PRM 100: Introduction to the Christian Life
3 Credit Hours
Brian Fuller, B.A., M.A. Ed.
bfuller@estoncollege.ca
Fall Mini-Semester, 2012
I. Course Description
"Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according
to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the
misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of
God.” (Romans 8:12-14) This course is designed to strengthen your life as a disciple of Christ. It
gives attention to the student's walk with the Lord and encourages a strong focus on spiritual
growth. It is an experience intended to instill the foundations of an ongoing, intimate, and faithful
relationship with God that will undergird whatever vocational path the student pursues. The content
covers relevant topics such as our relationship with God, engaging with the Bible, prayer,
discipleship, evangelism, service, the gifts of the Spirit, our world, relationships with others and
spiritual warfare. Readings and assignments have been chosen to stimulate personal development
rather than focusing on assimilating information.
11. Learning Outcomes
A. Primary Student Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Assess personal assumptions that are not necessarily biblical.
2. Choose appropriate spiritual disciplines to stimulate personal spiritual maturity.
3. More practically engage in a devoted life.
B. Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Knowledge:
a. Better form an accurate theology of the Christian life.
b. Understand that the basis of Christian spiritual growth is the indwelling Spirit
rather than human effort.
c. Recognize the general call of Christ on all believers.
d. Develop an awareness of specific calling on individual believers.
2. Value:
a. Desire a life of integrity before God.
b. Hunger and thirst after righteousness.
c. Become a more devoted disciple of Christ.
3. Skills/application:
a. Assess the validity of common understanding of the Christian life according to
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biblical truth.
b. Practice the spiritual disciplines to validate their role in formation in the life of a
disciple of Christ.
c. Accept that spiritual warfare is an involvement common to Christians and be more
equipped to operate in situations where spiritual warfare occurs.
Ill. Relationship to the Eston College Mission Statement, Student Learning Goals, and
Program Objectives
This course is theology for living! Students will learn about how to live a vibrant and
growing spiritual life of discipleship. There will be opportunity to practice such disciplines as
reading the Bible, learning to listen to and walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, and serving
others. Lots of opportunity will be presented in class and assignments to think reflectively and
personalize the course content. As a result, further clarification of Christ’s call will be known
and hopefully embraced.
IV. Integrative Nature
Biblical principles are integrated with personal reflection to encourage application of
theology to life. One of the benefits of this class is that it prepares one for the many
other classes offered at the college.
V. Course Evaluation
A. Assignments
1. Response to The Normal Christian Life
20%
After reading each chapter, the student will write a ½ page journal entry. In addition to
receiving marks for the journals you have kept, marks will be awarded on the underlining
and notes you have inscribed in the book. Both the book and the journals are to be handed
in on the due date.
Due - Friday, September 14 at 1:30 pm
2. Guide to Prayer – The Autobiography of George Muller
20%
The guide will be 2 pages of ½ sheets (use both sides). Include both text and pictures.
The guide will be graded on validity and reliability of content, creativity and presentation.
Due - Sunday, September 16 at 9:00 pm
3. Share your faith with someone who does not yet know Christ.
Write a one page reflective paper on your experience.
 How did you prepare?
 How comfortable were you?
 How did you approach the person?
 What were the challenges?
 What would you change the next time?
Due – Wednesday, October 31.
10%
4. Class Interaction and assignments (see schedule on pp. 5-8)
50%
Due Dates - Assignments may be handed in early, but must be handed in by 5 pm on the
date they are due whether or not you are on campus. Late assignments will be subject
to the penalties published in the catalogue (p.30- 31).
Return of assignments - The Faculty of Eston College value quality education. To
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facilitate this we are committed to make every attempt to return corrected assignments
to students within two weeks’ time. Please remember this will not always be possible
as the nature and size of assignments varies greatly, but whenever possible this will be
our goal.
Academic Integrity is expected. Plagiarism and other violations are outlined in the
catalogue(p.31-32).
B.
