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NCIA

Incarnation/Glorification

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Course Outline and Foundations**

1.0 Overview

This course provides a structured framework to assist you in organising your study and work. The framework consists of seven broad concept headings:

  1. The Presence of the Lord in/as the Word
  2. When That Presence Is Obscured and Nullified
  3. The Lord’s Work of Repair and Restoration
  4. The Lord’s Advent/Birth into Human Awareness and Consciousness
  5. Being Absolutely Clear as to Who It Was Who Came
  6. The Parallel and Central Features of His Work in the World: Glorification and Redemption
  7. The Goal of Incarnation and Glorification: Salvation

You will explore teachings about the Incarnation and Glorification in light of the Heavenly Doctrines. The course offers opportunities for deep exploration and personal reflection, with a focus on integrating insights into daily life and ministry.

UNIT 1: Pre-course Orientation

1.0 Objectives

CONCEPTUAL:
On completion of this section it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. Identify questions, concerns, or challenges about the course content.
  2. Develop strategies to manage potential concerns in consultation with your tutor.

APPLICATION:
On completion of this section it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. Write personal ministry objectives using the principles provided in the How to Create Meaningful Objectives handout.
  2. Discuss with your tutor your thinking behind the objectives you have created in relation to your vision for ministry.

DEVOTIONAL:
On completion of this section it is expected that you will:

  1. Be aware of your inner state(s) as you engage with previewing the course content and its requirements.
  2. Comment in your journal reflectively on your sense of what comes up for you as you do this.

1.1 Integration Work

For the full period from beginning this Unit through to your Tutorial, make a conscious effort each day to be more aware of the Lord making Himself present in your life and circumstances.

Task: Record any insights in your journal that open up a broader view of the Incarnation.

Note: No written submission is required for this task, but you will be expected to discuss it during your tutorial for this Unit.

1.2 Journal Work

Instructions:

  1. Before reading through the course material:

    • Record how you feel about beginning this course.
    • Write down any initial thoughts, questions, or concerns you have regarding the course requirements.

  2. As you read through the course material:

    • Note aspects that excite you, challenge you, or seem unclear.
    • Reflect on your feelings as you engage with the material.

  3. After completing the review:

    • Compare your initial feelings to your emotions after reading the material.
    • Highlight any key themes, questions, or shifts in perspective.

Submission:
Organize your reflections into a written document and submit it to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial scheduled for this Unit.

1.3 Creating Personal Ministry Objectives

Instructions: Using the principles outlined in the How to Create Meaningful Objectives document, create at least two ministry objectives for this course.

  1. Write an essay of no more than 500 words exploring the relationship between your objectives and your vision for ministry.
  2. Reflect on how these objectives align with your talents, skills, and spiritual goals.

Submission:
Submit your essay to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

Note: The term “ministry” is used here broadly and can refer to both ordained and non-ordained service aimed at supporting the spiritual well-being of others.

1.4 Review for Tutorial

Preparation Checklist:

  • Complete all Journal Work requirements.
  • Complete all Integration Work requirements.
  • Create and submit your ministry objectives and accompanying essay.
  • Preview Unit 2 and prepare any questions, issues, or concerns for discussion with your tutor.

Tutorial Expectations:

  • Engage with your tutor in exploring your ministry objectives and how they connect to your vision for ministry.
  • Share insights from your journal reflections and Integration Work.
  • Discuss any questions or challenges arising from your preview of Unit 2.

Unit 2 Pre-Course Assessment

2.0 Objectives

Overall Goal:
To develop a deeper understanding of Incarnation and Glorification as reflected in contemporary spiritual thought and connect these concepts to personal experiences of life’s joys and challenges.

Conceptual:
Gain insight into how contemporary spiritual traditions, both Christian and non-Christian, interpret and express the concepts of Incarnation and Glorification.

Application:
Learn to draw meaningful connections between personal life experiences and the concept of Incarnation.

Devotional:
Deepen your appreciation of the Lord’s Incarnation and presence in your life.

2.1 Conceptual Work: Survey

Task Overview:

Explore how contemporary spiritual thought incorporates the concept of Incarnation, noting its evolution and expressions within different traditions and worldviews.

