NationsUniversity® Learning Guide (Certificate in Biblical Studies)

How to get the most out of your online learning at [Link]

Why This Guide?

Online education is different from learning many of us have experienced in the past.
Learning online has benefits: NationsU brings education to you on your schedule and
at your own pace. Books and links to videos are all online. These advantages are
significant but don’t provide everything that on-campus education gives some students.

You won’t be living in a university dormitory with other students taking the same courses
and joining in a study group to help each other. A kind professor isn’t a short walk away
from you to answer questions and discuss what you are learning.

Successful online students find ways to add these elements to their learning
experience. This guide will give you tips on self-management, how to involve others in
your studies, suggestions regarding mentors, creating a study group, and other ideas
for success.

Online Education – Conquering The Hard Stuff

Establish a routine. No alarm clock will go off to remind you to attend an 8:00 a.m.
class. Add time for study to your daily or weekly calendar. As other needs cause your
schedule to change, move your study time but make sure it happens.

Put schedule goals on the calendar. A professor won’t tell you that a test for course
Module One is scheduled for next Tuesday. Put tests, essays and other milestones on
your calendar and prepare just as you would if you had a deadline given to you by a
professor. Each course syllabus will describe the number of hours expected and the
learning event milestones (tests, essays, etc.) that will occur. Start adding these to your
calendar two-to-three weeks ahead of when you expect to accomplish them. Adjust
their date on the calendar as needed.

Interact. Ask your professor and other students questions in the online class forum and
answer the questions others post there.

Make the learning yours. Write notes to yourself about key ideas you find in the
syllabus and the books and articles you read. Print and highlight important pages.

Surround Yourself With Support

Tell others you are studying. Choose a few people you trust, who will listen, ask
questions and challenge your ideas. Over coffee or a meal, tell someone “here is an
idea that challenged me the most this week…” or “I just learned this point about the
story in ________” (Scripture reference).

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Create a study group as described on the last two pages of this guide. Encourage
another person (or persons) to study along-side of you. Even if you aren’t studying the
same courses, you can help each other as a sounding board for ideas, encourage
meeting the deadlines you set for yourselves, and reinforce good study habits such as
having a study schedule. Make use of P.A.S.S (Peer and Alumni-led Student Support)
and M.A.P.S (Monthly Ambassador Prayer with Students) as described on page 11 of
this document. These efforts will add to your circle of support.

Find a mentor. Pick someone who is devoted to ministry and has studied the Bible
deeply. Ask them to agree to help encourage and challenge you. Meet regularly
(monthly or every other week). Give them a copy of this learning guide. It has
questions they can ask to help focus encouragement and serve as a sounding board.
Several ideas to make mentoring effective are found at the end of this guide.

Structure time with your mentor around three questions:

- What ideas have challenged you the most since we talked?
- How will you use what you are learning in this course? Describe how you plan to
apply it.
- How do this course and its ideas fit into the big picture of your ministry, work and
the personal goals of your studying?

Road Map – What Will The First Seven Courses Give Me?

The first seven courses in the Bachelor of Religious Studies program make up the
Certificate in Biblical Studies. We strongly recommend the sequence of study
presented below since these courses build on each other. As you progress from course
to course, you will
- learn about spirituality as a foundation and context for the study of the Bible,
- gain an overview of the message and content of the Old Testament and New
Testament,
- form and understanding of theology, the nature of God and His relationship to
man in the Bible, and
- learn the core principles of drawing out the original meaning of the text so it can
be better understood and applied today.

You will pass through the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and Greek Scriptures
(New Testament) three times in these seven courses. The first pass will survey people,
places and important stories. The second pass will involve a deeper look at theology –
our understanding of God and his story with His people. The third encounter with these
texts will include exegesis – drawing out the meaning of the text for an original audience
and considering how it applies today.

The course summaries below will describe key concepts and skills you will learn, course
milestones, tips on assignments to help you succeed, and helpful ways to involve your
mentor and others in your studies.

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BRS 100 A Search for Spirituality

Study for its own sake is of little value. For believers, study of Scripture is life-changing
and ministry-changing. This course provides a survey of several core concepts related
to spirituality.

This course will also set a pattern of application for all courses that follow. You will be
encouraged to think about personal application as you study Scripture. When we
encounter God’s Word, it changes us. It prepares us to help share good news and
bring others into a relationship with Christ. While we welcome all students, including
those who do not believe or who have serious questions of faith, we are open about our
goal of building faith through a rigorous encounter with Scripture.

