B.Sc. Theology Course Details

BTH110 Between the Testament

BTH110 Between the Testament is a 3 units course. The New Testament begins with the Romans ruling Palestine.  The throne is occupied by an Idumaean king named Herod.  At the end of the Old Testament, the Persian Empire ruled Palestine.  The throne of Israel was occupied by a Jewish king named Zerubbabel.  The time between the Old Testament and New Testaments is about four hundred (400) years, 445 B.C. to 4 B.C. These four hundred (400) years can be divided into four (4) groups, known as the Persian Period, the Greek Period, the Maccabean Period, and the Roman Period.

BPR333 Bible Prophesy

BPR333 Bible Prophesy is a 3 units course. In this course, we seek to introduce the student to God’s real conversation with man.  God, as Mother and Father to His children, provides for their needs in this life.  He also speaks words of life to them that they might meet the future in His success and victory. God, in His omniscience, has given in advance, words of wisdom, words of warning, words of judgment, words of liberty, words of comfort, words of power, and words of victory.  By word and prophecy, God has provided for Kingdom living under the shadow of His loving security, protection, wisdom, and strength. It is His desire that man might walk through his earthly life undamaged spiritually by the ravages of the enemy, Satan.  A study of prophecy will enrich the spiritual life of anyone who has ears to hear and a heart of understanding.  Prophecy, though written long ago by God’s Prophets, is as fresh and new as today’s dawn; with lessons directed at us in today’s circumstances. Though God’s prophecy is all recorded in the Bible, God is so good to repeat the meaning of it prophetically for today’s and tomorrow’s application through brothers and sisters in Christ, whom God chooses as “speakers” of His living word. Prophecy is the prerecorded history of God which continues to unfold to completion.  Every event of every day is simply a result of the Prophecy of God.  The world interprets daily news as unrelated to anything beyond man’s own inability to live in harmony, but in spiritual reality, daily news is divinely ordained by God through prophecy.  Read Isaiah 46:8-11 and Revelation 1:8 where the Prophet declares his prophecy.

BTH490 Blood Covenant

BTH490 Blood Covenant is a 3 units course.  There is a blood line that stretches throughout the entire breadth of inspired scripture. From outside the gates of Eden in Genesis 4 to inside the gates of New Jerusalem in Revelations 21:22, the Bible is filled with the importance of the blood with regard to salvation. The blood of Jesus is very dear to Believers everywhere.  Yet most Believers have a very limited understanding of all that has been accomplished by the blood of Jesus.  This course enhances the reader’s understanding and appreciation for the Blood of Jesus.  We see that Jesus’ blood is of a higher type than common blood.  Because of His better blood, we have a better covenant established upon better promises.  As you read and study this work, ask God for a greater understanding and appreciation for the precious blood of Jesus.

CED211 Childhood Christian Education

CED211 Childhood Christian Education is a 3 units course. A trouble as deep and pervasive as to threaten the future of our nation has gripped the United States of America, according to documents drawn up at the White House Conference on Children, late in 1970.  That trouble is the national neglect of children and those primarily engaged in their care — America’s parents.  Americans may idolize their children and imitate their teenagers, but evidently they do not place them first in their affections.  History stands witness to the fact that no tribe or nation survives for long when it neglects to pass along its values — that store of treasured beliefs and practices which it holds dearer than life.  We may spend ludicrous sums of money to feed, clothe, and entertain them, but these expenditures hardly make them human.  And it is this humanizing energy they need most, for children derive their genuine character as human beings chiefly through learning rather than through heredity.

