Kaweah range, High Sierra
Doctrine fall 2025: Schedule
Before (or in) Class, in order |
After Class, in order |
| DNA | |
| Sep 1: Our course is shaped around a unique God. | |
(in class) The Shape of the Course (in class) DBS of 2 Timothy 2:1–14 |
remember to "do and tell" following your DBS put midterm and final dates on your planner, and respect them in your travel plans read syllabus: Tasks, Course, Policies; pay special attention to
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| Sep 3: Doctrine's heart is the fruitful understanding of God's grace in truth. Scripture is a fine place to discover it. | |
| read A Walk through the Bible ch 1 "A Unique Account" read The Father Glorified (TFG) pp 11-12 and ch 1 "Prayer" read Systematic Theology Study Bible (STSB) "Grace" (pp 1701-1703) (Canvas); red-highlighted parts are optional (in-class) Doctrine(s) of Scripture I |
optional: if you're curious, watch a longer version of the mini-lecture on scripture at From Jesus to Scripture: How Christ Instituted the Bible I.1 I.2-II (the lecture continues later in the semester) |
| Sep 5: Christian doctrine (teaching) and pedagogy (approach to teaching) are accountable to their domain, which is God's Kingdom. | |
read Paul Graham, "The Lesson to Unlearn" read Zúme training guide on spiritual breathing and SOAPS Bible study (Canvas) SOAPS James 1:19–26: you may do the 'written' parts orally read Matthew 23:1–12, Luke 6:46–49, John 8:30–37, John 14:21 (in class) Doctrine High-Value Targets and the College Value Paradox |
apply and share ('do and tell') your SOAPS challenge: re-read Graham's article, and discern whether you have become an education and/or religion bad-test-hacker if we skipped it in-class, watch this five-minute video for how and why we are using scripture check the assignment prompts on Canvas to learn about assignments and consider your options (book-related prompts are here) so you can choose and get started soon |
| Sep 8: Doctrine's proper source is God's work and self-revelation, witnessed and received in growing faith, firmer hope, and sacrificial love. | |
watch the video "Faithfulness over Knowledge": Does its thesis challenge your assumptions? read Jeremiah 31:23–34, Isaiah 54:11–14 and John 6:41–47, John 1:35–51, John 14:5–26, 2 Corinthians 3:2–4:2 SOAPS Luke 9:37–43a (in class) theological method |
'do and tell' following SOAPS optional: if you want a second opinion, read STSB "How to Do Theology." How do its claims compare with the worksheet from class? |
| Sep 10: 'Biblical' knowledge means continuing intimacy with God. | |
DBS John 15:4–14 in your squads read Deut 6:1–15: What are some ways God's people are to express their love for God? How do those relate to God's expressions of love for them? read Rodger Guigou Shull, "Christianity in America Has a Discipleship Problem" watch James K.A. Smith "You Are What You Love" (start at 10:00) read 1 Cor 12:31–14:1, then look for faith, hope, and love in 1 Pet 1:3–9 read STSB "The Christian Life" (in class) Love, Hope, Faith |
read 1 Thess 1: How does Paul see faith, hope, and love in the Thessalonians' behaviors? In other words, what do these traits look like in Thessalonica? if this has piqued your interest, consider the Love's Way exercise (Canvas) optional deep-dive: watch Love, Hope, Faith I II III.1 III.2 IV.1 IV.2-V (from YouTube playlist) |
| Sep 12: Prayer expresses intimacy with God. | |
read The Insanity of God ch 21 (Canvas) read Matt 6:5–15, Luke 11:1–13, and Col 1:1–14, 24-26 read my page on prayer (in class) Praying the Mission |
watch this brief video on prayer consider developing a habit of regular extraordinary prayer, and multiplying it in others with something like a prayer calendar (and there's an assignment for that) |
| Sep 15: Doctrine's fundamental setting is God's welcoming, transforming fellowship. | |
Watch "Ordinary People" (94 minutes) along with 1+ people not in our class and get their impressions |
identify one or more of the mentors whose 'duckling' you have been choose which written assignments you will complete (see Tasks page) |
