Poetical Books
BIB515-1 The Book of Psalms – Unit 1
The Book of Psalms is the most often quoted reference in the New Testament. The Psalms are not only unexcelled for being inspirational and comforting; they are also one of the richest sources of prophetic insights in the entire Bible. It may come as a shock to discover how many Messianic insights are tucked away in the Psalms: from secrets of the creation, to profiles of the ultimate (and imminent) cosmic war; from the tawdry stresses of those boyhood days growing up in Nazareth, to the exaltation of establishing His Kingdom on the Planet Earth.
Psalms also emphasizes the heart and soul of humanity. It is a collection of songs and prayers that intimately express the deepest emotions experienced by mankind. It provides comfort, strength and help during our darkest moments as well as praise and joy only found through God’s everlasting love and forgiveness.
Course Objectives:
- Review the inspiring vividness of Christ’s betrayal
- Examine His sufferings on the cross
- Explore Christ’s ultimate victory over His enemies
- Discover the personal application to our lives
Required Materials:
1) Expositional Commentary on the Book of Psalms (MP3 CD-ROM or DVD is recommended as they include computer-aided visuals)
2) A good Bible translation (not a paraphrase).
Duration: 12 sessions
Credit: 3 credit hours REGISTER HERE
BIB515-2 The Book of Psalms – Unit 2
The Book of Psalms is the most often quoted reference in the New Testament. The Psalms are not only unexcelled for being inspirational and comforting; they are also one of the richest sources of prophetic insights in the entire Bible. It may come as a shock to discover how many Messianic insights are tucked away in the Psalms: from secrets of the creation, to profiles of the ultimate (and imminent) cosmic war; from the tawdry stresses of those boyhood days growing up in Nazareth, to the exaltation of establishing His Kingdom on the Planet Earth.
Psalms also emphasizes the heart and soul of humanity. It is a collection of songs and prayers that intimately express the deepest emotions experienced by mankind. It provides comfort, strength and help during our darkest moments as well as praise and joy only found through God’s everlasting love and forgiveness.
Course Objectives:
- Review the inspiring vividness of Christ’s betrayal
- Examine His sufferings on the cross
- Explore Christ’s ultimate victory over His enemies
- Discover the personal application to our lives
Required Materials:
1) Expositional Commentary on the Book of Psalms (MP3 CD-ROM or DVD is recommended as they include computer-aided visuals)
2) A good Bible translation (not a paraphrase).
Duration: 12 sessions
Credit: 3 credit hours REGISTER HERE
BIB516 The Book of Proverbs & Proverbs Log
Life is not a spectator sport: this book provides practical guidance for daily challenges, collected from one who is widely regarded as the wisest man who ever lived.
In a manner suggestive of a laboratory course, a student log book will be maintained to empirically examine the actual effects of this collection on the life of the student.
Among many surprises encountered are some overlooked identities (Lemuel, Agur, Ithiel, and Ucal) and Solomon’s enigmatic riddle of the Messiah.
Course Objectives:
- Emphasize that Proverbs is beyond keeping laws
- Focus on leading an aggressively dynamic life
- Understand proper and improper attitudes, conduct, and characteristics
- Conduct a “lab experiment” by maintaining a student log book to empirically examine the actual effects of this collection on the life of the student
Required Materials:
1) Expositional Commentary on the Book of Proverbs (MP3 CD-ROM or DVD is recommended as they include computer-aided visuals)
2) A good Bible translation (not a paraphrase).
Duration: 8 sessions
Credit: 2 credit hours REGISTER HERE
BIB517 The Book of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes is unlike any other Old Testament book and has no parallel in literature of the Biblical world. It is a philosophical discourse as well as a considered response to the most basic questions of life. Yet, even today this wise counsel is widely ignored or misunderstood. Surpassing other wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes emphasizes the fact that human life and human goals, as ends in themselves and apart from God, are futile and meaningless. Solomon saw injustice to the poor, crooked politics, incompetent leaders, unbridled crime, materialism, and a desire for “the good old days.” It is a message for us today.
Course Objectives:
- Consider profound and priceless advice from Solomon
- Examine life, money, values and personal priorities
- Discover a rewarding guidebook for those who gain wisdom
Required Materials:
1) Expositional Commentary on the Book of (MP3 CD-ROM)
2) A good Bible translation (not a paraphrase).
Duration: 8 sessions
Credit: 2 credit hours REGISTER HERE
BIB518 The Song of Songs
This book, also called the Song of Solomon, is one of the most neglected—and controversial —books of the Bible. It is a book about lovemaking from an author who had 700 wives and 300 concubines. So explicit are these aspects that because of its erotic content, the rabbis forbade the book to be read by anyone under the age of 30.
Almost every verse has been the subject of debate by its interpreters. Probably no other book of the Bible has such a variegated tapestry of interpretation. Yet, all Scripture speaks of the glory and beauty of our Messiah. John the Baptist recognized Christ as the Bridegroom, as Christ Himself also claimed. And Paul pressed the idiom even further, as does John in the Book of Revelation.
Course Objectives:
- Explore why out of more than 1,000 songs of Solomon only this was designed by God to be included in the Biblical canon
- Examine God’s view of marriage and the path to intimacy
- Discover how the Bridegroom views the Church
Required Materials:
1) Expositional Commentary on the Book of The Song of Songs (MP3 CD-ROM or DVD is recommended as they include computer-aided visuals)
2) A good Bible translation (not a paraphrase).
Duration: 5 sessions
Credit: 2 credit hours REGISTER HERE
