Course Catalog
The Book of Genesis: Part 1 (TNK 101)
The Book of Genesis: Part One – Chapters 1-17 (TNK 101)
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
This course is a verse-by-verse study of Genesis Chapter 1 through Chapter 17. It is the first of two online courses on Genesis, the other course in the Genesis sequence is: The Book of Genesis: Part Two – Chapters 18-50 (TNK 102). The readings, lectures, curriculum, and assignments are all designed to maximize student understanding and application of this foundational book of the Bible. The Book of Genesis is taught from a Messianic Jewish perspective, so students will gain fresh insights as Hebraic cultural, historical, rabbinic, and linguistic insights are incorporated into the lectures and curriculum. Correct and consistent principles of hermeneutics are applied, so sound biblical exposition of Genesis is the result. Students will grow intellectually and spiritually as they delve into “Sepher Maaseh Bereishit” (i.e.”The Book of the Act of In the Beginning”), with Dr. Fruchtenbaum as their guide.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The Tanakh – Old Testament Biblical Studies The Book of Genesis: Part One (TNK 101)
- Course Code: TNK 101
- Prerequisites Recommended: None
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length 22 Segments
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
- Audio Lectures Only Cost: $25 (Downloads cannot be refunded)
COURSE SYLLABUS
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 22 video segments for this course. Some video segments are short (5 min.) some are long (20+ min.).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
B.A. Cedarville College
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary
Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founding Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and Biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
Course Learning Objectives*
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
- State the themes, purposes, and Toldot structure of the book of Genesis
- Summarize the parallels between the Books of Genesis and Revelation
- Describe and compare the different major views on key passages (e.g. Gen. 1:1-3; 6:1-6, et. al).
- Provide a verse-by-verse exegetical summary of Genesis chapters 1-17, including rabbinic insights and key Hebrew terms, names, and word-plays
- Provide a summary overview of the genealogy of the seed line, including Messianic prophecies
- Describe in detail the features and provisions of the covenants in these chapters
- Apply New Testament quotations and applications to these chapters of study
- Gain a deeper appreciate for the theological weight of these pivotal chapters in the Bible
- Memorize key passages in these chapters
*Note: There are separate Learning Objectives for each Segment of this course.
Required Textbooks*
- Ariel’s Bible Commentary: The Book of Genesis by Arnold Fruchtenbaum [The biblical text of Genesis is incorporated into the Ariel Commentary but students are also encouraged to read the texts from their own Bible as well, the lectures are based on the ASV and the memory verses are based on the NASB95]
*Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries; feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the book. Please contact the Ariel home office if you have questions about book orders: Tel: (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435 Email: homeoffice@ariel.org
Visit the Ariel Store for books and study tools!
Recommended Supplementary Books*
Optional books, articles, and other resources are listed within the course itself. In each Segment you will see headings called “Optional Reading.” Please review these as you progress through the course.
Course Exams
This course is comprised of 5 Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible. The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
Assignments
Each Segment has a section called “Spiritual Growth: Implication and Application Assignments.”Assignments vary from segment to segment. Sometimes there will be journal assignments, other times there may be Bible memory passages, other times written prayers, or additional reading. Some of these assignments are optional, that means that it is recommended but not required. However, some of the assignments are required. If so, this will be stated in the assignment for that Segment.
When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system. For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded). However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Grading
Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam. The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A | 93%-100 |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
Communication and Contact Information
Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication. If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies, Dr. Adler, at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor or call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
Course Records
If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress, including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
All rights reserved
No part of this course, including video material, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2018 by Ariel Ministries
The Book of Genesis: Part 2 (TNK 102)
The Book of Genesis: Part 2 (TNK 102) Genesis Chapters 18-50
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
This course is a verse-by-verse study of Genesis Chapter 18 through Chapter 50. It is the second of two online courses on Genesis, and thus completes the study of this foundational book. No biblical content is skipped over so every chapter and verse will be covered. Few if any Bible colleges have an entire course on Genesis, let alone two full courses. This is another reason our courses stand out; we take the time needed to really teach the Scriptures.
As with all our courses, it is taught from a Messianic Jewish perspective, so students will gain fresh insights as Hebraic cultural, historical, rabbinic, and linguistic insights are incorporated into the course. Students do not need to know Hebrew to take this course. Students will grow in wisdom and knowledge as they journey through the rest of this essential book of the Bible.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The Tanakh: Old Testament Biblical Studies
- Course Title: The Book of Genesis, Part Two
- Course Code: TNK 102
- Prerequisites Recommended: The Book of Genesis Part One (TNK 101)
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Five Units: 23 Segments, 12.5 hours of video lectures
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
- Audio Lectures Only Cost: $25 (Downloads cannot be refunded)
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 23 video segments for this course. Some video segments are short (8min.) some are long (60 min.), most are about 23 min.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Master of Theology degree from Dallas, Ph.D. from New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founding Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and Biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
- Our courses are structured around Units and within each Unit there are Segments.
- At the end of each Unit there is a Unit Exam.
- Below is the course outline for this course, Genesis, Part Two:
Unit 1: Genesis Chapters 18-22
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2: Genesis Chapters 23-25
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3: Genesis Chapters 26-31
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4: Genesis Chapters 32 to 37
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5: Genesis Chapters 38-45
Unit 5 Exam
Unit 6: Genesis Chapters 46-50
Unit 6 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course, (Genesis, Part Two) there are 23 Segments, thus 23 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to:
- Explain how the language in Gen 18:3 indicates that one of the “men” who visited Abraham at the oaks of Mamre was God in visible form
- Identify the significant aspects of the meal that Abraham prepared, served, and participated in, with the men who visited him
- List the Hebrew wordplays in Gen 18-19 and describe their meaning and significance
- State the reasons God provided when He revealed the coming destruction of Sodom to Abraham
- Explain Abraham’s goal in interceding for Sodom, including why he ceased his intercession when he did
- Summarize the consequences of Lot’s choosing to identify with Sodom
- Compare the results of Abraham’s prayers with those of Lot and evaluate how these concepts apply to believers today
- Describe what took place in the overthrow of the cities of the plain, including which cities were destroyed, what provoked their destruction, and what the Bible tells us about their future
- List the nations that were born as a result of Lot’s choice to dwell in Sodom
- Effectively use Genesis 18 in answering questions or objections from unsaved Jewish people about the deity of the Messiah Yeshua
III. Required Textbooks and
Required Reading
- For each of the 23 Segments you will see this heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
- The required textbook for Genesis, Part Two is: Ariel’s Bible Commentary. The Book of Genesis: Exposition from a Messianic Jewish Perspective by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum,
Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries; feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the book. Please contact the Ariel home office if you have questions about book orders: Tel: (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435 Email: homeoffice@ariel.org Here is the link for the hardback version: https://www.ariel.org/books/commentary-series-the-book-of-genesis
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 23 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course. For an example of this part of the curriculum, here is the Optional Reading for Segment #1
For example of this part of the curriculum, here is the
Optional Reading for Segment #1:
Segment #1 Optional Reading
- Michael L. Brown, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus: Theological Objections, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000). See especially Objection 3.2, “If you claim that Jesus is God then you are guilty of making God into a man. You are an idol worshiper!” p. 14ff).
- W. H. Griffith Thomas, Genesis: A Devotional Commentary. 1946. Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,1973 (esp. pp. 161-162).
- Bruce Waltke, Genesis: A Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001 (pp. 276-77).
- Gordon Wenham, Genesis 15—50. Word Biblical Commentary series. Waco: Word Books, 1994.
V. Study Questions
- Again, there are custom study questions for each segment of the 23 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
Below is a sample of the Study Questions for this course,
Genesis Part Two, Segment #1:
Segment #1 Study Questions*
- What does the text tell us about the type of lifestyle Abraham was leading at the time God and His angels visited him by the oaks of Mamre?
- How does Gen 18:3 indicate that one of the three men who visited Abraham was God in visible form? How did the Rabbis attempt to explain this away?
- How did Abraham’s behavior in providing hospitality to the men compare with the cultural norms of the time? How can we know this?
- What was significant about Abraham’s meal with his guests, both in relation to what was served, and what the event itself signified?
- How did the promise made to Sarah in 18:10 establish that it was God Himself doing the speaking, rather than an angel speaking on God’s behalf?
- Sarah laughed when God promised her that she would bear a son. Why did she laugh and how does this related to the unconditional promise made to her by God? What implications does this have for the covenants God has made with Israel?
- What is the meaning of the Hebrew word “pele” in 18:14? How is this word translated and where in the New Testament do we find similar language?
- What were the reasons that God chose to give Abraham the revelation of Sodom’s destruction? What were God’s purposes in doing so?
- What are the Hebrew word plays in Gen 18-19 that are mentioned in our textbook? Explain each one.
- Why did God “journey” to Sodom prior to destroying it? What does this tell us about God and about His judgments?
- Why did Abraham stop interceding for Sodom after God agreed to spare the city if ten righteous could be found in it?
- What observations can be made about Abraham’s prayer of intercession for Sodom?
- What was Lot’s social position in Sodom, and how do we know this?
- What were some of the consequences of Lot’s choosing to identify with Sodom rather than with Abraham?
- Were Lot’s actions in attempting to protect his guests particularly godly? Why or why not?
- What did the men of Sodom intend to do with the guests in Lot’s home? How does Scripture make this clear?
- How many of Lot’s family members were saved from the overthrow of Sodom? How many perished? Explain this all detail.
- What can we learn about prayer by comparing Abraham’s intercession for Sodom with Lot’s intercession for Zoar?
- Gen 19:24-25 mentions two “Jehovahs.” What is the significance of this language?
- Which cities of the plain did God overthrow?
- How is Lot’s being saved from Sodom connected to the Abrahamic Covenant?
- What were the consequences of Lot’s choice to settle in Sodom?
- What does Lot’s daughters’ plan to establish his posterity tell us about the influence that living in Sodom had on them?
- Which two nations were born as a result of Lot’s daughters’ “decision”?
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 23 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Here is an example from Segment #1 of this Genesis Part Two Course:
Segment #1 Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment*
Genesis chapter 18 can be used in witnessing to unsaved Jewish people about the deity of Messiah Yeshua, should that objection come up in discussions. Take some time and read through the following excerpt from Volume #2 of Michael L. Brown’s series, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus: Theological Objections. Genesis 18 is a key chapter in answering objection 3.2: “If you claim that Jesus is God then you are guilty of making God into a man. You are an idol worshiper!” (p.14ff). Please be aware that there will some questions on your Unit Exam from this reading below.
“The question of the deity of Jesus—is he or is he not God—is one of the most important issues a traditional Jew and a Jewish follower of Jesus can possibly discuss. Emotions run high over this, and misunderstanding is the rule not the exception. The objections raised here are sometimes crude, such as, “Your god wore diapers. Our God sits enthroned in heaven.” At other times, they are more sophisticated, such as, “You say, ‘Jesus is God,’ the Bible says, ‘God is not a man’ (Num. 23:19), therefore, your faith is contrary to the Bible.” There is even a Rabbinic precedent for this argument that claims that Numbers 23:19 was uttered “because Balaam foresaw that a certain man would lead mortals astray by claiming to be God” (See Bilalik and Ravnitzky, Book of Legends, 519, #120). How can we respond to these objections in a rational and honest way?
… At the end of Genesis 17, we read how Abraham and his entire household were circumcised in obedience to the command of the Lord. Genesis 18:1–2 says, “The Lord [Hebrew, YHWH] appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre; he was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot. Looking up, he saw three men standing near him” (NJPSV).
According to the Talmud (b. Bava Mesia 86b), God himself was paying Abraham a personal sick call, checking on him after the ordeal of circumcision. Here is the expanded translation of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz (the actual words of the Talmud are in bold). We read that Abraham went out:
and saw the Holy One, blessed be He, standing at the door of his tent, as the verse says, “And the Lord appeared to him by the terebinths of Mamre.” This is what the verse is referring to when it says (Gen 18:3): “And he said, ‘O Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, do not, I pray you, pass by Your servant.’ ” In this verse Abraham was speaking to God Himself (and so addressed Him as Lord and referred to himself as His servant). When God saw that Abraham was busy tying and untying the bandages of his circumcision, He said to Himself, “It is not fitting that I stay here while Abraham is taking care of His wound.” He was about to remove His presence when Abraham pleaded with Him to stay a little longer. And this is also what the verse refers to when it says (Genesis 18:2): “And he raised his eyes and looked, and, behold, three men stood by him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them”
[Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, The Talmud: The Steinsaltz Edition, vol. 6, Tractate Bava Metzia, Part VI (New York: Random House, 1992), 159.]Now, here we have a biblical text that indisputably says that the Lord—Hebrew, YHWH—appeared to Abraham, and the Talmud even relates in story form how Abraham actually saw “the Holy One, blessed be He,” addressing him as Lord. Yet, just a few words later, this very same biblical text says that Abraham looked up and saw three men, the Talmud giving the impression that God himself appeared to Abraham, only to be replaced by these men.
Who were the three men? Some Christian teachers, quite naturally, have suggested that the three men represented the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but this cannot work for a number of reasons. First, it would mean that Abraham actually saw God the Father, something that would be contrary to Scripture; second, the Bible—Old Testament or New Testament—never pictures God as three separate people; third, as we will see, the context is against this trinitarian reading, since it is only one of the three “men” who is addressed as Lord.
According to the Talmud, the three men were the angels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, each with his own special task. Michael came to give Sarah the good news that she would soon have a son, Raphael came to heal Abraham, and Gabriel went to overthrow the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (although the Talmud says that Michael went along with Gabriel so as to rescue Lot). But there are problems with this view too. First, the text nowhere says that these angels replaced or represented the Lord. Instead, the Bible says that the Lord appeared to Abraham, that he saw three men, and that he addressed one of them both as Lord (ʾadonai) and as YHWH. Second, the context indicates clearly that two of the men went on to Sodom—where they are identified as angels—and that Abraham stayed before YHWH, with whom he had an extended dialogue. To be faithful to the Scriptures, we must say that the Lord, with two angels, appeared to Abraham, and all three appeared as human beings who spoke, ate, and drank with Abraham and Sarah.
