Course Descriptions
Term 1
Synthesis I — Covering Genesis, Exodus & Leviticus (3 Hours)
Course Description: Let the foundations of your faith be strengthened as you explore new insights into the creation account, the global flood, and God’s plan for redemption already in motion in the Garden of Eden. Follow the lives of the Patriarchs (Israel’s ‘founding fathers’) and see how God miraculously builds, redeems, and organizes a nation set apart for Himself—Israel. Behold the Holiness of God in Leviticus and learn how each part of the Tabernacle design, its offerings, and the the seven feasts of Israel all foretell of the person and work of Jesus Christ 1300 years in advance of His first coming in a lowly stable in Bethlehem.
Scope
- Students should understand the main storyline of the creation account, fall of man, global flood, and expansion of the nations.
- They should be able to recall the key characters during each time period from the patriarchs, to the beginning of the nation of Israel.
- Cover Israel’s calling out of Egypt as God’s special, chosen people with laws and patterns for worship given by God to Moses.
- Show the patterns of Redemption highlighted in Exodus, of Sanctification in Leviticus, and how Christ is prefigured in both the offerings and feasts prescribed for Israel.
- A clear presentation should be given linking key events and statements to God’s redemptive plan woven like a scarlet thread through each of these books pointing toward Christ.
Missions I — Covering Missions History, Trends, and Strategy (3 Hours)
Course Description: Follow the advance of the Gospel, carried at great cost, from the early Church in Asia Minor to every continent on earth. Discover what led to the great missions movements through the centuries… first to the coastlands, then to the interior, and now to every nation, tribe, tongue, and culture. Discuss current trends and strategies in modern missions and the role you can play in completing the Great Commission.
Scope
- Class should present both the mandate and history of missions through each period of church history.
- Students should be presented with the mistakes and principles learned along the way in missions contextualization and strategy.
- Attention should be given to the major movements affecting missions including the growth and impact of the Global South in modern missions.
- Solutions will be discussed for completing the unfinished task among the unreached including today’s global youth culture.
Doctrine I — A Topical Study of Key Bible Doctrines (3 Hours)
Course Description: We are told, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV. Find the Scriptural foundations of what you believe and why you believe it.
Doctrine I covers:
- Revelation — Review the Christian story in four acts (Creation, Fall, Redemption & Restoration) God is knowable and has made Himself known, how does He reveal Himself?
- Scripture — Discover the uniqueness and authority of God’s Word… 66 books, written over 2000 years, by 40 authors from various walks of life… yet it reads with one unified theme and purpose.
- The Trinity — Explore this foundational truth: One God, eternally existing in three Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Scope
- A broad overview of the ways God reveals Himself to His creation
- Review the supernatural origins of Scripture, written by the Holy Spirit with one unified theme, taking us through creation, the fall, God’s redemptive plan and promised restoration for those who receive His free gift of salvation.
- Students should be introduced to the Biblical foundations for the doctrine of the Trinity and attributes of God.
Church History I — Meet Heroes of our Faith through the Centuries (2 Hours)
Learn powerful spiritual lessons as you visit the characters and events from the Early church, through the Roman persecution, then to the dangerous effects of association with the State under Constantine and on into the so-called ‘Dark Ages’.
Scope
- Structure the presentation of Church History through the lens of Jesus’ letters to the seven churches.
- What happened to the early church after Acts was written?
- The rise of persecution under successive Roman emperors.
- Understanding the lives of the early ‘church fathers’.
- Introduction to the ‘State Church’ under Constantine and the rise of the Roman Catholic church into the ‘Dark Ages’.
- Understanding the Reformation, Martin Luther and other key figures.
- Re-introduction of God’s Word into the language of the common man and the resulting spread of the Gospel into Europe and beyond.
Spiritual Life I — Applying God’s Word to our Daily Life (2 Hours)
Just like ‘Christian’ in John Bunyan’s classic Pilgrim’s Progress, each new believer has only just begun an epic journey once they’ve believed on Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In 1st Peter chapter 1 we are told to be holy even as our Lord God is Holy — But what does that mean in everyday life? Dig into God’s Word and enjoy lively group discussion through each chapter of your guided course through On Being A Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe.
