REQUIRED COURSES (16)

BIB 101 • 3 Credit Hours

Old Testament Survey

Prerequisites: None

A panoramic introduction to the entire Old Testament — its books, structure, key narratives, major themes, and theological message. Students develop a working knowledge of every book from Genesis to Malachi, learning how each fits into the larger story of God’s covenantal dealings with His people. Special attention is given to the unfolding redemptive narrative that points forward to Christ, the development of the people of Israel, the role of the Law and the Prophets, and the major historical periods of the Old Testament era. Students will gain confidence reading any Old Testament book in its proper canonical, historical, and redemptive context.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the major sections, books, and historical periods of the Old Testament.
• Articulate the central theological themes that unify the Old Testament narrative.
• Trace the redemptive story from Genesis through Malachi as a single, unfolding plan.
• Connect Old Testament passages to their fulfillment in Christ and the New Testament.
• Demonstrate basic competency in locating, reading, and contextualizing any Old Testament passage.

BIB 102 • 3 Credit Hours

New Testament Survey

Prerequisites: None

A comprehensive introduction to the entire New Testament — its books, authors, historical context, and theological message. Students develop a working knowledge of every book from Matthew to Revelation, with particular focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the birth and expansion of the Church through the book of Acts; the apostolic letters and their original occasions; and the apocalyptic literature of Revelation. The course emphasizes how the New Testament fulfills and completes the redemptive story begun in the Old Testament, and how the apostolic witness shapes Christian doctrine and ministry practice today.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the major sections, books, authors, and historical context of the New Testament.
• Articulate the central message of Jesus Christ as presented in the four Gospels.
• Trace the birth and expansion of the early Church through the book of Acts.
• Understand the occasion, audience, and core message of each apostolic letter.
• Connect New Testament passages to their Old Testament foundations and Christ-centered fulfillment.

BIB 103 • 3 Credit Hours

Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation

Prerequisites: None (recommended alongside BIB 101 or BIB 102)

A foundational course in the principles and practice of biblical interpretation. Students learn the discipline of hermeneutics — the science and art of correctly understanding and applying the Word of God. The course covers the grammatical, historical, literary, and theological dimensions of biblical interpretation, the distinct interpretive demands of different biblical genres (narrative, law, poetry, prophecy, gospel, epistle, apocalyptic), the role of context at every level, and the appropriate use of original-language tools and study resources. Special attention is given to the role of the Holy Spirit in interpretation and the practical move from text to faithful application without compromising either the meaning or the authority of Scripture.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define hermeneutics and explain its essential role in faithful Bible study.
• Apply grammatical, historical, literary, and theological principles to specific biblical passages.
• Recognize and respect the distinct interpretive demands of each biblical genre.
• Use basic study tools (concordance, lexicon, commentary) responsibly and effectively.
• Move from accurate interpretation to faithful application in personal study, teaching, and preaching.

BIB 104 • 3 Credit Hours

The Life & Teachings of Jesus

Prerequisites: BIB 102 New Testament Survey (or concurrent enrollment)

A focused study of the life, ministry, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as presented in the four Gospels. Students examine each major phase of Jesus’ public ministry, including His baptism and temptation, His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, His parables and discourses, His miracles and healings, His confrontations with religious leaders, His preparation of the disciples, and His passion, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The course harmonizes the four Gospel accounts where helpful while preserving the distinct emphasis of each Evangelist. Students leave with a deepened understanding of who Jesus is, what He did, and what He demands of every believer who would follow Him.

Learning Outcomes:

• Trace the major phases and events of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry chronologically.
• Articulate the central themes of Jesus’ teaching, including the Kingdom of God and discipleship.
• Interpret the parables, discourses, and miracles of Jesus in their historical and redemptive context.
• Explain the theological significance of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension.
• Apply the example and commands of Jesus to personal discipleship and ministry today.

