Kaweah range, High Sierra
Doctrine spring 2026: Schedule
Before (or in) Class, in order |
After Class, in order |
| DNA | |
| Jan 12: Our course is shaped around a unique God. | |
(in class) The Shape of the Course (in class) DBS of 2 Timothy 2:1–14 |
remember to "do and tell" following your DBS put midterm and final dates on your planner, and respect them in your travel plans read syllabus: Tasks, Course, Policies; pay special attention to
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| Jan 14: Doctrine's proper source is God's work and self-revelation, witnessed and received in growing faith, firmer hope, and sacrificial love. | |
watch the video "Faithfulness over Knowledge": Does its thesis challenge your assumptions? read Jeremiah 31:23–34, Isaiah 54:11–14 and John 6:41–47, John 1:35–51, John 14:5–26, 2 Corinthians 3:2–4:2: How do God's people come to know and share reliable knowledge about God? SOAPS Luke 9:37–43a (in class) theological method |
'do and tell' following SOAPS optional: if you want a second opinion, read STSB "How to Do Theology." How do its claims compare with the worksheet from class? |
| Jan 16: Doctrine's heart is the fruitful understanding of God's grace in truth. Scripture is a fine place to discover it. | |
| read A Walk through the Bible ch 1 "A Unique Account" read The Father Glorified (TFG) pp 11-12 and ch 1 "Prayer" read Systematic Theology Study Bible (STSB) "Grace" (pp 1701-1703) (Canvas); red-highlighted parts are optional watch Doctrine(s) of Scripture I |
optional: if you're curious, watch a longer, earlier version of the mini-lecture on scripture at From Jesus to Scripture: How Christ Instituted the Bible I.1 I.2-II (the lecture continues later in the semester) |
| Jan 20: The Bible expresses God's ongoing involvements that accomplish his character and purpose. | |
watch this five-minute video for how and why we are using scripture listen to Newbigin "Bible Overview" part one (OT, 40 min) and part two (NT, 48 min) (in class) theology's biblical/Kingdom context |
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| Jan 21: Christian doctrine (teaching) and pedagogy (approach to teaching) are accountable to their domain, which is God's Kingdom. | |
read Zúme training guide on spiritual breathing and SOAPS Bible study (Canvas) SOAPS James 1:19–26: you may do the 'written' parts orally read Paul Graham, "The Lesson to Unlearn" read Matthew 23:1–12, Luke 6:46–49, John 8:30–37, John 14:21: How in this field does doing relate to learning and knowing? watch Course Logic, Structure, and Value Paradox, which explains what we will be doing and why |
apply and share ('do and tell') your SOAPS challenge: re-read Graham's article, and discern whether you have become a bad-test-hacker in education and/or religion check the assignment prompts on Canvas to learn about assignments and consider your options (book-related prompts are here) so you can choose and get started soon |
| Jan 23: 'Biblical' knowledge means continuing intimacy with God. | |
DBS John 15:4–14 in your squads read Deut 6:1–15: What are some ways God's people are to express their love for God? How do those relate to God's expressions of love for them? watch James K.A. Smith "You Are What You Love" (start at 10:00) read 1 Cor 12:31–14:1, then look for faith, hope, and love in 1 Pet 1:3–9 read STSB "The Christian Life" watch Love, Hope, Faith |
read 1 Thess 1: How does Paul see faith, hope, and love in the Thessalonians' behaviors? In other words, what do these traits look like in Thessalonica? if this has piqued your interest, consider the Love's Way exercise (Canvas) optional deep-dive: watch Love, Hope, Faith I II III.1 III.2 IV.1 IV.2-V (from YouTube playlist) |
| Jan 26: Prayer expresses intimacy with God. | |
read The Insanity of God ch 21 (Canvas) read Matt 6:5–15, Luke 11:1–13, and Col 1:1–14, 24-26 read my page on prayer (in class) Praying the Mission |
watch this brief video on prayer consider developing a habit of regular extraordinary prayer, and multiplying it in others with something like a 5x5 group, Life Transformation Group, and/or prayer calendar (and there's an assignment for that) |
| Jan 28: Doctrine's fundamental setting is God's welcoming, transforming fellowship. | |
read Rodger Guigou Shull, "Christianity in America Has a Discipleship Problem" Watch "Ordinary People" (94 minutes) along with 1+ people not in our class and get their impressions |
