OK I admit it. I spent the better part of this weekend in the pool when I should have been finishing up some projects…

I did manage to get a little work done for the upcoming study group that I am leading at Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church as part of their fall semester. This two-month course is based on a curriculum that was developed by Christian scholar James Riddle of the Good News Bible Church in New Hampshire using my first title “Onward Christian Soldier” as the base. The courseware that was developed is spectacular and other than granting permission to use my book, I had absolutely nothing to do with the product. This September I will be teaching the course myself and I am looking at finding ways to make the class ‘my own’ by adding additional materials and media. The 6-part series features an excellent Leader Guide and Attendee Workbook and the title of the published study is "Stonewall Jackson: A Life of Unconditional Faith." You can download a free 14-page PDF of the original materials over on my website. Here is a draft promo for my version:

THE STONEWALL BRIGADE: Throughout the course of history the Bible has ended wars between empires and aided in the liberation of nations. Therefore, it is of no surprise that many of the world's greatest generals relied heavily on its passages for wisdom and truth. One of these was a fervent student of the Word named Thomas Jackson. Based on SPC member Michael Aubrecht’s book “Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall,” this course teaches what it truly means to be a prayer warrior by focusing on Christian principles for lifestyle and leadership. This history/theology course will conclude with a special field trip to the nearby Stonewall Jackson Shrine. Leader: Michael Aubrecht. Requirements: KJV Bible, copy of the book (*Discounted copies are available for $12.) Workbooks will be provided at no cost. Sign-up-date, Time, Room info...TBD

Mr. Riddle’s curriculum will be the foundation for the course and act as the primary material for the corresponding workbook. I also have 8-10 handouts w/ devotions from my book “The Southern Cross.” Each focuses on a different character attribute of Jackson and will be used as examples of godly living and leadership. Needless to say this course is 100% religious-based and will utilize the KJV Bible throughout. Additional portraits on the good general, such as those of Dr. Robertson, are also quoted throughout the workbook. The addition of a DVD viewing at the first class and a very special field trip at the last will extend the course from 6 to 8 weeks. The film, “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story,” was developed by our good friend Richard Williams and Franklin Springs Family Media. This 40-min documentary will be a great introduction to both the man and the class. I also plan to use a PowerPoint on my laptop to show photos and scripture passages. Here is a brief outline and syllabus:

The Stonewall Brigade: A Study for Prayer Warriors.
Synopsis: Principles of godly living and leadership as exhibited through the life and death of ‘Stonewall’ Jackson. (SPC Men’s Ministry, Fall 2008.)

Opening-closing prayers and assigned reading (weekly)

• Week 1: Introduction to course: Overview of Riddle curriculum, Author’s conception for book. Topic: Definition of Unconditional: Without conditions or limitations: absolute. DVD viewing “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story.” Distribute OCS books and workbooks. (Readings: Romans and Corinthians)
• Week 2: Thoughts from Chapter 1 (1824-1842). Question: What and who are the bases of Thomas Jackson’s Foundation? Lesson 1:  We all carry the memory of wounds we have suffered through our lives. The love we receive and the values instilled at an early age, combined with God’s healing power will determine how ugly and visible the scars that remain and how we allow them to define our character. (Readings: Psalms and Proverbs)
• Week 3: Thoughts from Chapter 2 (1842-1851). Question: What were some of Thomas Jackson’s character trait(s) that were observed in this chapter? Lesson 2:  Be not discouraged by disappointments and difficulties, but on the contrary, let each stimulate you to greater exertions for attaining noble ends and an approving conscience at least will be your reward. (Readings: Proverbs and Joshua)
• Week 4: Thoughts from Chapter 3 (1851-1856). Question: What do you think Stonewall meant by “To eradicate ambition”, in respect to Elinor’s death? Lesson 3: With church affiliation, Jackson underwent an instant and remarkable change. No other single event in his life equaled the impact on mind, soul and action, as did the acceptance of God through Presbyterianism. Indeed, Jackson did not accept this religion: he absorbed it --- hungrily, constantly, totally. (Readings: Revelations and Romans)
• Week 5: Thoughts from Chapter 4 (Thomas Jackson, Prayer Warrior). Question: Recall the event where General Richard S. Ewell observed Jackson in his tent on his knees praying. “If that is religion, I must have it.” on Page 31. Lesson 4:  A most personal and valuable lesson. Do not give into your fears of public prayer and speaking. Allow God to give you the voice and confidence to honor him. (Readings: Philippians)
• Week 6: Thoughts from Chapter 5 (1856-1861). Question 1: How should the word ‘absolute’ guide us in our conduct and activities as Christians? Question 2: What qualities should one seek in a marriage partner? Question 3: The clouds of war are gathering. Was the root cause one of slavery, states rights, a religious nature, or a combination of all? Lesson 5:  Unconditional faith and complete trust in the Lord conquers all vices, blesses us with joy and happiness where only darkness once appeared, and gives strength and courage in times of adversity. (Readings: Psalms)
• Week 7: Thoughts from Chapters 6-10 (Civil War begins and Jackson’s parallels to Joshua). Question 1: What does the term “Black Flag” and “Give no quarter to the enemy mean?” Question 2: Approximately how many times did Joshua “Give no quarter to the enemy?” Lesson 6: Live each day boldly without fear, loving and serving the Lord our God in all things, and be prepared to leave this earth for our heavenly home at any time. (Readings: Joshua)
• Week 8: Field trip to Stonewall Jackson Shrine. Meet at SPC and carpool to Guinea Station. Walk-in NPS tour of building and grounds with talk to follow. Read quotes following Jackson’s death. Discuss Stonewall’s legacy and impact as a Christian first and a soldier second. Discuss lessons learned and how we can apply them in our own daily lives. (Final Reading: Timothy) Q&A.

Scripture reading list (prefer KJV):

• Week 1: Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians: 5:1-5:21
• Week 2: Proverbs 10:16, Proverbs 28:1, Proverbs 22:29, Joshua 10:25
• Week 3: Psalm 116:15, Proverbs 14:26, Proverbs 30:5, Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 28:8, Psalm 46:1-2
• Week 4: Proverbs 10:16, Proverbs 28:1, Proverbs 22:29, Joshua 10:25
• Week 5: Philippians 2:3-4, Proverbs 3:6, Revelation 21:4, Romans 8:28
• Week 6: Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 27:1-3
• Week 7: Joshua 1:7, Joshua 3:9-10, Joshua 6:10, Joshua 10:9-10, Joshua 10:19, Joshua 6:21, Joshua 8:22, Joshua 10:19
• Week 8: 1 Timothy 3:1-3:7