BPA370 Homiletics

BPA370 Homiletics is a 3 units course.  Sermons need themes for the same reason that buildings need blueprints, a story needs a plot, a picture needs a center of interest, or a sales talk needs a proposition.  It is lamentable that many sermons lack a clear theme that can be followed. A theme-less sermon is like a flood; it spreads in all directions.  A sermon with a theme is like a river that flows within its banks in a specific direction. There is value in the river to a man. Floods are wild, destructive, and seldom of any value. A train that does not stay on the track cannot go anywhere, no matter how much power the engine has. A sermon may show a great display of steam, but it will never reach its destination without a theme. A sermon is a means to an end. We cannot take the first step in preparation until we intelligently discern the goal to be reached. A good hunter does not fire in just any direction hoping to hit something.  He first sights his game and then takes aim. A Preacher who aims at nothing will hit it. We must choose a target (subject) and then take careful aim. The choice of a worthy theme is a large step toward successful sermon construction. We must not confuse a theme with a subject or topic. A topic will accurately describe our theme, but a theme is usually longer and more complete than a topic. The topic is what you put on the bulletin board or in the newspaper.  The theme is the Preacher’s statement of the purpose, or reason, of the sermon. The topic is announced at the beginning of the sermon, before the text is read, or immediately afterward.  The theme is stated more fully while giving the introduction.  The theme does not need to be stated if the divisions make it sufficiently clear, in which case the theme serves simply as a guide in making the divisions of the sermon.  A theme could be called the proposition.  Following is an illustration of the difference between the theme and the topic. It is from the text of 2Ti.4:6-8.  We may call this theme, “The significance of Paul’s last message to each Christian.”

BTH351 New Testament Church History

BTH351 New Testament Church History is a 3 units course.  The Christian Church, which includes the past, present and the Church to come, consists of all who believe in Jesus of Nazareth as the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God; who have accepted Him as their personal Savior from sin, and who obey Him as the Christ, the Head of the Kingdom of God on this earth.  He is the head, we are the body.  Therefore, the Christian Church consists of a corporate body of people, not just a physical structure where people gather. The Christian Church began on the Day of Pentecost, in the late spring of 30 A.D.  This was fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus and ten days after His Ascension from the Mount of Olives. You all remember the Day of Pentecost as recorded in the Book of Acts.  This is where the 120 were all gathered in the upper room and they were all praying and in one accord and the Holy Spirit came upon them in such a manner that they could see tongues of flames upon their heads.  Now the effect of this experience served three purposes.

BOT333 Old Testament Studies 3

BOT333 Old Testament Studies 3 is a 3 units course.  God inspired a few writers to compose for Scripture, poems, songs, and dialogues reflecting the meditations and questions of their hearts and minds.  These five books comprise the “poetical books,” Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes are classified as wisdom literature because their message represents the wise observations and interpretations of everyday life.  Hebrew wisdom literature tells us that the “fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”. The poetic books are charged with feeling.  These books appeal especially to the human emotions and will.  Because of this fact, they are very persuasive in exhorting and reproving.  The poetical writings deal with problems and experiences common to all mankind. In studying the books of poetry, it is helpful to become acquainted with the various aspects of poetic literature so the language and style of these 5 books will be more intelligible.

BNT311 Pauline Epistles 1

BNT311 Pauline Epistles 1 is a 3 units course. The Pauline Epistles—or the Epistles of Paul—were letters written to the early Church by the apostle Paul. God preserved many of those letters for us as books of the Bible. These ancient epistles contain valuable insight into modern-day Christian living, while also providing us a snapshot of the early Christian Church. The Pauline epistles, also known as Epistles of Paul or Letters of Paul, are the thirteen books of the New Testament attributed to Paul the Apostle, although the authorship of some is in dispute. Among these epistles are some of the earliest extant Christian documents. They provide an insight into the beliefs and controversies of early Christianity. As part of the canon of the New Testament, they are foundational texts for both Christian theology and ethics.