BIB 105 • 3 Credit Hours

The Book of Acts & the Early Church

Prerequisites: BIB 102 New Testament Survey (or concurrent enrollment)

An in-depth study of the book of Acts and the explosive growth of the early Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. Students examine Pentecost and the birth of the Church, the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Rome, the ministries of Peter and Paul, the apostolic patterns of evangelism and church planting, and the supernatural signs and wonders that accompanied the apostolic witness. Particular attention is given to the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering ordinary believers to extraordinary works, the multiplication of disciples, and the strategic patterns of mission that built the early Church. Students gain both biblical understanding and practical inspiration for their own Spirit-empowered ministry today.

Learning Outcomes:

• Trace the geographic and missional expansion of the early Church from Jerusalem to Rome.
• Identify the central role of the Holy Spirit in empowering apostolic ministry.
• Examine the patterns of evangelism, discipleship, and church planting modeled in Acts.
• Articulate the theological significance of Pentecost for the Church today.
• Apply the apostolic pattern of Spirit-empowered witness to contemporary ministry.

THE 101 • 3 Credit Hours

Systematic Theology I — Doctrine of Scripture & God

Prerequisites: None

A foundational introduction to systematic theology — the discipline of organizing biblical truth into coherent doctrinal categories. Volume I covers the doctrine of Scripture (revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, canonicity, authority, sufficiency, clarity) and the doctrine of God (existence, attributes, the Trinity, divine decrees, providence, creation). Students learn to think theologically about questions of authority, truth, and the nature of God; to articulate orthodox Christian doctrine using both biblical and systematic categories; and to defend core doctrines against historical and contemporary challenges. The course establishes the doctrinal framework that students will build upon in every subsequent course at JBC.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define systematic theology and distinguish it from biblical theology and historical theology.
• Articulate the doctrines of revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, and the authority of Scripture.
• Defend the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity from biblical and historical sources.
• Explain the major attributes of God and their implications for Christian life and ministry.
• Use systematic theological categories to think clearly about contemporary doctrinal questions.

THE 102 • 3 Credit Hours

Christian Apologetics

Prerequisites: None (recommended alongside THE 101)

An introduction to Christian apologetics — the discipline of giving a reasoned defense of the Christian faith. Students examine the major arguments for the existence of God (cosmological, teleological, moral, ontological), the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the reliability of Scripture, the problem of evil and suffering, and the most common objections raised by atheism, skepticism, religious pluralism, and contemporary moral relativism. The course equips students not only to defend their faith with intellectual integrity but also to engage non-believers with the gospel in conversations that honor both truth and the person being addressed. Special attention is given to apologetics in everyday witness, not just formal debate.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define apologetics and distinguish offensive (positive case) and defensive (responding to objections) forms.
• Present the major classical and contemporary arguments for the existence of God.
• Defend the historical reliability of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Respond to common objections from atheism, skepticism, and religious pluralism.
• Engage non-believers in apologetic conversations that combine truth, grace, and gospel proclamation.

THE 103 • 3 Credit Hours

Christian Worldview

Prerequisites: None

An introduction to the Christian worldview — the comprehensive biblical framework for understanding reality, humanity, history, and meaning. Students examine the foundational worldview questions every person must answer (What is real? Who is God? What is humanity? What is wrong? What is the solution? What is the goal of history?), how Scripture provides coherent answers to all of these, and how competing worldviews (naturalism, postmodernism, pantheism, secularism, Islam, and others) provide alternative answers. The course equips students to think Christianly about every area of life and culture — including politics, education, family, work, art, science, and ethics — recognizing that there is no neutral ground and that every domain of life is to be brought under the Lordship of Christ.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define worldview and identify the major worldview questions every person must answer.
• Articulate the Christian worldview answers to those questions from a biblical foundation.
• Compare and contrast Christianity with major competing worldviews.
• Apply biblical worldview thinking to contemporary cultural, political, and ethical issues.
• Recognize and respond to non-Christian worldview assumptions in everyday conversations and media.

