Bachelor of Biblical Studies (BBS)
The Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver provides a balanced curriculum for training workers. This curriculum emphasizes the study of the Bible. The textual courses are intensive studies, many of which are taught from the original language. The doctrinal courses provide a good foundation in the basic doctrines that underlie our faith. The missions and personal evangelism courses help to equip the student to use his Bible knowledge in leading others to the Lord. The courses in Greek, along with the “How To Study” courses enhance the student's ability to glean the proper teaching from God's word. The ministerial development courses supply practical advice on the day-to-day tasks of the local preacher. The student who successfully completes the courses at BVBID will have the training he needs to embark upon an effective ministry for the Master. (Courses are subject to change).
BIBLICAL STUDIES
103 OLD TESTAMENT I — A study of the five books of Moses. This rich textual study covers man's history from creation to the conquest of Canaan, and strives to uncover major religious themes from the Pentateuch. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
104 GOSPELS OF MATTHEW AND MARK — This is an exegetical study of Matthew in its entirety with an introduction to the Gospel of Mark. This verse-by-verse study is designed to teach the student proper exegetical method while learning the religious teachings of the First Gospel. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
112 ACTS — A detailed paragraph-by-paragraph study of the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to the uttermost parts of the world. This course features an investigation of the key themes of the book and the dynamics of world-wide evangelism. It includes topics such as the church, elders, deacons, Lord's supper, preachers, worship, and giving. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
113 ACTS II - See information above. Clock Hours 5l. 3 Semester Hours
202 OLD TESTAMENT II — A survey of Old Testament books which cover Israel's history from the conquest of Canaan by Israel through the reigns of Saul, David and Solomon. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
205 I, II THESSALONIANS AND PHILIPPIANS — A careful textual study of the Macedonian correspondence with emphasis upon the second coming, the man of sin, fellowship and the Christian responsibilities exhorted in these books. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
211 OLD TESTAMENT III — A discussion of the Wisdom literature and the book of Job. Special emphasis is given to the nature of Wisdom literature and Hebrew poetry as a basis for interpretation. The great principles are applied to Christian living. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
212 I CORINTHIANS — A practical application of God's Word to the personal and worship life of Christians. It includes detailed studies of the problems in Corinth, with Paul's inspired remedies. Special attention is paid to church organization, discipline, worship, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Paul's apostleship. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
302 OLD TESTAMENT IV — A study of Old Testament history during the time of the two kingdoms — Israel and Judah. Special emphasis will be placed upon those prophets from God who attempt to turn the people from their evil ways. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
303 ROMANS — An exegetical study of the Book of Romans with a detailed discussion of the doctrine of justification. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
304 GOSPEL OF LUKE — Examination of the life and teachings of Jesus and the unique relationship of Luke's gospel to the Greek world of thought. There is emphasis on word studies, historical circumstances of the book, and the practical application of our Lord's teachings to contemporary situations. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
310 GOSPEL AND EPISTLES OF JOHN — A careful exegetical study of the fourth Gospel and John's epistles. Major themes are ascertained by the noting of key words and phrases that recur throughout the book. Taught from the Greek text. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
311 GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, COLOSSIANS AND PHILEMON — A study is begun with the promise of a redeemer, and the scheme of man's redemption is traced through the prophets and Old Testament history into the New Testament. The record of fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Christ and his church-kingdom is shown to be the central message of the Bible. The New Testament books under consideration are studied in depth. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
313 OLD TESTAMENT V — A study of Israel's history and the prophets who preached to Israel after she fell to the armies of Assyria. It is during this period that God cries to his people through the lamentations of Jeremiah. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
401 JAMES, I AND II PETER — An exegetical study of these general epistles. Special attention is given both to the original message of the books and their application to Christian living. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