BNT321 Romans 1

BNT321 Romans 1 is a 3 units course. A personal study in the Book of Romans is credited with bringing to pass the dynamic decision of the great Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther. Luther’s sixteenth (16th) century stand against the Church of Rome has, without question, affected the present theological world in which we live. Concerning Romans, Luther wrote: “It is the true masterpiece of the New Testament, and the very purest Gospel. It well deserves that a Christian man should not only learn it by heart, word for word, but also that he should daily deal with it as the daily bread of men’s souls. For it can never be too much or too well read or studied; and the more it is handled the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.” This study is designed to assist in the daily personal pursuit of the truth of the text. It is obviously not an exhaustive study or an extensive scholarly assessment of the Book. It is a systematic approach and simplistic assessment of Paul’s scholarly advancement of the Spirit’s inspired Word. It should only be used with the Word in hand and referred to only after the Biblical text has been read. It is sent forth with the prayer that it can be used by Pastor and parishioner as a seed form which can be grown into both powerful sermons for the pulpit, as well as personal study for the pew, bringing to pass life changing results in our day.

BNT332 Romans 2

BNT332 Romans 2 is a 3 units course.  In the beginning of our study in the book of Romans we learned that the book divides itself up into three (3) general divisions. Up to this point (chapter 1-8) in his treatise, the Apostle Paul has been dealing primarily with the doctrinal foundation. At this point in our study, as we begin chapter one (1), the Apostle Paul starts to explain some distinctive facts raised by the problem of Israel=s response to the Gospel. Because Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ and the Gospel, God, in turn, rejected Israel as a nation. This fact, presents some important questions that must be answered. What, then, becomes of all the promises of God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob concerning the nation of Israel? It is the question that the Apostle Paul begins to answer now in this second (2nd) major division of the book. Before analyzing these three (3) chapters, however, let us make a few observations regarding the entire passage

BTH341 Spiritual Warfare

BTH341 Spiritual Warfare is a 3 units course.  Christians must be aware of the enemy and his army and learn how to overcome them.  There is a growth of demonic activity in the area of occultism, false cults, and spiritism that must be confronted by Believers.  Whole congregations must learn or be taught about the enemy so that they may wage the battle that will free their loved ones and even themselves. Most Believers do not spend the time necessary to learn the spiritual truths and practice all of His teachings.  There are even Christians who do not believe that demons exist.  No wonder they and many others are captives of the devil. All Believers must learn that they have authority and power over all the wicked forces that are arrayed against them.  This authority is given to us by the Lord because He knows we need it (Jn.14:12). Many things are being used to try to replace God’s truth.  The uses of technical and intellectual ideologies reflect the spiritual emptiness of the secular world.  There are escapists and insecure men and women who are turning to spiritism and psychic powers for spiritual help.  Others are turning to the New Age movement

BTH343 Systematic Theology 3                                                                          

BTH343 Systematic Theology 3 is a 3 units course. In the Greek, “sin” is “hamartia“, while the word “ology” signifies “knowledge.” Thus, hamartiology is the knowledge of or the study of the doctrine of sin. Sin, without a doubt, is a reality in this world. Few would argue the point. History shows the dire effects in the wars, tumults, and the evils that sin has exhibited. Even the sounds in nature are in an off key. The conscience of man is really a nagging testimony to his own failures, shortcomings and sin (Ro.2:15).  Scripture speaks constantly of sin’s reality, as in Paul’s writings, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Ro.3:23). “But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin. . .” (Ga.3:22). Perhaps the most perplexing question to enter the human mind is how did sin come about? Why is it here?  Few would argue that men are not sinners. Every race and tribe has this understanding in their society.  Neither is it necessary for man to “learn” to sin. The principle, the very nature of sin, is in his nature even in his earliest days.  No child requires a tutor to be told how to do wrong; but he certainly and constantly has to be taught to do that which is right.

BTH492 Christ Our Healer

BTH492 Christ Our Healer is a 3 units course.  Adam was created by God for the purpose of communing, fellowshipping and multiplying in a wonderful garden relationship forever.  Adam was a perfect creation made to function perfectly for eternal earthly bliss. Adam interfered with God’s plan and chose to destroy the eternal garden relationship, through an act of rebellion and disobedience.  Through Adam’s fall, death entered the scene along with Satan’s entire inventory of tactics designed to bring an end to mortal life.  Through Adam’s error, Satan gained entrance to impact all of Adam’s seed.  Satan’s purpose in all his endeavors is covered in half of one verse in God’s Word. John 10:10; “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” By stealing what God said to Adam, Satan gained the ability to enter every man’s life.  He offers a lie for the truth, steals the Word of truth.  Death may come in an unguarded instant or it may come gradually.  It slowly eats away at man’s body and/or mind through sickness, disease, and misfortune.  The final end, physically, is death.

