Christmas Devotional (Luke 2:40)

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:40

And the child grew and became strong,
filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

Devotional Thoughts:

Luke 2:40 highlights the growth of Jesus in body, mind, and spirit. This follows the miraculous beginnings of both John the Baptist (Luke 1:80) and Jesus, affirming that God’s promises always come to fruition. As Mary was told, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Jesus thrived, growing in strength, wisdom, and divine favor—just as we are called to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).

Application:

As we read the beginning of Luke, this verse invites us to rest in the truth that Jesus, though born humbly, was honored by God. His growth and favor serve as a promise for our own spiritual journey. As children of God, we too are called to honor Him with our strength, wisdom, and spirit, knowing that His favor rests upon us. This Christmas, you can bless the Lord by reflecting on your growth. Today, consider how the grace of the Lord shapes and molds your habits, thoughts, and affections as He fulfills His mission for you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for sending Your Son to provide and lead the way. May we grow in strength and wisdom, honoring You with our hearts and lives. Fill us with Your love and continue to guide us in Your mission. To Jesus be the glory. Amen.

Redemption's New Location

We have a New Location!

Redemption Seminary has moved our headquarters. We are still based out of the Phoenix area and have upgraded our office facilities to a space at the Mesa Center of Higher Education.

This new facility was made for new non-profit educational institutions like Redemption Seminary and is another way Redemption keeps tuition low for students. We currently rent one administrative office space at this facility and remain committed to offering all programs 100% online.

Our new mailing address is 245 W Second St, Suite 25, Mesa AZ 85201. You will notice the updated address in the footer of every webpage at Redemption.edu.

Please join us in thanking the Lord for such a great headquarters.

More than a Start-up

Even though this new location is designed to help start-ups, Redemption Seminary is established. It was incorporated in 2018. We started enrolling students in 2020 and had over 20 graduates in the MABS program by the summer of 2024.

Read the Full History

Overcoming Barriers to Seminary

Listen to Brandon Hilgemann’s conversation with Dr. Schwandt about Redemption’s Innovative Model

Brandon Hilgemann has a YouTube channel. This week he has an interview with Dr. John Schwandt where they get into the founding story and innovations that Redemption Seminary is offering to adults interested in learning theology in a serious and programmatic way — but a way that accommodates and integrates with a realistic busy life.

Learn More

We want to hear from you!

Graduate Interview, Robert Frisone

Congratulations to Robert Frisone!

Robert graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary (2022). He received a Vanguard Award for his initiative to build a bigger online discussion platform for all Redemption students.

See for yourself what Robert has to say about his experience

In this short interview, Dr. Joel Wingo (Redemption Seminary Academic Dean) interviews Robert about his experience. He asks about Robert's fears and questions about how the program would fit into his full-time schedule. Robert explains how he completed the program in two years without compromising on important areas of his life. He asks about which courses impacted him the most and why. Robert explains how the program helped him apply theology to his life and ministry. Robert also provides tips for potential students.

“It has been quite life-changing for me. I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree while I was still working full-time. Redemption offered me the opportunity to earn my degree while continuing in ministry and enhancing the ministry that I’m doing. So I’m really grateful for that. ”

— Robert Frisone (2022 Graduate)

Options for You

You can experience this learning for yourself, even if you just want to try one course. Here is the link to get the quick application started.

Redemption Seminary is Accredited!

The wait is over! At their January meeting, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) voted to grant accreditation to Redemption Seminary. The announcement letter we received from DEAC on February 23rd explains why this is a such significant milestone:

“Accreditation by DEAC is a reliable indicator of the value and quality of the distance education that an institution offers. In receiving this initial grant of accreditation, Redemption Seminary has demonstrated its commitment to educational standards and ethical business practices that assure quality, accountability, and improvement in higher education.”

— DEAC Announcement Letter (Feb. 23rd, 2024)

Why DEAC? As an agency that specializes in accreditation of institutions offering degrees primarily through distance education, DEAC has been recognized by the U. S. Department of Education since 1959, and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which “accredits accreditors.” This means that DEAC accreditation is second to none in terms of federal recognition and the high standards to which accreditors are held accountable by CHEA. Because Redemption Seminary offers all its programs through distance education, the expertise of DEAC’s staff, Commissioners, and peer institutions has been invaluable. With the distinction between regional and national accreditation eliminated at the federal level and some accreditors keeping requirements in place that apply only to traditional seminary models (such as substantial physical facilities and group-based instruction), DEAC proved to be the best choice for Redemption’s pursuit of accreditation in light of our commitments to self-paced distance learning and 1:1 student-faculty interaction. DEAC is a peer community of institutions (including faith-based institutions) serving hundreds of thousands of students through distance education, and we have greatly benefited from the conferences we have attended and the many colleagues we have learned from during the accreditation process.

