Goals

The primary purpose of this course is to help people grow to maturity in Christ, toward fully-grown, adult, fruitful, vibrant Christian living.  Study is a crucial component of growth to maturity and effective Bible study is key.  This is not a method or "how to" course.  Rather, it provides guidance (much of which pastors and seminary students learn that lay people also should receive) for learning to read the Bible closely and attentively, paying good attention to detail and learning to ask good questions as one reads.  

Outcomes

1. 1. Take responsibility to learn (risk feeling inadequate - all of us do at time, even the experts).
   2. Trust the process of study and learning (teachable hearts).
   3. Practice appropriate self-awareness (what you bring to the study)
   4. Develop empathy and imagination.
   5. Practice persistence (resist discouragement).
   6. Give thanks and enjoy the ride!

      Upon completion of this course, you will be on the road to:

      1. Becoming a fully developed student of Jesus Christ; to grow to maturity.
      2. Understanding our times in light of scriptural truth.  As Christian disciples, we need to be scripturally knowledgeable so that we can exercise responsible discipleship in our day.
      3. Forming good habits in Bible reading, so that fruitful Bible study becomes second nature.  

       

Syllabus

Session 1.  The Nature of the Bible

Session 2.  The Nature of Bible Study: Where Our Focus Goes

Session 3.  The Nature of Bible Study: Reading the Whole Bible as Christians (Rule of Faith)

Session 4.  Understanding Literary Types

Session 5.  Recognizing Literary Qualities Inside the Texts

Session 6.  Cross References and Intertextuality

Session 7. Study Aids

Session 8. Practicing with Challenging Passages

Bonus 1.  Differences in Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Canons

Bonus 2.  Marcion and the Canon

In addition to lectures and readings, each session has a set of exercises to complete on your own.