Key Ideas The concept of spirituality (reason and faith, God), human perceptions of
and Skills God, responses to spirituality (need, redemption, coming to God),
spiritual community (the church, historical Christianity, evangelism), and
spiritual life (ethics, worship, action).
Milestones Spiritual Inventory, Three Module Exams, One Essay
Success Keep a personal journal – it will be encouraging to read later. Be candid
Tips in your reasons for wanting to study and in your essay comments.
How to Mention this course in conversation with others. Tell them why you are
Involve beginning coursework at NationsU. Ask them how they think of
Others spirituality and how they developed a concept of who God is. As you
explore the topics around spiritual life, share one or two ideas that made
you stop and think about how to better include them in your life.
Mentor Pray with the student, asking God to bless your mentoring relationship
and to help them grow as they learn. Set ground rules for mentoring
sessions (see the suggested list at the end of this document). Ask about
the module(s) currently being studied. Ask questions that draw out what
the student is learning and how they are applying it or will apply it. Think
about opportunities you can create for the student to apply what is
learned in this course and the courses that follow.

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BRS 121 The Hebrew Scriptures

This course describes the flow and content of the Hebrew Scriptures or Old Testament.
It is a survey designed to help you understand the major and minor characters of these
books, key places and events, and ultimately, to begin to see the flow of God’s story
with His people. As you read and re-read these books of Scripture, let the stories and
principles sink in. You are learning the material that was considered the “Bible” in
Jesus’ day. The prophecies and other passages quoted in the New Testament and
many of its stories and concepts point back to this vital set of Scriptures.

Key Ideas You will discover key content areas: The Torah (first five books of the
and Skills Old Testament), Former Prophets and Latter Prophets, Historical
Writings, Wisdom and Worship Writings. In addition to knowing the
major characters and stories of the Hebrew Scriptures, you will learn the
flow of God’s relationship with His people from the creation to the time of
Christ.
Milestones Five Module Exams
Success Take the time to read each set of scriptures before starting the module
Tips that applies to them. In other words, read the books Genesis through
Deuteronomy before reading module 1 in the syllabus. The syllabus will
remind you to re-read, again and again until you know the sweep of
God’s history and its people. As you read each module, write notes
about each of the “Things to Know” suggested in the syllabus. These
people, places and events will be the focus of each of the module tests
you will take. Also, complete BRS 121 before you start BRS 122. The
people and stories of the Old Testament form an important basis for
understanding the message of the New Testament.
How to In your journal, highlight some unique and significant personalities,
Involve stories, or facts that you didn’t know before. Pick three of these to
Others discuss with your circle of friends. Focus your discussion on lessons we
might learn from these people and stories for today.
Mentor Ask the student to describe one or two characters or stories from the Old
Testament that surprised them most. What surprised them or challenged
their understanding of Scripture? Share an example of how you have
built a class or sermon series around a key figure or story from the Old
Testament. Then ask the student what character or story they might
choose for a class or sermon and why. Where possible, create an
opportunity for the student to lead a study, teach a class or series to use
this course content in their ministry activities.

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BRS 122 The Greek Scriptures

This course presents the flow and content of the Greek Scriptures or New Testament.
The Gospels present the story of Jesus’ life from the perspective of four different
authors. Acts tells the story of the early disciples and the Gospel's spread throughout
the world. The epistles or letters address key teachings and principles important to
believers in early churches. The later epistles and Revelation convey additional
important messages. At the end of this survey course, you will have a good
understanding of the message of the Gospel and its application to early Christians, and
insights into the challenges faced by evangelists and believers in the early church.

Key Ideas Key concepts include the life and mission of Christ and the history of the
and Skills early church and the spread of the Gospel. You will become familiar with
the message of each of the letters and begin to think about what
prompted them to be written.
Milestones Four Module Exams, One Essay
Success Re-read the books of the New Testament multiple times. Make notes
Tips about important people, places, and stories. Pay attention to the “Things
to Know” lists in your syllabus. These people and places will appear on
the module tests. As you write your essay, Use NU’s Turn It In software
to check for grammar, spelling and other writing issues in your essay. A
video tutorial is provided to help you learn how to use this software.
How to In your journal, highlight some unique and significant personalities,
Involve stories, or facts that you didn’t know before. Pick three of these to
Others discuss with your circle of friends. Pick one or two teachings that you
think are most applicable to your church or ministry today and share
them with your friends. What is the message you take from Scripture
and how might it be applied today?
Mentor Ask the student to describe what they noted in the gospel authors’
different approaches to the story of Jesus. Ask: why did each author’s
messages differ, and why might they have used different content? Why
does it matter? Similarly, what new insights were gained into why Paul
wrote his letters? What stood out in a different way and why? Which
story in Acts or letter in the Epistles would the student choose as most
applicable to the church or ministry they are part of today? Why? What
surprised them or challenged their understanding of Scripture? Discuss
one or two key stories chosen by the student and their possible
application to their church or ministry today. Test their conclusions and
ideas for how the stories may apply, and how they might be presented.

