Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Matthew Goode, MDiv.
Spring 2015
January 13, 2015 May 1, 2015
Authentic Christianity
COURSE SYLLABUS
REL 1133
Contents
COURSE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................... 2
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES .............................................................................. 2
COURSE TEXTS ............................................................................................................ 2
COURSE METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................ 3
COURSE EVALUATION ................................................................................................. 4
GRADING ....................................................................................................................... 6
COURSE POLICIES ....................................................................................................... 6
SAGU ACADEMIC POLICIES ......................................................................................... 7
PROFESSOR CONTACT ............................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
COURSE DESIGN .......................................................................................................... 8
BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................... 10
MODEL COVER SHEET* ............................................................................................. 14
REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The experience and ethics of authentic Christianity within contemporary culture. Using
the Word of God, students embrace its unique world view as a foundation for exemplary
living, decision making, exploring personal aspirations, facing dilemmas and problem
solving. Christian devotion and service in the Church and the marketplace are
emphasized as well as the essential spiritual disciplines for character formation:
engaging Scripture, personal and intercessory prayer, the dynamic of the Holy Spirit,
and purity in lifestyle. Students are challenged to discover (and become one with) God’s
view of themselves, the current times, and God’s purposes in the world.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
In completing this course of study each should expect to:
1. Identify and discuss the core elements of a Christian world view as it would find
expression within a pagan culture.
2. Discuss, from a biblical perspective, the characteristics of authentic Christianity.
3. Identify the spiritual disciplines or habits that sustain authentic Christian life and
service: Daily devotional Bible reading, personal and intercessory prayer, regular
fellowship with believers through church attendance, and stewardship of time,
talent and resources, etc.
4. Explain the importance of integrity to the authentic Christian life – what it consists
of and how it is sustained from a biblical perspective.
5. Describe the role that godly counsel, the teaching of Scripture, and the Holy
Spirit’s guidance play in decision making and resolving various ethical dilemmas
in contemporary culture.
6. Discuss the essential role of the Holy Spirit in character formation, effective
Christian witness, and productive ministry.
COURSE TEXTS
Foster, Richard. The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money,
Sex and Power. New York: HarperSanFransico, 1985.
Hayford, Jack. Living the Spirit-Formed Life. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2001.
The Holy Bible preferably the New American Standard (NASB), the New Living
Translation (NLT), the English Standard Version or the New International Version (NIV).
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
Required use of Bible software
The use of approved Bible software is required for all courses within the 24 hour, (8
courses) within the General Biblical Studies component of General Education at the
University. The following software suites are approved for use:
Accordance10 Bible Software. (Both Mac and PC platforms) OakTree Software, Inc.
Altamonte Springs, FL. 2013. The Bible Study Suite (for non-ministry majors) or
Essentials Suite (for Bible-Theology and ministry related majors within the church.
Logos Bible Software (Both PC and Mac platforms) Version 5.X Bronze Library or 4.X
Scholar’s Library. Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corporation, 2000-2013. (PC or Mac
platforms) This suite of software is especially recommended for Bible-theology and
ministry related majors within the church..
Students having previously purchased WordSearch9. Austin, TX: Wordsearch Corp.,
2013. (customized suite of resources prepared specifically for SAGU) and having
access to it will be permitted to utilize it and its resources. This suite of software is no
longer for sale at SAGU.
Student having previously purchased PC Study Bible Version 5.X, Advanced Library
and having access to it will be permitted to utilize it and its resources. This suite of
software is no longer for sale at SAGU.
NOTE: Southwestern provides quality training in today’s technology-oriented world.
Students must have experience in utilizing excellent Bible software as part of
their training. The software suites listed above have been analyzed and approved for
that purpose in all of the eight required “core” courses within the General Bible Studies
component of the curriculum at SAGU. Accordance and Logos along with SAGU
Bookstore work very hard to provide the approved software suites to students in both
MAC and PC platforms at a very competitive price.
COURSE METHODOLOGY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Lecture
Class Discussion
Student Presentations
Textbook Reading
Book Review
Audio/Visual Presentations
Quizzes
Exams
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Examinations There will be three exams that cover the material from the class
lectures and the study guide questions that are based on the textbook. Exam 1:
February 10; Exam 2 March 17; Exam 3 According to Final schedule.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class on most days. One of the
better ways to prepare for the quizzes is to read the text and complete the portion of the
study guide that is associated with the reading for the day. The professor will drop 3
quiz grades at the end of the semester.