SPF 101 • 3 Credit Hours

Spiritual Formation

Prerequisites: None

A foundational introduction to Christian spiritual formation — the Spirit-empowered process by which believers are progressively conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Students examine the biblical doctrine of sanctification, the means God uses to shape His people (Word, Spirit, prayer, fellowship, suffering, obedience), the practical disciplines of the Christian life (Bible study, prayer, fasting, solitude, service, worship, generosity), and the inward dynamics of growth in Christian character. The course refuses both legalism (formation by human effort alone) and passivity (waiting for spiritual maturity to happen to us), establishing instead a Spirit-empowered, grace-driven, intentional pursuit of Christlikeness as the normal posture of every believer.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define spiritual formation and articulate its biblical foundation in sanctification.
• Identify and practice the major spiritual disciplines of the Christian life.
• Distinguish biblical sanctification from legalism, passivity, and emotionalism.
• Apply Spirit-empowered intentionality to personal growth in Christlikeness.
• Equip others for spiritual formation in discipleship and ministry contexts.

SPF 102 • 3 Credit Hours

The Holy Spirit & Spirit-Empowered Living

Prerequisites: None (recommended alongside SPF 101)

A foundational course on the person, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit, with particular focus on the Spirit-empowered life of the believer. Students examine the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit; His role in creation, regeneration, indwelling, and sealing of the believer; the doctrine of baptism in the Holy Spirit and its biblical evidence; the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4) and their proper exercise in the Church; the fruit of the Spirit and its outworking in Christian character; and the daily practice of walking in step with the Spirit. The course is unapologetically continuationist, affirming the present-day operation of all the gifts and ministries of the Spirit while teaching their biblical use with order, integrity, and Christ-centered focus.

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate the deity, personality, and major works of the Holy Spirit.
• Defend the present-day operation of all the gifts of the Spirit from biblical and historical sources.
• Identify the gifts of the Spirit listed in the New Testament and their purposes in the Church.
• Practice basic discernment for the proper exercise of the gifts in personal and corporate settings.
• Demonstrate a daily, intentional, Spirit-led posture of dependence on the Holy Spirit.

BIB 201 • 3 Credit Hours

Biblical Theology

Prerequisites: BIB 101 Old Testament Survey, BIB 102 New Testament Survey

A study of the central theological themes that unify the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Unlike systematic theology, which organizes truth by topic, biblical theology traces how God’s redemptive plan unfolds progressively through the storyline of Scripture itself. Students examine the major covenants (Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, New), the unifying themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, the development of major theological concepts across both Testaments, and the centrality of Christ as the climax of the entire biblical narrative. The course equips students to read every biblical passage in light of the whole counsel of God and the unfolding story of redemption.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define biblical theology and distinguish it from systematic theology.
• Trace the major biblical covenants and their progressive development across Scripture.
• Identify and articulate the unifying themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration.
• Connect individual biblical passages to the larger redemptive-historical context.
• Demonstrate Christ-centered interpretation that honors the unity and progression of Scripture.

BIB 202 • 3 Credit Hours

The Book of Romans

Prerequisites: BIB 102 New Testament Survey, BIB 103 Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation

A verse-by-verse study of the apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans — the most theologically comprehensive epistle in the New Testament and a foundational text for Christian doctrine, ministry, and life. Students work through the entire letter chapter by chapter, examining the universal need for salvation, the doctrine of justification by faith, the present and future implications of life in Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life, the relationship between Israel and the Church, and the practical outworking of gospel truth in everyday Christian conduct. Particular attention is given to Romans’ enduring impact on the historic Church and its ongoing relevance for contemporary believers.

Learning Outcomes:

• Outline the structure and central argument of the book of Romans.
• Articulate the biblical doctrine of justification by faith as developed in Romans.
• Explain the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life as taught in Romans 8.
• Examine Paul’s teaching on Israel, the Church, and God’s redemptive purposes (Romans 9–11).
• Apply the practical exhortations of Romans 12–16 to contemporary Christian living and ministry.