Instructions:

  1. Research and Survey:

    • Investigate Christian, non-Christian, and New Age perspectives on Incarnation.
    • Look for phrases like “the Christ within,” “the Christ light,” “Christ energies,” etc.

  2. Take Notes:

    • Document the sources you consult.
    • Summarise key ideas and trends that emerge in your findings.

  3. Reflect on Shifts:

    • Consider how these ideas have influenced or integrated into Western spiritual culture.

2.2 Journal Work

Reflection Prompts:

  • What surprised or challenged you in your survey of contemporary spiritual thought?
  • How do these ideas resonate with or differ from your current understanding of Incarnation and Glorification?

Note: No written submission is required, but journal reflections may be shared during the tutorial.

2.3 Assignment

Task:

Write a 750-word reflective essay analyzing contemporary spiritual thought on Incarnation and your stance regarding its influence within our culture.

Guidelines:

  1. Use findings from your survey to frame your discussion.
  2. Highlight your personal perspective:
    • How do you view these interpretations of Incarnation?
    • Where do you align or diverge from the ideas you’ve explored?
  3. Submit your essay to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

Journal Work:

  • Reflect on the idea of Incarnation in cultural and personal contexts.
  • How do you sense the Lord’s presence in your life?
  • Record any insights, questions, or challenges arising for you in your journal.

Note: Journal reflections are personal and do not require submission, though you may be asked to discuss them during the tutorial.

2.4 Integration Work

Task:

Write a 500-word reflection on your current sense of Incarnation and Glorification as they relate to your experiences of life’s joys and disappointments.

Submission:

Submit your reflections to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

2.5 Review for Tutorial

Preparation Checklist:

  1. Complete the Survey, Reflective Essay, Journal Work, and Integration Work.
  2. Submit all written work to your tutor at least 4 days prior to the tutorial for review and feedback.
  3. Preview Unit 3 and prepare questions or topics for discussion.

Tutorial Expectations:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how Incarnation and Glorification are reflected in contemporary spiritual thought.
  • Show connections between your personal experiences and the themes of Incarnation and Glorification.
  • Engage thoughtfully with questions and challenges that emerged during your study.

UNIT 3: Working with the Bible I

3.0 Objectives

Overall Goal:
To engage deeply with the literal sense of the Bible, fostering understanding, confidence, and spiritual reflection.

Conceptual:
Gain familiarity with elements of the literal sense of the Bible related to this topic and develop confidence in accessing them.

Application:
Learn to approach unfamiliar or challenging passages with curiosity and confidence, using them as opportunities for discovery.

Devotional:
Develop the ability to connect and reflect on Biblical imagery, relating it to your own spiritual states and experiences.

3.1 Conceptual Work

Note: Familiarize yourself with the Journal Work section (3.2) before beginning this Unit of work.

Task Overview:
Explore Biblical states of the church at the time of the Incarnation, contrasting the absence and hope of the Lord’s presence, and connect these themes to Gospel events.

Instructions:

  1. Download the Reading File:
    Click here to Download the Reading and create a personal copy to work with.

  2. Highlight Key Words:
    As you move through the reading, highlight words or phrases that describe:

    • The state of the church at the time of the Incarnation.

  3. Organize Findings:

    • Create a table in a document with two columns:
      In Column 1 note those statements referring to the Lord not being present.
      In Column 2 note those statements referring to the hope of the Lord being present.

  4. Reflect and Connect:

    • Reflect on these states of presence and hope.
    • Relate them to the Lord’s life and events as recorded in the Gospels.
    • Note any patterns or insights.

3.2 Journal Work

Reflection Prompts:

  • As you engage with the Conceptual Work, note any additional Biblical passages that come to mind.
  • Reflect on personal states of struggle and how you’ve moved through despair to hope.

Long-Term Reflection:

  • How does the process of moving from despair to hope relate to the Lord’s process, as depicted in the Gospels?
  • What can you learn about spiritual growth from this parallel?

Note: No formal submission is required, but be prepared to share your reflections during the tutorial.

3.3 Assignment

Task:
Write a 750-word reflective essay exploring the need, significance, and importance of Incarnation and Glorification, both historically and personally.

