Curriculum
Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS)
The Bear Valley Bible Institute International (BVBII) provides a balanced curriculum for training workers. This curriculum emphasizes the study of the Bible. The textual courses are intensive studies, many of which are taught from the original languages. The doctrinal courses provide a good foundation in the basic doctrines that underlie our faith. The personal evangelism course helps to equip the student to use his Bible knowledge in leading others to the Lord. The courses in Greek, along with the “Developing Study Skills” courses enhance the student's ability to glean the proper teaching from God's word. The ministerial development courses supply practical advice on the day-to-day tasks of the local preacher. The student who successfully completes the courses at BVBII will have the training he needs to embark upon an effective ministry for the Master. (Courses are subject to change).
Each quarter consists of eight weeks of instruction. The first week of each quarter has one “Short Course” taken. In a Short Course, one course is studied all day, every day, Monday through Friday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 3:30 p.m. Short Course classes total thirty (30) clock hours of instruction and earn two (2) credit hours. The remaining seven (7) weeks of each quarter have five (5) courses, three of which are MWF (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) courses, with the remaining two (2) courses being TTh (Tuesday, Thursday) courses. MWF courses begin at 8:00 a.m. and finish at 3:30 p.m., and consist of forty-eight (48) clock hours and earn three (3) credit hours each. TTh courses begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:45 p.m., and consist of forty-eight (48) clock hours and earn three (3) credit hours each. So, each quarter, a student who successfully completes all courses will earn seventeen (17) credit hours.
BIBLICAL STUDIES
104 GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - This is an exegetical study of Matthew in its entirety. This verse-by-verse study is designed to teach the student proper exegetical method while learning the religious teachings of the First Gospel. (42 clock hours) (3 credit hours)
106 GENESIS - The book of Genesis covers the longest period of human history in Scripture (over 2,000 years). It is truly a book of beginnings, and this study deals with foundational principles and concepts that affect all of our understanding of the Bible. (30 clock hours) (2 credit hours)
107 EXODUS-DEUTERONOMY - Beginning with God's remembrance of His people, delivering them from slavery, this study covers that period of wilderness wandering in which two generations of the children of Israel learn to depend on God in order to survive, both physically and spiritually. (42 clock hours) (3 credit hours)
112 ACTS 1 - A detailed paragraph-by-paragraph study of the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world. This course features an investigation of the key themes of the book and the dynamics of world-wide evangelism. It includes topics such as the church, elders, deacons, Lord's supper, preachers, worship, and giving. (42 clock hours) (3 credit hours)
113 ACTS 2 - See information above.
120 GOSPEL OF MARK - This course offers an exegetical study of the Gospel of Mark. Emphasis will be made on the structure and flow of the text and its meaning.
202 UNITED KINGDOM - A survey of Old Testament books which cover Israel's history from the conquest of Canaan by Israel through the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon.
205 1, 2 THESSALONIANS AND PHILIPPIANS - A verse-by-verse textual study designed to give the student a thorough understanding of both the meaning and importance of each book. The expository method will be employed as the basic tenets and principles of the Christian faith are carefully examined and discussed. Special attention will be given to the historical and literary context of the books in determining the meaning and overall message of each chapter as it applied to the first-century church and to those who today seek to be disciples of Jesus.
212 1 CORINTHIANS - A practical application of God's Word to the personal and worship life of Christians. It includes detailed studies of the problems in Corinth, with Paul's inspired remedies. Special attention is paid to church organization, discipline, worship, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Paul's apostleship.
218 WISDOM LITERATURE - The Wisdom Literature books of the Old Testament occupy 40% of the Old Testament. These important books will be carefully considered both in the context of the Old Testament and their extreme value for God’s people of today. This course will look specifically at the books of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.
303 ROMANS - An exegetical study of the Book of Romans with a detailed discussion of the doctrine of justification.
304 GOSPEL OF LUKE - This course is a comprehensive study over the gospel according to Luke. The study will include discussions concerning the key themes seen throughout the Gospel, instruction over the totality of the text, and exposition of main ideas.
306 DIVIDED KINGDOM - A study of Old Testament history during the time of the two kingdoms — Israel and Judah. Special emphasis will be placed upon those prophets from God who attempt to turn the people from their evil ways.
307 ISAIAH - A study of Isaiah's prophecy delivered during the time frame of kings Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah (c. 739-690 B.C.). This study includes the basic message for the people to whom it is written (the southern kingdom of Judah) along with a wealth of material concerning the remnant and the promised Messiah. In this study all of the Messianic passages considered by the rabbinic writings will be noted along with the consequences of their application.
310 GOSPEL OF JOHN - A careful exegetical study of the fourth Gospel. Major themes are ascertained by the noting of key words and phrases that recur throughout the book; it is taught from the Greek text.
311 GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, COLOSSIANS AND PHILEMON - This course is an exegetical study of these four epistles of Paul. Attention is given to the particular doctrinal and practical teaching presented in each book. Major themes in each of these apostolic writings are explored through a consideration of key words and concepts found therein.