BIB 203 • 3 Credit Hours

The Book of Ephesians

Prerequisites: BIB 102 New Testament Survey, BIB 103 Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation

A verse-by-verse study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians — a soaring exposition of the believer’s identity in Christ, the nature of the Church, and the practical outworking of life in Christ. Students examine the great doctrinal foundations of chapters 1–3 (election, redemption, the mystery of Christ and the Church, the unity of Jew and Gentile in one new humanity), the practical applications of chapters 4–6 (Christian unity, spiritual maturity, walking in the Spirit, relationships in the home and workplace), and the climactic teaching on spiritual warfare and the armor of God. Special attention is given to Ephesians’ vision of the Church as the body and bride of Christ.

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate the believer’s spiritual blessings and identity in Christ as developed in Ephesians 1–3.
• Explain Paul’s teaching on the Church as the body of Christ and one new humanity.
• Apply the practical exhortations of Ephesians 4–6 to Christian relationships and conduct.
• Examine Paul’s teaching on spiritual warfare and the believer’s armor.
• Demonstrate verse-by-verse competency in reading and interpreting the entire letter.

THE 201 • 3 Credit Hours

Systematic Theology II — Christ, Salvation & the Church

Prerequisites: THE 101 Systematic Theology I

The continuation of systematic theology, building on the foundation of THE 101. Volume II covers the doctrine of Christ (Christology — His person, deity, humanity, incarnation, atonement, resurrection, ascension, and second coming), the doctrine of salvation (soteriology — election, calling, regeneration, justification, sanctification, perseverance, glorification), the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), the doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology — its nature, mission, ordinances, government, and gifts), and the doctrine of last things (eschatology). Students complete a comprehensive systematic theology framework that equips them to teach, preach, and minister with doctrinal clarity and confidence.

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate the orthodox doctrine of the person and work of Christ.
• Explain the major elements of the order of salvation (calling, justification, sanctification, glorification).
• Defend the deity, personality, and present work of the Holy Spirit.
• Articulate a biblical doctrine of the Church and its mission in the world.
• Identify the central convictions of biblical eschatology while distinguishing core from secondary issues.

SPF 201 • 3 Credit Hours

Christian Ethics: Character & Holiness

Prerequisites: SPF 101 Spiritual Formation (recommended)

An advanced study of Christian ethics — not merely as a list of rules, but as the lived expression of Christlike character formed by the Holy Spirit. Students examine the biblical foundation for ethics (the character of God, the moral law, the example of Christ, the indwelling Spirit), the major ethical traditions and their relationship to Christian thought, contemporary moral issues facing the Church (sexuality, marriage, life issues, justice, race, technology, work, wealth), and the practical formation of holy character in everyday life. Special attention is given to the unique calling of those preparing for ministry: the higher accountability of Christian leaders, the integration of public ministry and private holiness, and the integrity required of those who would speak for God to others.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define Christian ethics and distinguish it from secular ethical systems.
• Apply biblical principles to major contemporary ethical questions facing the Church.
• Articulate the biblical doctrine of holiness and its outworking in daily life.
• Identify the unique ethical accountability of Christian leaders.
• Form practical strategies for ongoing growth in personal and ministerial holiness.

MIN 201 • 3 Credit Hours

Evangelism & Discipleship

Prerequisites: None

A foundational introduction to evangelism and discipleship — the two essential, inseparable activities of every disciple of Jesus Christ. Students examine the biblical mandate to make disciples (Matthew 28:18–20), the gospel message in its biblical fullness (creation, fall, redemption, restoration), the practical skills of personal evangelism (sharing one’s testimony, presenting the gospel clearly, responding to common objections, leading someone to Christ), and the foundational principles of discipleship (relationship, intentionality, accountability, multiplication). The course establishes evangelism and discipleship as the normal lifestyle of every believer — not specialized activities for a few, but the central calling of the Church and every member of it.

Learning Outcomes:

• Articulate the biblical mandate for evangelism and discipleship from Matthew 28 and Acts 1.
• Present the gospel message clearly and biblically using the full creation-fall-redemption-restoration framework.
• Share a personal testimony in a clear, compelling, gospel-centered way.
• Lead another person through a basic discipleship process from new believer to multiplier.
• Apply evangelism and discipleship as a normal lifestyle, not a specialized program.