Let’s watch the text unfold. In verse 3, we read that Abraham said, “ʾadonai, if it please you, do not go on past your servant.” According to the traditional Jewish punctuation, and as understood by the Talmud and many Rabbinic commentators, ʾadonai here means Lord, indicating that Abraham already understood who one of his guests was. Other traditional commentators suggest that this is unlikely, changing the vowels to read ʾadoni, “my lord,” as if Abraham simply addressed the apparent leader of the group without knowing who he was. Which view is correct? It really doesn’t matter if we keep reading. One of these “men” is YHWH himself!
The text states that Abraham hurried to Sarah, told her to start cooking, and then ran to the herd to get a calf to slaughter. After preparing the meal, Abraham watched as the men ate:
They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he replied, “There, in the tent.” Then one said, “I will return to you next year, and your wife Sarah shall have a son!” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years; Sarah had stopped having the periods of women. And Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “Now that I am withered, am I to have enjoyment—with my husband so old?” Then the Lord [YHWH] said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I in truth bear a child, old as I am?’ Is anything too wondrous for the Lord [YHWH]? I will return to you at this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” Sarah lied, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was frightened. But He replied, “You did laugh” (Genesis 18:9–15 NJPSV).
There is only one honest way to read these verses. One of these three men was the Lord. Notice carefully: One of them promises to return next year so that Sarah will have a son; she laughs out loud when she hears this seemingly impossible promise; the Lord then addresses Abraham, asking him why his wife laughed and doubted his promise that he would graciously visit her the coming year; Sarah heard what he said, denying that she laughed; then he replied to her. There is absolutely no way around it. Abraham, Sarah, and the Lord were all there together.
And, as if we needed any more proof, here is the clincher. Verse 16 states that “the men set out from there and looked down toward Sodom, Abraham walking with them to see them off” (NJPSV), explaining in the next verses that the Lord then filled Abraham in on what he was about to do. This brings us to verse 22, “The men went on from there to Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord” (NJPSV), to whom he intercedes on behalf of Sodom through verse 32. So, the men went on to Sodom while the Lord remained with Abraham.
Now brace yourself for the last verse of chapter 18 and the first verse of chapter 19: “When the Lord had finished speaking to Abraham, He departed; and Abraham returned to his place. The two angels arrived in Sodom in the evening, as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom” (NJPSV). The Scripture tells us that the Lord appeared to Abraham, then it says that Abraham saw three men by his tent, then it identifies one of those three as the Lord, who holds a conversation with Abraham and Sarah. The Bible then says that Abraham walked with the men as they went on their way to Sodom, that the Lord then informed Abraham of his intentions to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, that the men (i.e., the other two men) continued on to Sodom while Abraham stayed and talked with the Lord, and that when they were done, the Lord left and Abraham went home, and that two angels then arrived in Sodom. I’ll say it again: One of those three men was YHWH, the Lord.
The awesome and exciting thing about this text is that it explicitly tells us that Abraham and Sarah talked with the Lord, that he appeared in human form to them, dusty feet and all (see Gen. 18:4), and that he even sat down and ate their food. Yet all the while he remained God in heaven!
I wonder what our critics would do with this passage if it was not in the Hebrew Bible but rather in the New Testament Scriptures alone. They certainly would try to attack it as crass, asking us if God gained any weight when he ate and if he had to relieve himself when he was finished. After all, those are the kind of objections we hear when we talk about Jesus the Messiah being the Son of God in the flesh.
The fact is, Genesis 18 clearly and indisputably teaches that God can come to earth in human form for a period of time if he so desires. And if he could do this for a few hours, in temporary human form, he could do this for a few years, in permanent human form. This is what theologians call the incarnation, God coming down to earth as a man in the person of his Son. And it is only when we recognize the Son—the exact representation of God, and yet God himself—that we can explain how God remained the Lord in heaven while also appearing as the Lord on earth in Genesis 18. Even if you study all the Rabbinic commentaries you want, you won’t find another explanation that works” (pp. 31-35).
[Michael L. Brown, Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus: Theological Objections, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), Objection 3.2]
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions.
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course, Genesis Part Two is comprised of six Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments.
The typical Unit Exam has about 100 questions (some have more some less).
Here are a few questions from the Unit One Exam:
Sample Unit #1 Exam Questions:
Segment #1 Exam Questions
The Overthrow of the Cities of the Plain (Chapters 18-19)
- In Gen 18:1, the fact that Abraham “sat in the tent door” shows that he was no longer living the life of a nomad and a sojourner.
- True
- False
- In Gen 18:3, why did Abraham use the term “Adonai” in his salutation to the three men who appeared to him?
- Because he was only addressing the chief of the three men
- He was speaking to an angel, pressing him to wait until he had attended to his guests
- He recognized one of the three to be God Himself and used the divine title of Adonai, literally, “My Lords”
- The text is unclear as to why
- Which of the following is not an example of how Abraham exceeded the minimum requirements of hospitality for his three visitors?
- Abraham personally chose the calf that was to be slaughtered, and he made sure the best one was picked
- Abraham asked Sarah to knead three measures of meal for cakes, and three measures, and this was a very large quantity for only three men
- Abraham gave his guests a lot more than merely “a morsel of bread”
- Abraham asked his most trusted servant to serve the men their food
- Abraham served his guests milk and meat together, which is forbidden by rabbinic law today. Because the rabbis believed that the Law of Moses always existed, they tried to find a way to get around this, and came up with two options. Which of the following is not one of those options?
- The calf was what is called a “ben pakkua,” a calf found in the womb of a slaughtered mother, and so it did not require ritual slaughter; and thus the laws of milk and meat did not apply
- The meat was not boiled in milk before being eaten, so in this instance the Law of Moses was not violated
- Abraham first served butter and milk as soon as it was prepared; then he served the meat, which was permitted after the milk products – but not vice versa
- All of the above are correct
- Abraham’s eating a meal with the men in Gen 18:8 carries the implication of a _______ ________, similar to those made in 26:28-31 and Exodus 24:1-11.
- Covenantal Meal
- Celebratory Feast
- Passover Seder
- Wedding Supper
- Which of the following is a way that Scripture makes it clear that God was the One speaking in Gen 18:10a?
- In Gen 17:21, God Himself was doing the speaking when He promised Abraham: “and, lo, Sarah your wife shall have a son”
- The promise given in this verse was fulfilled in Gen 21:1, which clearly states that God was the One Who made this promise
- There is the use of I, the singular pronoun. Although three people are present, the use of the singular pronoun shows only One, the LORD Himself, is speaking
- All of the above are correct
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
All rights reserved.
No part of this course, including video material, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2019 by Ariel Ministries
The Life of Yeshua: Part One (BHD 101)
The Life of Yeshua
from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part One: From Birth to the Public Proclamation of His Messiahship
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
This is the first course in a sequence of four courses examining the life of Yeshua the Messiah from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Using a harmonization of the four Gospels, we’ll study the life of Yeshua using a chronological-thematic approach. A full understanding of the Gospels is not attainable without knowledge of the Jewish frame of reference, therefore this course provides detailed background information about first-century Jewish society, religious elements, rabbinic literature, and rabbinic theology. This course covers the period from Yeshua’s birth (the Incarnation) to the public proclamation of His Messiahship.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The B’rit Hadasha – N.T. Biblical Studies
- Course Code: BHD 101
- Prerequisites Recommended: None
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: 46 Segments
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
- Audio Lectures Only Cost: $25 (Downloads cannot be refunded)
COURSE SYLLABUS
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 46 video segments for this course. Some video segments are short (5 min.) some are long (20+ min.).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
B.A. Cedarville College
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary
Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founding Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and Biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
Course Learning Objectives*
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Articulate the importance of studying the Jewish background for properly understanding and interpreting the New Testament (NT)
- Identify the types of messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures
- Recognize and define the categories of Old Testament (OT) quotations used in the NT
- Understand important aspects of the Greek-Roman backgrounds to the Gospel accounts
- Summarize seven key groups in first-century Jewish society
- Understand the four major religious elements
- Explain the development of Pharisaic-Rabbinic Judaism including the basic features of rabbinic theology, literature, exegesis, and authority
- Describe special characteristics related to the prologue of the Gospels of Luke and John
- Gain a better understanding of: the genealogy of Christ, the annunciations to Zechariah, Miriam, and Joseph, Christ’s infancy and childhood, the person and message of Yochanan, and the significance of the baptism of Yeshua
*Note: There are Learning Objectives for each Segment of this course.
Required Textbooks*
- Yeshua: The Life of Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective – Volume 1 by Arnold Fruchtenbaum [Note – Be sure to get the full, unabridged edition of this book, NOT the abridged edition]
- Ariel’s Harmony of the Gospels by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
*Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries; feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the books. Again be sure you get the correct editions for textbooks for our online courses. We are NOT using the abridged edition of the Yeshua book for these courses on the Life of Yeshua.
Visit the Ariel Store for books and study tools!
Recommended Supplementary Books*
-
- The Words and Works of Jesus Christ – by J. Dwight Pentencost
- Jesus According to Scripture – by Darrell Bock
- The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah – by Alfred Edersheim
*Note: In addition to these, almost all segments contain a list of optional books and other resources for further studies.
Course Exams
This course is comprised of ten Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible. The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
Assignments
Each Segment has a section called “Spiritual Growth: Implication and Application Assignments.” Assignments vary from segment to segment. Sometimes there will be journal assignments, other times there may be Bible memory passages, other times written prayers, etc. Some of these assignments are optional, that means that it is recommended but not required. However, some of the assignments are required. If so, this will be stated in the assignment for that Segment.
When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system. For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded). However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Quiz. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Grading
The number of questions vary; some Unit Exams have 25 questions (e.g Unit Exam #1) and some have 60 questions (Unit Exam #7). Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam. The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
Communication and Contact Information
Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication. If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage.
Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage. We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
Course Records
If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress, including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
The Life of Yeshua: Part 2 (BHD 102)
The Life of Yeshua
from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part Two: From the Beginning of His Public Ministry to the National Rejection of His Messiahship and His Journey to Jerusalem in Preparation for the Feasts of Tabernacles
Taught by Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Ph.D.
This is the second course in the sequence of four courses examining the life of Yeshua the Messiah from a Messianic Jewish perspective. This course opens with the beginning of Yeshua’s public ministry. It analyzes the role His miracles were to play as signs to Israel – to bring the Jewish people to the point of decision about His Messianic claims and proclamations. The work moves on the dealing with Yeshua’s authority over, conflict with, and repudiation of Pharisaic Judaism, which led to the rejection of His Messiahship. This course concludes with Yeshua’s journey to Jerusalem in preparation for the Feasts of Tabernacles.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The B’rit Hadasha – N.T. Biblical Studies
- Course Code: BHD 102
- Prerequisites Recommended: BHD 101
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: 25 Segments (11 hours total)
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
- Audio Lectures Only Cost: $25 (Downloads cannot be refunded)
Dedication
Richard & Carol Storm dedicate this course to our beloved grandfather, Ervin Gilbert Singer, a Messianic Jew who loved the LORD his GOD with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you, Grandpa Singer, for your godly example you gave to us to follow.
COURSE SYLLABUS
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 25 video segments for this course and they vary in length.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
B.A. Cedarville College
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary
Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founding Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and Biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
Course Learning Objectives*
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Explain insights related to the exposition of John 1:35-2:11 including: the meaning of the “third day,” the general view of miracles in rabbinic literature, features of the Jewish wedding system, wine and new wine, and features of rabbinic discipleship in Jewish society
- Explain key insights related to the first possession of the Temple in John 2:13-22, including: the four passages in John which mention four Passover feasts, the number of Jewish pilgrims in Jerusalem at Passover, and a description of the construction of Herod’s Temple
- Articulate the purpose of the public and authenticating miracles of Yeshua during the first half of His ministry
- Provide sound theological and background exposition of Yeshua’s response to the woman at the well, including her sin, rabbinical views on speaking to women, and principles of evangelism drawn from this encounter
- Explain what was unique about the claims of Messiahship by Yeshua and his followers as well as the basic content of His message
- Demonstrate an understanding of Demonology in Rabbinic Judaism
- List the stages of Sanhedrin-led investigations into messianic claims, and describe how each stage works
- Identify the concept of kal v’chomer, and explain how it applies to the actions and teaching of Yeshua
- Explain the conflict Yeshua had with the Pharisees related to the Sabbath and identify ways in which the Church has misconstrued the Sabbath
- Identity key insights pertaining to the choosing of the twelve apostles
- Identify what the Sermon on the Mount was as a unit
- List the five points Yeshua made in His evaluation of Yochanan, Yeshua’s herald
- Evaluate your own level of commitment to discipleship
- Understand the distinction between the unpardonable sin and all others
- Describe what changes were made in Yeshua’s ministry, and the purpose of these changes, as a result of the unpardonable sin.
- Name the three results of The Bread of Life Discourse
- Understand the significance the Jewish leaders of Yeshua’s day placed upon the Mishnah.
- Identify the five theological implications indicated in the transfiguration
*Note: These are just some of the Learning Objectives. There are Learning Objectives for each Segment of this course.
Required Textbooks*
- Yeshua: The Life of Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective – Volume 2 by Arnold Fruchtenbaum [Note – Be sure to get the full, unabridged edition of this book, NOT the abridged edition]
- Ariel’s Harmony of the Gospels by Arnold Fruchtenbaum
*Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries; feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the books. Again be sure you get the correct editions for textbooks for our online courses. We are NOT using the abridged edition of the Yeshua book for these courses on the Life of Yeshua.
Visit the Ariel Store for books and study tools!
Recommended Supplementary Books*
Optional books, articles, and other resources are listed within the course itself. In each Segment you will see headings called “Optional Reading.” Please review these as you progress through the course.
Course Exams
This course is comprised of six Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible. The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
Assignments
Each Segment has a section called “Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignments.” Assignments vary from segment to segment. Sometimes there will be journal assignments, other times there may be Bible memory passages, other times written prayers, or additional reading. Some of these assignments are optional, that means that it is recommended but not required. However, some of the assignments are required. If so, this will be stated in the assignment for that Segment.
When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system. For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded). However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Grading
The number of questions vary; some Unit Exams have 25 questions (e.g Unit Exam #1) and some have 60 questions (Unit Exam #7). Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam. The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
Communication and Contact Information
Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication. If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage.
Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage. We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
Course Records
If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress, including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
The Life of Yeshua: Part 3 (BHD 103)
The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective,
Part Three: The last six-month period of the life of Messiah, from the Feast of Tabernacles to the agony of Gethsemane
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Th.M., Ph.D.