Scope
- Follow the textbook chapter layout into the number of classes for your term.
- Budget substantial class time for discussion of verses and chapter questions.
- Use personal ministry illustrations and other supplemental resources.
Pedagogy — The Art and Science of Teaching (2 Hours)
Jesus was a master teacher and communicator. Learn the basic principles of communication that will make learning fun and memorable for those you teach. Learn best practices from a practical and biblical perspective.
Scope
- Layout the tools Jesus Himself used as the master Teacher.
- Discover the tools used in proper lesson preparation.
- Minimize distractions through professional presentation.
- Integrate questions and discussion into each lesson.
- Use visual aids and illustrations.
- Make the most of quizzes, tests, and assignments.
Term 2
Synthesis II — Covering Numbers thru Ruth (3 Hours)
Survey the events of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and Moses’ review of God’s Law in preparation for entering the Promised Land. Observe Joshua’s conquest of Canaan, full of life lessons for today. Journey through Judges and see how Israel repeatedly forgot to learn from the mistakes of her past, as do we. In Ruth, see redemption illustrated through a beautiful love story highlighting the role of the kinsman-redeemer.
Scope
- Review 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 and emphasize that the story of Israel in the wilderness is written as an example for us that we might endure and be victorious over temptation.
- Students should be familiar with the layout of Israel’s camp in the desert with the Tabernacle at the center. They should understand how each division mirrored the design of God’s heavenly person and presence around the throne (four Cherubim/four Gospels etc.).
- New Testament references to these books should be discussed and highlighted as ‘God’s commentary’ of the Old Testament with its types and patterns pointing to Jesus Christ and the promise to enter into His blessing and rest.
- Explore each facet of the redemption story through the book of Ruth. Learn how each detail (Barley harvest, Wheat harvest (lining up with Jewish feasts), the threshing floor, laws for redemption, and even each character are wonderful types and representations of our Salvation experience in Christ. Learn how this story illustrates the wonderful marriage of Christ to His Bride the Church!
Christian Evidences — Apologetics (2 Hours)
Ours is not a blind faith. Explore the spectacular reliability of God’s Word, the Bible. See how its supernatural design and stunning prophecies set it apart from any other writings of antiquity. Discuss a Biblical approach to answering questions about evolution, the ‘problem of evil’, marriage, family, race, culture and much more. Learn how to ‘give an answer to those who ask for a reason for the hope that is within you’ (1 Peter 3:15).
Scope
- The Authority and Inspiration of Scripture.
- Does the Bible teach that Jesus is God?
- Handling perceived Bible difficulties.
- Presenting Creation Science / Refuting Evolutionary Theory.
- Addressing the ‘Problem of Evil’.
- Communicating God’s design for marriage, family, race & culture.
- Note: instructor will cover other text chapters, but may also add supplemental topics to the curriculum.
Doctrine II — Part 2 of 3 in Doctrine Series (3 Hours)
Know what you believe and why you believe it. Continuing your topical Scripture study of doctrinal foundations, you will dig into the following topics:
— From Dust to Dust: Creation, Humanity, and the Fall
— Wise unto Salvation: Gospel, Atonement, and Saving Grace
Learn how to explain what the Bible teaches about creation and how mankind is created in His image. What are the practical applications of that truth? Where does the term ‘Gospel’ come from? — Does the Bible define what that term means? What are the differences between words like redemption, atonement, propitiation, and much more.
Scope
- The contrasts and implications of the Biblical creation account vs. modern relativism.
- The triune God.
- Angels & Demons — created, finite beings of an infinite creator.
- The nature of humanity, created in the image of God Himself.
- The fall of mankind, loss of relationship, and doctrine of sin.
- God’s redemptive plan, the atoning work of Christ, the spotless Lamb of God, and understanding of saving grace.
Church History II — From the Reformation to Today (2 Hours)
Learn powerful spiritual lessons as you visit the characters and events from the Reformation period of Martin Luther, the translation of God’s Word into the modern tongue by William Carey, and the resulting explosion in modern missions and church growth as a result. Learn how to apply the lessons of church history personally and in your ministry.