Time Investment: Total is 95 hours
In class instruction
Class assignments that require additional work
 Romans assignment
 Testimony
 Worship/Prayer/Communion services
Reading - 392 pages
Journals
Guide
Sharing your faith
Total Hours:
36 hours
10 hours
26 hours
14 hours
6 hours
3 hours
95 hours
VI. Class Attendance & Participation
Classroom attendance is necessary in order to meet requirements for academic credit and is
crucial to the successful completion of this course. Absence will impact a student's ability to
complete assignments (some of these are in-class) successfully. Therefore, it is the responsibility
of individual students to be aware of the content covered in classes that are missed. Students
must inform the instructor if they will miss a class. Those students accessing student loans must
attend 90% of their classes. For this reason, attendance will be taken. In addition to and as
important as attending, students are expected to arrive at class expecting to be actively involved
in the learning process by contributing to class discussions and mentally engaging with the
material presented.
SPECIAL NEEDS: If a student has a known learning difficulty, discussion with the instructor is
invited to maximize the value of this course. Obviously, this discussion should occur early in the
term. An appointment can be made with the instructor.
VII. Bibliography
Required Textbooks:
Muller, George, The Autobiography of George Muller. New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 1996.
Nee, Watchman, The Normal Christian Life. Radford, VA: Wilder Publications, 2008.
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Related Reading:
Anderson, Neil T. Victory Over the Darkness. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 1990.
Blackaby, H. and C. V. King . Experiencing God: How to Live the Full Adventure of Knowing and Doing
the Will of God. Nashville, TN, Broadman & Holman Publishers. 1994.
Boa, Kenneth. Conformed to His Image: Biblical and Practical Approaches to Spiritual
Formation. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together: A discussion of Christian fellowship. NY: Harper & Row,
1954.
Chan, Simon. Pentecostal Theology and the Christian Spiritual Tradition. London: Sheffield
Academic Press, 2000.
Colson, Charles and Nancy Pearcey. How Now Shall We Live? Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1999.
Cymbala, Jim. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. Zondervan. 1997
Fortune, Don and Katie. Discover Your God-given Gifts. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1987.
Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. San Francisco:
Harper & Row Publishers, 1978.
Foster, Richard J. Freedom of Simplicity. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1981.
Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. New York: Macmillan, 1943
_________.The Great Divorce: A Fantastic Bus Ride From Hell to Heaven-A Round Trip for
Some but not for Others. NY: Collier Books, 1946.
Mclean, Glen S. Can a Genuine Believer Be Lost? FGBI printers.
McManus, Erwin Raphael. The Barbarian Way. Nelson Books. 2005
Muller, George. The Autobiography of George Muller. Editor Diana L. Matisko. Whitaker House. 1984.
Murray, Andrew. With Christ in the School of Prayer. Whitaker House. 1981.
Nee, Watchman, The Normal Christian Life. Wilder Publications. 2008.
_________. Sit Walk Stand. Tyndale House. (1957) 1977
Packer, J.I. Knowing God. Toronto: Hodder and Stoughton, 1973.
Pascal, Blaise. Pensees. NY: Penguin Books, 1995.
Revised: September 2, 2012
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Piper, J. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Sisters. Multnomah Publishers,
1986.
Rumford, Douglas J. Soul Shaping: Taking Care of Your Spiritual Life. Wheaton, ILL: Tyndale
House, 1996.
Schaeffer, Francis A. How Should We Then Live? Westchester, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1982.
______________. The God Who is There. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1968.
______________. Death in the City. Intervarsity Press. 1969.
Sherman, Dean. Spiritual Warfare for Every Christian: How to Live in Victory and Retake the
Land. Seattle: YW AM Publishing, 1990.
Smith, Hannah Whitall. A Christian’s Secret to a Happy Life. Whitaker House. 1983. 2005.
Stott, John R.W. Basis Christianity. Intervarsity Press. 1958. 1971
Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ: a journalist's personal investigation of the evidence for Jesus.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.
________ The Case for Faith: a journalist investigates the toughest objections to Christianity.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
Thomas, Gary L. Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More than
to Make Us Happy? Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
________ Sacred Parenting: How Raising Children Shapes Our Souls. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 2004.
Thomas, Major W. Ian. The Indwelling Life of Christ. All of Him in All of Me. Multnomah Books. 2006
Tozer, A. W. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian life.
