Syllabus

Course Description:

Welcome to Bible 101! This course is designed to give you a “big picture” overview of the Bible in a fun and visual way. Think of it like an adventure where you get a map (an infographic!) for each new territory you explore. We’ll look at what the Bible is, why we can trust it, how to read it for yourself, and what tools can help you on your journey. Get ready to see the Bible in a whole new way!

Course Structure:

This course is made of four main sections. Each section begins with a Summary (which includes the section’s infographic), is followed by four core lessons and a test, and concludes with a Deep Dive to expand on the topics.

• Course > 4 Sections
• Section > Summary > 4 Lessons > Section Test > Deep Dive

Section 1: The Bible’s Big Story

This section is all about the “who, what, and where” of the Bible. We’ll see how it’s one giant story made of two main parts and discover the major themes that run through it all.

• Section 1: Summary
• Lesson 1: The First Big Story: The Old Testament (The Promise)
• Lesson 2: The Second Big Story: The New Testament (The Fulfillment)
• Lesson 3: God’s Big Promises: An Introduction to Covenants
• Lesson 4: Who is God?: Exploring God’s Character in the Story
• Section 1 Test
• Section 1: Deep Dive (optional)

Section 2: Why We Can Trust the Bible

Have you ever wondered how we got the Bible or if we can really believe it? This section tackles those big questions, showing how the Bible is inspired by God and is a reliable guide for our lives.

• Section 2: Summary
• Lesson 1: God-Breathed: What “Inspired” Really Means
• Lesson 2: A Book You Can Count On: Reliable & Trustworthy
• Lesson 3: How We Got the Bible: From Ancient Scrolls to Today
• Lesson 4: Is it Perfect? Understanding Infallibility
• Section 2 Test
• Section 2: Deep Dive (optional)

Section 3: How to Read the Bible for Yourself

The Bible isn’t just for pastors or teachers; it’s for you! This section gives you practical and easy-to-use methods for reading the Bible on your own so you can discover what God wants to say to you.

• Section 3: Summary
• Lesson 1: The SOAP Method: A Simple Way to Apply Scripture
• Lesson 2: Asking Good Questions: The 5 W’s & H
• Lesson 3: Context is King: Reading Verses the Right Way
• Lesson 4: From Your Head to Your Heart: The Power of Reflection
• Section 3 Test
• Section 3: Deep Dive (optional)

Section 4: Awesome Tools for Your Adventure

Every adventurer needs good tools! This section introduces you to some amazing resources that can help you understand the Bible better, from Bible dictionaries to digital apps.

• Section 4: Summary
• Lesson 1: The Word Finder: Using a Concordance
• Lesson 2: The Bible Encyclopedia: Using a Bible Dictionary
• Lesson 3: Seeing the Story: Using Bible Maps and Timelines
• Lesson 4: Better Together: The Importance of Community
• Section 4 Test
• Section 4: Deep Dive (optional)

Optional Final Lesson

• Advanced SOAP Bible Study on John 3:15-17

Assessments & Course Completion:

• Section Tests: At the end of each section, there will be a test to review what you’ve learned.
• Comprehensive Final Test: A final test covering the key ideas from all four sections.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the four Section Tests and on the Final Test.