creating kingdom focused bible curriculum that impacts culture faccs 2010 © kevin m. adams, m.div

Creating Kingdom Creating Kingdom FocusedFocused

Bible CurriculumBible CurriculumThat Impacts CultureThat Impacts Culture

FACCS 2010FACCS 2010

© Kevin M. Adams, M.Div© Kevin M. Adams, M.Div

The Problem: StatisticsThe Problem: Statistics

• Barna’s 2009 survey indicates that Barna’s 2009 survey indicates that – 34% of adults believe moral truth is 34% of adults believe moral truth is

absoluteabsolute– 46% of born-again adults concurred46% of born-again adults concurred– 27% of adults believe Satan is a real force27% of adults believe Satan is a real force– 40% of born-again adults concurred40% of born-again adults concurred– 28% of adults believe it is impossible to 28% of adults believe it is impossible to

earn your way to heavenearn your way to heaven– 47% of born-again adults concurred47% of born-again adults concurred

The Problem: StatisticsThe Problem: Statistics

– 40% of adults believe Jesus lived a 40% of adults believe Jesus lived a sinless life while on earthsinless life while on earth

– 62% of born-again adults concurred62% of born-again adults concurred– 9% of adults have a biblical worldview9% of adults have a biblical worldview– 19% of born-again adults have a biblical 19% of born-again adults have a biblical

worldviewworldview– Based on an earlier survey Barna Based on an earlier survey Barna

reported that only 9% of born-again reported that only 9% of born-again teens have a biblical worldviewteens have a biblical worldview

The Problem: The Problem: CompartmentalizationCompartmentalization

• DualismDualism• GnosticismGnosticism• Secular/SacredSecular/Sacred• Facts/ValuesFacts/Values• Science/ReligionScience/Religion• Church/HomeChurch/Home• Work/HomeWork/Home

Fact/Value DualismFact/Value Dualism

• ““I operated on the assumption that what I I operated on the assumption that what I learned in school and science was learned in school and science was reallyreally true, while church was a kind of support true, while church was a kind of support group that provides a nice story to help group that provides a nice story to help you cope with reality.”you cope with reality.”

• “…“…when ‘serious issues are at stake’ when ‘serious issues are at stake’ people want solutions based on ‘real people want solutions based on ‘real knowledge.’”knowledge.’”– Pearcey, Nancy. Pearcey, Nancy. Saving Leonardo: a Call to Saving Leonardo: a Call to

Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, & Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, & MeaningMeaning. Nashville, TN: B&H, 2010. 29. Print. . Nashville, TN: B&H, 2010. 29. Print.


• ““I stand in my synagogue and pray I stand in my synagogue and pray to God and have an intense to God and have an intense relationship with God, and yet I relationship with God, and yet I don’t believe in God”don’t believe in God”

• ““Religion is like reading a novel – Religion is like reading a novel – you can get pleasure and meaning you can get pleasure and meaning from the experience from the experience even though even though you know it is not literally trueyou know it is not literally true.”.”– Peter Lipton as quoted in Pearcey 27.Peter Lipton as quoted in Pearcey 27.

The ProblemThe Problem

“The cartoonist’s message is clear: religion is a social construction to meet peoples emotional needs and wishes”

–Pearcey 28.


• After carefully defining the terms objective After carefully defining the terms objective and subjective church youth answered that and subjective church youth answered that – Red is the coolest color Red is the coolest color subjective subjective– 2+2=4 2+2=4 objective objective– God exists God exists subjective (75%) subjective (75%)– Premarital sex is wrong Premarital sex is wrong subjective (all but 1) subjective (all but 1)

• As quoted in Pearcey, 30.As quoted in Pearcey, 30.