| Creator, Creation, and Uncreation "Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth" (James 1:17–18 ESV). |
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| Sep 17: God is uniquely powerful. | |
| DBS Mark 5:21–42 read The Father Glorified (TFG) ch 2 "Miracles" |
read 1 Cor 1:18–2:9: How does Paul see God's power comparing to ordinary power? How might his own experience have informed his perspective? find a testimony of God's power from someone you know, and discern what it suggests or teaches |
| Sep 19: The Lord is a different kind of God. | |
read Ex 3:1–18, Ex 20:18–24, Deut 4:14–20, Jer 10:1–16, Rom 1:18–23, 1 John 1:1–5, Heb 1:1–4 for discovery in class read STSB "God" sections "God's Attributes" and "God's Self-Sufficiency and Glory": we will read other sections later (in class) God's Otherness I-IV.1 |
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| Sep 22: God is hidden and revealed. | |
| squad DBS of Acts 17:16–34 (handout, if helpful) read Ex 19:20–20:6, 2 Kings 17:24–33 and 17:41, John 4:3–26 read "The Value of Simplicity" in Cole, Search and Rescue ch 12 (Canvas), "Gauging Theological Worthiness," and STSB "Revelation" for us to examine in class (in class) God's Otherness IV.2-V |
optional deep-dive: watch The Otherness of God I II III IV.1 IV.2 V |
| Sep 24: God makes disciple-makers. | |
read TFG ch 3 "Dreams and Visions" read A Walk through the Bible ch 2 "Chosen by God" read Gen 11:31–12:7, 15:1–21 read Isa 6:1–8 and SOAPS Matt 4:17–22 then read at least two of these sets of passages to discover what they imply about election: |
read about dreams in the Bible begin identifying a duckling to guide |
| Sep 26: God initiates, but how and why? | |
SOAPS 2 Cor 5:14–6:3 read STSB "Election"; a squad appraises a section on common doctrines of election in class using this guide watch Predestination: History, Legacies, and Prospects part I and part II |
optional deep-dive: watch Predestination: History, Legacies, and Prospects III.1 III.2-IV |
| Sep 29: God gathers his sheep and cares for them. | |
briefly review TFG ch 3, focusing on the role of churches and their people read Deut 29:24–30:10 and Jer 3:14–17 and then SOAPS Rom 15:4–13: how does God intend to gather his chosen people? read John 17:6–10 and 17:18–26: how do people come to belong to Jesus? then read Acts 2:1–6 and 2:29–47: what results from the Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost? examine the "Church Identity and Purpose" training tool (Canvas) (in class) Why Church? I-II |
begin teaching your duckling how to guide a duckling of his or her own |
| Oct 1: What doesn't make the church what it is? | |
read Eph 1:15–23, and DBS 1 Pet 2:4–10 read STSB "The Church"; a squad appraises a section in class read Rev 2–3, noting the section that most applies to you: what protects churches' integrity and health? before class, prep by reading the lecture outlines for What Makes a Church? II: focus on 1-2 dead ends of interest (in class) What Makes a Church? II |
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| Oct 3: What may make the church what it is? | |
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read Acts 6:1–10; we'll look at it in class read STSB "Theological Traditions: Church" on page 1637; a squad appraises a section in class examine the "Church: Functions" training tool (Canvas) read STSB "Ordinances and Sacraments" for descriptions of baptism and the Lord's Supper before class, prep by reading the lecture outlines for What Makes a Church? III-VII: focus on one open lane of interest (in class) What Makes a Church? III-VII |
optional deep-dive: watch What Makes a Church? II III IV V VI.1 VI.2-VII another optional deep-dive: if curious about controversies over sacraments, especially baptism and communion, view Sacraments: Practicing Salvation I.1 I.2 I.3 (intro), II.1 II.2 II.3 (baptism), III.1 III.2-IV (communion) |
| Oct 6: God seeks and saves the lost. | |
read TFG ch 4 "Moved with Compassion" read STSB "Salvation"; a squad appraises a section in class read Ps 107: what does it teach about God's salvation? read Eph 2:1–10: what does it teach about God's salvation? SOAPS: 1 Peter 1:22–2:5 if you can: before class, read lecture outline for Salvation (in class) Salvation |