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BRS 123 Theology of the Hebrew Scriptures

This course expands the foundation you gained in BRS 121. In addition to knowing the
key people, places and events, you will dive much deeper into their meaning. In its
most basic sense, the concept of theology involves an understanding of the nature of
God and His work. What do the stories in the Hebrew Scriptures say about God and his
relationship with his people? How does God work with and through humans? How did
God provide instruction and correction for His own people through their encounters with
others? How can God, whose character is perfect, relate to sinful humans? A solid
understanding of the theological concepts in the Old Testament will serve you well as a
foundation for understanding the theology of the New Testament and the good news it
presents.

Key Ideas This course will help you build skill in identifying the key theological ideas
and Skills in a text. It will expose you further to the major divisions and themes of
the Old Testament, God’s choice of Israel, covenant, salvation, law,
sacrifice, and worship. The preparation of the way for the Messiah will
come into clear focus.
Milestones Three Module Exams, One Essay
Success Make notes about the “Things to Know” list in the syllabus as you
Tips encounter them in your study. Module tests will focus on these important
stories and their theological implications. In writing your essay, make
sure to follow the form requirements stated in the syllabus. This essay
offers an opportunity for you to explain important theological concepts in
your own terms. Be sure you comment on why you picked the themes
you present. Also, make this your reflection based on your own reading
of Scripture; do not rely on outside sources.
How to Pick one theme that recurs in God’s story throughout history. Share the
Involve importance of that theme with your circle of friends. How did you see it
Others play out in the patriarchs, during the time of Moses, and during the reign
of the kings of Israel and Judah? In a different conversation, discuss a
key principle in Israel’s relationship with God that needs to be
understood and applied today.
Mentor Discuss your own journey in understanding the Old Testament as a
foundation for the New Testament. Share how have you worked to help
other believers see the meta-story of God’s relationship with His people
throughout history.
Ask questions along the usual lines:
• What theological concept have you gained new appreciation for?
• Of the key theological themes you see in the Old Testament, which
concept is needed most in your life and the lives of others you
interact with regularly?

Proctored Comprehensive Exam #1. After completing BRS 123, reach out to your
student advisor for instructions regarding taking the first proctored exam. This

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exam will cover the content of BRS 121, 122 and 123. The exam must be
completed before starting BRS 124.

BRS 124 Theology of the Greek Scriptures

In this course you will explore the major theological themes found in the New Testament
and note the similarities and differences between these theological concepts and those
presented in the Old Testament. This course builds on the foundation of information
(people, places, stories) you developed in BRS 122. You will gain greater appreciation
of how these themes link together in presenting very good news. You will also begin to
unfold the implications of the Gospel for churches and individuals in belief, practice, and
daily living.

Key Ideas Important concepts include Jesus and the story of redemption, the
and Skills gospel message, the kingdom, the redeemed life, the new man, Christian
living, the person and character of God, and the nature of man (old and
new). You will learn to identify the key ideas in passages of Scripture.
Milestones Three Module Exams, Two Essays
Success • In writing Essay 1, be sure to identify the key theological ideas of the
Tips passage that you choose. What do these concepts mean? How are
they connected to God’s work in Jesus? What are their implications
for salvation?
• Essay 2 goes beyond identifying the key theological ideas in a
passage. In this essay, make sure you identify the key theological
concepts, and then describe how you will explain them to others.
Finally, discuss how you may overcome objections or resistance from
your audience to these ideas.
How to Choose two theological themes from passages you studied in this
Involve course: one related to the nature of God, and the other related to how
Others Christians should live. When you visit with others, talk about this course
and discuss these themes. Why did you choose these passages? What
stood out about the nature of God, or our lives as Christians based on
your study? What are the implications for personal or church
application?
Mentor Ask questions about the nature of God, salvation, sanctification, and
Christian living. Consider asking:
• What essay passages did you choose and why?
• What new understanding of the nature of God or Christian living did
you gain?
• Of the key theological themes you see in the New Testament, which
concept is needed most in your life and the lives of others you
interact with regularly?
One key goal for this mentoring conversation is to be sure the theology
understood aligns with the core teachings of Scripture. Comment on the
insights you have gained from your own studies and experience.

