LHIM Classes

Living Hope International Ministries
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  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Biblical education classes (BEC) by the team at Living Hope International Ministries (LHIM) are designed to provide you with comprehensible and comprehensive learning experience for books of the Bible, doctrines, and Christian living.

  1. 2D AGO

    16. Restoration Theology Can Change the World

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Recap of Class Journey Covered interpreting Scripture: Primacy, perspicuity, textual criticism, translation bias, literary/historical contexts, application. Surveyed theologies: Biblical, systematic, analytic, historical, comparative. Ended with method to evaluate doctrines (objective rating on how well a doctrine is presented) Addressing Criticisms of Restorationism Criticism 1 (Kevin DeYoung): Don’t interpret apart from creeds/traditions. Response: Luther challenged traditions; Protestants shouldn’t act like Catholics. Traditions ok, but Bible critiques them. Criticism 2: “No creed but the Bible” is a creed. Response: Everyone has creeds (beliefs); restorationists can use them but they should be editable Criticism 3: Overturn historic consensus. Response: Not chaos; Bible is authority. Historic views ok if biblical; burden on unbiblical traditions. Criticism 4: Zipping back to 1st century ignores history. Response: Not ignoring; learn from giants, but Bible first. Benefits of Restorationism Clarity: Methodical approach resolves confusion; evaluates doctrines objectively. Unity: Denominations divide; restorationism unites via Bible. Evangelism: Intriguing label – “Restorationist” sparks questions. Conclusion: Changing the World Restorationism combines inquiry/tech for authenticity. AI levels field; anyone can explore options. Time for disagreeing constructively: Debates, books, gatherings in love. Move toward truth/unity: Christianismi Restitutio. The post 16. Restoration Theology Can Change the World first appeared on Living Hope.

    34 min

  2. 3D AGO

    15. A Method to Evaluate Doctrines

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Introduction Pull together components; rate doctrines 0-100. 4 categories: Biblical (8 pts), logical (6), historical (3), practical (3). Twenty-question diagnostic tool to evaluate doctrine Does the presenter show how the doctrine directly follows from relevant biblical prooftexts? Does the presenter show evidence for the doctrine across multiple authors of scripture? If including prooftext with manuscript uncertainties, does the presenter make a case for why his/her preferred reading is likely to be original? If including prooftexts with translation ambiguities, does the presenter make a case for why his/her preferred translation is likely to be correct? Does the presenter interpret each prooftext in its literary context, refusing to make the text mean something other than its authorial intent? Does the presenter interpret each text in its historical context, refusing to make the text mean something it couldn’t have meant in its original setting? Does the presenter account for the progressive revelation within scripture when assessing the applicability of texts to the doctrine under consideration? Does the presenter offer explanations for the relevant difficult texts that seem to contradict the doctrine under consideration? Does the presenter identify his/her assumptions as they relate to the doctrine under consideration? Does the presenter define any terms or theological words that have multiple meanings? Does the presenter express the doctrine simply and clearly? Does the presenter show how the doctrine is logically valid? Does the presenter refute any logical defeaters? Does the presenter consider alternative positions on the doctrine and show why his/hers is preferrable? Does the presenter identify individuals in church history who held the same doctrine? If no explicit evidence of the doctrine is extant prior to Nicea, does the presenter offer an explanation why this doctrine wasn’t articulated in the first three centuries of Christianity? If most Christians today do not hold the doctrine, does the presenter explain why the church got off track on this doctrine? Does the presenter explain how this doctrine does or does not affect practical living today? Does the application effectively bridge the gap between what they did then and what we do now? (comparable particulars and culturally relative customs) Does the application account for the messiness and complexity of life in our world today? (e.g. an excommunicated person can go to another church in the same town, drug addiction, technology) Examples Strobel’s Case for Heaven: 30/100 (weak biblical/logical). McCall’s Against God and Nature: 80/100 (strong, neutral survey). The post 15. A Method to Evaluate Doctrines first appeared on Living Hope.

    42 min

  3. MAR 1

    14. Comparative Theology and Alternative Doctrines

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Defining Comparative Theology Not well-known branch; historically used in several ways (apologetics, world theology, etc.). Restorationist interest: Compare competing Christian theologies/doctrines (not other religions). Opposes confessional approach (fides quaerens intellectum = faith seeking understanding). Restorationist posture: fides quaerens veritatem = faith seeking truth. Why Do Comparative Theology? Not just understand others better; pursue actual truth. Individuals, churches, denominations should do this regularly. Current culture lacks this: Sunday services avoid debate; conferences rarely host real dialogue. Goal: Find space to engage alternatives constructively. Step-by-Step Method for Comparative Theology Identify main alternative positions on the doctrine. Gather best resources (steelman, not strawman): Systematically evaluate reasons for other position(s): Systematically evaluate defeaters against your position: Revise doctrine if evidence demands; invite feedback (debate, send to opponents). Practical Tips Focus on reasons, not emotion or speaker charisma. One strong reason > five weak ones. Conclusion Comparative theology essential for truth-seeking restorationists. Churches/denominations need open dialogue across lines. The post 14. Comparative Theology and Alternative Doctrines first appeared on Living Hope.

