Academics
Bible Course Descriptions
Important note regarding when courses are offered:
Term notations of Summer, Pre-term, Fall, Interterm, Spring, or Post-term mean that the course is offered during that term every year. When a term notation is followed by odd or even, then the course is offered during that term only in odd or even years, respectively. For example, a course that meets Summer, Fall odd will meet every summer (e.g., 2011, 2012), but only during the fall semester of odd years (e.g., 2011, not 2012). A course that meets Summer even, Spring odd, will meet summer 2012, 2014, and spring 2013, 2015.
Courses that do not have a term notation are modules (e.g., DM and MM), offered in specific sequence (e.g., M.F.A. courses), or not offered on a set rotation (some electives). “DL” means distance learning.
The number of semester credit hours for a course is shown in parentheses following the title.
BI 500 New Testament Fundamentals (3) This course is provided for the student without previous academic exposure to the Bible. Students survey the books of the New Testament and examine the major themes and writers. Fall, DL.
BI 503 Advanced New Testament (3) Prereq.: BI 500 or New Testament Survey on undergraduate level or Bible exposition program Students examine all three disciplines of Advanced New Testament studies (history/ background, New Testament Introduction, and New Testament biblical theology) from the perspective of the absolute integrity of the New Testament text. These three disciplines are applied to the understanding of the New Testament books as well as the personal and practical application of the New Testament to life and ministry. Fall even, May ’12, DL.
BI 510 Old Testament Fundamentals (3) This course enables the student without previous academic exposure to the Bible to survey the books of the Old Testament and examine the major themes and writers. Spring, DL.
BI 513 Advanced Old Testament (3) Prereq.: BI 510 or Old Testament Survey on undergraduate level or Bible exposition program. Students explore the Old Testament with in-depth readings on the backgrounds and contents of each Old Testament book. In addition to lectures and class discussions, students research the Old Testament canon, text, and inspiration, and trace God’s unfolding plan to redeem and bless all people through the Messiah. Spring even, Jan. ’12, DL.
BI 519 Post-Exilic Prophets (3) The focus of this course is on the Books of Haggai, Zechariah, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi. Students will analyze God’s dealing with Israel after the exile. DL.
BI 520 I & II Thessalonians (3) This course introduces the church at Thessalonica, reviewing the start of this church in Acts 17 during Paul’s second missionary journey. Students learn content, doctrines, and applications by means of a careful exposition of Paul’s two epistles to the Thessalonians. DL.
BI 525 Life of Paul (3) This course, based on a chronology of Paul’s life, teaches the student to glean important principles for the Christian walk from the life of Paul as revealed in Acts and in Paul’s writings.
BI 532 Life of Moses (3) This course will study the life of Moses as revealed in Exodus through Deuteronomy. The student will apply the events leading to Moses’ leadership in the Exodus, the giving of the law, and the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites to discern principles for the Christian today.
BI 537 God’s Church through the Ages (3) Students examine the historical Church established by God from its foundation to the present to identify major changes, individuals, and issues in the various periods of church history. Fall even, DL.
BI 538 Church Trends and Changes in the Last Century (3) The student will identify and critique the leaders, philosophy, and methodology of the major movements in American Christianity during the twentieth century. This course may be taken to meet D.Min. or M.Min. requirements. Spring odd, DL.
BI 543 History of American Education (3) In this course students learn the historical events and ideas which contributed to the development of present-day American education. Students also examine the present condition of public education and the strong need for Christian education. DL.
BI 547 Epistle of James (3) This course is a verse by verse study of the Epistle of James. Students will focus on practical Christian living with an emphasis on such topics as trials, temptation, and faith and works.
BI 553 United Monarchy (3) This course discusses the transition from the theocracy to the monarchy with an emphasis on the development of the monarchy in the life of Israel. Students glean practical principles of leadership from the reigns of King Saul, David, and Solomon. May ’11.
BI 554 Divided Monarchy (3) Students trace developments that led to the division of the monarchy, chronicle life in the Divided Kingdoms, and draw significant principles for modern ministry.
BI 560 Minor Prophets (3) This course is an in-depth study of the 12 books of the Minor Prophets. Students analyze the office and ministry of the Old Testament prophet, the nature and purpose of Hebrew prophecy, and the Day of the LORD as found in the Minor Prophets.