– Pro-life Christian teens favorite politician is pro-Pro-life Christian teens favorite politician is pro-choice because it’s just “their preference”choice because it’s just “their preference”

Current Print ResourcesCurrent Print Resources

Presupposition 1Presupposition 1God ExistsGod Exists

• In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. (Gen 1:1 KJV)

• For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Rom 1:20 KJV)

Presupposition 2Presupposition 2The Bible is the Word of The Bible is the Word of

GodGod• All scripture is given by inspiration

of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2Ti 3:16-17 KJV)

2 Tim. 3:16-172 Tim. 3:16-17

Beliefs Beliefs (Thoughts (Thoughts & Motives)& Motives)

Doctrine/Teaching – Doctrine/Teaching – Standard (+)Standard (+)

Reproof/Rebuke – Reproof/Rebuke – Comparison (-)Comparison (-)

Behavior Behavior (Responses(Responses

))

Correction – Change Correction – Change (-)(-)

Training – Remedy Training – Remedy (+)(+)

Presupposition 3Presupposition 3The Word of God is AliveThe Word of God is Alive

• For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Heb 4:12 KJV)

Heb. 4:12-13Heb. 4:12-13

Motives

Thoughts

Judges

Analyzes

Dissects


• Agnostics rule America … because Agnostics rule America … because their metaphysics (i.e., scientific their metaphysics (i.e., scientific naturalism) rules the universities, naturalism) rules the universities, and the universities control the and the universities control the social definition of knowledge.”social definition of knowledge.”– Johnson as quoted in Pearcey 39.Johnson as quoted in Pearcey 39.

Worldview: How you view Worldview: How you view the worldthe world

•GlassesGlasses

•FilterFilter

•PuzzlePuzzle

Discovering Our Discovering Our WorldviewWorldview

Actions

Values

Beliefs

Worldviews in ActionWorldviews in Action

• Worldviews are formed from the bottom Worldviews are formed from the bottom upup– Beliefs Beliefs Values Values Actions Actions

• Worldviews influence from the top downWorldviews influence from the top down– The Universities shape the world view of the The Universities shape the world view of the

next generation of leaders who shape policy next generation of leaders who shape policy and cultureand culture

– The Most Influential Cities shape the WorldThe Most Influential Cities shape the World• DCDC• NYNY• LALA• HollywoodHollywood

Biblical Worldview Biblical Worldview ProcessProcess

• 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deu 6:4-9 KJV)

Biblical WV Process Biblical WV Process ExplainedExplained

• Love God with all your Love God with all your heartheart– Inner core of personalityInner core of personality– The home of emotions, reason, planning, The home of emotions, reason, planning,

scheming, discernmentscheming, discernment– In short the heart is the mindIn short the heart is the mind

• To love God with all your heart means to To love God with all your heart means to open to God all the processes of open to God all the processes of thinking, feeling, deciding, to be shaped thinking, feeling, deciding, to be shaped and honed as instruments aligned to and honed as instruments aligned to God’s purposesGod’s purposes


• Love God with all your Love God with all your soulsoul– Does NOT refer to an immaterial part of manDoes NOT refer to an immaterial part of man– Animals are (not have) souls as is manAnimals are (not have) souls as is man– Man IS a living being (soul) WITH a Spirit IN a Man IS a living being (soul) WITH a Spirit IN a

bodybody• As used in Scripture it often denotes As used in Scripture it often denotes

appetiteappetite– Desires, feelings, emotionsDesires, feelings, emotions

• To love God with all your soul means to To love God with all your soul means to place your feelings & desires at God’s place your feelings & desires at God’s service and conform them to God’s willservice and conform them to God’s will


• Love God with all your Love God with all your mightmight– Literally “muchness” or greatness/intensityLiterally “muchness” or greatness/intensity– The point is – single-mindedThe point is – single-minded

• To love God with all your might is to have To love God with all your might is to have a single-minded, love-inspired zeal and a single-minded, love-inspired zeal and determination to realize the whole will of determination to realize the whole will of GodGod

• The New TestamentThe New Testament– Matthew 22:37 Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou Jesus said unto him, Thou

shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heartheart, , and with all thy and with all thy soulsoul, and with all thy , and with all thy mindmind..


