Greetings TKC Students! Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukkah to all who observe. As Seminary students we are constantly analyzing everything Biblical, Hebraic, and Christian. At least you are positively encouraged to do so, that is what good seminary students do. We examine, discuss, and theorize encouraging better understanding of the Revelation of Jesus to us and become better shepherds to a broken world as we are shepherded by Christ Himself, the head of our church. We are on a journey to truly deepen every aspect of our intimacy and knowledge with Jesus.
Is Christmas Biblical? Yes, it is amazing that the world comes together to celebrate the birth of Christ! We should be very excited about this. Is it celebrated at the wrong time? Likely. Is it connected to pagan rituals? Likely. What about Chanukkah? Did Jesus observe it? Likely (John 10:22.) Do you believe in faith over reason, and that light will permeate darkness? Do you believe that the central themes of the Bible should be remembered and celebrated? Well then, I guess you do believe in Channukkah, at least in a very basic sense. But we also all believe that the world has broken much of the way we think about Jesus and the scriptures and believe that we are called individually and communally to do better to shepherd all of these things and that is why you are here!
Let us rejoice in the true Light of the World—Yeshua the Messiah, our Redeemer and risen King. As we celebrate the Festival of Lights and Christmas, may His אור (light) shine brightly through us, chaverim. Let us turn from sin, cast off what entangles us, and wholeheartedly dedicate ourselves anew to the One who lives and reigns forever. Amen
For those of you finishing up your 40 days of liturgy readings with Brian Zahnd, here is a devotional.
Opening Blessing (B’rakhah)
Leader: Blessed are You, O LORD our God, King of the universe, who keeps covenant and steadfast love, who sent forth the promised Messiah in the fullness of time.
All: Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam. Amen.
Call to Worship
Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)
All: We rejoice in the Light of the world—Yeshua – Jesus the Messiah.
Shema and Affirmation of Faith
All: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Leader: And this One has made Himself known in Messiah Yeshua.
All: We love the LORD our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and we confess Yeshua as the promised Son of David, Emmanuel—God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
Lighting of the Candle(s)
(One candle, or multiple candles symbolizing hope, peace, joy, love, and Messiah)
Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2)
All: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Scripture Readings
Torah/Prophets:
- Isaiah 7:14
- Isaiah 9:6–7
- Micah 5:2
Gospels:
- Luke 1:30–35
- Luke 2:8–14
- John 1:1–14
(Optional Psalm) Psalm 98
Responsive Reading
Leader: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
All: And the government shall be upon His shoulders.
Leader: His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
All: Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Leader: O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we thank You for Your faithfulness to Israel and to all nations.
All: We praise You for sending Yeshua – Jesus, born of Miriam, born under Torah, crucified, risen, and ascended to His throne to redeem us and make us Your people.
Confession and Dedication
All: Merciful God, we confess that we have not always walked in Your light. Forgive us for the sake of Messiah Yeshua – Jesus. Cleanse us, renew us, and cause us to walk in obedience and love, by Your Spirit. May you lead us to green pastures and shepherd us as we shepherd others by the power of your loving name. May you be exalted forever and ever Amen.
JANUARY COHORT OFFERINGS
Cohort groups start the week of Sunday January 18 and will run for 8-10 weeks in person. The basic idea of taking a class in cohort is that the class technically runs for 16 weeks (Typical semester length.) The expectation is the first 4 weeks you order all the books and get familiar with the readings and watch the videos. The 8 weeks in virtual classroom are for discussion and formulation of projects, while the final 4 weeks are to be finished solo producing the finish version of your class experience. If you have been in cohort, you know that these are very flexible timelines.
We believe cohorts are better learning experiences but also believe that there are seasons of learning. Therefore, you can take any class online any time at your own pace. Simply inquire with your advisor to start one of these whenever you are ready.
Dr. Matt Mouzakis – BS 6009 HELL (no additional cost) email drryan@tkc.education to register
– TEXTBOOK: Why Hell?: Three Christian Views Critically Examined by Steve Gregg & This is the Way of Covenant Discipleship (specifically Chapter 10) by Dr. Will Ryan
DATE: Meets Sunday Nights at 7pm from January 18 – March 8
Dr. Will Ryan – CO 5002 OT CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS AND INTERPRETATION (This is a TKC CORE Class at no additional cost) email drryan@tkc.education to register
– TEXTBOOK: The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas & Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament by John Walton
DATE: Meets Monday Nights at 7pm from January 19 – March 9
Harvard edX cohort classes start tonight and end May 13. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking – Gain critical communication skills in writing and public speaking with this introduction to American political rhetoric. by Dr. Will Ryan – It is too late to join this session but the next Harvard edX classes start in the spring. Please talk to your advisor if you would like to take a Harvard class. The cost above and beyond TKC ranges from $800-$3200 per class.
The King's Commission School of Divinity 
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