Advance Theology Course Module 5: The Gospels

Introduction

Helpful introductory videos from the Bible Project plus the best introduction I've seen to 'the gospel in the Gospels' by Tom Wright.

• Watch thisNew Testament Overview by The Bible Project
• Watch thisHow to Read the Bible: The Gospel by The Bible Project
• Add to your libraryHow God Became King: Getting to the Heart of the Gospels, by Tom Wright
• Read thisSummary of How God Became King, written by Andrew Sampson

Session 1: Context of the Gospels and the Gospel

We begin with a bit more background to show how things have developed between the testaments. To some extent, the pagan culture's leaders are more important in the New Testament than in the Old Testament.

• Watch thisWhat Does Gospel Mean? by The Bible Project

Session 2: God in the Gospels

Andrew Wilson raises some interesting and difficult questions in connection with Matthew 3 when he suggests that baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire refers to Jesus' ministry of judgment. Here, you'll find some notes written by Andrew Sampson to probe that a bit further. In the section on Mark 4-6 Wilson uses a number of illustrations to help explain the fear of the Lord. You'll find links to those movie clips here, along with a short article that Andrew Wilson has written on the topic.

• Read thisBaptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire, Notes by Andrew Sampson
• Read thisHow do you fear your Father? by Andrew Wilson
• Watch this"Fear of the Lord": Clip from Jurassic Park
• Watch thisFear of the Lord: Clip from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Aslan's roar at 3:10)
• Watch thisFear of the Lord: Dumbledore & Voldemort duel from The Order of the Phoenix

Session 3: The Gospel in the Gospels

The Gospel is not to be understood purely in terms of "how we are saved". We must remember that the four Gospels claim to communicate "the gospel" from beginning to end of their stories. Therefore, according to these authors, "telling the gospel" must assume telling the life story of Jesus.

• Read thisExtract from What Saint Paul Really Said by Tom Wright (pp. 60-61)

Session 4: People in the Gospels

We address the major question, "What are the people of God like and how are they called to live?" Resources to follow

Session 5: Mission in the Gospels

We do not confine "mission" to one-on-one evangelism, but talk about the fulfilment of God's purposes for creation through sending Jesus as its saviour. In this session we talk about kingdom and also his judgment and return.