NYSB Course Descriptions

Personal Bible study can be a life-changing experience once you master the basic principles. The course goals are to help you develop your observational skills and to teach you how to survey, synthesize, and chart a book and to begin to analyze passages, words, and historical backgrounds.

Required for Preliminary Certificate.
Required for OT/NT Intensives.

The Bible was written in times, cultures, and languages very different from our own. The principles of interpretation and application taught in this course will help you better understand the meaning of the Bible for the original readers and for your life as well.

The Bible is a book which is misused and misunderstood by many people. It is imperative that Christ's followers know how to accurately undesrtand God's revealed message. Building on the methods and skills learned in 101A and B, this course will introduce more hermeneutical principles to enable the student to better interpret the Scriptures.

Required for Advanced Certificate

The controversial verses--divorce, the Deity of Christ, spiritual gifts, doubting, the prayer of faith, wine, communion, . . .--will be analyzed. The approach is inductive and will help the student to get a handle on the various methodologies and techniques of Bible interpretation.
Fulfills Bible elective for Interediate Certificate

Students of the Bible are often apprehensive about studying the biblical languages. Acquiring proficiency to read these archaic languages takes years and is very expensive. This course, however, is a practical introduction to the basic principles of Hebrew and Greek. The ultimate goal of this course is to help the student become skilled at using lexical aides such as concordances and exegetical commentaries.

This course is a continuation of the elemental principles of Hebrew grammar and introduces adjectives, prepositions, conjunctions, word structure, sentence syntax, and the basic noun and verb forms in the Hebrew language.
Required for Old Testament Hebrew Grammar.

This six-course series introduces the grammar and vocabulary of Old Testament Hebrew. The goals are for you to acquire beginning ability to read the Hebrew Old Testament, to use Hebrew in a practical way in your study of God's Word, and to utilize the study aids available.

This course is a continuation of 111A to set the foundation for beginning the disciplined study of Hebrew grammar beginning in September.
Required for Old Testament Hebrew Grammar.

This course is a more in-depth study of the basic Hebrew verb stems and forms of the perfect tense. Suffix form verbs are introduced and vocabulary is stressed. A more in-depth study of Hebrew nouns, both feminine and masculine, including the use of function of the construct-state, will also be addressed. You will acquire beginning ability to read the Hebrew Old Testament, to practically use Hebrew in your study of God's Word, and to utilize the tools available.

This course continues to develop a greater understanding of Hebrew verb stems and forms of the perfect tense, and utilizes the definite article, prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives, noun forms, and nouns in the construct-state in class and homework assignments. You will also begin the study of the Hebrew verb stems and forms of the imperfect tense.

This course continues an in-depth study of the basic Hebrew verb stems and forms of the imperfect tense. Prefix form verbs are introduced and as well as more words to build your vocabulary. You will also learn the function and use of the key verb forms for the Hebrew imperative, participle, infinitive, infinitive absolute, and infinitive construct. Extemporaneous reading in class will be practiced.

This course will introduce the student to the Lamedh Pe, Pe Nun, and Pe Waw verb forms. The stative verb will be addressed as well as irregular nouns and pronominal suffixes. In-class reading assignments will include biblical texts taken from the historical narratives found in Genesis, Joshua, 1 and 2 Samuel.

How to say and write the Greek alphabet. Greek/English twins. Difficulties faced by English Bible translations. Vocabulary games. Introduction to nouns and their declension, case, gender, and number. Overview of Greek Bible study tools. Homework is limited to memorizing the alphabet.

In a novel approach to learning the language of the New Testament, these courses show the value of knowing how biblical Greek works, without overwhelming the student with memory work. Foundations I and II introduce key differences between Greek and English grammar. The follow-up grammar courses are for students who wish to commit to an in-depth study of the language.

The Greek article. Further study of nouns and case. Introduction to verbs. How verbal aspect, mood, etc. affect theological interpretation. Participles and infinitives. Introduction to textual criticism. Homework is limited to memorizing the Greek article.

Required for New Testament Greek Grammar.

Noun declensions. Adjectives. Pronouns. The verb "to be". Translation exercises are directly from the New Testament.

Fall I, Mondays, 7:35 pm - Munoz
Spring I, Mondays, 6:00 pm - Munoz

O-verbs and the concepts of person and tense. Adverbs and adjectives. More vocabulary. Translation of simple New Testament sentences.

Fall II, Mondays, 7:35 pm - Munoz
Spring II, Mondays, 6:00pm - Munoz

Verbs in the subjunctive and imperative moods. Participles. Infinitives.

Spring I, Mondays, 7:35 pm - Munoz
June 2011 - Munoz

Unusual ver forms. New Testament reading.

