Studying
the
Word
for
Life
NOTE: the schedule currently is under revision. Check back for confirmation on September 5th.
Studying the Word for Life is a growing series of courses produced by the Oxford Study Centre and presented by the Director and Resident Scholar, Kevin James Bywater. Each course page describes the content and progression of the course, the materials needed, and the time commitment.
New classes begin on January 29th, 30th, and 31st. All classes are scheduled to run 60 minutes but may at times run over an extra 15 minutes. You do not need to take these courses in succession, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. However, the first course on Titus introduces a method of Bible study that some have found to be foundational and transformational. Also, it is suggested (though not required) to take Galatians prior to Hebrews or Romans. The newest course is on Revelation (see below).
AUDIO COURSE 1: TITUS (available for purchase soon)
This audio course introduces participants to a unique method of Bible study, both to increase understanding of the text but also to increasingly see how it applies to our lives. The course focuses on Titus and audio files are posted for you six times, one per week. The first three weeks set the stage for a detailed study of the book in the final three weeks. A variety of special topics are addressed throughout the course. Each audio runs for 60-90 minutes. For more information, visit the course page here.
AUDIO COURSE 2: GALATIANS (available for purchase soon)
This audio course runs over nine classes and examines Paul’s profound letter to the Galatians. During the first three classes we explore old covenant law and the transition into the new covenant. The next six classes take up a verse-by-verse study of the entire book, with special topics addressed each week. Each class runs for 60-90 minutes. For more information, visit the course page here.
LIVE COURSE 3: HEBREWS (two class times: Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Oh, this course is quite exciting! The course runs over ten weekly classes. The first few weeks set the scene by examining how a First Century Jewish Christian might struggle as the covenants transition from the old to the new. Throughout the remaining weeks we will examine select passages, important themes, and key Old Testament passages. A unique feature of this course is that we also will read and consider selections from a book on Leviticus by an Orthodox Jewish teacher, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. We’ll see how Rabbinic Judaism developed an alternative religion out of the rubble of the destruction of the temple in the first century. Each class runs for 60 minutes. For more information, visit the course page here.
LIVE COURSE 4: ROMANS (two class times begin Friday, January 29th, and Saturday, January 30th)
This detailed exploration of a massively important letter from the Apostle Paul to the churches in Rome runs for ten weekly classes, meeting for 60 minutes each week, with both large-scale and detailed examination of this letter and much of Paul’s broader theology. Special topics will be explored throughout the course, and some of Kevin’s unique work on the book will be presented as well. It is strongly recommended (though not required) that one take the Galatians course prior to this study of Romans. For more information, visit the course page here.
LIVE COURSE 5: REVELATION (one class time starting Friday, January 29th, and two class times starting Saturday, January 30th)
This is our first time running this course (though I have taught through the entire book before). World events have made many think (yet again) that the end of the world is upon us. And many turn to the book of Revelation for insights, guidance, encouragement, and assurance. Unique among New Testament books, Revelation has inspired both dread and delight, encouraged the persecuted, and emboldened Christians to stand firm amidst antagonistic cultures. This is a kaleidoscopic work of apocalyptic visions that are masterfully presented in a letter that is both timely and timeless, suitably situated at the end of the New Testament. This course runs for ten weekly classes, with each class running 60 minutes. For more information, visit the course page here.
LIVE COURSE 6: SERMON ON THE MOUNT (
Potential future courses may focus on special topics such as how the New Testament uses the Old Testament, the difficult relationship of old covenant law to new testament ethics (which also is addressed at significant length in the Galatians, Hebrews, and Romans courses), the vital subject of spiritual warfare, the confusing arena of Christianity and politics, or Islam and Muslims. If there is something you’d like to see us offer online, please share your thoughts with us here.