identify one or more of the mentors whose 'duckling' you have been choose which written assignments you will complete (see Tasks page) |
| Creator, Creation, and Uncreation "Every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth" (James 1:17–18 ESV). |
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| Jan 30: God is uniquely powerful. | |
| DBS Mark 5:21–42 read The Father Glorified (TFG) ch 2 "Miracles" |
read 1 Cor 1:18–2:9: How does Paul see God's power comparing to ordinary power? How might his own experience have informed his perspective? find a testimony of God's power from someone you know, and discern what it suggests or teaches |
| Feb 2: The Lord is a different kind of God. | |
read Ex 3:1–18, Ex 20:18–24, Deut 4:14–20, Jer 10:1–16, Rom 1:18–23, 1 John 1:1–5, Heb 1:1–4 for discovery in class read STSB "God" sections "God's Attributes" and "God's Self-Sufficiency and Glory": we will read other sections later (in class) God's Otherness I-IV.1 |
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| Feb 4: God is hidden and revealed. | |
| squad DBS of Acts 17:16–34 (handout, if helpful) read Ex 19:20–20:6, 2 Kings 17:24–33 and 17:41, John 4:3–26 read "The Value of Simplicity" in Cole, Search and Rescue ch 12 (Canvas), "Gauging Theological Worthiness," and STSB "Revelation" for us to examine in class (in class) God's Otherness IV.2-V |
learn how to review: take the (ungraded) test review on Canvas optional deep-dive: watch The Otherness of God I II III IV.1 IV.2 V |
| Feb 6: God makes disciple-makers. | |
read TFG ch 3 "Dreams and Visions" read A Walk through the Bible ch 2 "Chosen by God" read Gen 11:31–12:7, 15:1–21 read Isa 6:1–8 and SOAPS Matt 4:17–22 watch a three-minute video on The Power of Multiplication then read at least two of these sets of passages to discover what they imply about election: |
read about dreams in the Bible begin identifying a duckling to guide |
| Feb 9: God initiates, but how and why? | |
SOAPS 2 Cor 5:14–6:3 read STSB "Election"; a squad appraises a section on common doctrines of election in class using this guide watch Predestination: History, Legacies, and Prospects part I and part II |
read Rodger Guigou Shull, "The Simplest Way to Overcome the #1 Obstacle to DMMs in America" optional deep-dive: watch Predestination: History, Legacies, and Prospects III.1 III.2-IV |
| Feb 11: God gathers his sheep and cares for them. | |
briefly review TFG ch 3, focusing on the role of churches and their people read Deut 29:24–30:10 and Jer 3:14–17 and then SOAPS Rom 15:4–13: how does God intend to gather his chosen people? read John 17:6–10 and 17:18–26: how do people come to belong to Jesus? then read Acts 2:1–6 and 2:29–47: what results from the Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost? examine the "Church Identity and Purpose" training tool (Canvas) (in class) Why Church? I-II |
begin teaching your duckling how to guide a duckling of his or her own |
| Feb 13: What doesn't make the church what it is? | |
read Eph 1:15–23, and DBS 1 Pet 2:4–10 read STSB "The Church"; a squad appraises a section in class read Rev 2–3, noting the section that most applies to you: what protects churches' integrity and health? before class, prep by reading the lecture outlines for What Makes a Church? II: focus on 1-2 dead ends of interest (in class) What Makes a Church? II |
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| Feb 18: What may make the church what it is? | |
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read Acts 6:1–10; we'll look at it in class read STSB "Theological Traditions: Church" on page 1637 examine the "Church: Functions" training tool (Canvas) read STSB "Ordinances and Sacraments" for descriptions of baptism and the Lord's Supper before class, prep by reading the lecture outlines for What Makes a Church? III-VII: read the grid column by column, and focus on one open lane of interest (in class) What Makes a Church? III-VII |
optional deep-dive: watch What Makes a Church? II III IV V VI.1 VI.2-VII another optional deep-dive: if curious about controversies over sacraments, especially baptism and communion, view Sacraments: Practicing Salvation I.1 I.2 I.3 (intro), II.1 II.2 II.3 (baptism), III.1 III.2-IV (communion) |
| Feb 20: God seeks and saves the lost. | |