    37 min

  4. FEB 26

    13. Historical Theology and Doctrinal Precedents

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Introduction and Purpose After biblical, systematic, analytic, and comparative theology, test your doctrine in the “laboratory of history.” If a belief is true, others likely saw it too over 2,000 years. Massive Christian literature survives: 1st–15th centuries: 5,000–10,000 books 16th–19th centuries: 200,000–300,000 20th–21st centuries: 2–3 million + 20,000–25,000 new books/year Goal: Find doctrinal precedents; legitimacy if early voices agree. Why Care About Historical Precedents? Restorationism is relentlessly past-focused: Aim to believe what apostles believed. Advances ok in uncovered areas, but consistency with early church preferred over contradiction. Full apostasy theory (whole church fell away) not supported: Jude 1:3–4 warns of intruders, but not total loss. Data shows slow evolution toward Catholic/Orthodox forms, not complete break. Historical theology explains how and why drift happened. Defining Historical Theology Gregg Allison: “The study of the interpretation of Scripture and the formulation of doctrine by the church of the past.” Church history = events and people; historical theology = ideas/doctrines and how they changed. Value of Historical Theology for Restorationists Early agreement gives legitimacy (e.g., if no evidence before Nicea, less likely original). No early articulation? Need explanation why not said in first centuries. If majority today reject your view, explain how/why church went off track. Protects against novel ideas; learns from past errors (e.g., indulgences, purgatory additions). Alister McGrath: Historical theology positive (learn from giants) and subversive (shows how theologians go astray). Method and Challenges Use primary sources (original texts). Critical scholarship helps: authorship, dating, interpolations. Example: Victorinus’s Revelation commentary – Jerome edited out premillennialism; edited version copied more; original survives in modern editions. Tools: ANF/NPNF series (with caution), critical editions, recent translations. Conclusion: Historical theology vital for restoration Seek old ideas, not new ones; Absence of early evidence requires explanation. The post 13. Historical Theology and Doctrinal Precedents first appeared on Living Hope.

    41 min

  5. FEB 23

    12. Analytic Theology and Logical Evaluation

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Introduction to Analytic Theology Analytic theology: Newer field (since ~2009); applies rigorous logic, philosophy, and clear reasoning to theological questions. Goal: Clarify doctrines, avoid fallacies, test arguments precisely. Complements other theologies: Biblical (content), systematic (synthesis), historical (precedents), comparative (alternatives). Key tool: Logic – careful reasoning that avoids errors and draws valid conclusions in pursuit of truth. What Is Logic? Informal logic: Everyday reasoning (e.g., “If I eat too much, I feel bloated”). Formal logic: Symbolic, rigorous analysis using syllogisms. valid vs. invalid arguments Major Types of Fallacies (5 Categories) Fallacies of Relevance: Premises irrelevant to conclusion Ad hominem (attack person, not argument) Appeal to authority/emotion/popularity Red herring, straw man, genetic fallacy Fallacies of Presumption: Assume what needs proving Begging the question False dilemma Suppressed evidence False cause (post hoc, correlation ≠ causation) Fallacies of Ambiguity: Unclear language Equivocation (word used two ways) Amphiboly, composition, division Fallacies of Weak Induction: Insufficient evidence Hasty generalization Slippery slope Weak analogy Appeal to ignorance Formal Fallacies: Errors in logical structure Affirming the consequent (If A→B, B true → A true) Denying the antecedent (If A→B, A false → B false) 7-Step Method for Analytic Evaluation of a Doctrine Clearly identify the doctrine Express the doctrine’s logical structure (premises → conclusion). Identify assumptions and define key terms List main reasons supporting the doctrine Identify difficult texts / counter-evidence Identify logical defeaters (objections) and offer explanations/counter-arguments Revise doctrine in light of objections; invite feedback Benefits of Analytic Approach Makes arguments precise and transparent. Reveals hidden assumptions and weak links. Hardens position against criticism or shows where revision needed. Encourages humility: Logic shows where we might be wrong. Conclusion Analytic theology uses logic to evaluate doctrines rigorously. Strengthens restorationist method by testing coherence and validity. The post 12. Analytic Theology and Logical Evaluation first appeared on Living Hope.

