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Forrest Bivens

A list of satellite courses offered by Prof. Forrest Bivens:

Selected Messianic Prophecies
When Jesus explained to the Emmaus disciples what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself (Lk 24:27), he had no shortage of material to expound. Christ is the heart of the Old Testament, and messianic prophecies are at the core of it all. In this course we intend to focus on messianic prophecies drawn primarily from books that are not covered exegetically in our regular seminary curriculum. We will begin with a brief introduction to messianic prophecy in general - its definition, nature, types, and terminology used among Bible students. Then we will spend time reading and studying selected messianic prophecies, their immediate contexts, and New Testament uses of them when applicable. The prophecies usually bring with them distinctive grammatical and linguistic challenges. Negative and mediating scholars, as you might expect, have contested many of these gracious promises. We will take note of key objections and seek to offer fitting responses based on our convictions. Our prayer from start to finish will be that we will be strengthened and comforted in the messianic faith, grow in our understanding and appreciation of biblical prophecy in general and messianic prophecy in particular, and be better equipped to respond to those who question the reality or value of such promises.

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 5-6 hours

Israel and the End Times
“The end times practically revolve around the nation of Israel. They remain God's chosen nation. Israel really is the focal nation in the chain of end time events.” These and many similar statements are exceedingly popular and widespread in today’s theological world. This alone is a strong invitation for us to reexamine the Bible references involved and restudy the role that Israel is to play as the end of the age approaches. This class will allow us to identify and understand what the strong majority of current theological writers are saying about Israel’s role in the end times and how Israel fits into the various dispensational and millennial thought systems. And we will especially take the time to study pertinent Bible sections that are commonly cited as proof that the modern nation of Israel, the people and the land, is “the focal point in the chain of end time events.” The class will hopefully increase our understanding of frequently debated sections of Scripture that deal with the people and land of Israel. We also hope it will better equip us to be able to respond to the many questions our people have on this subject.

PI course: 5 hours

Persian Period (Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther)
The Post-exile period for Israel, the “Persian Period” of the Old Testament, is filled with events of theological and historical importance. Memorable people also occupy our attention: the scribe Ezra, the beauty queen Esther, and the cupbearer turned governor Nehemiah. Our study of this period of OT history and the corresponding OT books will include both overview (isagogical) studies and in-depth (exegetical) class work. While not required, a working knowledge of Hebrew is desirable and will be beneficial. We will likely proceed with the material chronologically, from the reign of Cyrus through Darius, Xerxes (Ahasueras), and Artaxerxes. Biblically the progression would basically be Ezra 1-6, Esther, Ezra 7-10, and Nehemiah. The blessing and protection of the post-exile and pre-Messiah Jews by the hand of God will impress themselves on our hearts and we will be able to draw parallels of comfort and instruction for ourselves and those we serve in the Messiah’s name.

PI course: 5 hours

Doctrine of the Lord's Supper

  1. New Testament text studies
  2. The doctrine in Church history
  3. Contemporary issues

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 5-6 hours

Luther's Large Catechism

  1. General Historical Introduction to Catechetics (in the Bible, in the early church, in the medieval church, and in the early Reformation period)
  2. Specific Introduction to Luther's Catechisms (Luther's purposes and goals, arrangement of the material, and literary and pedagogical features)
  3. The Large Catechism Itself (notes on the German, Latin and English text and terms used, with notes on doctrine and practice revealed in the text)
  4. Appropriate Uses of the Large Catechism by Us (Personal and devotional uses; uses in the pulpit and the home; striving to imitate Luther in substance and style)

PI course: 5 hours

The Life and Afterlife of the Soul
The rise of science, modern theology, and postmodern theology has called the existence of the soul into question. Christian intellectuals have increasingly come to view the soul as a false Greek concept that is unbiblical and outdated. Many who allow the existence of the soul debate the eternal fate of the soul and especially question the concept of a perpetual, conscious torment of the soul (hell). Our study will include exegetical studies of biblical words and sections pertaining to the soul as well as historical studies on how the soul has been defined and viewed in the church. Examinations and appraisals of contemporary viewpoints will also occupy our attention. Our study has practical goals for all who serve as Seelsorger, those who care for souls: to expose false and inadequate views that downplay the value of the soul and to grow in our resolve to serve souls with Law and Gospel as we carry out pastoral ministry.

PI course: 5 hours

Christian Ethics
The study of Christian ethics is valuable for Christians because they are constantly forced to make moral decisions in difficult and complex situations. We and our members live in an age of moral crisis and confusion. Pastors should have a solid grasp on the principles of Christian ethics so that they might provide solid moral advice for those entrusted to their care. In this course we intend to take a brief look at the history of ethical ideas and systems (philosophic and religious) and briefly define their terms and goals. We plan to spend more time surveying the ethical content of the Old and New Testaments to draw from the Bible ethical principles that guide Christian attitude and action. Next, we hope to examine commonly cited problems in Christian ethics, drawn both from the Bible and from our own culture. Our goals include equipping ourselves all the more to offer guidance to our members, to avoid common errors of ethical reasoning, to grow in our grasp of issues that further true character formation, and - ultimately - to know better the Lord who is our source of absolute, transcendent values.

SQ course: 15 hours
PI course: 5 hours