Course Descriptions of the Bible Institute

Introductory Bible Program

In this program, the student will read each book of the Bible and produce an outline of the book. These outlines will be compared with others who have taken this program and discussed with the instructor for improvement.

The student may wish to consult commentaries to help with developing the outlines. There are several possibilities, though not all offer their own detailed outlines.

Consider these possibilities:

         Bible Knowledge Commentary OT and NT

         Everymans Bible Commentary series.

         Expositor s Bible Commentary (12 vols).

         Tyndale Old and New Testament Commentary (48 vols).

Advanced Bible Program

Each of the courses in this program is structured alike. The Bible book should be read along with the listed commentary. The student will also watch or listen to, if available, the video series or sermon series on the book. The student will write a report listing difficult passages and their interpretations, as well as practical applications from the book.

101: Genesis

Read Vos, Genesis.

102: Exodus

Read

118: Job

Read Zuck, Job.

121: Ecclesiastes

Read

127: Daniel

Read Whitcomb, Daniel, Xp.

View Whitcomb, Daniel, 16hrs.

140: Matthew

Read Robertson, Matthew.

143: John

Read Kent, Light in the Darkness

Suppl: Laney, John.

144: Acts & Ministry of Paul

Read

145: Romans

Read

146: 1 Corinthians

Read Hughes, First Corinthians.

147: 2 Corinthians

Read Kent, A Heart Opened Wide.

Suppl Hughes, Second Corinthians.

148: Galatians

Read Kent, The Freedom of God s Sons

Suppl Vos, Galatians: A Call to Christian Liberty.

149: Ephesians

Read Kent, Ephesians: The Glory of the Church.

150: Philippians

Read Walvoord, Philippians: Triumph in Christ.

151: Colossians

Read Harrison, Colossians: Christ All-Sufficient.

152: 1 Thessalonians

Read Hiebert, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

153: 2 Thessalonians

Read Ryrie, 1 & 2 Thessalonians

158: Hebrews

Read Kent, The Epistle to the Hebrews

Suppl Pfeiffer, The Epistle to the Hebrews.

159: James

Read Hiebert, James.

Suppl Doerksen, James.

160: 1 Peter

Read Hiebert, 1 Peter.

Suppl Barbieri, First & Second Peter.

161: 2 Peter, Jude

Read Hiebert, 2 Peter & Jude.

Suppl Coder, Jude: The Acts of the Apostates.

162: 1 John

Read Burdick, The Epistles of John.

Read Hiebert, The Epistles of John.

166: Revelation

Read Walvoord, The Revelation of Jesus Christ.

170: OT Introduction & Survey

Read Benware, Survey of the Old Testament.

Suppl Archer, A Survey of Old Testament Introduction.

171: Pentateuch

Read

172: OT Historical Books

Read

173: OT Poetic Books

Read

174: OT Major Prophets

Read

175: OT Minor Prophets

Read

180: NT Introduction & Survey

Read Hiebert, An Introduction to the New Testament, Vols. 1-3.

Suppl: Carson, Moo, An Introduction to the New Testament.

181: Gospels

Read

182: Pastoral Epistles

Read Kent, The Pastoral Epistles

Suppl: Hiebert, First Timothy.

Suppl: Hiebert, Second Timothy.

Theology Program

Most of the theology program courses assign book reviews for various books pertinent to the subject at hand. For purposes of our Bible institute, a book review is a two to five page, single-spaced 12-point report that indicates the author s interpretations of key issues as well as an evaluation of whether those interpretations are correct. Books marked Suppl. Indicate supplemental reading that will assist the believer in gaining a fuller understanding of the issues involved in the class.

205: Man and Sin

This course deals with the doctrine of anthropology, including the creation of man, the nature of man, and sin/depravity.

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, II:3-90.

210: Angels, Demons, and Satan

This course deals with the doctrine of angels, demons, and Satan.

Review Dickason, Angels, 260p.

Review Konya, Demons , 116p.

Suppl McCune, Systematic Theology, I:349-404.

220: Bible

This course deals with the doctrines of inspiration and inerrancy, preservation, hermeneutics, and translation.

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, I:37-156.

Read Postiff, Seminar in Bible Text and Translation, 33p.

221: Dispensationalism

This course teaches the modified-traditional view of Dispensationalism, as well as some variants such as ultra- and progressive- dispensationalism. A contrast is made to the covenant theology system of interpretation. It will also examine issues of comparative theology between OT and NT, including areas of continuity and discontinuity between the testaments, and the Law. A study of OT prophetism, OT & NT prophets, and NT apostles will be included.

Review Ryrie, Dispensationalism, 218p.

Review Showers, There Really is a Difference, 208p.

222: Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is examined throughout the Scriptures. In this course we will study the kingdom of God in its two major manifestations: the universal kingdom of God and the earthly outworking of God's kingdom program on the earth, sometimes called the mediatorial

kingdom. We will study early indications of the kingdom program, Israel's historical theocracy, the kingdom in the OT prophetic literature, the offer, rejection and delay of the kingdom in the

gospels, the nature of the kingdom at present and the relationship of the church to the kingdom program, and the future millennial (Messianic or Davidic) kingdom.