• Teach ‘These Words’ Teach ‘These Words’ diligentlydiligently– Literally ‘sharpened’ meaning to teach Literally ‘sharpened’ meaning to teach

fresh for each generationfresh for each generation

• Sitting, Walking, Lying, RisingSitting, Walking, Lying, Rising– Daily activity from morning to eveningDaily activity from morning to evening

• ‘‘These Words’ of God are to guide These Words’ of God are to guide everyevery movement of the hand and eye, movement of the hand and eye, everyevery domestic and community domestic and community activityactivity

Biblical WV Process Biblical WV Process SummarizedSummarized

• ALL aspects of life are to be governed ALL aspects of life are to be governed by God’s desiresby God’s desires– Your MindYour Mind– Your DesiresYour Desires– Your FocusYour Focus

• All aspects of our schools are to be All aspects of our schools are to be governed by God’s desiresgoverned by God’s desires– His MindHis Mind– His DesiresHis Desires– His FocusHis Focus

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of

God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Biblical Worldview Biblical Worldview IntegrationIntegration

• BWI is only necessary because we have BWI is only necessary because we have adopted an unbiblical view of reality and life. adopted an unbiblical view of reality and life. Claerbaut notes three causes of the Claerbaut notes three causes of the secular/sacred dualism;secular/sacred dualism;– Disconnection of education from the church Disconnection of education from the church

• Thus the importance of our mission statementThus the importance of our mission statement

– Absence of any binding theological standard to Absence of any binding theological standard to regulate educationregulate education• Thus the importance of developing keen biblical mindsThus the importance of developing keen biblical minds

– Abandonment of commitment to an evangelical Abandonment of commitment to an evangelical mandatemandate• Thus the importance of continuous evaluation & educatingThus the importance of continuous evaluation & educating

The Problem: The Problem: CompartmentalizationCompartmentalization

• DualismDualism• GnosticismGnosticism• Secular/SacredSecular/Sacred• Facts/ValuesFacts/Values• Science/ReligionScience/Religion• Church/HomeChurch/Home• Work/HomeWork/Home

Biblical Worldview Biblical Worldview IntegrationIntegration

• BWI is thus a corrective response to get BWI is thus a corrective response to get back to a proper view of life and realityback to a proper view of life and reality– BWI is a corrective to the secular/sacred; BWI is a corrective to the secular/sacred;

natural/supernatural dichotomy that has natural/supernatural dichotomy that has created the dogma of Scientism (reality is only created the dogma of Scientism (reality is only that which is verifiable – can’t see it, must not that which is verifiable – can’t see it, must not exist), which has become the leading American exist), which has become the leading American WorldviewWorldview

• BWI is a component of a truly Kingdom BWI is a component of a truly Kingdom Education (KE) School because in a KE Education (KE) School because in a KE School it is God’s Kingdom and He is King, School it is God’s Kingdom and He is King, thus everything is related to Him, the Kingthus everything is related to Him, the King

Kingdom EducationKingdom Education

• Kingdom education is God’s plan to Kingdom education is God’s plan to educate future generations to educate future generations to develop a God-centered worldview develop a God-centered worldview and, therefore, to think and act and, therefore, to think and act according to God’s ways. according to God’s ways. – Schultz, Glen. Schultz, Glen. Kingdom Education: Kingdom Education:

God's Plan for Educating Future God's Plan for Educating Future GenerationsGenerations. Nashville, TN: LifeWay, . Nashville, TN: LifeWay, 1998. 49. Print. 1998. 49. Print.

Kingdom EducationKingdom Education

• A Christian School operates under the A Christian School operates under the umbrella of a Christian Church or at umbrella of a Christian Church or at least under the umbrella of the least under the umbrella of the mandate given to the Christian Church; mandate given to the Christian Church; to make disciples of all nations.to make disciples of all nations.

• A Kingdom Education School aligns A Kingdom Education School aligns Church, Home and School (the 3 Church, Home and School (the 3 legged stool) to produce world legged stool) to produce world changers for God.changers for God.

