Course Description

Welcome to BBS 102! This course is an epic adventure through the first and largest part of the Bible. If BBS 101 was the “big picture” overview of the entire biblical library, this course is the deep narrative dive into the Old Testament story. We will trace the grand, unfolding story of God’s relationship with His people, from the creation of the world in Genesis to the final prophecies of Malachi. You’ll meet the key figures, witness the pivotal events, and understand the development of God’s covenant promises that set the stage for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Get ready to explore the foundational story of our faith!

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to tell the complete story of the Old Testament. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Trace the Narrative Arc: Articulate the main storyline of the Old Testament, from Creation to the Intertestamental Period.
2. Identify Key Figures and Events: Recognize the major characters (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David) and pivotal events (e.g., the Exodus, the giving of the Law, the Exile) and explain their significance.
3. Understand Covenant Theology: Explain the development and significance of God’s key covenants (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New).
4. Connect to the New Testament: Understand how the Old Testament provides the foundational context and foreshadowing for the person and work of Jesus Christ.
5. Engage with the Text: Learn basic hermeneutical principles for reading and interpreting Old Testament narrative, law, and prophecy.
6. Enrich Your Faith: Appreciate the depth and richness of the Old Testament as an essential part of the Christian Scriptures.

Course Outline

• Chapter 1: In the Beginning – The Foundation of All Things (Genesis 1-11)
  • Lesson 1: Creation & The Fall (Genesis 1-3)
  • Lesson 2: The First Family & The First Murder (Genesis 4)
  • Lesson 3: Genealogy, Giants, and Judgment (Genesis 5-6)
  • Lesson 4: Noah and the Flood (Genesis 7-9)
  • Lesson 5: The Tower of Babel & The Table of Nations (Genesis 10-11)
• Chapter 2: The Patriarchs – A People for His Name (Genesis 12-50)
  • Lesson 1: The Call of Abraham & The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12-17)
  • Lesson 2: Sodom, Gomorrah, and the Test (Genesis 18-22)
  • Lesson 3: Isaac & The Promise Continued (Genesis 23-26)
  • Lesson 4: Jacob, Israel, and the 12 Tribes (Genesis 27-36)
  • Lesson 5: Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace (Genesis 37-50)
• Chapter 3: Exodus and Covenant – Redemption and Revelation (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
  • Lesson 1: Let My People Go: The Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 1-18)
  • Lesson 2: The Law & The Tabernacle (Exodus 19-40)
  • Lesson 3: A Holy Nation: The Book of Leviticus
  • Lesson 4: Wandering & Waiting: The Book of Numbers
  • Lesson 5: A Look Back and a Look Forward: The Book of Deuteronomy
• Chapter 4: Land and Kingdom – Conquest and Monarchy (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1-11, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles 1-9)
  • Lesson 1: The Promised Land: Conquest under Joshua (Joshua)
  • Lesson 2: A Nation Adrift: The Cycle of the Judges (Judges, Ruth)
  • Lesson 3: A King for Israel: Samuel, Saul & A New Era (1 Samuel 1-15)
  • Lesson 4: A Man After God’s Heart: The Reign of David (1 Samuel 16 – 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles)
  • Lesson 5: Wisdom & The Temple: The Reign of Solomon (1 Kings 1-11, 2 Chronicles 1-9)
• Chapter 5: Division, Exile, and Return – Prophets and Promises (1 Kings 12-22, 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles 10-36, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and the Prophetic Books)
  • Lesson 1: A Kingdom Divided: The Story of Israel & Judah (1 Kings 12 – 2 Kings 16)
  • Lesson 2: The Ministry of the Prophets (Major & Minor Prophets)
  • Lesson 3: Judgment & Exile: The Fall of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 17-25)
  • Lesson 4: Rebuilding the Ruins: The Return to Jerusalem (Ezra, Nehemiah)
  • Lesson 5: For Such a Time as This: God’s Providence in Persia (Esther)

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Final Course Test.