What is next for Redemption? During the accreditation review period, it was not possible to make any substantive changes to our curriculum or programs. Now that Redemption is accredited, we can turn more of our energy toward enhancing our educational offerings with new courses and programs while continuing to improve all our existing offerings and services to students. Keep an eye on this blog for future updates on the new courses and programs we will be offering. We thank the Lord for the grace he has given us to reach accreditation, and we trust him to lead us forward as we all continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

— Dr. Joel Wingo, Academic Dean

Watch this short interview to hear more about accreditation and hear from a recent Redemption Seminary graduate about his experience and how he is using his degree, learning, and why Redemption Seminary is aptly named.

Please help us celebrate by leaving comments on this blog post and sharing it with your friends. Thank you!

The Religious Life of Theological Students by Warfield

Dr. Benjamin Breckenridge Warfield delivered this address at the Autumn Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary, on October 4, 1911. Although it is over 100 years old and meant for young men pursuing the pastorate, there remains much that anyone in ministry service should consider for themself today.

“Before and above being learned, a minister must be godly, Nothing could be more fatal, however, than to set these two things over against one another. Recruiting officers do not dispute whether it is better for soldiers to have a right leg or a left leg: soldiers should have both legs . . . In your case, there can be no ‘either—or,’ either a student or a man of God. You must be both.”

Summary — Three Attitudes for Serious Study

Applying Study to Feed to the Soul (not Tax it)

Speaking on the religious life of theology students, it's crucial to emphasize its significance alongside intellectual preparation for ministry. While intellectual rigor is vital, it's not the sole requirement; a minister must be "apt to teach" with knowledge and spiritual fitness. The dichotomy between learning and devotion is false; religion enhances one's work, not detracts from it.

Historically, Catholicism separated religious and secular life, but Protestantism, notably Luther and Calvin, introduced the idea of "vocation." Every occupation, from the highest to the humblest, is seen as a divine calling. The dignity of labor is upheld, with laziness deemed ignoble.

Therefore, theology students must integrate their studies with their religious life, understanding that devotion enhances their intellectual pursuits and vice versa. Their vocation, as ministers, encompasses both scholarly engagement and spiritual dedication, aligning with the Protestant principle of serving God through duty in every aspect of life.

The religious life of a theology student must encompass both intellectual study and spiritual devotion. While diligent study is essential, it's equally crucial to approach theological studies with a devoted heart, recognizing them as religious exercises. The privilege of constant contact with divine matters brings the danger of familiarity breeding contempt, yet it also offers immense opportunities for spiritual growth. Neglecting the religious aspect of theological studies leads to spiritual hardening, emphasizing the need to approach academic pursuits as religious exercises. Additionally, regular participation in formal religious gatherings (church) is vital for personal and communal spiritual well-being, as emphasized by apostolic exhortations. Thus, theology students must integrate their studies into their religious life, actively seeking spiritual enrichment and communal worship to thrive both academically and spiritually.

Attending Church

Blaming religious leaders for our spiritual coldness is a futile evasion, as emphasized by Luther's pragmatic approach to complaints about preachers' deficiencies. He prioritized the faithful delivery of God's truth over pleasing people's preferences, urging gratitude for the pure word rather than demanding charismatic speakers. Similarly, Jesus Christ's consistent participation in communal worship, despite his exalted status, sets a powerful example of humility and devotion to regular worship practices. Even in his most elevated moments, Jesus adhered to the habit of attending synagogue services, highlighting the importance of communal worship in sustaining individual spirituality. Hence, those aspiring to emulate Christ must prioritize active involvement in communal worship rather than considering themselves exempt due to personal spirituality.

Developing a Habit of Prayer

The foundation of piety for theology students lies not merely in corporate religious expressions but in personal devotion, intimate exercises, and aspirations. While participating in the religious life of the community is essential, theological studies should also serve as daily nourishment for spiritual growth. Recognizing the immensity of their calling and the abundant resources at their disposal, students are urged to maintain a fervent inner religious life, being men of God at the core. Amidst societal trends favoring superficial activity over spiritual depth, students are reminded of the peril of neglecting prayer and inner cultivation for mere outward busyness. The gravity of their ministry's cross and the profound responsibility it entails should drive them to fervent prayer and preparation, understanding themselves as angels preparing to sound the trumpets of divine truth.

Dr. Nkawmbi's Workflow for Meditating on the Word

Dr. Vincent Nkwambi produced a wonderful lecture and tool (called a Workflow in Logos) for meditating on the Lord’s word. The tool is a free download in Logos, and he shows you how to do so.

After showing you how to install the Workflow into your personal version of Logos he guides us through a demonstration of using the tool to meditate on Jude 24. There are areas for you to note your thoughts. You can use the tool with any scripture that you want to spend a little time considering and allowing it to mold and work on your spirit.

Dr. Nkwambi has been a beloved mentor-professor for Redemption Seminary for years. He lives in Cape Town South Africa. His teaching shows the worldwide reach of Redemption Seminary.