Scope
- Structure the presentation of church history through the lens of Jesus’ letters to the seven churches.
- The circumstances that led to the problems in the church observed by Martin Luther.
- Understand the Reformation, Martin Luther and other key figures.
- Re-introduction of God’s Word into the language of the common man and the resulting spread of the Gospel into Europe and beyond.
- American Christianity.
- Worldwide movements of Christianity and the ‘Global South’.
- What are the key lessons of church history?
- What was done right that should be modeled from each era?
- What was done wrong that should be avoided from each era?
Speech (2 Hours)
Clear, accurate, and relatable communication is vital to effective ministry whether it is for children, youth, or adults. Learn the basics of preparation, presentation, and effective use of stories, illustrations, and other communication tools.
Scope
- Speaking to serve and know your audience.
- Conquering fears.
- Composing an outline.
- How to think Biblically and research topics.
- Being trustworthy and passionate.
- Use of drama, storytelling, logic, and emotion.
- Focus on group setting.
- How to use technology (sound, visuals, and more).
Personal Evangelism — Learning to share the Good News (3 Hours)
Have you ever felt the Lord tugging at your heart to share Christ with someone and yet failed to speak because of fear you are not prepared? This class will provide you with the tools you need to boldly proclaim the Good News with love, humility, and confidence.
Scope
- To structure and present their own personal testimony.
- Be able to explain our need for a Savior using the 10 Commandments.
- Be able to share the plan of Salvation using the ‘Roman Road’.
- Understand how to share with those who are ‘broken’ already.
- Learn how to start a conversation.
- Learn how to be a good listener.
- Learn how to be ‘salty’ in everyday life.
- Learn how to use tracks, pocket scripture portions, and other ministry aids.
- To address key excuses from atheists, agnostics and those caught in cults or other religious belief systems
Term 3
Synthesis III — Covering 1 Samuel thru Esther (3 Hours)
This class brings us to Israel’s last judge, Samuel, and their first king, Saul. Follow the period of Israel’s United Kingdom under David and Solomon and then into the divided kingdoms of Israel to the north and Judah to the south. Follow the spiritual rise and fall of the kings leading to the eventual fall of Jerusalem and captivity in Babylon. What can we learn and apply to our life from each story? Ezra covers the return of the Jewish remnant from exile under Zerubabel. Nehemiah is a textbook on leadership as the wall is rebuilt from the ruins around Jerusalem. The book of Esther shows God’s sovereignty as a plot to destroy the Jews leads to a display of courage that saves the nation.
Scope
- The state of Israel at the end of the period of the judges.
- The contrasts between Israel’s ideal king (Saul) and David (a man after God’s own heart).
- The role of God’s covenant with David in redemptive history.
- David’s sin and its consequences showing the need for one greater than David.
- Understanding the rise & fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah).
- Understanding the call of God’s prophets, their message to the nation and the response of the people.
- Ezra - Witness God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in restoring His people to their land. See the courage and determination it took to teach His word and explain its meaning.
- Nehemiah - Illustrates the basics of godly servant leadership in the face of adversity.
- Esther - Understand the origins of the Feast of Purim, the lessons of personal cost and responsibility in responding to crisis as God’s instrument. Observe the pattern of Satan’s constant attack against the Messianic promise going all the way back to Genesis.
Doctrine III — Part 3 of 3 in the Doctrine Series (3 Hours)
Know what you believe and why you believe it. Continuing your topical Scripture study of doctrinal foundations, you will dig into the following topics:
— The Church: a mystery to the Old Testament prophets, revealed in the New Testament. What is her identity, role & purpose?
— Spiritual Growth: What is sanctification? What is the meaning of Baptism & Communion? How does the believer battle sin?
— End-Times: What does the Bible say about living in the last days, the Rapture, Tribulation & Millennium?
Scope
- Understand the uniqueness of God’s plan for Israel and His plan for His Bride, the Church.
- What is the Biblical model for personal growth in Christ, sanctification, and Spirit filled, victorious living?
