BIBL101: Survey of Scripture — Foundations of the Word

Course Overview

BIBL101 lays the foundation every other course at Sozo builds on: a clear, confident grasp of the whole story of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, as one unified account of God's redeeming work. Across 12 weeks you'll trace the Bible's full sweep — Law, History, Wisdom, Prophets, Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation — not as isolated books to memorize, but as a single story you are now part of. This is formation, not information: every week pairs Scripture study with honest reflection and a step of obedience, because the Word was never meant to stop at the mind.

Why It Matters

You cannot give what you do not have. A minister, missionary, or disciple-maker who doesn't know the whole counsel of Scripture will eventually run out of depth — borrowing other people's convictions instead of standing on their own grounded understanding of God's Word. BIBL101 exists to make sure that never happens to you. Every later course at Sozo — theology, ministry practice, hermeneutics, preaching — assumes the biblical literacy built here. This is the bedrock.

Course Outline

• Week 1: Introduction to the Bible's Origin, Canon, and Overall Structure
  This foundational week delves into the historical origins of the Bible, exploring how it was authored by various prophets, apostles, and scribes under divine inspiration. Students will examine the process of canonization, including the criteria used by early church councils to determine which books were included in the Old and New Testaments. The overall structure will be mapped out, highlighting the division into genres such as law, history, poetry, prophecy, gospels, epistles, and apocalypse, setting the stage for a holistic understanding of Scripture as a cohesive narrative.
• Week 2: Overview of the Pentateuch and Its Foundational Stories
  Focusing on the first five books of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy), this week covers key narratives like creation, the fall of humanity, the flood, the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), the exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the Law at Sinai. Emphasis is placed on themes of covenant, promise, and redemption, with discussions on how these stories establish the theological framework for the rest of the Bible and inform Christian identity today.
• Week 3: Historical Books and the Narrative of Israel's Journey
  This week surveys the historical books (Joshua through Esther), tracing Israel's conquest of Canaan, the period of judges, the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, the divided kingdom, exile, and return. Students will analyze key events, figures, and lessons on faithfulness, leadership, and God's sovereignty, connecting these histories to broader biblical themes and their relevance for contemporary faith communities.
• Week 4: Wisdom Literature and Poetic Expressions of Faith
  Exploring Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, this week examines the poetic and wisdom genres. Topics include grappling with suffering (Job), worship and prayer (Psalms), practical living (Proverbs), the meaning of life (Ecclesiastes), and love (Song of Solomon). Students will learn interpretive approaches to poetry, metaphors, and proverbs, and how these books offer timeless guidance for emotional, ethical, and relational aspects of life.
• Week 5: Major and Minor Prophets and Their Messages
  This week introduces the prophetic books, distinguishing between major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel) and minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi). Key messages of judgment, repentance, restoration, and messianic hope are unpacked, with attention to historical contexts like Assyrian and Babylonian threats. Students will explore how prophetic calls to justice and faithfulness apply to modern societal issues and personal spirituality.
• Week 6: Transition to the New Testament and Gospel Accounts
  Bridging the intertestamental period, this week transitions to the New Testament, overviewing the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). It highlights their unique perspectives—Matthew's Jewish focus, Mark's action-oriented narrative, Luke's emphasis on the marginalized, and John's theological depth—while emphasizing the life, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
• Week 7: Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ
  Diving deeper into Jesus' ministry, this week covers parables, sermons (e.g., Sermon on the Mount), miracles, and interactions with disciples, religious leaders, and outcasts. Themes of the Kingdom of God, love, forgiveness, and discipleship are explored, with reflections on how Jesus' example shapes Christian ethics, prayer life, and mission in today's world.
• Week 8: Acts and the Early Church Expansion
  This week focuses on the Book of Acts, chronicling the Holy Spirit's empowerment at Pentecost, the apostles' preaching, the growth of the early church, persecutions, and missionary journeys of Paul. Key events like Peter's sermons, Stephen's martyrdom, and the inclusion of Gentiles are analyzed, illustrating the church's transition from a Jewish sect to a global movement and its implications for evangelism and community building.
• Week 9: Pauline Epistles and Doctrinal Foundations
  Surveying Paul's letters (Romans through Philemon), this week unpacks core doctrines such as justification by faith (Romans), church unity (Corinthians), grace vs. law (Galatians), Christ's supremacy (Colossians), and pastoral leadership (Timothy, Titus). Students will examine Paul's theological arguments, practical advice, and how these epistles address first-century issues while providing timeless principles for doctrine and church life.
• Week 10: General Epistles and Practical Christian Living
  This week covers Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude, emphasizing faith in trials (Hebrews, Peter), works and wisdom (James), love and truth (John), and contending for the faith (Jude). Discussions include perseverance, ethical living, and warnings against false teachings, helping students apply these insights to personal growth, relationships, and defending orthodox beliefs.
• Week 11: Apocalyptic Literature and Eschatology
  Focusing on Revelation (and touches on Daniel), this week explores apocalyptic symbolism, visions of judgment, the tribulation, the return of Christ, and the new heaven and earth. Students will learn interpretive methods (preterist, historicist, futurist) and how eschatological hope motivates holy living, missions, and endurance amid suffering.
• Week 12: Synthesis, Application, and Personal Reflection on Biblical Unity
  In this culminating week, students synthesize the Bible's overarching story—from creation to consummation—identifying unifying themes like God's redemptive plan and covenant faithfulness. Practical applications to daily life, ministry, and worldview are emphasized, with assignments for personal reflections and a capstone project to articulate one's biblical understanding.

Full lesson content, readings, and reflection assignments for each week are available once you're enrolled and logged in.