This is the third course in the sequence of four courses examining the life of Yeshua the Messiah from a Messianic Jewish perspective. This course covers the six-month period from the Feast of Tabernacles (Jn. 7) to the Agony of Gethsemane (Matt. 26; Mk. 14; Lk. 22; Jn. 18).
Dr. Fruchtenbaum explicates through these Scriptures which include biblical and rabbinic concepts of the afterlife, the Triumphal Entry, the Olivet Discourse, the parables urging watchfulness and diligence, the last Passover, the High Priestly Prayer and the agony of Gethsemane.
As with all our courses, spiritual growth application and implication points are incorporated into each segment.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The B’rit Hadasha – N.T. Biblical Studies
- Course Title: The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part Three
- Course Code: BHD 103
- Prerequisites Recommended: BHD 101, BHD 102
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Five Units: 16 Segments, 10 hours of video lectures
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 16 video segments for this course. Some video segments are shorter (15min.) some are long (120min.)
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
Below is the course outline for this course, The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part Three.
Unit 1: The Opposition to the King [§99-§112]
§100: The Conflict over the Law
§101: The Conflict over the Light
§103: The Conflict over the Healing of a Man Born Blind
§105: The Witness of the Seventy
§106: The Conflict over the Questions of Eternal Life
§107: The Example of Fellowship
§108: Instruction In Prayer
§109: Conflict over the Healing of the Dumb Man
§110: Conflict over Pharisaic Ritualism
§112: Conflict at the Feast of Dedication
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2: The Preparation of the Disciples by the King: Part One §113-§131
§114: Instruction Concerning Entrance into the Kingdom
§115: Instruction in a Pharisee’s House
§116: Instruction Concerning Discipleship
§117: Instruction Concerning God’s Attitude toward Sinners
§119: Instruction Concerning Forgiveness
§120: Instruction Concerning Service
§121-§123: The Resurrection of Lazarus: The First Sign of Jonah
§125: Instruction on Divorce
§126: Instruction on Entrance into the Kingdom
§127: Instruction on Eternal Life
§129: The Healing of the Blind Men
§130-§131: Instruction Concerning the Kingdom Program
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3: The Official Presentation of the King §132-§144
§133: The Triumphal Entry
§134-§135: The Authority of the King
§136: The Invitations by the King
§137: The Proof of Authority
§138-141: The Authority of the King Challenged: The Testing of the Lamb
§143: The Judgment by the King
§144: Instruction at the Treasury
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4: The Preparation for the Death of the King: Part One §145-§160
§147: The Conspiracy of the Rulers
§148: The Pouring of the Ointment
§149: The Promise to Betray
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5: The Preparation for the Death of the King: Part Two §161- §164
§164: The Agony of Gethsemane
Unit 5 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course (Yeshua, Part Three) there are 16 Segments, thus 16 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to:
- Know what period of time comprises the fifth division of Yeshua’s life.
- Explain the ceremonies that the Temple priests performed during the Feast of Tabernacles in the Second Temple period (515 BC-70 AD) including:
- Their relevance to the Gospel accounts
- The rabbinic view of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as it relates to the End Times
- Summarize the nature of the conflict between the Sadducees and Pharisees regarding the observance of this Feast.
- State the three ways that Yochanan used the term “Jews” in his Gospel.
- Discuss the Pharisaic response to Yeshua’s claims in John 7, including their view of the “am ha-aretz” and errors related to prophets from Galil.
- Gain a biblical understanding of the relationship between “living waters” and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the background related to Yeshua’s actions during His encounter with the accusers of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 including:
- The ritual of “bitter water” and its annulling by the rabbis
- The emphasis in the Greek of John 8:5
- The specifics/procedures of death by stoning under Jewish/rabbinic law
- Correctly interpret Jn. 8:6b, 8 as it relates to “the Finger of God”
- Explain the process of judgment of the woman caught in adultery as it related to the witnesses
- Memorize and meditate upon Jn. 7:35.
III. Required Textbooks and
Required Reading
- For each of the 16 Segments you will see this heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
- The required textbook for Yeshua, Part Three is The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Volume Three. By Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum (be sure to get volume 3. Do not get the abridged edition.
Segment #1 Required Reading
Textbook: Yeshua: The Life of Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Volume 3.
Read: §99: The Conflict at the Feast of Tabernacles
§100: The Conflict over the Law
§101: The Conflict over the Light
Textbook: Ariel’s Harmony of the Gospels
Read: §99: The Conflict at the Feast of Tabernacles
§100: The Conflict over the Law
§101: The Conflict over the Light
Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries; feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the book. Please contact the Ariel home office if you have questions about book orders: Tel: (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435 Email: homeoffice@ariel.org
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 16 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course. For an example of this part of the curriculum, here is the Optional Reading for Segment #1
For example of this part of the curriculum, here is the
Optional Reading for Segment #1:
Segment #1 Optional Reading
- Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, Book 4, (New York: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1896), Chapters 6-8.
- Zane C. Hodges, “Rivers of Living Water—John 7:37–39: Problem Passages in the Gospel of John Part 7,” Bibliotheca Sacra 136 (1979), pp. 239-248.
- James Dunn, ed., Jews and Christians: The Parting of the Ways A.D. 70 to 135 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989), pp. 182-187, (how the Gospel of John used the term “Jews”).
V. Study Questions
- Again, there are custom study questions for each segment of the 16 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
Below is a sample of the Study Questions for this course,
Yeshua Part Three, Segment #1:
Segment #1 Study Questions*
- What were the two key ceremonies observed in and around the Temple at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles in the Second Temple period?
- What took place during the “Outpouring of the Water” ceremony? What did this ceremony represent?
- What took place during the “Kindling of the Lampstands” ceremony? What did this ceremony represent?
- Did the Pharisees and Sadducees agree as to how the Feast of Tabernacles should be celebrated? What were the views of each group?
- How did Yochanan (John) use the term “Jews” in his Gospel account?
- What is the significance of the Feast of Tabernacles according to Zechariah 14:16-21?
- What were the expectations of the people in regard to Yeshua during the Feast of Tabernacles?
- How did the people and the religious leaders,react to Yeshua’s answers to their questions in this segment?
- How do the events of John 7:37-44 relate to the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles?
- According to the Law of Moses did the Sabbath rest include the possibility of healing? Explain.
- Who are the “am ha-aretz” and how did the Pharisees treat this group?
- Did Yeshua break the Mosaic Law in the way that He handled the woman brought to him in John 8? Why, or why not?
- Of the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, which day was by far the most important? Why?
- Were Old Testament saints indwelled by the Holy Spirit? Explain this in more detail.
- What is the emphasis on in the Greek text of John 8:8? What is the significance of this?
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 16 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Here is an example from Segment #1 of this Yeshua Part Three Course:
Segment #1 Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment*
In John 7:38, the Lord Yeshua stated, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water’” (NASB95). In the verse that follows, John explained that Yeshua was referring to the Holy Spirit: “But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Yeshua was not yet glorified.” (John 7:39). Dr. Fruchtenbaum discussed this in the lecture and reading assigned in this segment; review what he stated and then memorize and meditate upon John 7:38. All memory verses for this course are to be from the NASB95 version, per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s request and the only change will be the use of “Yeshua” instead of “Jesus” and the use of “Messiah” for “Christ.”
It would do believers great benefit to spend time studying and more carefully considering what it means that they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. To help stimulate your thinking on this, here are some “Points to Ponder” (PTP, for short). To ensure your pondering doesn’t go too far “a yondering,” from biblical revelation, you will see some “Speculation Inspection Stations” (SIS) and “Exegetical Evaluation Stations” (EES) that follow each Point to Ponder. They all begin with the phrasing, “So, tell me, how.” You may not be able to answer many of these PTP items or the follow-up SIS/EES, and that’s fine because it will at least underscore the need for more learning on your part (including add’l Ariel Online Courses such Pneumatology and Hermeneutics).
PTP #1: What does it mean that the Holy Spirit lives in us, indwells us?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#1?
PTP#2: What does He do in and/or through us?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#2?
PTP#3: How can we recognize His work and ministry in and through us?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#3?
PTP#4: How does what we do, or neglect to do, have a bearing on His indwelling?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#4?
PTP#5: What are things we could do to increase His work in us?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#5?
PTP#6: What some are things, behaviors, or thoughts, we do that can diminish His work in us? What does it mean to grieve the Spirit or quench the Spirit? Why should this matter?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#6?
PTP#7: How does one “walk in the Spirit?”
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#7?
PTP#8: : In addition to temporal gains or losses, are there eternal consequences to our degree of yielded-ness or cooperation with the Holy Spirit who indwells us?
- SIS: So, tell me, how would you support this from Scripture? (provide specific verses).
- EED: So, tell, me, how can you be so sure your interpretation of that passage is the correct one and that it directly supports your answer to PTP#8?
These types of questions are generally covered in courses on Pneumatology (the doctrine of the Holy Spirit), however there is no need to wait until such a course is taken to try to work through these questions. Mere speculation about the answers to these questions is problematic and is, quite frankly, pointless. Answers can and must only come from Scripture (Jn. 17:17). A good way to begin to search the Scriptures would be to read all the passages in the Gospel of John which deal with Holy Spirit. Here are some of is a list of those verses (from the ASV): Jn. 1:32-33; 3:5, 8, 34, 6:63; 7:39; 14:17, 26; 15:26; 16:13; 20:22. Of course one should read these in context.
Note: This portion of the curriculum for the course, entitled “Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment” is a requirement. Therefore, students must read this portion for each segment and complete any work that is assigned. Sometimes this involves Bible memorization/meditation passages, other times it may require additional reading and journaling. On rare occasions there may be optional assignments, but this will be stated, otherwise, assume that all work in this part of the curriculum is required.
The purposes of this portion of the curriculum are threefold:
- To help students be discerning thinkers, to evaluate biblical interpretations in light of accurate exegesis and sound doctrine (1 Thess. 5:21-23; 2 Tim. 2:15; Titus 2:1)
- To internalize Scriptures and aspects of the study that can foster character formation towards Christlikeness as students grow in their knowledge of God, of themselves, and of the Scriptures (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; James 1:22).
- To keep an emphasis on Messianic Jewish implications and applications (e.g. Jewish evangelism and discipleship, living a Messianic Jewish life that is well-pleasing to the Lord).
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions.
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course, Yeshua Part Three is comprised of five Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments.
The typical Unit Exam has about 100 questions (some have more some less).
Here are a few questions from the Unit One Exam:
Sample Unit #1 Exam Questions:
Segment #1 Exam Questions
§99: The Conflict at the Feast of Tabernacles
§100: The Conflict over the Law
§101: The Conflict over the Light
- The fifth division of Yeshua’s life covers a three-month period during His last year beginning with the Feast of Tabernacles and ending with the Feast of the Passover. Only two of the four Gospel writers, Matthew and Mark, covered this three-month period.
- True
- False
- During the Second Temple period there were two key ceremonies observed in and around the Temple at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles. The first ceremony was called the
“Outpouring of the ______.”- Spirit
- Soul
- Oil
- Water
- Every day for _____ days, the priests marched down the steep hill from the Temple compound to the bottom of the City of David. When they reached the Pool of Siloam, they
filled jugs and pitchers with water and returned to the Temple through the _____Gate.- 3, Beautiful
- 7, Water
- 8, Golden
- 12, Tribe’s
- The fourth of Yeshua’s seven discourses found in the Gospel of Yochanan, is the discourse on:
- The Bread of Life
- The Good Shepherd
- The Vine
- The Water of Life
- In the Hebrew text, Psalms 120 through 134 begin with the phrase “A Song (or Psalm) of ________,” because the priests sang these psalms as they ascended the steps from the outer to the inner court during the “_________” ceremony.
- Bearing, Corination of the King
- Praise, Triumphal Entry
- Ascents, Outpouring of the Water
- Simcha, Cleansing of the Temple
- According to rabbinic interpretation, the “Outpouring of the Water” ceremony symbolized the outpouring of ____________ upon Israel in the last days.
- the Holy Spirit
- the Shechinah glory
- the cleansing
- the fullness of all the spiritual gifts
- The second important ceremony during the Feast of Tabernacles was:
- The “Polishing of the Candlesticks”
- The “Kindling of the Lampstands”
- The “Cleansing of the Laver”
- The “Reading of the Scroll of Isaiah”
- According to rabbinic interpretation, what did the kindling of the lampstands represent?
- The first day of Creation
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Israel in the last days
- The Shechinah Glory
- Both A and C are correct
- Not all factions of Judaism celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot, the same way. In fact, both Josephus and the Talmud recorded a conflict between the ________ and ________ on the observance of this feast.
- Priests, Essenes
- Sadducees, Herodians
- Scribes, Sadducees
- Pharisees, Sadducees
- It is wise to note how the apostle Yochanan used the term “Jews” throughout his Gospel. He employed the word 71 times in three different ways. Which of the following is not a way Yochanan used the term?
- To refer to Jews in general, meaning all descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- In reference to the Jewish leaders
- Yochanan called Judeans “Jews” in order to distinguish them from Galileans
- All of the above are ways in which Yochanan used the term “Jews” in his Gospel
- In John 7:11, the Jews sought Yeshua at the Feast of Tabernacles because of the feast’s significance. From ________________, they knew that this feast was to be fulfilled by the messianic kingdom, which is why they were now expecting Yeshua to set up that kingdom.
- Ezekiel 14:9
- Leviticus 23:40
- Zechariah 14:4-5
- Zechariah 14:16-21
- In John 7:13, Yochanan used the term “Jews” in reference to ________.
- Judeans
- Jews who were Galileans
- Only those Jewish people and leaders who rejected Yeshua
- Anyone who was “uncircumcised in heart”
- In His answer to the multitude’s question in John 7:16, Yeshua made a twofold claim. Which of the following was not one of those claims?
- He was sent by God
- He had received His teaching from God
- His sheep hear His voice
- He made all the the claims above in this passage
- In John 7:19, Yeshua told the multitude that their failure to keep the Mosaic Law was also the reason they failed to recognize who He was.
- True
- False
- According to the Law of Moses, Sabbath rest did not include the possibility of healing.
- True
- False
- Of the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, which day was by far the most important?
