Course Summary

This short 5-hour mini-course introduces the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the issues and key themes found in them.

The Gospels are the story of Jesus, and as such are highly important in the life of a Christian. This course contains much factual information that you will be tested on. The facts are important for a deeper understanding of the Gospels that will bring you closer to Jesus. But even though reading through each Gospel is not a requirement of this CEU course, a prayerful and meditative reading of each Gospel is even more important than learning the facts because it has the potential to enhance your relationship with Jesus. And that’s what this course is all about anyway.

Much information here is taken from The Four Faces of Jesus by Robert K. McIver

How Will I Learn ?

You will be actually reading the Gospels as an Enrichment assignment, and learning from the main lesson content and short video presentations. Quizzes per each lesson and a 25-question test at the end of this mini-course will evaluate your learning. Enrichment videos and assignments are encouraged for your own personal learning, but are not tested.

What Will I Learn?

The Gospels have much to offer in the way of learning about Jesus, and your relationship with Him. You will learn some of the background of the Gospels, and the main ideas and themes of each Gospel. It is hoped that although this course is factual you will also come to know Jesus better by delving into His story. You will earn 0.5 continuing education units.

After completing this course for continuing education credit, you may re-enroll in the course for the purposes of resource retrieval, but not earn any additional CEUs. Good schools don’t just happen.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course you will learn:

Understand some Gospel background
Explore the synoptic issue
Understand how to study the Bible
Gain a sense of each Gospel
Learn key themes of the Gospels
Discover Jesus again from the message of the Gospels

Course Outline:

Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets

Module 1 -Gospels Background

He Explained

Module 2 - Synoptic Issue and Studying the Bible

In All The Scripture

Module 3 - Matthew
Module 4 - Mark
Module 5 - Luke
Module 6 - John

The Things Concerning Himself

Module 7 - Key Themes in the Gospels

Discipleship in the Gospels

Module 8 - Discipleship in the Gospels

Instructor

Dr. Sherry Manison

Sherry Manison taught multigrade elementary school for seven years, and has experience as a bible worker and an associate pastor. She also worked for a few years at the Review and Herald Publishing House. She has written study Bible notes for the R&H’s study Bible, and multiple articles for the archaeological study Bible from Safeliz Publishing House. Her specialty is Psalms. Recently she has taught online classes for Griggs and Southern Adventist University, is an online coach for other classes at Southern, and works with course development both at Southern and the Adventist Learning Community. Dr. Sherry holds an M.Div. and a D.Min. from Andrews University. Her passions outside of ministry include fanatical birding (it’s impossible to travel anywhere without going birding in the area!), and music.

To Get The Most From This Course:

Read each entire Gospel in 1 hr apiece for a quick overview -- do this on a Friday evening or a Sabbath afternoon; this is for you and your walk with God as well as for knowledge
Compare the synoptics as in the Enrichment assignment
Read each Gospel for the second time as you go through that Gospel’s lesson -- slowly, thoughtfully, and prayerfully (use that Gospel for your personal time with God)
Note what each Gospel says about spirituality -- your relationship with God
One more thing: As Adventists we believe in the ministry of Ellen White as one whom God called as a blessing to our church. While this is a Gospels class and your study will be mostly in the Gospels, you will be richly blessed through reading the book Desire of Ages. This is the life of Christ, and will fit together with this class and your study here. The author of this class strongly recommends it.

When you have completed this module, please click ">Next" or navigate to Module 2 to continue.

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