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Thrive Equipping Track
“Thrive” is our midweek Bible study on Wednesdays from 6:30PM-8:00PM which exists to equip Highland's men and women for the work of ministry. We are spending 3 years in the Fall, Winter, and Spring tracing the story of God from Genesis to Revelation and into church history. Our pursuit is to know God, His Word, and our purpose well.
We also invite you to consider joining our deeper course of study called the "Equipping Track"––our certificate-level Bible education that involves weekly minor homework and end-of-semester projects which coincide with the midweek lessons. We look forward to having you join us!
Introduction & Review Sessions
- 01Exploring what it means for a church to "equip" its people, what it means to be a mature Christian, and the big ideas behind Thrive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK6LDcSadD8 Homework • Watch The Bible Projects’ videos on TaNak/Old Testament (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/old-testament-tanak/)and What is the Bible?(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/what-is-bible/)
- 02A review of our studies in Genesis and Exodus. Those in the Equipping Track can complete the Final Project either by printing it using the “Final Project PDF” button below or by filling out the online form using the “Record Final Project” button. https://youtu.be/EQCw86r6pm8 Homework • Catch up on homework • Final Project • Online Assessment
- 03A review of our Fall study in Genesis and Exodus and introduction to this Spring’s content. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0K1OXUcFis Homework • Catch up on homework from the Fall • Final Project
- 04A review of our studies from the Fall and Spring, from Genesis to Ecclesiastes. Those in the Equipping Track can complete the Final Project either by printing it using the “Final Project PDF” button below or by filling out the online form using the “Record Final Project” button. https://youtu.be/Gc4BRUipKDw Homework • Catch up on homework • Final Project
- 05A review of our studies so far and an introduction to the Prophets and prophetic hermeneutics. https://youtu.be/lsBn9-G48EA Homework • Read pp.346-364 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on the TaNak/Old Testament
- 06A review of our study of the entire Old Testament. Those in the Equipping Track can complete the Final Project by writing answers on a hard copy, accessed through the “Final Project PDF” button below, or by filling out the online form using the “Record Final Project” button. https://youtu.be/GRy1DnwuSvU Homework • Catch up on homework • Final Project
Equipping Track: Old Testament
- 01Exploring the revelation of God, the creation of man in God’s image, the goal of creation, and the Adamic Covenant in Genesis 1-2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKuy6CfPigU&t=1s Homework • Read pp.58-64 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s visual commentary on Genesis 1(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1/) • Engage with Genesis 1-2
- 02Exploring the Fall, the serpent’s identity, the natures of temptation and sin, and humanity’s spiral downward through Cain and his descendants in Genesis 3:1-6:4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTjiCeqgDBw Homework • Read pp.64-68 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video Chaos Dragon(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/chaos-dragon/) • Engage with Genesis 3:1-6:4
- 03Exploring the flood, the story of Noah as a possible second Adam, the tower of Babel, and God’s commitment to His plan and promises in Genesis 6:5-11:9. https://youtu.be/czihTK8kuAk Homework • Read pp.68-71 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on Genesis 1-11 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/) • Engage with Genesis 6:5-11:9
- 04Exploring the story’s new beginning in Abraham’s calling, covenant, and circumcision. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn6ZbEr0XKw Homework • Read pp.71-76 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on Genesis 12-50(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-12-50/) • Engage with Genesis 11:10-25:18
- 05Exploring the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, and how each lived out God’s covenant. https://youtu.be/XGkLqieZ2cc Homework • Read pp.76-86 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s “Torah Series” videos on Genesis 1-11 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-1/)and Genesis 12-50(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-genesis-2/) • Engage with Genesis 25:19-50:26
- 06Diving into the book of Exodus and taking a look at the book’s literary and historical contexts, the call of Moses, and the character of God who hears His people’s cry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70HRh3qOTcE Homework • Read pp.87-98 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Exodus 1-18 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/exodus-1-18/)and Exodus 19-40 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/exodus-19-40/) • Engage with Exodus 1-5
- 07Taking a closer look at God’s motivation in His deliverance of Israel and at the significance of Passover. https://youtu.be/NOa_nm2U-Po Homework • Read pp.98-107 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s “Torah Series” videos on Exodus 1-18 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-exodus-1/)and Exodus 19-40 (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-exodus-2/) • Engage with Exodus 6:1-15:21
- 08Examining Israel’s new identity as God’s treasured possession and the nature of the Mosaic Covenant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1bP5D7I7Sg Homework • Read pp.107-125 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on The Law (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/law/)and all 6 videos in the Character of God Word Studies (https://bibleproject.com/explore/category/character-of-god-series/) • Engage with Exodus 15:22-40:38