Review McClain, The Greatness of the Kingdom, 531p.

223: Creation

In this class, the student will learn about the young-earth view of creation and will be able to defend it against other views such as the day-age view, the gap view, and the framework view.

Review Whitcomb/Morris, The Genesis Flood, 489p.

Suppl.: Whitcomb, The World That Perished, 178p.

Suppl.: Fields, Unformed and Unfilled.

Suppl.: Wise, Faith, Form, and Time, 287p.

224: Apologetics

This course teaches about the defense and propagation of the gospel from a presuppositional perspective. It covers the transcendental argument for the existence of God. Key Bible verses include 1 Peter 3:15, 2 Corinthians 10:15, and Proverbs 26:4 5.

Review Pratt, Every Thought Captive, 142p.

225: Hermeneutics

Including NT quotations of the OT.

226: How We Got Our Bible

This course will be a study of the preservation and translation of the Holy Scriptures, concen-trating on the history of the English Bible. The class will trace the historical development of the original Old and New Testament texts through the process and principles by which the 66 books became the Bible. Attention will also be given to the reasons for differences in modern English Bibles and the debate over translations.

Review Paul D. Wegner, The Journey from Texts to Translations.

Suppl.: James White, The King James Only Controversy.

Suppl.: Beacham & Bauder, One Bible Only?

230: God

In this course, the doctrine of the Triune God and God the Father will be covered.

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, I:157-348.

Review Storms, The Grandeur of God, 180p.

231: Jesus Christ

This class covers the person and work of Jesus Christ with special attention given to His deity, His incarnation and humanity and His role in creation.

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, II:91-244.

Review Walvoord, Jesus Christ our Lord, 290p.

232: The Holy Spirit

This class gives the believer a thorough overview of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, including His role in giving spiritual gifts and temporary spiritual gifts.

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, II:245-367.

Review Walvoord, The Holy Spirit, 266p.

240: The Church

This course covers the government, discipline, ordinances, and membership of the church.

Review Saucy, The Church in God s Program, 234p.

240: Theology of Missions

This course develops a Biblical understanding of the missions program that has been entrusted by God to the church in the present age.

Review

250: Church History

A brief survey of church history, including ancient, medieval, Reformation, and modern church history.

Review Cairns, Christianity Through the Centuries, 534p.

251: Fundamentalism & Separation

This course gives a brief overview of the history of the fundamentalist movement and the Biblical doctrines that it upholds, with special attention given to the doctrine of separation, the new evangelicalism, and the conservative evangelical movement.

Review: Machen, Christianity & Liberalism, 180p.

Review: McCune, Promise Unfulfilled, 360p.

Suppl.: Torrey, The Fundamentals, 1470p.

Suppl.: Beale, In Pursuit of Purity, 401p.

Suppl.: Pickering, Tragedy of Compromise, 184p.

260: Theology Survey

Survey of Christian Theology, with attention given to defining different types of theology (e.g., biblical, systematic), and writing a personal doctrinal statement covering all the major areas of theology. The outline of the statement should follow these headings (with particular items to include noted in parentheses):

1.       The Holy Scriptures

2.       The Godhead and God the Father

3.       Jesus Christ

4.       The Holy Spirit

5.       Man

6.       Sin

7.       Salvation

8.       Sanctification

9.       The Church

10.    Angels, Satan, and Demons

11.    Eschatology

Review McCune, Systematic Theology, I:3-34.

Review Ryrie, Basic Theology, 632p.

Review Several church, organizational, and personal doctrinal statements.

270: Salvation

The doctrine of salvation is one of the most important Christian teachings. It will be examined from the reformed, Protestant perspective of the reformers solas: solus Christus, sola fide, sola gratia.

Review Hoekema, Saved by Grace, 256p.

271: Sanctification

This is a course that deals with the Christian doctrine of sanctification, including the role of the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and perseverance.

Review Gundry, Five Views on Sanctification, 237p.

280: Future Things

The doctrine of eschatology is examined from a pre-tribulational, pre-millennial perspective.

Review Pentecost, Things to Come, 583p.

290: Advanced Theology

Pre-requisite: 260: Theology Survey

Lordship salvation; King James Onlyism, Models of the church (emergent, missional, etc.), divorce and remarriage, and other topics will be examined (in different semesters). Assignments will include adding pages to the student s personal doctrinal statement from the prerequisite course.

Review: MacArthur, Faith Works, 261p.

Review: White, King James Only Controversy, 271p.

291: Cults and World Religions

Contrast Biblical Christianty with Jehovah s Witnesses, Mormons, Roman Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism.

Read Portions: Martin, Kingdom of the Cults, 703p.

Practical Christian Living Program

305: Introduction to Christianity

Also known as the Welcome to Fellowship Bible class, this introduces new visitors to the church to our church and to the Christian faith.

306: Church Membership

This class satisfies the steps in the church constitution required before becoming a member of the church.