Kingdom Education Goal:Kingdom Education Goal:Disciple MakingDisciple Making

• 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Mat 28:18-20 KJV)

Ancient Building Blocks of Ancient Building Blocks of DiscipleshipDiscipleship

• CommunityCommunity– Relational community living life togetherRelational community living life together

• SynagogueSynagogue– Study and memorize the Torah until age Study and memorize the Torah until age

12/1312/13• SchoolSchool

– Study and memorize the TaNaK until age 15Study and memorize the TaNaK until age 15• CallingCalling

– Live with Rabbi 24/7 until sent to make own Live with Rabbi 24/7 until sent to make own disciplesdisciples

Modern Building Blocks of Modern Building Blocks of DiscipleshipDiscipleship

• CommunityCommunity– Modern Church Community & Life GroupsModern Church Community & Life Groups

• SynagogueSynagogue– Modern K-8 Christian School Bible ClassModern K-8 Christian School Bible Class– Modern Sunday SchoolModern Sunday School

• SchoolSchool– Modern Christian High School Bible ClassModern Christian High School Bible Class

• CallingCalling– Modern Obedient Follower of the Jesus Way Modern Obedient Follower of the Jesus Way

of Lifeof Life

Characteristics of a Characteristics of a DiscipleDisciple

• A disciple in the first century was A disciple in the first century was known for two primary thingsknown for two primary things– KnowledgeKnowledge

• Trace this word in the Bible, along with Trace this word in the Bible, along with other words in its semantic domain (mind, other words in its semantic domain (mind, know, etc.) and you will quickly see how know, etc.) and you will quickly see how important this word is in Scriptureimportant this word is in Scripture

– PassionPassion• A zeal to do something with their knowledge, A zeal to do something with their knowledge,

to change lives, to make an impactto change lives, to make an impact• Jesus would include love and obedience hereJesus would include love and obedience here

Kingdom Education in Kingdom Education in the NTthe NT

• 16 For by him [Jesus] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Col 1:16-17 KJV)

• Thus all aspects of curriculum must be related to God, specifically Jesus

The Problem ClarifiedThe Problem Clarified

• ““I realize that I hold certain views because I realize that I hold certain views because I’m politically conservative, I’m politically conservative, not not because I because I see how they’re rooted in the Bible.”see how they’re rooted in the Bible.”

• Historian Martin Marty notes that every Historian Martin Marty notes that every religion serves two function; personal religion serves two function; personal salvation & a lens for interpreting the salvation & a lens for interpreting the world.world.– Evangelicals have not been good at the Evangelicals have not been good at the

second; typically “leaving men to their own second; typically “leaving men to their own devices to interpret the world around them.”devices to interpret the world around them.”

Discovering our Discovering our WorldviewWorldview

• Why does God reveal himself to mankind?Why does God reveal himself to mankind?– As a neutral, amoral fact – Just becauseAs a neutral, amoral fact – Just because– With the expectation that mankind acts on the With the expectation that mankind acts on the

revelationrevelation• Why did God create?Why did God create?

– NeutrallyNeutrally• Lacks purpose, meaning, value, etc. (Scientism)Lacks purpose, meaning, value, etc. (Scientism)• Additionally, Scientism implies that if something is Additionally, Scientism implies that if something is

not measurable it does not existnot measurable it does not exist

– PurposefullyPurposefully• Gives meaning to all He created (which is everything)Gives meaning to all He created (which is everything)• Infuses everything with a reflective quality Infuses everything with a reflective quality

What’s the Difference?What’s the Difference?

• Learning is no longer a passive digestion of Learning is no longer a passive digestion of amoral facts, it is rather a dynamic pro-amoral facts, it is rather a dynamic pro-active exercise in coming to know the active exercise in coming to know the Creator for who He is through His CreationCreator for who He is through His Creation– This includes knowing people (part of Creation) This includes knowing people (part of Creation)

and their responses to the Creator’s revelation and their responses to the Creator’s revelation in His Creationin His Creation• Notice the term Creation over Nature, Mother Earth, Notice the term Creation over Nature, Mother Earth,

Physical Universe, etc. Words convey meaning and Physical Universe, etc. Words convey meaning and our goal is to convey God’s intended meaning in a our goal is to convey God’s intended meaning in a manner that exalts Him. There is no static, left-to-its-manner that exalts Him. There is no static, left-to-its-own nature but there is a Creator who continuously own nature but there is a Creator who continuously interacts with His Creation.interacts with His Creation.

