“…much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Ecclesiastes 12:12b
We just finished our theology class for the Winter/Spring term this past Thursday, May 16th–and it is time to take a summertime break. On the average we had twenty-one students each week. Six students are pursuing the Certificate of Theological Studies program. They will be completing a final exam and a ten-page long research paper. Overall, we had a wonderful time of working our way through all of the major subjects related to the doctrine of Salvation. We covered the following topics: Predestination and Election, the Order of Salvation, Efficacious Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Faith, Repentance, Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification. It was a great class!
Besides my weekly lectures, we discussed Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by Dr. J. I. Packer, and Redemption: Accomplished and Applied by Prof. John Murray. There were numerous “rabbit trials” along the way, but we kept coming back to the main themes related to the doctrine of Salvation and that worked out quite well. Throughout the class I regularly brought up citations from the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. It is my personal goal to not only familiarize students with our Confession of Faith, but also to help them build-up their own library with excellent Reformed literature.
Here are a few pictures from our celebratory luncheon at Pok-e-Jo’s BBQ located here in Austin. Pok-e-Jo’s BBQ is definitely “old school” Austin with some of the best brisket sandwiches around! The pork ribs are pretty good too! The entire class couldn’t join us for the luncheon, but it was still a good representative group for our closing feast. I can guarantee you, no one left hungry!
Left to right: Robert, Steven, Mike, Landy, Donna, Jacqueline, Max, and Boyd.
Left to right: Ann, Tami, Sandy, Steve, Me, and David (photo credit: Brian)
This coming Fall we will study the “History of the Early Church” (from the Apostolic Age through AD 400). Our weekly class will meet on Thursday mornings in Calvin Hall [9:30-11:30 AM, Room 206] and will begin mid-September (more info to come). In addition to lectures we will read and discuss The Apostolic Fathers (which includes The Didache & writings by Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp). Plus we will also read The Confessions by Augustine. And…Lord willing, we will offer an evening class as well.
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
It was quite a nourishing and lasting meal indeed…the Bar-B-Que was also pretty good!
Thanks for your kind comment. We had a very good class this past term, and I am already thinking about all of the details of the “History of the Early Church” which will be offered in September. Looking forward to seeing you in class!