SBS - YWAM TORONTO

What is A School of
Biblical Studies?

School of Biblical Studies (SBS) is a 9-month course where students intensively study the Scripture, goes through all 66 books of the Bible approximately 5 times using the inductive approach.

The inductive approach (Prayer-Reading-Observation-Interpretation-Application) allows the Scripture to speak for itself and studies Scripture in context. This contextual approach helps the Scripture come alive and equip students to deeply study the Bible for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, the school aspires to see the students evangelize and teach others the truths found through their studies of the Scripture.

"The word of the Lord continued to increase
and prevail mightily"

(Acts 19:20)

So what does this look like in practice?
It looks like approaching the text with an understanding of the historical and literary context of each book, considering literary genre, asking questions to determine the author’s intention, stepping into the shoes of the original readers, to maintain the objectivity and the consistency, and ultimately applies the truths discovered through the Scripture to be the living proof of their studies and finally asking how it applies to people in the 21st century.

The school is broken down into three quarters, each quarter being three months long. Quarter 1 will cover the Epistles, Acts, and some of the Gospels. Quarter 2 will wrap up the New Testament, and will introduce the Old Testament with the Pentateuch and wisdom literature. Quarter 3 will cover the rest of the Old Testament, mainly the Prophets and close with the Gospel of Matthew.

(Note: SBS runs in Korean Language)

QUARTER ONE

GOSPELS, EPISTLES, AND ACTS.

In the first quarter, students will learn the basics of the inductive method, which will be the method of Bible study that will be used throughout the school. Students will then follow Jesus, His life, His teaching, and the birth of the Church Age ushered in by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The apostles live out the New Covenant and model life with the Holy Spirit. False teachers are exposed as the young Church is pastored to maturity.

QUARTER TWO

OLD TESTAMENT: PENTATEUCH, HISTORICAL AND WISDOM LITERATURE.

In the second quarter, students complete the New Testament books, with the exception of the Gospel of Matthew. There is then a week-long seminar introducing Old Testament background, genres, and artistry of the literature. Students study Genesis through Samuels and some of the Wisdom books. We go back to the beginning, the Garden, the fall of mankind, and God’s plan to redeem us to Himself through one man, one nation, to all nations.

QUARTER THREE

PROPHETS, MATTHEW.

The third quarter completes the study of the Old Testament, including the Prophets. A seminar precedes the Prophets, giving students the skills necessary to understand the message of these books. We follow God’s interaction with His people through the prophets. God calls His people to repentance and promises redemption if they do so. The focus is not on a physical kingdom, but on the promises of the coming Messiah and the Kingdom He will establish. After completion of the Old Testament, we end our study in the Gospel of Matthew, seeing the whole of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

What you will experience in this 9-month journey:

Read the entire Bible at least 5 times
Independently study all 66 books of the Bible
Gain a comprehensive understanding of God's story
Dedicate 40 hours each week to self-study, lectures, worship, intercession, and evangelism
Receive personalized instruction and mentorship to confidently use the inductive method
Become the author of your own commentary