Few nations have experienced such blessing as Israel, and fewer yet have experienced such failure. This course follows the journey of the people of Israel in Joshua, Judges, and Ruth as they cross the Jordan River, overtake and divide the land, and fall into a cycle of sin and repentance. Significant events will be analyzed in their historical and cultural contexts, such as the fall of Jericho, the day the sun stood still, and the defeat at Ai. Learners will explore the ministry of important judges like Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson, as well as the life and lessons of Ruth. Throughout the course, Dr. Davis places emphasis on theological and practical truths gleaned from these books. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Holmes.

The Old Testament is often viewed as antiquated, mysterious, and even irrelevant. In this course, Dr. Waltke shows how Old Testament theology is pivotal to the universal goal of redemptive history: the rule of God and the establishment of God’s kingdom in all the earth. The course tracks salvation history as it appears in nearly every book of the Old Testament, and shows the vital relationship of the Old Testament to the New. Throughout the course, Dr. Waltke applies the doctrines of kingdom and salvation to the Christian life. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Udd.

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding” (Proverbs 3:13). In this course learners discover the role of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs by doing an exegetical study of its contents in their cultural, historical, and literary settings. The course begins with an analysis of the book’s structure and purpose, focusing on the forms of wisdom literature as seen in the literary structure of Proverbs. Dr. Waltke then moves to poetic analysis and finally to the prominent theme of wisdom that permeates the book. Students are encouraged to apply wisdom themes to life. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Holmes.

How does the Old Testament relate to the New? How do God’s people today relate to the people and teaching of the Old Testament? This course considers such important issues by examining the foundational theology of the Old Testament as applied to the New Testament and the Church. The course identifies the focal point for the Old and New Testaments, and includes discussions on continuity and discontinuity between the Testaments, saving faith, the people of God, law, worship, atonement, the Kingdom of God, the Messiah, and the New Covenant. Throughout the course, Dr. Kaiser shows how Old Testament theology is vital to contemporary Christian living. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Dahlquist.

The most compelling and important story in history is the story of Christ. In this course, learners complete a chronological and synthetic study of the Gospels’ accounts of Christ’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. The course focuses on the time, place, circumstances, and people involved in the events of our Lord’s ministry. From the Incarnation to the Ascension, students will grasp a fuller understanding of Christ’s words and works, especially in light of the Old Testament prophecy and cultural context. The goal of the course is that Christ will impact learners’ lives as He did those first generation followers, leading them to worship and serve Him as they minister to others. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Pagenkemper.

Correct theology is inseparable from correct living. The New Testament epistles reinforce this concept as they demonstrate both the why and how of Kingdom living. This course surveys the New Testament epistles and the Book of Revelation, examining both the introductory issues and the basic content of each book. Students will wrestle with significant and challenging passages by exploring the major issues and then interacting with specific passages through inductive Bible study. The goal of the course is to gain an increased commitment to and capacity for applying these portions of God’s Word to the world and Christian living today. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Pagenkemper.

In a self-centered culture, how do we demonstrate a God-centered ethic? This course presents a Biblical model for ethics in a postmodern world, examining the ethical theories of obligation and value from a philosophical perspective. The lectures survey various ethical systems, identify unstated assumptions in ethical theories, and evaluate those theories for legitimacy, relevancy, and cogency. The goal of the course is to provide learners with a Christian framework of values and ethics, leading them to make God-honoring decisions in a truth-relative world. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Nebeker.

Church History is the heart of His story, God’s kingdom work on earth. This course explores the development of the Christian church from Pentecost to the present day. It covers key people and events that God used throughout history to bolster His Church and also those negative influences that infected her. The goal of the course is to use lessons from church history to advance the kingdom of God in life and ministry. (This course serves as a synthesized combination of ITS courses CH 506 The History of the Church to the Reformation and CH 507 The History of the Church Since the Reformation.) Supervising faculty member: Dr. Nebeker.

A productive church must have productive leadership. This course will help learners to be effective Christian administrative leaders. The course provides a balanced emphasis on both the biblical theories of leadership as well as the practical, “day-to-day” information needed for successful leadership. The goal of this study is to obtain a fresh understanding of the practical application of biblical leadership principles in their ministry settings. Supervising faculty member: Dr. Ramsey.