watch this brief video on compassion optional deep-dive: watch Signs of the Order of Salvation I II.1 III.1 IV.1 V.1 (additional relationships between soteriology and other aspects of Christian life and theology is available in sections II.2 III.2 IV.2 V.2-VI) |
| Oct 8: God speaks and acts through prophets. | |
read A Walk through the Bible ch 3, "Judges, Kings, and Prophets" read Ex 34:1–10, then SOAPS Matt 4:23–5:16 read Jer 18:1–11 and John 11:45–53 read STSB "The Work of Christ" p. 1692: beginning and 'Messianic Prophet' (in class) Christ's Prophetic Office |
watch this video on persons of peace optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? Intro I-II and The Prophetic Office V.1 V.2 V.3 V.4 V.5-VI |
| Oct 10: God reigns above principalities and powers. | |
DBS Luke 8:26–39 read TFG ch 5 "Spiritual Warfare" read Ps 82, then John 10:30–39 read A Walk through the Bible ch 4, "Return and Renewal" (in-class: get started on Christ's Royal Office) |
over break, practice your skills, strengthen your habits, and develop your instincts; pursue knowledge of God and pass it on; do, share, and show God's love to those you are with |
| Oct 15: God's kingdom comes to acknowledge his reign as 'king of kings.' | |
warm up by reading Neil Cole, Search and Rescue, ch 2 "Good News Worth Sharing" read Ps 2, then Acts 3:21–22: what does God mean by quoting the psalm at Jesus' baptism? read Mark 2:23–28: what does this passage teach about who Jesus is and what that means for followers? read Mark 11:7–11, then Zech 9:9 in context and Ps 118:26 in context: what is Jesus communicating through this imagery? read Col 2:13–17, then review Acts 2:29–47 read Ps 68:17–21, then Eph 4:1–17 read STSB "The Work of Christ" 1693-1694 on 'Messianic King' (in-class: finish Christ's Royal Office) |
complete self-report by Monday class optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? The Royal Office IV.1 IV.2 IV.3 IV.4 IV.5 IV.6 |
| Oct 17: doctrines concerning scripture | |
read TFG ch 6 "Authority of Scripture" read Ps 119:65–72, SOAPS 2 Tim 3:10–17 (in-class) Doctrine(s) of Scripture II-V |
optional deep-dive: watch From Jesus to Scripture: How Christ Instituted the Bible I.1 I.2-II III IV-V |
| Oct 18: stereoscopic Bible log due (don't also submit frontier theology log) | |
| Oct 20: doctrines concerning scripture, continued | |
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read STSB "Scripture"; a squad appraises a section in class look up the Bible references in the "Word of God" training tool (Canvas) squads appoint new leaders; see Leaders page for guidelines |
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| Oct 22: 'discipling to convert' | |
watch this video on discovery Bible study DBS John 15:1–17 read Phil 2:3–13, Rom 8:1–18 read Roy Moran Spent Matches ch 7 (Canvas): how does discipleship connect with our recent material on Christ's royal office, authority of scripture, and the apostolic paradigm? |
tune up your DBSs consider one of Moran's "seven journeys" story sets for SOAPSing or DBSing with others not in the class; longer descriptions are in a folder on Canvas optional deep-dive: watch Discipleship: Christology from Behind I II III.1 III.2 |
| Oct 24: midterm: includes one complete online lecture | |
| Oct 27: prayer and worship report due (don't also submit worship service analysis) | |
| Oct 27: author and Lord of all things | |
| read TFG ch 7 "Scripture Stories" read Gen 1:1–2:3, Ps 148, Gen 9:1–7, Dan 6:6–28, Jer 27:3–7 and SOAPS a passage or section that draws you read STSB "Creation"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Creation I-II |
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| Oct 29: doctrines of creation; rivals as missional contexts | |
