|
PREFACE AND FOREWORD
Many hours of study, and not a few prayers, have gone into the
pages that follow.
Their primary purpose for existing is because I needed
to study the Sermon on the Mount. Secondly, they exist so that I would have
something to present to my Adult Bible Study class at Beverly Shores. Finally,
they exist because of a need I have perceived during my 25 years of teaching
Bible classes the need for teacher's notes.
Yes, there are many workbooks, outlines, and commentaries, but where are
the teacher's notes for the adult study materials? The primary, Jr. High,
and Sr. High materials all come with "Teacher's editions," but
not the majority of adult workbooks.
Perhaps, the brethren who have developed adult study materials over the
years have felt that it was not quite right to "keep anything"
from the students and to some degree, I agree with that thinking. However,
nothing is more frustrating, time wasting , and downright boring, than sitting
in a Bible class listening ( or trying to listen) to the teacher read from
the workbook.
Over the years I have shied away from using workbooks because I did not
want to read it or hear it read in class. I have tried using a workbook
for homework and referring to it in class only when a question arises. This
method has met with some success, yet it has been perplexing to some students
who felt that I did not value their work (filled in questions in the workbook).
Another problem I have found with the workbooks is that many questions are
nigh impossible to answer, because the writer's mind was obviously way out
in left field when he thought them up. As the student attempts to answer
such questions, he finds himself saying, "I wonder if that is what
the author wants?" This is very unproductive and a general waste of
personal time for the student and class time for everyone else.
Here then, is a set of teacher's notes on the Sermon on the Mount. They
are not for sale because I have not properly documented them and even if
they were footnoted I would be hesitant to sell them because I have no idea
what they are worth. To myself they are invaluable, to my class they have
been helpful, but to you they may be neither.
Using anyone else's Bible materials must be done with caution. This applies
to brethren's writings as well as denominational commentators. We must always
consider the Holy Text first and foremost, then if we need additional help,
find it!
I would like to thank the class members at Beverly Shores who have always
encouraged me, but especially in this effort. I pray to God that these notes
are in accordance with His will, but if not, I pray to be corrected.
Carey Dillinger
Leesburg, Fl.
11/96