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Office Hours: |
Monday-Friday Pacific Standard Time
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Course Meeting Times: |
Anytime
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Introduction & Course Description
The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to the dangerous effects of irresponsible spiritual leadership. The biblical passages and related readings will focus upon a particular era in the life of the Israelites that was on the brink of imminent destruction due to corrupt leadership. The lessons focus upon an era in the life of the Israelites that is devoid of strong and courageous leadership and the chaos that engulfed the tabernacle resulting in the harsh reality of needless suffering and death. This course will examine family chaotic drama that wreaked havoc upon a particular Levite family. This course teaches how one woman's grievous family dilemma and personal need led her to take her prayers to a fervently higher level and will explore the results of her prayer. This course will further explore the chaotic drama that surrounded a priest and his reckless irresponsible sons. There will be a discovery of looming danger about to break forth upon an unsuspecting family and nation. This course will illustrate how a particular family of religious leaders passively regarded the Law of the LORD; thereby launching Israel into deadly situations. Students who enroll in this course are seeking to become spiritual leaders who possess an inate ability of strength and courage. Strength to persevere inspite of the odds; and courage to become humble and follow the will of God. This course will also explore why it is vital to become dedicated and passionate regarding meditating in the word of the LORD day and night; and why it is spiritually healthy to resist trendy religious methodologies of the world. This course requires that students put aside cultural bias and delve into the lives of an ancient era. As students place themselves within the actual environment of the characters portrayed; and really listen as their story unfolds, students will see strong and courageous leaders coming into view. This course cautions aspiring spiritual leaders to resist and avoid mixing the word of God with selfish whims; and above all to lean on the LORD for understanding of how to lead His people. The aim is to teach God's people to align their will with His will for ultimate leadership success. Ultimate leadership success [both in good and bad times]depends upon one's relationship with the LORD.
Course Requirements
Read Deuteronomy (this book of the Bible is a review of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers)for background information for this course. Read Joshua Chapter 1 (this chapter is filled with "be strong and courageous" statements from the LORD to Joshua who was the next leader after Moses). Read the book of Judges to become familiar with the 12 judges who were chosen to lead the Israelites and to serve as military generals. Also, read I Samuel 1-7 to find out who would become the next divinely powerful leader. Who was born just in time to save the Israelites from utter devastation. All scriptures within this course are quoted from the King James Version (KJV). Please refer to Class NetLinks (located at the top and bottom of each lesson) for convenient and resourceful course information i.e. scripture reading, the Bible online, quizzes and other related information for this course.
Course Goals
1) To understand the vital necessity of strength and courage that is grounded in the power of the Most High God.
2) To understand the importance of maintaining prayerful integrity in the midst of chaos.
3) To understand the vital importance of constant acknowledgement of the Most High God.
How to Participate
Begin by becoming familiar with navigating through the course i.e. class forums, lessons, assignments. By clicking on the "Communications" tab, you will find a link for the "forum". The "forum" will be used for posting assignments. After you have located the forum area, begin by posting a brief introductory message about yourself. Informal discussions can be placed within the "Chat Now" link. The "Lessons and Assignment" tabs are visible as soon as you enter the course room. You are encouraged to actively engage in assigned discussions. This is a self-paced online course. Read each lesson and proceed to the assignment area. Type your answers in the forum discussion area. One or two single spaced paragraphs should be sufficient (double space between paragraphs). You may also utilize this area to pose questions for other students. Do not wait for someone else to post first. At the end of designated lessons, there will be an announcement to proceed to a selected quiz. It is very important to take your time and thoroughly read the lessons. Several resourceful websites are listed in NetLinks for your learning convenience.
Class Schedule
1) Introduction and Background. Successful leadership depends upon being obedience to the BEWARE CLAUSE. A review of Moses and Joshua, A journey through chaotic religious drama during the time of the judges. On and Off obedience - Whoops! The Israelites have no protection. 2) Emerging leaders in the midst of chaos. Strength and courageousness required. Barren chaos family drama and emerging leaders. Blended family chaos within Elkanah's home. Hannah turns up the heat on prayers. 3) Hannah's Humility and Eli's Drama. Two Part Lesson Hannah is erroneously judged by Eli the priest; while his sons wreak havoc within the tabernacle. Chaos in the midst of chaos. Can Hannah find solace? Eli's sons corrupt the tabernacle. 4) Leadership in the Making. Corrupt Leadership. Priest's sons wreak havoc in the tabernacle. The unidentified man, with a prophetic message (and it’s not about prosperity)! 5) Brief Review of Samuel's Wake-Up Call (Confirmation Time). The unsuspected apprentice. Divinely chosen to lead, who is the man? 6) Why the Destruction of Eli's House? The new priest will do all that is in the heart of the LORD. 7) The Menacing Philistines. The Philistines are back on the scene with a vengeance. The Israelites menacing foe is ready to launch a fatal and catastrophic attack. Results of non adherence to the BEWARE CLAUSE.
Grading Policy
Progress reports and feedback will be available throughout the course; and students will be graded as following: A -- (excellent understanding of course requirements as depicted in course work. B --- (good understanding of course requirements as depicted in course work. C --- (average). D --- (need help, Please!) F --- (Failure to comprehend course). Upon successful completion of the course, students may request that their feedback i.e. excellent or outstanding achievement be placed within an official certificate. Official quizzes have been designed to assess student progress; and additional unofficial quizzes are located in NetLinks for your enjoyment and learning enrichment. NOTE: Bring your motivation with you to the courseroom; and inspire others to do the same. Enjoy your learning experience.
Disclaimer
Students are responsible for their progress in this course; and to acknowledge that the completion of this course does not constitute instanteous leadership ability. This course is a lighted pathway for students who are contemplating spiritual leadership roles.
Reminder Note
The introduction and scriptural passages given in this course will lead the student to the primary lessons. I Samuel 1-7 is filled with chaotic family and religious drama. The fore mentioned passages of scripture is not about adoption or giving birth. These passages illustrate the turmoil of a religion without the LORD. Stay tuned for a dramatic journey into the lives of Ancient Biblical Leadership Born in the Midst of Chaos.