BIS 101 – Bible Overview
The purpose of this course is to give a general background for other Bible courses. It provides an introduction to the history of the canon, Bible geography, the nature and unity of Scripture and a defense of Biblical inspiration and inerrancy.
BIS 102 – Introduction to the Old Testament
A survey of the literature, history and background of the canonical books of the Old Testament with introductory skills being developed in Inductive Bible Study methods.
BIS 103 – Introduction to the New Testament
A survey of the literature, history and background of the canonical books of the New Testament with more advanced skills being developed in Inductive Bible Study methods.
BIS 111 / BIS 211 – Genesis 1 – 11
Dinosaurs. Fossils. Evolution. Millions of Years. Noah’s Flood. Tower of Babel. These are all hot topics. How are these to be understood in light of Scripture? What about in light of science? This course will look at these and other origins topics in light of the first eleven chapters of the Torah, taking solid exegetical techniques into consideration, without ignoring solid scientific techniques. The student will learn how our faith affects how we perceive and interpret evidence.
BIS 112 / BIS 212 – Genesis 12 – 50
A study of this book reveals the faithfulness of Almighty God to the patriarchs and the foundations for the people of Israel.
BIS 113 / BIS 213 – Exodus
A devotional study of this important book of the Bible will emphasize the life of Moses, the themes of redemption, the giving of the Law and the building of the tabernacle.
BIS 114 / BIS 214 – The Book of Hebrews
A study of Hebrews reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifice and worship. Leviticus, Numbers and
Deuteronomy will be viewed as background material for this study.
BIS 121 / BIS 221 – Conquest of Canaan
As the books of Joshua and Judges are studied, attention will be given to the qualities of Biblical leadership and the guidance the Lord gives in bringing victory to His people.
BIS 122 / BIS 222 – The Kingdom of Israel
The books of 1 and 2 Samuel as well as 1 and 2 Kings will be studied both to outline the history of the nation of Israel and to discuss what made some kings great and some insignificant. Special attention will be given to the life of King David.
BIS 123 / BIS 223 – Exile and Return
This course will cover the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Its focus will be on the methods of leadership and the provision of God for His people as they rebuilt their homeland.
BIS 131 / BIS 231 – Isaiah
Students will come to know Isaiah by a systematic and devotional approach to this rich prophetic book. Jesus quoted from, explained, and fulfilled the book of Isaiah that has been very important to many of God’s people. Application of the message will be made to today’s society and culture
BIS 132 / BIS 232 – Jeremiah / Lamentations
As Jeremiah bares his feelings of anguish and frustration, and also his deep love for wayward Jerusalem, students gain a deeper understanding of the conflicts and struggles in their own Christian lives. They will study the prophet and his ministry against the backdrop of the political, social, economical and religious environment of the day.
BIS 133 / BIS 233 – Ezekiel / Daniel
As study is given to these books of prophetic and apocalyptic content, emphasis will be placed on the meaning for the audience in their setting. As well, discussion will be given to the relevance of these books to modern day Christians living as strangers and foreigners in this world.
BIS 134 / BIS 234 – Minor Prophets
An overview of the background and message of the Old Testament books of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi will be given. Passages that connect to the Gospel and have modern application will be highlighted.
BIS 141 / BIS 241 – Proverbs: Godly Wisdom
The Book of Proverbs is taught with emphasis placed upon the appropriation of God’s Word into Christian life. Some of the major themes will include marriage, family, Biblical stewardship and general wisdom.
BIS 142 / BIS 242 – Corinthians: Life in the Body
The Apostle Paul addressed topics such as spiritual gifts, ethics and life in the Body of Christ in his letters to the Church at Corinth. These letters will be studied giving special attention for application to the 21st century believer.
BIS 143 / BIS 243 – I, II, III John: The Mark of a Christian
As the books of 1 – 3 John are studied, discussion will center on the definition of love in the Bible and how this mark of a Christian is expressed before a watching world: putting love into action.
BIS 151 / BIS 251 – Synoptic Gospels
The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke will be studied to explore the depth, beauty and power of the gospels and to develop skills in textual analysis and interpretation. The student will also discover the distinct perspectives of the authors God inspired to write these books.
BIS 152 / BIS 252 – Gospel of John
This course will give attention to the person of Jesus Christ, His deity, His signs, His discourses and His interaction with various people throughout the Gospel. Every effort will be made to make this a personal encounter with Christ, not solely an intellectual, academic endeavour.
BIS 153 / BIS 253 – Passion Narratives
Each gospel writer devotes a great percentage of his writing to the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through interaction with other Scriptural passages, the centrality of the cross to the Christian faith is examined.
BIS 163 / BIS 263 – Hosea / Galatians
The major Scriptural theme of Grace will be explored as it is presented in both Testaments. Students will see how God loves us undeservedly, recognizing that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Resource material for this course will be drawn from the Lutheran Confessions.
BIS 164 / BIS 264 – Romans
Paul’s letter to the Romans exposes sin’s universal power to separate us from our Creator. Overwhelmed by God’s new act in Jesus Christ, he proclaims the Gospel of Salvation for Jews and Gentiles. Contemporary attitudes and lifestyles will be examined in light of the Biblical worldview outlined in this pivotal letter.
BIS 165 / BIS 265 – James
This module is biblical and devotional study of the background, authorship and content of the New Testament book of James. Goals of the course include learning to “consider it all joy” when encountering trials and helping believers to be “doers of the Word and not merely hearers.” Students are equipped to develop a discerning heart to see if their lives bear evidence of authentic saving faith.
BIS 174 / BIS 274 – Colossians
As this class takes a look back at the New Testament church and the components of a healthy congregation, through a study of Colossians, attention will also be given to how we are to live and function in the church today.
BIS 175 / BIS 275 – Ephesians
As this class takes a look back at the New Testament church and the components of a healthy congregation, through a study of Ephesians, attention will also be given to how we are to live and function in the church today.
BIS 176 / BIS 276 – Revelation
An introduction to apocalyptic literature. An overview will be given of the differing interpretations of the book among evangelical scholars including the variance in perspectives on the millennium. Students will gain a broader understanding and insight as to how to interpret the visions and symbols found in this prophetic book.
BIS 344 – Pastoral Epistles
Through the study of I and II Timothy and Titus students will get a snapshot into the life and ministry of two early church leaders. Special attention will be given to the issues that were important at the time of their writing and to their counterparts in the church today. Since their mentor in the Christian faith wrote these letters to youthful pastors, words of godly encouragement and concern from the apostle Paul will be identified and personally applied.