__________. The Pursuit of God. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1982.
Vanier, Jean. The Scandal of Service: Jesus Washes Our Feet. NY: Continuum, 1998.
Yancey, Philip. Disappointment with God. Zondervan. 1988.
________.The Jesus I Never Knew. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.
________. What’s So Amazing About Grace? Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.
________. Where is God When It Hurts? Zondervan. 1977, 1990.
Revised: September 2, 2012
Page 5
1. Monday, Sept. 3
1. Welcome & Syllabus.
2. Introduction to the Christian
Life
3. How to journal & effectively
read the Bible as God’s
Word.
2. Tuesday, Sept. 4
1. Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
3. Wednesday, Sept 5
1. Discipleship
4. Thursday, Sept. 6
1. The Gospel, Evangelism &
Service
Revised: September 2, 2012
Read Ch.1 & 2: NCL & Journal.
Read the Intro., Ch.1 & 2 AGM
Prayer (10 min.)
Syllabus (20 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): Psalm 139 &
Colossians 3:1-17
Show Romans video (10 minutes)
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
Written Testimony (30 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (10 min.)
Read Ch.3 & 4 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 3 & 4 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): Ephesians 1,
2:1-10 & 6:1-10
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (25 min.)
Wrap-up (10 min.)
Read Ch.5 & 6 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 5 & 6 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (50 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): John 14 & 15
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Worship/Prayer/Communion (30 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (10 min.)
Wrap-up (5 min.)
Read Ch. 7 & 8 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 7 & 8 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): Roman 1: 117, Acts 2 & 4:32-35
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Worship/Prayer/Communion (20 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (15 min.)
Wrap-up (5 min.)
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5. Friday, Sept. 7
1. Worship and Gifts of the
Spirit
6. Monday, Sept. 10
1. Sean & Nathan – Gifts of
the Spirit Workshop
7. Tuesday, Sept. 11
1. Christian Entertainment
8. Wednesday, Sept. 12
1. The Church and Grace &
Law-Chris Toth
Revised: September 2, 2012
Read Ch. 9 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 9, 10 & 11 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (50 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): Romans 12 &
1 Corinthians 14
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Pick a Parable (20 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (20 min.)
Wrap-up (5 min.)
Read Ch. 10 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 12, 13 & 14 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (50 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): 1 John 2 & 2
Timothy 3
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Prayer (15 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (25 min.)
Wrap-up (5 min.)
Read Ch. 11 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 15, 16 & 17 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (50 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): 1 Corinthians
12 & Colossians 1
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
3 to share testimony (30 min.)
Communion Service (15 min.)
Memorization Psalm 119 – NIV (20 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (10 min.)
Read Ch. 12 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 18, 19 & 20 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min):Galatians 5 & 6
Activity-Romans 5-8 (45 min.)
2 to share testimony (25 min.)
Memorization Psalm 119 – NIV (25 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (20 min.)
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9. Thursday, Sept. 13
1. Relationships and Sexuality
10. Friday, Sept. 14
1. The Practical Christian Life
- Summary
Revised: September 2, 2012
Read Ch. 13 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 21, 22 & 23 AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): Song of Songs
3:1-5, 4:1-7, Ephesians 5 & Proverbs 31
2 to share testimony (25 min.)
Debate on sexuality (25 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (15 min.)
Romans presentations. Time (50 min.)
Read Ch. 14 NCL & Journal.
Read Ch. 24, 25, & Conclusion AGM.
Prayer (10 min.)
Lecture (55 min.)
Devotional & Journal (30 min.): James 1 & 4
2 to share testimony (20 min.)
Romans presentations. (40 min.)
Video Clips & discussion (25 min.)
Worship Service (30 min.)