313 JUDAH, PRE-CAPTIVITY - A study of Israel's history and the prophets who preached to Israel after she fell to the armies of Assyria. It is during this period that God cries to his people through the lamentations of Jeremiah.
401 JAMES, I AND II PETER AND JUDE - An exegetical study of these general epistles. Special attention is given both to the original message of the books and their application to Christian living.
404 CAPTIVITY & AFTER - An exegetical study of Ezekiel, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. A survey of the aforementioned books with a view toward gleaning the religious teaching of each. The student is also given an appreciation of the history of God's people during and after the Babylonian Captivity.
405 REVELATION - An exegetical study of Revelation which considers the book in its literary and historical context. The great principles of the book are applied to present day life.
411 1, 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS - An exegetical study of the evangelistic epistles with practical applications to the work and the conduct of gospel preachers.
413 HEBREWS - An exegetical study of the epistle to the Hebrews. Special emphasis is given to Christ as our high priest and sacrifice. The course emphasizes both doctrine and application to Christian living.
416 2 CORINTHIANS – A thorough analysis of Paul’s second epistle to the church at Corinth. Particular emphasis will be given to the unique features of this letter with practical application to today’s church.
418 EPISTLES OF JOHN - This course is an exegetical study of the epistles of the apostle John. Major themes and doctrinal considerations are noted by a study of key words and concepts that are found in these short books.
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
114 GREEK 1 - The student is guided in easy steps through the alphabet into verbs, nouns, and other parts of speech and learns to translate sentences from Greek to English and from English to Greek. He also learns to use Greek lexicons and other helps for understanding the Greek in the New Testament.
214 GREEK 2 - The student advances in the use of verbs, participles, pronouns, and prepositions. He learns how the various parts of speech are used in the Greek New Testament and continues to translate certain phrases from it.
314 GREEK 3 - From a third series of lessons, the student becomes familiar with special constructions in the Greek and with additional tenses and conjugations. More work is done in the lexicons and in translating the New Testament.
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
102 PERSONAL EVANGELISM - The students will be learning ten different proven and effective methods of conducting home Bible studies. Personal Evangelism is a basic course to teach the student how to review and evaluate numerous study guides used in conducting home Bible studies. The student will master Personal Bible Study guide for his personal use and will be able to use these skills in any area of evangelism. He/she will also have opportunity to use these skills in the field while in school.
CHURCH GROWTH AND HISTORY
213 RESTORATION HISTORY - This course provides a study of the various historical movements related to the restoration of New Testament Christianity. Students will examine the doctrinal concepts and historical setting of these movements. The view of scriptural restoration will be clearly presented as opposed to the concept of a mere reformation of pre-existing man-made churches. The efforts at restoration will be examined, beginning from the Patristic age and continuing to the works of the late 19th century restorers. Special attention will be given to a study of key figures in the American Restoration, examining the lives of men like the Campbells, Stone, Scott, Lard, Milligan, Johnson, Franklin, Brents, McGarvey, Lipscomb, Harding, etc.
315 CHURCH HISTORY - A survey designed to provide a framework for understanding the significant issues and events in church history. Emphasis will be given to the establishment of the New Testament church, its early history as recorded by secular writers, and apostasy in its major forms.
412 CHURCH GROWTH - This course is a study of proven principles of church growth to be applied as one seeks to carry out the mission of Christ in either a domestic or foreign field. Instruction is given in measuring and evaluating growth and conducting a church- growth study.
PREACHING
201 HOMILETICS 1 - The nature and purpose of preaching is considered. Major attention is given to beginning sermon organization and the effective presentation of it. In organization, emphasis is given to subject, theme, proposition, and objective as well as the title, introduction, body, and conclusion of the sermon. Help is given on how to gather and properly utilize illustrations, including how to effectively persuade and invite response to sermons. In delivery, emphasis is given to gestures, tone, word choice, voice inflection, and eye contact, as well as other aids to presentation. Students are given opportunity to write and deliver sermons during the course of the quarter. These are evaluated by other students and the instructor, thus helping the student identify areas of strength and weakness.
305 HOMILETICS 2 - A study of the meaning, principles, and practice of expository preaching. How do you go from text to sermon? How do we get from "then" to "now"? This exciting study will encourage students to be God-centered in emphasis, faithful to the biblical text and to allow God to speak through His word so people can know Him more and love and serve Him better (2 Timothy 4:2).
407 - HOMILETICS 3 - An "all-you-can-eat buffet" on biblical preaching! A vision for biblical preaching, preaching from different genres, variety in sermon structure, application and imagination in preaching, planning one's preaching, the "Three Musketeers of Preaching" and other subjects. The purpose of the study is to help keep a "fire in the bones" (Jeremiah 20:9) as it comes to preaching and teaching God's precious word.
455 - HOMILETICS 4 - PRACTICE IN PREACHING - Each senior student will work with a faculty member to organize and present a chapel sermon their last quarter and will be evaluated by the entire faculty with suggestions for improvement. The average grade will be recorded on the permanent transcript.
MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT
203 MINISTRY TECHNOLOGIES - This course deals with the use of various technologies in ministerial study and work. Attention is given to the use of such things as Libronix/Logos software, PowerPoint in preaching and teaching, as well as how to do blogs and other internet options available for use in ministry.
216 LEADERSHIP - This is a study of the Biblical design of leadership. Consideration will be given to the definition, attributes, and character of leadership. The development of leadership skills, particularly as they apply to ministry will be emphasized.
291 BIBLICAL COUNSELING – Introduction to Christian Counseling will provide students with sound biblical principles and strategies for practical contemporary Christian ministry. This course of study will help students learn how to responsibly address and help others who are struggling with sin and other obstacles that affect the faith and zeal of the human soul. By learning the principles and truths associated with Christian counseling/guidance and ministry, attendees will become more effective in helping others, transforming lives, reaching souls, and changing the climate and culture of the church. Special attention will be given to the paradigm for biblical psychology, its strategies, process, and the peculiar and unique characteristics and skills needed to perform the task of helping others in a biblical way.
308 YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY – This course will explore youth and family ministry from the practical, personal, professional, cultural, and above all, Scriptural levels. The student will be provided with an in-depth understanding of YFM, while also receiving hands-on, practical experience on how to build and sustain a thriving youth and family ministry from the ground up.
406 TEACHING STRATEGIES - This course deals with the teacher's responsibility for student learning. This hands-on class will discuss methods and mindsets necessary to facilitate learning, not just teaching.
414 THE PREACHER AND HIS WORK - This course deals with the practical aspects of the preacher and his life in and out of the pulpit. It covers the many facets of his daily life, confrontations, study, prayer, teaching, example, weddings, funerals, grief, and disappointments. He is taught how to cope with human experiences in his effort to work harmoniously with people.
DEVELOPING STUDY SKILLS
110 BIBLICAL EXEGESIS - Exegesis is the art of taking out of the biblical text what the text is intending to say. This course will familiarize the student with the “exegetical method” and apply the principles of hermeneutics in dealing with both Old Testament and New Testament books as he develops the skill necessary to find the original meaning in Biblical texts.
111 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS - Hermeneutics is the science and art of Bible interpretation. This course covers the history of interpretation, kinds of interpretation, general hermeneutics, special hermeneutics, the new hermeneutic, typology, symbols, prophecy, and much more. It equips the student to study the Bible.
115 ENGLISH COMPOSITION - This course is designed to provide rudimentary training in English grammar, as well as, provide opportunities for students to hone their writing skills. Course assignments include the writing of essays, which will help the students learn to express themselves effectively.
116 RESEARCH STRATEGIES - This course will focus on research using both traditional print resources and digital resources. An emphasis will be on research for writing, important resource identification and use. The MLA format will be taught.
DOCTRINAL COURSES
215 DENOMINATIONAL DOCTRINES — This study deals with doctrines of men as taught and practiced by the denominational world. The foundation for all false doctrines is shown to be an attitude toward the authority of the Scriptures. Though many different denominations are discussed, emphasis is placed on the more aggressive ones and the sects. The student is prepared with fundamental affirmative approaches, as well as being equipped to overcome false doctrines from within or outside of the church.
415 GODHEAD — This study will emphasize the attributes and perfection of God, the deity of Christ, the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, as well as, dealing with abuses commonly taught regarding the Godhead.
APOLOGETICS
301 HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE — This course is a research course dealing with the inspiration, canonization, and transmission of the 66 books of the Bible. Students will have a strong basis on which to build their belief in the Bible as the verbally inspired, authoritative word of God.
312 CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES — This course is a survey of the logical reasons for God's existence and the inspiration of the Bible. Special studies are included to refute evolution, theistic evolution, modern day miracles, and alleged discrepancies of the Bible.
316 CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS - A systematic study of the reasons and methods for defending the claims of Christianity. Emphasis will be given to the major philosophical arguments for the existence of God, as well as, the arguments for the inspiration of the Bible, and the arguments for the deity of Jesus.
408 BIBLE GEOGRAPHY - This course is devoted to a study of the historical and geographical settings of the Bible lands. General information regarding cities, town, sites, and territorial boundaries will be examined. A thorough study will be given to the regions of Israel and Jordan, with an emphasis on topography, geology, climate, horticulture, routes and roads, soils, and peoples of the biblical world will be incorporated into the regional studies.
MINI-COURSES
Other valuable areas of instruction will be included during the two-year program. These will be offered during times such as chapel or the summer break.
CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS THOUGHT - This video seminar by Francis Shaeffer will be presented in chapel.
COST OF DISCIPLESHIP — A look at what requirements are demanded by Jesus for one who would be His disciple. This study will center around the “Sermon on the Mount” with a great deal of emphasis placed upon the “Beatitudes.” This class will be conducted in a series of lessons during the chapel periods.
EXPERIENCE SPEAKS - This seminar features accomplished preachers who have been in the ministry for over 20 years. Successes and failures, what works and what does not will be the main topic of discussion.