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Title: BIB 314: The Kingdom of God in the Teachings of Jesus
Subtitle: Exploring the Central Theme of Jesus’ Message
Course Name & Level: The Kingdom of God in the Teachings of Jesus, Bachelor Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Kingdom of God, Teachings of Jesus, Great Commission
1. Introduction:
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the Kingdom of God as the central theme in the teachings of Jesus. Students will examine how Jesus articulated and demonstrated the Kingdom through His parables, miracles, and mission.
2. Course Description:
An introductory course that focuses on the concept of the Kingdom of God as presented in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing its significance in His ministry and the implications for His followers.
3. Course Purpose:
To understand the centrality of the Kingdom of God in Jesus’ teachings and its relevance for contemporary Christian living.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore the theological and practical aspects of the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Kingdom of God: The reign and rule of God, central to Jesus’ teaching and ministry.
- Parables: Simple, illustrative stories used by Jesus to convey deeper spiritual and moral lessons about the Kingdom.
- Miracles: Supernatural acts performed by Jesus that demonstrate the power and presence of the Kingdom.
- Eschatology: The study of the end times, including the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.
- Great Commission: Jesus’ command to His disciples to spread His teachings to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to the Kingdom of God: Overview of the concept and its significance in the Bible.
- The Kingdom in the Old Testament: Examination of how the Kingdom of God is foreshadowed and promised in the Hebrew Scriptures.
- The Kingdom Announced: Study of Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom at the beginning of His ministry.
- Parables of the Kingdom: Analysis of key parables that illustrate the nature and values of the Kingdom.
- Miracles as Signs of the Kingdom: Exploration of how Jesus’ miracles reveal the presence and power of the Kingdom.
- The Ethics of the Kingdom: Examination of the Sermon on the Mount and other teachings on Kingdom living.
- The Kingdom and the Church: Understanding the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the role of the Church.
- Eschatology and the Kingdom: Study of Jesus’ teachings on the end times and the consummation of the Kingdom.
- The Great Commission: Analysis of Matthew 28:18-20 and its implications for advancing the Kingdom.
- Contemporary Applications: Practical ways to live out and advance the Kingdom of God today.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of key concepts and teachings related to the Kingdom of God.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on specific aspects of the Kingdom of God as taught by Jesus.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper on a chosen topic related to the Kingdom of God in Jesus’ teachings.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
8. Research References:
- The Kingdom of God: A Biblical Theology by John Bright. eBook format. MLA Citation: Bright, John. The Kingdom of God: A Biblical Theology. Abingdon Press, 1953.
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God: His Life, His Teaching, and His Work by George Eldon Ladd. eBook format. MLA Citation: Ladd, George Eldon. Jesus and the Kingdom of God: His Life, His Teaching, and His Work. Eerdmans, 1964.
- The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary by Arland J. Hultgren. eBook format. MLA Citation: Hultgren, Arland J. The Parables of Jesus: A Commentary. Eerdmans, 2000.
- The Sermon on the Mount: The Character of a Disciple by Daniel M. Doriani. eBook format. MLA Citation: Doriani, Daniel M. The Sermon on the Mount: The Character of a Disciple. P&R Publishing, 2006.
- The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited by Scot McKnight. eBook format. MLA Citation: McKnight, Scot. The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited. Zondervan, 2011.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of the Kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