Study Guides. Study guides are available on Cams for your convenience. You are not
required to turn these in, but completing them will enhance your ability to do well on the
quizzes and exams. The study guides are posted on ECAMS.
Personal Journal/Blog. Each student is required to keep a personal journal or blog of
reflections on Bible Reading, devotional reading, and prayer. Students are expected to
record personal reflections on 30 different days of the semester. The personal
journals/blog entries are to be turned in to the instructor on or before April 23, 2015. To
receive full credit for this assignment, all journal/blog entries will need to be
completed in a meaningful and readable manner.
Chapel Journal. Each student is required to summarize and react to at least 25 chapel
services during the semester. To receive full credit for this assignment, all journal
entries will need to be filled out in a meaningful and readable manner. The chapel
journal entries are due on or before April 23, 2015. If you have a qualified chapel
excuse that will not permit you to attend chapel at least 25 times during the semester,
see the instructor sometime during the first two weeks of the class. To receive full
credit for this assignment, all entries need to be completed in a meaningful and
readable manner.
Book Report. Each student is required to read a book from the bibliography in this
syllabus that they have never read before.. These books are on one-week reserve in
the library. After reading the book, the student will provide a two-page (minimum) report,
which includes the following elements:
(1) a cover page (not counted as one of the pages)
(2) a summary of the main thesis of the book you read
(3) two insight that you gained that you can put into practice that will help you grow in
Christ.
(4) the ISBN as the last sentence of the paper.
(5) Upload finished assignment to Blackboard.
The book report will be typed, double spaced, 12 point font (Times Roman preferred),
one inch margin on all sides. You will not need footnotes because the teacher will
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
assume all quotes in the paper come from the book. Use page numbers in parenthesis
to designate when quoting from the book you select.
The book report is due to the instructor on or before the following dates:
Report 1: February 19, 2015
Project. Each student will select one of the following spiritual exercises to engage in.
After the conclusion of the exercise, each student will make a five-minute presentation
to the class that demonstrates principles learned during the exercise. The presentation
must be one of the following forms: artistic methods such as painting, sculpture, poem,
song, video presentation, collage OR the student will write a five-page reflection on the
exercise experience. Students will indicate the experience they wish to participate
in on the last day of the second week of class.
1. Spiritual Exercise Option 1 – Solitude
Students who select the solitude option will read the chapter in Hayford’s book on
solitude and then conduct a 12-hour period of solitude. This should be broken into at
least six 2-hour periods. During this time of total quiet before God, students should
record what they feel, hear, and sense during their time of solitude. The student’s
presentation/paper will help others to better understand solitude through your
experience. Students who chose this option will present to the class or submit their
papers on March 3, 2015. Presentation dates may be adjusted based on number of
students making presentations. In addition, ALL students who choose this topic will
look up the topic of solitude in the Bible software and summarize the material
there and submit the reference material from the computerized materials
consulted. This can be turned in with the paper or at the time of the presentation.
Failure to do this portion of the project will result in a 33% reduction in your
grade.
2. Spiritual Exercise Option 2 – Worship
Students who select the worship option will read the chapter(s) in Hayford’s book on
worship and then select three unique worship experiences from the following list: (1)
attendance at a main-line church (Roman Catholic; Episcopal; Lutheran) service, (2)
personal worship in the outdoors, (3) worship based on the arts…sculpture, portraits,
etc., or (4) reading 50 pages of Thomas À Kempis’ book, The Imitation of Christ. The
student’s presentation/paper will help fellow classmates to broaden their understanding
of worship. Students who chose this option will present to the class or submit their
papers on March 3, 2015. Presentation dates may be adjusted based on number of
students making presentations. In addition, ALL students who choose this topic will
look up the topic of worship in the Bible software and summarize the material
there and submit the reference material from the computerized materials
consulted. This can be turned in with the paper or at the time of the presentation.
Failure to do this portion of the project will result in a 33% reduction in your
grade.
