Course Syllabus Overview
Course Title: Living By the Book: Inductive Bible Study Methods
Methodology: Based on Howard G. & William D. Hendricks' Living By the Book
Course Description
This course equips students with a systematic, firsthand method for reading, understanding, and applying the Bible. Moving beyond passive reading or reliance on secondary commentaries, students master the three foundational steps of inductive study: Observation (What do I see?), Interpretation (What does it mean?), and Application (How does it work?). The primary focus is developing sharp observational skills—learning to read thoughtfully, detect structural clues, and analyze verses, paragraphs, and full books.
Core Learning Objectives
- Master the Observation Process: Cultivate the habit of thorough, firsthand biblical observation before jumping to interpretation.
- Apply the 10 Reading Strategies: Utilize practical strategies (reading thoughtfully, repeatedly, prayerfully, imaginatively, purpose-driven, telescopically, etc.) to overcome textual familiarity.
- Identify the 6 Textual Clues: Use the "Hand Mnemonic" to spot key patterns in Scripture: things emphasized, repeated, related, alike, unlike, and true to life.
- Diagram & Chart Biblical Passages: Gain hands-on experience structuring single verses (e.g., Joshua 1:8), paragraph leadership profiles (e.g., Titus 1:5–9), and multi-paragraph segment grid charts (e.g., Matthew 13).
- Cultivate Personal Transformation: Translate observational insights into actionable, personal life applications.
A continuation of the basics of Koine Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, learning the remaining verb tenses and moods, participles, infinitives, and the article, leading to the translation of 1 John, with the goal of becoming an accurate exegete.
(4 Credits)
- Teacher: Rick Thoresen
This introductory course on the original language of the New Testament is designed to get students familiar with the basics of Koine Greek vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, focusing on nouns, pronouns, adjectives, conjunctions, and the present and imperfect-tense, indicative-mood forms of verbs.
(4 Credits)
- Teacher: Rick Thoresen