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Navigating Christian Resources, Part 3: Learning From Our Spiritual Forefathers

This class is a further extension of the two previous classes covering Christian resources. Scripture is our first and final authority, yet other important works such as creeds, confessions, theological works, and biographies should be studied. In this class (part 3) we will examine and evaluate these resources as we argue for their use to better expound Scripture theologically better equip Christians to worship God. We stand on the shoulders of Christians in church history – men and women who for 2000 years have wrestled with the meaning and application of Scripture. These writings have been graciously given by God to aid in our sanctification, and it behooves us to utilize these resources.

Book

The Creedal Imperative by Carl Trueman (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2012). Buy on Amazon

Christian Anthropology: What the Bible Says About Your Body

Pastor Mike Hixson; Mr. Tony Iorillo

Course Overview

What does the Bible say about our physical bodies? Are they evil, good, or neutral? Is the spiritual part of us more important than the physical? What will our glorified bodies look like? Join us as we seek to investigate God’s answers to these questions and more regarding our physical bodies. Each day of this week-long block class will have a different emphasis:

Day 1 – “The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us”:
God, the Incarnation, and Your Body

Day 2 – “I Am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”:
Creation, Sexuality, and Your Body

Day 3 – “The Whole Creation Groans”:
Sin, the Curse, and Your Body

Day 4 – “Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Ghost”:
Salvation, Sanctification and Your Body

Day 5 – “O Death, Where Is Your Sting?”:
The Resurrection, Hope, and Your Body

Join us as we seek to investigate God’s answers to these questions and more regarding our physical bodies.

Books for Class

We will not be using one single textbook, but we will be looking at information addressed multiple books and articles. We will distribute a recommended readings list at the end of the class.

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*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

God’s Design for You in the Local Church

Mr Tony Iorillo; Pastor Mike Hixson

Course Overview

Do Christians need to be a part (member) of a local church? Is it enough to just show up on Sundays for worship or does church membership mean something deeper? Does the local church aid in your growth towards Christlikeness? If so, what does that look like? What part do you or should you play in the life of the church? These questions and more will be explored as we seek to look at how God has designed the local church for YOU. Come join us as we dive into the many aspects here at Grace Church of Mentor where YOU can serve and be served unto a unity of faith and maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4).

Books for Class

• Merker, Matt. Corporate Worship. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2021. Buy on Amazon
• Rainer, Thom. I Am a Church Member. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2013. Buy on Amazon

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*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

“Strange New World”: The Road to Redefining Identity

Pastor Mike Hixson

Course Overview

One hundred years ago, if a person were to say they were a woman trapped inside a man’s body, most would believe this to be a condition where the mind should be treated. Today, it is common to see that same statement as an issue of the body, where medical treatment provides the opportunity to align a person’s body with their “true” inner self. How did such a change of thinking take place? In this class we will survey Strange New World, one of the most important books written on identity and personhood in the last several decades. We will discuss the history and development of ideas that brought us to where our culture is today. We will also discuss what the church’s response should be in the face of these ideas and how the Bible provides something far better in this “strange new world.”

Books for Class

Trueman, Carl, Strange New World. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2022. Buy on Amazon

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*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

Our Christian Heritage, Part 2: The Middle Years (A.D. 590–1648)

Tony Iorillo

Course Overview

The development of Roman Catholicism, the rise of Islam, the religious crusades, and the Great Reform of the Church are just a few of the important topics that will be explored as we reflect upon our Christian heritage within the Middle years. Special attention will be given to those people and events that have shaped the Church for good or ill during these tumultuous yet sovereignly orchestrated years.
Note: You do not need to have taken “Our Christian Heritage, Part 1: The Early Years” to take this class.

Books for Class

Luther, Martin. The Bondage of the Will. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2012. Buy on Amazon

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*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

Sanctification: A Biblical Look at How We Change

Dr. Mark Snoeberger

Course Overview

Have you ever been frustrated by your struggles with sin? Have you looked at other Christians and wondered how they can love Jesus and live a godly life so easily? For some, this frustration leads to an attractive solution where they think they can “let go and let God,” rededicate their life to the Lord, and achieve a higher level of spiritual life where they will no longer struggle with sin. But is this thinking biblical? This class will explore how the doctrine of sanctification guides our thinking and provides a biblical framework for what Christians should expect as they change to become more like Christ.