MIS340 Comparative Religion

MIS340 Comparative Religion is a 3 units course.  Studying Comparative Religions can often leave the student bewildered. The diverse and sincere beliefs held by each follower could cause the Christian student to question the existence of truth in matters of religion. Many of the world’s faiths seem to be a mixture of truth and lie, with one person or principle responsible for the universe, and to whom they pay honor and reverence. We are to be concerned with what our fellow man believes. Their convictions command their interest, study, and respect. As we study other religions, we, the Christian student, will many times find ourselves being rebuked, instructed, and inspired. This becomes vivid when we look at the fidelity in prayer and fasting found in the followers of Islam, or the quiet, dignified self-discipline of the Buddhist. These disciplines are noble and valid, just as much of the non-Christian teaching undoubt­edly is. The Christian student could find himself in trouble if he dares to meddle with the practices of other religions

BNT341 Ephesians

BNT341 Ephesians is a 3 units course.  Paul’s important phrase “in Christ” (or its equivalent) appears about thirty-five times, more than in any other New Testament book.  The believer is in Christ (1:1), in the heavenly places in Christ (1:3), chosen in Him (1:4), adopted through Christ (1:5), in the beloved (1:6), redeemed in Him (1:7), given an inheritance in Him (1:11), given hope in Him (1:12), sealed in Him (1:13), made alive together with Christ (2:5), raised and seated with Him (2:6), created in Christ (2:10), brought near by His blood (2:13), growing in Christ (2:21), a partaker of the promise in Christ (3:6), and given access through faith in Him (3:12). Ephesians focuses on the believer’s responsibility to walk in accordance with his heavenly calling in Christ Jesus (4:1).  Ephesians was not written to correct specific errors in a local church, but to prevent problems in the church as a whole by encouraging the body of Christ to maturity in Him.  It was also written to make believers more aware of their position in Christ because this is the basis for their practice on every level of life.

BPA360 Ethics and Excellence

BPA360 Ethics and Excellence is a 3 units course.  Ethics is a set of principles which speak of human character and conduct, of distinction between right and wrong and moral duty and obligation to the community. The principles we have set for ourselves are going to dictate our reaction to every situation that arises, be it at church, on the job, at home with the family, or in a strange place. This course will approach ethics on a scriptural basis.  It will not be too concerned with secular ethics, either traditional or contemporary, except as they relate to Biblical ethics. It will be much concerned with the dynamics of ethics; the source and mainspring of our conduct.  There will be a need to consider the Pauline concepts of justification and sanctification in order to under­stand the true motivation and power for obedience in the life of the Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24, “Whosever hears My words and does My words is a wise man.” Thus, we can see the admonition to learn and practice the principles of the Bible (2Ti.3:16).  Christian principles are to guide us.  We must see ourselves, our desires and our motives clearly. We must know the New Testament principles of conduct.

BNT430 Hebrews

BNT430 Hebrews is a 3 units course. The Book of Hebrews is one of the most beautiful commentaries on the Old Testament that we possess as Christians. The key figure is Messiah. Therefore, we have a New Testament perspective of Messiah as presented from the Old Testament. Furthermore, we have the exhortation of a people that originated in the Old Testament. Several prefigures and types are explained by the Author. The Book of Hebrews is a connection between the Old and New Testament.  While the Letter to the Hebrews does not contain the word Epistle in the Biblical text, early sources and manuscripts show evidence that the title was The Epistle to the Hebrews.@ We know that the Book of Hebrews is an Epistle and should be treated as such from the conclusionary remarks of chapter thirteen (13). Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Scholars, both ancient and modern, are undecided on who wrote the Book of Hebrews. The following is a compendium of views on the possible author.