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BRS 125 Exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures

You have already become acquainted with the key people, places and stories of the Old
Testament (BRS 121) and major theological ideas it contains (BRS 123). This course
will help you understand the language, historical backgrounds, context and literary
features of the text. You will learn how to identify the author’s likely purpose in writing.
Together, these perspectives will help you consider how the original message of a
passage may be applied today.

Key Ideas Exegesis (drawing out the original meaning of a passage) based on:
and Skills - historical backgrounds,
- literary forms or genres (legal genre, historical narrative, poetry,
lament, parallelism, prophetic announcement, etc.), and
- context.
Hermeneutics – contemporary application of a passage following careful
exegesis to uncover its meaning for an original audience.
Milestones Four Module Exams, One Essay
Success Pay very careful attention to the essay requirements in the syllabus. The
Tips exegesis will involve identifying the author’s core message for its original
audience. Make sure to comment on the genre of each of the three
passages. In discussing Psalms 22, identify the elements of lament.
Regarding Habakkuk, answer the specific questions the syllabus asks.
Also, this is the first essay in which citations from other sources may be
used. Carefully follow the guidelines for citations and a bibliography that
are found in the syllabus. The essay length for all three passages
combined should be 2,000 words but no more than 3,000 words (not
2,000 words for each passage). Don’t forget to use Turn It In to check
for grammar and other possible writing issues.
How to Share what you are learning with your circle of friends. Discuss the
Involve different literary styles or genres found in the Old Testament and mention
Others why understanding these can be important. Assuming Moses compiled
the Torah prior to his death (just before Israel entered the promised
land), why would the content of these books be important at that critical
moment in history? Discuss the themes of faith and obedience, and how
these are interwoven through each of the passages you are writing about
in this course essay.
Mentor Focus your questions and discussion on the principles of exegesis (“what
principles have you learned that help draw out the original meaning of
the text?”), and hermeneutics (“based on your exegesis, how does this
text apply to a modern audience?”). Describe the exegesis process you
use in preparing an expository sermon or lesson (give examples of
sources you use, hours of preparation, etc.). Create an opportunity for
the student to develop and present an expository message based on
solid exegesis of an Old Testament text. Help the student choose a text
that has great application to an audience today.

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BRS 126 Exegesis of the Greek Scriptures

This course builds on your understanding of people, places, and events in the New
Testament (BRS 122) and your work to understand its over-arching message (the
gospel) and theological themes (BRS 124). You will add to these an understanding of
how to handle the text responsibly in drawing out its meaning. You will learn about the
unique literary genres or types of writing found in the New Testament and principles that
will help guide your understanding each of these. In addition to genre, other areas of
focus will include language, context, theme and purpose.

Key Ideas New Testament literary genres include gospel, historical narrative, letters
and Skills (epistles) and apocalyptic. Prophecy and parables add additional unique
literary styles. Learn the principles needed to understand each style.
Milestones Four Module Exams, One Essay
Success Work methodically through each module and complete all suggested
Tips activities. The activities give practice opportunities for the content you
are learning. In writing your essay, select a passage that interests you.
Follow the essay instructions carefully. As you write, consider the
principles taught in this course for understanding the literary genre of the
text you are addressing. Apply the same principles as you write your
essay.
How to In conversation with close friends:
Involve • Choose two to three concepts that were helpful to your understanding
Others of a passage you have studied. Explain these as a way of drawing
out the meaning of the passage.
• Discuss one of the epistles, why it was written, and how its teaching
connects with what the church needs to hear today.
Mentor Nuanced support is needed for this complex topic. Our approach to
different types of New Testament writing will determine our interpretation.
• Encourage a sense of accomplishment by asking about new
insights in understanding the gospels or Acts.
• Talk about areas of Scripture the student may be struggling to
understand. Ask questions about principles the course suggested
that can help us understand the meaning of prophecy or
apocalyptic literature.
Wrap up your mentoring for these first 7 courses by going back and
reviewing key learning points. Reinforce progress you see in the
student. This is also a natural point to decide whether to continue the
mentoring relationship through the student’s further studies (assuming
they go forward). If you continue the mentoring relationship, revisit the
basic principles you put in place and make any changes needed.

Proctored Comprehensive Exam #2. After completing BRS 126, reach out to your
student advisor for instructions regarding the second proctored exam. This
exam will cover the content of BRS 124, 125, and 126. Completing this exam will
satisfy the final requirements for the Certificate in Biblical Studies.

