Fall Learning Opportunities: Course Descriptions

 

How to Study the Bible More Effectively

Ever wanted to drink more deeply from God’s Word?  Do you sometimes sense there is deeper truth to be gleaned through understanding the historical, literary and theological contexts of the great narratives and epistles in Scripture?

We will cover some new methods for studying the Bible more effectively, as well as discuss how to use some of the great resources available ranging from well-known commentaries, lexicons, dictionaries, and more.  Many digital tools are available that put immense amounts of information at your fingertips.

Joshua’s Way has resources available to assist with enhanced Bible study.  We have a library that is open for public access.  In addition to printed volumes, we have Accordance Bible software on a computer in our library that broadens the resources available and the efficiency with which they can be accessed.

Topics to be discussed:

  • Developing an understanding of inductive Bible study methods.   

  • Becoming aware of resources available for historical/cultural, literary, and theological understanding of biblical texts and developing skills for using these resources effectively.

  • Using Accordance Bible Software.

Planned Resources:

Fee, Gordon D.  New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors (Third edition). Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

Fowler, David M. The CBD Guide to Bible Reference Resources. Nashville: Prince Press, 1998.

Fuhr, Jr., Richard Alan and Andreas J. Köstenberger. Inductive Bible Study: Study: Observation, Interpretation, and Application Through the Lenses of History, Literature, and Theology.  Nashville: B&H Academic, 2016. 

Incorporates insights from contemporary evangelical hermeneutics into an approachable, step-by-step process moving from observation through interpretation and on to the application of God's Word. Each step is viewed through the lenses of the hermeneutical triad, exploring the historical, literary, and theological elements that impact how one observes, interprets, and applies the Bible. Chapter by chapter, Inductive Bible Study explores a broad representation of biblical texts as it illustrates the steps of inductive methodology across the literary landscape of Scripture. Helpful features of the text include:

  • Asking the right questions of the text

  • Comparing translations

  • Considering various facets of context

  • The study of words and phrases

  • Basic discourse analysis

  • The role of the Holy Spirit in approaching Scripture

  • Determining legitimacy in application and

  • Doing theology as the flow of inductive Bible study

Fuhr and Köstenberger offer a hermeneutically sensitive, step-by-step approach to inductive Bible study that will bring insight and practical benefit to many who endeavor to know God through the depths and riches of his Word, the Bible. Inductive Bible Study is an ideal textbook for courses in biblical interpretation, and for anyone who desires to better understand and teach Scripture.

Klein, William W. and Craig L. Blomberg and Robert L. Hubbard, Jr.  Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2004.

Osborne, Grant. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

How to Volunteer in a Meaningful & Effective Way

Ever been frustrated by the feeling that your time spent volunteering was not making a difference?  Join us for discussions on how to “help” others effectively.  There are numerous opportunities in our community to mentor and disciple others that enrich everyone involved.  We will read and discuss several books regarding our understanding of “helping.”  Meetings will include some non-profit/ministry leaders in our area talking about volunteer opportunities and we will be forming groups to actively volunteer together.

Topics to be discussed:

  • Analyzing one’s own spiritual giftedness and personality tendencies to direct one’s efforts productively.

  • Review principles for understanding our design as believers to find fulfillment in service to others.

  • Review tools for understanding others with whom we are working and how to help others gain the skills necessary to flourish.

  • Learning about volunteer opportunities within our community.

 

Planned Resources:

Carbonell, Mels. Uniquely You Combining 16 Spiritual Gifts and 4 (DISC) Personality Types Profile.  Blue Ridge, GA: 1999.

DeVol, Philip E. Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting’-By World (Fourth edition). Highlands, TX: Aha Process, Inc., 2020.

Fikkert, Brian and Kelly M. Kapic. A Field Guide to Becoming Whole: Principles for Poverty Alleviation Ministires. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2020.

Fikkert, Brian and Kelly M. Kapic. Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn’t the American Dream. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2020.

Payne, Ruby and Philip E. DeVol and Terie Dreussi Smith. Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities. Highlands, TX:Aha Process Inc.. 2009.

Ramsey, Dave. The Financial Peace Planner: A Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your Family’s Financial Health. New York: Penguin Books, 1998.

Warren, Rick. The Purpose-Driven Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing, 2003.

 

 

 

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