Courses

Instructor: Brad Wordell

Description:
In the face of invading idolatry, God declared war and raised up “the chariots and horsemen of Israel” to defend his glory and preserve his elect. Elijah and Elisha were those spiritual warriors (2 Kings 2:12 & 13:14) sent by God to powerfully proclaim law and gospel in word and deed. Using the inspired Hebrew text, participants in the Elijah course will carefully exegete numerous vignettes from his ministry. What timeless truths does a loving God reveal to his spiritual soldiers of today who also labor under the unceasing attacks of the evil one? Find comfort and confidence as you see God’s saving activity through the proclamation of the Word. We will explore the spiritual, political, and geographical context of the divided monarchy to understand the situation in which Elijah labored. A close look at 1 Kgs 17 - 2 Kgs 1 will reveal how brightly the Lord’s wisdom, power, and grace was shining in sin-darkened Israel. Salient points of Hebrew grammar and syntax will be reviewed. Class participants will apply the Elijah account to their own ministries and consider ways to preach and teach this amazing history.

During Winterim 2026, this course runs from 9:50am–12:30pm, January 5–9, 2026.

Please note: In 2026, most STM classes are offered only one week and will be separate from the MDiv students' Winterim courses (see schedule for details). Also offered again for 2026, pastors have the option to audit a course instead of taking a course for credit. Check out the Winterim schedule! Room and board will be available for $250 (dorm room plus 14 meals in the cafeteria).

Registration will be available in the Student Information System (SIS) beginning September 8, 2026 and closes December 8, 2025. Use the "Login with Office 365 button" once you've received a student account and are logged in to Microsoft 365 with that student account. Need an account? Request one here.

When you've reached the "cart" during registration, there you will have the option to add the tuition fee to take the course for credit (the default registration is an audit).

WLS has been granted accreditation with ATS; therefore, the email domain has been changed from firstname.lastname@wisluthsem.org to firstname.lastname@wls.edu. Please use the new email domain to log in to Microsoft 365 and access WLS-related websites (e.g., Library Resources, SIS, SemNet).

Step-by-step instructions are provided here for all parts of the account setup and registration process.

Financial assistance is also available for those taking courses for credit. If your congregation is paying for your tuition, please submit a financial aid request form with that information so you may receive the tuition discount.

Area of Study: Old Testament
Tuition: $400
Course Number: OT5181
Course Credits 1.0