- The first day
- The seventh day
- The third day
- All of the days were of equal importance
- According to Israel Abrahams, Yeshua’s reference in John 7:37b-38 is probably to:
- Zechariah 14:8
- Isaiah 44:3
- Zechariah 8:14
- Psalm 63:1
- Old Testament saints experienced the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, which was different than His indwelling work. Only some of them, especially the ________, were
indwelled by the Holy Spirit, but not on a permanent basis.- priests
- prophets
- kings
- Levites
- In the Talmud, the rabbis referred to the common people as the “ḥaberim,” which means “the people of the land.”
- True
- False
- Anyone who did not fulfill Pharisaic Law and the rabbinic requirements for holiness was discriminated against and called “________” by the Pharisees.
- “amme ha’araṣot”
- “ḥaberim”
- “am ha-aretz”
- “chaverim”
- In the Greek text of John 8:8, the emphasis on the _____ is to show that Yeshua, as the author of the commandment against adultery, knew exactly all that the Mosaic Law said about the sin in question, and its punishment.
- finger
- word (mouth or tongue)
- mind
- authority
- In John 8:12, when Yeshua said “I am the light of the world,” He claimed to be the ______________, the visible manifestation of the presence of God.
- Eternal Memra (The Logos of Jn. 1:1 as well)
- Bright and Morning Star
- Source and Creator of Light (ref. to Gen.1:3-4)
- Shechinah glory
Spiritual Growth Assignment – Segment 1 – In this segment you were required to meditate and memorize John 7:38, using the NASB95 version (this is the version Dr. Fruchtenbaum selected for the memory verses for the online courses). This part of the exam is obviously not open Bible, open-book, or open-note because this passage had to be memorized. Fill in the missing words from the passage below:
- “_____ who _______ in ____, as the ______ said, ‘_____his _______ being will _____ rivers of ______water’” (John 7:38, NASB95)
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
All rights reserved.
No part of this course, including video material, audio recordings, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2020 by Ariel Ministries
The Life of Yeshua: Part Four (BHD 104)
The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish perspective, Part Four:His arrest, trials, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
- One-third of content of the Gospels focus on Yeshua’s final week!
- This is the final course of the four part series on the Life of Yeshua.
- HE IS RISEN !
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline:B’rit Hadashah – N.T. Biblical Studies
- Course Title: The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part Four
- Course Code: BHD 104
- Prerequisites Recommended: BHD 101, 102, and 103
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Five Units: 12 Segments, 7+ hours of video lectures
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
Dedication
This course is dedicated in honor of Larry and Wanda Cooney
for their love and selfless service to their Savior, Yeshua the Messiah.
“If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me;
and where I am, there My servant will be also;
if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
John 12:26 NASB95
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 12 video segments for this course. The video lectures vary in length.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish theology and biblical studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, Italy, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
Unit 1:The Trial of the King, Part One
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2:The Trial of the King, Part Two
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3:The Death of the King
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4:The Resurrection and Ascension of the King, Part One
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5:The Resurrection and Ascension of the King, Part Two
Unit 5 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course (The Life of Yeshua from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Part Four) there are 12 Segments, thus 12 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to correctly interpret and understand the context, background, and meaning of each verse in the Gospels pertaining to the arrest of Yeshua and the trial before Annas including:
- The 22 rules broken at Yeshua’s trial
- The date and manner by which Judas betrayed Yeshua
- The composition of the arresting forces and all the characters discussed in this portion of Scripture
- The significance of the “I Am” statement in Jn. 18:6
- Peter’s impetuous use of the knife and the three lessons Yeshua taught him
- The first stage of the religious trial
- Points of personal application such as the call not to fear the “cup” the Lord has prepared for each of us in this life. Yeshua was able to accept the cup because it was mixed by the Father and given to Him from the Father’s hand. He did not resist the Father’s will, because He came to do the Father’s will and finish the work the Father gave Him to do.
III. Required Textbooks and Reading
- For each of the 12 Segments you will see a heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
Required Books (not included in the price of the course)
- Fruchtenbaum, Arnold. Yeshua: The Life of Messiah from a Messianic Jewish Perspective, Volume 4. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2018.
- Fruchtenbaum, Arnold. Ariel’s Harmony of the Gospels. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2016.
- Schnabel, Eckhard J. Jesus in Jerusalem: The Last Days. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2018. If you prefer a digital, e-book, version, Logos Bible Software carries the digital version.
- Varner, William. Passionate about the Passion Week: A Fresh Look at Jesus’ Last Days. Dallas, TX: Fontes Press, 2020.
- Baker, Todd D. Matthew 27:25: “His Blood Be On Us.” Are the Jewish People Racially Condemned for The Death of Christ?> Bloomington, IN: iUniverse, Inc., 2008.
- There will be other resources provided for students at no charge who sign up for this course (e.g. journal articles and online resources).
- Information on ordering books is provided after you purchase the course in Segment #1.
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 12 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course.
V. Study Questions
- There are custom study questions for each segment of the 12 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 12 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. We also have open-ended type of questions (to foster critical thinking and deeper thinking skills).
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course is comprised of three unit exams. Each unit exam is to be completed after viewing the lecture, completing all required reading, and assignments for that particular unit.
Exams vary in length, between 100 to 250 questions, depending on the number of Units and Segments in a course. Students can save answers and return to finish exams over time.
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
All rights reserved.
No part of this course, including video material, audio recordings, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2020 by Ariel Ministries
A Dispensational Israelology (MJT 107)
A Dispensational Israelology
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Ph.D.
This is a foundational course, an essential course, that every believer should take. The term “Israelology” was first coined by Dr. Fruchtenbaum; he was also the first to develop an entire branch of Systematic Theology dealing exclusively with the doctrine of Israel. One cannot understand the Bible fully or correctly unless one understands God’s teachings on Israel.
This course focuses on the doctrine of Israel Past, Israel Present, and Israel Future, within the framework of Dispensationalism. Students will learn foundational issues such as definitions of key terms, the election of Israel, the Covenants, the Law of Moses, the Sabbath, the Remnant, the Kingdom of God program, Israel and the Church, Israel today, Romans 9-11, Messianic Jewish identity, Israel in relationship to End Time events, anti-Semitism, and so much more!
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: Theological Studies – Messianic Jewish Theology (MJT)
- Course Code: MJT 107
- Prerequisites Recommended: None
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: 31 Segments
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
- Audio Lectures Only Cost: $25 (Downloads cannot be refunded)
COURSE SYLLABUS
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 31 video segments for this course. Some video segments are short (5 min.) some are long (25+ min.).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
B.A. Cedarville College
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary
Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founding Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and Biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
Course Learning Objectives*
After completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Articulate the importance of the topic of Israelology and define key terms related to the study
- Explain the biblical concept of the national election of Israel and Israel’s relationship to the conditional and unconditional covenants in the past, present, and future
- Understand and explain the theological significance of circumcision, the Sabbath, and the Remnant of Israel
- Summarize the Kingdom of God program, including the consequences for Israel in rejecting the Messiahsip of Yeshua
- Gain a detailed knowledge about the authority and applicability of the Law of Moses and the Law of Messiah (with a special emphasis on the Sabbath)
- Discuss the theological significance of Israel as a people and a nation today, the relationship between Israel and the Church, and Messianic Jewish identity
- Correctly interpret Romans chapters 9-11 (with an emphasis on the Remnant of Israel and the Olive Tree)
- Define Hebrew Christianity/Messianic Jewishness, evaluate the distinctives and practices in light of sound theology
- Trace the central role of Israel during the Church Age, the Tribulation, and the Second Coming of Messiah (with special emphasis on the national regeneration of Israel)
- List and describe the four facets of the final restoration of Israel including Israel’s role in the Messianic Kingdom
- Demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the symbolic illustrations of Israel used throughout Scripture
- Identify and explain the theological causes of anti-Semitism
- Provide an overview summary of the way Israelology contributes to our knowledge of other branches of Systematic Theology
- In addition to all of these learning outcomes, students will also meditate, pray over, and memorize several key Scriptures related to Israelology
*Note: There are Learning Objectives for each Segment of this course.
Required Textbooks
Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology, San Antonio: Ariel Ministries, 2016 (earlier/older editions are fine). This is the full-length, unabridged version, which must be used for this course.
Note: Textbooks can be ordered directly through Ariel Ministries. Feel free to purchase an electronic copy or hard copy of the book. Please contact the Ariel home office if you have questions about book orders:
Tel: (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435
Email: homeoffice@ariel.org
Here is the link for the hardback version:
https://www.ariel.org/books/israelology-the-missing-link-in-systematic-theology
This is also available in Kindle e-book (e-mobi):
https://www.ariel.org/books/Israelology-ebook-mobi
This is also available in e-book (e-pub):
https://www.ariel.org/books/Israelology-ebook-epub
Recommended Supplementary Books
Optional books, articles, and other resources are listed within the course itself. In each Segment you will see headings called “Optional Reading.” Please review these as you progress through the course.
Course Exams
This course is comprised of five Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments. Unit Exams are open-note, open- book, and open-Bible. The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
Assignments
Each Segment has a section called “Spiritual Growth: Implication and Application Assignments.” Assignments vary from segment to segment. Sometimes there will be journal assignments, other times there may be Bible memory passages, other times written prayers, or additional reading. Some of these assignments are optional, that means that it is recommended but not required. However, some of the assignments are required. If so, this will be stated in the assignment for that Segment.
When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system. For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Grading
Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam. The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A | 93%-100% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
Communication and Contact Information
Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication. If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
Course Records
If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please be sure to complete this information.
The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Part 1 (BHD 106)
The Messianic Jewish Epistles, Part One: The Book of Hebrews (BHD 106)
Study The book of Hebrews with a Hebrew, Dr. Fruchtenbaum
Dive DEEP, DEEP, DEEP, into the Word so that you can answer questions such as:
- Who wrote the book of Hebrews? Is it an epistle or a sermon?
- What do we know about the Jewish believers to whom the author was writing?
- What is meant by the phrase “High Priest of our confession”?
- Why does the author repeatedly use the word “today” from Psalm 95:7?
- Does Hebrews 6:1-8 teach that one can lose their salvation?
- Does Hebrews teach that the Law of Moses has been rendered inoperative?
- Was the New Covenant given to Israel or to the church?
- How can we gain a deeper appreciation of Yeshua as our High Priest?
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: The B’rit Hadasha – N.T. Biblical Studies
- Course Title: The Messianic Jewish Epistles, Part One: The Book of Hebrews
- Course Code: BHD 106
- Prerequisites Recommended: None
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Three Units: 10 Segments, 10 hours of video lectures
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
“The Epistle to the Hebrews, one of the most important books of the New Testament. It contains some of the chief doctrines of the faith. To study it is to partake of strong spiritual meat.To abide in its teachings is to be led from immaturity to maturity in the knowledge of biblical truth and of Messiah Himself.”
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 10 video segments for this course. Some video segments are shorter (25min.) some are long (145 min.).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish Theology and biblical Studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, India, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
Unit 1: Introduction to Hebrews and The Pre-Eminence of the Son in His Person and Work: Part One
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2: The Pre-Eminence of the Son in His Person and Work: Part Two
A Better Position (4:14-16)
A Better Priest: The Prerequisites of Priesthood (5:1-4)
A Better Priest: The Qualification of the Son (5:5-10)
The Fact of Stagnation (5:11-14)
The Need for Progression (6:1-8)
The Certainty of Salvation (6:9-20)
A Better Sanctuary (9:1-10)
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3: The Practical Application of the Pre-Eminence of the Son in the Walk of the Believer – 10:19-13:25
The Evidence of the Life of Faith (11:1-40)
Concluding Exhortations – 13:1-25
Postscript
Unit 3 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course (Messianic Jewish Epistles, Part One) there are 10 Segments, thus 10 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to:
- Summarize what we know about the author of the book of Hebrews
- List the seven things that can be learned about the readers of Hebrews
- Identify the location of the readers and state the evidence supporting this
- Know the evidence which supports a A.D. 64-66 date for the writing of this book
- Be aware of the way the author of Hebrews builds his case on a number of theological examples from the Old Testament
- Explain how Matthew 12:22-35 and Acts 2:38-41 relate to the book of Hebrews
- State the occasion and purpose of the book as well as the author’s methodology
- Know the five key words, two main divisions, and theme
- Be more aware of the pressure upon Jewish believers by unbelieving Jews to renounce Messiah and return to “normative” Judaism, both in the first century and also today
III. Required Textbooks and
Required Reading
- For each of the 10 Segments you will see this heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
Segment #1 Required Reading
There are two required textbooks, Fruchtenbaum’s and Allen’s, listed below, and two additional required resources which are free pdf files from Dr. Thomas Constable and Dr. J. Paul Tanner (also listed below). This does not include the Bible, which of course is THE BOOK for the course. For assigned readings, we will refer to each book by the author’s last name and an abbreviated title as follows:
- Fruchtenbaum, MJE refers to – Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Hebrews, James, First Peter, Second Peter, Jude. 1st ed. Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 2005.
- Allen, NAC refers to – Allen, David L. Hebrews, The New American Commentary. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2010.
- Constable, NoH refers to – Constable, Thomas L. “Notes on Hebrews,” 2020 edition. This is a free resource courtesy of Dr. Thomas Constable. It is available as a PDF file download.
- Tanner, DCLN refers to – Tanner, J. Paul. “Detailed Class Lecture Notes,” 2012 edition. This is a free resource courtesy of Dr. J. Paul Tanner. His commentary,The Blood of a Better Covenant: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, which is often listed with optional readings, is available as free PDF file download. If there are required readings for Tanner in some segments, it will be from his detailed class lecture notes and the title he selected for that lecture will be listed in quotation marks and the free pdf file will be provided as a download.
For This Segment #1 Read:
- Fruchtenbaum, MJE – Read the Introduction
- Allen, NAC – Read the Introduction. This is a long introduction and you are required to read all it (Parts 1-7). This may take several days to read through so do a portion day-by-day as you are able. It will be worth your time and effort. Remember, this is a college/seminary course and the focus is on just one book, the book of Hebrews. The goal of this course that that you will have learned a great deal about the book of Hebrews, thus it will require a substantial investmet of your time and effort. It is God’s Word, so there is nothing more important to study.