BWI and the Visual ValetBWI and the Visual Valet

Visual Valet ExplainedVisual Valet Explained

• ““Biblical integration is not about finding Biblical integration is not about finding the "right verse" or "the only" Christian the "right verse" or "the only" Christian way to deal with every class and every way to deal with every class and every subject. It is about fitting everything we subject. It is about fitting everything we know and teach into the very know and teach into the very BIGBIG picture of what God is doing. It is about picture of what God is doing. It is about expressing God-given uniqueness and expressing God-given uniqueness and creativity while being the teachers He creativity while being the teachers He has called each one of us to be (Matthew has called each one of us to be (Matthew 28:19-20).” 28:19-20).”

Visual Valet ExplainedVisual Valet Explained

• Because everything was created to bring glory to Because everything was created to bring glory to God, the study of anything in creation should God, the study of anything in creation should provide glimpses of God. Wherever they look, provide glimpses of God. Wherever they look, believers should expect to find reflections of Him.believers should expect to find reflections of Him.

• However, because of the fall, both the creation However, because of the fall, both the creation they study and their own understanding of it have they study and their own understanding of it have been distorted by sin. been distorted by sin.

• The Bible also reveals how believers can avoid a The Bible also reveals how believers can avoid a self-centered and unbalanced misuse of creation self-centered and unbalanced misuse of creation as the Holy Spirit guides and teaches them (John as the Holy Spirit guides and teaches them (John 16:13-15, John 14:26).16:13-15, John 14:26).

BWI and the Visual ValetBWI and the Visual Valet

Creation

FallRedemption

Restoration

Visual Valet in ActionVisual Valet in Action

On PurposeOn Purpose

• All of life is connected to its purpose All of life is connected to its purpose in Godin God

• T.S. Eliot noted in 1950T.S. Eliot noted in 1950– ““the moment we ask about the purpose the moment we ask about the purpose

of anything, we may be involving of anything, we may be involving ourselves in asking about the purpose ourselves in asking about the purpose of everything.”of everything.”

Systemic & Specific Systemic & Specific ExamplesExamples

• Dependent onDependent on– School FocusSchool Focus– AdministrationAdministration– FacultyFaculty– EnrollmentEnrollment– Other FactorsOther Factors

Systemic ExamplesSystemic Examples

• Student Leadership Institute (SLi)Student Leadership Institute (SLi)– ThinkingThinking

• BiblicallyBiblically• CriticallyCritically• CreativelyCreatively

– ServingServing• Locally & GloballyLocally & Globally• Church & CommunityChurch & Community

– Engaging CultureEngaging Culture• Making DisciplesMaking Disciples• Solving ProblesmSolving Problesm


• Mini-MesterMini-Mester– Week long missions opportunity for all Week long missions opportunity for all

studentsstudents• East AsiaEast Asia• Costa RicaCosta Rica• KeysKeys• New York CityNew York City• Local MissionsLocal Missions• Internships Internships


• Student Led/Involved ChapelsStudent Led/Involved Chapels– Student Led WorshipStudent Led Worship– Student PreachingStudent Preaching– Student Creative Arts Student Creative Arts

• Service OpportunitiesService Opportunities– Service DayService Day

• Widows, Single ParentsWidows, Single Parents• Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, Homeless Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, Homeless

Shelters, Homeless Hangouts, Campus Shelters, Homeless Hangouts, Campus BeautificationBeautification


• Service OpportunitiesService Opportunities– New Tribes Mission Shoe Box Drive to Haiti New Tribes Mission Shoe Box Drive to Haiti

http://http://www.ntm.orgwww.ntm.org – Loose Change to Loosen ChangeLoose Change to Loosen Change

• http://www.ijm.org/getinvolved/youthhttp://www.ijm.org/getinvolved/youth

– Sponsored ChildrenSponsored Children• Compassion International Compassion International http://http://

www.compassion.comwww.compassion.com// • World Vision World Vision http://http://www.worldvision.orgwww.worldvision.org// • World Help World Help http://http://www.worldhelp.netwww.worldhelp.net// • Hope For RomaniaHope For Romania• WatotoWatoto

