New Course Starting on Monday January 9th, 2012 at 19:30 hrs. at Liveseed Christian Center

If you wish to take part in this course, please contact Pastor Patrick Stevenson or Pastor Joseph Fenech Laudi

BIB1032/3 The Life of Christ (2/3 credits)

Course Description

Life of Christ is an introductory study of our Lord’s life and times according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It examines the background of the world into which Christ came “when the time had fully come.” Using a chronological, event-oriented approach, it focuses on His life from the Annunciation to the Ascension. It also stresses His message and His method, including His parables and His miracles. Organized around three themes—the world, the Man, and the message—this study helps students integrate their understanding of His life and work with a clear commitment to live by the principles He taught and the values He demonstrated.

Course Introduction

While all four Gospels deal with the life of Jesus Christ, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, called the Synoptic Gospels, present very similar narratives. In our attempt to learn more about our Savior and Lord, we find it very helpful to try to integrate the material from the Synoptics into one unified narrative.In this course we present background material that must precede an in-depth study of the Gospels. We discuss the date of writing, authorship, and purpose of each Synoptic Gospel. We also highlight the similarities as well as the unique achievements of the writers. Then we survey the development of the various empires—Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome—that provided the historical background for the advent of Christ. Another major factor in the preparation for Christ was the Jewish religious system. Who were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and teachers of the Law? What purposes did the synagogue and the Sanhedrin serve? These are some of the questions we address.Next we present a chronological, event-oriented description of Christ’s life. Thus, you will become familiar with the events of the annunciation of Christ and of John the Baptist before Him, of Christ’s birth, and of His preparation for ministry. Then you will study a detailed account of Christ’s public ministry, including the greater Galilean and the later Judean-Perean periods. In addition, you will peruse the key events of the Passion Week, Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, and later His ascension into heaven.Finally, we focus on the content of Christ’s ministry. Why is Christ known as the model teacher? What method did He use? What were His topics? You will consider Christ’s primary focus on the kingdom of God, His parables, and the miracles He performed. This should help you determine to what degree He achieved the goals of His teaching ministry.Although this course minimizes practical application and the exegetical study of the Scripture, it provides the framework for you to use when you engage in these studies later on.

Materials required:
IST: Life of Christ by Mike McClaflin (Third edition)
Jesus the Messiah: A Survey of the Life of Christ by
Robert H. Stein (for those wanting to earn 3 credits)
New International Version of the Bible

Venue: Live Seed Christian Centre, 310 Triq L-Imdina -Qormi,
QRM 9014

Time: On Mondays from 19:30 to 21:30