“Friend of Caesar”

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Wednesdays, October 20 – November 10
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Jesus lived during a time of political oppression, serious religious fracture and disagreement, and a growing sense of frustration that was ready to boil over into revolt at any time. When his teachings began to undermine those grabbing for power, it was inevitable that they would seek to destroy him. After all, one does not challenge authority without paying for it. In this Webinar, we will explore the cultural, historical, religious, and political issues that shaped Jesus’ life and ministry and watch how they all converge onto Jesus at his death. Join Pastor Eric Robinson for this engaging on-line study.  You will never read the Gospels the same way again.

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October 20:  Session 1 - What happened between the Old and New Testaments? How did these events influence the life and message of Jesus? What does it really mean to be a Messiah? We will tackle these questions and raise many more as we explore the history of the Jews after the Babylonian exile.

October 27:  Session 2 - We explore the diversity of Jewish life when Jesus comes on the scene. Religious disagreements, political intrigue, and violent revolution come together in dangerous ways. Even though there were many different Jewish groups operating during Jesus’ life, there are only a few we know anything about. However, all of them have something to contribute to the task of understanding who Jesus is and what he is all about. As we build off of the last session, some of the more difficult and confusing actions and teachings of Jesus will begin to make more sense.

November 3:  Session 3 - Did you know that the word “Gospel” was originally used by Caesar? Or that it was said, “Salvation is to be found in none other save [Caesar] Augustus, and there is no other name given to men in which they can be saved?” The worship of the Roman Emperors as sons of god was the fastest growing religion in the time of Jesus and early Christianity. The Caesars, especially Augustus, was said to be the culmination of history, the bringer of peace on Earth, and the savior of humanity. Perhaps Luke is hinting at something very significant when he begins the story of Jesus birth with, “In those days, Caesar Augustus...” 

November 10:  Session 4 - It all comes together. We will explore John’s telling of Jesus’ crucifixion in light of everything we have talked about. The nuances of the characters’ words, their motivations behind what they do, and the politics underlying Pontius Pilate’s decisions all converge as we answer the question of why Jesus was crucified in this climactic ending to the webinar.

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A brutal murder, a man struggling to cling to Christian faith, and a disturbing note left in a mailbox.  So begins the wildly popular book, The Shack.  Wm. Paul Young’s The Shack has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into 30 languages.  Theologian Eugene Peterson wrote of it, “This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress did for his.  It’s that good!”  But Pastor Mark Driscoll thinks it heresy, writing, “To those who haven’t read The Shack:  Don’t.”  Join Pastor Tom Norris for a four-week online study of this wildly popular and controversial book beginning Thursday, October 21.  The study will examine both what’s behind the criticism as well as what can deepen and enrich Christian faith.

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October 21:  “The Shack:  The Controversy”
Heresy isn’t a charge that you hear a lot these days, but it’s a charge leveled at The Shack by some popular pastors and theologians.  What are they concerned about?  Is there anything to the charge?  This week’s study examines the charges and provides a framework for determining the answer.

October 28:  “The God the Scriptures Reveal”                  
The main character in The Shack has some harsh things to say about the way the Bible is used, the Church, and how the Church uses the Bible.  How does this warning help us to live more faithfully, and be more faithful witnesses, to Jesus Christ.

November 4:  “What Is Salvation… and Who Is Saved?”
Just what exactly did Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplish?  And who is it “good for?”  Are there now requirements for us to obey so that we can “keep our salvation?”  This week we’ll examine how The Shack addresses these questions?

November 11:  “The God Who Is:  The Trinity”
What is God like?  Is the Father a stern judge, looking for a reason to pronounce judgment?  Is the Son a saving foil to His harsh Father?  How “real” is the Holy Spirit… and what exactly does the Spirit do?  This week we’ll take a look at The Shack’s portrayal of what God is like.

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