- Tanner, DCLN – Read “Canonicity of the Book of Hebrews,” “Introductory Matters,” and “Overall Message and the Warning Passages”
Note: The textbook, The Messianic Jewish Epistles, can be purchased directly from Ariel (electronic copy or hardcover) or from any other retail source. To order this please contact the Ariel home office (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435. Email at orders@ariel.org Ariel Ministries does not carry or stock or order the other required textbook for this course: Hebrews: New American Commentary by David Allen, B&H Academic, 2010. You will need to purchase this online from: Christianbook.com or Amazon.com or another online retailer, or Logos Bible software sells it in electronic format. You can also order it directly from the publisher: https://www.bhacademic.com/products/hebrews/
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 16 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course. For an example of this part of the curriculum, here is the Optional Reading for Segment #1
For example of this part of the curriculum, here is the
Optional Reading for Segment #1:
Segment #1 Optional Reading
Read about the persecution Dr. Fruchtenbaum endured when he became a believer in Yeshua, and the pressure he was under to renounce his faith in Yeshua and return to “normative” Judaism:
- L. Jesse Grace, Chosen Fruit: The Personal Life Story of Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Founder and President of Ariel Ministries. (San Antonio: Ariel Ministries, 2015).
For a broad range of discussions about authorship and other introductory matters in Hebrews see:
- J. Dwight Pentecost and Ken Durham, Faith That Endures : A Practical Commentary on the Book of Hebrews, Rev. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2000).
- Robert Gromacki, Stand Bold in Grace: An Exposition of Hebrews, The Gromacki Expository Series (The Woodlands, TX: Kress Christian Publications, 2002).
- F. F. Bruce, The Epistle to the Hebrews, Rev. ed., The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990).
- Paul Ellingworth, The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press, 1993).
- William L. Lane, Hebrews 1–8, vol. 47A, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1991).
V. Study Questions
- Again, there are custom study questions for each segment of the 10 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
Below is a sample of the Study Questions for this course,
The Messianic Jewish Epistles Part One: The Book of Hebrews, Segment #1:
Segment #1 Study Questions
Study Questions from the Fruchtenbaum MJE Reading and the Lecture
- Of the twenty-one epistles in the New Testament, which ones were written to Jewish believers dealing with the needs of Jewish believers and specific issues that Jewish believers faced?
- The first century Messianic Jewish community was faced with two major problems. What were they?
- Define the term Diaspora.
- Why was the book of Hebrews written?
- What do we know about the author of the book of Hebrews?
- What do we know about the readers?
- How do we know that the readers knew the author?
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, the recipients of the book of Hebrews were in what area?
- What clues help us to determine the approximate date of the writing of the book of Hebrews?
- The author of Hebrews builds his case on a number of theological examples from the Old Testament. What is the main purpose in doing this, in terms of application for the readers?
- According to the Dwight Pentecost quote in the text, “The writer suggests that his generation could enter into discipline through disobedience and could forfeit the blessings as their forefathers had done.” What is the principle Pentecost brings out in this?
- What are the examples taken from the Old Testament that the author uses to support his argument?
- What are some of the main insights we can learn from n the Randall Gleason quote?
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, what is the key passage needed to understand the key issue in the Book of Hebrew? Why?
- What do we know about the Jewish believers to whom the author was writing?
- The overall context of Hebrews is dealing with Jewish believers who were undergoing tremendous, severe persecution. Because of this persecution, what were they seriously considering?
- For Jews of that day, as well as for Jews today, the complete break from Judaism comes by what event?
- What do the five warning passages in Hebrews essential deal with?
- In terms of the author’s methodology, the contrast he makes is between that which is good and that which is better. Biblical Judaism was good, but Messiah is far better. As the author expounds on the good and the better, he takes the three main pillars of the Judaism of that day. What were these pillars?
- The five warnings in the book of Hebrews cause some people to think that a believer can lose his salvation. This belief is due to a failure to realize that the usage of certain Jewish terms. What are those terms?
- What are the five key words in this book of Hebrews? Define each.
- There are two main divisions to the book. What are they?
- What is the theme of the book of Hebrews?
Study Questions from Allen NAC Reading
- What do we learn about the form of this book from the postscript in 13:22–25?
- What is the current consensus about the salutation or introduction to this letter?
- What do the many examples of paranomasia tell us about the translation of this book?
- In light of the overall evidence, it seems moot to argue over whether Hebrews is an epistle or a sermon. Why? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- Who does Allen propose wrote the book? When was it written and where does he argue it was written? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
- What arguments does Dr. Allen make to support his contention that Luke was a Jew? Do you agree or disagree? Why? If you have taken the Ariel online courses on the Life of Yeshua, do you recall Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s view on this? Explain.
- What support does Allen provide to show that Luke was the author of Hebrews?
- Three major theories regarding the location of the recipients have been suggested. Which one does Allen support? Why?
- What is MacArthur’s view as to the who the recipients of Hebrews were? Does Allen agree or disagree? Why?
- With regard to the identity of the recipients, a promising solution to the question was first offered in 1923 by J. V. Brown. Summarize his view. How is Acts 6:7 related? Who was Spicq and what was his view on this matter of recipients of the book of Hebrews?
- Did J. V. Brown feel Paul was involved in the writing? Explain.
- The admonition of Hebrews 6:1-6 may have been given to counter what pressure? What additional light does Josephus shed on this?
- The author of Hebrews quotes from the Psalms 18 times. A good case can be made for understanding Ps 110:1, 4 as the key text that the author interpreted in the epistle. G. B. Caird’s ground-breaking work identified four key Old Testament passages as the work’s core quotations. List the passages.
- Another important point is the author’s exclusive use of the LXX rather than the Hebrew text. What does LXX mean?
- Jeremiah 31:33 is quoted in Heb 10:15 with the citation formula, “The Holy Spirit also testifies to us.” What can we learn about the (human) author from this?
- In the latter half of the twentieth century, scholars began to take note of the significance of the hortatory sections of Hebrews in the overall structure. F. F. Bruce agreed with this assessment. What passage, in his view was the climax of Hebrews?
- In terms of structure, chapters 12 and 13 have numerous command forms (imperatives and hortatory subjunctives in Greek) identifying the majority of these paragraphs as hortatory in nature. This word, “hortatory” recurs often in Allen’s book. Look up the word in a dictionary and define it.
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 10 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Here is an example from Segment #1 of The Messianic Jewish Epistles, Part One
Segment #1 Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment*
From your reading in this segment, you learned that the writer of the book of Hebrews sought to warn “thereaders against going back into Judaism. The Judaism warned against included the Judaism of the Levitical system, Rabbinic Judaism, and the Judaism that rejected the Messiahship of Jesus” (Fruchtenbaum, p. 12). Many Jewish believers in Yeshua today still face intense pressure to cease believing in Yeshua. In fact, there are organized efforts to deprogram Jewish believers. One of these organizations, “Jews for Judaism,” was founded in 1985 by Rabbi Bentzion Kravitz, who, according to their website, is an authority on Judaism and Christian polemics.
The spiritual growth assignment for this segment is to read through the short pamphlet entitled, “7 Answers to Religious Coercion: Cults and Deceptive Missionaries;” this was written and is used by Jews for Judaism in an effort to turn Jewish believers away from their faith in Yeshua. To spark your interest in reading this, here is a short except from it (it is set-up in a question and answer format):
Question: Did you know that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time?
Answer: A ‘Jew for Jesus’ is as absurd as a ‘Christian for Buddha’ and as ridiculous as ‘kosher pork.’ The fact that some of the first Christians were Jews didn’t make them right. Their movement died out within three centuries as the church became a Gentile institution.”
Here is the link to this free pamphlet, which is a download pdf file:
https://jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/documents/7-answers-to-religious-coercion
Note: This portion of the curriculum for the course, entitled “Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment” is a requirement. Therefore, students must read this portion for each segment and complete any work that is assigned. Sometimes this involves Bible memorization/meditation passages, other times it may require additional reading and journaling. On rare occasions there may be optional assignments, but this will be stated, otherwise, assume that all work in this part of the curriculum is required.
The purposes of this portion of the curriculum are threefold:
- To help students be discerning thinkers, to evaluate biblical interpretations in light of accurate exegesis and sound doctrine (1 Thess. 5:21-23; 2 Tim. 2:15; Titus 2:1)
- To internalize Scriptures and aspects of the study that can foster character formation towards Christlikeness as students grow in their knowledge of God, of themselves, and of the Scriptures (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; James 1:22).
- To keep an emphasis on Messianic Jewish implications and applications (e.g. Jewish evangelism and discipleship, living a Messianic Jewish life that is well-pleasing to the Lord).
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions.
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course, This course, The Messianic Jewish Epistles, Part One, is comprised of three Unit Exams. Each Unit Exam is to be completed after the required reading and assignments in the preceding Segments.
The typical Unit Exam has about 100 questions (some have more some less).
There are only three exams for this course, the exams have more questions, between 150-200.
Segment #1 Exam Questions from Fruchtenbaum, MJC and Lecture
- Of the twenty-one epistles in the New Testament, ____ were written to Jewish believers dealing with the needs of Jewish believers and specific issues that Jewish believers faced. There are things in these epistles applicable to all believers, but some are true only of Jewish believers.
- 3
- 5
- 6
- 7
- These epistles are:
- Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Hebrews, 1-2 Peter
- Hebrews, James, I & II Peter, and Jude
- The first century Messianic Jewish community was faced with two major problems: persecution and ______.
- Anti-Semitism
- Legalism (Pharisaic influences)
- False doctrine
- Lack of zeal (spiritual apathy)
- The term Diaspora is a technical term for:
- Gentiles who sought to adopt Jewish names and customs
- Jews and Gentiles who believed in Yeshua and sought to keep the law of Moses
- Jews who were born in the land of Israel and were living there
- Jews who live outside the Land of Israel
- To deal with persecution in the Diaspora, the book of Hebrews was written.
- True
- False
- The book of Hebrews was written by someone in the Diaspora to Jewish believers in the land.
- True
- False
- Dr. Fruchtenbaum believes that the author of Hebrews was Paul or Priscilla.
- True
- False
- What things do we know about the author?
- He was Jewish
- He was a believer in Yeshua
- He was a second-generation Jewish believer
- He was an eyewitness of the ministry of Yeshua
- A, B. and C only
- What do we know about the readers?
- They were third or fourth generation believers
- They were Gentile believers
- They were spiritually mature but lacked confidence
- A and C only
- None of the above
- How do we know that the readers knew the author?
- There is no indication in the text at all that they knew the author
- Hebrews 13:19 and 13:23 indicate they knew the author
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, the recipients of the book of Hebrews were those in:
- Jerusalem
- Rome
- The churches of Judea
- Syrian Antioch
- All the following helps us to determine the approximate date of the writing of the book of Hebrews except:
- The discussion of the Judah Maccabee and the year AD 60
- Clement of Rome’s letter in AD 96
- The year Paul led Timothy to the Lord AD 50
- The discussion of the sacrificial system using the present tense
- The author of Hebrews builds his case on a number of theological examples from the Old Testament. What is the main purpose in doing this, in terms of application for the readers?
- The application to the readers is that they, too, are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation
- The application to the readers is that they, too, are in danger of making an irrevocable decision
- According to the Dwight Pentecost quote in the text, “The writer suggests that his generation could enter into discipline through disobedience and could forfeit the blessings as their forefathers had done. The principle is an ongoing truth: unbelief that leads to disobedience will bring discipline. The result is not loss of _____ but loss of _____.
- Blessing, position
- Position, blessing
- Another key example taken from the Old Testament is________. The author builds a large theological comparison based on the limited information about ________as recorded in Genesis 14:18–20 and the prophecy found in Psalm 110:4 that the Messiah will be a priest after the Order of _________.
- Aaron
- Levi
- Melchizedek
- Zadok
- Gleason, In the Randall Gleason quote we learn:
- The author’s use of the Old Testament in the Epistle to the Hebrews is indispensable to understanding the warning in Hebrews 6:4–8
- The author’s allusions to Kadesh-barnea show that the sin of “falling away” refers to a final decision
to return to Judaism and to remain in a state of spiritual retrogression - In an age of spiritual apathy and moral compromise within the church, and often among its leadership, this passage delivers a severe warning to all who take their commitment to Christ lightly
- All the above
Segment #1 Questions from Allen NAC Reading
- It is clear from the postscript in 13:22–25 that Hebrews is _______, yet it does not have the usual
formulaic prescript. In fact, it begins like ______, reads like a _____ but concludes like ______ .- A sermon, an epistle, an epistle, sermon
- An epistle, sermon, sermon, an epistle
- The current consensus is that there was a salutation or introduction to this letter but it was lost.
- True
- False
- The many examples of paranomasia (play on words, as in Heb 5:8) and other stylistic devices make it clear that Hebrews:
- Was translated from Hebrew
- Was translated from Aramaic
- Was not a translation of a Hebrew original
- Was written in Latin and then Greek
- In light of the overall evidence, it seems moot to argue over whether Hebrews is an epistle or a sermon. It is both. The epistolary elements in Heb 13 “could well have been original and intentional, for the ‘sermon’ could well have been delivered (read aloud) as a ‘letter.’
- True
- False
- Allen proposed that ____ wrote Hebrews from ______after the death of _____ and before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
- Paul, Jerusalem, Herod
- Apollos, Rome, Nero
- Barnabas, Alexandria, Clement
- Luke, Rome, Paul
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
All rights reserved.
No part of this course, including video material, audio recordings, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2020 by Ariel Ministries
The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Part Two (BHD 107)
The Messianic Jewish Epistles: Part Two
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
This course provides a verse-by-verse exposition of James/Jacob, 1-2 Peter, and Jude.
Coming Soon! (Spring/Summer 2021)
Eschatology and the Book of Revelation: Part One (MJT 302)
Eschatology and the Book of Revelation, Part One
Learn what the Bible teaches about the End Times!
