The 鈥渙rals鈥 are given to our graduating men during their last two semesters. The purpose of these oral examinations is to ascertain if our graduates can successfully defend their doctrinal statements and be prepared for the pressures they will face in the ministry.
This course is designed to give the student a system of principles to defend his faith, as well as present evidences that support the authenticity of the Christian faith. Prerequisite: None
Comparative Religions surveys the basic doctrines and practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and other major religions. Special emphasis will be given to methods of effectively witnessing and winning to Christ those who are bound in these religious systems. Prerequisite: None
This course offers a study of modern day cults in light of biblical Christianity. The history and doctrines of the major cults will be studied. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an irrefutable biblical response to all false teachings. Special emphasis will be given to methods of witnessing to members of the major cults. Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to give the student a greater appreciation of both the Bible and science. Furthermore, this course will demonstrate that there is no need for compromise in order to make the Bible fit modern 鈥渟cientific鈥 discoveries. The student will be taught that true science will always validate God鈥檚 word. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is designed to give the student a clear understanding of the Bible version issue. The origins of the various texts, the methods and men used in translating the King James Version, and the weakness of new Bible translations will be examined, giving students a firm understanding of and unshakeable confidence in the KJV. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course will introduce students to the basics of philosophy. Students will also be introduced to the writings of Western philosophers within the context of learning how to defend the Christian faith. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course provides a look at the various positions today, from Fundamentalism to Post-modernism. Special emphasis will be given to the challenges facing Fundamentalism today. This course will also examine the expanding influence of the Charismatic movement, the modern push toward ecumenicalism, and how to navigate current trends in ministry. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course looks at six historical approaches to ethical conflicts. Students will be required to know these approaches as they represent how people think in culture today. Students will evaluate each of these in light of scripture to determine a biblical approach to the ethical issues in life and ministry. Prerequisite: EN 102; 32 credits earned
This course equips students to discern between good and bad arguments. Several major systems of logic will be studied, including categorical, truth-functional, and informal. Prerequisite: EN 102
This class will give each student an overview of the Old Testament. We will walk through each book, learn its significance, key words, key verses, key truths, and understand its broad outline and application for New Testament believers. Special emphasis is placed upon authorship, date, and purpose. Passages of particular doctrinal significance will be examined and discussed. As this is a survey, it is merely introductory in nature. Prerequisite: None
This class will give each student an overview of the New Testament. Special emphasis is placed upon authorship, date, and purpose of each book. The student will develop a broad outline for each book. This course will also examine the background and content of each book. Briefly mentioned will be the intertestamental period in order to place the ministry of Jesus Christ into a historical context. Prerequisite: None
This course is a survey of the ten major doctrines of systematic theology. This course can be replaced with BI 361, BI 362, BI 363, or BI 364. Prerequisite: None
Women of the Bible is a survey course focusing on the prominent and not-so-prominent women in Scripture. By looking to the women of the Bible, the students can deepen their understanding of Scripture, experience more of God鈥檚 love, recognize His relentless jealousy, and discover His creative ability to bring good out of the most difficult circumstances. Ladies Only. Prerequisite: None
This course is an in-depth look at the harmonizing of the Gospels. It looks at the major chronological periods in the life of our Lord. The Lord鈥檚 life and teachings will be examined with special emphasis on the crucifixion week. Prerequisite: None
This course covers a history of the early church and the spread of the gospel. The book will be outlined as the Great Commission is fulfilled in the first century. The course will look at the development of Christianity and its doctrines. Prerequisite: None
This course will be an expository study of both the book as well as its applications to the doctrines of the Christian life. Students will be given a general outline of the important doctrinal passages that will be discussed. Prerequisite: None
This course will study Paul鈥檚 letters to the churches in his early ministry and missionary journeys, specifically the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. This course will cover the historical context, structural organization, doctrinal truths, and practical applications of each of these epistles. Prerequisite: None
This course will be an expository study of Paul鈥檚 epistles from his first imprisonment, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. This course will cover the historical context, structural organization, doctrinal truths, and practical applications of each of these epistles. Prerequisite: None
This course will be an in-depth study of First Timothy, Second Timothy, and Titus. Special emphasis will be given to Paul鈥檚 instructions regarding the qualifications for leadership, church planting, and problem solving. Prerequisite: None
Dispensationalism is a theological system borne out of the literal, historical-grammatical interpretation. At its core, Dispensationalism understands that there is a distinction between Israel and the Church and understands the purpose of God in this earth to be doxological. This class will investigate the theological framework of this system, explaining its origins, and its developments. Additionally, it will present a case for declaring this system the most consistent hermeneutical tool in studying the Scriptures. Prerequisite: None
This course will teach how that Christ is pictured well before his appearance at Bethlehem. It will help us prove that Christ was God in the flesh. Prerequisite: None
