The study of the Old Testament examines the beginnings of the big story of God’s plan of redemption. The creation of the universe and the rebellion of the first man and woman set the stage for God’s intervention. As God sets apart Abraham to be the father of many nations, we see how the special people of God are delivered, led, warned, and disciplined. The historic journey of the Jewish people is told in such a way that spiritual insights help us see how our own walk with God can be enriched. In addition, the Old Testament study is deeply enriched with marvelous Psalms of praise and wisdom from the Proverbs. For the student, anticipation builds as we read of the promised Messiah who will ultimately come in the Person of Jesus Christ.
Reading the Psalms
In this course, Dr. Knut Heim seeks to excite and motivate students to learn more about the Psalms in ways that will transform their lives. He will examine four very different psalms, showing students how to read varying types of psalms for all they are worth.
Genesis-Leviticus: God Builds a People for Himself
Genesis – Leviticus: God Builds a People for Himself tells the story of Israel’s roots. From the creation of all things to the creation of Israel as a nation at Sinai, this course studies God’s process of building a nation to represent Him on earth.
Numbers-Joshua: The Tragedy of Fear and the Glory of Faith
Numbers-Joshua: The Tragedy of Fear and the Glory of Faith is a study of contrasts. Israels fear prevented them from entering the land God promised to give them, resulting in the story of wandering and death recorded in Numbers.
2 Samuel-2 Kings: The Difference Leaders Make
2 Samuel-2 Kings: The Difference Leaders Make will guide students through a study of Israel’s kingdom era—as a united nation and as a nation divided into Israel and Judah.
1 Chronicles-Nehemiah: Grace Greater Than a Nation’s Sins
1 Chronicles – Nehemiah describes the fact that while Israel and Judah flaunted their disobedience in God’s face and persecuted His prophets, He kept His commitment to His covenant promises.
Lamentations-Job: God’s Path Through Pain
Pressure and pain are realities of life. One of the verifying realities of the Old Testament record is its openness about the difficulties God’s people often suffered—and were often confused by.
Proverbs-Psalms: Singing the Sounds of Real Life
Times change and life’s issues take new forms. Solomon never sat in a traffic jam on the freeway and we never fret over an attack by the Philistines, but human emotions remain the same.