Students at Redemption choose their mentor-professors for each course. Students can stick with one mentor or engage multiple mentors in their program. Students around the world can learn from Dr. Nkwambi’s experience and expertise when registering for courses. It is an honor to benefit from expertise across the globe and is a testimony to the expanse of the Lord’s kingdom.

Logos Bible Software

Logos Bible Software is the primary source for Redemption Seminary’s curricular content. You can see a comprehensive list of what is included in the custom Redemption library from Logos on Redemption’s library page. Redemption Seminary uses Logos Mobile Ed courses for the recorded video content in its courses. Redemption courses also provide training for using the Bible research tools within Logos. Best of all, Redemption Seminary provides access to a massive Logos library while enrolled as a student. When you graduate after completing all of the master’s degree courses, Redemption gives this library to you as a graduation gift to help your ministry.

Every month you can get a free digital book from Logos. This is an easy and free way to expand your personal digital theological library.

Click here for the Free Book of the Month!

Logos also gives the Redemption community a number of ongoing discounts. Redemption students are eligible for the Logos Academic Discount program which provides discounts on resources that students may want to purchase to expand their personal library.

Discounts for Anyone and Everyone

Anyone can take advantage of these discounts Logos has made available to the Redemption Community.

Logos also has monthly promotions. In addition to their general monthly sales, they also highlight and offer special discounts for a specific publisher. That means that typically 12 different publishers offer special discounts each year. If you have a favorite publisher be sure to check each month to see if they are in the monthly spotlight for discounts.

OverviewBible

Redemption Seminary is delighted to recommend OverviewBible.

OverviewBible, hosted by Jeffrey Kranz, has fantastic resources for getting oriented to the whole Bible and its parts. His site helps you get the big picture of what the Bible is all about in a non-preachy, jargon-free way. We focus on what you should know—not what you should believe.

Check out 66 one-sentence summaries of the Bible—one sentence for each book.

Jeffrey Kranz also has a book, The Beginner’s Guide to the Bible. This is an excellent resource for new Christians or a roadmap to keep Bible school and seminary students on track.

If you are new to learning about Redemption, we would love to hear from you and answer any questions. This inquiry form lets us know about your interest and requests the Student Handbook and Course Catalog so you can start with Redemption today.

Veritas Press

When it comes to educating their children, many parents don’t know where to start, often feel overwhelmed, and wonder if they’re doing “enough.” Veritas helps families stop worrying by giving them confidence in the education of their children with the most awarded classical curriculum and online courses available.

Veritas Press has been providing resources, curricula, and courses for homeschool families and Christian private schools for decades. The Detweiler’s also believe in helping parents grow in the grace and understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ.

To that end, Veritas Press has encouraged parents to take a look at taking a course or two from Redemption Seminary. If parents continue they can even earn a master’s degree. The Redemption model is designed to work with the busy lives of parents and provide structure to a daily Bible study habit. Coursework is completed through workbooks (rather than exams) and students are assessed in a conversational (low-stress) setting with mentors they choose.

Learn about the Founding of Veritas Press

James River College Partnership

Continue Your Theological Journey with Redemption Seminary

Redemption Seminary is honored to partner with James River Church and James River College, offering graduates an opportunity to continue their education with an innovative, flexible, and practical master’s degree program.

A Strategic Next Step for James River Graduates

Many students begin their undergraduate journey at James River College and complete their degrees at Evangel University before stepping into ministry or their careers. Redemption Seminary provides a seamless way to continue theological education while actively serving in ministry. Our programs allow students to deepen their knowledge, grow in their faith, and apply their learning immediately—all while earning an accredited master’s degree.

Why Choose Redemption?

• Flexible & Practical: 100% online at your own pace. Fits into a regular Bible study schedule.

• Learn from Experts: Lectures from well-known scholars.

• Low Stress: Weekly mentor meetings instead of high-stakes exams.

• Affordable: Graduate courses cost as little as $327 per month

• Comprehensive Resources: All materials included, plus a Logos Redemption Library gifted to graduates of the MABS program.

Applying to Redemption Seminary

As a graduate school, Redemption Seminary requires an accredited undergraduate degree for admission to its master’s program. However, a limited number of exceptions are available for those with demonstrated equivalent prior learning. Additionally, non-graded courses are open to all.

Take the Next Step

If you're interested in furthering your theological education in a practical, engaging, and flexible environment, we'd love to start the conversation. Contact us today to explore your next step with Redemption Seminary!

Earning a master’s degree or certificate is a great way to continue your spiritual growth, deepen your understanding, and advance your leadership in the church after you graduate. It is perfect for alumni of James River College.