- 09Exploring the book of Leviticus–its historical context, its rituals, and its place in the story of God. https://youtu.be/E9oRT8wwAIg Homework • Read pp.126-152 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on Holiness (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/holiness/) • Engage with Leviticus 1:1-6:7; 10:1-20; 16:1-17:16; 19:1-37; 23:1-44; 25:1-26:46
- 10Exploring the failures of the wilderness generation and the faithfulness of God in Numbers and Deuteronomy’s great call to covenant faithfulness and love of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9dAlI8MRNw Homework • Read the chapter on Numbers in Old Testament Theology (pp.153-168) and the Introduction (pp.169-172), “Canonical Synthesis” portions, and “Conclusion” in the Deuteronomy chapter • Watch The Bible Project’s Torah Series videos on Numbers (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-numbers/)and Deuteronomy(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/torah-deuteronomy/) • Engage with Numbers 9-14, 16-17, 20; Deuteronomy 1-10, 28
- 11Exploring the Canaan conquest in the book of Joshua–what to make of its violence and what to do with the God behind it. https://youtu.be/jEOe4_DmuZ8 Homework • Read pp.197-213 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on Joshua(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/joshua/) • Engage with Joshua 1:1-13:7; 23:1-24:33
- 12Exploring the geographical importance of the Promised Land and the role it played in Israel’s identity and mission. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osJNH0PIgM8 Homework • Watch S(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJafXa-ahQY&t=1893s)ession 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJafXa-ahQY&t=1893s)of Pastor Brad Hayen’s Geography of Israel seminar Watch Session 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBIxkDF9h08&t=939s)of Pastor Brad Hayen’s Geography of Israel seminar
- 13Exploring the dark period of the Judges and the redemption in Ruth. https://youtu.be/AoEc7k5Dnh8 Homework • Read the chapters on Judges and Ruth in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on J(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/judges/)udges (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/judges/)and R(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ruth/)uth(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/ruth/) • Engage with Judges & Ruth
- 14Exploring the rise of the monarchy in Israel and the contrast of David and Saul in 1 Samuel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6fKdmg72pQ Homework • Read pp.227-236 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on 1 Samuel(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/1-samuel/) • Engage with 1 Samuel
- 15Exploring the reign of David and the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel. https://youtu.be/Vs8aWWbai2Q Homework • Read pp.236-248 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on 2 Samuel(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/2-samuel/) • Engage with 2 Samuel
- 16Exploring the division and downfall of the kingdom of Israel in Kings and Chronicles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_1OgToQ79E Homework • Read pp.249-271, 523-538 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Kings (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/kings/)and Chronicles(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/chronicles/) • Engage with 1 Kgs. 1-3, 8:1-11:8, 17-19; 2 Kgs. 17; 2 Chron. 32-36
- 17Exploring the structure, beauty and relevance of the Psalms. https://youtu.be/LtFDqczG0E0 Homework • Read pp.402-423 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Psalms (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/psalms/)and How to Read the Book of Psalms(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/book-of-psalms/) • Engage with Psalms 1, 2, 119, 145-150
- 18Exploring the nature of wisdom and the tools for life offered by Proverbs and Song of Solomon. https://youtu.be/EERGLfnAIHk?si=1XlTAD3ltCPv7GA7 Homework Read pp.439-454, 463-469 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Proverbs (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-proverbs/)and Song of Songs(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/song-songs/) • Engage with Proverbs 1-10, 30-31 and Song of Solomon
- 19Exploring the topic of suffering in the book of Job as well as the responses of Job, his friends, and God to suffering. https://youtu.be/VUVj7MyON90 Homework • Read pp.424-438 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Overview of Job (https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/job/)and Job Wisdom Collection(https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-job/) • Engage with Job
- 20Exploring the topic of meaning in an upside-down world in the book of Ecclesiastes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmZ22wT8aJE Homework • Read pp.470-482 of Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Overview of Ecclesiastes (https://bibleproject.com/videos/ecclesiastes/)and Ecclesiastes Wisdom Collection(https://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-ecclesiastes/) • Engage with Ecclesiastes
- 21An introduction to the themes of the Minor Prophets and prophetic exegesis. youtube.com/watch?v=YuczPNvx1Qo&authuser=0 Homework • Read pp.365-380 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Jonah,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/jonah/) Amos,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/amos/) and Obadiah(https://bibleproject.com/videos/obadiah/) • Pick one of these prophets: Hosea, Joel, or Micah. Practice hagah reading one of them and make at least 3 canonical connections to other biblical books or theological ideas.
