Phos Community Church
Bible Basics
Instructor: Len B. Jaggers
Bible Basics is a 3 week study on the fundamentals of the Bible and Bible Study. The course introduces the fundamentals of the Bible including the books, sections, study methods and interpretation. It also covers a brief overview of the story of the Bible.
Week 1 – Purpose, Structure & Tools
·
Why Study
o 2 Tim 3:16 God-breathed
o 1 Peter 3:15-16 Be prepared
o 1 John 1:1 Eyewitnesses
o Reliability of Texts – Brief explanation of ancient texts
· Structure
o OT / NT – One Story with a dividing line / life
o Books – Different authors… One authority (not chronological)
o Section – 1) Pentateuch 2) History 3) Poetry 4) Prophets 5) Gospel & Acts 6) Letters & Revelation
o Languages, Translations & Paraphrases – brief intro
· Tools
o Concordance
o Commentaries
o Maps
o Online Tools
Week 2 – How to Study
· Guidelines for Biblical Interpretation – See other sheet for Jim Brock’s list.
· Study Methods
o Topical
o Read-the-Bible-Thru
o Read a Book in one sitting, one week or one month
o Scripture Passage Focus – Pick a scripture and then follow these steps – Day 1) Read through 2 times and write down thoughts/questions – Day 2) Read in other translations or paraphrases – Day 3) Read again and write your own paraphrase – Day 4) Read and also read a commentary – Day 5) Read and write something you’ve learned or one way you can apply it
o Word Studies – e.g. Portion, Come
o Recommendations for beginners – James, Luke/Acts
Week 3 – Overview of the Bible with References – God’s Revelation to Humans
· Creation
· Noah
· Abraham/Isaac/Jacob/Joseph
· Moses and the Exodus
· Judges
· Saul/David/Solomon
· Split Kingdoms/Captivity & Return
· Prophets
· Jesus’ Birth, Ministry, Death & Resurrection
· Jesus Fulfillment of Prophecy
· Early Church
· Letters
· Revelation