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closely read Gen 2:3–25: what is this teaching beyond what is in Gen 1? read Ps 104: how does all the detail contribute to the psalm's picture of God as creator? read Col 1:12–23, John 1:1–18, and Heb 1:1–3: how are creation and salvation linked in Christ? read STSB "Providence" (skip 'Key Distinctions,' and skip 'Suffering and Evil' for now); a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Creation III-VI |
consider the Story Set Curriculum written exercise optional deep-dive: watch Creation as Trust I II III IV V-VI |
| Oct 31: God's human creatures | |
read A Walk through the Bible ch 5, "God's Kingdom and Jesus" read Mark 12:28–34, Rom 5:10–21, SOAPS Eph 4:17–32 watch this video on planting and growing churches read STSB "Humanity"; a squad appraises a section in class (in-class) Humanity in God's Image |
read Roger Charles, "Many Small Victories" optional deep-dive: watch Humanity in God's Image I.1 I.2 II-III |
| Nov 1: frontier theology log due (don't also submit stereoscopic Bible log) | |
| Nov 3: out of sin's maze | |
read TFG ch 8 "The Discovery Process" closely read Gen 3, DBS Rom 3:9–26 examine the "Man and Sin" training tool (Canvas) (in class) Sin I-II |
read Luke 10:1–24 |
| Nov 5: going to those far from God | |
read James 1:13–16, Matt 5:21–37, Luke 14:34–16:15; SOAPS one of the parables in the Luke passage that draws you read STSB "Sin"; a squad appraises a section in class watch this video on sin and worldview: how do different visions frame our need differently, and what God needs to do? (in class) Sin III-VI |
optional deep-dive: watch What Is Sin? I II III IV V VI-VII |
| Nov 7: God's sent ones | |
read TFG ch 9 "The Great Commission" read Matt 10:19–11:1, Matt 28:1–10 and 16–20, Acts 1:4–11, John 20:19–23, Rom 10:12–17, Rev 5:1–14, Rev 7:9–12 SOAPS 2 Cor 5:9–6:13 read STSB "Gospel"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Worship's Mission, and The Church's Wholeness |
skim Acts 16–18 if your groups are functioning well, think about beginning to start your own if you haven't already optional deep-dive: watch The Church as Mission I II III.1 III.2 (less important: IV.1 IV.2 IV.3 V) and/or The Wholeness of the Church I-II III IV-V |
| Nov 8: do-and-tell report due (don't also submit new group report) | |
| Who Is This? "in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God" (Hebrews 1:2–3). |
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| Nov 10: the Son's invitation | |
read TFG ch 10 "Love Your Neighbor" review John 1:1–18, read John 1:19–34, Heb 1:1–4, 2:5–9; SOAPS Heb 2:9–3:6 read STSB "The Person of Christ"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Incarnation |
follow-up: read Rom 5:12–21, Isa 45:18–25, Phil 2:5–11; SOAPS Col 1:13–20 (you read it earlier, but pay closer attention) optional deep-dive: watch God, With, Us: Incarnation I-II III.1 III.2 III.3-IV |
| Nov 12: theological capture in Antioch | |
read Matt 13:1–9, 18–23, 44–46, Matt 26:36–46, Rom 1:1–6 read Robert Wilken, "Not My Will but Thine" (Canvas) watch this video on growing leaders (in class) 'Antiochian' Christological Heresies I-IV |
optional deep-dive: watch Loving Jesus the Wrong Way (Antiochian heresies) I II III IV |
| Nov 14: theological capture in Alexandria | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 6 "Sacrifice" DBS 1 John 4:1–6 review John 1:1–18; read Luke 24:33–43, Gal 4:4–7, Heb 2:14–3:6, Phil 2:4–13 (in class) 'Alexandrian' Christological Heresies V-IX |
optional deep-dive: watch Loving Jesus the Wrong Way (Alexandrian heresies) V VI VII VIII IX |
| Nov 15: book-specific exercise due: prompts are here | |
| Nov 17: the Son's passion | |
read TFG ch 11 "Suffering" and Cole, Organic Leadership ch 19 SOAPS Luke 9:18–25, 14:25–35 read John 12:20–27, Acts 9:1–31, Phil 2:3–13 (in class, depending on time) Can God Really Suffer? |
optional deep-dive: watch Can God Really Suffer? I-II III IV-V |
| Nov 19: the Son's sacrifice | |
read Matt 27:33–54, Rom 3:21–27, Heb 2:14–17, Heb 9:11–10:25 DBS Isa 52:13–53:12 read STSB "The Work of Christ" 1692-1693 on 'Messianic Priest'; a squad appraises STSB "The Work of Christ" in class (in class) Jesus Saves, But How? The Priestly Office; conclusion III VI |
read Ps 107 optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? The Priestly Office III.1 III.2 III.3 III.4 |