- 22A conclusion of the themes of the Minor Prophets and a summary of the Book of the Twelve. https://youtu.be/2jGkOiNMtd4 Homework • Read pp.380-401 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Nahum,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/nahum/) Zechariah,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/zechariah/) and Malachi(https://bibleproject.com/videos/malachi/) • Read whichever two of these prophets that you did not read last week: Hosea, Joel, or Micah. Practice hagah reading and make at least 3 canonical connections to other biblical books or theological ideas.
- 23A look at the themes of the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, God’s judgment, the remnant, and God’s promised salvation in Isaiah 1-39. https://youtu.be/cHK-Wg11_w0?si=Lfma23UG7JdwJz9_ Homework • Read pp.272-286 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch the Bible Project’s video on Isaiah 1-39(https://bibleproject.com/videos/isaiah-1-39/) • Read Isaiah 1-13, 24-27, 36-39
- 24A look at Isaiah 40-66 and the themes of God’s rescue of His exiled people, the Servant who brings atonement, and the new heavens and new earth. https://youtu.be/OI1-WCHJwzg Homework • Read pp.286-298 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch the Bible Project’s video on Isaiah 40-66(https://bibleproject.com/videos/isaiah-40-66/) • Read Isaiah 40-56, 61, 65-66
- 25An overview of the book of Jeremiah, with attention given to his title “the weeping prophet,” his Temple sermon, and the New Covenant. https://youtu.be/d_0E32SY9SE Homework • Read pp.299-326, 483-489 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch the Bible Project’s videos on Jeremiah (https://bibleproject.com/videos/jeremiah/)and Lamentations(https://bibleproject.com/videos/lamentations/) • Read Jeremiah 1-31 and all of Lamentations
- 26A look at the exilic ministry of Ezekiel, who prophesies about the hope that Israel has because of God’s faithfulness, notably seen in the work of God’s Spirit, the restoration of the Davidic lineage, and a vision of an eschatological Temple where peace and justice reign. *New Video Coming Soon* https://youtu.be/-JEMZBOE7lA Homework • Read pp.327-345 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on E(https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezekiel-1-33/)zekiel 1-33 (https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezekiel-1-33/)and E(https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezekiel-34-48/)zekiel 34-48(https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezekiel-34-48/) • Read Ezekiel 1-16, 34, 36-37
- 27An overview of the books of Daniel and Esther: their historical settings, theological themes, and faithfulness in exile. https://youtu.be/DdpYMVe6o74 Homework • Read pp.490-511 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video T(https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-way-of-the-exile/)he Way of the Exile(https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-way-of-the-exile/) • Read Esther & Daniel
- 28A look at the postexilic community and state of God’s covenant promises in the books Ezra and Nehemiah. https://youtu.be/kfhAZhlx3Jg Homework • Read pp.512-522 in Old Testament Theology by Paul House • Watch The Bible Project’s video on E(https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezra-nehemiah/)zra-Nehemiah(https://bibleproject.com/videos/ezra-nehemiah/) • Engage with Ezra & Nehemiah
Equipping Track: New Testament
- 01An exploration of major world history during the “silent years” between the Testaments and a survey of the changes it wrought upon Judaism. *updated video coming soon! https://youtu.be/KcD8D8R3me4?si=h08ZiZBfXMoWxTcN Homework • Read pp.1-17 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Consider a Bible reading plan for this year if you haven’t!