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
COURSE EVALUATION
Grades will be determined by the following method:
Grades
Grading Scale
Grading Scale
Exams
45%
A+
100%97%
C
76%73%
Quizzes
20%
A
96%93%
C-
72%70%
Book
Review
10%
A-
92%90%
D+
69%67%
Journals
15%
B+
89%87%
D
66%63%
Exercise
Presentation
10%
B
86%83%
D-
62%60%
Total
100%
B-
82%80%
F
Below
60%
C+
79%77%
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
COURSE POLICIES
Examination Policy
ALL students will be expected to take exams on the exam date unless previous
arrangements are made with the professor. In the unlikely case that a student misses
the exam due to oversleeping, forgetting, etc. a deduction of 20% of the score made by
the student will be deducted from the exam score.
Assignment Policy
All course assignments should be completed with due consideration for the professional
work expected of students of this university. Work should be neat and organized.
Students should proofread their work prior to turning it in to the instructor so that errors
may be corrected. It is also advisable for students to maintain a copy of their work
before sending it in.
Late Work: Any assignment submitted after the designated date and time will be
discounted 1/3 letter grade per calendar day to a maximum of a 50% reduction.
Extra Credit Work: No extra credit work is offered in this course. The scores from
designated assignments determine a student’s grade.
Electronic Devices: The instructor reserves the right to lay out set guidelines for the use
of all electronic devices in class (phones, laptops, calculators, etc.)
The use of electronic or mobile devices during quizzes or exams is prohibited.
SAGU ACADEMIC POLICIES
For specific academic policies pertaining to your courses please click on the SAGU
Academic Policies button inside Blackboard.
Professor Contact:
My office is located in the Hagee Communication Center - 2nd Floor, between the
English and Music offices. I am available to meet with you during office hours by
appointment. Be sure to seek help immediately if you are having difficulty with this
course. Please do not be hesitant to make an appointment with me. Office
Extension #972.825.4862 Email Address: mgoode@sagu.edu
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
COURSE DESIGN
Date
Read
January 13, 2015
January 15, 2015
Lecture Topics
Syllabus
H-7-24
January 20, 2015
Overview of Spiritual Disciplines
Overview of Spiritual Disciplines
January 22, 2015
H-25-42
Hearing God
January 27, 2015
H-43-70
Power of Baptism: The Lord’s Table
January 29, 2015
H-71-84
Forgiveness
February 3, 2015
H-85-116
Integrity
February 5, 2015
H-117-132
Living in the Spirit
February 10, 2015
XXXXXXXXX
Exam 1
February 12, 2015
//////////////////////
Winter Break
February 17, 2015
H-133-170
Submission; Solitude
February 19, 2015
H-171-192
Worship
@@@@@@
(Book Report Due)
February 24, 2015
H-193-242
Prayer
February 26, 2015
H-243-284
Fasting, Faith
March 3, 2015
@@@@@@
Project Presentations
(Project Papers Due)
March 5, 2015
Project Presentations Continued
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
March 10, 2015
//////////////////////
Spring Break
March 12, 2015
//////////////////////
Spring Break
March 17, 2015
XXXXXXXXX
Exam 2
March 19, 2015
F. 1-15
Overview of Money, Sex, & Power
March 24, 2015
F. 19-50
Money
March 26, 2015
F. 51-90
Money
Money
March 31, 2015
April 2, 2015
F. 91-149
Sex
April 7, 2015
F. 150-174
Sex
Sex
April 9, 2015
April 14, 2015
F. 175-195
Power
April 16, 2015
F. 196-212
Power
April 21, 2015
Power
April 23, 2015
@@@@@@
Final Review (Personal and Chapel
Journals Due)
April 28 - May1
XXXXXXXXX
Follow Final
Exam
Schedule
Exam 3
(Note: Lecture topics and dates are subject to change contingent upon the needs of the class.)
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
Selected Bibliography
Alcorn, Randy. Money, Possessions and Eternity. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1989.
Allen, David. Shattering the Gods Within: Victory Over the Powers that Control Us. Chicago:
Moody Press, 1994.
Anderson, Ray S. Living the Spiritually Balanced Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998.
Arthur, Kay. When the Hurt Runs Deep. Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook, 2010.
Boa, Kenneth. Conformed to His Image:Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual
Formation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. Riverside, NJ: Macmillan, 1967.
Bridges, Jerrry. The Pursuit of Holiness. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006.
— — —. Respectable Sins. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007.
Cloud, Henry. Changes that Heal: How to Understand Your Past to Ensure a Healthier Future.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.
Cloud, Henry and John Townsend. How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal
Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.
— — —. Boundaries. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.
Crabb, Larry. Inside Out. Colorado Springs, CO: Navpress, 1991.
