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New Testament Survey - Overview

Purpose

Why are we here?

To engender an ever-increasing passion for the glory of God in Jesus Christ, that we might know Him, which is Eternal Life (John 17.3 LSB), and make Him known. We pursue this by knowing His Word - which is Spirit and Life (John 6.63 LSB) We are made holy by His Word – His Word is truth (John 17.17 LSB)

To grow in hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit - these are His words, and we become more familiar with His voice as we become more familiar with the Word He has given us.

I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds much spoil. (Psalm 119:162 LSB)

  • Grasp the major themes and primary message of each book of the New Testament, as it bears witness to the Gospel
  • To be thus equipped always ready to give a reason for the hope in you (1 Peter 3.15 LSB)

I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. (Psalm 119:99 LSB)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 LSB)

Class Title: What is a survey?

Class protocols

We all desire to get the most benefit and blessing from our time together around the Word. So these protocols are simply meant to facilitate that, and reduce potential distractions

Be on time

  • Being late is a distraction, and diminishes everyone’s learning experience in both quantity and quality
  • Being on time displays your eagerness to learn and grow in the Lord, and shows love and respect for your neighbor
  • Being late will affect your grade

No electronics in class

  • Electronics include phones, tablets, and laptops.
  • We all know how distracting these can be, despite good intentions
  • You may keep your silenced phone et al. in your purse or satchel
  • You are on your honor not to take it out during class

Paper Bibles and Paper notebooks

  • No electronics means that we get to write in old-fashioned paper notebooks! This is a good thing.
  • You may choose to transcribe your hand-written notes later onto a device. The process of doing this can be helpful for remembering and considering what we discussed in class

Formal Equivalence translations of Scripture only

Dynamic Equivalence (thought for thought, paraphrase) translations like the NLT, TPT (Passion), MSG (Message), TLB (Living), et al. can be helpful in thinking about a text of Scripture. Yet they are by nature once removed from the actual text. Reading one of these is similar to reading a commentary in that you are getting someone else’s thoughts and insights second-hand, rather than getting them directly for yourself from Scripture.

Since we want to maximize our personal interaction with the Lord in His Word, we will use only Formal Equivalence (word for word) translations. These include the NASB, ESV, NKJV, KJV and LSB. If you have another version you’d like to use, check with me first. I will be using mostly the LSB.

Resist the temptation to use AI

ChatGPT, Grok and other AI tools can be useful for finding out things. But they have an inherent danger of diluting and diminishing our discipleship (learning of Him, and learning from Him). Our goal here is not just to get through this class with a passing grade – it is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord, to grow as His disciples and be better equipped to be His hands and feet in this broken world. Also, there are good reasons to be believe that AI tools are not trustworthy in the long run.

Grades

There will be 3 elements to your grade

  1. Weekly homework assignments - turned in at the beginning of every class
  2. Attendance and Punctuality - get to class, and be there 5 minutes early
  3. Engagement and Participation in class - ask questions and share your insights

Books and materials

Required

  • Hard copy Bible (NASB, ESV, NKJV, KJV or LSB)
  • Introducing the New Testament - 170 pp. A condensed and simplified summary of An Introduction to the New Testament cited below.

I will have copies of Introducing the New Testament for every student on the first day of class. Please come prepared to purchase yours for $10 cash.

  • Paper notebook for taking notes in class, recording your insights, etc.
  • Highly recommended: 3-ring binder with 3-hole punched sheets - you will use these for your weekly homework assignments. When I return them to you at the beginning of each class, you can then save them in your 3-ring binder as a helpful future reference for review and reflection.

Optional

References and Resources

1st Semester Schedule

(subject to revision as needed)

  1. Background of the New Testament
  2. Text of the New Testament
  3. Matthew
  4. Mark
  5. Luke
  6. John
  7. Acts
  8. New Testament letters; Who was Paul?
  9. Romans - the Gospel of God
  10. 1 & 2 Corinthians
  11. Galatians

2nd Semester Schedule

(subject to revision as needed)

  1. Ephesians
  2. Philippians
  3. Colossians and Philemon
  4. 1 & 2 Thessalonians
  5. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus “the Pastoral Epistles”
  6. Hebrews
  7. James
  8. 1 Peter, 2 Peter and Jude
  9. 1,2,3 John
  10. Revelation
  11. Conclusion

Class Notes

Faith Hope Love