Dear SPT,
It is finished! About 1-hour ago the order to stop writing and print was given. (The exam was held in one of divinity school’s computer lab). Over the 3 hours of the exam I wrote 6 full pages (typed and single spaced)
answering 5 questions. Overall, I feel that I performed quite well. That is, I believe that I passed!
The school handbook notes that there are 4 grades that one can receive on the exam. In order to get a pass on an essay question, a score of a “B” is required. The categories of grading the entire exam are as follows:
Pass – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have been met or exceeded. No further work is required.
Pass with Recommendations – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have been met; though potential areas for improvement exist. Recommendations given are optional, but in the best interest of the student should be completed. No further work is required.
Conditional Pass – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have not been met; and remedial work is required. While no section has been Failed, remedial work which may include additional reading and/or writing must be submitted before the major comprehensive exam
is rendered completed. Upon successful completion of examination conditions, the department chair forwards a memo to the Records Office indicating the conditions have been met.
Fail – Student learning objectives related to the major comprehensive examination have not been met; and one or more sections of the exam must be rewritten following department guidelines. The retake must be completed at the next regular scheduled time with exceptions granted only by the Academic Exceptions Committee. Note: a Fail on even one section of the Examination renders a Fail on the entire exam until relevant sections can be rewritten.
My gut feeling is that I passed all of the essays outright; at the very least, I got a pass with recommendations. I don’t believe that I failed any section/essay question. When I opened the exam and looked at the questions I felt a rush of confidence, for I discovered that I was likely able to answer well any of the 11 questions that were posed. It was comforting to learn that my study method covered the right material at the appropriate level. I chose the following 5 questions because I could remember more minute details:
(1) Describe the biblical and historical development of the doctrine of the Trinity.
(2) Describe and evaluate the theological views concerning the imputation of original sin (per Rom 5).
(3) Describe the person of Christ and the heresies that the Council of Chalcedon dealt with.
(4) Describe and evaluate the various views of the Lord’s Supper.
(5) Describe and evaluate the various views of the rapture.
The studying method for this exam, the pace and energy of study, the recall this morning at 9:00 am, and the successful outcome of the exam, where all possible because of the grace and goodness of God. I am excited that the Holy Spirit brought you and me together as a team to pull off what presently feels like a win! I also believe that the Lord ordained that the manner in which this exam was to be accomplished for me was through hard work supported by many prayers and reliance upon him. The time limitations on studying for this exam made it tough, but your prayers made it possible.
Thank you for supporting me through this ordeal. I’m glad it is over!!!
Cheers,
Dan
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
SPT 06
Dear SPT,
This is the last week that I will need to intensive prayer support. The exam is coming this Friday (March 17th). Show time is 8:45 am; the exam begins at 9:00am.
Last week was productive. The tasks I set for myself were all accomplished. It was a lot of work, but each day a little more was whittled down until there was nothing left. I finished going through my 125 pages of typed study notes and the creation of study outlines. Outlines for 33 questions were created (using 48 typed 4”x6” cards [8pt font], but don’t worry I have reading glasses). I was also able to work through all the comments on my thesis from my second reader and prepare a “defense draft.” The draft will be printed out
tonight and turned in on Wednesday (right on schedule).
I feel a certain peace about the coming exam. I hope it is due to both a certain level of preparedness and faith in the goodness of God, but sometimes I wonder if it is not just a surrendering to the inevitable. The former certainly seems more likely, yet either way, know that I am ultimately surrendering-with-faith to His divine providence. This is most important!
This week my plan is to study by continually reviewing my note cards and returning to read my note pages. I’ve also begun an exercise regiment, which hopefully will continue with more intensity after this week (I know Amy would be happy if it did). I’m going for a run around campus before I begin my studies, and then I plan to go for another run late in the evening to take my mind off studies. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will include study sessions that will go till midnight. On Thursday, my plan is to do some light
reviewing, watch a movie, and get a bunch of sleep. I’ll wake up early on Friday morning, review my note cards once more, pray, and then sit for the exam.