BOT444 Old Testament Studies 4

BOT444 Old Testament Studies 4 is a 3 units course.  When he speaks about Christ, Isaiah sounds more like a New Testament writer than an Old Testament prophet. His Messianic Prophecies are clearer and more explicit than those in any other Old Testament Book. They describe many aspects of the person and work of Christ in His first and second advents, and often blend the two (2) together. Here are a few of the Christological Prophecies of Isaiah, with their New Testament fulfillment: 7:14 (Mt.1:22, 23): 9:1-2 (Mt.4:12-16); 9:6 (Lk.2:11; Ep.2:14-18); 11:1 (Lk.3:23, 32; Ac.13:22-23); 11:2 (Lk.3:22); 28:16 (1Pe.2:4-6); 40:3-5 (Mt.3:1-3); 42:1-4 (Mt.12:15-21; 42:6 (Lk.2:29-32); 50:6 (Mt.26:67; 27:26, 30); 52:14 (Php.2:7-11); 53:3 (Lk.23:18; Jn.1:11; 7:5); 53:4-5 (Ro.5:6, 8); 53:7 (Mt.27:12-14; Jn.1:29; 1Pe.1:18-19); 53:9 (Mt.27:57-60); 53:12 (Mk.15:28); 61:1-2 (Lk.4:17-19, 21).  The Old Testament has over three hundred (300) prophecies about the first advent of Christ, and Isaiah contributes a number of them. The odds that one (1) person could fulfill even ten (10) of the prophecies are a statistical marvel. Isaiah’s Messianic Prophecies that await fulfillment in the Lord’s Second Advent include: 4:2; 11:2-6, 10; 32:1-8; 49:7; 52:13, 15; 59:20, 21; 60:2-3. Included in Messianic Prophecies is Isaiah 52:13-15, His wholehearted sacrifice (burnt offering); 53:1-3, His perfect character (meal offering); 53:4-6, He brought atonement that ushers in the peace of God (peace offering); 53:7-9, He paid for the transgression of the people (sin offering); 53:10-12, He died for the effects of sin (trespass offering).

BOT455 Old Testament Studies 5

BOT455 Old Testament Studies 5 is a 3 units course.  The last twelve books of our Old Testament are commonly referred to as the Minor Prophets. The common title for these books is “minor prophets.” This title originated in Augustine’s time (late 4th centuries A.D.). The books are “minor” only in the sense of being much shorter than such prophecies as Isaiah and Jeremiah (called “major prophets”). Their message is surely not less important today, nor was it when first delivered in Old Testament times. They were Minor Prophets preaching a major message. The Hebrew Bible regards these writing as one book, and calls them simply “The Twelve.” It was because of the books’ brevity that the Jews in Old Testament times joined the twelve writings together into one scroll, so that the combined length was about the same as that of Isaiah or Jeremiah. Hence it was very natural to consider them as one book, “The Twelve.”

BOT422 Pauline Epistles 2

BOT422 Pauline Epistles 2 is a 3 units course.  The Corinthians letters immediately follow Romans in the New Testament Canon, though in point of time they were written just before Romans. The Corinthians letters apply the letter to the Romans interpretations of the Historical Book’s facts. Seen from another view, the church, which is the subject of the Corinthians letters, is the outcome of salvation, which is the subject of Romans. Review Paul’s missionary journeys and his ministry of writing New Testament letters. This will help us to see clearly just where the Corinthians letters fit in the chronological sequence of his writing. It will help to adjust our perspective, having just studied Romans. The Corinthians letters, especially I Corinthians, focus on the operations of the local church. Observe in an exhaustive concordance how often the word church (es) appears in the letters. Reflect on the importance of this vital organism of God’s working. New Testament references to church are of three different kinds:

