Teaching Topics
(All presentations are available in either 4-hour or 9-hour formats or both, as listed, and can be presented over 1-2 days depending on necessary schedules. Other schedules can be discussed when needed or desired.)
Just Below the Surface
The incredible word of God has so much more to tell us than just what we see with our first reading. The very way the Bible is structured and developed tells us the plan of God from the beginning and sets Jesus in the position of first importance. Take a closer look at many of the Bible's well known stories to see just how pervasive the salvation story has been from the beginning of time.
The Gospel of Mark – Resurrection is Everything
The ending of Mark’s Gospel has posed a difficulty for readers almost since the original writing. But the way the gospel is written actually shows what Mark’s intention for his enigmatic conclusion really is. His use of symbolism throughout his gospel to point to the resurrection and beyond makes this writing an astounding and intricately organized offering of hope and reassurance for early believers.
Jesus in the Old Testament
Of course, there are many Old Testament texts that have their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus which are referenced in the New Testament. But what about the ones that aren’t mentioned? After all, Luke tells us that Jesus explained to His disciples on the road to Emmaus what was written about Him in “all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). What are the references that are not made clear in the New Testament but are equally apparent Old Testament allusions to Jesus as the Messiah?
Israel/Jesus in Abraham/Isaac
The life of the first Patriarch has always held a special place in the story of God’s people. The inception of God’s plan is found in His grace toward and protection over Abraham and those associated with Him. But is there much more conveyed in the life of Abraham than simply a recounting of the works of God in the life of Israel’s first father? Is there also a foretelling of all that God has in store for His people leading to their ultimate redemption?
Jesus in Moses
Israel’s greatest prophet takes the primary role in four of the five most revered books of Old Testament Scripture. Moses is known as the only man in Israel’s history (prior to Jesus) ever to speak with God “face to face” as a man would speak his to friend. But are there even more parts of Moses’ life that speak of Jesus’ ministry and action on behalf of His people than the church has seen?
Jesus in Joseph
Although Joseph is not found in Jesus’ direct ancestry, his story takes up a large portion of Genesis and demands that the reader take special note of his life experience and God’s work through it. What can be seen in Joseph’s life regarding God’s plan to save all His people, not just in Joseph’s day but also in the ultimate redemption in Jesus? Is there more to this story than has been generally taught when Joseph’s life and God’s work through it have been considered? Just how central is Joseph to this story?
Exodus – Seeing God
What was considered God’s greatest act in redemptive history for his people Israel is found in the second book of the Old Testament. The way the book is written provides wonderful insights as to the central emphases of the book, itself, and how God has chosen to reveal Himself to Israel’s greatest Old Testament leader. The structure with which God has filled the book gives the reader definite markers concerning the overall themes. This helps in discerning how best to apply all of the respective parts.
Amos – Reintroducing God
God has never been one to follow an expected pattern. This is certainly the case in His choice of a shepherd/fig-farmer to give His word to His people Israel. The organizational pattern of this book is nothing short of astounding and the message is focused on the need of the people to come into contact with the God they only think they know. The relevance for the social plights of today’s world can hardly be missed.
Matthew – School for Disciples
The first book of the New Testament has long been considered by many to be a type of training manual for early disciples. But the primary organizational technique for the book was considered somewhat elusive. Ancient Jewish literary structure provides the key to unlocking the pattern of Matthew’s gospel and the message that he intends to convey to young disciples in need of systematic instruction. What would happen if this structure was made available to instruct believers in the twenty-first century?
The Sevens You Don’t See
Many believers know that seven is the most-used number in the biblical text. From the seven days of the creation story in Genesis 1 to the seven final plagues of Revelation, the use of the number cannot be missed. But what about all the places where the number is at the crux of the text’s organization but so often remains unseen? Often, the use of seven lets the reader know when the given text in question is really complete. It is also often the key to knowing how to find the author’s central purpose and meaning. See the use of seven in a way you never knew was there.