Course Overview

The Bible is one of the most influential books in human history. For Christians, it serves as the divinely inspired Word of God, offering wisdom, guidance, and a revelation of God’s character and His plan for humanity. A solid understanding of the Bible is essential for anyone seeking to grow spiritually and deepen their faith. This course, Biblical Foundations: Understanding the Bible, is designed to help believers build a foundational knowledge of the Bible, beginning with its structure, its key themes, and how to interpret its rich teachings.

1. Introduction to the Bible

The course begins with a general introduction to the Bible. We’ll explore what the Bible is, its unique structure, and how it was written by various authors over centuries. This section also answers the important question: Why should we study the Bible? Learners will discover the significance of the Bible in understanding God’s will, building faith, and living a life that reflects God’s purpose.

2. Old Testament Overview

The Old Testament provides the historical and theological foundation of the Christian faith. In this section, we explore the Pentateuch, the first five books, where key stories of creation, the fall of man, and God’s covenant with Israel are found. We then move on to the Historical Books, which trace the journey of God’s people from the conquest of the Promised Land to the exile. Afterward, we dive into Wisdom and Poetry, such as Psalms and Proverbs, which teach profound truths about life, God, and faith. Lastly, the Prophetic Books reveal God’s messages of judgment, mercy, and the promise of the coming Messiah.

3. New Testament Overview

The New Testament focuses on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the birth and growth of the early church. Learners will begin with the Gospels, which offer four perspectives on Jesus’ life and mission. From there, we’ll move into the Acts of the Apostles, documenting the rise of the Christian movement. The Pauline Epistles are key letters that address the challenges of the early Christian communities, followed by the General Epistles and Revelation, which offer guidance and prophecy about the end times.

4. Key Themes in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, key themes consistently emerge. This section explores the concepts of Covenant and Promise, Sin and Redemption, and the Kingdom of God. We’ll also dive into the many ways Jesus Christ fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and how His life, death, and resurrection tie together the entire biblical narrative.

5. Understanding Biblical Genres

The Bible contains a variety of genres, from narrative stories to laws, prophecies, and poetry. Learning to recognize and interpret these genres is crucial to understanding the Bible correctly. Learners will gain skills in recognizing these different types of writings and will understand how each contributes to the overarching message of Scripture.

6. Hermeneutics: How to Interpret Scripture

Interpreting Scripture requires understanding the context, meaning, and application of biblical passages. In this section, learners will explore the principles of hermeneutics, or biblical interpretation. This includes understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible, recognizing the importance of literary context, and applying the teachings to modern-day situations.

7. The Bible’s Influence on History and Culture

Finally, the course examines how the Bible has shaped Western civilization, influenced art, literature, and modern society, and continues to transform lives today. Through this comprehensive study, learners will not only gain knowledge but also be equipped to live out biblical principles in their daily lives.