Dayton, Howard. Your Money Counts. Gainsville, GA: Crown Financial Ministries, 1996.
Eldredge, John. Wild At Heart. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2001.
Eldredge, John and Stasi Eldredge. Captivating. Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2010.
Eller, Vernard. The Simple Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eermans Publishing, 1973.
Foster, Richard. Celebration of Discipline. Rev. ed. New York: HarperSanFransico, 1988.o:
Moody Press, 2003.
— — —. Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home. New York: Harper and Row, 1992.
Getz, Gene. The Measure of a Man. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light, 2004.
Hart, Archibald. The Sexual Man. Dallas: Word, 1994.
— — —. Secrets of Eve: Understanding the Mystery of Female Sexuality. Nashville, TN: Word
Publishing, 1998.
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
Huggett, Joyce. The Joy of Listening to God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1986.
Hybels, Bill. Becoming a Contagious Christian. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994.
— — —. Honest to God: Becoming an Authentic Christian. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1990.
Keller, Timothy. Generous Justice. New York: Dutton, 2010.
Koessler, John. True Discipeship: The Art of Following Jesus. Chicago: Moody, 2003.
Lewis, C.S Mere Christianity. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
— — —. Problem of Pain. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
— — —. Screwtape Letters. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.
Linder, Ray. Financial Freedom: Seven Secrets to Reduce Financial Worry. Chicago: Moody
Press, 1999.
Macchia, Stephen. Becoming a Healthy Disciple: 10 Traits of a Vital Christian. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books, 2004.
MacDonald, Gordan. Restoring Your Spiritual Passion. Nashville: Oliver Nelson, 1986.
McGee, Robert. The Search for Significance. Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2003.
Moore, Beth. Breaking Free. Nashville, TN: B&H, 2000.
— — —. So Long Insecurity. Carol Springs, IL: Tyndale, 2010.
Myers, David. The Pursuit of Happiness. New York: Avon Books, 1992.
Ogden, Greg. Discipleship Essentials: A Guide to Building Your Life in Christ. Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity, 1998.
Ortberg, John. If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. Grand Rapids,
IL: Zondervan, 2001.
— — —. The Life You’ve Always Wanted. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997.
Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1993.
— — —. Growing in Christ. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1994.
Parrott, Les and Leslie Parrott. Saving Your Marriage Before You Start. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 2006.
Peterson, Eugene. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2001.
Piper, John. Don’t Waste Your Life. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003.
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
Short, Ray. Sex, Love, or Infatuation: How Can I Really Know? Minneapolis, MN:
Augsburg/Fortress, 1990.
Sider, Ronald. Living Like Jesus: Eleven Essentials for Growing a Genuine Faith. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books, 1996.
Simon, Arthur. How Much is Enough? Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2003.
Smith, Gordon. Beginning Well: Christian Conversion and Authentic Transformation. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2001.
Stanley, Charles F. Surviving in an Angry World. New York: Howard Books, 2010.
Stowell, Joseph. Following Christ: Experiencing Life the Way it Was Meant to Be. Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.
Sweet, Leonard. Learn to Dance the Soul Salsa –17 Surprising Steps for Godly Living in the 21st
Century. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
Swindoll, Charles. Strengthening Your Grip. Rev. ed. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 1998.
Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God. Radford, VA: Wilder Publications, 2008.
Veith, Jr., Gene Edward, God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All Your Life. Wheaton, IL:
Crossway Books, 2002.
White, John. Money Isn’t God, So Why is the Church Worshiping It? Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, 1993.
Wilkerson, Bruce. You Were Born for This. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah, 2009.
Willard, Dallas. Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God. Downers
Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1999.
— — —. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO:
Navpress, 2002.
— — —. The Divine Conspiracy. New York: HarperSanFransico, 1997.
— — —. The Great Ommission. New York: HarperSanFransico, 2006.
Wilson, Sandra. Hurting People Hurt People: Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your
Relationships. Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House, 2001.
Yancey, Philip. Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006.
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REL 1133 – Matthew Goode, MDiv.
(Model Cover Sheet)
SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD UNIVERSITY
Authentic Christianity
REL 1133
Instructor: Instructor Name
[Appropriate Assignment Title]
STUDENT DATA
Name: XXXXXXXXXXX
Email: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Campus Address: XXXXXXXX
Semester: Fall 2014
Date: 00/00/00
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