BPA342 Prayer 2

BPA342 Prayer 2 is a 3 units course. For the Lord to operate in the fullness of His power on this earth, He must have a people who know how to pray.  Prayer is essential to the work of God in us and in the world. In these last days, the Lord desires a people that are not ignorant but full of the knowledge of Him. God is the creator, the master architect, the engineer of us and our world and all that is.  His Word is the blueprint for us to follow.  His blueprint for prayer is, in what is commonly referred to as, the “Lord’s Prayer.”  Buildings have cracked and even collapsed when the builders failed to fully follow the blueprints.  In like manner, many of our prayers have failed to get results, because we have failed to follow God’s blueprint. One day, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray as John had taught his disciples.  Jesus then said, “after this manner (thus in this way) therefore pray ye.”  The Lord did not leave us without instruction in prayer.

BTH442 Spiritual Warfare 2

BTH442 Spiritual Warfare 2 is a 3 units course.  Spiritual warfare is real!  Christians must be aware of their enemies and learn how to overcome them.  There is a growth of demonic activity in the area of occultism, false cults, and spiritism that must be confronted by Believers.  Whole congregations must learn or be taught about the enemy, so that they may wage the battle that will free their loved ones and even themselves. All Believers must learn that they have authority and power over all the wicked forces that are arrayed against them.  This authority is given to us by the Lord (Jn.14:12).  We cannot afford to ignore the activities and attacks of the enemy.  We must understand and diagnose the situation by looking at it in the light of God’s Word.  It has been predicted that we would experience, in the last days, an intensification of these activities (1Ti.4:1).  Believers must fight back or many will lose the battle. Satan seeks to establish strongholds in our lives by which he can bring us down or hinder our walk with the Lord.  These strongholds are normally established in our minds.  A stronghold is something in a person’s life that the enemy controls.   Because of the ignorance that many Christians have in the area of spiritual warfare, they seldom know when they are being attacked or how to react if they recognize it.  Our world is a battleground.  The Christian life is not a pleasure yacht, but a battleship.

BTH470 The Holy Spirit

BTH470 The Holy Spirit is a 3 units course. Before we are introduced directly to the study of the Holy Spirit, it will be profitable to briefly consider the doctrine of “The Unity of God.”  There is one and only one, true and living God (Is.44:6; De.6:4).  Yet while there is but one God, there are three (3) distinct personal beings in the Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We should also understand the fact that in the Scriptures, and in this commentary, the words “Holy Spirit” and “Holy Ghost” are used interchangeably. The word trinity in its Latin form “trinitas,” is derived from the adjective “trinus” ‘three‑fold’ or ‘three (3) in one (1).’  The word is no where used in Scriptures, but was a term invented and used as early as the second (2nd) century to express the doctrine in a single word, for the sake of brevity.  The doctrine, as delivered in the Bible, is very short and amounts to this: that in the undivided unity of the Divine nature there is a trinity of personal subsistence, existences, and real beings.

BPA460 Workings of the Five Fold Ministry

BPA460 Workings of the Five Fold Ministry is a 3 units course.  According to Ephesians 4:1, God has placed a call upon every Christian.  In our particular giftings, God has invited each of us to walk in the newness of life.  Each calling carries with it certain characteristics.  Each of these characteristics is in place to help us fulfill God’s purpose in our lives with his character being manifested. It is important that we understand the particular calling that has been placed upon us.  Within that calling God desires us to become people of excellence.  When we allow excellence to come forth we will find ourselves becoming people of integrity. As we begin this study, let us do so with an open mind and heart, allowing God to reveal to each of us our calling.  So many want to start in the ministry without being prepared, but preparation is a necessity. The calling usually starts in the area of helps.  It is important to have an attitude of serving.  Remember God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.  When we get into the serving attitude we can go forth with authority.  In each of our callings God gives us faith and grace to operate in them along with His authority.  It is very important to realize that any authority we have to function in is God given.  Let us walk in this authority with a sound mind.