The key to understanding why God sent Jesus to be the Savior is found in the first five books
of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy). Here lie the treasures lost by our culture which
give value and significance to life. Put on your sandals and get ready for a life-changing walk on the way to the Promised Land.
Required for NYSB certificate.

Fall I
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 10:35 am - Thompson
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Watson

Dates and kings and maps and things are dry, dusty facts unless you are reliving the events of God’s chosen people. No other nation has so miraculously experienced God’s hand in its history. Triumph and tragedy are intersecting paths that direct Israel’s journey from the walls of Jericho (Joshua) to the courts of Persia (Esther). Great blessings await God’s people today who learn these lessons from long ago!

Fall II
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 10:35 am - Thompson
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Watson

People are people. No other section of Scripture illustrates this better than the wisdom literature of the Hebrews (Job through Song of Solomon). With sublime artistry, Israel’s poets tell their stories of life and death, of love and hate, of hope and fear. Our lives are found in their lives. Their faith can become our faith.
Required for NYSB certificate.

Spring I
Mondays, 7:35 pm - Watson
Thursdays, 7:35 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 9:00 am - Mann

Israel’s prophets were a fearless lot whose vision of justice and peace was inseparably bound to their message of the coming Messiah. Mired in societies filled with corrupted politicians and carnal-minded priests, and disheartened by conquering armies and cowardly citizens, these spokesmen for God courageously called His people to repentance and revival. Contained in these books (Isaiah through Malachi) are timely messages of judgment and hope. The Messiah is needed again!
Required for NYSB certificate.

In the beginning . . . with these words in Genesis, the student begins to study the beginnings of God's plans and purposes. He creates the heavens and the earth, creates Adam and Eve in His image who later mar that image by their fall into sin. He chooses a covenant people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the beginning of the nation Israel through which God would bless the entire world. With Adam and Eve's fall and the later giving of the Mosaic Law, the student begins to see god's plan of redemption unfold, the need for a blood sacrifice to atone sin.

Israel becomes a nation. God's chosen people enter Canaan and begin the conquest of the land. But because the people's obedience is not complete, the nation will suffer greatly as God chastises Israel by the hands of her enemies. Judges will call Israel back to God periodically. Meanwhile Israel fails to be the blessing to the nations she was intended by God. He reveals that His plan of redemption is for all peoples. He mercifully illustrates this by reaching beyond the Israelite borders and bringing Ruth, a Moabitess, into the Messianic line.

Israel's corporate rejection of God's rule brings about a regime change--God will now lead His people through kings. Saul proves that blessing is forfeited with disobedience. David, through not perfect, purposed to follow God and brought great blessing to Israel and to the nations. Through David's line, God begins His plan to introduce in time the King of Kings, the Messiah.

After David establishes Israel as a kingdom, his son Solomon expands it. Israel for a time is a beacon of light to the nations. But because Solomon rejects God's rule in his life, Israel will soon be punished. Until then, Solomon learns that true wisdom is living in obedience to God.

Israel is now divided kingdom. And the divided kingdom is divided further still because of divided loyalties. God blesses the kingdoms when its rulers follow after God, but punishes those who reject Him. God begins to bring His prophects to the people to continue to reveal His plan for redemption. Though Israel has failed to be the blessing it should be, God continues to reveal that His plan of redemption is for all mankind.

God forewarns His people of exile if they continue to refuse to follow Him. And they did refuse. The northern kingdom of Israel is taken away by the Assyrians. Judah will soon be taken by the Babylonians and suffer exile for 70 years.

Judah is now in exile. Her life of rejection of god corporately brings punishment to all, the rebellious and righteous alike. Why must the righteous suffer as well? In the midst of exile though, god's plan of redemption begins to spread to all the world when His righteous people stand for God and testify of Him. Through the righteous who suffer in exile, God takes His blessing to the world.

God is merciful and brings Judah back into the land. It remains to be seen if Israel has learned her lesson to obey God and be the blessing she is to be to the world.

What are the purposes of each of the seven Old Testament Feasts of Israel . . . both then and now? How did Y’shua (Jesus) fulfill each feast and also give each one a larger meaning? How was Y’shua the Passover lamb? Why was Jesus called the first fruit? Did Jesus Himself celebrate any of the feasts? Understanding the seven Jewish festivals will add depth to your knowledge of Jesus the Messiah for each feast points to Him!

In studying the lives of thes two leaders, our goal is to trace their spiritual priorities that enabled them to lead God's people into genuine spiritual renewal. Anyone interested in studying the renewing factors in the life of the Church today will want to take this course.

The evidence of God’s mighty work in three different historical periods of Jewish history through Ruth, Jonah, and Nehe-miah will be the focus of this study. The three books confirm God’s blessings from a Gentile to many Jews, from a Jew to many Gentiles, and from many Gentiles to a Jew then to many Jews.
Fall I, Thursdays, 6-9 pm - Kwan
September 23, 30; October 7, 21

The Psalms are perhaps the most familiar portion of the Old Testament, yet they are also among the most difficult to interpret. This course is designed to help us gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of these ancient hymns by examining their historical background, their use in Israel's worship, and their different literary types (e.g., praise, lament, and thanksgiving).