Please stay with me this week. You can pray primarily that my studying will be efficacious with regard to content retention. I understand all the material; it’s now a matter of being able to get it out in detail and into an essay. Please also pray that I will think well when I see the exam questions on the day of the exam, so that I will be able to draw upon what I’ve studied to create quick and appropriate outlines to guide my essay writing. I’ll only have about 30 min. for each essay question, so there is no time to dilly-dally.
Lastly, please know that I am greatly encouraged knowing that all of you, close to 40 strong, are out there lifting me up in prayer. I do feel the Lord’s strength as the “day” approaches. I read Psalm 28 (Chinese) before bed last night and was reminded of the journey that I’ve been on over the past few months . . . I hope my journey ends like David's in the psalm. David begins the psalm with a cry for mercy, but ends in a wonderful course of praise. With your prayer support my cries of mercy have turned into praise. Let’s continue to pray that all will end well, that we may join together in a few days and offer praise once more to God for his faithfulness and goodness. "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Only 4 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
This is the last week that I will need to intensive prayer support. The exam is coming this Friday (March 17th). Show time is 8:45 am; the exam begins at 9:00am.
Last week was productive. The tasks I set for myself were all accomplished. It was a lot of work, but each day a little more was whittled down until there was nothing left. I finished going through my 125 pages of typed study notes and the creation of study outlines. Outlines for 33 questions were created (using 48 typed 4”x6” cards [8pt font], but don’t worry I have reading glasses). I was also able to work through all the comments on my thesis from my second reader and prepare a “defense draft.” The draft will be printed out
tonight and turned in on Wednesday (right on schedule).
I feel a certain peace about the coming exam. I hope it is due to both a certain level of preparedness and faith in the goodness of God, but sometimes I wonder if it is not just a surrendering to the inevitable. The former certainly seems more likely, yet either way, know that I am ultimately surrendering-with-faith to His divine providence. This is most important!
This week my plan is to study by continually reviewing my note cards and returning to read my note pages. I’ve also begun an exercise regiment, which hopefully will continue with more intensity after this week (I know Amy would be happy if it did). I’m going for a run around campus before I begin my studies, and then I plan to go for another run late in the evening to take my mind off studies. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday will include study sessions that will go till midnight. On Thursday, my plan is to do some light
reviewing, watch a movie, and get a bunch of sleep. I’ll wake up early on Friday morning, review my note cards once more, pray, and then sit for the exam.
Please stay with me this week. You can pray primarily that my studying will be efficacious with regard to content retention. I understand all the material; it’s now a matter of being able to get it out in detail and into an essay. Please also pray that I will think well when I see the exam questions on the day of the exam, so that I will be able to draw upon what I’ve studied to create quick and appropriate outlines to guide my essay writing. I’ll only have about 30 min. for each essay question, so there is no time to dilly-dally.
Lastly, please know that I am greatly encouraged knowing that all of you, close to 40 strong, are out there lifting me up in prayer. I do feel the Lord’s strength as the “day” approaches. I read Psalm 28 (Chinese) before bed last night and was reminded of the journey that I’ve been on over the past few months . . . I hope my journey ends like David's in the psalm. David begins the psalm with a cry for mercy, but ends in a wonderful course of praise. With your prayer support my cries of mercy have turned into praise. Let’s continue to pray that all will end well, that we may join together in a few days and offer praise once more to God for his faithfulness and goodness. "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Only 4 days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Friday, March 04, 2005
SPT 05
Dear SPT,
This week was good in many ways. Amy, Kioni, and I returned to health and I continued to make progress in my studies (although my four days with the Air National Guard retarded my progress a little bit). Having completed my major textbook review the week before, this past week I began the process of reviewing my notes and making some outline study cards. As far as specific progress is concerned, I was able to review a little bit more than half of my notes and create 15 outlines. Work is not done yet, but tonight I am a bit more closer.
My plan for the coming week is to finish the current note review and outline creation task, then to move into the tough project of drilling myself repetitively through the outlines and rereading the notes for memorization.
My study to-date has made me thoroughly familiar with all of the content. The trick now is to remember all the pieces and parts so I can come up with them again when answering the essay questions.