The biblical books of Ruth and Esther provide wonderful examples of God鈥檚 sovereignty and offer encouragement for Christians to trust His goodness and provision. This course is designed to give a better understanding of who God is, as we study His presence and work in the stories of both Ruth and Esther. As we also learn from the individual characters in these books, we will discover their rare courage, commitment, and risk-taking love for God and His people. Ladies Only. Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to familiarize students with the storyline and fundamental truths found in the first book of the Bible. From the creation account of Genesis 1 through the death of Joseph in Genesis 50, the book of Genesis provides foundational theological insights and biblical principles from which students will glean applications and understanding for their personal spiritual journey with Christ. This study primarily focuses on observations of creation, the fall of man, Noah鈥檚 flood, the foundation of God鈥檚 covenant with Israel and the lives of the patriarchs. Prerequisite: None
This course will analyze the poetical books of the Old Testament, specifically Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Students taking this course will study the historical context, literary forms, interpretations, and practical truths of each of these books. Prerequisite: None
This course is designed to help the student understand the background of the Intertestamental Period. Course material will enable the student to understand how the events of the Intertestamental Period created a perfect setting for the birth of Christ, the spreading of the gospel, and the development of the local, New Testament church. Prerequisite: None
This course will help the student develop sound Bible study methods. It will operate on the premise that the interpretation of Scripture is best understood by other Scripture. The student will learn a method to follow in the process of Bible study. The student will also be involved with hands-on projects applying each step in the process of Bible study. Prerequisite: None
This course will be a study of the life and writings of the Apostle John. John鈥檚 unique perspective of the life and work of Jesus Christ will be analyzed. The three epistles of John will be looked at as they relate to the believer鈥檚 fellowship, assurance, and love for the Lord. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course will be a study of the background and basic interpretations of Hebrews. Special emphasis will be placed on the superiority of Christ鈥檚 priesthood to the Old Testament institutions. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course will cover the historical context and the prophetical outlook for this prophet. Special emphasis will be placed upon understanding the importance of Daniel鈥檚 Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks in Daniel 9. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course will study the book of Revelation from a futuristic pre-tribulation, pre-millennial position. A careful analysis will be made to show the effect Bible prophecy has on Israel, the church, and the lost. While focusing on the New Testament book of Revelation, it will connect the prophecies of Revelation to prophecies concerning the end times found in several Old Testament books such as Ezekiel and Daniel. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is the 鈥淏ook of New Beginnings鈥 for the people of God. Students will examine the 鈥淧erson who Leads鈥 from the wilderness to the wonderful, the 鈥淧romise of Land鈥 through belief and battles, and the 鈥淧artaking of Life鈥 the abundant life of 鈥淩est.鈥 Prerequisite: EN 102
This course explains the believer鈥檚 riches in Christ as revealed in the book of Ephesians. The first part (Ephesians 1-3) describes the wealth of the believer and what God has done for us. The second section (Ephesians 4-5) gives instructions on how to walk in light of those blessings. Ephesians ends (Ephesians 6) with an encouragement to stand firm in the face of difficulties or battles we may face. Prerequisite: None
This course is an in-depth study of Bibliology and Theology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Christology and Pneumatology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Hamartiology, Anthropology, and Soteriology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Ecclesiology, Angelology, and Eschatology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Bibliology, Theology Proper and Pneumatology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Anthropology, Hamartiology, Christology, and Soteriology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an in-depth study of Angelology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course will survey the history of Baptist churches throughout the past two thousand years. Special emphasis will be placed on the historical distinctives of Baptists. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is a study of the history of American Fundamentalism from the 19th century with its development and influence over American Christianity. It will discuss the leaders, schools, and missionary work. The different meanings of Fundamentalism, its cultural connotation, the strengths and failures of the movement, New Evangelicalism, Neo-orthodoxy, and Liberalism will be studied. Students may learn from this history and discern any theological movement in the coming years based upon the Bible. Prerequisite: EN 102
This class is designed to give the student an understanding of the Levitical system and to see how the seven major feasts and the tabernacle all point to Jesus Christ. The student will also notice how the sacrificial offerings of the Levitical system all prefigure the work of Christ as well. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is a systematic theological course taken directly from Isaiah鈥檚 writings. Prerequisite: EN 102
This course is an examination of the canon, text, inspiration, and interpretive data key to understanding the Old Testament. Detail will be given to the authorship, date, theme, liberal criticism, secular background, and historical background of Old Testament Scriptures. Prerequisite: EN 501
This course is an examination of the canon, text, inspiration, and interpretive data key to understanding the New Testament. Detail will be given to the authorship, date, theme, liberal criticism, secular background, and historical background of New Testament Scriptures. Prerequisite: EN 501
This course analyzes different worldviews with which Christians are confronted and provides an apologetic methodology useful in evangelizing people with non-biblical worldviews. Prerequisite: EN 501
This course will study the nature and method of Systematic Theology and the application of a proper Theological method to analyze carefully various theological options on key doctrinal issues. This course provides a foundation for BI 522 and BI 523 where the student will write a summative research paper and defend the final product. Prerequisite: EN 501
This course is designed to give the student a further understanding of ministry through Scriptural counseling. All approaches to problems will be based on biblical principles rather than secular, humanistic reasoning and technique. Prerequisite: EN 501
This capstone course in the Biblical Studies concentration provides the student an opportunity to write a summative research paper and defend the final product. Prerequisite: BI 512 and EN 501
