Advance Theology Course Module 6: The Church Age

Introduction

The book by Gordon Fee is one of the best introductory reads that you'll find on the theology of the New Testament. Summarising the findings of his magisterial 'God's Empowering Presence' which explores every mention of the Spirit in the writings of Paul, Fee shows how an eschatological reading of the New Testament helps make sense of everything!

• Add to your libraryPaul, the Spirit, and the People of God

Session 1: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria (Acts 1-9)

This first video is extremely long, so we're skipping the first bit! Read Isaiah 32:14-16; 43:8-13; 49:6-7; Acts 1 and the preparatory notes below. Start the video at 17:16. Skip the Q&A in the middle (29:39-42:19) and at the end (1:25:30 to end). Andrew Wilson uses the account of the Samaritans receiving the Spirit in Acts 8 to reflect on the meaning of 'baptism in the Spirit.' The book by Simon Ponsonby is an excellent read the Spirit that ties together head, heart and hands. Andrew Wilson's blog article from 2012 is a helpful, and provocative, accompaniment to his teaching in this session.

• Read thisNotes for 6.1 Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria (Acts 1-9)
• Add to your libraryMore: How You Can Have More of the Spirit When You Already Have Everything in Christ, by Simon Ponsonby
• Read thisWhat Does Being Baptised in the Spirit Look Like?

Session 2: The Ends of the Earth (Acts 10-28)

Read the following passages and the notes below in preparation for this session: Acts 10-11, 13-14, 15-21, 28; Galatians (as much as you have time to read).

• Read thisNotes for 6.2 The Ends of the Earth (Acts 10-28)

Session 3: Romans

We know Paul's letter to the Romans is important, but it can be an intimidating book! There's a host of commentaries available, but we especially recommend Tom Wright's slim volumes that also work well as devotional studies. These are full of illuminating images and helpful asides that bring the text to life. They were the primary resource that fed into our main preaching series on Romans at Grace Church in the summer term of 2019. Also included are 2 videos by Andrew Wilson. The first is about marriage and the gospel which fits with the section on 'The Centrality of Union of Christ'. Then there's Andrew Wilson's performance reading of the Book of Romans which he mentions in the closing moments of his lecture.

• Read thisNotes on 6.3 Romans
• Add to your libraryRomans Part 1 (Chapters 1-8) (The New Testament for Everyone series)
• Add to your libraryRomans Part 2 (Chapters 9-16) (The New Testament for Everyone series)
• Watch thisMarriage and the gospel (The Centrality of Union with Christ)
• Watch thisAndrew Wilson's performance reading of Romans

Session 4: 1 & 2 Corinthians

Read 1 Corinthians 1-16 & 2 Corinthians 1-6 and the notes below in preparation of this session. At one point in the video, AW refers to the Nicene Creed which you'll also find below.

• Read thisNotes for 6.4 I & II Corinthians
• Read thisThe Nicene Creed

Session 5: Prison Letters

Read Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and the notes below in preparation for this session.

• Read thisNotes for 6.5 Prison Letters
• Add to your libraryA Call to Spiritual Reformation by D.A. Carson

Session 6: Catholic Epistles

Read Hebrews 1; James 2; 1 Peter 1-3; 1 John 1-5; Jude and the notes below in preparation for this session.

• Read thisNotes for 6.6 Catholic Epistles

Session 7: Revelation

Read the Book of Revelation and the notes below in preparation for this session.

• Read thisNotes for 6.7 Revelation