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A Note on Mentoring – Learning in Relationship

Our advice to students is to actively seek the gift of mentorship. Our plea to mentors is
to repay the gifts you have been given by helping those who follow.

The best Christian education occurs in the context of relationship. We are sharpened
by the questions and ideas of others, whether fellow students or faculty. We learn from
their life examples. In the case of online learning, having a mentor who is devoted to
ministry and understands Scripture improves what we learn and how we grow in faith
and discipleship.

A personal connection with others is helpful for several reasons:

1) We need opportunities to challenge ideas and be stretched by the questions and
stories of others.
2) We need motivation to stay with it, and to apply what we learn.
3) Some mentors are able to open doors that allow us to use what we are learning
by teaching a class or Bible study, preaching, or in other ways.

You already know the biblical principles that serve as a foundation in mentoring.
Mentoring occurs with a purpose – Jesus’ relationship with His disciples for three years
prepared them to share good news and disciple others (Matt. 28:19-20). Paul
encouraged others to follow his example in both teaching and conduct (Phil. 4:9; 2 Tim.
2:2). Mentoring is a gift. It involves both genuine relationship and the shared goal of
following Jesus.

Some suggested mentoring rules are:

1) Meet at least monthly, preferably twice per month.
2) Set start and end dates. Consider continuing the relationship beyond the end
date.
3) Create a goal statement for your mentoring relationship.
4) Set basic expectations: meeting length, who pays for coffee, etc.
5) Create a core agenda for each meeting (see the 3 questions on page 2). Add to
this agenda as suggested in the course notes above.
6) Set a tone of trust by:
a. Keeping confidential what is discussed (within applicable legal and
ministry standards).
b. The Mentor sharing personal experiences, successes and struggles in
learning and ministry that are relevant and appropriate.
c. The Student sharing questions, troubling insights, struggles, personal
experiences.
(The goal of personal disclosure by the mentor and student is to keep
learning real. A rigorous encounter with Scripture changes us, deepens
faith, draws us closer to Christ, and stimulates us to live in an integral
way.)
7) Work together to identify creative opportunities to put the student’s learning to
work.

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Study Groups and Other Resources – Learning in Relationship, Part 2

Our further advice to students is to surround yourself with others who encourage you by
studying along-side of you. Fellow students can provide mutual support. When our
commitment wavers or we are getting off track, we can be strengthened and made more
effective through our relationship with others (Prov. 27:17; Eccl. 4:9-10).

Encourage another person (or persons) to study along-side of you. Even if you aren’t
studying the same courses, you can help each other as a sounding board for ideas,
encourage meeting the deadlines you set for yourselves, and reinforce good study
habits such as having a study schedule. Create your own study group!

Make Use of P.A.S.S. Quarterly Sessions and NU Alumni Help – PASS stands for
Peer and Alumni-led Student Support. Our NationsU Alumni offer zoom meetings on a
quarterly basis. You will be able to meet online by zoom and relate to other NU
students studying all over the world with encouragement from those who have already
“been through the programs.” Come hear accents and see beautiful faces from the
world over. Times and Links for these meetings can be found on the University
Calendar located on your Student Dashboard. NationsU has been blessed with some
amazing alumni who want you to succeed as they did!

Make Use of M.A.P.S. – Monthly Ambassador Prayers with Students is an online

prayer video meeting on the second Friday of each month coordinated by the NationsU
Alumni Association leaders for NationsU students. These meetings are open to all
students, alumni and faculty. They too will provide motivation and spiritual strength
from peers all over the globe. Times and Links for these meetings can be found on the
University Calendar located on your Student Dashboard. Please email
chaplain@[Link] and put MAPS in the subject line to make your prayer requests
known for MAPS purposes. (Note: Private prayer requests for the NationsU Chaplain
can also go to this email address, simply put private in the subject).

A Final Note:

After you have made it through these first seven courses, continue to support your
ongoing studies:
1) Maintain the good learning habits you developed during these courses.
2) Involve others in supporting your studies through:
a. Conversations about what you learn with friends.
b. Studying with a group of others dedicated to learning.
c. Participating in PASS and MAPS.
3) Keep your mentoring relationship going. Find a new mentor if or when needed.

Keep perspective on what you are learning. The goal of knowledge is inseparable from
its application. Grow in faith and deepen your relationship with God. Use the skills and
knowledge you are gaining to help others grow in understanding, faith, and discipleship.

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