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
- Eschatology is the study of last things
- Covers prophecy from both the Hebrew Bible & New Testament
- This course, Part One, covers Revelation Ch. 1-14
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: Theological Studies
- Course Title: Eschatology and the Book of Revelation, Part One
- Course Code: MJT 302
- Prerequisites Recommended: None
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Five Units: 15 Segments, 9 hours of video lectures
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 15 video segments for this course. The video lectures vary in length.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish theology and biblical studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, Italy, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
Unit 1: Introductory Material
The Outline of Eschatology
Introduction to the Book of Revelation
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2: The Course of this Age: Part One
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3: The Sequence of Pretribulational Events: Part One
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4: The Sequence of Pretribulational Events: Part Two
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5: The Great Tribulation: Part One
Jews and the Worldwide Revival, The Trumpet Judgments, The Two Witnesses, and The Ecclesiastical Babylon, and Summary
Unit 5 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course (Eschatology and the Book of Revelation) there are 15 Segments, thus 15 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to:
- List and explain the seven reasons why biblical prophecy is an essential element in life for a believer.
- Define what is meant by having a “two world view.”
- State the approach used by Dr. Fruchtenbaum for studying prophecy.
- List, define, and identify examples of the rules of interpretation provided both by Dr. Fruchtenbaum and Dr. Pentecost that must serve as a foundation for a study of eschatology and biblical prophecy.
- Examine the historical development of the allegorical and the grammatical-historical methods of interpretation and contrast the two methods.
- Understand when “eschatology proper” begins, with reference to the seven dispensations and the basic outline of eschatology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the book of Revelation serves as the “grand central station” of biblical prophecy
- Know the historical background, the four interpretive approaches, essential message, and outline of the book of Revelation.
- Understand Rev. 1:1-20 as whole in context but also each verse specifically, including the meaning, interpretation, and implications for the believer today.
- Memorize and meditate upon the promises in Rev. 1:3 and consider beginning each study session for this course with that verse in prayer.
III. Required Textbooks and
Required Reading
- For each of the 15 Segments you will see this heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
Segment #1 Required Reading
- Article by Dr. Paul Benware “Biblical Prophecy: An Essential Element in Living a Genuine and Useful Christian Life.” Read this 12 page article. (We’ll provide pdf files to our students after signing up for the course).
- The Bible – Read Revelation Chapter 1 from at least two different translations (e.g. ASV, NASB95, HCSB, ESV, etc.). It is recommended that you read it several times, the more the better). In addition, it is often good to listen to an audio Bible.
- Fruchtenbaum, FOTM refers to the Arnold Fruchtenbaum textbook, The Footsteps of the Messiah: A Study of the Sequence of Prophtic Events. Revised edition. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2020. For this Segment, read the Foreword, Prefaces, and Chapter 1.
- Purchase Info: Textbooks are not included with the price of the course. You can purchase this book directly from Ariel Ministries, electronic/ebook or hardcover, or from any other retail source that may carry the book but be sure to get the 2020 edition. To order this from Ariel please contact the Ariel home office (210) 344-7707 or (877) 242-7435 or send an order via email to orders@ariel.org You can also order it on the Ariel Ministries as well: https://www.ariel.org/books/the-footsteps-of-the-messiah
- Pentecost, TTC refers to the Dwight Pentecost textbook, Things to Come: A Study of Biblical Eschatology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1964. For this Segment read the Preface, Introduction, Chapters 1-4
- Ariel Ministries does not carry this book so you will need to purchase this online from: Christianbook.com or Amazon.com or OliveTree Bible software sells it as part of their Bible software. You can also order it directly from the publisher: https://www.zondervan.com/9780310308904/things-to-come/
- Constable, ENOR refers to Thomas Constable’s, “Expository Notes on Revelation.” Read the Introduction and his notes on Rev. Chapter 1 (this is page 1 to 38 in the 2020 edition). You can read them online or download them as a pdf document from his website. Here is the link: https://planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/pdf/revelation.pdf
- Copyright Policy. “Unauthorized translation, republishing, file duplication, website or email distribution of any portion of this copyrighted material in any form, without the express written consent of Dr. Thomas L. Constable, or his appointed representatives, is strictly forbidden. You may use these Bible study notes for your own personal study or for teaching a class. You may download a copy to your computer, print, or make paper photocopies for a class or Bible study group, but charge only the cost of copying. You may NOT make changes and then attribute the Notes to Dr. Constable.” Permission was granted to Ariel Online Courses for use of these resources. If you’d like to make a donation to his ministry, here is the link: https://planobible.churchcenter.com/giving
- There will be a number of free journal articles and other resources provided for students who sign up for this course, however there will be some you will need to purchase and download (these are generally only a few dollars). For example, in Segment #10 you will need to purchase and read the following Messianic Bible Study:
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum – “The Little Apocalypse of Isaiah,” Messianic Bible Study (MBS) 064, Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1980.
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 15 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course. For an example of this part of the curriculum, here is the Optional Reading for Segment #1
For example of this part of the curriculum, here is the
Optional Reading for Segment #1:
Segment #1 Optional Reading
Read about the persecution Dr. Fruchtenbaum endured when he became a believer in Yeshua, and the pressure he was under to renounce his faith in Yeshua and return to “normative” Judaism. Grace, Jesse, L. Chosen Fruit: The Personal Life Story of Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Founder and President of Ariel Ministries. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2015.
- Benware, Paul. Understanding End Times Prophecy: A Comprehensive Approach. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2006. Chapter 1. (We provide links to several other of his resources to our students)
- Thomas Constable’s “Audio-based Bible Studies on Revelation.” These are audio teachings (stream or download) which you can access on the following link: https://planobiblechapel.org/constable-audio-revelation/ It is recommended (not required) that you listen to the first three lessons on Revelation:
- “The Unveiling of Jesus Christ”
- “Overview of Revelation”
- “The Preparation of the Prophet John”
- Cooper, David L. Exposition of the Book of Revelation. Biblical Research Society, 1972. Read Chapters 1-4. This book can be downloaded as a free pdf file here: https://www.biblicalresearch.info/Revelation.pdf
- Geisler, Norman. L. Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2005. Chapter 13.
- Swindoll, Charles. Insights on Revelation, Swindoll’s New Testament Insights. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011. Introduction and Chapter 1.
- Thomas, Robert L.Revelation 1-7: An Exegetical Commentary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1992. Introduction and Chapters 1-2.
- Walvoord, John F. The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Galaxie Software, 2008).
V. Study Questions
- Again, there are custom study questions for each segment of the 15 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
Below is a sample of the Study Questions for this course:
Segment #1 Study Questions from Benware Article
- Think About It – “Those who fail to inform their flock of things to come do not follow the example of Yeshua and the Apostles whose teachings were peppered through and through with truths about future things.” How well is your congregation or church doing in terms of teaching about future events (both in terms of doctrinal accuracy and spending sufficient time teaching it)? We call these “Think About It” questions and they are designed as very short essay questions. It is requested that you write a 2 to 5 sentence response in the space provided on the Unit Exam.
- What is a “two world view” and how does it relate to biblical prophecy?
- Biblical prophecy understood and embraced will have significant, positive results in the believer’s life. Dr. Benware lists seven such results. List them.
Segment #1 Study Questions from Fruchtenbaum, FOTM and Lecture
- In this study of prophecy, what is the approach taken by Dr. Fruchtenbaum?
- What were the reasons for discussing rules of interpretation prior to the study of specific topics of eschatology?
- You will be required to memorize the Golden Rule of Bible Interpretation.
- How many direct quotations from the Old Testament are there in the book of Revelation?
- Summarize what we learn the source and transmission of revelation from 1:1-3.
- What is meant in verse one that states that the things that are being revealed “must shortly come to pass”?
- Verse three puts an obligation on the fifth person of the progression, the believer, while at the same time giving a promise. What is the obligation and the promise?
- What is the central theme of the book of Revelation and what verse is cited to support this claim?
- What insight was given with regard to the Greek word in Rev. 1:10, translated as “Lord”?
Segment 1 Study Questions from Pentecost, TTC
- Think About It: Why do you think Dr. Pentecost begins his book with a discussion about interpretation, specifically the hermeneutics of prophecy?
- Explain what is meant by the following statement: “The first great danger of the allegorical method is that it does not interpret Scripture.”
- A second great danger in the allegorical method is that the basic authority in interpretation ceases to be the Scriptures, but the mind of the interpreter. What are some of the things that would impact such a loss of objectivity?
- The Platonic Jews of Egypt began in the first century, in imitation of the heathen Greeks, to interpret the Old Testament allegorically. How did this impact Philo of Alexandria’s interpretive method?
- The Fathers of the third and later centuries may be divided into three exegetical schools. List the schools and foremost exponent from each.
- Dr. Pentecost made the following statement, “Luther also maintained the perspicuity of Scripture…He sometimes came near to the modern remark that, “the Bible is to be interpreted like any other book.” Do a bit of your own research online and define “perspicuity of Scripture.”
- The Grammatical School was founded by Ernesti, who wrote an important work on the interpretation of the New Testament, in which he laid down four principles. Be able to identify these principles.
- Dr. Charles Feinberg stated “…in the interpretation of prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled, those prophecies which have been fulfilled are to form the pattern.” Elaborate on what he means by this statement.
- Briefly summarize each of the four interpretive approaches to Revelation.
- List the various views on the meaning of the “seven Spirits.”
- Messiah Yeshua will return physically to earth, just as He ascended physically into heaven. What verses support this?
- John sometimes first stated a general term, and then followed it up with a more specific one. What example is provided here?
- According to Dr. Constable, these “angels” (1:20) were probably men. Why and what biblical support is there for this?
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 15 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Segment #1 Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment*
In many of these segments you will be asked to meditate upon and memorize Scripture. Meditating upon Scripture simply means thinking deeply about it. In short, it is a way to slow down and let the Word of God soak into your mind and heart, to internalize it. This can be done by reading it over and over, which is excellent, and of course, through memorizing it. Ideally, we should select larger portions of Scripture to memorize because too often when we only memorize one verse it can easily be taken out of context and is more susceptible to misinterpretation. The benefits of memorizing Scripture cannot be overstated.
As a teenager, Arnold Fruchtenbaum used to attend summer Bible memory camps and was required to memorize longer portions of Scripture. He did this joyfully and is still reaping benefits from that discipline today. You can read all about this in his biography, Chosen Fruit: The Personal Life Story of Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, by L. Jesse Grace. Here is an except related to his efforts in Bible memory camp:
“In addition to Camp Sar Shalom taking place every summer, Burl Haynie was planning the launch of a new Memory Camp in the summer of 1959 on behalf of the ABMJ at another campsite in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Being a keen learner of the Word of God, Arnold yearned to take part. As an incentive, the teenagers were offered a paid trip if they could have the one hundred and twenty assigned Bible verses memorized before the start. Over a prior ten-week period, they were expected to learn twelve verses by heart each week. A local ABMJ worker would check on the accuracy of the recited verses and then send the results to the ABMJ headquarters” (p. 92-93).
We won’t have you memorize 12 verses for this segment but we will have you memorize three, Revelation 1:1-3. You can memorize this in good Bible version you desire (Dr. Fruchtenbaum recommends the ASV 1901 or the NASB95) and then write it out on the Unit Exam from memory.
Note: This portion of the curriculum for the course, entitled “Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment” is a requirement. Therefore, students must read this portion for each segment and complete any work that is assigned. Sometimes this involves Bible memorization/meditation passages, other times it may require additional reading and journaling. On rare occasions there may be optional assignments, but this will be stated, otherwise, assume that all work in this part of the curriculum is required.
The purposes of this portion of the curriculum are threefold:
- To help students be discerning thinkers, to evaluate biblical interpretations in light of accurate exegesis and sound doctrine (1 Thess. 5:21-23; 2 Tim. 2:15; Titus 2:1)
- To internalize Scriptures and aspects of the study that can foster character formation towards Christlikeness as students grow in their knowledge of God, of themselves, and of the Scriptures (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18; James 1:22).
- To keep an emphasis on Messianic Jewish implications and applications (e.g. Jewish evangelism and discipleship, living a Messianic Jewish life that is well-pleasing to the Lord).
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions.
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course is comprised of five unit exams. Each unit exam is to be completed after viewing the lecture, completing all required reading, and assignments for that particular unit.
Exams vary in length (between 100 to 200 questions).
*Note: The Unit 1 Exam is comprised of 151 Questions. Here are a just a few sample questions from that exam to give you an idea of the format:
Segment #1 Exam Questions from Benware article “The Importance of Biblical Prophecy”
- Think About It: “Those who fail to inform their flock of things to come do not follow the example of Yeshua and the Apostles whose teachings were peppered through and through with truths about future things.” How well is your congregation or church doing in terms of teaching about future events (both in terms of doctrinal accuracy and spending sufficient time teaching it)?
- Peter refers to prophetic events almost ______ times in his two epistles. Jude, Hebrews and Paul’s writings are simply packed with statements about future events.
- 10
- 20
- 30
- 40
- Prayer and Scripture. “Imagine for a moment that the angel Gabriel showed up at your bedside tonight and informed you that Yeshua was going to return sometime this month. Assuming that it really was Gabriel, do you think you would have a serious problem with sin from that point on?” Take some time to think this through and consider praying about this now. When you are done type out 1 John 2:28, 29, and 3:3 in the space below. Do not just cut and paste Scripture but type each word. This may help internalize these truths into your mind and heart.
- False teaching characteristically has a “one world” focus and a person who is not indoctrinated with a “two world” perspective will easily fall prey to this kind of false teaching. The Apostles warned us that the basic element in much of false teaching is “lust.” Lust (epiyumia) does not, as some think, simply refer to immorality. While immorality is included, the word rather refers to:
- A lack of biblical knowledge
- A lukewarm love for God and things of God
- wrong desires of any kind
- sexual sins (in thought or behavior)
Segment #1 Exam Questions from Fruchtenbaum, FOTM and Lecture
- In this study of prophecy, what is the approach taken by Dr. Fruchtenbaum?
- To study it thematically, by topic
- To study it theologically, by doctrine
- To study it chronologically, as the sequence of events are revealed in Scripture
- To study it practically, with a focus on contemporary relevance and application
- You were required to memorize the Golden Rule of Bible Interpretation. Now, from memory, fill-in the missing words:
- When the ____ sense of _____ makes common ____, seek no other _____ therefore, take every _____at its _____, ordinary, _____, literal meaning, unless the _____ of the immediate _____, studied in the light of _____ passages and _____ and fundamental _____, indicate clearly _____.
- One of the most important rules of good Bible interpretation to follow relates to the important of:
- Pretext
- Context
- Cause and Effect
- Lexicography
- The Book of Revelation has 550 direct quotations from the Old Testament.