Guidelines:

  1. Draw insights from the passages studied.
  2. Show how the scriptures highlight the significance of the Lord’s presence.
  3. Reflect on historical and personal dimensions of Incarnation and Glorification.

Journal Work:

  • Reflect on moments in your life when the Lord felt present or absent.
  • Use the highlighted words from the Conceptual Work to trigger reflections on these states.
  • Record your insights and any new awareness.

Note: Journal reflections are personal; no formal submission is required.

3.4 Integration Work

Task:
Create a short devotional reading based on one or two impactful scripture passages identified during your study.

Devotional Structure:

  1. Scripture Passage(s): Quote the passage(s) you’ve chosen.
  2. Reflection Paragraph:
    • Frame your thoughts for your reader to reflect upon using themes of Incarnation and Glorification.
  3. Reflection Question:
    • End with a question encouraging the reader to explore how these themes can resonate in their daily life.

Submission:

Submit your devotional to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

3.5 Review for Tutorial

Preparation Checklist:

  1. Submit your Assignment and Integration Work at least 4 days prior to the tutorial.
  2. Review Unit 4 and prepare questions or topics for discussion.

Tutorial Expectations:

  • Be ready to connect Biblical material to personal experiences and spiritual growth.
  • Justify your categorization of states of presence and hope.
  • Demonstrate thoughtful engagement with challenges and insights raised by the material.

UNIT 4: Working with the Heavenly Doctrines

4.0 Objectives

Overall Goal:
To deepen your ability to reflect on life situations—both personal and ministerial—through principles derived from the Heavenly Doctrines, promoting spiritually positive outcomes.

Conceptual:
To develop a clear and insightful understanding of teachings on Incarnation and Glorification from the Heavenly Doctrines and gain the ability to access further resources when needed.

Application:
To confidently discuss, question, and use the teachings on Incarnation and Glorification in personal and ministerial contexts.

Devotional:
To grow in personal relationship with the Lord, recognizing how the Lord’s Incarnation and Glorification relate to your own regeneration, including aspects like new beginnings, gradual development, and temptations.

4.1 Conceptual Work

Task Overview:
Organize references from the Heavenly Doctrines under seven Broad Concept Headings and explore them deeply.

Broad Concept Headings:

  1. The presence of the Lord in the Word.
  2. When that presence is obscured and nullified.
  3. The Lord’s work of repair and restoration.
  4. The Lord’s Advent into human awareness via His birth through Mary.
  5. Being absolutely clear about who came.
  6. The parallel and central features of His work: Glorification and Redemption.
  7. The goal of Incarnation and Glorification = Salvation.

Instructions:

  1. Download References:
    Download the HDReferences File and use it as your primary resource.

  2. Mark Interests:
    Read the list of references and mark those that catch your attention.

  3. Explore and Categorize:

    • Look up selected references using the New Christian Bible Study or physical copies.
    • Assign each reference to one or more Broad Concept Headings.

  4. Expand if Necessary:

    • Feel free to include any additional references if they relate to the Broad Concept Headings.
    • It’s likely that a single reference may fall under multiple headings. That’s fine.

  5. Finalize Selection:

    • Select at least 10 major references for each heading.
    • Record thoughts on each reference, noting insights, unanswered questions, and challenges to your understanding.

  6. Submission:
    Submit your categorised reference work to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

4.2 Journal Work

  1. Challenges:

    • Reflect on the challenges to your thinking posed by teachings on Incarnation and Glorification.
    • Record these in your Journal.

  2. Key Terms:

    • Review the following terms:
      Vastation, Humiliation, Consummation, Divine Human, Infernal, Degrees, Representative, Conjunction.
    • Identify unfamiliar terms and create your own working definitions.
    • Be prepared to discuss these terms in the tutorial.

  3. Word Being Falsified:

    • Reflect on your reaction to teachings about the Word being falsified.

  4. Insights:

    • Record any new insights that have excited or moved you.

Note: No formal submission is required for Journal reflections but, be ready to discuss your entries during the tutorial.

4.3 Assignment

Task:
Write a 750-word reflective essay exploring what has stimulated your thoughts and enriched your understanding of Incarnation and Glorification.