Covering the Evaluation Day for the Institution in Prayer

Help cover the day with prayer

We are excited to invite you to be a part of a powerful and transformative moment in the life of Redemption Seminary. As we strive to continue our mission to provide excellence in distance education and spiritual growth, we are humbled to announce that the day of our accreditation evaluation has arrived. Please consider being part of this important day by scheduling 15 minutes of prayer for the seminary on this day.

Date: Thursday, August 31st
Time: 9:00 AM — 5:30 PM PST
Location: Wherever you are!

On this significant day, a visiting team will evaluate Redemption Seminary's programs, faculty, facilities, and overall commitment to our students' growth and spiritual development. As we prepare to showcase the dedication and excellence that define us, we recognize the importance of seeking the Lord’s blessing, guidance, and support. In light of this, we invite you to join in an organized day of prayer to uplift and cover our institution in prayer during the evaluation day.

How You Can Participate

As part of our statement of faith, we believe in the power of prayer to shape our present and influence our future. Every 15-minute interval throughout the day will allow you to join in a collective prayer for guidance and blessings. Whether you are a student, alumnus, faculty member, staff member, or part of our extended community, your prayers matter.

1. Open the prayer sign-up list (Google Sheet) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yFz7bHn1fm_SVp12rGRStAl_vCyZl-FczFJS-4q3dRY/edit#gid=0

2. Choose the 15-minute time slot in which you will be praying.

3. (You are welcome to sign up for more than one.)

4. Type your name (or initials), city, and state abbreviation in a payer partner cell. (This is so the community can know how the day is covered in prayer and the breadth of the community supporting the seminary.)

5. Prepare to dedicate your 15 minutes to prayer and reflection on behalf of Redemption Seminary.

During your chosen time slot, we have provided a potential conversation or event that could be occurring during that time. The site visit evaluators alter the schedule as they need, so please pray as the Spirit leads. In addition to these events, consider the following areas for prayer.

Success: Pray that the seminary can clearly show how it has complied with the accreditation standards. If any additional work needs to be done, pray that the visitation team can clearly articulate it so that the seminary can make any necessary adjustments and provide evidence of successful improvement within 30 days.  (We are not aware of any areas where we aren’t in compliance and we hope that the evaluators agree.)

Guidance and Wisdom: Pray that the evaluators wisely and adequately evaluate the seminary. Also, pray that our faculty, staff, leadership, and students present the strengths of Redemption Seminary clearly and confidently.

Peace and Strength: Ask that everyone involved in the evaluation will be healthy, well-rested, and excited (rather than nervous) for the opportunity to reflect and discuss how Redemption is honoring the Lord and achieving its mission by providing quality distance education, helping students grow, positively affecting ministries.

Divine Favor: Seek God's favor as we open our doors to the visiting accreditation team. Pray that their evaluation accurately reflects the passion and commitment that we pour into our seminary.

Impact and Reach: Pray that the impact of Redemption Seminary's teachings ripples out into the world, touching lives with the redeeming grace of Jesus in faith, hope, and love.

Gratitude: Offer gratitude for the journey we've embarked upon, the many blessings that have brought us to this point, and the benefits that students and graduates are already enjoying.

Your participation in this day of prayer is a testament to the strength of our community and our shared belief in the transformative power of Christ-centered faithful education. Let us come together in spirit, no matter where we are physically, to support Redemption Seminary's accreditation evaluation with unwavering faith and trust in God's plan for our institution.

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Your prayers hold immeasurable value as we step forward into this crucial moment. May our collective efforts be guided by faith and love, and may our commitment to excellence shine brightly.

Learners and Leaders Livestream Event

Check out Redemption’s 2023 livestream event with learners and leaders!

Watch an inspiring discussion with answers to practical questions from an amazing panel of guests. The hour flew by. We recorded the live stream (except for a brief glitch in the middle) and have posted it on Redemption’s YouTube channel for you to watch.

If you haven’t enrolled yet, we have extended the $20 application fee discount through the month of August. Here is the link to take advantage of that discount.

We hope you find the webinar recording both informative and inspiring.

The Domino Effect in Church Leadership

Tipping a single domino can quickly multiply to wondrous proportions with thousands of dominos falling over in a beautiful cascade. We can see this same effect within our churches when we help our pastors and volunteer. However, the reality is that only a few people within each church have theological training and can really perform much of the spiritual shepherding work needed so much within the church.

Church members often wait in line for spiritual shepherding and attention from the pastor, which is frustrating for parishioners and overwhelming for pastors. When Moses faced this same issue, Jethro advised him to divide the work among qualified people already in his caravan. Each church already has people that can multiply the church’s shepherding and ministry work with proper training. However, pastors don’t have time to provide consistent and structured training for leaders, So this problem persists as a besetting problem that stunts the growth of churches or ministries.

Redemption Seminary uniquely works with pastors and churches to solve this persistent problem to unleash a domino effect of potential ministry and growth. Imagine the benefits of strengthening, expanding, and sustaining additional levels of leadership in your church, and seeing an alternative source of pastors coming from people looking for a significant next life-step after their first career.