    37 min

  6. FEB 21

    11. Systematic Theology and Biblical Coherence

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Recap from Biblical Theology Biblical theology highlights differences, developments, and author-specific emphases. Systematic theology seeks unity/coherence across all books. Quote (Köstenberger & Goswell): Bible’s unity grounded in God’s unity; diversity from time, genre, authors, circumstances. Defining Systematic Theology Wayne Grudem: “Any study that answers, ‘What does the whole Bible teach us today?’ about any topic.” Summarizes Scripture in brief, clear, carefully formulated statements. Focuses on present-day understanding for Christians. May use terms/concepts not in single author but from combining teachings. Key Assumptions of Systematic Theology God inspired authors so Bible reflects what He wanted (no coercion). Coherence exists: One divine mind behind Scripture → consistent thought. Possible to identify “final form” (mature teaching) by considering all verses. Progressive revelation means later texts clarify earlier (development allowed). Bible shapes our thinking/categories (not vice versa). Why Do Systematic Theology? Organizes jumbled ideas into shelves (categories). Helps detect contradictions or gaps. Standard categories (traditional 8–10 volumes): Bibliology (Bible) Theology proper (God) Angelology/demonology Anthropology (humans) Hamartiology (sin) Christology Pneumatology (Spirit) Soteriology (salvation) Ecclesiology (church) Eschatology (end times) Bible Is Organic, Not Systematic Scripture grows naturally (like a tree), not in neat textbook chapters. Our categories are helpful tools, not perfect boxes. Rule: If forced to shoehorn Bible into doctrine OR accept less precision, choose Bible. Never change Scripture to fit beliefs; change beliefs to fit Scripture. Practical Value First learned categories → organized chaotic ideas. Allows deeper thinking on topics. Reminds us doctrines approximate God’s mind; stay humble. Conclusion: Systematic theology synthesizes whole Bible for coherence. The post 11. Systematic Theology and Biblical Coherence first appeared on Living Hope.

    34 min

  7. FEB 13

    10. Biblical Theology and Progressive Revelation

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Introduction to Theology Series This begins a 5-part theology section (5th floor of the tower). Theology = discourse about God (θεος + λογος); broadly any Christian belief/doctrine. Preliminaries before doing theology Pray for help/illumination from the Spirit. Be willing to change beliefs if Bible evidence is strong. Truth has nothing to fear; hold beliefs loosely. Never force Bible to fit your theology (example: never alter 1 John 5:7). Better to live with uncertainty than adopt a flawed position. Defining Biblical Theology Bible is not flat/one-time revelation (unlike Koran or single-lifetime texts). Written over ~2,000 years; God progressively revealed Himself and His story. Biblical theology studies both what Bible teaches and how teaching develops over time. Key quote (Michael Lawrence): Bible reveals progressively; biblical theology traces developments in redemptive history. Highlights diversity among authors (different focuses, emphases, vocabularies). Two main ways to do it: Study theology of one book/author. Trace major themes across whole Bible (e.g., kingdom, covenant, sin, redemption). Progressive Revelation Explained God reveals more and more over time (e.g., OT shadows → NT fulfillment in Christ). Not contradiction, but development and maturity. Must read earlier texts in light of later revelation (final form matters). Major Example: Kingdom of God Begins in Eden (perfect rule). Lost through sin. Abrahamic promise: land, descendants, blessing. Mosaic covenant: Israel as kingdom of priests. Davidic covenant: eternal king. Prophets: future restoration. Jesus announces kingdom arrived (Mark 1:15); demonstrates it with miracles. Cross/resurrection: victory over sin/death. Church: partial presence now. Future: full consummation in renewed world Major Example: Abrahamic Covenant Promises: land, many descendants, blessing to nations (Gen 12, 15, 17). Initial fulfillment: Joshua conquers Canaan. Exile disrupts; return partial. NT: Jesus as Abraham’s seed; Gentiles blessed/grafted in (Gal 3, Rom 4). Land promise expands to whole world (Rom 4:13). Future: immense multitude inherits earth forever. Purpose of Biblical Theology Understand Bible on its own terms before systematizing. Topical/thematic grouping stays close to biblical language and history. Quote (Köstenberger & Goswell): Synthesize within original settings; systematic theology goes broader/conceptual. Conclusion: Biblical theology respects development and diversity within unity. The post 10. Biblical Theology and Progressive Revelation first appeared on Living Hope.

    34 min

  8. FEB 12

    9. Applying Scripture in Your Context

    Download: Restoration Theology Student Notes Humility in Application Be willing to change; Bible critiques us. Rules: Text can’t mean what it never meant; same particulars = same application. Application can’t contradict NT elsewhere. Avoid extremes (over/underspiritualize). Application Process Bridge gap: Comparable particulars vs. cultural customs (e.g., holy kiss = handshake). Specific to general principles. Problems Particularizing: Over-apply specifics. Generalizing: Ignore details. Misgrouping: Too few/many texts, wrong combos. Questions If people switched to this doctrine/practice how would it affect their lives? If a church switched to this doctrine/practice how would they implement it? If a group of churches switched to this doctrine/practice, what would the implications be? Are there any challenges with getting along with other Christians, the government, or other institutions? Revise the doctrine/practice accordingly The post 9. Applying Scripture in Your Context first appeared on Living Hope.

    38 min
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About

Biblical education classes (BEC) by the team at Living Hope International Ministries (LHIM) are designed to provide you with comprehensible and comprehensive learning experience for books of the Bible, doctrines, and Christian living.

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  • Creator
    Living Hope International Ministries
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 LHIM
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    LHIM Classes