Your Assignment

For this assignment, you will write a theme study about one of the Old Testament prophets. Note that this paper should be based on your personal, inductive study, using only your unmarked Bible (no study Bibles) and a concordance (print/program). No outside sources are allowed.

 Steps

1. Complete the assigned readings for this unit as specified in the work sequence.

2. Choose one of the following topics:

• Commission to Ministry in the Prophets
• Prophets as a Living Message
• 8th c. Prophets: Social Justice & Covenant
• Isaiah: God's Holiness
• Isaiah: God's Mission to the (Gentile) Nations
• Jeremiah: Prophetic Struggles & Challenges
• Ezekiel: Mission for God's Glory
• Daniel: Life & Message Among the (Gentile) Nations

3. Read the relevant books/passages for the topic you chose. As appropriate, use a concordance or Bible software search to help you find the passages.

4. Analyze the relevant books/passages. Categorize their information and ask yourself questions like the following:

• What categories does the text create by itself?
• What was the writer's intent?
• What is the bottom line meaning for each section?
• What themes continue to appear?
• How does the text speak to God's people today?

Think broadly and let the evidence speak for itself.

5. In a Microsoft Word document, write a 3,000-3,500 word (8-10 page) paper about your topic. Include the following sections:

1. Introduction: Introduce your topic. This section should be at least half a page.
2. Body: Discuss your findings according to your categories. Quote only as necessary—do not throw in long Scripture passages just to take up space.
3. Summation/Application: Explain how this study has impacted your life/thought. This section should be at least half a page.

Your grade will be calculated according to the elements specified in the Theme Study Rubric. For an example of how to write a theme study, see the Portraits of God in Hosea (Sample).