Books for Class

Packer, J.I. Keeping in Step With the Spirit. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2005. Buy on Amazon

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*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

The Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, and Why It’s Important

Tony Iorillo

Course Overview

Are you sure that the Bible is really God’s words? Does the Bible contain errors or inaccuracies? Does it contradict itself? Is it a human book or a divine book – or both? How does that impact how we study the Bible? Can we understand the meaning of the Bible apart from the Holy Spirit? How did we get our current English Bible? And why are there so many English translations and versions? These are just a few of the questions we will explore in this class over the next 12 weeks. How we answer these questions for ourselves and those we disciple, along with how we answer them as a local church are vitally important to all the other Christian doctrines. If you have pondered any of these questions, or if you’ve wondered how you would answer if you were asked them, then this class is for you.

Books for Class

DeYoung, Kevin. Taking God at His Word. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2014.
Buy on Amazon

McCune, Rolland. Systematic Theology of Biblical Christianity, Volume 1. Allen Park, MI: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009.
Buy on Amazon

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One Day Micro-Course: Navigating Christian Resources, Part 2

Pastor Mike Hixson and Tony Iorillo

Course Overview

This class is an extension of the micro-course offered in the fall, and it continues to lay out principles and application of how a Christian should discern what resources are orthodox and edifying. Time in class will be given to analyzing and evaluating different types of resources, giving special attention to how one can confidently choose and recommend Christian writing and media. Since part 1 of this class was more theological and philosophical, part 2 will place emphasis on the practical.

Viewing or reviewing part 1 of this course is strongly recommended.

Recommended Pre-Class Reading

Challies, Tim. The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2007.
Buy on Amazon

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^*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

The Gospels

Pastor Mike Hixson

*While we are not formally charging students, we want to honor those who would want to give towards the instruction they are receiving, especially given the additional assessment and feedback to those taking the class for credit.

Course Description

This class will provide a look at each gospel noting similarities and differences along with tracing the theme of each gospel. Special attention will be given to proper textual interpretation considering its Old Testament backdrop as well as modern approaches to understanding Jesus’s life and ministry. This class will also bring clarity to the person and work of Jesus as they relate to the Gospel message and the mission of the Church today.

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One Day Micro-Course: Navigating Through Christian Resources

Multiple Instructors

Monday, October 18th, 6-9 PM

Course Description

This class will investigate several different kinds of resources (e.g., books, online videos, music, podcasts, sermons, etc.) that Christians can utilize for personal and discipleship growth unto Christ-likeness, all of which are underneath the supreme and only authority—the Word of God. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of building a proper theology (i.e., sound doctrine) which will enhance one’s discernment through these various resources. Attention will be given to some specific examples of resources with priority given to Grace Church of Mentor resources.

Micro-Course Monday – “Reaching Our Religious Friends: Understanding our Catholic Friends: Part 2” (Multiple Instructors)

Schedule: Monday, February 3, 6:00-9:00p. One evening session only.

Course Description: This is a further step into understanding the theology and history of the Catholic church so that we can better understand and minister to our Catholic friends.

BI 404 – Systematic Theology IV: Church, End Times & Eras in God’s Administration (Pastor Kent Hobi)

Schedule: Starting January 16, Thursdays. 6:30p-8:00p. 1 Credit. 10 sessions.

Course Description: Bible Doctrines IV completes the survey of Bible doctrine. Its focus is upon Ecclesiology, Eschatology and issues in Dispensational Theology.

The whole NT orientation is a future orientation. Yes the Cross is critical, but remember the cross is unoccupied and the tomb is empty! Our King is alive and we await His coming. The prophetic calendar is full of events that will inspire hope and purity in the lives of those who have a firm grasp upon them. THERE IS NO PREREQUSITE to this class nor is the order of our Bible Doctrines Classes inspired. Feel free to jump right in. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you in class.

Textbooks

• A Systematic Theology: Volume 3 (McCune, 2005) ISBN 0982252722.
• The End Times (Hoyt, 2000) ISBN 0884690776.
• Things to Come (optional) (Pentecost, 1965) ISBN 0310308909.

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NT481 — Pastoral Epistles

Pastor Larry Hobbes
Mondays
6 p.m. — 9:30 p.m.

3 Credits

A survey of the content and theological significance of these three significant New Testament books. This course will include a project which will assist the student in deriving timeless principles and accurate application through sound exegesis.

Textbooks

• The Pastoral Epistles. By Donald Guthrie. Publisher: Tyndale Commentary Series, 2009. ISBN: 08030842446.

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BI401 — Systematic Theology I

Pastor Kent Hobi
Thursdays
5:30 p.m. —8:50 p.m.

3 Credits

This course will treat the process of deriving doctrine from the text of Scripture rather than expressing the doctrinal interpretations of various theological traditions and denominations. The focus of this course is upon Introduction, Theology Proper, and Bibliology.

Textbooks

• A Systematic Theology, Volume One. By Rolland McCune. Publisher: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005. ISBN: 978-0-9822527-0-3.