Feb. 15: Study the Lord's Prayer and record what you learn.

Also, be prepared to discuss how you keep track of prayer requests. Review the Biblical doctrine of fasting and describe your own practice of it.

Key passages:
Lord's Prayer -- Matt 6:5-15
Fasting -- Matt 6:16-18; Mark 2:18-22; Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-23

Resource link: http://www.billbright.com/howtofast/index.html

In addition to your study this week, your assignment includes setting aside a time to fast. I don't want anyone to lose their reward, but I do want us to discuss our experience of fasting.

Feb. 8: State the doctrine of the Trinity and support it from scripture.

Key verses: Gen. 1:26; John 1:1-14; 8:58-59; Col. 2:9; and many others!

Resources: Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem -- Chpt. 14

Please try to read the chapter from Grudem this week. This topic is one of the foundational doctrines of our faith that is most frequestly challenged by false teachers. Therefore, it is vital that we underrstand its Biblical foundation and that we are able to explain and defend it.

Feb. 1: What does the Bible say about telling the truth?

Also: How does one lead a small group Bible study? Prepare to lead a study on Psalm 100.

Key Passages: Jeremiah 5:1-3; Jeremiah 9: 1-9; Ephesians 4:25; II Tim 3:16

Resources:
Leadeing Effective Small Groups -- Officer's Christian Fellowship
How NOT to Lead a Bible Study -- Ann Boyd, Intervarsity leader

This is the first week where the questions are not necessarily directly related. I have provided a start to the resources. If anyone stumbles onto anything really good, be sure to email me or post it here, so that I can get it the other guys.

Jan. 25: List and explain guidleines for faithful interpretation of the Bible.

Theological terms --
Hermeneutics -- definition from Merrium-Webster dictionary:
her·me·neu·tic: Function: noun
1 : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
2 : a method or principle of interpretation
Etymology: Greek hermEneutikos, from hermEneuein to interpret, from hermEneus interpreter
Exegesis -- Grudem's Systematic Theology
"The process of interpreting a text of scripture."

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:15

Key Passage: 2 Peter 3:14-18

Article:
Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics

This is an "academic" paper and may push you some to read and comprehend, but it is a worthwhile challenge. We will try to create a list of principles for Bible interpretation in class that is in our own language. Feel free to start submitting ideas for the list here on the blog.

January 18: What plan do you follow for personal Bible study?

Also, explain the benefits of memorizing scripture.

Memory verse: Psalm 119: 11 -- I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Key Passages: Deut. 6:6-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Psalm 1:1-2

Articles: Dr. Waylon Moore -- How to Memorize Scripture
Dr. John Piper -- Why Memorize Scripture?
Back to the Bible - Bible reading plans
NavPress Bible reading plans
Zondevan Bible reading plans - includes several short topical plans.

Also make your case for whether a reading plan is necessary or not.

January 11: What does the Bible claim about itself?

Also, what should be the believer's posture in relation to the Bible?

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 3:16

Key passages: II Peter 1:19-21; Psalm 119

Articles: Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
10 Reasons Why I Am Thankful for the God-Breathed Bible

Four characteristics of Scripture:
1. Authority and inerrancy
2. Clarity
3. Necessity
4. Sufficiency

We will look at what the Bible says about itself. We also need to think about our personal application of this lesson. Based on what the Bible says about itself, how do we respond? How do we relate to this book? What are our options for response?

January 4: Introduction

Our first session is meant to let you know the purpose of this study and to answer your questions about what this committment involves. Feel free to post any thoughts or questions that arise after our session.

Welcome to the Blog

Welcome, men, to our prospective elder training blog. I hope that this will be an additional tool for us to be able to use for developing our thoughts on the various topics we will wrestle with this year. This will give you a forum to begin thinking about hte topic with others before we meet, but also a place to continue the discussion as you think of things after we meet as well. Please post as often as you like. Your participation is what will make this worthwhile.

The name for this blog is taken from Ephesians 4:11-16. God gives gifted people to His church to build up the body, equip the saints for ministry, and that we may all arrive at mature manhood. The result of this is a body that, when each member is working properly, builds itself up in love. That is our goal -- to attain the measure of the fullness of Christ.