Specifics: Bible Scope & Specifics: Bible Scope & SequenceSequence

66 OT Survey I (Genesis - Kings)OT Survey I (Genesis - Kings)

77 OT Survey II (Wisdom Lit. & OT Survey II (Wisdom Lit. & Prophets)Prophets)

88 NT Survey (Matthew – NT Survey (Matthew – Revelation)Revelation)

99 OT Survey (Genesis – Malachi)OT Survey (Genesis – Malachi)

1010 NT Survey (Intertestament – NT Survey (Intertestament – Revelation)Revelation)

1111 Interpreting/Counseling the Interpreting/Counseling the Word; Ethics/StewardshipWord; Ethics/Stewardship

1212 Worldviews & World ReligionsWorldviews & World Religions

Apologetics & CultsApologetics & Cults

Specifics: Bible Scope & Specifics: Bible Scope & SequenceSequence

66 OT Survey I (Genesis - Kings)OT Survey I (Genesis - Kings)

77 OT Survey II (Wisdom Lit. & OT Survey II (Wisdom Lit. & Prophets)Prophets)

88 NT Survey (Matthew – NT Survey (Matthew – Revelation)Revelation)

99 OT: Histories (Genesis - OT: Histories (Genesis - Chronicles)Chronicles)

1010 OT: Wisdom Literature & OT: Wisdom Literature & ProphetsProphets

1111 NT: Intertestament & GospelsNT: Intertestament & Gospels

1212 NT: Acts, Epistles & RevelationNT: Acts, Epistles & Revelation

Specifics: Bible Specifics: Bible CurriculumCurriculum

• A comprehensive Bible-based A comprehensive Bible-based curriculum that helps students: curriculum that helps students: – treat the Bible as God’s revealed treat the Bible as God’s revealed

revelation to a desperate people revelation to a desperate people describing His unfolding plan; not describing His unfolding plan; not simply a book of character studies simply a book of character studies and topical applications and topical applications

– see God for who He really is – HUGE see God for who He really is – HUGE and able to handle anything in their and able to handle anything in their lives – He IS in control of lives – He IS in control of everythingeverything


• A comprehensive Bible-based A comprehensive Bible-based curriculum that helps students:curriculum that helps students:– Discern how the Bible fits together as Discern how the Bible fits together as

one big story, not a smorgasbord of one big story, not a smorgasbord of “books”“books”

– Discern the big picture of God’s plan Discern the big picture of God’s plan – Discern how they fit into God’s planDiscern how they fit into God’s plan– Be able to interpret & understand the Be able to interpret & understand the

Bible for themselvesBible for themselves


• A comprehensive Bible-based A comprehensive Bible-based curriculum that helps students:curriculum that helps students:– Understand & Respond to God’s call on Understand & Respond to God’s call on

their lifetheir life– Understand and get to know Jesus, the Understand and get to know Jesus, the

God-ManGod-Man


• A comprehensive Bible-based A comprehensive Bible-based curriculum that helps students:curriculum that helps students:– ““Own” their faith (know what and why Own” their faith (know what and why

they believethey believe– Understand who God is and His characterUnderstand who God is and His character– Understand the evidences that support Understand the evidences that support

God’s WordGod’s Word– Understand how to “contend for the Understand how to “contend for the

faith” and “reason” with othersfaith” and “reason” with others


• To move beyond spoon feeding and To move beyond spoon feeding and regurgitation a Bible Department mustregurgitation a Bible Department must– Have sufficient supply of research Have sufficient supply of research

resources or,resources or,– Have sufficient access to computers or,Have sufficient access to computers or,– Teacher must supply copies of already Teacher must supply copies of already

researched information researched information – Otherwise students will not learn Otherwise students will not learn howhow to to

find answers for themselvesfind answers for themselves

Specific ExamplesSpecific Examples

• Critical Thinking (#1 Request in Critical Thinking (#1 Request in College/Jobs)College/Jobs)– SPSU & the Big PictureSPSU & the Big Picture– Shared Pool of KnowledgeShared Pool of Knowledge– Cultural BackgroundCultural Background– Context (literary, historical, biblical, Context (literary, historical, biblical,

theological)theological)– Scripture Analysis FormScripture Analysis Form– Word StudiesWord Studies– Interpretation & ApplicationInterpretation & Application