Unlike traditional seminaries, Redemption Seminary uniquely focuses on non-traditional students who already have a career, are raising a family, or are retired. Our innovative educational model was designed specifically for this group.

• Low-stress Workbook Approach (No Exams)

• Live and Relational 1:1 Mentoring

• Affordable with All Resources Included

• 100% Online

Redemption respects different denominational traditions by having mentors from various denominations, and churches can select or supply mentors they recommend for their members to use.

Investing in this effort will help churches meet the shepherding needs of their congregations, and we will see the domino effect quickly increase the kingdom as we better minister to one another. Redemption Seminary keeps costs low for students by having each student’s tuition focus on covering the operational costs for their own program. It doesn't saddle students with the fixed costs for advancing the work of the school, such as creating new programs, satisfying new regulatory requirements, and marketing to let churches know about their opportunities.

Redemption needs your help to reach new heights that we have identified by levels of advancement. Each of these levels unleashes new ways Redemption Seminary can help the kingdom grow quickly, effectively, and exponentially.

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Opportunities for You

You can experience this learning for yourself, even if you just want to try one course. Here is the link to get the quick application started.

Learn about ways to join the team who is helping Redemption Seminary offer services in more states to more churches.

Elyse Fitzpatrick

Check out Elyse Fitzpatrick’s website, which has a tremendous amount of wisdom, downloadable video study series, and study guides.

She also has two podcasts

• Front porch with the Fitzes

• The Podcast Worthy

Redemption and the Fitzes

Redemption is honored to work alongside the Fitzpatrick family to encourage all people, especially women, to study theology at the graduate level. We are thrilled that Jessica Thompson (one of the hosts of Front Porch with Fitzes) is a Redemption student and has recently published a book, How God Loves Us.

Graduate Interview, Patricia Iorillo

Congratulations to Patricia Iorillo!

Patricia graduated with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies as part of the first graduating class from Redemption Seminary (2022) and received a Vanguard Award for her patience and helpful feedback to Redemption Seminary as she worked through the program.

Description of the Redemption Experience

Patricia enrolled in the program already having earned a Master of Science in Educational Psychology and is highly qualified to speak about the educational quality and innovative structure of Redemption Seminary. Listen to what she says as she discusses her experience with Redemption’s Academic Dean, Dr. Joel Wingo.

Notes from her reflections on her experience

• The onboarding course provided her confidence with Logos and other digital applications which she didn’t have experience with before the program.

• Church History was her favorite course because as she says, “You really don’t know history until you know church history. This program helped her really know Church history.”

• The structured coursework and live mentoring were her favorite parts of Redemption’s innovative model.

• She produced a workbook for her Bible Study Fellowship group for her final project and will be using that as the foundation for the doctoral work that she is now pursuing.

The Final Project

The Master of Arts in Biblical Studies program finishes with two six-credit courses that allow students time to build content for their current ministry efforts and guides them through building a strategic plan for getting the most out of it and helping it work smoothly in their ministry setting. The idea is that this coursework isn’t merely preparatory. It has immediate and enduring benefits. Take a listen to how Patricia describes her experience with the final project.

Experience with the Redemption Model

Redemption’s workbook approach and mentoring provides learning through a new model. Take a listen to how Patricia explains how this approach worked for her and the challenges that she overcame.

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1-Minute Review

Take a listen to this review of the Redemption Seminary from a graduate who knows the Redemption model firsthand.

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Options for You

You can experience this learning for yourself, even if you just want to try one course. Here is the link to get the quick application started.

The Meaning of "the World" and the Problem of Pleasure

The apostle John talks about “the world” in dramatically different ways. In John 3:16 we read that “God so loved the world…” but in his first epistle, John tells us “not to love the world or anything in the world.” How should we understand this and how does it influence our understanding of our attitudes toward pleasure? Dr. Gary Thomas presents a lecture on this topic. Redemption Seminary uses lecture content like this to produce studies that are the building blocks for its courses. Work through this short study and see if it helps with your daily growth in grace and understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Step 1: Watch the Lecture

Step 2: Reading

World

“World” in the NT is usually the Greek word kosmos. It is related to a verb which means “to set in order,” or “to adorn, decorate.” Greek lexicographers give five meanings for “world” (kosmos) in NT usage:

1. The universe created by God with design and order (e.g., Mt 13:35; Jn 17:24; Acts 17:24)

2. The planet earth (e.g., Jn 11:9). This includes the idea of earth as the dwelling place of human beings (16:21) and of earth as contrasted with heaven (6:14; 12:46).

3. The total of mankind (Mt 5:14; Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 4:13)

4. The total of human existence in this present life, with all of its experience, possessions, and emotions (Mt 16:26; 1 Cor 7:33).

