Posted in Family Noticeboard

I have loved being a part of the HSB community. I loved blogging here with everyone and getting to know others. However, since the induction of a new server or system just before Christmas I have had major trouble trying to login and post...receive comments and post comments. I can't even view some blogs anymore.
 

The posting had not really been a massive problem as my new website and project was beginning to take form. My new project was to have its own blog so with the hassles at HSB I decided to merge the two.

My new site is called Kerugma, which is simply about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ...a proclamation which is increasingly important and relevant in today's homeschooling community. (It's relevant to all man but this is my way of blooming where I'm planted)

I have kept the archives open here although most posts have been moved over. I also like site maps more than archives so you can still view this blog's site map.

Kerugma will be devoted to Bible study for families...with links and activities, ideas and encouragement. If you read my blog or want to drop in and see what is happening with our family, please head over to the Kerugma Blog.

You can still subscribe to the posts using RSS...in fact you have a few options. let me know if you have found your way to my new blog- drop in and say hello!

In His Grace,
Susan <><

Posted in Family Noticeboard

What does Kerugma mean?

kay’-roog-mah

- that which is proclaimed by a herald or public crier, a proclamation by herald
- in the NT the message or proclamation of the heralds of God or Christ

Kerugma means ‘proclamation’. It comes from the Greek word kerux meaning ‘a messenger’ or ‘a proclaimer’. In fact, the official kerux or herald would stand in the market place and blow a trumpet, calling the attention of the crowd to the edict of the Emperor, and his proclamation was as a command… it had to be obeyed. The kerux was called upon only to proclaim. His role was not to speculate about the message, nor to explain or justify it, but simply to proclaim the message, the essence of the Gospel. The onus was on the hearer to hear and obey.

The essence of the gospel can be summed as as:

(a) Jesus is the Messiah predicted by the OT prophecies. His ministry of
teaching, his actions, his death, resurrection and ascension all comport
with the prophecies, and affirm him to be Messiah.

(b) His death was God’s act to deal with sin. His resurrection attested to
the effective power of the Cross, and affirmed Jesus as Lord over life,
death, creation.

(c) Men and women must, therefore, believe his Lordship, believe on him.
repent of their sins, and receive forgiveness from their Saviour, Jesus.

For a more detailed writings on this topic, you can download and read True Preaching: The Agony and the Ecstasy by Rev.Geoffrey Bingham

Posted in Study

I have managed to creep into the deep, dark recesses of my computer to find the Course Requirements that I compiled for my high school children. Here it is:

• Complete one essay in depth (biographical, comparative,changing over time, or question based essay) from each group of three lessons, per week. (Ensure that student covers all forms of report/essay)
  
• Read two appropriate books per term. (1 book must be either primary source or classic, depending upon availability. (see Mum for high school booklist)) Submit a written book report, book synopsis or chapter reports for each book.
  
• Submit 2 - 3 projects (either assignments or choices from MoH or HoW)
  
• Maintain history timeline. Complete any mapping exercises as per course book.
  
• One page essay per term, in preparation for exam.
  
• Take tests/quizzes/worksheets as prescribed in course book.
  
• Take term exam.
  
• Take yearly exam.
  
• Watch appropriate video's, documentaries or shows and discuss.
  

I feel that this allows the students to reading for understanding and knowledge, read quality literature as well as learning to write in in various forms. Creative and individual activities are catered for.

Posted in Study

Want a fast-paced, high energy tour through history? Then you might like Drive Thru History with with Dave Stotts!

We have watched Drive Thru History: Rome If You Want To.. and Turkish Delight as well as Greece and the Word. We're looking forward to the next DVD; East Meets West.

Each DVD is a part of the Drive Thru History series in which the sometimes hilarious Dave Stotts explores the history of Western Civilisation. Some may feel that Dave Stotts is a little irreverant so be warned but we enjoyed his sense of humour- he's not rude, just tend to point out the obvious. Each DVD has 3 episodes of approximately 30 minutes each.

Personally, those in our family who have studied a full rotation of world history and have an idea of the places mentioned, seem to enjoy this a lot more than the younger children. Therefore, I would recommend these DVD's to those who are familiar with the places and events visited. It is not a curriculum (although the American history series which is a full curriculum looks so good...I wish they'd one one Australia!) but a good, fun, visual tie-in once you've learned about those areas, people or places in your history studies.

These are available from Koorong or Word from $16 through to $21 each DVD.

Posted in Study

John Stott used the following time allocations dedicated to Bible study:

• One hour a day
• One 3 hour period a week
• One day every month
• One week every year

I think this is a good and worthwhile goal to aim for. What do you think?