New Testament Course - Summer 09
ALL WELCOME
NEW TESTAMENT NOW - READER TRAINING SUMMER 2009
Venue: The Church of the Ascension, Beaufort Road,
Ealing W5 3EB
Tutor: Simon Reed (Vicar of the Parish of the Ascension, Hanger Hill with West Twyford, St Mary’s)
The heart of Christianity is our faith relationship with a person, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom the letter to the Hebrews calls ‘the pioneer and perfecter of our faith’ (Heb 12:2). We meet Jesus and develop our relationship with him through the inspired words of Scripture. The New Testament is the source for our faith and ministry, our belief and behaviour. The New Testament gives us access to the words and works of Jesus, narrated, interpreted and applied. In order to allow these Scriptures to speak with their full clarity and power in the context of the 21st century, we must first attempt to understand what they meant within their 1st century Jewish and Middle Eastern context. New Testament Now seeks to help us gain a deepening familiarity with these Christ-centred texts to help us in our quest to be Christ-centred people in Christ-centred communities today.
Course Summary
The course will include a critical study of the composition and themes of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), most of the Johannine material (John’s Gospel and Revelation), Acts, the letters of Paul (especially Roman and 1 Corinthians) and an introduction to the historical research into Jesus.
Course Outline and Dates
Tuesday 5 May Introduction: the task and the tools
Tuesday 12 May The Gospel according to Mark
Tuesday 19 May The Gospel according to Matthew and Luke
Half Term Break
Tuesday 2 June Acts
Tuesday 9 June Paul (1): the man and the mission (Romans)
Saturday 13 June Study Day: From the Gospels to Jesus and back again: (9.45am to 3.30pm) an introduction to the historical study of Jesus
Tuesday 16 June Paul (2): the challenge of the churches (1 Corinthians)
Tuesday 23 June John’s Gospel
Tuesday 30 June Revelation
Tuesday 7 July Students’ sermons
The Tuesday evening sessions will begin at 8.00pm
Simon Reed studied theology at Wycliffe Hall Oxford and gained an M.Phil for his study of the Gospel accounts of the trial of Jesus from King’s College, London. Simon writes regularly for the Scripture Union Closer to God Bible notes. Simon’s contacts: Tel: 020 8566 9920 Email: coa@talktalk.net
For information about the Reader Training course programme contact
James Mercer Reader Training Officer