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Knowing Your Bible PDF Print E-mail

KNOWING YOUR BIBLE



Why Study the Bible In Depth?

As Christians, the Bible represents our main basis of faith. What we believe, everything we know about God - His eternal plan, His will for our lives, our theology and doctrine - is based upon our knowledge and understanding of the Bible. Clearly, then, the more we know our Bible, the more effective we are as Christians.

Therefore, because true, dynamic Christianity is essentially Bible-centred, Christians have a duty to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17), and study to show themselves approved unto God, handling accurately the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). In other words, we must know our Bible, and not simply turn to it in times of crisis or occasionally read a few verses out of context in a bid to please God. Yet to know God's word in this manner requires in-depth, structured study.

Thinking of attending Bible College? Make sure it has the correct balance between academic, biblical and church theology (see discussion here).

Wondering whether Bible College is for you? See faculty member Stephen Vantassel's comments on the practical benefits of attending Bible College.


A Flexible Course To Suit Your Needs

For those seeking challenging, in-depth  and structured Bible study, but who do not want to commit themselves to the amount of work associated with a degree-level programme, King's Evangelical Divinity School (formerly Midlands Bible College and Divinity School) is pleased to offer its Certificate in Biblical Studies. This program is available through distance learning (also known as open learning). The flexibility of home study provides students, regardless of their circumstances, with the opportunity of acquiring a structured Bible college education. Moreover, the nature of the Certificate in Biblical Studies is such that it permits each individual student to progress through the studies at his or her own pace. Finally, the low costs help to ensure maximum accessibility.

This course is aimed at those seeking a comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the Bible. You may be seeking a more in-depth knowledge of the Scriptures in order to enhance your personal Bible study; or you want to be able to discuss with confidence what the Bible says with fellow Christians; or maybe you wish to be better equipped for existing part-time or lay ministry; or perhaps you want to be able to identify and combat false teachings which, sadly, have found their way into the Church. Whatever your reason for wanting to study the Bible, these studies will help you.


Structure

The Certificate in Biblical Studies is made up of eight individual units, known as Knowing Your Bible modules. Each module concentrates on a different aspect of the Bible. All the modules are self-contained units, and as you progress through the course each unit builds upon the previous module. Each Knowing Your Bible module consists of audio lectures and study notes available through our online eCampus (a virtual learning environment, VLE). These studies provide students with a structured treatment of the Scriptures and how to interpret them, ensuring an overall knowledge and understanding of the Bible in a way that individual topical Bible studies, however well presented, simply cannot provide. Structured study and the development of Bible study techniques ensure an individual's time in God's Word is productive, rather than `hit-and-miss', which is so often the case.

Studies include: how the Bible came to us; how to study the Bible correctly and efficiently, ensuring that you get the most out of the Scriptures, both devotionally and theologically; Bible history; the purpose and content of many of the books of the Bible; and key Scriptural doctrines, providing students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to defend the doctrines in the Bible with confidence. These studies help to bring the Bible alive, explaining the original context of the different Bible passages and what they meant to the original listeners and readers, together with an examination of the modern-day applications of the Bible and its impact upon our own lives.

The eight Knowing Your Bible modules that make up the Certificate programme are: -

KYB1: Introduction to the Bible
KYB2: The Bible As History
KYB3: World of the New Testament
KYB4: Introduction to Biblical Exegesis
KYB5: Biblical Hermeneutics: Theoretical Considerations
KYB6: Christian Doctrine
KYB7: Biblical Prophecy
KYB8: Exegesis and Polemics


How Will I Be Assessed?

You will be assessed on a continuous basis. This means you submit work for each module then progress to the next. Work consists of short written assignments. Don't let a lack of schooling deter you - helpful tutorial support is available for all students, regardless of academic background. There are no examinations. Assignments are submitted by e-mail. 


How Long Will it Take? 

On average, the full Certificate takes approximately one or two years of part-time study, depending on the individual. However, students may complete over a much longer period, if they wish. The course is entirely flexible, and you may take a break from or accelarate your studies as you see fit.


What Does it Cost?

All fees are in British Pounds (GBP). The cost of each module is 45 GBP. New students also pay a one-off eCampus registration fee of 35 GBP with their first module. This programme is available for immediate enrolment.


What's Included in the Price?

Recorded lectures and study notes per module; tutorial support; student registration (includes marking of assignments and tutorial feedback); and  online access to the eCampus section of the school website, which contains news, reading material and resources for the exclusive use of students. Students also receive free access to subscription-based academic journals and books.


Can I Study Biblical Languages at the College?

The Knowing Your Bible course does not feature original languages. However, may elect to study for our independent modules in basic biblical languages. We also provide distance learning New Testament Greek and Biblical Hebrew which emphasise understanding of grammar and exegesis in these ancient languages.


How to Enrol...

If you have further questions or want to speak with someone about this programme, call the school office on 08700 421704, or email us. To enrol please complete the electronic application form. Once you have completed and submitted the form, go to the Shop (see links on the right of this page), select the relevant option and place your first order.