Suggestions_For_Course

Suggestions for Your BLS Course Project

J. Carl Laney

You may choose one of three approaches to your course project–expositional,
educational, or academic. Your choice will determine the framework and basic
approach to your paper. See the syllabus for details. Whichever approach you take, the
following suggestions may help guide you in organizing your paper.

1. Select your text. Choose a verse or a paragraph (one unit of thought).

2. Introduction (1 page). Write an introduction (a personal story or an illustration) that
will engage the interest and attention of the reader.

2. Develop the context of the Passage (1-2 pages). Answer the following key
questions: What is the purpose of the book? How does this text advance this
purpose? How does this text fit with the preceding and following passages?

3. Outline and Exposition of the Text (6-8 pages). Present an outline of the text. This
outline should include major points and sub-points with Scripture references.

        Then present your commentary on the text following the points of your outline.
   Present your outline twice--at the beginning of your comments and then within
   your exposition or exegesis.

        After your own study of the text, consult the journals and commentaries. Include
   comments on cultural, historical, geographical, archaeological and linguistic
   matters. Your presentation should reflect the fact that the original language of
   the Bible is Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. You don't have to know Hebrew to use
   some of the helpful commentaries and word study resources.

4. Principles of the Passage (1-2 pages). After your exposition or exegesis, list the
principles or timeless truths you have discovered. Include a Scripture reference with
each. Make them concise and cogent. Don't confuse a principle (a statement of truth)
with a mere topic or title (ie. "The Consequences of Sin"). You may want to write a
paragraph about each principle developing or applying this truth.

5. Application (1 page). Explain how your study contributes to living the Christian life.
Be practical and personal. How has this assignment helped you?

6. Endnotes and Bibliography. Endnotes (at the end of the paper) or footnotes (at the
bottom of the page) should be included when you quote or refer to a resource. A
bibliography should include all works quoted or consulted.

7. Cover page. Include your name, title of the paper, biblical text, and box number.