read TFG ch 4 "Moved with Compassion" read STSB "Salvation"; a squad appraises a section in class read Ps 107: what does it teach about God's salvation? read Eph 2:1–10: what does it teach about God's salvation? SOAPS: 1 Peter 1:22–2:5 before class, read lecture outline for "Salvation and Its Signs", reading the grid row-by-row (in class) Salvation |
watch this brief video on compassion optional deep-dive: watch Signs of the Order of Salvation I II.1 III.1 IV.1 V.1 (additional relationships between soteriology and other aspects of Christian life and theology is available in sections II.2 III.2 IV.2 V.2-VI) |
| Feb 23: God speaks and acts through prophets. | |
read A Walk through the Bible ch 3, "Judges, Kings, and Prophets" read Ex 34:1–10, then SOAPS Matt 4:23–5:16: how do God's proclamations and actions reveal his character and purpose? read Jer 19:1–11 and John 11:45–53: how can actions send messages, and how can messages accomplish actions? read STSB "The Work of Christ" p. 1692: beginning and 'Messianic Prophet' before class, read lecture outline for sections I-II and V only of "Jesus Saves, but How? Office and Atonement" (in class) Christ's Prophetic Office |
watch this video on persons of peace optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? Intro I-II and The Prophetic Office V.1 V.2 V.3 V.4 V.5-VI |
| Feb 25: God reigns above principalities and powers. | |
DBS Luke 8:26–39 read TFG ch 5 "Spiritual Warfare" read Ps 82, then John 10:30–39 read A Walk through the Bible ch 4, "Return and Renewal" (in-class) get started on Christ's Royal Office |
over break, practice your skills, strengthen your habits, and develop your instincts; pursue knowledge of God and pass it on; do, share, and show God's love to those you are with |
| Feb 27: God's kingdom comes to acknowledge his reign as 'king of kings.' | |
warm up by reading Neil Cole, Search and Rescue, ch 2 "Good News Worth Sharing" read Ps 2, then Acts 3:21–22: what does God mean by quoting the psalm at Jesus' baptism? read Mark 2:23–28: what does this passage teach about who Jesus is and what that means for followers? read Mark 11:7–11, then Zech 9:9 in context and Ps 118:26 in context: what is Jesus communicating through this imagery? read Col 2:13–17, then review Acts 2:29–47: how might the church in Acts 2 be demonstrating the victorious life Paul describes in Col 2? read Acts 14:1–23: how is Jesus working through others? read Ps 68:17–21, then Eph 4:1–17: how does Christ the king use leaders to equip their fellow disciples? read STSB "The Work of Christ" 1693-1694 on 'Messianic King' (in-class) finish Christ's Royal Office |
optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? The Royal Office IV.1 IV.2 IV.3 IV.4 IV.5 IV.6 |
| Mar 2: doctrines concerning scripture | |
read TFG ch 6 "Authority of Scripture" read Ps 119:65–72, SOAPS 2 Tim 3:10–17 (refresh on Christ's prophetic office by reviewing Christ's Prophetic Office, section V) |
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| Mar 4: doctrines concerning scripture, continued | |
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read Matt 5:17–48: how is Jesus treating scriptures from the Old Testament (cited in vv. 21, 27, 31, 33, 38, and 43)? read 1 Cor 10:1–12: how is Paul treating scriptures from the Old Testament? read STSB "Scripture"; a squad appraises a section in class look up the Bible references in the "Word of God" training tool (Canvas): how would you summarize what the Bible is, and what it does? (in-class) Doctrine(s) of Scripture II-V |
optional deep-dive: watch From Jesus to Scripture: How Christ Instituted the Bible I.1 I.2-II III IV-V |
Mar 6: midterm: includes one complete online lecture |
DBS John 15:1–17 squads appoint new leaders; see Leaders page for guidelines |
| Mar 7: prayer and worship report due (don't also submit worship service analysis) | |
| Mar 9: author and Lord of all things | |
| read TFG ch 7 "Scripture Stories" read Gen 1:1–2:3, Ps 148, Gen 9:1–7, Dan 6:6–28, Jer 27:3–7 and SOAPS a passage or section that draws you read STSB "Creation"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Creation I-II |
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| Mar 11: doctrines of creation; rivals as missional contexts | |