5. The world order which is alienated from God, in rebellion against him, and condemned by nature and by godless deeds. It is “this world” (Jn 8:23; 12:25; 1 Cor 3:19) as opposed to “that which is to come”; “this world” in contrast with “the other, or heavenly world.” The ruler of this world is the devil (Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 1 Cor 5:10). “The whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 Jn 5:19). On the other hand, the Christian is not of this world (Jn 15:19; 17:16), even though he is in the world and a participant in its activities (Jn 17:11). The believer is regarded as dead to the world (Gal 6:14; cf. Col 3:2, 3). The Christian is to be separated from the world (Jas 1:27). Friendship with the world is enmity toward God (Jas 4:4). Relationship with the world is an indicator of relationship with God: “If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). The Scripture points out that “all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world” (1 Jn 2:16). The world and its desires or lusts are transient, passing away, but the doer of God’s word abides forever (1 Jn 2:17; cf. 2 Cor 4:18).

The discourse of Jesus on the night before the crucifixion contains much teaching about the world. The world cannot receive the Spirit of truth (Jn 14:17). Christ gives a peace which the world cannot give (14:27). Jesus offers love, but the world gives hatred and persecution (15:19, 20). The world’s hatred of God is also directed against the followers of Christ (15:18–21). Although the disciples of Jesus have tribulation “in this world,” they are to be of good cheer, for Jesus has overcome the world (16:33).

Another Greek word sometimes translated “world” is aiōn, which emphasizes the temporal aspect of the world. It is used of time without end, eternity (e.g., Rom 1:25; 2 Cor 11:31; Phil 4:20). It is, however, also used of shorter time periods, such as the “age” and especially of “the present age.” The god of this age is the devil (2 Cor 4:4). The cares of this age choke the word of the gospel as it grows (Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19).

Clay tablet with an outline map of the regions of the world (the text below it relates to the conquests of Sargon of Agade).

The expression “this age” occurs frequently in contrast with that which is to come (cf. Mt 12:32; Eph 1:21; Heb 6:5). Christians are not to be conformed to this age (Rom 12:2), but they are to live “self-controlled, upright and godly lives” (Ti 2:12 NIV). Demetrius deserted Paul because he was in love with this present world (age) (2 Tm 4:10), but Jesus promised “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5) and to be with his followers “always, to the very end of the age” (Mt 28:20 NIV).

The signification of the term “world” in the Bible is clear. The world of mankind is estranged from God, but can be reconciled to him (2 Cor 5:17–21). The world at enmity with God is condemned (Jn 3:18–21), without God and without hope (Eph 2:12). But Jesus came to redeem mankind from “the present evil age” (Gal 1:4) and to free them from “slavery under the basic principles of the world” (Gal 4:3 NIV)

Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “World,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 2163–2164.

Step 3: Application Questions

Answer the following questions to help apply the theological concepts presented in this study to your understanding and life.

1. Note how the fall in Genesis 3 informs each meaning of the term “kosmos” (world).

   • Universe

   • Earth (vs. spiritual and physical heavens)

   • Mankind

   • Human experience/condition

   • All that opposes the Lord

2. Note how the resurrection of Jesus informs each meaning of the term “kosmos” (world).

   • Universe

   • Earth (vs. spiritual and physical heavens)

   • Mankind

   • Human experience/condition

   • All that opposes the Lord

3. What distinguishes godly versus worldly pleasure? List three examples of each.

Step 4: Ideas for Further Study

• Watch Other Public Lectures

• Enroll and Try a Course (Ultra-low-cost to try course content)

Questions?

• Request the Student Handbook and Ask Questions

• Ask Questions of Redemption Seminary Students

• Check out Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spiritual Formation?

Dr. Ben Witherington III defines and explains what spiritual formation is. He explains how the NT suggests that spiritual formation is not really a separate activity so much as something integrated into the normal Christian life on a daily basis

Step 1: Watch the Lecture

Step 2: Scripture Meditation

Take a few minutes to read and reflect on this Bible verse. Answer each of these questions with a single sentence and post your answer where you can reflect on it later in the day (eg., a sticky note on the fridge or in your Bible.)

1. What is a meaning the verse could have had for the original audience?

2. What is a specific way you intend to apply this verse to your life today? (Make it achievable so you can look forward to affirming your application at the end of the day.)

““Do not let the world squeeze you into its mold, do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but rather be transformed in the renewal of your mind, your whole self, so that you will have the discernment to know what is good, and true, and perfect, and do that.””

— Romans 12:1 Ben Witherington's Translation

Step 3: Readings & Research

The Body of the Believer. In conversion, believers are said by Paul to experience not only the “saving of the soul” but the transformation of present life. They have “died to sin” and have been freed from sin’s bondage. Paul therefore called for holiness of life “in the flesh.” “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions” (Rom 6:12). Righteousness, not sin, is to govern a Christian’s physical experience. The social and personal lives of believers are to be characterized by holiness. Believers are in the world (Jn 17:11) and are to live for God in the world (i.e., in their bodily existence); they are not to be indifferent to the world.

