple of paragraphs briefly explain your rating. 2. Are you tolerant of his position and would defend his right to express it? Do you feel he would be as tolerant of your position and right to proselytize it as freely?3. If you were his friend, would you feel there was mutual respect between you two? In a couple of paragraphs explain how you reached those three conclusions.