| Nov 21: the Son's resurrection | |
read TFG ch 12 "Resurrection" read Luke 8:40–42 and 8:49‐56, Acts 3, 1 Cor 15:3–8 & 19–24 & 35–58, review Rom 8:8–18; SOAPS Col 2:20–3:14 read STSB "Eschatology"; introduction, "Death," and "The Resurrection of the Dead" (in class) Easter Changes Everything |
read Bass "What's the Earliest Evidence for Christianity?" optional deep-dive: watch Easter Changes Everything I II III.1 III.2 |
| Nov 22: duckling report due (don't also submit a squad leader report; you may combine them into one if you like) | |
| New Creation's Fullness "If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:10–11). |
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| Nov 24: judgment | |
review Ps 2 and read Acts 4:23–31 review Rev 5:1–13 and read Matt 24:42–25:46 DBS: 1 Pet 4:12–19 read STSB "Eschatology": "The Return of Christ," "The Final Judgment," and "The Eternal State"; a squad appraises a section on eschatology in the following class (in class) Judgment as a Form of Salvation I-III |
optional deep-dive: watch Judgment as a Form of Salvation I.1 I.2 II-IV truly optional: read Work "Do You Not Care?" |
| Nov 25: love's way exercise due | |
| Dec 1: the Kingdom's future | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 8 "Future Revelation" DBS: Matt 24:3–14 (in class) Eschatology and Why Church? III |
optional deep-dive: watch Eschatology: Pathology and Treatment II.1 II.2 II.3 III (additional material on eschatology is available in sections I IV.1 IV.2 V) optional deep-dive: watch Ecclesiology: Who Cares? I II III IV: focus on how ekklesia relates to 1-2 challenges important to you |
| Dec 3: the Son's Lordship | |
read TFG ch 13 "Obedience-Based Disciple Making" read Ezek 37:5–14, Matt 10:16–23, John 16:7–15, John 7:37–39; SOAPS the one that grabs you most read STSB "The Holy Spirit"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Relationships with the Holy Spirit |
optional deep-dive: watch The Holy Spirit in the Bible and Everywhere Else I II III IV V VI-VII |
| Dec 3: theological analysis of a worship service due (don't also submit prayer and worship report) | |
| Dec 5: God's Trinity and failures to grasp it | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 7 "New Life, New Communities" review John 14:15–26, Matt 28:16–20, and Rom 8:1–17 (you studied them earlier) read these passages to answer: How does John 1:28–37 lay the groundwork for 3:31–36? read STSB "God": intro, "The Trinity," "Our Salvation," The Doctrine of the Trinity," and "Adoption and the Trinity"; a squad appraises a section in the following class (in class) God's Trinity I-V |
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| Dec 6: new discovery or life transformation group report due (don't also submit do-and-tell report) | |
| Dec 8: relational implications of God's relationality | |
read TFG ch 14 "Person of Peace" on persons of peace, read Matt 10, John 4:1-42, Acts 16:9–15, 40 read/review John 6:25–47, 7:14–18, 7:25–31, 8:12–19, 8:31–47, 10:24–39, and 1 John 4:1–6 DBS Eph 2:17–22 and 3:14–19 [DBS Q in older Dead Ends ST] (in class) God's Trinity VI-VII |
optional deep-dive: watch The Threeness of God I-III IV V.1 V.2 VI.1 VI.2 |
| Dec 10: the Kingdom's co-heirs | |
read TFG ch 15 "How Disciples Are Made" DBS: Phil 1:6–18 read "Trinity," "God the Father," "God the Son," "God the Holy Spirit" training tools (Canvas) and look up their Bible passages (in class) conclusion; review |
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| Dec 10: squad leader report due (don't also submit duckling report) | |
Dec 12: in-class final exam prep SOAPS: TBD |
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| Dec 16 8:30-10am (9:15 section), Dec 16 noon-1:30pm (12:45 section), or Dec 17 noon-1:30pm (2:00 section): final exam: includes one complete online 'deep-dive' lecture from after the midterm | |
| Go and make disciples! Keep abiding, practicing, sharing what you know, and growing and multiplying grace and fruitfulness! Keep in touch, and contact me if I can help you launch! | |