Dr. Paul deVries is inviting you to a Zoom meeting – for NYDS students & NCS members & guests
Topic: A Bible Study for NCS and NYDS: Apologetics of the Gospel of Joy
Course Time: Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2025, 07:00-9:00 PM, Eastern Time – through to Tuesday, April 22, 07:00-9:00 PM, Eastern Time.
Join our Zoom Meeting on Tuesdays April 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2025
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84417885081?pwd=gHNtz56RJbzi3Dag1st6P6jqylymir.1
Meeting ID: 844 1788 5081
Passcode: 553142
Dial by your location: 646 931 3860 (USA)
Apologetics
of the
Gospel of Joy
vs. the World Religions
Apologetics of the Gospel of Joy vs. the World Religions: [C41/M4]
This is a very careful study of the Christian Message(revealed through the Bible) in contrast with World Religions. How is the Gospel unique? How is it supported by facts, experience, revelation, reason, and especially vital relationships with GOD. How did World Religions get their ideas? How can Gospel-believing people communicate especially effectively with people from any and all of the World Religions?
Christian apologetics often especially rests upon {1} some very important historic facts and/or {2} beautiful, supporting, coherent beliefs. However, the very strongest support for vibrant Gospel faith comes from {3} the profound JOY of knowing the Living LORD, our most Awesome Creator, Savior, Healer, Protector, Grace Giver, and Infinite Source of Practical Wisdom!
Our Terms: Three Levels of Study
ü Read Over: Skim read the pages, actively looking for (a) especially valuable ideas and treasures to write about and share and for (b) issues and questions you would like to pursue in class or in research.
ü Read Carefully: Thoughtfully and engagingly read, making notes on important questions & insights
ü Review: Carefully study for quizzes, focusing only on the content of the Student Workbook.
All students are asked to devote six (6) hours each week outside of class for review, reading, writing, memorizing, doing ministry, and other relevant work.
|
Class |
Master’s-Level Assignments |
LESS WORK: College-Level Assignments |
|
Abraham’s Joy 3/25/25 7:00-9:00 PM |
Introduction; Overview; Mutual Support Study: Genesis 1-2, 12, 15, 22 Be prepared to learn, engage, & question as you experience your first contact cases, content and connection cases. |
Please look over your books for this class. Become familiar with them. |
|
Job’s Joy 2nd Class Meeting 4/1/25 7:00-9:00 PM
|
Review Workbook:1-36, Study: Job 1-2, 28, 38-42 Memorization: Genesis 14:18-20 Read Over: FR: 5-32; GWR 1-3; RTL 1-2 Read Carefully: Portions selected by Professor Write a 2-page reflection on key point you learn from the Bible readings or textbooks. MinintryProject: Pray & consult w/ministry leaders Term Paper: Create a plan |
The same homework, except write only 1-page on key ideas you learned from your assigned Bible readings or textbooks.
|
|
Joshua’s Joy 3rd Class Meeting 4/8/25 7:00-9:00 PM
|
Review Workbook: 13-59 Study: Ex. 33, Jos 1-6 Memorization: Genesis 14:18-20 Read Over: FR, 34-63; GWR 4-6; RTL 3-4 Read Carefully: Portions selected by Professor Write a 2-page reflection on key points in Bible readings or textbooks. Ministry Project: Write a 1-page proposal—including plans and goals—to give to your ministry leaders and your Professors. |
The same homework, except write only 1-page on key ideas you learned from your assigned Bible readings or textbooks. |
|
Jesus’ Joy 4th Class Meeting 4/15/25 7:00-9:00 PM
|
Review Workbook: 63-89. Study: Luke 1,10, 24; John 20-21, Hebrews 1, 12; Rev. 1, 4, 5, 19-22 Memorization: Hebrews 12:1-3 Read Over: FR: 75-87; GWR 7-9; RTL 5-6 Read Carefully: Portions selected by Professor Write a 2-page reflection on key points you learned from the textbooks. Ministry Project: Prepare yourself and materials. |
The same homework, except write only 1-page on key ideas you learned from your assigned Bible readings or textbooks.
|
|
Paul’s Joy 5th Class Meeting, 4/22/25 7:00-9:00 PM
|
Review Workbook: 63-117, Study Acts 9; 13, 16, 17; 28; 2 Corinthians 1-5, Philippians, 2 Tim Memorization: Hebrews 12:1-3 Read Over: FR: 88-97; GWR 1-9; RTL 7-8 Read Carefully: Portions selected by Professor. Write a 2-page reflection on key points in textbooks. A 5-page Term Paper by May 10, 2025 Ministry Project: Do your Ministry Project and Report it on 2-pages.,, |
The same homework except that…
A 1-2-page Report on key lessons of your Ministry Project. |
You Can Memorize Bible Passages
Genesis 14:18-20 [NASB 2020]
And Melchizedek, the king of Salem brought out
bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High.
And he blessed him and said,
“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
And blessed be God Most High,
Who has handed over your enemies to you.”
And he gave him a tenth of everything.
Hebrews 12:1-3 [NASB 2020]
Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Help with MEMORIZING passages of the SCRIPTURES:
Seven excellent tools to help you!
1. Outline the Bible text.
2. Write and/or type the verses out.
3. Speak it out loud, especially while cupping your ears.
4. Write and answer questions that deal directly with the words of the text.
5. Take a copy with you to review on the train, or while waiting for people, or wherever. Use the product of #2 above.
6. Recite and check—even phrase by phrase—until you can do the whole text without looking.
7. And LOVE the Bible text—then it will stay with you, in your heart! {Psalm 119:11}
Student Work and Grading Distribution
Item |
|
|
Attendance, Participation, & Quizzes |
20% |
|
Memory Verses |
20% |
|
Term Paper |
20% |
|
Ministry Project and Report |
20% |
|
Final Exam |
20% |
|
TOTAL |
100% |