Certificate in Biblical Studies

This course is a study of written communication that will equip students with the skills and abilities to express God’s message clearly and effectively by teaching the basic skills of writing. Class members will learn how to prepare sermons, announcements, and Bible studies. They will also learn how to write Bible studies, articles, and news releases that
are clear and easy to understand.

This course briefly surveys the history of Biblical interpretation and focuses on the methods, procedures, resources, tools, and personal skills that are necessary for individual interpretation of the Bible. A review of Bible dictionaries, concordances, reference works, and a comparison of various translations and study Bibles is included.

This course is a comprehensive study of the methods God uses to communicate to individuals who are seeking to understand and know His will for their lives. It includes the idea that study of Scripture, prayer, worship and fellowship with other Christians are methods God uses to speak to us.

The seminars on Spiritual Formation are designed to encourage each student to become personally responsible to and involved in “discovering and following God at work in their lives.” Whether engaged as a teacher or enrolled as a student, both are expected to expand and enhance their relationship with God, by design, to grow into the likeness of Christ – whom we are called to serve. The ultimate foundation for all of Christian service is worship, and therefore will be emphasized continually in the classroom as well as in or at special events, activities and programs. The intentional goal of each seminar, whether viewed individually or collectively, is to provide a time for prayer, accountability, encouragement and sharing.

This course will engage in a historical and theological survey of the Old Testament. Emphasis is placed on the canonical formation, historical background, theological themes, redemptive history, and key interpretive issues.

A study of the New Testament focusing on its over-arching vision of God’s mission in the world and how human beings are called to respond. Each book will be placed in its cultural and historical setting as we focus on its distinctive contribution to the New Testament. Along the way students will be introduced to critical methods for studying the New
Testament and will reflect on how we can integrate scholarly perspectives with a conviction that the New Testament is the Word of God.

The overall design of this class is to carefully trace the original narrative strategy of the Pentateuch. This course will examine the literary and historical claim that the Pentateuch was originally composed of a single book. Students will survey the broad stretches of narrative, spanning the time from Creation, to the Covenant at Sinai, to the Conquest of Canaan as recorded in the “books” of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The evidence of authorship and historical dating of these writings will be detailed.

Prayer is approaching, communicating and addressing God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, under the direction of the Holy Spirit. This seminar delves into the significance and awe we receive through a personal encounter with God as we first ask for His forgiveness, then recognize, with thanksgiving, His blessings in our lives and ultimately plead for the humility and ability to accept and glorify Him with the opportunities, gifts and challenges He brings into our lives each day.

This course is an in-depth consideration of the significant theological topics and themes in the Bible. Included is a study and interpretation of the Christian faith, and experience of God based on God’s divine self-revelation. It will also apply these truths to the full meaning of the Christian life.

This course is a comprehensive presentation of the components of the content and process of speaking to an audience. It will identify and explain the essential elements of the communication process, the elements of preparing and delivering an effective speech and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of personal communication.

This course is a comparative and expository study of the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Particular attention is given to the synoptic problem and the source of each of the synoptic Gospels. Students will also learn the similarities and differences between the messages of the synoptic writers.

Meditation is one of the most essential components of spiritual growth and development. Christians engage in meditation during a time of isolation and insulation from the noise of the world to soberly and honestly seek and listen to the voice of God as He reveals Himself to the Christian through reading the Word, intercessory prayer and waiting to hear God’s voice.