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closely read Gen 2:3–25: what is this teaching beyond what is in Gen 1? read Ps 104: how does all the detail contribute to the psalm's picture of God as creator? read Col 1:12–23, John 1:1–18, and Heb 1:1–3: how are creation and salvation linked in Christ? read STSB "Providence" (skip 'Key Distinctions,' and skip 'Suffering and Evil' for now); a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Creation III-VI |
consider the Story Set Curriculum written exercise optional deep-dive: watch Creation as Trust I II III IV V-VI |
| Mar 12: frontier/contextual theology log due | |
| Mar 13: God's human creatures | |
read A Walk through the Bible ch 5, "God's Kingdom and Jesus" read Mark 12:28–34, Rom 5:10–21, SOAPS Eph 4:17–32 watch this video on planting and growing churches read STSB "Humanity"; a squad appraises a section in class (in-class) Humanity in God's Image |
read Roger Charles, "Many Small Victories" optional deep-dive: watch Humanity in God's Image I.1 I.2 II-III |
| Mar 23: out of sin's maze | |
read TFG ch 8 "The Discovery Process" closely read Gen 3, DBS Rom 3:9–26 examine the "Man and Sin" training tool (Canvas) remember to be reading the lecture outline below before class (in class) Sin I-II |
read Luke 10:1–24 |
| Mar 25: going to those far from God | |
read James 1:13–16, Matt 5:21–37, Luke 14:34–16:15; SOAPS one of the parables in the Luke passage that draws you read STSB "Sin"; a squad appraises a section in class watch this video on sin and worldview: how do different visions frame our need differently, and what God needs to do? remember to be reading lecture outlines before class (in class) Sin III-VI |
optional deep-dive: watch What Is Sin? I II III IV V VI-VII |
| Mar 27: God's sent ones | |
read TFG ch 9 "The Great Commission" read Matt 10:19–11:1, Matt 28:1–10 and 16–20, Acts 1:4–11, John 20:19–23, Rom 10:12–17, Rev 5:1–14, Rev 7:9–12 review 2 Cor 5:9–6:13, which you SOAPSed earlier read STSB "Gospel"; a squad appraises a section in class reading lecture outlines before class should be a habit by now (in class) Worship's Mission |
skim Acts 16–18 to see worship, mission, apostolicity, and wholeness in action consider watching this brief 'God's Heart and Four Fields' introductory video: where are worship, mission, apostolicity, and wholeness themes? if your groups are functioning well, think about beginning to start your own if you haven't already optional deep-dive: watch The Church as Mission I II III.1 III.2 (less important: IV.1 IV.2 IV.3 V) and/or The Wholeness of the Church I-II III IV-V |
| Mar 28: do-and-tell report due (don't also submit new group report) | |
| Who Is This? "in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God" (Hebrews 1:2–3). |
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| Mar 30: the Son's invitation | |
read TFG ch 10 "Love Your Neighbor" review John 1:1–18, read John 1:19–34, Heb 1:1–4, 2:5–8; SOAPS Heb 2:9–3:6 read STSB "The Person of Christ"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class) Incarnation |
follow-up: read Rom 5:12–21, Isa 45:18–25, Phil 2:5–11; SOAPS Col 1:13–20 (you read it earlier, but pay closer attention) optional deep-dive: watch God, With, Us: Incarnation I-II III.1 III.2 III.3-IV |
| Apr 1: theological capture in Antioch | |
read Matt 13:1–9, 18–23, 44–46, Matt 26:36–46, Rom 1:1–6 read Robert Wilken, "Not My Will but Thine" (Canvas) watch this video on growing leaders (in class) 'Antiochian' Christological Heresies I-IV |
optional deep-dive: watch Loving Jesus the Wrong Way (Antiochian heresies) I II III IV |
| Apr 8: theological capture in Alexandria | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 6 "Sacrifice" DBS 1 John 4:1–6 review John 1:1–18; read Luke 24:33–43, Gal 4:4–7, Heb 2:14–3:6, Phil 2:4–13 (in class) 'Alexandrian' Christological Heresies V-IX |
optional deep-dive: watch Loving Jesus the Wrong Way (Alexandrian heresies) V VI VII VIII IX |
| Apr 8: book-specific exercise due: prompts are here | |
| Apr 10: the Son's passion and sacrifice | |
read TFG ch 11 "Suffering" and Cole, Organic Leadership ch 19 SOAPS Luke 9:18–25, 14:25–35 read John 12:20–27, Acts 9:1–31, Phil 2:3–13 (in class, depending on time) Why Suffer? II, V |
optional deep-dive: watch Can God Really Suffer? I-II III IV-V |
| Apr 13: the Son's sacrifice | |