310: Bible Study Methods

We will cover personal Bible study in this course. Tools and methods to be covered include 10 questions, outlining and diagramming, hermeneutics, nature of language, logic, exegetical fallacies, word studies, use of original language tools and commentaries.

311: Leading a Bible Study

Prerequisite: 310, Bible Study Methods

This course builds upon the Bible study methods in the previous course to prepare the student to lead home or Sunday-school type Bible studies. Emphasis will be on development of Biblically-based lessons and application and on leadership of the study group.

320: Personal Christian Life

Prayer, temptation and sin, assurance of salvation, decision-making and God s will, etc. Believers often struggle with their own assurance of salvation. In this class, the doctrine of assurance and its related doctrines will be covered so that the believer can better understand this struggle and how to be assured of salvation. This course will be helpful to the believer in terms of his decision making and understanding of God s will. The material in this course covers the Bible s teaching on wise decision-making. This class studies the doctrine of prayer throughout the Bible. Many Christians struggle with a certain sin, or face temptations of various types. At times these problems can be oppressive. In this class, we will study the issue from the Bible and learn what relief there is in these areas for the Christian.

Read Bounds, Prayer, 568p.

Review Bunyan, Pilgrim s Progress, 430p.

Review Missionary biography of a well-known missionary like Moody, Taylor, Judson, etc.

Review Friesen, Decision Making , 526p.

321: Premarital Counseling

The prospective husband and wife will meet with Pastor for ten sessions of counseling that will cover all the major topics of concern for a new marriage.

Read Wright and Roberts, Before You Say I Do .

322: The Christian Family

Christian marriage, raising children, family devotions, dating.

323: Developing a Biblical Marriage

The goal of this course is to understand and work on practical expressions of the Biblical truths regariding marriage.

Read

326: Sin and the Body

This class will examine the nexus between physical and spiritual health, with a focus on mental health issues, chronic physical conditions, and the disease model. It will cover such as things as addiction, anger, anxiety, attention deficit disorders, congenital problems, depression, sleep disorders, spiritual development for those with such difficulties, etc.

327: Christian Finance

Finances are one of the most stressful areas in marriage, and can be the cause of great difficulty in the life of a Christian, particularly if bad debt decisions from earlier in life are ongoing. This class will look at finances from a Christian perspective, including credit cards, debt, and investing.

328: Death & Dying

This course covers issues relevant to the believer who is facing his or her later years, such as setting one s affairs in order, planning for nursing home and/or hospice care, and contemporary issues like cremation and euthanasia. It will touch on issues related to the ethics of medical care and end-of-life treatment.

Read: Postiff, Death and Dying Seminar.

370: Church Ministry and Spiritual Gifts

Participation in the ordinances of baptism and the Lord s Supper; discipline, mutual edification. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to each believer by the Lord Jesus Christ. The use of these abilities is something that all Christians need to be involved in, and this course will assist the student in that area.

372: Evangelism and Visitation

This will be a very practical course in doing evangelism and visiting in homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and funeral home settings. Emphasis will be on correct theology working into practice.

Read E. Pickering, Theology of Evangelism, 65p.

Read J. I. Packer, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, 135p.

373: Discipleship Training

This will be a practical discipleship training course, in which we learn and practice the training of a new Christian in the faith.

Read Lacock, Won by One.

374: Music

This class consists of a Biblical study of music and how music should be carried out in the local church ministry.

375: Perspective on Missions

This course offers a Biblical and historical study of missionary efforts around the world.

379: Capstone Project

Substantial project of ministry in the church. This may include coordination of a church activity or ministry, work in the music program, Sunday school teaching, visitation, evangelism, work on the church website, etc.

390: Seminar: Various Topics

Various practical living seminars, from a Christian perspective, including life-skills and issues appropriate for young people.

Christian Leadership Program

410: Office of Deacon

Qualifications, work.

Review Naylor, Baptist Deacon, 138p.

411: Church Finance and Treasury

Issues such as employment, common pitfalls, protecting against fraud, basic church financial structure and alternatives, software, etc.

Read Worth, Worth s Income Tax Guide for Ministers.

Read Richard Hammar, 2010 Church & Clergy Tax Guide, or Dan Busby s Zondervan Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide.

420: Office of Pastor

Qualifications, work, teaching, feeding, leading, challenges. Philosophy of ministry, leadership, and management of the church. Church polity issues.

421: Preparing Sermons

422: Preaching Sermons

422: Biblical Counseling

440: Introduction to Biblical Greek

The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to the Biblical language and help him gain proficiency in the alphabet, pronunciation, using language tools in books and software, and to avoid common mistakes made by novices in the language.

Read: Mounce, Basics of Biblical Greek.

450: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

The purpose of this class is to introduce the student to the Biblical language and help him gain proficiency in the alphabet, pronunciation, using language tools in books and software, and to avoid common mistakes made by novices in the language.

Read: Ross, Introducing Biblical Hebrew.

490: Independent Study

The student will work on an area approved by the pastor for further study and practice.