Guidelines:

  • Highlight shifts and developments in your understanding.
  • Discuss unresolved questions and areas of growth.

Journal Work:

  • Reflect on how your thoughts about Incarnation and Glorification impact other areas of your life, including relationships and activities.
  • Record your observations in your Journal.

Note: Journal reflections are for personal use and discussion; no formal submission is required.

4.4 Integration Work

Task:
Review all your Journal entries for the course so far and compile a summary of key developments in your understanding of the Lord’s Incarnation and Glorification.

Reflection Prompts:

  1. What stands out in your Journal entries so far?
  2. Have your initial questions changed or shifted?
  3. What new questions have arisen?
  4. How has your understanding of Incarnation and Glorification evolved?
  5. How has your Integration Work contributed to this understanding?

Submission:
Submit your summary to your tutor for review and feedback in the tutorial for this Unit.

4.5 Review for Tutorial

Preparation Checklist:

  • Submit your work with the Broad Concept Headings, Assignment and Integration Work exercise
  • Review Unit 5 and prepare any questions for discussion.

Tutorial Expectations:

  • Be ready to connect course material with personal life experiences and spiritual development.
  • Justify how you’ve categorized references under Broad Concept Headings.
  • Demonstrate a developing ability to engage with questions and challenges from the material.

UNIT 5: Working with the Bible II

5.0 Objectives

Conceptual:
To confidently and insightfully engage with Scripture and the Heavenly Doctrines, exploring the concept of the Word becoming flesh.

Application:
To use insights and understanding from this section to support others in developing their sense of Incarnation and Glorification.

Devotional:
To recognise the processes of Incarnation and Glorification in your own life.

5.1 Conceptual Work

Task Overview:
Read and reflect on John 1:1-14 using multiple translations and references from the Heavenly Doctrines.

Steps:

  1. Translation Comparison:

  2. Identify Nuances:

    • Note any striking differences or nuances in the translations.
    • Research these using tools like those found on the Bible Gateway website.

  3. Heavenly Doctrines Analysis:

    • Use the following references from the Heavenly Doctrines:
      AC 8861, AR 256, TCR 777, TCR 261, AC 9093, AE 294, AC 2894, DL 1, AC 2803, AC 9315, HH 137, AC 10076, TCR 786, AC 1839, AR 796.
    • And reflect on any new insights these references provide regarding John 1:1-14.

  4. Disconnects:

    • Identify where passages from the Heavenly Doctrines seem disconnected from the verses they reference.

Submission:
Submit the analysis to your tutor, including:

  • Comments on translation differences.
  • A summary of insights gained from the Heavenly Doctrines references.

Journal Work:

  • Note any confusion or differences you experience between translations.
  • Reflect on the apparent disconnection in some Heavenly Doctrine references and document your thoughts.

Note: No formal submission is required for Journal reflections but, be ready to discuss your entries during the tutorial.

5.2 Mini Assignment

Task:
Write a 750-word reflective essay summarizing your understanding of “The Word being made flesh”.

Guidelines:

  • Include areas you found challenging.
  • Highlight unresolved questions or areas of ongoing exploration.

Submission Deadline:
Submit to your tutor at least 4 days prior to the tutorial for this Unit.

Journal Work:

  • Reflect on difficulties in processing the concept of the Word being made flesh.
  • Observe how material and spiritual ideas mix in your thoughts and comment on this process.

Note: While no formal submission is required for your Journal reflections, you may be asked to share aspects during your tutorial.

5.3 Integration Work

Task:
Reflect on the universal process of “coming into being” in John 1:1-14, using the following outline:

  1. Verses 1-4: The Source of spiritual life; descent and accommodation.
  2. Verse 5: Encountering resistance.
  3. Verses 6-10: The Lord’s response; a witness.
  4. Verse 11: The Lord comes to what is of Himself.
  5. Verses 12-13: The receptivity of the Divine in humanity.
  6. Verse 14: Manifestation, Incarnation, and Glorification.

Application:
Comment on how each stage of the process is reflected in:

  1. The Lord’s birth into the world.
  2. The Lord’s birth into your personal life experience.
  3. A deeper understanding of the Word’s internal sense.