read Matt 27:33–54, Rom 3:21–27, Heb 2:14–17, Heb 9:11–10:25 DBS Isa 52:13–53:12 read STSB "The Work of Christ" 1692-1693 on 'Messianic Priest'; a squad appraises STSB "The Work of Christ" in class before class, review lecture outline for sections I-II and read sections III and VI of "Jesus Saves, but How? Office and Atonement" (in class) Jesus Saves, But How? The Priestly Office; conclusion III VI |
read Ps 107 optional deep-dive: watch Jesus Saves, But How? The Priestly Office III.1 III.2 III.3 III.4 |
| Apr 15: the Son's resurrection | |
read TFG ch 12 "Resurrection" read Luke 8:40–42 and 8:49‐56, Acts 3, 1 Cor 15:3–8 & 19–24 & 35–58, review Rom 8:8–18; SOAPS Col 2:20–3:14 read STSB "Eschatology"; introduction, "Death," and "The Resurrection of the Dead" (in class) Easter Changes Everything |
read Bass "What's the Earliest Evidence for Christianity?" optional deep-dive: watch Easter Changes Everything I II III.1 III.2 |
| Apr 15: duckling report due (don't also submit a squad leader report; you may combine them into one if you like) | |
| New Creation's Fullness "If Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:10–11). |
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| Apr 17: judgment | |
review Ps 2 and read Acts 4:23–31 review Rev 5:1–13 and read Matt 24:42–25:46 DBS: 1 Pet 4:12–19 read STSB "Eschatology": "The Return of Christ," "The Final Judgment," and "The Eternal State"; a squad appraises a section on eschatology in the following class (in class) Judgment as a Form of Salvation I-III |
optional deep-dive: watch Judgment as a Form of Salvation I.1 I.2 II-IV truly optional: read Work "Do You Not Care?" |
| Apr 18: theological analysis of a Holy Week service due (don't also submit prayer and worship report) | |
| Apr 20: the Kingdom's future | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 8 "Future Revelation" read Acts 1:1–11, then DBS Matt 24:3–14 (in class) Eschatology |
optional deep-dive: watch Eschatology: Pathology and Treatment II.1 II.2 II.3 III (additional material on eschatology is available in sections I IV.1 IV.2 V) |
| Apr 20: love's way exercise due | |
| Apr 22: the Son's Lordship | |
read TFG ch 13 "Obedience-Based Disciple Making" read Ezek 37:5–14, Matt 10:16–23, John 16:7–15, John 7:37–39; SOAPS the one that grabs you most review Eph 4:4–13, focusing on the gifts in 4:11 read STSB "The Holy Spirit"; a squad appraises a section in class (in class, optionally) God's Anointed |
optional deep-dive: watch God's Anointed: Jesus' New Relationship with the Holy Spirit, and Ours I-II III and/or The Holy Spirit in the Bible and Everywhere Else I II III IV V VI-VII |
| Apr 24: relational implications of God's relationality | |
read Walk through the Bible ch 7 "New Life, New Communities" review John 14:15–26, Matt 28:16–20, and Rom 8:1–17 (you studied them earlier) read these passages to answer: How does John 1:28–37 lay the groundwork for 3:31–36? read STSB "God" sections: intro, "The Trinity," "Our Salvation," The Doctrine of the Trinity," and "Adoption and the Trinity"; a squad appraises a section in the following class (in class) God's Trinity I-V |
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| Apr 25: new discovery or life transformation group report due (don't also submit do-and-tell report) | |
| Apr 27: God's Trinity and failures to grasp it | |
read TFG ch 14 "Person of Peace" on persons of peace, read Matt 10, John 4:1-42, Acts 16:9–15, 40 read/review John 6:25–47, 7:14–18, 7:25–31, 8:12–19, 8:31–47, 10:24–39, and 1 John 4:1–6 read "Trinity" training tool (Canvas) and look up its Bible references (in class) God's Trinity VI-VII |
optional deep-dive: watch The Threeness of God I-III IV V.1 V.2 VI.1 VI.2 |
| Apr 29: the Kingdom's co-heirs | |
read TFG ch 15 "How Disciples Are Made" DBS: Phil 1:6–18 read Eph 2:17–22 and 3:14–19: how does the church's life display God's threeness? read "God the Father," "God the Son," "God the Holy Spirit" training tools (Canvas) and look up their Bible references (in class) debrief / review |
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| Apr 30: squad leader report due (don't also submit duckling report) | |
| Dec 16 8:30-10am (9:15 section), Dec 16 noon-1:30pm (12:45 section), or Dec 17 noon-1:30pm (2:00 section): final exam: includes one complete online 'deep-dive' lecture from after the midterm | |
| Go and make disciples! Keep abiding, practicing, sharing what you know, and growing and multiplying grace and fruitfulness! Keep in touch, and contact me if I can help you launch! | |