- What is the role of the church and our role in the church?
- Understand the meaning and purpose of baptism and communion.
- What does the Bible teach about the 2nd coming of Christ, judgment, and the resurrection of the believer?
Prophecy (3 Hours)
Bible prophecy can seem overwhelmingly complicated and mysterious. Receive the tools to unlock and understand the big picture. Only ONE God is outside of ‘space-time’ and can predict the future before it happens. God authenticates His Word as His own through fulfilled prophecy. This class will address the following questions and many more:
— Why is Bible prophecy important?
— How can we understand ‘last-days’ lingo?
— What tools can we use to interpret prophecy?
—Who are the ‘good guys’? Who are the ‘bad guys’?
—Is it ‘literal’ or ‘spiritual’?
—What is the basic, prophetic timeline?
Scope
- Cover the nature, identity, and purpose of Bible Prophecy.
- Follow the scarlet thread of prophecy about the First Coming of Christ.
- What do we learn about the prophecies that have already been fulfilled as we look to interpret future prophecies?
- Who are the main characters, and what are the main events of end-time prophecy?
- How might the seven feasts of Israel line up with key events in Bible prophecy?
Introduction to Christian Leadership (2 Hours)
Good role-models are hard to find these days. Biblical leadership is even more rare. Get an ‘inside’ look at what makes for great leadership from the life of Nehemiah and discuss how these principles can be applied today.
Scope
- Identify the character traits that become the building blocks of Biblical leadership
- How does a leader ‘wait on the Lord’ for God’s timing to act?
- What steps need to be taken before laying out your ‘vision’ and mobilizing others?
- How does God’s leader adapt to changing circumstances?
- How does a good leader make an ‘unpopular’ decision the ‘right’ way?
BiblicaI Places, Peoples & Customs (2 Hours)
Gain a richer understanding of God’s Word as this class explores Bible lands then and now. What was the significance of a name? Learn how seasons, customs, and even the plants and animals of the Bible had a part in the unfolding story of redemption.
Scope
- Learn where key Bible events took place and which Old & New testament events happened in the same place.
- How has the world map changed throughout history from the Bible days until now?
- See how the meaning of each person and place in the Bible enriches the narrative of each story.
- Learn what customs, plants and animals meant to the people and places of the Bible.
Cross-Cultural Communication (2 Hours)
If we are to be effective in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in this ‘globally connected’ world, we must follow the same model Jesus used when He left His throne and became ‘one of us’... in every way. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and cultural ‘no-nos’. Identify the keys to being an effective ambassador for the King of Kings.
Scope
- Follow the examples of cross-cultural communication given to us in Scripture.
- Explore the life of Christ, the Apostles, and the Apostle Paul in particular to gain valuable principles in ‘becoming all things to all men…’
- How to build strong relationships and break down the barriers that can hinder them.
Term 4
Synthesis IV — Covering Isaiah, Jeremiah & Ezekiel (3 Hours)
Isaiah shares warnings from the God of judgment against both Israel, and the surrounding nations. Isaiah also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and describes His sacrificial death in vivid detail hundreds of years before it takes place. Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, is called as a youth and boldly proclaims imminent disaster, but also proclaims the hope of return after 70 years in captivity. Ezekiel gives us descriptions of epic end-time battles, a glimpse of the glory surrounding God’s throne, and a blueprint of the future temple during the Millenium.
Scope
- Understand the different judgments from God to Israel, and how they relate to the New Testament and us today.
- Look at the prophecies of Isaiah and how they correlate to the coming of Jesus and the New Testament Scriptures.
- Look at how Jeremiah boldly proclaims the Word of God at such a young age.
- Learn to find hope in the midst of sorrow.
- See how Ezekiel’s vision of the ‘valley of dry-bones’ becomes a reality.
- Explore Ezekiel’s descriptions of epic end-time battles and of the millennial reign of Christ.
Analysis I — Covering the book of Acts (3 Hours)
Continuing where the Gospels left off, Luke writes about the day of Pentecost and the birth of the Church. Follow the heroic stand of the apostles and the first missionary journeys of Paul, a man who once persecuted the church.
