Well, another section of Grudem’s Systematic Theology is behind us. A group of 10 men gathered at 6am this past Friday to split into two teams and work together on the final exam for this section of the book. It covered issues of Atonement, Resurrection and Ascension, The Offices of Christ, and The Work of the Holy Spirit. We had taken an early exam after the chapter on The Person of Christ.
Once again the guys did extremely well and we were all encouraged by how much the approach of reading these things together and stopping to discuss issues along the way are enabling us to retain what we’re covering.
I don’t have the exam questions with me, but they weren’t ‘gimme’s’. Several essay questions, a few multiple choice and matching. For the essay questions the fellas were very well prepared. In fact, at two points I asked follow up questions to those presenting their team’s oral essay answers and in both cases the teams did an excellent job coming back with spontaneous yet nuanced responses.
Both teams nailed the bonus question which asked in what sense is the atonement objective. How does the truth of the objectivity of the atonement impact my life personally? And how should the objective verities of the atonement shape the way we evangelize?
It was our first tie in a long time. Both teams scored 104 A+. So we did what gentlemen usually do when there is not a clear winner and loser at the end of the match – called a special overtime event. Each team sent forth 2 men to represent them in a pushup contest. Chests much touch a 2 stack of Reason For God books which we were selling for the next study (more on that in a sec). About 2 minutes later Nick MIssios’ team emerged the victor by 7 or 8 pushups.
Our next study, Tim Keller’s Reason For God, begins on January 23rd. Again, if you live nearby and are interested in joining us, you’re most welcome. Email Lindsey@lakeviewchristiancenter.com and we’ll get some more info to you.