- True
- False
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, the majority of the things found in the first twenty chapters of the Book of Revelation are found elsewhere in the Old Testament. Only the last two chapters deal with things totally new.
- True
- False
- Verses 4b-5a indicate the primary author of the book of Revelation was:
- John
- The Spirit
- The angel
- The Triune God
- What is the central theme of the book of Revelation and what verse is cited to support this claim.
- The Kingdom of the saints as priests to God is the theme and this is supported by Rev. 1:6
- The New Earth is the theme of the book and Rev. 21:1 supports this
- The death and resurrection of Yeshua is the theme of the book and Rev. 1:8 supports this
- The return of Yeshua to this earth is the central theme of this book and Rev. 1:7
Segment #1 Exam Questions from Pentecost, TTC
- Think About It. “No question facing the student of Eschatology is more important than the question of the method to be employed in the interpretation of the prophetic Scriptures. The basic differences between the premillennial and amillennial schools and between the pretribulation and posttribulation rapturists are hermeneutical, arising from the adoption of divergent and irreconcilable methods of interpretation. The fact that the Word of God cannot be correctly interpreted apart from a correct method of and sound rules for interpretation gives the study its supreme importance.”
- This statement by Dr. Pentecost appears in the very first paragraph of his book. Why do you think he begins his book with a discussion about the method of interpretation, specifically the hermeneutics of prophecy?
- Look it Up: Dr. Pentecost made the following statement, “Luther also maintained the perspicuity of Scripture…He sometimes came near to the modern remark that, “the Bible is to be interpreted like any other book.” Do a bit of your own research online and define “perspicuity of Scripture.”
Dr. Charles Feinberg stated “…in the interpretation of prophecy that has not yet been fulfilled, those prophecies which have been fulfilled are to form the pattern. The only way to know how God will fulfill prophecy in the future is to:
- Consider the consequences if He does not fulfill them in the future”
- Ascertain how He has done it in the past”
Segment #1 Exam Questions from Constable, ENOR
- Dr. Constable views the book of Revelation as:
- An epistle containing prophecy, much of it apocalyptic
- Entirely apocalyptic
- Half prophetical and half homiletical
- An unknown genre of literature that thus cannot and should not be categorized
- Dr. Constable wrote a chapter entitled “Suffering in the Book of Revelation.” What is the title of the book in which this chapter appears? [Note: Dr. Constable’s footnotes are important so some questions will be drawn from the these as well.]
- Why, O God? Suffering and Disability in the Bible and Church
- How Long O Lord? Suffering and Disability in Scripture and in Life
- Pause for Prayer and Praise: Re-read Rev. 1:12-17 as well as the following quote form Barclay – “The hand of Messiah Yeshua is strong enough to uphold the heavens and gentle enough to wipe away our tears.” Take a few moments to meditate upon this and write out your thoughts in the space below. Consider writing it out in the form of a prayer or praise to God.
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
All rights reserved.
No part of this course, including video material, audio recordings, related texts, curriculum, exams, assignments, attachments, or other course materials may be reproduced, broadcast, distributed, posted online, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Ariel Ministries/Ariel Online Courses, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
© 2020 by Ariel Ministries
Eschatology and the Book of Revelation, Part Two(MJT 303)
Eschatology and the Book of Revelation, Part Two
Learn what the Bible teaches about the End Times!
Taught by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
- This course covers the events of the second half of the Tribulation, the Campaign of Armageddon, the Second Coming, the characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom, and much more.
- It includes a verse-by-verse exposition of Revelation chapters 16 to 22.
- Level: Associate’s
- Discipline: Theological Studies
- Course Title: Eschatology and the Book of Revelation, Part Two
- Course Code: MJT 303
- Prerequisites Recommended: MJT 302
- Instructor: Dr. Fruchtenbaum
- Length: Five Units: 14 Segments
- Course Cost: $99 (excluding textbooks)
- Audit Cost: $49 (excluding textbooks)
The video above is the first video segment for this course; there are 14 video segments for this course. The video lectures vary in length.
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary, Ph.D. New York University
Dr. Fruchtenbaum is the Founder and Director of Ariel Ministries. He is a world-class Bible scholar and authority on Messianic Jewish theology and biblical studies. He also has been a prolific author and in-demand Bible teacher and conference speaker in the United States, Canada, Italy, Israel, Germany, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other nations.
I. Course Outline
Unit 1: The Great Tribulation: Part Two
Unit 1 Exam
Unit 2: The Seventy-five Day Interval, The Basis for the Belief in the Messianic Kingdom, General Characteristics of the Messianic Kingdom, The Government of the Messianic Kingdom
Unit 2 Exam
Unit 3: Israel in the Messianic Kingdom
Unit 3 Exam
Unit 4: The Millennial Mountain of Jehovah’s House, The Millennial Temple, The
Millennial System of Priesthood and Sacrifice, The Millennial River, The Millennial
Israel, and the Millennial Jerusalem
Unit 4 Exam
Unit 5: The Gentiles in the Messianic Kingdom, The Aftermath, The Eternal Order, and
Conclusion
Unit 5 Exam
II. Course Learning Objectives
- There are Course Learning Objectives for each Segment of the course.
- So, for this course (Eschatology and the Book of Revelation) there are 14 Segments, thus 14 separate sets of learning objectives.
For example, here are the Learning Objectives for Segment #1
Segment #1 Learning Objectives
After studying this segment, students should be able to:
- Correctly interpret and understand the meaning of each verse in Revelation chapters 15 and
16, including:- The Song of Moses and The Song of the Lamb
- Each of the Bowl Judgments
- The significance of the phrase “the time of Jacob’s Trouble”
- The five “Day of Jehovah” passages that directly relate the Great Tribulation to Israel
- The four distinct groups of Jews during the Tribulation period
- The four clues from the Scripture about where the Jewish remnant will hide
- The twofold basis of the Second Coming of Yeshua the Messiah
- Think through principles related to theological implications and practical applications including:
- The punishment and suffering to befall those who reject Messiah, both temporally and eternally
- Greater thankfulness to God that we (believers) will not go through the Great Tribulation
- Pray Scripture using “The Song of the Lamb,” in evelation 15:3-4 to foster deeper and more varied prayers life
III. Required Textbooks and
Required Reading
- For each of the 14 Segments you will see this heading which lists the required reading for that particular Segment.
- Students can do this required reading before or after watching the Segment video lecture.
Segment #1 Required Reading
- The Bible – Read Revelation Chapter 15-16 from at least two different translations (e.g. ASV, NASB95, HCSB, ESV, etc.). It is recommended that you read it several times) the more the better). In addition, it is often good to listen to an audio Bible.
- Fruchtenbaum, FOTM refers to the Arnold Fruchtenbaum textbook, The Footsteps of the Messiah: A Study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events. Revised edition. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2020. For this Segment, read Chapter 12 “The Events of the Second Half of the Tribulation (Part A. “The Prelude” and Part B. The Bowl Judgments”) and Chapter 13 “Additional Features and Facts” (Part A. “Babylon and B. Israel and the Tribulation”).
- Constable, ENOR refers to Thomas Constable’s, “Expository Notes on Revelation.” Read the notes on Chapter 15 and 16 (this is page 235 to 258 in the 2020 edition).
IV. Optional Reading
- You will also see this heading, Optional Reading, for each of the 14 Segments for this course.
- Optional reading is not required but it is recommended. Optional reading items are helpful but keep in mind that Ariel Ministries does not necessarily endorse all the content or doctrines in the optional readings in this course. For an example of this part of the curriculum, here is the Optional Reading for Segment #1
For example of this part of the curriculum, here is the
Optional Reading for Segment #1:
Segment #1 Optional Reading
Read about the persecution Dr. Fruchtenbaum endured when he became a believer in Yeshua, and the pressure he was under to renounce his faith in Yeshua and return to “normative” Judaism. Grace, Jesse, L. Chosen Fruit: The Personal Life Story of Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Founder and President of Ariel Ministries. San Antonio, TX: Ariel Ministries, 2015.
- The Photo Companion to the Bible is an image-rich resource designed for Bible students,
teachers, and researchers. Photographs are organized in PowerPoint presentations by book, chapter, and verse of the Bible. Learn more about this outstanding resource at www.BiblePlaces.com - Robert L. Thomas, Chapter 18 in “The Seven Bowls or the Seven Last Plagues,” in
Revelation 8-22: An Exegetical Commentary (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1995). - John Walvoord, Chapter 15 and 16 in Revelation: The John Walvoord Prophecy
Commentaries (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2011). - Mark Hitchcock, “What is the Song of Moses in 15:1-3?” in 101 Answers to Questions
about the Book of Revelation (Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2012). - J. Vernon McGee, Chapter 15 and 16 in Thru the Bible Commentary: The Prophecy
(Revelation 14-22), vol. 60 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1991). - Charles Swindoll, “The Original Temple of Doom (Rev. 15:1-18)” and “The Final
Seven Super Bowls (Rev. 16:1-21),” in Insights on Revelation, Swindoll’s New
Testament Insights (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011). - G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International
Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans;
Paternoster Press, 1999). While not a dispensationalist, Beale nevertheless does provide
helpful and detailed Jewish background information from rabbinic sources about the song of
Moses and the song of the Lamb in Rev. 15.
V. Study Questions
- Again, there are custom study questions for each segment of the 14 segments to this course.
- Study questions do not need to be answered by the student. These are only listed to assist students in preparing for the Unit Exams or for students to test their own knowledge and recall.
Below is a sample of the Study Questions for this course:
Segment #1 Study Questions from Fruchtenbaum, FOTM and Lecture
- In Revelation 15:2-4, there is a view of the martyred saints of the second half of the
Tribulation. They are viewed as singing two songs. What songs are these and where in
Scripture are any of them referred to? - Think About It – “Under the second trumpet judgment, one-third of the salt water was affected. Now, the rest of the saltwater will be turned into blood, destroying the remainder of sea life.” Why do you think God sent this judgment upon oceans and sea life? Why do you think He did it in two stages like this?
- Describe what happens in the five bowl judgments.
- Why is the Tribulation called “the time of Jacob’s Trouble”?
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, “A graphic description of Israel in the tribulation is found in Isaiah 3:1-4:1.” Read over this passage and record anything in particular which seems to indicate that this must be referring to the period of the Great Tribulation and not another period of Israel’s punishment and suffering. Explain why.
- Select one or two passages in Joel 2:1-11 that indicate this passage must be referring to the Great Tribulation and not some other period of Jewish history, prophecy, punishment, or suffering and explain why.
- Select one or two passages in Amos 5:18-20 that indicate this passage must be referring to the Great Tribulation and not some other period of Jewish history, prophecy, punishment or suffering and explain why.
- The key passage describing the Great Tribulation as a period of worldwide anti-Semitism is found in Matthew. List the chapter and versed.
- What verse in Zechariah points out that Satan has always had a special antagonism against the Jews?
- What is the central passage in Revelation describing Satan’s relationship to Israel during the Tribulation.?
- In the Holocaust, one-third of the world’s Jewish population died. Under the fierce persecution of the Antichrist, controlled and energized by Satan, two-thirds of the Jewish population will die. What passage of Scripture does Dr. Fruchtenbaum cite to support this statement?
- What key verse in Daniel points out Michael’s relationship to Israel in the Tribulation?
- During the tribulation period, there will be four distinct groups of Jews. List and define each group.
- Which verse in Isaiah 10 indicates that a decree of destruction that has been determined upon the whole earth (thus points to the Great Tribulation)”
- In Isaiah 41:17-20, what do the combined words, “the poor and needy,” refer to?
- There are four clues from the Scripture that provide some information about where the Jewish remnant will hide. Be able to match the Scripture reference with the location clue.
- What verse in Micah pinpoints the exact place the remnant will seek refuge and hide?
- Why is the word Bozrah an important clue? What is Petra shaped like?
- What was the basis upon which the Jewish leadership of Israel rejected the Messiahship of Yeshua?
- What were the two signs of Jonah?
- Read all of Leviticus chapter 26., then respond to these three questions in the space below: (a) What do you learn about God from this chapter? (b) What verse states that the Jews would be scattered all over the world? (c) What does verse 40 have to do with the Second Coming of Messiah?
- What is the condition tied to the promises from the following passage – Jeremiah 3:11-18?
- Summarize what we learn about the Second Coming from Hosea chapter 5.
- The fifth passage dealing with the prerequisite of the Second Coming is found in Matthew 23:37-39. According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, what did Yeshua mean by the word “house” in verse 38, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate”?
- What is the twofold basis of the Second Coming of Yeshua the Messiah?
Segment #1 Study Questions from Constable, ENOR (Ch. 15-16)
- Does Revelation chapter 15 provide supplementary revelation begun in 12:1 and 14:1? If so,
how? - The bowl “plagues” that follow have many similarities to the plagues that God sent on
Egypt. What do these similarities suggest? - What does the “tabernacle of testimony” refer to?
- What does the frequent use of the Greek adjective “megales” in this chapter indicates?
- From J. Vernon McGee’s Thru the Bible Commentary, The Prophecy (Revelation 14-22):
“This world in which we are living is under the judgment of God. It is hard for even believers
to accept that fact. After almost a century of insipid preaching from America’s pulpits, the
average man believes that God is all sweetness and light and would not discipline or punish
anyone. Well, this Book of Revelation tells a different story!” (p. 71) Do you agree or disagree
with this statement? Why? - Which bowl judgments will fall only on man’s environment?
- Pause for Prayer: Warren W. Wiersbe, in The Bible Exposition Commentary, made the
following comment: “Revelation 16:10–11 suggests that these sores do not disappear; for by
the time of the fifth vial, people are still in pain from the first judgment. It is an awesome
thought to consider almost the entire population of the world suffering from a painful
malady that nothing can cure. Constant pain affects a person’s disposition so that he finds it
difficult to get along with other people. Human relations during that period will certainly be
at their worst” (609-610). Take some time now to consider these things in prayer and record
your thoughts. - This judgment in Rev. 16:3 resulted in the destruction of all sea life, “every living thing in the
sea died,” not just one third of it, as in the second trumpet judgment (8:8-9). This may involve
actual coagulated, rotting blood. Why would this be likely? - What does the “angel of the waters” evidently refer to?
- List some of the weakness of the figurative interpretations of Rev. 16:10-11.
