Internet Biblical Seminary

Curriculum

• Distinctives
• Study Programs and Accreditation
• Study Options
• Course Catalog

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IBS Course Catalog

This catalog describes the Internet Biblical Seminary (IBS) courses. For the suggested order of study by diploma program please see the section on "Study Programs and Accreditation." Highlighted courses are currently available in the IBS online format for Independent Study; a schedule of facilitated classes can be accessed after login through Class Enrollment. Other courses will become available as development is completed for the IBS format.

1^st Year of Study

• Romans and Galatians
  A survey of Paul's letters to the Romans and the Galatians. The student will look at the historical backgrounds of these books and examine the vital theological issues in the early church with which they dealt. Grace is the major theme of the New Testament and of these two books in particular. These books will give you a magnificent picture of God's grace and His unconditional acceptance of you based upon the finished work of Christ. No where else in the Bible are the doctrines of grace, salvation and the Christian walk, more clearly explained.
• Studying the Bible
  This course is designed to provide you with all the basic tools you will need to do effective Bible study on your own.
• Discipleship - One to One
  Designed to challenge ones thinking toward a biblical philosophy of discipleship. Practical training is given on how to do basic discipling of new believers.

2^nd Year of Study

• Christian Life
  Trains the student to walk with Christ daily and to live as a Christian in applying Biblical teachings to real life circumstances.
• Christian Marriage
  Shows God's design for marriage and provides practical help in applying that design to the student's marriage relationship so that the student's marriage relationship will bring glory to God and provide a basis for effective ministry.
• Christian Family
  Teaches the Biblical principles for the raising of children and the development of a healthy family life.
• Introduction to Missions
  Provides a foundational understanding of the biblical theme to "make disciples" of every tribe, tongue, and nation. The history of the church since the time of Christ is explored in the context of what God was doing to accomplish His ultimate desire to reach all peoples. The student is trained in how to appropriately share the Gospel with other cultures in order to create a people movement for Christ.
• How to facilitate a BEE course
  Teaches the BEE method of how to facilitate student training sessions based upon a Socratic style of group discussion. Online facilitation of group and individual discussion is also covered.

3^rd Year of Study

• Church Dynamics
  Helps the student to understand God's design and purpose for the local church through the light of Scripture. The student will be challenged to apply what is learned to the local church, to understand God's purposes for the local church, and to be a support for evangelism, discipleship, and cross cultural church planting as a regular part of church life.
• Life of Christ
  Covers the significant events of Christ's life chronologically using a unique blending of the four Gospels based on the book, "The Greatest Life" by Johnston M. Cheney and Stanley Ellisen, Thd. This course will provide an understanding of Christ's teachings so they can be applied to the student's life with the goal of becoming like Christ.
• Preaching and Teaching/Laws of Teaching
  Teaches the student how to communicate the truth of God's word in many different situations: Preaching, Classroom environments, group studies. The student will be equipped to understand the basic principles of teaching, and will learn how to create and adapt material to meet the needs of their students.

4^th Year of Study

• 1st Corinthians
  Provides an in-depth look at practical problems of the first century church at Corinth and Paul's pastoral approach for remedying them. Issues studied include unity, a proper view of leadership, marriage, the believer's freedom, church discipline, spiritual gifts and the doctrine of the resurrected body.
• New Testament Survey
  Presents an overview of each of the New Testament books. The student will understand the historical and cultural background in which these books were written, giving the student a better understanding of both the Biblical text and the author's purpose in writing each book (15 lessons). This course was provided by ICI (International Correspondence Institute).
• Pastoral Counseling
  Trains the student in basic counseling skills to do individual and group counseling within the context of the local church.

5^th Year of Study

• Survey of Doctrine I
  This is the first of two 12 lesson courses that survey the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Doctrine 1 covers the doctrines of God, the Bible, angels, demons, Satan, creation, man, and sin. The various views of controversial issues are discussed with a balanced and objective approach to encourage the student to think critically about their own beliefs as well as the other views The textbook is Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie
• Colossians
  Uses the Inductive Bible study methods introduced in the "Studying the Bible" course to understand the message of this book while enabling the student to develop additional Bible study skills.
• Old Testament Survey
  This 24 lesson course provides an overview of each of the Old Testament books. The student will understand the historical and cultural background in which these books were written, giving the student a better understanding of both the Biblical text and the author's purpose in writing each book. Particular emphasis is placed on how these books display and contribute to God's redemptive plan.

6^th Year of Study

• Survey of Doctrine II
  This is the second course of two 12 lesson courses that survey the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Doctrine 2 deals with the doctrines of Christ, salvation, the Church, the Holy Spirit, and future events. The various views of controversial issues are discussed with a balanced and objective approach to encourage the student to think critically about their own beliefs as well as the other views. The textbook is Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie
• Revelation
  This course is designed to help the student understand this enigmatic book. First of all, God expects us to understand and to obey its message as we learn about what will happen soon. Second, its teachings about the future are meant to help Christians to live faithful lives now. Third, we study Revelation to receive the blessing promised to those who 'hear and obey' these words. Revelation is the capstone of Biblical prophecy and a book that must not be ignored.
• Daniel
  Uses the Inductive Bible study methods introduced in the "Studying the Bible" course to understand the message of this book while enabling the student to develop additional Bible study skills.
• Hebrews
  An in-depth study of the majestic Epistle to the Hebrews. Using the inductive Bible study method learned in "Studying the Bible", the student will do background studies on external matters, perform word studies of significant terms, exegete every passage of this "letter of encouragement," analyze the overall structure of the epistle, develop synthetic charts and sermons, plan and accomplish deeds that apply principles from the epistle to the student's ministry to others, and, after times of focused meditation, record personal changes the student needs to make in his or her own life. The study will reveal what a glorious future the faithful believer will share as a partner with the great High Priest and King, Jesus the Messiah. The textbooks will be the text of Hebrews, the commentary on Hebrews by Paul Tanner, and appendices to the workbook.

Additional Courses for Study

• Mark
  A detailed study of Jesus' life as told by John Mark, the writer of the second gospel. Jesus is revealed as the promised Messiah of Israel, Son of David, Son of Man, and also the Son of God! Application to the follower of Jesus today becomes evident as each incident in Jesus' life is studied in its historical context. Just as the disciples followed Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, He continues to lead them today as He goes ahead of us to Galilee.
• Church History
  Covers the mighty work of God through history in the expansion of His church from the death of Christ until the present. This course will help the student to see the continuing work of redemption and the building of His church.
• Apologetics
  Provides the students with the skills and content necessary to answer the common questions/objections raised within today's culture. Particular attention is placed on providing answers to God's existence, Christ's deity, and the Bible's inspiration and trust-worthiness.
• Greek and Hebrew Language Study
  Equips the student with a basic understanding of these two Biblical languages.
• Pastoral Theology
  Deals with the life of the pastor in keeping his walk with the Lord vibrant and active while maintaining the life of the church. Emphasis is placed on spiritual life of the pastor and the church.
• 1st John
  Explores the themes of this book through the use of inductive Bible study techniques previously covered.

Refer to the other information provided in the Curriculum section. There you will learn more about study programs and accreditation, study options, requirements, and unique IBS course features. Criteria for students, facilitators, and church/mission groups are explained in the Student, Facilitators, and Groups page under the Getting Started section.

Beyond that, Getting Started may be your next step toward taking an IBS course.