Course schedule

Courses Available At the time of printing, the following courses are available to be taken through Lifetime Learning.

*TH 301 Systematic Theology I is a prerequisite to TH 302 Systematic Theology II.

**Bible Doctrines I and II may not be taken during the same session.

Course Descriptions

BI 101. Old Testament Survey: Law and History - 3 hours
A survey of the Old Testament books of law (Genesis through Deuteronomy) and history (Joshua though Esther), emphasizing introduction, canonical context, theme, content, chronology, and other subjects pertinent to Biblical narrative literature. Required of all students, ordinarily during the freshman year.              

BI 103. New Testament Survey: Epistles and Revelation - 3 hours
A survey of the epistles of the New Testament (Pauline and General) and the book of Revelation.  Emphasis will be places on such matters as authorship, setting and purpose, themes, content, doctrine, and practical application.  Required of all students, ordinarily during the sophomore or junior years.          

BI110.  Introduction to Biblical Studies - 2 hours

Provides a basic introduction to principles foundational for Biblical study.  The course examines the doctrines of inspiration and canon and discusses principles of Biblical interpretation as well as transmission and translation of the Biblical text.  It also provides necessary Biblical background information for the student including geography, chronology, history, culture, and doctrinal development.                

BI125.  Evangelism and Discipleship - 3 hours
A Biblical study of the basics of the Christian life, designed to help students understand what it means to be Christ’s disciple, with primary attention given to such things as authenticity, cost, and the rewards of discipleship.  Substantial time is spent discussing the methods, message, and means of personal evangelism, including the memorization of useful Biblical passages and attention to typical errors and difficulties faced by soul-winners.  Other key topics include the disciple’s conversion, spirituality, worship, integrity, speech, thought life, stewardship, and witness. 

BI 203. Old Testament Survey: Poetry and Prophecy - 3 hours
A survey of the Old Testament books of poetry and wisdom (Job through Song of Solomon) and prophecy (Isaiah through Malachi), emphasizing introduction, canonical context, theme and content, chronology, and other subjects pertinent to Hebrew poetry and to wisdom and prophetic literature.  Required of all students, ordinarily during the sophomore year.          

BI 206. New Testament Survey: Gospels and Acts - 3 hours
A survey of the four gospel accounts of the New Testament, including (1) the political, social, and cultural background of first century Palestine and the New Testament era; (2) the religious climate of the day, especially with regard to Judaism; (3) the chronological setting for the gospel events; and (4) introductory issues involved in the study of the gospels, including authorship, date of writing, purpose and theme, and content with particular focus upon the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as portrayed by the gospel writers. The course also provides a survey of the book of Acts focusing on (1) the growth of the early church, (2) the life and ministry of the apostle Paul, and (3) introductory issues involved in the study of the book of Acts including date, purpose, themes, and content.  Required of all students, ordinarily during the freshman year.           

BI 400. Isaiah - 3 hours
An inductive study of the background and message of the prophecy of Isaiah. Matters of introduction include an overview of the prophetic office, authorship, date, integrity, and setting for the book. Analysis of the book's content focuses on exegesis and treatment of key themes, notably Isaiah's messianic revelation. Geared toward helping the student make significant application of the text's message to the ongoing process of spiritual formation. Prerequisite: BI 203.         

BI 405. Christ in the Old Testament - 2 hours
An inductive analysis of predictive Old Testament material dealing with the person and work of Messiah. Areas addressed include key Old Testament Christological passages; methods of interpreting prophecy, typology, and Christophanies; Messianic titles; and the history of Old Testament Christological interpretation.  Prerequisite: BI 203.         

BI 450. The Book of Psalms - 3 hours
Two concurrent modules of study. On one level, the student receives guidance through an inductive analysis of various model psalms. Secondly, through this inductive study, the student is introduced to significant features in the study of Psalms as a whole, including important themes, introductory matters, special interpretive problems, and the relationship of the Psalter to the entire Old Testament. Also receiving special attention are the literary composition of the Psalms and the devotional and practical application of the Psalms to the student's needs. Prerequisite: BI 203.          

PS/PT 360. Christian Counseling - 3 hours

Acquaints the student with basic principles involved in Christian counseling, with attention to Biblical principles involved, the place of counseling in the local church, and problems facing the pastor and others as they attempt to help people through counseling.  The student develops an understanding of counseling philosophy, skills, and technique appropriate to a local church setting.             

SS 310. Marriage and the Family - 3 hours
Analyzes the personal, cultural, and religious factors that contribute to a successful marriage, with special attention to the premarital period and the early stages of marriage. Child-rearing and the responsibilities of parenthood are of particular concern. A variety of resources will be examined. Special attention will be given to the teachings of Scripture. The course is designed to meet needs of college students as well as to provide them with information and resources for ministry to others.          

TH 206, 207. Bible Doctrines - 2 hours each course

A Bibilical study of ten essential doctrines of the Christian faith - the Bible, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, man, salvation, the Christian life, the church, angels, and last things. Attention is given to the doctrinal material in the Free Will Baptist Treatise. The student is helped to gain an understanding of these doctrines so as to reflect in daily life, the Biblical passages from which they come.            

TH 301, 302. Systematic Theology I and II - 5 hours first semester and 3 hours second semester
A topical study of the whole of Christian truth, using any and all sources of truth but primarily the Bible, with a view of seeing the parts as making up an integrated and harmonious whole, resulting in a Christian worldview. The fall semester deals with prolegomena, bibliology, theology, angelology and anthropology. The spring semester deals with Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology.
  

TH310 Christian Ethics - 3 hours
An Interdisciplinary study of Christian ethics from the perspectives of Biblical and Systematic Theology.  A Biblically-based approach to the Christian value system, founded on the centrality and authority of the Bible, the nature of man, and the doctrine of sin and redemption. The structure of thought built upon this foundation includes attention to basic values, basic relationships, and the basic New Covenant principles.  Contemporary worldview systems, as well as historic philosophies which have impacted contemporary ethics are examined in light of Biblical teachings.