Physical, earthly life thus takes on new significance. Paul told Christians to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1). Each individual human life is to be a “living sacrifice” to God. Far from deprecating earthly existence, Paul saw that in Christ it had new potential. The reason is that the Holy Spirit is found there. “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God” (1 Cor 6:19). That affirmation is not to be read materialistically, as though the Spirit takes up residence in certain tissues; “body” means one’s whole physical, earthly existence.

Paul also anticipated an ultimate transformation of life in the body through Christ. He spoke of the “redemption of our bodies” (Rom 8:23) and of the transformation of “our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:21). Thus the Bible, although it has a realistic view of human sin and physical deterioration, does not share the pessimism of world-views that seek escape from the world.

Robert W. Lyon, “Body,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 370.

Step 4: Application Questions

In every lesson of every course, Redemption Seminary uses a workbook (portfolio) for answering application questions to assess student achievement (rather than high-stakes term papers or exams). This approach helps people with busy lives chip away at amassing a wealth of their gained wisdom. See how the Lord blesses your work in answering the following questions.

1. In this lesson, Dr. Witherington asks, “Is your life doxological? Is what you say and do all given up to God? Is it presenting yourself, your whole self, mind and body, spirit and heart to God in all that you do?” We were created to worship so instead of answering “yes or no”, respond with a few reflective sentences on how your life is doxological and what are some achievable things you can do this week to improve this area of your life.

2. In this lesson, Dr. Witherington asks, “Are you in love with the Word of God? Do you admire what it tells us that we ought to do and we ought to be, whatever our shortcomings and sins may be?” List a few ways that you are habitually demonstrating how you love the Word.

3. In this lesson, Dr. Witherington raises the problem of occasional sacraments. How often do you worship with others at church and receive the sacraments?

Step 5: Final Scriptural Reflection

Meditate on the first words of this verse. What is a way that you have this mind in yourself and rely on the Holy Spirit to provide for you in this area?

“Have this mind in yourself that was also in Christ Jesus, who, though being in very nature of God, did not take the having of equality with God something to take advantage of; but instead, He stripped Himself, He emptied Himself and took on the form of a human being and a servant amongst human beings and was obedient even unto death on the cross. And therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow … and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.”

— Philippians 2:5 Ben Witherington's Translation

Step 4: Ideas for Further Study

• Learn More and Deeper at Your Own Pace

• Watch Other Free Lectures

• Read Blog Articles like Student-Centered Education

• Interact with Redemption Seminary Students

Is Seminary Worth the Risk?

Working through graduate-level coursework takes time and commitment. Even though Redemption Seminary takes most of the financial risk out of attending seminary, is it worth the time and effort? or are there other risks to consider? Dr. John Schwandt explores answers to some of the most common and important questions people have when thinking about Redemption Seminary.

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Comments Invited

Please write additional questions in the comment area so we can answer them in future videos. Also, feel free to write your experiences or answers to these questions reflecting your experience at Redemption or other schools.

Karl Barth, What You Need to Know

Barth is one of the most influential theologians of the twentieth century. Even today, theologians are engaging with aspects of Karl Barth’s thought. This is a summary of his achievements and theological contributions in an era of world wars. Work through this short study to potentially discover how Karl Barth’s theology may have contributed to your theological understanding.

Step 1: Watch the Lecture

Step 2: Readings & Research

Theologian Karl Barth, in about 1930. After reading Bonhoeffer’s doctoral dissertation, The Communion of Saints, Barth declared it “a theological miracle.”

Swiss theologian Karl Barth (1886–1968) rocked the world of theology when he published his commentary on Romans in 1919. His focus on God as truly God and his return to Scripture “destroyed the older liberalism,” in one scholar’s words. Later, Barth helped draft the Barmen Declaration (1934) that declared the true German church could never give ultimate allegiance to the Nazi state. How much did Barth influence Bonhoeffer, who was twenty years younger?

Bonhoeffer studied theology at the great liberal faculties of Tübingen and Berlin. At the University of Berlin, he was especially stimulated by his study of Martin Luther. But the greatest theological influence on Bonhoeffer came from the writings of a Swiss theologian who was then teaching in Germany—Karl Barth. Bonhoeffer never studied with Barth, but he devoured his writings.

