Survey of the Gospels I and II

Scott Ashley was managing editor of Beyond Today magazine, United Church of God booklets and its printed Bible Study Course until his retirement in 2023. He also pastored three congregations in Colorado for 10 years from 2011-2021. He and his wife, Connie, live near Denver, Colorado. 
Mr. Ashley attended Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas, graduating in 1976 with a theology major and minors in journalism and speech. It was there that he first became interested in publishing, an industry in which he worked for 50 years.
During his career, he has worked for several publishing companies in various capacities. He was employed by the United Church of God from 1995-2023, overseeing the planning, writing, editing, reviewing and production of Beyond Today magazine, several dozen booklets/study guides and a Bible study course covering major biblical teachings. His special interests are the Bible, archaeology, biblical culture, history and the Middle East.

Course Number
THL 111 / THL 112

Study and analysis of the four Gospels, describing the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In the first semester, emphasis is
given to understanding the cultural context of Christ’s work and the calling of His disciples. In the second semester, emphasis is given to Christ's parables and the events of His crucifixion. 

We were able to record this class as taught by Mr. Scott Ashley in 2018.

Course Number: THL 111/THL 112

Course Type: Lecture

Term: First Semester

Credits: 2

In This Series

Intro: Jesus Christ as God. John 1:1-

I Am

Emphasis and Background of each Gospel

When were the Gospels written?

How did we get the gospels? Why are there differences? Common sources.

Political Background of the Gospels

Genealogy of David to Jesus, Beginning of Luke

Zacharias' vision in the temple

John the baptizer is born, named

Luke 1:46- Luke 1:80 , Joseph's Betrothal

Jesus's Birth - Luke 2:1-7

Shepherds - Jesus's Consecration - Simeon

Matt 2: Wise Men

Christ's Youth

John Preaches, Matthew 3, and Jesus' Baptism

Jesus' Baptism and Luke 3:10

Temptation in the Wilderness

Ministry of John the Baptizer

Jesus' First Miracle, Jesus as Head of Household

Occupation Stonemason, Cleansing the Temple

John 2:23-John 3:16 (also Luke 3:19, Mark 1:14)

John 3:16 - John 4:24 Samaritan Woman at the Well

John 4:34 (Page 14-17 Survey)

Luke 4:16-30, Capernaum, Matt 4:12-17, Via Maris

Zealots, Religious Jews, Herodians, Samaritans and Greeks in the Region near Galilee

Zealots, Religious Jews, Herodians, Samaritans and Greeks in the Region near Galilee

Page 17-21 (Harmony) Mark 1:16-45 Calling Disciples, leprosy

Mark 2:13, pg 20-21 (Harmony), Leprosy, Paralyzed Man

Parable of Wineskins, John 5, Healing at Bethesda Pool

John 5:19-

Background in Galilee, Luke 6:1-12

Matt 12:2- Healing Man with Withered Hand, Mark 3:3, Luke 6:6-13

Establishing Jesus's Credentials, Sermon on the Mount, Difference between Luke and Matthew

Beatitudes

Beatitudes II

Beatitudes, Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

Matthew 5:13-6:13

Matthew 5:13-6:13 II

Military service, modern wars, prophecy and modern tensions

Luke 7, Matthew 11, Centurion, Matthew 8:11

Matthew 12:22,13:4; Wheat and Tares

Mark 5:15, Woman with an Issue of Blood

Mark 5:35-6:46; John 6:14-16

Mark 6:47-7:16

Mark 7-8

Mark 8:38- Luke 9:62

John 7:2-Luke 11:13

John 7:2-Luke 11:13 II

Luke 12:1-59

Prodigal Son, p. 75 Harmony

Hosanna, p. 86 Harmony

Matt 21:29, Moving Mountains, p. 90 Harmony

Olivet Prophecy and Passover

Parables of Virgins, Passover

Events Before the Crucifixion, Jesus's prayer, Arrest

Leading up to Jesus's Crucifixion II

Matthew 27:45-46 Christ's Crucifixion as told in His Perspective, Prophecy in Psalms 22

Continuation Psalm 22, also Psalm 23-24

Crucifixion types and conclusion of the Gospels

Course Content