Scope
- Understand the meaning of the Day of Pentecost and the foundations of the early church.
- Learn about the miraculous conversion of Paul, his missionary journeys and the impact they had on the growing church.
- Learn how God confirmed the Gospel message with His power and anointing.
- Discuss the similarities and differences between the early church and our churches today.
- Watch the advance of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ‘ends of the earth’.
Introduction to Biblical Counseling (3 Hours)
Discuss the application of Bible truth to real life situations of doubt, neglect, habitual sin, abuse, loneliness, self-worth and much more. Learn how to be both a good listener and mentor guided by God’s Word and His Holy Spirit, our true Counselor. (Class focuses primarily on counseling youth).
Scope
- Learning to be a good ‘listener'.
- Discussing the ‘spiritual condition’ of those being mentored…Are they ‘born again’?
- Addressing the major challenges facing today’s youth from a Biblical perspective.
- Explore key topics layed out in the curriculum.
- Using Scripture is essential in affecting ‘lasting change’.
- Remembering to always pray together.
Making Disciples (2 Hours)
We are called to make disciples in Matthew 28, not just ‘converts’. For the Christian, to be ‘born again’ is just the beginning of a life-time of growth as a follower of Jesus. We are called to ‘abide in the vine’ and to ‘bear fruit’. Our faith, like light, should be shared in a dark world and should result in disciples making disciples. So why does this so often fail to happen? How can we get back on track?
Scope
- Examine the humanity of Jesus, our mission, and our motives.
- Break down each element in our discovery of Christ from being lost, to becoming a believer, to serving Christ, to becoming a ‘disciple-maker’.
- How can we apply these principles in leadership?
Grammar (2 Hours)
Be effective in ministry by learning the skills necessary for writing reports, sharing testimonies, and other necessary communications. Through this class learn proper English grammar and spelling. Practice writing professional newsletters, reports, and essays.
Scope
- Correctly use English grammar, especially in writing papers and reports.
- Learn the different ‘principles’ of grammar, spelling, and writing.
- Be able to effectively write any paper or report.
Student Resource: Compiled by Teen Missions staff instructors
Expository Studying — Hermeneutics (2 Hours)
This class will provide you with the ‘tool box’ for studying God’s Word on your own. Learn how to build a Bible lesson or sermon that is clear, memorable, and biblically sound.
Scope
- How to interpret the Bible.
- Grammar and Syntax: The Preacher’s Friends.
- Learning to ‘strip’ a sentence.
- Block diagramming
- Outlining and summarizing text
- What is narrative?
- How to study Psalms and Proverbs
Term 5
Synthesis V — Covering the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke & John (3 Hours)
In this course, learn about all of the similarities and differences between the four Gospels. Each book, inspired through the Holy Spirit, focuses on a unique facet of the ‘greatest story ever told’. Behold the ‘lamb of God’, from His birth in a stable in Bethlehem, to His ministry with 12 disciples, and then to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Scope
- Understand all the differences between the four Gospels. Who are the authors and what is the perspective of each Gospel?
- Did Jesus meet all of the qualifications, given by the prophets, for the coming Messiah?
- How can we apply the ‘beatitudes’ in the famous sermon on the mount to our own lives?
- How can we understand the parables Jesus used in His teaching?
- Why was Jesus’ treatment of the Pharisees so different from His treatment of ‘sinners’?
- Why was each event of Jesus’ last week prior to His crucifixion so important?
Analysis II — Covering the book of Romans (3 Hours)
The story of God’s redemptive plan is broken down clearly in the Book of Romans. The righteousness from God is revealed. The facts are presented: All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Eternal life and forgiveness can only be found in the work and person of Jesus Christ.
Scope
- See Paul explain the Gospel message (faith, hope & love).
- Learn about the doctrines of Sin, Salvation, and Sanctification.
- Follow along as Paul describes Israel (past, present, and future).
- What is the difference between the 1st Adam and the 2nd Adam?
- What are the practical applications of this knowledge? How are we ‘living sacrifices’ to God?
