214 │COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018│ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIB 6320
Old Testament Theology
In this introductory study you will explore the theological thought of the Old Testament. You will examine the major themes which give
unity to the writings of the Old Testament. Special attention will be given to God’s salvation for Israel and the world, as well as to the
interpretation of the Old Testament in the New Testament and its application in contemporary culture. (3)
BIB 6330
New Testament Theology
In this introductory study you will explore the theological thought of the New Testament, trace the progression of thought beginning with
Jesus, and seek to discover each writer’s distinctive contribution to the overall message of the New Testament. Special attention will
be given to the gospel of the kingdom as proclaimed and applied by the various biblical authors. (3)
BIB 6503
Genesis
In this course you will consider the content of Genesis with particular focus on the theology from creation to the Abrahamic Covenant.
Attention will be given to the development of major themes throughout Scripture, the hermeneutical difficulties of narrative and the use
of Genesis for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6540
Psalms
The historical context of corporate and individual faith and worship in ancient Israel provides the background to help you understand
the message of the Psalms and their relevance for contemporary Christian experience. Attention will be given to different Psalm types,
the structure of Hebrew poetry, the universal perspective of the Psalms and the use of Psalms for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6543
Proverbs and Job
This study of the wisdom books of Proverbs and Job seeks to help you set them in their international context and in the context of
biblical theology. Attention will be given to the books’ teaching on practical living, their dominant theological emphases, their implications
for Christian ministry in our times, and the use of Proverbs and Job for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6547
Song of Solomon and Esther
In this course, you will consider the content of Song of Songs and Esther, with their unique focus on leading female characters. Attention
will be given to historical-cultural, literary, and theological features in these books, as well as their use for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6548
Isaiah
This study of the book of Isaiah will guide you in an examination of its structure, content, and contemporary significance. Attention will
be given to the book’s theological themes, its emphasis on knowing God and making God known, its use in the New Testament, and
the use of Isaiah for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6601
Matthew
In this study of Matthew’s portrayal of the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus you will consider the author’s historical, catechetical,
apologetic, and missiological purposes. Attention will be given to major theological themes, contemporary application of Jesus’ teaching
in the five major discourses recorded by Matthew, and the book’s use for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6610
John
In this study of the fourth gospel you will explore its cultural and theological context. Attention will be given to tracing the movement of
the book, exegesis of selected passages, the Upper Room Discourse in chapters 13-17, and the use of John for teaching and preaching.
(3)
BIB 6616
Romans
This study of Paul’s letter to the Romans will help you understand its message in the light of the original, first century situation.
Consideration will be given to the significance of the letter’s message for today. Special emphasis is placed on the development of your
exegetical skills and on the use of Romans for teaching and preaching. (3)
Prerequisite: BIB 5410
BIB 6620
I Corinthians
Through the exegesis of selected passages and practical application of those passages, you will explore ways of solving problems
related to divisions in the Church. Special attention will be given to church discipline, lawsuits among Christians, Christian marriage in
non-Christian environments, the celebration of the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts, and the meaning of Christ's resurrection. (3)
BIB 6645
Prison Epistles
This course will give you a greater appreciation for Paul’s prison epistles by helping you develop an understanding of the historical
background of his ministry prior to writing the letters and helping you interpret each letter textually and contextually. Special emphasis
will be given to the use of the Prison Epistles for teaching and preaching. (3)
BIB 6649
Pastoral Epistles
In this exegetical study you will set Paul’s pastoral letters against the background of apostolic times. Special attention will be given to
the way in which Paul handled false doctrine, to the basic teaching on leadership and church growth, and to the application of the
apostle’s teaching to contemporary situations. (3)
BIB 6659
Hebrews
In this course you will trace the orderly exposition of the epistle to the Hebrews, with particular attention given to the person and work
of Christ as high priest, the fulfillment of the Old Testament in the new covenant, and the life of persevering faith of the Christian
sojourner. Attention will be given to the use of Hebrews for teaching and preaching. (3)