Barth led the new “dialectical theology” movement that was rediscovering the great themes of the Reformation and the “strange new world” within the Bible. Like Barth, Bonhoeffer rejected the nineteenth century’s liberal theology, with its focus on human religion. He embraced Barth’s theology of grace revealed in Jesus Christ as the Word of God, attested by Scripture and proclaimed by the church. Barth’s battle cry, “Revelation, not religion!” would remain a fundament of Bonhoeffer’s theology to the end. (But, like Luther, Bonhoeffer would stress that God’s revelation is deeply hidden “in the likeness of sinful flesh.”) Bonhoeffer finally met Barth in the summer of 1931. “I was even more impressed by his discussion than by his writings and lectures,” Bonhoeffer said. The two remained friends, and they became allies, especially in the struggle against the “German Christian” theology that tried to amalgamate Christianity and Nazism. But Bonhoeffer was an independent thinker. Quite early he criticized Barth for interpreting God’s freedom as more a freedom from the world than a freedom for the world. Toward the end of his life he accused Barth of a “positivism of revelation.” He apparently meant that though Barth revived the great doctrines of the church, he failed to adequately interpret their meaning for everyday life in the world.

John D. Godsey, “Barth and Bonhoeffer,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 32: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Theologian in Nazi Germany (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, 1991).

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“All in all, Barth was surprised at the waves he caused. Late in life he wrote, “As I look back upon my course, I seem to myself as one who, ascending the dark staircase of a church tower and trying to steady himself, reached for the banister, but got hold of the bell rope instead. To his horror he had then to listen to what the great bell had sounded over him and not over him alone.”

Barth fought not just with liberals but also with allies who challenged some of his extreme conclusions. When Brunner proposed that God revealed himself not just in the Bible but in nature as well (though not in a saving way), Barth replied in 1934 with an article titled, “No! An Answer to Emil Brunner.” Barth believed that such a “natural theology” was the root of the religious syncretism and anti-Semitism of the “German Christians”—those who supported Hitler’s national socialism. (Later in life, he moderated his views and reconciled with Brunner).

“Jesus does not give recipes that show the way to God as other teachers of religion do. He is himself the way.”—Karl Barth

By this time, Barth was immersed in the German church struggle. He was a founder of the so-called Confessing Church, which was repulsed by the ideology of “blood and soil” and the Nazis’ attempt to create a “German Christian” church. The 1934 Barmen Declaration, largely based on Barth’s initial draft, pitted the revelation of Jesus Christ against the “truth” of Hitler and national socialism:

“Jesus Christ … is the one Word of God.… We reject the false doctrine, as though the Church could and would have to acknowledge as a source of its proclamation, apart from and beside this one Word of God, still other events and powers, figures and truths, as God’s revelation.”

When Barth refused to take the oath of unconditional allegiance to the Führer, he lost his position at Bonn. His native Basel offered him a chair in theology and from there he continued to champion the causes of the Confessing Church, the Jews, and oppressed people everywhere.

After the war, Barth engaged in controversies about baptism (though a Reformed theologian, he rejected infant baptism), hermeneutics, and the demythologizing program of Rudolf Bultmann (who denied the historical nature of Scripture, instead believing it a myth whose meaning could heal spiritual anxiety).

Though his later years were relatively quiet, Barth remains the most important theologian of the twentieth century. When it looked as if a moralistic and humanistic theology had won over Christendom, Barth showed Christians—mainline, evangelical, and Catholic—how to continue to take the Bible seriously.
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— Bonhoeffer, “Karl Barth,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 65: Ten Influential Christians of the 20th Century (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, 2000).

“The last 100 years have produced a new wave of approaches to biblical interpretation. One of the most influential theologians of the 20th century, Karl Barth (d. 1968), interrupted the trend of historical-critical methodologies that dominated the landscape of biblical interpretation, particularly in Germany, with a theological hermeneutic. In successive editions of his commentary on Romans, Barth revealed the “values” presupposed by his critics in their alleged “value-neutral” approach to biblical interpretation (e.g., rejection of theological categories of thought or belief in a physical resurrection of Christ). Different from most biblical scholars of his time, Barth admitted his interpretive presuppositions, including beliefs in the transcendence of God and the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. His interest lay not in exegesis as description or historical excavation, but rather in understanding Scripture as a means through which God communicates and makes demands of readers. For Barth, the interpretive act that results in comprehending biblical meaning is openness in reading—through which God reveals His truth. Barth marked the revival of a more theologically oriented hermeneutic that had been characteristic of premodern biblical interpreters.”

— Thiselton, Hermeneutics, 185–90; Jeanrond, Theological Hermeneutics, 128–35.

Step 3: Application Questions

In every lesson of every course, Redemption Seminary uses a portfolio of answered application questions to assess student achievement (rather than high-stakes term papers or exams). This approach helps people with busy lives chip away at amassing a wealth of their gained wisdom. See how the Lord blesses your work in answering the following questions.

1. List some questions that you wondered about during the study. Consider posting one (or more) as a comment.

2. What are the similarities between Karl Barth's perspective on biblical interpretation and those of liberation theologies?

3. What do you think Barth’s main goal or purpose for biblical interpretation was? What is yours?

Step 4: Ideas for Further Study

• Learn More and Deeper at Your Own Pace

• Watch Other Free Lectures

• Read Blog Articles like Student-Centered Education

• Interact with Redemption Seminary Students