While many Proverbs speak to us directly, the purpose of this course is to study the book of Proverbs as a whole. Our focus of attention will be upon the book's purpose and structure, as well as the nature and poetic style of the Proverbs in general. The goal is to better understand and apply the wisdom they offer to the everyday problems of life.

The book of Daniel will help all of us see the big picture of God’s sovereignty over all of history and over all of our lives. Therefore, the central focus of our study will not be upon end-time speculations, but upon a life of submission to His sovereignty and obedience to His revealed will.
Fall I, Mondays, 7:35 pm - Blankley

Amos has been called the "Prophet Against Social Injustice". This slide-illustrated class will look at the historical-geographical context of this 8th-century B.C. prophet to the Northern Kingdom. The archaeology of the earthquake that Amos predicted will be examined. The spiritual lessons for the 21st-century Church will be set forth.

Although grouped as a Minor Prophet, Micah’s prophecies are major in scope. His discourses to the nations of Judah and Israel deal with their sins, coming captivity and exile, but also restoration, and Messiah to come. This slide-illustrated class will examine the historical, geographical, and cultural content of this prophetic word to Judah and Israel then and to us today.
Spring II, Mondays, 7:35 pm - Franz

This course is designed to survey the major Messianic prophecies that find their fulfillment in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The goal is to view all of the promises of a coming Messiah as part of God's single, unified plan to bring the blessings of salvation to a select group of people (Israel), and throught this one group, to all the nations of the world.

What happened between the end of the Old Testament to Matthew? Were there really 450 silent years, with the people of God in a holding pattern, or was God working behind the scenes to prepare for “the fullness of times” (Galatians 4:4)? This course will cover the people and events in and around the Promised Land during this exciting time.
Fall I, Mondays, 6:00 pm - Kraus

The foundation for the New Testament is found in the four Gospels and Acts. The rest of the New Testament cannot be understood apart from this historical section. Four portraits of Jesus’ life, message and mission are examined as recorded in the Gospels. The book of Acts will be discussed regarding the immense impact of the early church’s thrust to change the world. The course goals are for you to understand the theme of each book and to find new ways to apply the life-changing truths
to your life.
Required for NYSB certificate.

Building on the foundation of the historical books in 165A, this study will focus on the other 22 books, the culmination of God’s holy Scriptures. The themes and general purposes of the Pauline Epistles, General Epistles, and the book of Revelation will be emphasized. In addition, there will be discussion on applying the truths essential to a dynamic Christian witness.
Required for NYSB certificate.

Fall II
Thursdays, 6 pm - Thompson
Saturdays, 9 am - Thompson
Mondays, 6 pm - Blossom
Spring II
Mondays, 6 pm - Gardner

In the beginning . . . so begins John's Gospel account. Just as the Pentateuch are the books of beginning for the Old Testament, so the Gospels are the books of beginning for the New Testament. God promised that Messiah would come. For 400 years between the testaments, God worked in history to prepare the way for His plan of redemption to be finalized. God, who transcends time, stepped into time. God the Son took on flesh to reveal the Father's plan. The Gospels reveal the Messiah who came to fulfill the Old Testament's promise of redemption. The person for blessing had come!

n/aGod's redemption is for Jew and Gentile alike. Christ commands His disciples to take that message to all. With the birth of the Church, God now works through His people to bring the message of redemption to the world. The Church must also keep this message pure and true.

As the Church grows, it must learn to conduct itself properly in order to be the witness and blessing it should be. God uses His servant Paul to instruct the Church how to live corporately and as individual believers. The Church must live righteously if its witness of redemption is to be a blessing to the world.

The Church has expanded far and wide as evidenced by Paul's letter to the Romans. God's plan of redemption as prophesied has become the means of blessing for all who will believe the Gospel.

Paul instructs the Church to stand in and for God's truth. The Church cannot allow the world to infiltrate; otherwise, the Gospel message is heard less. The Church must guard its beliefs in order for the Gospel message to reach the world.

Paul instructs the Church to persevere by making sure that the younger generation is taught the truth of the Gospel, the need to proclaim it, and to pass the torch to each successive generation. The Church needs leaders who will make sure the truth is preserved and shared. Jude also exhorts the Church to live holy lives and guard the Gospel message from those who work to pervert it.

The Church will suffer persecution. Yet the Church will continue because its foundations is Christ, the fulfillment of who the Old Testament prophesied as the writer of Hebrews illustrates and explains. Peter, the disciple god spoke throught to bring the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, encourages the Church to stand true even in the midst of persecution.