Books of the Bible

Name (Credit Hours) and Description

North Star Bible Institute is first and foremost a Bible Institute in that approximately 50 books of the Bible are taught verse by verse. The primary goal in teaching is expositional in nature, emphasizing the context, historical setting, authorship, and practical application. Careful attention is given to hermeneutics and companion passages. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17).

All courses are valued at two credit hours each with the exception of Genesis, Systematic Theology & Church History, which are taught over the course of two semesters and valued at four credit hours.

Genesis (4) – A verse-by-verse study of the book of beginnings which covers over 2,300 years of Bible history.

Exodus (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the redemption of Israel from Egypt. Practical in its application to the Christian’s redemption and call from the world.

Joshua & Judges (2) – A verse-by-verse study of Israel’s conquest and failures in the Promised Land. Practical to the Christian’s victories and failures.

1 & 2 Samuel (2) – Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application.

1 & 2 Kings (2) – Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application.

Job (2) – A verse-by-verse study. The central theme is “Why do the righteous suffer?”

Psalms (2) – An examination of the various types and classifications of the 150 Psalms. The contents of many of those Psalms are studied and applied.

Daniel (2) – A doctrinal and prophetic study of a very controversial Old Testament book, done verse-by-verse from a dispensational, theological perspective.

Minor Prophets (2) – A study (mostly verse-by-verse) of the Minor Prophets. This course covers practical and doctrinal aspects of the books of Hosea through Malachi.

Matthew (2) – An important study into what is perhaps the most transitional of all transitional books. Special attention is given to the Jewish character of the book, and the doctrines that stem from it.

Mark (2) – A verse-by-verse study of Jesus the Minister.

John (2) – A verse-by-verse study. The richness of this gospel provides broad doctrinal and inspirational backdrop.

Acts (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the New Testament and the beginning of the Christian Church. A theological and historical approach.

Romans (2) – The hub of Pauline doctrine is closely examined and discussed verse-by-verse.

1 & 2 Corinthians (2) – A practical and doctrinal verse-by-verse study.9

Galatians through Colossians (2) – A verse-by-verse examination of some of the meat of Pauline doctrine.

The Five T’s (2) – The doctrines of Pauline theology are examined verse-by-verse in this study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus.

Hebrews & James (2) – A careful theological approach is taken to these verse-by-verse studies.

1 Peter through Jude (2) – A verse-by-verse study of the books that are among the most misunderstood and misapplied in the Bible. The doctrines that are taught in these books are the primary concern of this course.

Revelation (2) – The magnum opus of New Testament prophecy is carefully considered verse by verse. Principles of sound hermeneutics are conscientiously applied. Various perspectives examined

 

Other Courses

Name (Credit Hours) and Description

Apologetics (2) – The word apologetics is derived from the Greek word “apologia” which was originally used of a speech of defense or an answer given in reply. Simply defined for our purposes, it consists of the primary arguments for the defense of the Christian faith.

Archaeology and Geography (2) – A detailed study of the history and geography of the Biblical world.

Biblical Law (2) – This course will give understanding of the laws and guidelines instituted by God to govern mankind. These Biblical principles will give insight into the proper ways that governments should function even in our world today.

Church Administration (2) – The nuts and bolts of this very necessary (but often neglected) area. Financial, personal, and legal issues are discussed in depth.

Church History I (2) – A survey of the history of the Church starting with the Apostles through the Reformation. The influences and religious assaults on the Christians will be discussed also to see how some of the practices of the church today came to be.

Church History II (2) – A continuation of Church History I. Starting after the Reformation to the modern era. This course will examine not only the great Christian leaders, but also the movements these men initiated. What made them great? What made them cease? Will we learn from them today?

Comparative Religions (2) – An examination of various religions and their doctrines. Practical conclusions are drawn concerning how to best engage different belief systems.

Dispensationalism (2) is a theological system that teaches biblical history is best understood in light of a number of successive administrations of God’s dealings with mankind. It maintains fundamental distinctions between God’s plans for the nation of Israel and the New Testament Church with particular emphasis on end times prophetical themes.

Greek I (2) – This course is intended for students who are beginning the study of the Greek testament without any previous acquaintance with the Greek language.10

Greek II (2) – Prerequisite: Greek I – This course builds upon the foundation of Greek I.

Greek III (2) – Prerequisite: Greek II – This course builds upon the foundation of Greek II.

Greek IV (2) – Prerequisite: Greek III – This course builds upon the foundation of Greek III.

Homiletics I (2) – Discussion of principles of preaching giving opportunity for the practical use thereof.

Homiletics II (2) – Discussion of principles of preaching giving opportunity for practical use thereof. Homiletics I is not necessarily a prerequisite.

Life of Christ (2) – A chronological look at our Savior’s life on earth, with necessary historical background. Practical and inspirational.

History of the Bible (2) – A study examining where the Bible came from and how the Canon of the Scripture was formed. Also a look at Manuscript Evidence, including Textual Criticism and the philosophy of translating the foundational texts.

New Testament Survey (2) – An overview of the New Testament, with attention given not only to a working knowledge of chapter content and doctrine, but to an understanding of its historical background and the development of the canon.

Old Testament Survey (2) – An overview of the Old Testament with attention given to the historical development of Israel and her relationship to the world around her.

Introduction to Counseling (2) – Principles of sound counseling are examined and practical advice is given. Various philosophies of Christian counseling are discussed.

Pastoral Theology (2) – A thorough survey of practical pastoral work.

Pastoral Writing (2) – A review of basic English grammar and the development of writing as a skill necessary for the Christian worker.

Practical Assignment (2) – A semester’s internship in one of the various selected ministries of the church. Active participation in such a ministry and a written evaluation are required of the student. A detailed description of procedure and available ministry choices is available on request. Note the number of Practical Assignments for each degree. Principles of Leadership & Church Ministry (2) – What makes a faithful Christian leader? Characteristics and principles are discussed.

Principles of Missions (2) – Theology, concepts, principles, ethics, and the pragmatic aspects of missions work are all discussed openly and honestly.

Problem Texts (2) – Examines many of the alleged contradictions in the Word of God and, through examination, brings into focus principles of textual resolution and sound hermeneutics.11

Personal Evangelism (2) – Practical biblical illustrations and methods of evangelism are examined with instruction in sermon outlines and some practical street experience.

Systematic Theology I (2) – A standard systematic approach to theology and church doctrine.

Systematic Theology II (2) – A second semester of the above. It is recommended that the student take Systematic Theology I first, though it is not an official prerequisite.

Thesis (6) – A significant scholarly accomplishment is required for graduation, with a minimum of 15,000 words (about 60 pages). The Thesis will discuss 36 different doctrines assigned by the Administrator. The student may meet with his advisor for consultations and progress evaluations. A detailed description of procedures and requirements is available upon request.