– SimulationsSimulations• Using Bible Simulations by Miller, Snyder, NeffUsing Bible Simulations by Miller, Snyder, Neff

– Synoptic Gospel Comparison PaperSynoptic Gospel Comparison Paper• Compare & Contrast a story in 2+ Synoptics Compare & Contrast a story in 2+ Synoptics

for SPSUfor SPSU

– Greek & Roman Comparison PaperGreek & Roman Comparison Paper– Worldview Comparison PaperWorldview Comparison Paper– Cults Comparison PaperCults Comparison Paper– Senior PaperSenior Paper

• Systematic TheologySystematic Theology• Practical TheologyPractical Theology


– ProjectsProjects• Choices of Models, Research Papers, Creative Choices of Models, Research Papers, Creative

Writing, Dramas, Videos, etc. Writing, Dramas, Videos, etc.

– Cross Curricular ProjectsCross Curricular Projects• Origins of S. Americans w/Noah’s descendantsOrigins of S. Americans w/Noah’s descendants• Compare & Contrast Crusades with Joshua’s Compare & Contrast Crusades with Joshua’s

ConquestConquest• Compare & Contrast Civil War with Joshua’s Compare & Contrast Civil War with Joshua’s

ConquestConquest• Compare & Contrast Expansion of US with Compare & Contrast Expansion of US with

Joshua’s ConquestJoshua’s Conquest


• Engaging CultureEngaging Culture– Youtube response to false belief systemYoutube response to false belief system– Adopt A School for ChristmasAdopt A School for Christmas– Ministering to HomelessMinistering to Homeless– World Christian AwarenessWorld Christian Awareness

• Prayer Maps & World Prayer NeedsPrayer Maps & World Prayer Needs• Voice of the Martyrs Voice of the Martyrs www.persecution.comwww.persecution.com • Open Doors Open Doors www.opendoorsusa.orgwww.opendoorsusa.org • International Christian Concern International Christian Concern

www.persecution.orgwww.persecution.org


• Get out of the classroomGet out of the classroom– Friday eveningsFriday evenings– Sports eventsSports events– Mission TripsMission Trips– Weekend TripsWeekend Trips– Family DinnersFamily Dinners– Students to LunchStudents to Lunch

• Don’t forget Love & Prayer!Don’t forget Love & Prayer!

LastlyLastly

• Evaluate & Re-assess regularlyEvaluate & Re-assess regularly• Never stop learning Never stop learning read, read, read, read,

readread• ResourcesResources

– Freedom In Truth MinistriesFreedom In Truth Ministries• www.fitministries.comwww.fitministries.com

Resources: Big PictureResources: Big Picture

• The Drama of Scripture by The Drama of Scripture by Bartholomew & GohenBartholomew & Gohen

• Unity of the Bible by Daniel FullerUnity of the Bible by Daniel Fuller• God’s Big Picture by Vaughan God’s Big Picture by Vaughan

RobertsRoberts• Preaching Christ from Genesis by Preaching Christ from Genesis by

Sidney GreidnausSidney Greidnaus

Resources: Culture & Resources: Culture & BackgroundBackground

• GeneralGeneral– Manners & Customs in the Bible by Manners & Customs in the Bible by

Victor MatthewsVictor Matthews– Manners & Customs by Ralph Gower Manners & Customs by Ralph Gower

• GeographyGeography

Resources: Combo’sResources: Combo’s

• Zondervan Handbook to the BibleZondervan Handbook to the Bible• Essential Bible Library includes Essential Bible Library includes

student editions of student editions of – New Unger’s Bible HandbookNew Unger’s Bible Handbook– New Unger’s Bible DictionaryNew Unger’s Bible Dictionary– Moody Atlas of Bible LandsMoody Atlas of Bible Lands– New Manners & Customs by GowerNew Manners & Customs by Gower


• OTOT– IVP Bible Background Commentary: OTIVP Bible Background Commentary: OT– IVP Bible Background Commentary: IVP Bible Background Commentary:

Gen.-Deut.Gen.-Deut.– Zondervan Illustrated Bible Zondervan Illustrated Bible

Backgrounds Commentary Set: OTBackgrounds Commentary Set: OT– Ancient Near Eastern Thought & the OT Ancient Near Eastern Thought & the OT

by Waltonby Walton


• NTNT– The Bible Knowledge Background The Bible Knowledge Background

Commentary: Matt-Luke; John, Commentary: Matt-Luke; John, Hebrews-Rev; Acts-PhilemonHebrews-Rev; Acts-Philemon

– The Victor Bible Background The Victor Bible Background Commentary: NTCommentary: NT

– IVP Bible Background Commentary: NTIVP Bible Background Commentary: NT– Zondervan Illustrated Bible Zondervan Illustrated Bible

Backgrounds Commentary Set: NT Backgrounds Commentary Set: NT

Resources: Bible GeneralResources: Bible General

• Zondervan Handbook to the BibleZondervan Handbook to the Bible• The Complete Guide to the Bible by Stephen The Complete Guide to the Bible by Stephen

MillerMiller• Nelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & ChartsNelson’s Complete Book of Bible Maps & Charts• Holman Quicksource Guide to Understanding the Holman Quicksource Guide to Understanding the

BibleBible• A Visual Guide to Bible Events by Martin et. al.A Visual Guide to Bible Events by Martin et. al.• The Bible Reader’s Companion by Larry RichardsThe Bible Reader’s Companion by Larry Richards• Essential Bible Companion by Straus, Cooper, Essential Bible Companion by Straus, Cooper,

WaltonWalton

Resources: OTResources: OT

• OT Today by Walton & HillOT Today by Walton & Hill• A House For My Name by Peter LeithartA House For My Name by Peter Leithart• OT Turning Points by Victor MatthewsOT Turning Points by Victor Matthews• Exploring the OT by Schultz & SmithExploring the OT by Schultz & Smith• Narrative as Pentateuch by John Narrative as Pentateuch by John

Salhaimer (SPSU)Salhaimer (SPSU)• Torah Story by Gary Schnittjer (SPSU)Torah Story by Gary Schnittjer (SPSU)

Resources: OTResources: OT

• Preaching Christ from Genesis by Preaching Christ from Genesis by Sidney Greidnaus (SPSU)Sidney Greidnaus (SPSU)

• Chronological & Background Charts Chronological & Background Charts of OT by John Waltonof OT by John Walton

• Biblical Creationism by Henry Biblical Creationism by Henry MorrisMorris

Resources: NTResources: NT

• Getting the Gospels by Steven L. Getting the Gospels by Steven L. Bridge (SPSU)Bridge (SPSU)

• Four Gospels, One Jesus? by Richard Four Gospels, One Jesus? by Richard Burridge (SPSU)Burridge (SPSU)

• The Jesus of the Bible by Stephen The Jesus of the Bible by Stephen MillerMiller

• Chronological & Background Charts Chronological & Background Charts of NT by Paul Houseof NT by Paul House

Resources: CurriculumResources: Curriculum

• Christian Schools InternationalChristian Schools International– The Story of God & His PeopleThe Story of God & His People

• The House of IsraelThe House of Israel• The Day of the LordThe Day of the Lord• A Light to the GentilesA Light to the Gentiles• God’s Unfolding PlanGod’s Unfolding Plan• Hope of the WorldHope of the World

• Bible as LiteratureBible as Literature• Bible Story Telling by John WalshBible Story Telling by John Walsh

Resources: MediaResources: Media

• That the World May Know Faith That the World May Know Faith Lessons by Ray Vander Laan. Lessons by Ray Vander Laan. Published by Focus on the Family. Published by Focus on the Family. DVDs and Study GuidesDVDs and Study Guides

• Grizzly Adams Entertainment Grizzly Adams Entertainment Biblical DVDsBiblical DVDs

• TNT Bible Movies (see TNT Bible Movies (see www.visionvideo.comwww.visionvideo.com) )

Resources: SoftwareResources: Software

• The WordThe Word– www.theword.netwww.theword.net

• Logos/LibronixLogos/Libronix– www.logos.comwww.logos.com

• BibleworksBibleworks– www.bibleworks.comwww.bibleworks.com

creating kingdom focused bible curriculum that impacts culture faccs 2010 © kevin m. adams, m.div

Documents