Page 8
Introduction to the Christian Life
God’s Great Love : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPwM_nb9ivg
Francis Chan: belief that saves has a particular look:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQPXnFoXuxY
Knowing God Personally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX4lFibaz74
Tobymac: Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MlL7z0otFM
The Key to Radical Christian Living & American Christians-John Piper –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMVont_sryE
Growing in Christ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HKOu1yDWo0
Prayer and Spiritual Warfare
Make War – John Piper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhAeIjFngyE
Casting Out Demons – Lillian Daniel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7YrkhGEZYQ
Prayer (Permission to Speak Freely – Part 1): Andy Stanley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwm5qK0bubE
Discipleship
Radical Discipleship- Shane Claiborne: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShFHNXr2pjg
Evangelism & Service
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel – John Piper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJhhhyfR9vM
Preaching the Gospel to the de-churched – Matt Chandler:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRhjp4b4zCU
How Does Your Church Measure Success?- Lane Chaplin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LUI2ipfOV8
Greg Laurie :: 1st Century Principles for Reaching the 21st Century: (NOT YET DOWLOADED)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP7eKXWchcY
Why Modern "Evangelism" is Not Evangelism At All:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCMHmThV8tw&feature=fvwrel
Gifts of the Spirit
Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Paul (Catholic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qcZr5Vt7QI
Charles Stanley-Part 1 of 5 – The Gifts of the Spirit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIYSO5MzrFo
Great Truths regarding the supernatural-gifts of the Holy Spirit – Part 1- Trevor Chandler:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vY84oPLPd5U&playnext=1&list=PL2F8B54DE5B42501C
Christian Beliefs – Part 1…The World & The Flesh
Satan is Ruler of This World – John Piper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82PP2vyxBx8
A Letter from Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFZ1pt0WX5c
Jeff Durbin - What is the Trinity? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Z6ESGP-gA
Pastor Brian Zahnd and Dr. Derek Vreeland Discussion On The Trinity, Part 1: What Is The Trinity?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE6EVzbARAs&feature=related
Discussion On Trinity, Part 2: Where Did the Trinity Come From?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a4UiRjkl5s&feature=related
Discussion On Trinity, Part 3: Why Do We Use The Word Trinity?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31K_yMdFvsE&feature=related
Discussion On Trinity, Part 4: Why Are Americans Uninterested in Theology and Doctrine?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRzpH-IzzQw&feature=relatedDiscussion On Trinity, Part 5: What Are
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Some Of The Wrong Ways People Think About The Trinity?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1xS4PQ3YS8&NR=1Discussion On Trinity, Part 6: What Does The
Trinity Say To Us About Community? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk6E3LG2t9o&feature=related
Discussion On Trinity, Part 8: Why Should The Trinity Matter To Us On A Day-To-Day Basis?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMZqjczD_yQ&feature=related
Authority of the Bible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKLQexYbCRo
Calvinism & Arminianism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--iC5KHqaZk&feature=relmfu
Christian Entertainment
Christian Entertainment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7fHcSefwgI
Christians in Entertainment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe5NCmImmqM
Christians & Entertainment - A Video Blog from RTM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyXLJ_0F6MM
Grace and Law
The True Grace of God – John Bevere: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoJqZUXIz4
Paul Godfrey – Two Covenants Explaining Law and Grace:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SawFEdB0eo
Embrace Grace-Judah Smith - Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3ntb9UKAWk&feature=related
John Piper - Belong to a Church: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBOYhjPYKA4&feature=related
John Piper - Christ Builds His Church--We Don't:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Bs0EtYiPM&feature=related
John Piper - Are You a Church or a Club?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbS6XsY85dI&feature=related
Relationships with Others & Sexuality
The Body of Christ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egkRSJtNwjU
Living the Gospel | Defending the Truth - The Role of the Church-Charles Colson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krBqdSCA89c
Can I Grow Spiritually Outside Of Meaningful Relationships With Other Christians?-Gene Getz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBjK6Fbu4J0
Dallas Willard – For the Beginner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj0RkHPQtlc
Joshua Harris – What is the Relationship between God and Sexuality:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoJOJWT6nkU
Christian Sexuality (shut down) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4i2Cpt0g4g
Young Christians Living in a Hook-Up culture: Communicating Negotiating & Enjoying:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wps0wAVyqk
When a Relationship Isn't Godly . . . Should You Break Up?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq6GAlnhkE0
Practical Christian Life – Summary
What is the Victorious Christian Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZMyHs71Plo
Growing in Christ: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVH6LUzaTV4
Unstoppable Courage-Craig Groeschel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFGKpOqMHIc&feature=fvsr
Revised: September 2, 2012
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