- According to Dr. Constable, will the Bowl Judgments overlap each other? Explain.
- What is the problem that the sixth Bowl Judgment poses for earth-dwellers?
- From the insights Dr. Constable shared in the Alfred Edersheim quote, what do we learn
about the meaning Revelation 16:15b? “(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that
watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)” - In Hebrew, what does “Har-Magedon” literally mean?
- Dwight Pentecost in his book, Thy Kingdom Come, believed that the bowl judgments
describe the second advent of Jesus Christ to the earth, and that they occur in the 45-day
period following the end of the Tribulation, not during the Tribulation period itself.
Explain why Dr. Constable does not agree with this view. What view do you take on
this and why? - Did Dr. Robert Thomas view the description of the seventh bowl as extending through
22:5? Explain.
VI. Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications
- There is a unique Spiritual Growth Implications and Applications feature for each Segment of the 14 Segments.
- These are an important part of our courses because they help students to internalize application points which foster growth in character formation.
- There are a variety of approaches used with vary with each Segment. Sometimes this involves journaling, praying through a passage of Scripture, insights on Jewish outreach and discipleship, a little additional reading (we provide the content at no extra cost), and sometimes some Bible memorization/meditation on short passages. Students taking our courses for credit are required to complete the Spiritual Growth assignments, however students who are auditing our courses do not need to do these assignments.
- When a written assignment is required, such as a journal or prayer, students must complete these, but they are not turned-in for grading or credit. We expect students to complete these assignments, using the honor system.
- For student journal assignments you can use a Word doc on your computer or a handwritten journal or notebook; whichever you prefer is fine (again these will not be collected, turned-in or graded).
- However, when there is a Bible memory passage that is assigned and also required, then the Bible memory passage will be included in the Unit Exam. Bible memory verses for this course are based on the NASB (1995) version of the Bible; per Dr. Fruchtenbaum’s instructions. He uses the ASV in teaching but requested that the NASB be used for the Bible memory passages for this course.
Segment #1 Spiritual Growth: Implications and Applications Assignment*
Songs of worship and praise that are sung with sincere hearts and theologically correct lyrics not
only honor the Lord but also nourish our souls. Such music is a gift from God and also should to be
offered to God. We this in Revelation 15:3-4.
- 3a – “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
- 3b – Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty;
- 3c – Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the ages.
- 4a – Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
- 4b – For You only are holy;
- 4c – For all the nations shall come and worship before You;
- 4d – For Your righteous acts have been made manifest.”
Your spiritual growth assignment for this segment is comprised of two parts. The first part is
required (if you are taking the course for credit) and the second part is highly recommended but not
required.
Part One: For the first part, find a time and place where you can pray alone, without distraction,
bring your Bible with you. Then open your Bible to Rev. 15:3-4 and read only one phrase at a time
and after reading the phrase, offer a prayer of worship to God using the words of that phrase in
some way in that prayer. Then move on to the next phrase and repeat the process, framing your
prayer upon that phrase of Scripture. This is called, “praying with Scripture” or “praying the Bible.”
If you are unsure of how to do this, here is a sample.
- Scripture 15:3a- “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song
of the Lamb, saying…”- Praying with Scripture (example): God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, just
the fact that you revealed to us that these Tribulation saints “sang the song of Moses,
the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” means that this song of worship
is important to you, that singing to you is important to you. Help me, O Lord, to
spend more time singing praises to You. Amen.
- Praying with Scripture (example): God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, just
- Scripture 15:3b – Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty;
- Praying with Scripture (example): Father God, when these Tribulation saints said
“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty,” they really
meant it. They witnessed firsthand some of the cataclysmic judgments You sent
upon the earth. Father God, I praise You now for the “great and marvelous” works
that you have done in the world already, such as (list some) and the “great and
marvelous” works that you have done in my personal life, such as (list some)…
- Praying with Scripture (example): Father God, when these Tribulation saints said
Part Two (recommended, not required):
Listen to and enjoy the two worship songs below by Paul Wilbur.
- Song #1 is titled “The Song of Moses” and the lyrics are based on Rev. 15:3-4.
- Song #2 is titled “Who is Like Thee (Mikamocha), based upon Exodus 15:11.
You can listen to a free short sample and choose to purchase them (.99 cent on Amazon) on any of
the links below:
- Song #1 on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Song-of-Moses/dp/B0157I8FQ0 - Song #1 on Christian Book Distributors:
https://www.christianbook.com/paul-wilbur/the-song-of-moses/pd/DL157749-15 - Song #2 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Is-Like-Thee-Mikamocha/dp/B0157I8ET8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=who+is+like+thee+Paul+wilbur&qid=1601292111&s=dmusic&sr=1-1 - Song #2 on Christian Book Distributors
https://www.christianbook.com/paul-wilbur/who-is-like-thee/pd/DL157913-15
VII. Course Exams
- There are no mid-term or final exams, no term papers, no major projects, presentations, or quizzes.
- There are, however Unit Exams for all of our courses. Unit Exams are open-note, open-book, and open-Bible.
- The exams are based on multiple-choice, true-false, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions.
- The exams are on the website as well, graded automatically. Take as long as you need to complete the exams and exams can be taken as many times as needed.
- Students can save answers and close the exam and finish at a later time if desired. Students taking courses for credit are required to take the exams but students who audit our courses can skip or by-pass all the exams.
- This course is comprised of five unit exams. Each unit exam is to be completed after viewing the lecture, completing all required reading, and assignments for that particular unit.
Exams vary in length (between 100 to 200 questions).
*Note: The Unit 1 Exam is comprised of 151 Questions. Here are a just a few sample questions from that exam to give you an idea of the format:
Short sample some of the Exam Questions from the Fruchtenbaum Assigned Reading
- In Revelation 15:2-4, there is a view of the martyred saints of the second half of the
tribulation. They are viewed as singing two songs. One is the song of Moses (v. 3a), which
refers to (mark any or all that may apply):- The song of Mary (Miriam) in Luke 1:46-55
- The song in Exodus 15:1-18
- The song of David in 2 Samuel 22
- The song in Deuteronomy 32:1-43
- Think About It: “Under the second trumpet judgment, one-third of the salt water was
affected. Now, the rest of the saltwater will be turned into blood, destroying the remainder
of sea life.” Why do you think God sent this judgment upon oceans and sea life? Why do
you think He did it in two stages like this? - The fifth bowl judgment will result in the fifth blackout of the end times. The entire earth, every
nation, will be darkened.- True
- False
- According to Dr. Fruchtenbaum, “A graphic description of Israel in the tribulation is found in
Isaiah 3:1-4:1.” Read over this passage and record anything in particular which seems to
indicate that this must be referring to the period of the Great Tribulation and not another period
of Israel’s punishment and suffering. Explain why. - Select one or two passages in Joel 2:1-11 that indicates this passage must be referring to the
Great Tribulation and not some other period of Jewish punishment or suffering and explain why. - Select one or two passages in Amos 5:18-20that indicates this passage must be referring to the
Great Tribulation and not some other period of Jewish punishment or suffering and explain why. - The key passage describing the great tribulation as a period of worldwide anti-Semitism is found
in Matthew 24:9-28.- True
- False
- In the Holocaust, one-third of the world’s Jewish population died. Under the fierce persecution
of the Antichrist, controlled and energized by Satan, two-thirds of the Jewish population will
die. What passage of Scripture does Dr. Fruchtenbaum cite to support this statement?- Revelation 12: 7-12
- Zephaniah 1:7-13
- Zechariah 13:8-9
- Matthew 24:9-14
- The key verse pointing out Michael’s relationship to Israel in the tribulation is Daniel 12:1.
- True
- False
- During the tribulation period, there will be four distinct groups of Jews. Which was not one of
the four listed?- The apostate Jews
- The 144,000
- The Jewish Leadership
- The Faithful Remnant
- Other Jewish Believers
- Which verse in Isaiah 10:20-23 indicates that a decree of destruction that has been determined
upon the whole earth (thus points to the Great Tribulation)”- 20
- 21
- 22a
- 22b-23
- According to Isaiah 41:17-20, the combined words, “the poor and needy” refers to the non-
remnant.- True
- False
- Matching: There are four clues from the Scripture that provide some information about where
the Jewish remnant will hide. Match the Scripture reference with the location clue. - Petra is shaped like:
- A deep circular well
- The Temple compound
- The old Jerusalem at the time of David
- A giant sheepfold
- The Messiahship of Yeshua was rejected by the Jewish leadership, and the Jewish leadership led
the nation to the rejection of His Messiahship on the basis of:- Unfulfilled prophecy
- Lack of evidence for Davidic descent
- Lack of evidence for divine sanction
- None of the above
- Read all of Leviticus chapter 26., then respond to these three questions in the space below:
- What do you learn about God from this chapter?
- What verse states that the Jews would be scattered all over the world?
- What does verse 40 have to do with the Second
Coming of Messiah?
Sample of some Exam Questions from Constable’s Assigned Reading
- Revelation chapter 15 continues supplementary revelation, begun in 12:1, and the emphasis on
preparation for the final judgments of the Great Tribulation, begun in 14:1.- True
- False
- The bowl “plagues” that follow have many similarities to the plagues that God sent on Egypt. All seven of these bowl judgments repeat in varied ways the plagues of Egypt. These similarities suggestthat God’s purpose in both series of judgments is the same:
- To establish an analogous correspondence between the stubborn and hard heart of Pharaoh and his followers with that of the Antichrist and his followers.
- To punish godless idolaters and to liberate the godly for future blessing and service.
- The “tabernacle of testimony” refers to:
- The temple as the building that housed God’s law
- The temple as the Person of Messiah while He was physically present
- McGee’s Thru the Bible Commentary: The Prophecy (Revelation 14-22): “This world in which we are living is under the judgment of God. It is hard for even believers to accept that fact. After almost a century of insipid preaching from America’s pulpits, the average man believes that God is all sweetness and light and would not discipline or punish anyone. Well, this Book of Revelation tells a different story!” (p. 71) Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
- The firstfour trumpet judgments willfall on man himself, but the first bowl judgment will fall
only on man’s environment.- True
- False
- Pause for Prayer: Warren W. Wiersbe, in The Bible Exposition Commentary, made the following comment: “Revelation 16:10–11 suggests that these sores do not disappear; for by the time of the fifth vial, people are still in pain from the first judgment. It is an awesome thought to consider almost the entire population of the world suffering from a painful malady that nothing can cure. Constant pain affects a person’s disposition so that he finds it difficult to get along with other people. Human relations during that period will certainly be at their worst” (609-610). Take some time now to consider these things in prayer and record your thoughts below. (At a loss? Then take some time thanking God that you will not have to ever ensure such suffering during the Tribulation.)
- This judgment in Rev. 16:3 resulted in the destruction of all sea life, “every living thing in the sea died,” not just one third of it, asin the second trumpet judgment (8:8-9). This may involve actual coagulated, rotting blood. Why would this be likely?
- Because of the wording in Scripture: “and it became blood as of a dead man”
- Because of the phrase in the Talmud that speaks of “rotting blood” in relation to judgment
- The “angel of the waters” evidently refers to:
- A metaphor for the blessing of the waters
- A fallen angel (demon) that will be used to poison the water
- The angel responsible for the sea (oceans) and fresh water
- In the Greek, “angel” is plural, so angels, likely multitudes, will cause massive flooding
- The weakness of the figurative interpretations of Rev. 16:10-11 is that:
- Thefifth trumpet judgment involved literal darkness (9:2)
- The ninth Egyptian plague involved literal darkness (Exod. 10:21-22)
- God darkened Jerusalem when Messiah Yeshia died on the cross (Matt.27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44)
- All the Above
- According to Dr. Constable, each of the Bowl Judgments end before the next one begins; in
other words the Bowl Judgments will not overlap each other.- True
- False
- The problem that the sixth Bowl Judgment poses for earth-dwellers is not some immediate
affliction from the judgment itself, but its later consequences, namely: ____. This sixth bowl does
not inflict a plague on people, but serves instead as a preparation for the final eschatological
_____.- Political, government
- Scarcity, famine
- War, Battle
- Hell, Judgment
- Short Answer: From the insights Dr. Constable shared in the Alfred Edersheim quote, what
do we learn about the meaning Revelation 16:15b? “(Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he
that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.)” - Short Answer: Dwight Pentecost in his book, Thy Kingdom Come, believed that the bowl
judgments describe the second advent of Jesus Christ to the earth, and that they occur in the
45-day period following the end of the Tribulation, not during the Tribulation period itself.
Explain why Dr. Constable does not agree with this view. What view do you take on this
and why? - Dr. Robert Thomas viewed the description of the seventh bowl as extending through 22:5. He saw all that follows, up to 22:5, as being part of this final, climactic, seventh bowl judgment. More students of Revelation, however, have seen the description of the seventh bowl as limited to 16:17-21, with the consequences of that judgment following through 22:5.
- True
- False
VIII. Grading
- Grades on Unit Exams are calculated into percentages (100% = perfect score), regardless of the number of questions on an exam.
- The final grade is automatically calculated, also using percentages, based on all of the combined totals from all ten Unit Exams.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A+ | 97%+ |
A | 93%-96% |
A- | 90%-92% |
B+ | 87%-89% |
B | 83%-86% |
B- | 80%-82% |
C+ | 77%-79% |
C | 73%-76% |
C- | 70%-72% |
D+ | 67%-69% |
D | 63%-66% |
D- | 60%-62% |
F | 0%-59% |
IX. Communication and Contact Information
- Because our courses are pre-recorded, self-paced, with open-enrollment, there is no direct personal one-on-one student-to-teacher or teacher-to-student communication.
- If you have customer service type of questions related to the online courses, please click on the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or you can email the Director of Online Studies at: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- Please do not send questions related to course content to the course instructor or professor. Please do not call the Ariel home office regarding the Ariel Online Courses. Instead, please use the “Contact Us” link on the Ariel Online Courses homepage or the email: Administrator@ArielCourses.com
- We will promptly respond to your questions, generally within 48 hours (except on weekends or holidays). All communication with Ariel Online Courses will be through email, there is no telephone customer service for matters pertaining to Ariel Online Courses.
X. Course Records
- If you complete the “My Profile” section on the Ariel Online Courses homepage, we can keep an official record for your progress including the courses you complete and your grades. Please sure to complete this information.
- “My Profile”
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