Teaching Members of Eastridge Baptist Church in Red Oak, Texas to Develop a Christ-Centered Understanding of the Bible

Abstract

ABSTRACT

TEACHING MEMBERS OF EASTRIDGE BAPTIST

CHURCH IN RED OAK, TX TO DEVELOP A

CHRIST-CENTERED UNDERSTANDING

OF THE BIBLE

James Casey Lewis, DMin

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2020

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Terry J. Betts

The purpose of the project was to teach members of Eastridge Baptist Church in Red Oak, Texas, to develop a Christ-Centered understanding of the Bible. Chapter 1 defines the ministry context at EBC, as well as presents the rationale, purpose, goals, definitions, and limitation of the project.

Chapter 2 discusses the biblical and theological support for a Christ-centered understanding of the Bible. The chapter specifically explores the Christ-centered lens Jesus provides his disciples, which enables them to view the Bible as one unified story that centers on a crucified Christ.

Chapter 3 explores practical issues related to a Christ-centered understanding of the Bible. Three issues were prominent in the chapter. The first dealt with the necessity of a Christ-centered reading of Scripture. The last two explore both the worldview and gospel implications of a Christ-centered reading of Scripture.

Chapter 4 details the development and implementation of the project, which was a six-week sermon series through the metanarrative of the Bible.

Chapter 5 provides an evaluation of the project’s purpose, goals, strengths, and weaknesses. As well, it highlights what I would do differently if I were to run the project in the future. It concludes with both a theological and personal reflection over the project.