Overview

We are witnessing a resurgent interest in religion and prophecies about the future. Various reports from science and archeology claim to support or contradict the Bible. This course will give you an overview of the Old Testament that will cover important issues relating the Bible to history and show the relationship of ancient Bible prophecies to world events making news today.

Course description

This course is an introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The course focuses upon the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Poetical Books and Prophets following the order given in our standard English Bibles. Emphasis is upon the background, content, structure, geography, teachings, and basic meaning of each book as well as outstanding people and events. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the author, background, theme, and content of each book.

Instructional Objectives

On successful completion of this course, a student should be able to: 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the author, background, theme, and content of each book. 2. Discuss important concepts contained in each book that relate to understanding history and the development of human knowledge. 3. Identify and discuss key points of books that are subject to criticism.

Your Instructor

The instructor of record for this course is Kenneth L. Frank. To contact him on course details and issues please use the email feature in the E-Learning system (Populi). Mr. Frank was born and raised in New Jersey, USA where he attended Monmouth College (now Monmouth University) for one year, majoring in history and government. Following that, he attended the three campuses of Ambassador College (later Ambassador University) in Big Sandy, Texas, USA; Bricket Wood, England; and Pasadena, California, USA. In the summer of 1971, he participated in an archaeological project jointly sponsored by Ambassador College and Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Upon graduation from Ambassador College with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, he trained for the ministry in Canada and was ordained an elder in 1975. He pastored Canadian congregations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario for twenty-six years before returning to the United States where he served as a Living Church of God pastor in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. He is married, father of four children and grandfather of seven. In 2014, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry at Grand Canyon University. Presently, he serves on the Living Education campus as instructor and minister.

COURSE TOPICS

FALL SEMESTER

Lesson One: Pentateuch – Modules 1-9

• Module 1 – What is the Old Testament?
• Module 2 – Where and When did the Events of the Old Testament Take Place?
• Module 3 – Introduction to the Pentateuch
• Module 4 – Genesis 1-11
• Module 5 – Genesis 12-50
• Module 6 – Exodus
• Module 7 – Leviticus
• Module 8 – Numbers
• Module 9 – Deuteronomy

Lesson Two: Historical Books – Modules 10-18

• Module 10 – Introduction to the Historical Books
• Module 11 – Joshua
• Module 12 – Judges and Ruth
• Module 13 – 1 Samuel
• Module 14 – 2 Samuel
• Module 15 – 1 Kings
• Module 16 – 2 Kings
• Module 17 – 1 & 2 Chronicles
• Module 18 – Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

Lesson Three: Lesson 3 – Poetical Books – Modules 19-23

• Module 19 – Introduction to the Poetical Books
• Module 20 – Job
• Module 21 – Psalms
• Module 22 – Proverbs
• Module 23 – Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

Lesson Four: Prophets – Modules 24-34 & Epilogue

• Module 24 – Introduction to the Prophets
• Module 25 – Isaiah 1-39
• Module 26 – Isaiah 40-66
• Module 27 – Jeremiah 1-20
• Module 28 – Jeremiah 21-52 and Lamentations
• Module 29 – Ezekiel 1-24
• Module 30 – Ezekiel 25-48
• Module 31 – Daniel
• Module 32 – Hosea, Joel, and Amos
• Module 33 – Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah
• Module 34 – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

SPRING SEMESTER

Lesson One: Gospels – Modules 1-12

• Module 1 – Why Study the New Testament?
• Module 2 – The Middle East in the Days of Jesus
• Module 3 – The Gospel and the Four Gospels
• Module 4 – The Gospel of Matthew: The Messiah Has Come!
• Module 5 – The Gospel of Mark: Son of God, Servant of All
• Module 6 – The Gospel of Luke: A Savior for All People
• Module 7 – The Gospel of John: Eternal Life through his Name
• Module 8 – Man from Galilee: The Life of Jesus Christ
• Module 9 – Lord, Teach Us: The Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ
• Module 10 – Modern Approaches to the New Testament: Historical Criticism and Hermeneutics
• Module 11 – The Modern Study of the Gospels
• Module 12 – The Modern Search for Jesus

Lesson Two: Acts – Modules 13-16

• Module 13 – The World and Identity of the Earliest Church
• Module 14 – Acts 1-7: The Earliest Days of the Church
• Module 15 – Acts 8-12: Salvation for Both Jew and Gentile
• Module 16 – Acts 13-28: The Light of Christ to the Ends of the Earth

Lesson 3: Pauline Epistles – Modules 17-21

• Module 17 – All Things to All People: Life and Teachings of the Apostle Paul
• Module 18 – Romans: Right with God
• Module 19 – Corinthians and Galatians: Apostolic Counsel for Confused Churches
• Module 20 – Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon: Letters from Prison
• Module 21 – Thessalonians, Timothy, and Titus: A Legacy

Lesson 4: General Epistles & Revelation – Modules 22-24 & Epilogue

• Module 22 – Hebrews and James: Maintaining Full Commitment to Christ
• Module 23 – Peter, John, and Jude: A Call to Faith, Hope, and Love
• Module 24 – Revelation: God is in Control
• Epilogue: Matters to Ponder