215 │COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2017-2018│ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIB 6675
I and II Peter and Jude
In this course you will discover the unique message of I and II Peter and Jude in light of their historical and literary settings, and how
they relate to one another and to the broader teaching of the New Testament. In addition to examining key themes such as Christian
suffering, eschatology, and dealing with false teachers, you will also gain experience in approaching the exegetical difficulties of each
book and in developing text-based applications for life and ministry. (3)
BIB 6680
Revelation
All the themes of the Bible come together in the last pages of Scripture. In this course you will examine the structure, historical occasion,
biblical background, key theological concepts, and present day significance of the book of Revelation. Selected passages will be treated
in detailed exegesis. (3)
BIB 7041
Preaching Missions from Matthew
This cross-disciplinary course will engage you in a study of Matthew’s portrayal of the life, ministry and teaching of Jesus as well as
introducing you to methods to follow when preparing a series of sermons on the first gospel. Attention will be given to such issues as
introductory matters, gospel study methods, Jesus’ teaching on mission, Matthew’s “universal blessing” theme, preaching resources
and preaching approaches. You will prepare a series of messages on the book and will gain experience by preaching in class. (3)
BIB 7042
Preaching Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
In this course you will construct and preach sermons from the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, also known as the
"Commonwealth Books." You will give attention to the place of these books in the total flow of Old Testament redemptive history, to
principles for interpreting and applying narrative Scripture, and to strategies that will enable you to preach sermons that have a
transformational impact on listeners of all ages. You will balance aspects of sermon construction, homiletical theory, use of illustrations
and story-telling, effective application of truth, audience analysis, and the philosophy and theology of preaching with the importance of
being an authentic servant of God. (3)
BIB 7045
Preaching Through the Parables
This course is a study of the parables of the synoptic Gospels, with special attention to their interpretation in light of their biblical context
and Middle Eastern background, and to the preaching of them in public worship. (3)
BIB 9041
Preaching Missions from Matthew
This cross-disciplinary course will engage you in a study of Matthew's portrayal of the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus as well as
introducing you to methods to follow when preparing a series of sermons on the first gospel. Attention will be given to such issues as
introductory matters, gospel study methods, Jesus' teaching on mission, Matthew's "universal blessing" theme, preaching resources,
and preaching approaches. You will prepare a series of messages on the book and will gain experience by preaching in class. (3)
BIB 9042
Preaching Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
In this course you will construct and preach sermons from the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, also known as the
"Commonwealth Books." You will give attention to the place of these books in the total flow of Old Testament redemptive history, to
principles for interpreting and applying narrative Scripture, and to strategies that will enable you to preach sermons that have a
transformational impact on listeners of all ages. You will balance aspects of sermon construction, homiletical theory, use of illustrations
and story-telling, effective application of truth, audience analysis, and the philosophy and theology of preaching with the importance of
being an authentic servant of God. (3)
BIB 9440
Preaching Parables
In this course you will study the parables of the synoptic Gospels, with special attention to their interpretation in light of their biblical
context and Middle Eastern background, and to the preaching of them in public worship. (3)
BIB 9613
Acts: A Multi-perspective Approach
In this study of Luke's account of the birth and growth of the early church, you will be provided with a foundational framework of the
sequence of events in their historical and cultural context and will begin to build on it through a study of Luke's theological teaching
concerning key concepts related to the church's advance. From these historical and theological reference points, you will learn to
legitimately extrapolate biblical principles and apply them in the fashioning of a contemporary missions strategy. (3)
Biology
BIO 2101
Biology Lab
This is a separate, three-hour module session, which is scheduled each week for students taking BIO 2113. (1)
BIO 2113
Principles of Biology
In this course you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms.
Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular
biology, botany, zoology, and human biology. (3)
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies
BTS 4200
Bible Backgrounds
This course will introduce you to the resources and methodological principles for studying and applying the finds of Bible backgrounds
as an integral part of the hermeneutical process. Attention will be given to both Old Testament (ancient Near Eastern) and the New