Poetical Books — Covering Job thru Song of Solomon, and Lamentations (3 Hours)
See how God addresses the problem of evil in the book of Job as you view a window into the spirit realm where Satan works as the ‘accuser of the brethren’. Wonder at the elegant praises and thanksgiving in Psalms and at the common sense wisdom of Proverbs. Both offer a guide to daily living. Ecclesiastes explores the vanity of life when looking only at the ‘horizontal plain’. Song of Solomon describes the beauty and romance of the marriage relationship and gives us a glimpse of the loving union between Christ and His church.
Scope
- Explore the cry of the Old Testament, summed up in Job…“Oh, that there was one to stand as a mediator between me and God!”.
- What do we learn of the supernatural realm from the book of Job?
- How is the ‘problem of evil’ addressed during discussions with Job’s friends?
- What practical lessons can we learn about praise and worship from the book of Psalms? Which Psalms are actually prophetic?
- Discuss real life applications from the book of Proverbs.
- How does a believer approach the pessimism of Eccleciastes?
- How can Eccleciastes prove valuable in evangelism?
- Learn how the traditions of a Jewish wedding are helpful in understanding the Song of Solomon.
- What can we learn about God’s model for the relationship between Christ and His church?
- What does Lamentations reveal about God’s heart and that of His prophet? Do we grieve over the lost and the pain caused by man’s sin?
Homiletics — Preaching God’s Word (2 hours)
Break down basic fundamentals in the preparation, composition and delivery of a sermon. Learn the different types of sermons in addition to putting together a basic outline from Scripture. Review best practices and also pitfalls to be avoided.
Scope
- How to interpret Scripture correctly and avoid common ‘pitfalls’.
- Examine the steps in building a clear sermon outline.
- How to use illustrations as the ‘windows’ of your message.
- Using Scripture to interpret Scripture.
Spiritual Life II — Applying God’s Word to our daily life (2 Hours)
God tells us to be holy even as He is holy, but where do we begin? What is God’s part and what is our responsibility? Get ready for more lively discussions as your class moves through this excellent book by author Jerry Bridges.
Scope
- Share Scriptures relevant to each chapter topic in the textbook.
- Prepare discussion questions for each class.
- Supplement the textbook.
Minor Prophets I — Covering the books of Hosea to Micah (2 Hours)
Survey the first six of twelve books that portray God’s holiness as a King judging idolatrous nations, as a faithful husband taking back a promiscuous wife, as a faithful shepherd contrasted against the foolish shepherd, and as a conquering King putting an end to wickedness, sin, and rebellion once and for all. Explore striking prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the end times. Observe the intimacy of the prophet’s relationship with God as they cry out for justice, mercy, understanding, and victory. See how God responds to even one man who ‘stands in the gap’ for what is right.
Scope
- The class should gain a clear understanding of each author, their subject and their audience. They should also grasp the context from which each book was written.
- Prophetic imagery should be explained in context with other Scriptures that use similar language to help determine meaning and purpose.
- Guide the students in following types of Christ illustrated in each book.
- Identify passages that refer to either the First or Second coming of the Messiah.
- Show how the lessons of each book can be applied to our personal spiritual walk with God today.
Synthesis VI — Covering the Pauline Epistles (3 Hours)
We’ve all heard about Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation. Did you know that the apostle Paul also wrote letters (epistles) to seven churches? In addition, Paul wrote ‘pastoral’ letters to Timothy & Titus and an open letter to a freed slave, Philemon. Follow along as Paul lays out the foundational doctrines of the church as laid out in the Gospels then discover how these truths are applied to our daily lives as believers.
Scope
- Understand the major themes and doctrinal truths found in each letter.
- Discover the ways these doctrines should be applied in the believer’s daily life.
- Discuss as a class how we can best ‘model’ the priorities of the early church and avoid their mistakes.
General Epistles — Covering Hebrews thru Jude (3 Hours)
The New Testament letters NOT written by the apostle Paul are known as the ‘General Epistles’. Hebrews beautifully lays out how the longings, models, and prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, our High Priest. James explains how ‘saving faith’ is demonstrated by a changed life. Letters by Peter, John, and Jude warn us about false teachers, the outworking of love among God’s people, and the certainty of judgment in the last days.
