Through lectures and assignments, students learn to use the primary principles of proper interpretation of God’s Word, along with proven methods of Biblical research. The class provides a sol id foundation for the student who desires to do independent theological study, and it helps him evaluate various theological opinions he might encounter to see if they are hermeneutically sound. Step-by-step procedures for maximum efficiency and logical conclusions in study are learned and practiced. 2 credits. Prerequisite: one semester.

An introduction to New Testament manuscripts, textual criticism, and English Bible translations. The fact filled portion of the class devoted to manuscripts and textual criticism acquaints the student with all of the major New Testament Greek manuscripts (their discovery, date, content, relative reliability, etc.) and the basic principles by which the original reading of the Greek text has been established. A brief survey of Greek texts from Erasmus through the newest revision of the United Bible Societies text is included. The history of the English Bible is presented with special attention to the King James Version and the English translations which preceded it. The student learns what distinguishes committee translations from individual ones, while looking at the pros and cons of literal, idiomatic, expanded, limited vocabulary, and paraphrased Bibles. Under guidance of the instructor, students spend class time evaluating a large number of individual New Testament verses in each of over fifty translations, ranking each Bible according to its faithfulness and accuracy in rendering what the Greek text actually says (only undisputed passages are selected for evaluation). Having completed this course, the student feels confidently familiar with every English translation he will ever encounter in his ministry, and is able to intelligently evaluate new translations published in later years.

Provides theological teaching and practical guidance on the subjects of the spiritual gifts and the governmental offices of the church. After carefully defining each gift, the instructor cites Scriptural instances and fascinating modern day examples of the various gifts in operation. The student is taught many principles of seeking, receiving, evaluating, and ministering the gifts. The office and duties of an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher, elder, and deacon are studied from their beginning in the early church to their relevancy and function in the present and future move of God. The curriculum also includes: explanations of visions, trances, and dreams; how to judge the utterance gifts of tongues, interpretation, and prophecy; each member’s personal responsibility to the Body of Christ; and an examination of past and present errors and excesses in the use of God’s gift ministries.

This course is a practical and anointed set of lectures on the purpose and power of prayer, The class examines the questions: Why pray if God loves us and already knows our needs? Why pray aloud? Why be much in prayer? Why pray in other tongues? Why pray in English? What type of prayers are and are not answered, and why? And what do these terms mean: prevailing prayer, travailing prayer, intercessory prayer? The instructor explains pitfalls to avoid, principles to live and pray by, and explains many Bible perspectives. The students read the prayers of men and women of the Bible and analyze the situation, the prayers, and the results. The instructor presents portions of the biographies of men in recent times who had power with God through prayer.

A practical study of soul-winning which stresses God’s calling for His people to witness to the lost. The instructor gives key Scripture references designed to meet the majority of common objections to the Gospel as well as excuses for rejecting Christ Jesus as Savior. Other topics discussed are: how and what to pray for when praying for someone to receive Christ, do’s and don’ts of witnessing, overcoming barriers in home witnessing, what to say when asked about those who have had no opportunity to hear the Gospel, open doors for witnessing, being led of the Holy Spirit, tailoring your witnessing to each individual, and successes of notable soulwinners.