- 02A survey of Jewish sects that arise in response to intertestamental Judaism. https://youtu.be/C8tv_sQaF1E?si=jU1Hpvf6HRXruoil Homework • Read pp.18-30 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale
- 03An introduction to the literary genre of Gospel, a look at why we have four, and a survey of how the New Testament uses the Old Testament. https://youtu.be/pyFdtX48NUs?si=7fxQInSuG-cdfVvE Homework • Read pp.31-39 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale
- 04A look at Christ's genealogy and the Old Testament parallels in Matthew and Luke's accounts of Jesus' birth. MATTHEW 1-2 | THE HOPES AND FEARS OF ALL THE YEARS • SESSION 32 • 2/4/26 https://youtu.be/egHK-IhacdM Homework • Read pp.40-53 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Engage with Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-3
- 05Matthew’s retelling of Israel’s story in the life of Jesus continues in Jesus’ baptism and wilderness temptations. MATTHEW 3:1-4:11 | THE TRUE ISRAEL • SESSION 33 • 2/11/26 https://youtu.be/1IgW-lp8inY?si=sDJ6u38xRrky3SW8 Homework • Read pp.53-68 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Engage with Matthew 3:1-4:11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13
- 06A look at Christ’s calling of His disciples as a reconstitution of Israel and the Sermon on the Mount as His Sinai-esque call to radical covenant obedience. MATTHEW 4:12-7:29 | NO REVOLUTIONS HERE! • SESSION 34 • 2/18/26 https://youtu.be/MsaEpD_nn-U Homework • Read pp.69-88 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Engage with Matthew 4:12-7:29 and Luke 6:20-49
- 07Exploring the significance of Christ’s ministry, including His signs, wonders, and miracles, as well as the presence of demons in the New Testament. MATTHEW 4:1-21:14 | WHO IS THIS MAN? • SESSION 35 • 2/25/26 https://youtu.be/d3N9t3guzuk Homework • Read pp.88-98 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Engage with Matthew 4:1-21:14
- 08Surveying the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. MATTHEW 5-7, 10, 13, 18, 24-25 | THE KING SPEAKS •SESSION 36 • 3/4/26 https://youtu.be/OwvlWvXcp0Q Homework • Read pp.99-115 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on Matthew 1-13,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/matthew-1-13/) Matthew 14-28,(https://bibleproject.com/videos/matthew-14-28/) and Matthew 5-7: Sermon Overview(https://bibleproject.com/videos/matthew-5-7-sermon-overview/) • Engage with Matt. 5-25
- 09A look at the biblical-theological anticipation of the crucifixion, a survey of the Passion Week, trials, and crucifixion of Jesus, and an explanation of what Jesus’ death accomplished. MATTHEW 26-27 | IT IS FINISHED | SESSION 37 • 3/11/26 https://youtu.be/fDARXU7Vn9w Homework • Read pp.115-125 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on The Crucifixion of Jesus: Luke 19-23(https://bibleproject.com/videos/gospel-luke-4/) • Engage with Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23
- 10A survey of why Jesus rose from the dead and how it fulfilled various biblical-theological themes. MATTHEW 28 | HE IS RISEN, AS HE SAID | SESSION 38 • 3/18/26 https://youtu.be/vdcwbaVruJg Homework • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on The Resurrection of Jesus: Luke 24(https://bibleproject.com/videos/gospel-luke-5/) • Engage with Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24
- 11An overview of the major theological and narrative themes of the Gospel of John. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | WRITTEN THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE • SESSION 39 • 3/25/26 https://youtu.be/Z_ikO3U4Ozs Homework • Read pp.126-151 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Watch The Bible Project’s videos on John 1-12 (https://bibleproject.com/videos/john-1-12/)and John 13-21(https://bibleproject.com/videos/john-13-21/) • Engage with the Gospel of John
- 12A survey of Acts 1-8, including Christ’s ascension, the advent of the Holy Spirit, and the gospel proclamation in Judea and Samaria. https://youtu.be/QhPfcHUIVVw Homework • Read pp.152-171 in The Story Retold by G.K. Beale • Engage with Acts 1-8
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