404 OLD TESTAMENT VI — An exegetical study of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. A survey of the aforementioned books with a view toward gleaning the religious teaching of each. The student is also given an appreciation of the history of God's people during and after the Babylonian Captivity. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
405 REVELATION — An exegetical study of Revelation which considers the book in its literary and historical context. The great principles of the book are applied to present day life. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
411 I, II, TIMOTHY AND TITUS — An exegetical study of the evangelistic epistles with practical applications to the work and the conduct of gospel preachers. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
413 HEBREWS — An exegetical study of the epistle to the Hebrews. Special emphasis is given to Christ as our high priest and sacrifice. The course emphasizes both doctrine and application to Christian living. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
416 II CORINTHIANS AND JUDE – A thorough analysis of Paul’s second epistle to the church at Corinth. Particular emphasis will be given to the unique features of this letter with practical application to today’s church. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
114 GREEK I — Seventeen lessons from New Testament Greek for Beginners, 2nd Edition, by J. Gresham Machen. The student is guided in easy steps through the alphabet into verbs, nouns, and other parts of speech and learns to translate sentences from Greek to English and from English to Greek. He also learns to use Greek lexicons and other helps for understanding the Greek in the New Testament. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
214 GREEK II — Seventeen lessons from the grammar as the student advances in the use of verbs, participles, pronouns, and prepositions. He learns how the various parts of speech are used in the Greek New Testament and continues to translate certain phrases from it. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
314 GREEK III — From a third series of lessons, the student becomes familiar with special constructions in the Greek and with additional tenses and conjugations. More work is done in the lexicons and in translating the New Testament. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
PERSONAL EVANGELISM
102 PERSONAL EVANGELISM I — The students will be learning ten different proven and effective methods of conducting home Bible studies. Personal Evangelism is a basic course to teach the student how to review and evaluate numerous study guides used in conducting home Bible studies. The student will master Personal Bible Study guide for his personal use and will be able to use these skills in any area of evangelism. He/she will also have opportunity to use these skills in the field while in school. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
MISSIONS
105 MISSIONS — Missions is a study and class discussion of the principles, methods, and practices one needs to understand in order to effectively do mission work. It will enable the student to plan and prepare for his mission field with scriptural and workable goals and approaches best suited to his abilities and a specific culture. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
CHURCH GROWTH AND HISTORY
213 AMERICAN RESTORATION MOVEMENT - The purpose for studying this course is to gain insight and understanding of the history of God's people in the U.S.A. from the time of its known beginning to the present. The course will cover events in our brotherhood from the early 1800's to today. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
315 CHURCH HISTORY - A survey of the events leading up to and the establishment of the New Testament Church, its early history as recorded by secular writers, the apostasy in its major forms, and the Reformation Movement. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
412 CHURCH GROWTH — A study of proven principles of church growth to be applied as one seeks to carry out the mission of Christ in either a domestic or foreign field. Instruction is given in measuring and evaluating growth and conducting a church- growth study. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING
402 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY — This course is an elective. It will be offered in the evening. Students and their spouses may take this class in addition to their regular course requirements. Marriage and the home is the bedrock of the church and society. In order to have a strong ministry a married man must have a strong marriage. This course will help the student understand from a biblical perspective how God wants marriage and the home to be built on His pattern. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
PREACHING
201 HOMILETICS I -- FUNDAMENTALS OF PREACHING — The nature and purpose of preaching is considered. Major attention is given to beginning sermon organization and to the effective use of supporting material. Emphasis will be given to preparing, photographing, developing and using 35mm slides of scripture and graphic illustrations. Help will be given for gathering and filing subject and illustration material. Practice and encouragement is given in organizing and delivering sermons. Learning to evaluate his own video-taped presentation will improve the student's skills in effective delivery. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
