Course Description and Purpose

A study of the nature, origin, inspiration, development, literary characteristics, and ethical content of the Bible.

The course will show the value of understanding the Bible in its historical, geographical, linguistic, and literary setting. Students will be able to explain ways in which God intervenes in time and space, and how this worldview is supported by the inspired Scriptures. Students will be able to tell the large story of the Bible to non-believers. Students will apply underlying biblical principles of holy love in their lives as a godly example to others.

Course Rationale

Many people have not read the whole Bible or been exposed to the wide range of stories found in it. This survey course introduces outlines that will help students grasp the flow of the story through Scripture and give them a basic launching point for further study. It also emphasizes devotional methods so that Scripture is not just an object of study but an interaction with the loving God who created them. Students will identify ways that God intervenes in time and space to reveal Himself to build faith and provide assurance by noting and experiencing how prayer is a key element in that experience. The same types of experiences build a connecting bridge between the people of God today and those in the biblical stories.

Intended Course Outcomes through Engagements

Students will show growth in the following ways:

  1. Character Formation: Recognize God’s sovereignty in one’s life and respond with obedience to God’s leading through study of the Bible.
  2. Content Processing with Peers: Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Bible by retelling and describing the key story line to others.
  3. Ministry Capability Development: Identify the message and culture of the Bible and apply it to persons in the local church and community.
  4. Application in Mission and Community: Retell the story of the Bible to a person in the community in such a way that the person can retell the story to others.

Resources