B.SC. THEOLOGY (1ST SEMESTER)

Acts surpasses nearly all the New Testament Books in length. It is an inseparable link between the Gospels and the Epistles. Therefore, without Acts, the New Testament would be incomplete. Originally, Luke’s two writings, his Gospel account and Acts, most likely were circulated as one work. The narrative of Acts was the natural sequel to the story of Luke’s Gospel account. When John’s record was published as the final Gospel at the end of the first century, Luke’s Gospel was weaned from Acts and linked with the other three Gospels to become known corporately as “The Gospels”. At about the same time, Paul’s writings were being collected and identified under one title, “The Apostle”. Thus, seventeen New Testament Books were brought together and reduced to two units. Moreover, these two units found their common link in Acts. Therefore, Acts is the continuation of the Gospels account and establishes the basis for the Epistles. See the chart #48 for these relationships.

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.

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.

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. 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.

The Epistle to the Galatians has been called “the Magna Carta of Christian liberty.” It is Paul’s manifesto of justification by faith, and the resulting liberty. Paul directs this great charter of Christian freedom to a people who are willing to give up the priceless liberty they possess in Christ…

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.

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).