305 HOMILETICS 2 – ADVANCED SERMON PREPARATION — Attention is given to the problem of making sermons more effective, with special emphasis on textual and expository preaching. Help is given on finding and preserving sermon ideas and materials. Continued practice and evaluation by the teacher, fellow students and self from video-taped presentations is a regular part of improving sermon delivery. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
414 THE PREACHER AND HIS WORK — Deals with the practical aspects of the preacher and his life in and out of the pulpit. It covers the many facets of his daily life, confrontations, study, prayer, teaching, example, weddings, funerals, grief, and disappointments. He is taught how to cope with human experiences in his effort to work harmoniously with people. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
MINISTERIAL DEVELOPMENT
203 MINISTRY TECHNOLOGIES –- Deals with the use of various technologies in ministerial study and work. Attention is given to the use of such things as Libronix/Logos software, PowerPoint in preaching and teaching, as well as how to do blogs and other internet options available for use in ministry. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
403 DIRECTING AND TEACHING IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM — Attention is given to setting up and operating the church's educational program by properly choosing curriculum, teachers, and facilities. Proper teaching techniques will give the student a good background which will be used in actual teaching sessions during the course. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
DEVELOPING STUDY SKILLS
101 LANGUAGE AND RESEARCH — A study of basic research skills designed to teach the student how to properly use a religious library. The research instruction is combined with instruction in English grammar and basic writing skills. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
111 BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS –- Hermeneutics is the science and art of Bible interpretation. This course covers the history of interpretation, kinds of interpretation, general hermeneutics, special hermeneutics, the new hermeneutic, typology, symbols, prophecy, and much more. It equips the student to study the Bible. Clock Hours 51 3 Semester Hours
110 BIBLICAL EXEGESIS – Exegesis is the art of taking out of the biblical text what the text is intending to say. This course will familiarize the student with the “exegetical method” and apply the principles of hermeneutics in dealing with both Old Testament and New Testament books as he develops the skill necessary to find the original meaning in Biblical texts. Clock Hours 51 3 Semester Hours
DOCTRINAL COURSES
215 DENOMINATIONAL DOCTRINES — This study deals with doctrines of men as taught and practiced by the denominational world. The foundation for all false doctrines is shown to be an attitude toward the authority of the Scriptures. Though many different denominations are discussed, emphasis is placed on the more aggressive ones and the sects. The student is prepared with fundamental affirmative approaches, as well as being equipped to overcome false doctrines from within or outside of the church. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
415 GODHEAD — This course gives some insight into the nature, attributes, and personalities involved in Deity. The history of the interdependent work of the Father, Son and Spirit are explored with challenges to richer understanding of the Almighty. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
APOLOGETICS
301 HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE — A research course dealing with the inspiration, canonization, and transmission of the 66 books of the Bible. Students will have a strong basis on which to build their belief in the Bible as the verbally inspired, authoritative word of God. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
312 CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES — A survey of the logical reasons for God's existence and the inspiration of the Bible. Special studies are included to refute evolution, theistic evolution, modern day miracles, and alleged discrepancies of the Bible. Clock Hours 51. 3 Semester Hours
MINI-COURSES
Four other valuable areas of instruction will be included during the two-year program. These will be offered during times such as chapel or the summer break.
150 CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS THOUGHT - This video seminar by Francis Shaeffer will be presented in chapel. Clock Hours 4 1 Semester Hour
151 PRACTICE IN PREACHING — Each senior student will work with a faculty member to organize and present a chapel sermon each quarter and will be evaluated by the entire faculty with suggestions for improvement. The average grade will be recorded on the permanent transcript. Clock hours 8 two semesters each 1 Semester Hour
152 COST OF DISCIPLESHIP — A look at what requirements are demanded by Jesus for one who would be His disciple. This study will center around the “Sermon on the Mount” with a great deal of emphasis placed upon the “Beatitudes.” This class will be conducted in a series of lessons during the chapel periods. Clock hours 22 1 Semester Hour
154 EXPERIENCE SPEAKS - This seminar features accomplished preachers who have been in the ministry for over 20 years. Successes and failures, what works and what does not will be the main topic of discussion. Clock hours 4 1 Semester Hour
155 BIBLICAL COUNSELING - A look at principles and appropriate practices to produce spiritual growth through biblical counseling. Clock Hours 16 1 Semester Hour