Daniel Fitzsimmons and I probe the culture by discussing one of the most influential hidden philosophies of life in our culture today–hyper-individualism.  In a nut shell, hyper-individualism is a two step process:

This mindset has benefits and detriments for society, but in the end it fails to work as a philosophy of life.  After analyzing this cultural narrative, we offer a Christian perspective that can competently replace hyper-individualism.

Read a detailed article on Hyper-Individualism here.

Historical Jesus 10: Conflict

From his birth to his untimely death, conflict dominated Jesus’ life.  During his ministry the Pharisees disagreed with Jesus about the Sabbath, purity, divorce, and his style of ministry.  Jesus called them out on pride, greed, and hypocrisy.  Looking at how Jesus handled conflict serves as an example to those of us today who seek to follow him.

Course notes are available here.

In what ways is the culture putting a filter over your eyes?  How is our world rewriting your script, adjusting your plausibility intuitions?  For our first ever “Off Script” episode, I’m joined by two cohosts, Dan Fitzsimmons and Rose Rider, to discuss how our culture influences our lives as well as how to share the gospel with those who hold defeater beliefs.  Right now I’m not sure how often we’ll be able to put this out, but you’re feedback will be key in evaluating if this idea is worthwhile.  Please take the time to drop a comment on this episode or email me at [email protected] with your thoughts.  Let us know how we did and how we can improve.

Read an article called “Seeing the Filter” here.

Historical Jesus 9: Jewish Groups

In order to understand Jesus, it helps to know what kinds of Jewish groups were around in his time.  In particular, four massively influential Jewish groups vied for influence among the people of Christ’s time: the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.  Learn how Jesus compares and contrasts to these sects.  In addition, we need to consider four other groups, mentioned in the Gospels: the chief priests, Sanhedrin, scribes, and Samaritans.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 8: Paradoxical Submission

Jesus enjoyed an intimate relationship with his Father.  He often spent time with him in prayer, sometimes all night long.  Throughout his ministry Jesus frequently spoke about how his words and deeds were not his own, but the Father’s who sent him.  Paradoxically, by utterly submitting himself to God, he experienced the greatest exaltation in human history.  Learn from Jesus the true path to greatness.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 7: Disciples of Jesus

What does Jesus expect of his followers?  What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?  What is the cost of discipleship?  Join me as I work through what Jesus said about his expectations and requirements of his disciples as well as the rewards he promises.  This is a topic you’ll want to take seriously, after all what would be worse than thinking you were Christ’s disciple when in fact, you are deceived.  You can gather an army of theologians together and survey their opinions, but in the end, all that really matters is what Rabbi Jesus says he requires.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 6: Rabbi Jesus

Jesus was a Jewish rabbi who gathered disciples and taught them how to interpret the Torah–the sacred Scriptures of Moses.  Learn how Jesus’ compared to other famous Jewish rabbis like Hillel and Shamai.  In this episode, we’ll look at Jesus’ emphases and style in his teaching ministry.  Anyone seeking to understand the historical Jesus, cannot hope to genuinely grasp him apart from his role as rabbi.

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 5: Kingdom Saturated Ministry

How should you understand Jesus’ miracles, healing ministry, and exorcisms?  Surely, these are acts of compassion, but they are so much more.  In this lecture, learn how Jesus’ deeds and words coalesce around his primary ministry focus–the kingdom of God.  By examining three ancient Hebrew prophecies, you’ll see how Jesus’ own self-understanding helps make sense of his kingdom saturated ministry.

Course notes available here.

Historical Jesus 4: Baptism and Temptations

Before he began his ministry, Jesus first had to receive John’s baptism and then overcome Satan’s temptations.  After briefly explaining his baptism, we’ll go into detail exploring why Satan’s temptations were so tempting as well as what we can learn from Jesus’ example.  How does Jesus defeat Satan where Eve failed?

Course notes are available here.

Historical Jesus 3: Rulers in Christ’s World

Life was very different in the world of Jesus, especially politics.  In this lecture you will learn about the three main leaders that shaped Jesus’ time: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, and Pontius Pilate.  Drawing on the Jewish historian, Josephus, you will discover the cut-throat way that Roman rulers managed provinces like Galilee and Judea in the first century.  Understanding how leaders wielded power sets a glaring contrast to how Jesus carried himself.

Course notes are available here.