Lecturer: Rev. John Irwin (USA)
Time: 
February 4, Saturday (9:00 – 12:00) Riga time
February 6, Monday (18:00 – 21:00)
February 8, Wednesday (18:00 – 21:00)
February 10, Friday (18:00 – 21:00)
February 11, Saturday (9:00 – 12:00)

Place: Akas street 13, Riga.
Registration necessary for participation.
Language: English, with simultaneous translation channel in Russian

ABOUT LECTURER

Rev. John M. Irwin is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 1999 (M.Div.). He has pastored churches in Tennessee and South Dakota and is currently pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he has been for over 4 years. Rev. Irwin and his wife Jennifer, a teacher who has taught in Christian schools in the United States, Belize and Niger, have 3 children ages 14, 18, and 19.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In this broad overview of the Old Testament History books (Joshua through Esther), we will explore these works together as part of God’s redemptive history.  We shall see how the importance of history, the genre of narrative, and the sovereignty of God fit into our understanding of these books and our ability to teach and preach them.  In-depth glances at the book of Judges will assist the endeavor of hearing God’s Word through the trials and experiences of His people.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS:

1. Attendance at all class sessions, unless there is a valid reason for absence
2. Required reading (~500 pages):

2.1. The Art of Biblical History by V. Philips Long (Zondervan Publishing       House, 1994) p. 27-119; 169-200 (chapters 1-3, 5).
2.2. Story as Torah: Reading Old Testament Narrative Ethically by Gordon Wenham (Baker Academic, 2004) p. 45-108, 119-127 (chapters 4-6).
2.3. An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books by David Howard,    Jr. (Moody Press, 1993), (chapters 1, 5-7 and 9-10).
2.4. On the Reliability of the Old Testament by K. A. Kitchen (William B., Eerdmans Publishing, 2003) p. 7-137 (chapters 2-4).

3. Final examination.
4. Essay/Short Paper – Choose a narrative event (text) from 2 Samuel or 1 or 2 Kings. With analysis of the historical data and context as well as how this story fits into redemptive history, determine the main truth relevant to teach or preach to today’s audience. 

ABOUT THE CLASSES:

In English/Latvian: janis@brts.edu.lv, +37126356030
In Russian: reformatspb@gmail.com (Saint Petersburg)