The goal of the School of Biblical Studies (SBS) is to equip individuals with the tools and skills needed for effective Bible study, and then through a disciplined framework give the students the opportunity to apply these skills to every book of the Bible. This helps them understand God’s Word as a whole and builds a foundation for a lifetime of Bible study which results in a more effective Christian ministry. The e-SBS is designed to make the SBS available to those from all walks of life that have hunger for God’s Word and want to engage with it at a deeper level.

Those taking the e-SBS can build up credits toward a University of the Nations (U of N) accredited Certificate in both New Testament and Old Testament Inductive study.  The Certificate in New Testament Inductive Study requires 16 credits, and the Old Testament a further 20 credits.  These credits can at some future point be used towards an undergraduate degree with the U of N.

The course involves disciplined self-study of the Bible. Students are trained in observation of what the text actually says. They are taught the principles of interpretation, considering historical and linguistic background information, to discern what the text meant to the original readers, and from this to draw application, what the text means to us today, both individually and corporately.

Using these three steps, the Bible can be read up to five times, outlined and charted. These charts, which are paragraph by paragraph breakdowns of each book, become valuable aids in future study, teaching and preaching.

Module one lays the foundation for the course teaching the principle of the inductive approach, and particular method of study employed in this course. This module uses the letter of Philemon

Module Two continues this foundational instruction using the letter of Titus and Galatians and Module Three Mark’s Gospel and Psalms.  When these modules have been completed other New Testament modules can be completed in any order.

As the course develops, there will be options for choosing various genre of the Old Testament also, Law, Historical Narrative, Wisdom and Prophets, each with its own introduction.

Please note there is a time limit for each module/book, after which you will need to enroll again. The time limit is clearly stated with each module.

You will need the following resources for the e-SBS:

• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart (preferably the Third Edition, 2003).
• How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart.
• Obtain either the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible or the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible. Try to get one without study notes and headings if possible.

Each student will have the opportunity for staff support should they want one. Your assigned staff person will be available to answer questions and review your work if requested. They can be contacted via email, skype, phone or regular mail.

• The cost of each module is scaled according to module size/content, and your nationality. Please see the financial information page for more information.
• For Application instructions go here.
  

e-SBS Book Time Limit
There is a strict time limit for each book studied. You are allowed 6 weeks from the moment you first log on. This time limit does not apply to the introduction unit, or the books in Module One, as these have information that you will need to refer back to as you continue with the course.

Certificate in New Testament Inductive Study:  Total 16 credits

Module 1    2.5 Credits
The Basics of Inductive Bible Study
Philemon
Titus

Module 2    2 Credits
Galatians
Mark

Module 3    2 Credits
Luke
The Acts of the Apostles

Module 4    1.5 Credits
1 and 2 Thessalonians
1 Corinthians

Module 5    1.5 Credits
2 Corinthians
Romans
Colossians

Module 6    1.5 Credits
Ephesians
Philippians
1 and 2 Timothy

Module 7    1.5 Credits
Matthew
Hebrews

Module 8    1 Credit
James
1 Peter
2 Peter and Jude

Module 9    2.5 Credits
Gospel of John
1 John
2 and 3 John
Revelation

Certificate in Old Testament Inductive Study:  Total 20 credits

Module 1    1.5  Credits
Genesis
Job

Module 2    1.5  Credits
Exodus
Leviticus

Module 3    1.5  Credits
Numbers
Deuteronomy

Module 4    1.5 Credits
Joshua
Judges
Ruth

Module 5    1.5 Credits
1 and 2 Samuel

Module 6    1.5 Credits
1 and 2 Kings

Module 7    1 Credit
Psalms

Module 8    1.5 Credits
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon

Module 9    1 Credit
Amos
Hosea
Isaiah 1-39

Module 10    1 Credit
Micah, Joel, Jonah and Nahum

Module 11    1.5 Credits
Jeremiah
Habakkuk, Obadiah and Zephaniah

Module 12    1.5 Credits
Ezekiel
Lamentations
Isaiah 40-66

Module 13    1 Credit
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther

Module 14    1.5 Credits
1 and 2 Chronicles

Module 15    1  Credit
Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi
Daniel