CFC Biblical Doctrine I

CFC Biblical Doctrine I

CFC Biblical Doctrine I

Brother Michael Ramirez

Course Description

“Systematic Theology is any study that answers the question, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any given topic.”[1] This course will introduce participants to the discipline of the systematic study of scripture. Class lectures, discussion, and assigned reading will focus on the following major Christian doctrines: Bible, God, the Trinity, Man & Sin, Christ, the Atonement, Justification and Adoption, and Sanctification and Perseverance.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should be able (through class participation and assigned reading) to:

  1. Make sense of the various Bible doctrines taught in this course as well as be able to vocalize them in an understandable way.
  2. Be able to better think deeply about the truth of scripture for the edification (blessing) of the soul.
  3. Be better equipped (Eph 4:12-13) to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with greater clarity, accuracy, and confidence for the evangelization of the lost. This should spur us on to proclaim it more often and with all the more excitement.
  4. To serve in the church with faithfulness to God’s Word as one who is deeply concerned to proclaim the whole counsel of God in all of its beauty, breadth, and depth.

Course Text(s)

Grudem, Wayne A. Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know.

Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. ISBN 978-0-310-25599-4

Class instructor will use the Holy Bible, English Standard Version. At times, the NASB.

Course Requirements

  1. Complete the assigned reading before each class.
  2. Read and meditate (deep thinking, contemplating, and personal reflection) over all associated Scriptures for each Bible doctrine.
  3. Prayerfully read and answer the questions at the end of the assigned reading in the book, Christian Beliefs, before each class.
  4. Be prepared to work through the doctrines in class and participate in any discussions. No one will be called on. Participation in class discussion is highly beneficial and strongly encouraged, but never coerced.
  5. Attendance: miss no more than one week. Make sure to cover the doctrine covered for any missed class. Perhaps get with another participant or the course leader to go over the missed material.
  6. Come prepared to think deeply for Christ Jesus, to be fundamentally challenged and changed in your thinking and living, and to look for enjoyment and satisfaction in Christ Jesus.
  7. Always keep in mind that these classes are not meant for us to gain knowledge merely to puff us up. Rather, it is to draw us closer to God so that we can enjoy and savor Him more deeply, having a more accurate understanding of who He is and what He has done for us. So, with that in mind, we are not meant to “argue” with one another, but instead to be used like iron which sharpens iron (Prov 27:17). All of this as we look to God to continue to renew our minds and give us a white-hot burning heart for His glory—not our own glory—through the working of His Holy Spirit.

Reflection Paper Requirements

*Strongly encouraged, but not graded or shared with other students.

  1. Choose one of the 6 Biblical doctrines discussed in class as the topic of your paper.
  2. Reflection Paper Outline
  3. Discuss what your thoughts were on this particular doctrine before this class.
  4. Define and describe this particular doctrine in your own words now after taking this class.
  5. Discuss how this particular doctrine has impacted you.
  6. Defend this particular doctrine from error.
  7. Discuss how this particular doctrine can be used now to help you share your faith with others.
  8. Font: Times New Roman; Size: 12; double-spaced if typed. If not typed make sure to use legible penmanship.
  9. 2-3 pages in length.

Schedule & Assigned Reading

*Assigned reading should be completed before class.

Week 1 (October 15th)

  1. Introduction
  2. The Doctrine of the Bible
  3. Assigned Reading: Chapter 1

Week 2 (October 22nd)

  1. The Doctrine of God and the Trinity
  2. Assigned reading: Chapters 2 &3

Week 3 (October 29th)

  1. The Doctrine of Man and Sin
  2. Assigned reading: chapters 7& 8

Week 4 (November 5th)

  1. The Doctrine of Christ and Atonement
  2. Assigned reading: chapter 9 & 10

Week 5 (November 12th)

  1. The Doctrine of Justification and Adoption
  2. Assigned reading: 14

Week 6 (November 19th)

  1. The Doctrine of Sanctification and Perseverance
  2. Assigned reading: 15

1

Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 21.

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