Lifeway Women Academy - Old Testament Survey
In this 10-session online, on-demand course, you will gain insight into the thirty-nine books that make up the Old Testament. If you are reading through your Bible, planning to do a deep dive into one book, or preparing to teach on events in the Old Testament, this course is for you! Through lectures, quizzes, notes, and recommended reading, fall more deeply in love with the Creator God as you see His character and works throughout history.
10 video teaching sessions
Approximately 40-60 minutes each
Self-graded quizzes and assignments to measure your understanding and progress
Unlimited access to course content to be completed at your own pace
Taught by:
Jen Wilkin
Katie J. McCoy
DeeDee Williams
Irene Sun
Course Outline
Session 1: Old Testament Introduction and Background | Jen Wilkin
In this first session, Jen Wilkin introduces the course, explaining why we need the Old Testament, where we get the books that make up the Old Testament, and what we'll encounter as we study it. (44 minutes)
Session 2: Genesis | Jen Wilkin
Genesis introduces us to the major themes of the Scriptures. The first book of the Bible is a critical tool to be able to understand and deploy your understanding of the rest of Scripture. It also gives us a picture of God that we very much need. (60 minutes)
Session 3: Exodus | Jen Wilkin
The story of the Exodus is the story of Israel; it's our story, too. We were slaves to unrighteousness, delivered out of bondage through the blood of the cross and the waters of baptism. God provides the daily bread of His Word and gives us His law to train us up in the way we should go. It matters then and it matters now. (43 minutes)
Session 4: The Law | Dr. Katie J. McCoy
When we study God's Law, we are not encountering a random list of rules. The Law was how the people of God would live set-apart lives, how they would express their identity as those in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. God's laws also tell us about His character and about what He values. His rules tell us what is important Him. (59 minutes)
Session 5: The Time of the Judges | Jen Wilkin
The historical books of the Bible depict living under God's law. Ancient Near Eastern retellings often create "heroes" only; the Bible is honest about both good and evil. Scripture shows God not only as a hero but a perfect and holy God who sets boundaries because He loves us. (37 minutes)
Session 6: The Kings and Historical Books | DeeDee R. Williams
Understanding the history of the Jewish people, their rulers and their reigns, helps us to understand our need for a true King. Through David's story, we get a glimpse of the One who will come from his line to rule forever. God desires for His people to be with Him, to obey His commands, and to seek Him in all we do. (70 minutes)
Session 7: Psalms and Job | Iren Sun
Poetry calls us to gaze upon God's beauty—His attributes and His works. The poetic books teach us how to worship. Job's story shows us that God's wisdom is not like human wisdom. Our ultimate end is to be in relationship with God. (39 minutes)
Session 8: Proverbial Wisdom: Proverbs, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes | Iren Sun
If the beginning of wisdom is to fear God and keep His commands, the books of wisdom help us to know how to do that. They show us the importance of pursuing wisdom, seeking to grow in wise choices and wise thoughts, while giving us examples. (37 minutes)
Session 9: The Major Prophets | Dr. Katie J. McCoy
The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel give us the word of God through His people. Their messages and missions point us to the ultimate Prophet, Jesus, who revealed God's message of salvation to us. Through the Major Prophets, we learn to turn away from our idols to worship the One true God, the only One who is able and willing to do what He said He would do. They call us to return to a simple but costly devotion to the Lord. (60 minutes)
Session 10: The Minor Prophets | DeeDee R. Williams
The twelve books of the Minor Prophets point us toward restoration—restoration for them then, and restoration of our hearts today. Through them, we are challenged to lay aside our idols and run toward the One true God with our entire lives, minds, and hearts. (63 minutes)