BI 564 Ezekiel (3) Students participate in an in-depth exposition of Ezekiel with a threefold emphasis on the glory and holiness of God, the seriousness and ramifications of sin, and the distinction of Israel and the Church. There will be a focus on the practical principles and applications for daily living and successful service for the Lord. DL.
BI 606 Acts (3) An exposition of Acts, where students concentrate on the history of the spread of the gospel in the early church and the development of the Church and its doctrine. Spring.
BI 607 Tabernacle, Feasts, and Offerings (3) Students discover the beautiful imagery, symbolism, and prophetic significance of the tabernacle, feasts, and offerings. Emphasis is placed upon the practical application of biblical truth to one’s life and service. DL.
BI 610 Daniel (3) As a key eschatological book, Daniel provides lessons of great importance to the Christian today. Students examine the book verse by verse, learning major themes and discussing issues pertinent to the church.
BI 613 Joshua, Judges, Ruth (3) An exposition of the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth that equips the student to articulate greater understanding of Old Testament theology. DL.
BI 614 Revelation (3) An exposition of the Book of Revelation with emphasis placed upon Christ as the central Person of the book. Students learn practical lessons of faithfulness and service to God in these final days before Christ’s return. Spring even, May ’12, DL.
BI 618 I and II Corinthians (3) In this course, students analyze the church problems addressed by Paul: factionalism; immorality; church discipline; Christians taking other believers to court; and marriage, divorce and remarriage. They also study the teachings of Paul regarding spiritual gifts, public worship, the resurrection of Christ, full-time vocational ministry, and giving to the local church. DL.
BI 620 Isaiah (3) This course is an indepth study that trains the student to interpret and explain the rich Messianic passages in the book of Isaiah.
BI 622 Romans (3) Students engage in a detailed exposition of the Book of Romans, comprehending its theology at much greater depth than is achieved in a survey course. Fall, DL.
BI 627 Pastoral Epistles (3) This careful exposition of I and II Timothy and Titus teaches the student the doctrinal basis and biblical principles for Christian ministry.
BI 634 Epistle to the Hebrews (3) The student learns the background of the Epistle to the Hebrews and demonstrates understanding of a thorough exposition of the epistle.
BI 635 Christ in the Old Testament (3) Students examine selected Old Testament passages which point to the Messiah and His second coming.
BI 639 Johannine Epistles and Jude (3) Students engage in a thorough exposition of the epistles of John and Jude, giving emphasis to love, Christian hospitality, and defending the faith.
BI 640 Doctrine and History of Preservation of the Text (3) The doctrine of Bibliology is explored with an emphasis on the biblical and historical definition of the preservation of the Holy Bible. Students examine the history of the doctrine of preservation as well as the history of biblical truth in its manuscript and printed form. Spring odd, Summer even, Jan. ’12, DL.
BI 643 The Life and Epistles of Peter (3) This course begins with a chronology of Peter’s life as revealed in the New Testament, followed by exposition of the Epistles of I and II Peter. Students articulate such vital themes as our hope in Christ, preservation of Scripture, suffering as a Christian, and steadfastness in the last days.
BI 670 Jeremiah and Lamentations (3) This detailed exposition of the Books of Jeremiah and Lamentations focuses the student on applications for the pastor, the local church, and the individual believer.
BI 673 Proverbs (3) The wisdom shared through the Book of Proverbs contains practical lessons for the Christian today. Students examine practical applications of wisdom to daily living. DL.
BI 674 The Wisdom Books (3) This in-depth study of Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon teaches the student applications of godly wisdom to successful Christian living.
BI 675 Genesis (3) This exegetical study of the Book of Genesis achieves much greater depth than is possible in a survey course and trains students to defend the biblical doctrine of creation and the biblical history of mankind. Fall
BI 676 Job (3) This course is an in-depth study of the life and circumstances of the man Job. Students will interpret and apply the theological and practical implications of the book.
BI 684 Life and Teachings of Jesus (3) Students examine the life and teachings of Jesus based on a harmony of the four Gospels. Helpful backgrounds from the Intertestamental period are referenced. Fall even, May ’11, DL.