Study the Word. Live it out.

Follow the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Mt. Sinai. Students place themselves in the narratives of Scripture.

We focus on the creation account in Genesis, compare the Biblical story with other ancient creation accounts, and study it in light of recent scientific discoveries and modern theories. The focus is on learning to ask relevant questions of the text, understanding the influence of worldviews, and discerning God's character and redemptive plan for humanity.

Students explore Israel's journey from Mt. Sinai to the borders of the Promised Land, focusing on the tabernacle, the Mosaic covenant, and the significance of God's covenant throughout the Bible.

Emphasis is placed on personal commitment to Jesus and living a holy life, with discussions on the fear of the Lord and the concept of holiness from the book of Leviticus.

Students also learn the fulfilment of the law as outlined in Hebrews, and learn to discern the underlying Biblical principles in Old Testament laws. In Numbers they address the importance of faith and the danger of rebellion and unbelief.

In Tribal Week, students journey alongside Israel as they conquer and settle in the Promised Land.

The focus shifts to personal victory, as students are encouraged to overcome their private battles and advance the Kingdom of God. Lessons from Israel's physical warfare translate to insights about spiritual warfare and victorious living. The contrast between societal disobedience in Judges and individual faithfulness in Ruth underscores the importance of personal commitment.

An introduction to Hebrew poetry and the Psalms deepens students' understanding of God's plan for their lives, encouraging them to embrace their destiny and find their role within the community. Students also begin meditating on God's Word as a foundation for their spiritual growth.

Week 4 shifts focus to Samuel, a pivotal figure who led Israel from a tribal federation to a monarchy under King Saul and King David. Special emphasis is placed on the life of David — his character, experiences, sins, achievements, and his relationship with God and others.

The study also delves into the Wisdom literature of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, teaching students how to read and apply godly wisdom in their lives. Students learn how to lead inductive Bible studies and are encouraged to reflect godly leadership principles in their small groups and their personal lifestyle.

We continue the theme of leadership, beginning with the life of King Solomon and the division of the kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south. Background is given on the Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian empires, with archaeological insights and an overview of the kings of Israel and Judah.

Emphasis is placed on key kings, both good and bad, and the political, religious and social contexts of their reigns. The lives of Elijah and Elisha introduce the prophetic ministry and its significance in Israel's history. We explain the differing emphasis between Chronicles and Kings, and discuss the reformations in Israel's history and their relevance to revival in the present generation. Reflecting on the legacies of these leaders, students consider whether their personal values align with biblical principles and what their life choices imply.

The book of Kings provides the historical backdrop for the Prophetic Books. With an understanding of the political, religious and social conditions in Israel, students can now dive into the messages of the prophets.

The goal is for students to be able to interpret prophetic literature and find assurance in God's faithfulness, His engagement in history, the fulfilment of prophecy, and His sovereignty over future events.

While the prophets often warn of judgment based on past covenants, students also discover messages of restoration and hope, some pointing to the coming of the Messiah. Through Amos and Hosea, students encounter themes of social justice, God's compassion, calls to mercy, the coming of the Spirit, missions to the Gentiles, and the anticipation of Jesus' ministry.

The study of the prophets continues, set within the historical framework of Israel's history from the book of Kings.

We cover the Day of the Lord in Zephaniah, Habakkuk's intercession, and Israel's pre-deportation and exile periods. We look at the consequences of God removing His protection in Ezekiel and the promise of the New Covenant in Jeremiah.

Students reflect on the prophets' commitment to God's call and on their own callings. Despite adversity, the example of Daniel shows God's sovereignty and the ability to remain faithful in any environment.

This week concludes the Old Testament with the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

We also explore the historical transitions between the Old and New Testaments, from Persian to Greek to Roman rule, providing the context for Jesus' birth. Themes include God's restoration in Ezra, leadership principles in Nehemiah, realignment with God's will in Haggai, and practices like fasting and tithing in Zechariah and Malachi.

After eight weeks, we dive into the life and ministry of Jesus — the pivotal moment in history, His death and resurrection.

The arrival of the New Covenant fulfils Old Testament prophecy, activating God's redemptive plan and ushering in the Kingdom of God. We explore how these prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus through the Gospel of Matthew, compare the synoptic accounts, and learn to interpret the parables.

Students are challenged by Jesus' teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount and His predictions about the destruction of the Temple and His second coming.

Jesus sends out His disciples, launching the birth of the Church and the Holy Spirit's role in its growth.

Students learn the key events of the early Church — Pentecost, Paul's conversion, the Jerusalem Council and Paul's journeys. An introduction to the epistles as a new literary form helps students understand their historical context from Acts.

Hebrews emphasises the superiority of the New Covenant and encourages perseverance. James teaches practical faith, 1 Peter endurance in adversity, and 2 Peter and Jude discernment against false teachers.

Having followed Paul's conversion and missionary journeys in Acts, students turn to his epistles and gain an appreciation of his influence on the early Church. They revisit his journeys and read his letters to the churches in the order he planted them.

Each letter's themes, main ideas, reasons for writing and specific church problems are explored. Discipleship topics include justification and grace (Galatians), humility and joy (Philippians), godly living and awaiting the Lord's return (1 & 2 Thessalonians), unconditional love, the Holy Spirit and God's power (1 & 2 Corinthians), condemnation, salvation, sanctification and relationships (Romans), unity, identity and spiritual warfare (Ephesians), and pastoral care (1 Timothy, Titus).

In the final week of reading, we explore the life of John and his writings, focusing on his perspective, style and key themes.

We look at the prevalent themes of the Johannine writings, particularly the role of the Holy Spirit, to deepen students' awareness of the Spirit's presence in their lives. We discuss early Gnosticism and its influence on John's Gospel, connecting it to modern thinking.

Students are introduced to apocalyptic literature, gaining insight into the Book of Revelation and the various schools of interpretation. Discussions on the Second Coming conclude the reading.

Students apply what they have learned over the twelve weeks by giving a final presentation of the Bible — from beginning to end.