Scope
- Examine the main theme and audience of each book.
- Learn about the dangers that threatened the believers of the early church. Do these same dangers exist today?
- Discover how to walk in faith, hope, and love throughout each day.
- Find instructions for controlling the tongue, handling finances, and much more.
- Find motivation to share the Gospel as the days of judgment draw near.
Missions II (3 Hours)
In this course, investigate what is truly the church’s part in missions, and what role we should all take. You will learn the Biblical basis for missions and the practical hands-on work and how to properly apply it.
Scope
- Discussing missions and God’s kingdom
- Validity of mission boards
- Necessary spiritual gifts
- How to avoid incorrect dependency
- Priority of church planting versus humanitarian ministries
- Short-term versus life-long missionary commitment
Student Resource: A Practical Theology of Missions: Dispelling the Mystery, Recovering the Passion by Eric E. Wright
Daniel/Revelation — Covering the books of Daniel and Revelation (2 Hours)
Explore traits of character and devotion that explain why Daniel (and his friends) were so highly esteemed by both world rulers and by powerful angelic messengers. Understand the spectacular imagery that lays out ALL of world history BEFORE it has even happened. Unpack the key to Biblical prophecy — the 70 weeks of Daniel chapter nine. In Revelation, we have the glorified Lamb of God in view walking amongst His churches and admonishing them to be accountable for the truth they have received. See God as sovereign over the affairs of men even as the Beast (antichrist) arrives on the scene and is eventually defeated and punished. Gain hope as you witness the glory of Christ’s rule on earth over the nations. Witness the New Jerusalem as it lands on a New Earth where the servants of Christ reign with Him forever and ever!
Scope
- Unpack the character traits that laid the foundation for Daniel’s exceptional standing on earth and in heaven.
- How does the account of the ‘fiery furnace’ impact your courage in the face of persecution. Does this story have prophetic meaning?
- Discover similarities between Daniel’s visions and unpack the meaning of each element.
- Learn how the prophecy concerning the 70 weeks of Daniel chapter nine becomes the anchor point for all of Bible prophecy.
- How should Revelation be read and applied? Was it to the churches of that day? Is it Historical? Is it to be applied personally or is it all three?
- Discuss the meaning of each letter to the seven churches.
- Gain understanding about the different end-time views of the rapture, second coming, and millennial reign of Christ.
- Where do Old Testament passages help us to interpret the visions in Revelation?
Ethics (2 Hours)
What is truth in a world of moral relativism? How can we apply the standards of God’s Word to the ethical debates now being waged in the forum of public opinion concerning race, gender, and the right to life for the unborn, sick, disabled, or elderly? Is it ever OK to tell a lie? Lively classroom discussions, guided by Scripture, will be a highlight during this course.
Scope
- Taking a stand for what is ‘right’.
- The morality of sex…and who determines ‘gender identity’?
- What does God’s Word say about the marriage covenant?
- Addressing the issues of substance abuse.
- Viewing war and politics through the lens of Scripture.
- Pro-choice vs pro-life, what does God’s Word say?
Student Resource:
A collection of online resources is used for this course.
(gotquestions.org, biblestudytools.com, desiringgod.com, and more)
Minor Prophets II — Nahum to Malachi (Part 2 of 2) (2 Hours)
Continue your journey through the Minor Prophets. Beyond prophecies of judgment, you will find the prophets wrestling with the ‘big questions’ like the ‘problem of evil’. They also express praises, rejoicing over the arrival of the coming King, and His righteous reign. Learn how they put hope in God in spite of circumstances. Learn to avoid the sins and compromises that can steal God’s blessing and victory.
Scope
- The class should gain a clear understanding of each author, their subject, and their audience. They should also grasp the context from which each book was written.
- Prophetic imagery should be explained in context with other Scriptures that use similar language to help determine meaning and purpose.
- Guide the students in following types of Christ illustrated in each book.
- Identify passages that refer to either the 1st or 2nd coming of the Messiah.
- Show how the lessons of each book can be applied to our personal spiritual walk with God today.