The work thus far, although stressful, has been rewarding in two senses: (1) I am finding the review to be a wonderful pedagogical tool, refreshing many things first studied long ago (please note I took my first systematic theology course way back in 1997); and (2) I am being continually reminded of many truths about God and the Christian faith that perhaps time and distractions tends to make distant from our immediate conscious. If any of you have been praying for my deepening connection with God through the review of the material, know that your prayers are being answered.
In my personal devotions, in the material studied, and in some of my brief conversations with some of you this past week, I have been continually reminded of God’s faithfulness and commitment to finish the good work that he has begun. Many of you have even encouraged me by confessing that you believe that I will do just fine on the exam. I do hope that the Lord is communicating through his people! I do have moments when I begin to worry again, but I have posted Bible verses on the kitchen cabinets to remind myself of what you and God have been saying to me. Thinking on these verses has been very helpful. I have continued to make further progress in trusting in God’s goodness and providential care (I really liked reviewing again the doctrine of God’s providential care; what timely material). I shall continue to do my part in being faithful to study hard and pray heavily!
Please focus your prayers this week in the following manner: (1) memorization, memorization, memorization; (2) continued progress in spiritual growth in the midst of this wonderful review of evangelical theology; (3) stamina and energy for the week; (4) refreshing and meaningful breaks with Amy and Kioni; (5) a sense of peace, calmness, and confidence that I am “getting it”; and (6) reasonable progress on amending my thesis per my second readers comments; (7) retention, retention, retention. Please be sensitive to the Spirit and feel free to pray in whichever way he leads you, for he knows my needs best.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and stamina over the past several weeks. Your prayer support has really been wonderful and likely more meaningful than you can know. Know that I am truly thankful. Please remain strong in your praying as I endeavor to do so in my faith and studies—only 13 more days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
This week was good in many ways. Amy, Kioni, and I returned to health and I continued to make progress in my studies (although my four days with the Air National Guard retarded my progress a little bit). Having completed my major textbook review the week before, this past week I began the process of reviewing my notes and making some outline study cards. As far as specific progress is concerned, I was able to review a little bit more than half of my notes and create 15 outlines. Work is not done yet, but tonight I am a bit more closer.
My plan for the coming week is to finish the current note review and outline creation task, then to move into the tough project of drilling myself repetitively through the outlines and rereading the notes for memorization.
My study to-date has made me thoroughly familiar with all of the content. The trick now is to remember all the pieces and parts so I can come up with them again when answering the essay questions.
The work thus far, although stressful, has been rewarding in two senses: (1) I am finding the review to be a wonderful pedagogical tool, refreshing many things first studied long ago (please note I took my first systematic theology course way back in 1997); and (2) I am being continually reminded of many truths about God and the Christian faith that perhaps time and distractions tends to make distant from our immediate conscious. If any of you have been praying for my deepening connection with God through the review of the material, know that your prayers are being answered.
In my personal devotions, in the material studied, and in some of my brief conversations with some of you this past week, I have been continually reminded of God’s faithfulness and commitment to finish the good work that he has begun. Many of you have even encouraged me by confessing that you believe that I will do just fine on the exam. I do hope that the Lord is communicating through his people! I do have moments when I begin to worry again, but I have posted Bible verses on the kitchen cabinets to remind myself of what you and God have been saying to me. Thinking on these verses has been very helpful. I have continued to make further progress in trusting in God’s goodness and providential care (I really liked reviewing again the doctrine of God’s providential care; what timely material). I shall continue to do my part in being faithful to study hard and pray heavily!
Please focus your prayers this week in the following manner: (1) memorization, memorization, memorization; (2) continued progress in spiritual growth in the midst of this wonderful review of evangelical theology; (3) stamina and energy for the week; (4) refreshing and meaningful breaks with Amy and Kioni; (5) a sense of peace, calmness, and confidence that I am “getting it”; and (6) reasonable progress on amending my thesis per my second readers comments; (7) retention, retention, retention. Please be sensitive to the Spirit and feel free to pray in whichever way he leads you, for he knows my needs best.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and stamina over the past several weeks. Your prayer support has really been wonderful and likely more meaningful than you can know. Know that I am truly thankful. Please remain strong in your praying as I endeavor to do so in my faith and studies—only 13 more days to go!
By prayer,
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)