Submission Deadline:
Submit your process work to your tutor at least 4 days prior to the tutorial for this Unit.

Journal Work:

  • Reflect on using John 1:1-14 as a framework for understanding Incarnation and Glorification in life crises.
  • Comment on how your perspective has shifted as you’ve developed a deeper sense of Incarnation and Glorification.

Note: While no formal submission is required for your Journal reflections, you may be asked to share aspects during your tutorial.

5.4 Review for Tutorial

Preparation Checklist:

  • Submit your Mini Assignment.
  • Submit your Integration Work
  • Review Unit 6: Major Assignment, noting any questions or issues for discussion.

Expectations:

  • Connect course material with personal life situations and spiritual development.
  • Address feedback, questions, or challenges arising from your work.
  • Demonstrate a growing ability to engage with unresolved questions and express challenges openly with your tutor.

UNIT 6: Major Assignment

6.0 Objectives

On completion of this section you will be able to critically assess your own inner processes through reflecting on your course work. You will have demonstrated an ability to integrate your work over all learning domains through drawing connections between your work with the texts of Scripture, the Heavenly Doctrines and your personal life experience as illustrative of the principles and process connected with Incarnation and Glorification.

It is expected that you will be self directed in your engagement with devotional/journal work as you work to complete your Major Assignment.

6.1 Overview of the Assignment

On completion of this section, you will:

  • Critically assess your own inner processes through reflecting on your coursework.
  • Demonstrate the ability to integrate work across all learning domains by drawing connections between your work with the texts of Scripture, the Heavenly Doctrines, and your personal life experiences, illustrating principles of Incarnation and Glorification.

Expectations:

  • Be self-directed in engaging with devotional/journal work to complete the Major Assignment.

You are required to select ONE of the following options for your Major Assignment:

6.2 Option A: Exploratory Essay

Title: My Journey through the Course as a Reflection of the Processes of Incarnation / Glorification

Length: 4,000–5,000 words

Purpose:
To engage in a first-person narrative that reflects your developing awareness of Incarnation and Glorification as experienced throughout the course.

Objective:

Analyze your personal journey through this course as a reflection of the processes of Incarnation / Glorification.

Guidelines for the Essay:

  1. Introduction:

    • Reflect on your initial expectations at the start of the course.
    • Explore how these expectations evolved and the factors driving these changes.

  2. Narrative Body:

    • Describe your thinking process as you engaged with the material.
    • Highlight the challenges, breakthroughs, and areas of growth as you worked through:
      • Conceptual Work
      • Application Work
      • Integration Work
      • Journal/Devotional Work
    • Discuss specific passages from the Heavenly Doctrines and Scripture that impacted your understanding and inspired new insights.

  3. Reflection and Integration:

    • Consider the broader life impacts of your learning.
    • Explore remaining questions and how the overall course reflects the process of Incarnation / Glorification in your personal journey.

  4. Conclusion:

    • Summarize your key insights, personal growth, and learning outcomes.

Additional Considerations:

  • Maintain proper grammar, sentence structure, and organization.
  • Include a creative introduction and conclusion.
  • Use the following prompts to guide your reflections:
    • What motivated you to explore this topic?
    • Where did you feel most challenged, and why?
    • Which passages or themes had the greatest impact on you?
    • What skills and insights have you gained from this course?

6.3 Option B: Reflections on the Lord’s Glorification

Title: The Lord’s Glorification in Mark’s Gospel and Its Reflection in Our Lives

Format:

  • Essay (4,000–5,000 words) or an agreed alternative format (discuss with your Tutor).

Purpose:
To relate the main features of the Lord’s life and ministry in Mark’s Gospel to the process of His Glorification, and illustrate how this process is mirrored in the glorification of the Word in our experience of engaging with it.

Objective:

Analyze the sequential events in Mark’s Gospel to identify principles of the Glorification Process, and connect these to personal experiences.

Guidelines for the Assignment:

  1. Preparation:

    • Read Mark’s Gospel in one sitting, journaling insights and patterns.
    • Create a table listing the sequence of events and their spiritual significance. You can research sequential lists of the events in the Gospel narrative online, or draw them from a Bible that uses sub-headings or, access a harmony of the Gospels.

  2. Analysis:

    • Identify spiritual processes underlying the sequence of events in Mark’s Gospel.
    • Use insights from the Heavenly Doctrines and coursework (Conceptual, Application, Integration, Journal) to illustrate these processes.

  3. Integration:

    • Draw connections between the sequence of events in Mark’s Gospel and their reflection in your own experience of unfolding spiritual processes.

  4. Conclusion:

    • Synthesize findings into a cohesive reflection on the process of Incarnation / Glorification as experienced personally and through Scripture.

Planning Tips:

  • Break the assignment into smaller parts for manageability.
  • Use a copy of Mark’s Gospel with subheadings for structure.
  • Review relevant coursework for additional insights.

6.4 Tutorial Schedule for Major Assignment Support

1. Initial Planning and Timeline Submission

  • Action Required: Submit an outline of your planning and a rough timeline for completing your Major Assignment to your Tutor.
  • Purpose: To receive feedback and ensure your plan is realistic and achievable.

2. Address Initial Questions or Concerns

  • Action Required: Share any questions, concerns, or issues with your Tutor that need clarification.
  • Purpose: To resolve uncertainties early in the process and ensure clarity moving forward.

3. Ongoing Support

  • Action Required: Feel free to contact your Tutor at any stage of the Major Assignment process if you require assistance or advice.
  • Purpose: To provide ongoing support and guidance as needed.

4. Scheduling Additional Tutorials

  • Action Required: Discuss with your Tutor the possibility of scheduling extra tutorials if you feel they are necessary to bring the assignment to completion.
  • Purpose: To accommodate additional support if challenges arise during the process.

5. Final Draft Preparation

  • Preparation for Tutorial:
    • Complete your final draft of the Major Assignment and submit this to your Tutor.
    • Incorporate feedback and agreed edits from previous tutorials or correspondence.
    • Prepare any additional questions or issues to discuss during the next tutorial.
  • Tutorial Focus:
    • Discuss the final draft submission for your Major Assignment.
    • Work through any outstanding issues, questions, or feedback.

6. Final Submission

  • Action Required: Once your final draft is complete, send the finished assignment to your Tutor.
  • Next Step: Your Tutor will organize a date for a final tutorial to discuss the submitted assignment and provide any final comments or feedback.

UNIT 7: Presentation

7.1 Overview of the Presentation

Objective:
To prepare and deliver a 30-minute online presentation reflecting on your journey through the course materials, followed by a discussion with a panel from the College Board of Studies.

Presentation Guidelines

1. Structure and Content:

Your presentation should provide an account of your process and growth during the course. Include the following:

  1. Introduction:

    • Describe your starting point:
      • What was your understanding or perspective on the topic at the beginning of the course?
      • What assumptions or expectations did you have?

  2. Main Body:

    • Reflect on your journey through the course:
      • Highlight significant shifts in your understanding as you engaged with the course materials.
      • Identify specific areas of the course that held particular significance for you. Explain:
        • Why these areas were impactful.
        • How they contributed to your spiritual growth or understanding.
    • Discuss the challenges you faced and how you worked through them.

  3. Conclusion:

    • Summarize the key learnings and outcomes of your journey:
      • What questions were resolved for you?
      • What questions remain open?
    • Reflect on how a deeper understanding of the course material could support others in leading spiritually focused lives.

2. Presentation Delivery:

  • Time Limit: 30 minutes
  • Format: Online presentation to a small panel of College Board members.
  • Discussion: After your presentation, there will be an interactive exchange where panel members will engage with you on the topics presented.

Preparation Tips

  1. Planning Your Presentation:

    • Outline the key stages of your journey through the course.
    • Use clear examples from your experience to illustrate significant points.
    • Practice summarizing complex ideas concisely.

  2. Support Available:

    • Your tutor is available to provide guidance and feedback during your preparation.
    • Schedule time to review your draft presentation with your tutor to ensure clarity and coherence.

  3. Engagement Strategies:

    • Be prepared to answer questions and elaborate on points raised during your presentation.
    • Use visuals, if appropriate, to enhance understanding and engagement.