The Lord has blessed Harvest Bible University with an exceptional group of teachers, so that every class is alive and vibrant. As you look through the course descriptions, you will catch just a glimpse of what you’ll learn in each class; every one is a rich experience in the Living Word.
Schedule
Most classes are held during the evening on weekdays, although some seminars may be held on Saturday. Each class meets once a week. The actual schedule of classes is printed every quarter and may be obtained from your local university office.
The Quarter System
Traditionally, a school year consisted of two semesters. Today, however, many universities have three “quarters” instead of two semesters. Harvest operates on the quarter system, which gives three opportunities for students to start classes each year. There are eleven school weeks in a quarter, for a total of 33 weeks in a typical school year. Each class earns two units of credit per quarter. A full-time load is 12-16 units per quarter. Units of credit are converted between the semester and the quarter systems as follows: One semester unit = 11/2 quarter units. One quarter unit = 2/3 semester unit.
Units per Course
Each course offered earns two units of credit per quarter. There is a number in parentheses after each course description which tells the total number of units offered in that course in a school year. In other words, (2 units) is for a one-quarter class; (4 units) is for a two-quarter class; and (6 units) is for a three-quarter class.
Divisions
The total curriculum at Harvest is divided into groups of 48 units each, which may be completed in one year or longer, depending upon how many units a student takes each quarter. As each group is completed, the student earns a certificate, degree, or diploma to signify completion of that part of the curriculum. Students entering the graduate program will choose whether to major under the School of Theology or the School of Intercultural Studies.
The Lord has blessed Harvest Bible University with an exceptional group of teachers, so that every class is alive and vibrant. As you look through the course descriptions, you will catch just a glimpse of what you’ll learn in each class; every one is a rich experience in the Living Word.
Schedule
Most classes are held during the evening on weekdays, although some seminars may be held on Saturday. Each class meets once a week. The actual schedule of classes is printed every quarter and may be obtained from your local university office.
The Quarter System
Traditionally, a school year consisted of two semesters. Today, however, many universities have three “quarters” instead of two semesters. Harvest operates on the quarter system, which gives three opportunities for students to start classes each year. There are eleven school weeks in a quarter, for a total of 33 weeks in a typical school year. Each class earns two units of credit per quarter. A full-time load is 12-16 units per quarter. Units of credit are converted between the semester and the quarter systems as follows: One semester unit = 11/2 quarter units. One quarter unit = 2/3 semester unit.
Units per Course
Each course offered earns two units of credit per quarter. There is a number in parentheses after each course description which tells the total number of units offered in that course in a school year. In other words, (2 units) is for a one-quarter class; (4 units) is for a two-quarter class; and (6 units) is for a three-quarter class.
Divisions
The total curriculum at Harvest is divided into groups of 48 units each, which may be completed in one year or longer, depending upon how many units a student takes each quarter. As each group is completed, the student earns a certificate, degree, or diploma to signify completion of that part of the curriculum. Students entering the graduate program will choose whether to major under the School of Theology or the School of Intercultural Studies.
TH-116 How to Study the Bible
God has given teachers to the Body of Christ, that we might learn His Word and His ways (Eph. 4:11). Yet He has also called us to study His Word ourselves (Acts 17:11) for our long-term growth in Christ (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If we are to handle it accurately and not be ashamed (2 Tim. 2:15), we need to know how to study it, not just read it casually. This class will show you how to dig out the rich golden nuggets of the Word for yourself. Your whole life will be different from now on as a result of applying the skills you’ll learn in this most enjoyable course. (2 units)
TH-124 Creation, God’s Intelligent Design
The Intelligent Design Movement brings together scientists and others from all different camps who have one thing in common: they recognize that the universe and all of life show purposeful, complex design which could not have happened by chance. In a book published by Cambridge University Press, William Dembski shows “how detecting design within the universe, and especially against the backdrop of biology and biochemistry, unseats naturalism” and, above all, Darwin’s expulsion of design in his theory of evolution. This course will introduce you to many aspects of this movement within the world of science, and additionally confirm that the Bible is the starting point for every field of knowledge. (2 units)
TH-157 The Bible—Did God Really Write it?
This course will thoroughly examine the question of Biblical authorship and accuracy. It will examine how, why, and when the Scriptures were written. It will discuss the issue of essentially literal translations vs. dynamic equivalent attempts at making Scripture easier to read. It will also look at the Holy Spirit’s role in the writing of Scripture, and the Bible’s impact on humanity throughout history. Finally, we will enjoy the sheer fact that literature informs, while the Word of God transforms—and for that remarkable gift of Grace, we are eternally grateful! (2 units)
TH-165 The Power of Blessing
God says that our tongue has the power to create! (Prov. 18:21) Our words can change lives and change the course of history. We will look at 23 blessings found in the Bible. Each blessing is unique and calls down all the forces of heaven to empower you to speak new life and change into existence. We will read each blessing and then ask why it is significant. The “why” will shed light on how we can apply each truth to our lives and more importantly, impart the blessing to others. We will also identify 21 names of God and understand how to use them in blessing others. Finally, there will be an experiential element to this class as we take time to bless one another. This “lab” work will sharpen our skills at making declarations, encouraging others, and praying. (2 units)
TH-202 Hermeneutics—How to Interpret the Bible
How should you interpret the various things you find in the Bible? Would you, for example, cut off your hand, based on Matthew 5:30? Some people, not understanding what a hyperbole is, have done just that. When Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again, Nicodemus pictured a grown person reentering his or her mother’s womb (John 3:1-8), rather than spiritual birth. Certain cults use the Bible to come up with some rather strange things. Worse yet, many post-modern theologians are taking very clear passages and saying they don’t mean what they obviously say. This is a major battleground today, one that began in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3.
So how do you interpret and understand what God is saying in different places in the Bible? This course will teach you the basic principles of biblical interpretation. You will enjoy, understand, and profit more from the Word after taking this course. (2 units)
TH-212 The Power of Prayer
How’s your prayer life? How do you feel about your ability to get answers to prayer? In the twenty-first century, God is emphasizing prayer in an unprecedented manner. In churches throughout the world people are rediscovering the power of prayer to communicate with God and to accomplish His work (Mark 11:23-24). This course may change your life and bring about the vision God has placed in your heart for His kingdom. Come prepared for a new day in your prayer life. (2 units)
TH-214 Intercessory Prayer
God answers prayer. Practically everybody agrees. Yet many things fall to the ground because the prayers of the saints are missing. Evil kingdoms can be brought down and godly ones built up through prayer. The Queen of Scotland once said that she feared the prayers of John Knox more than all the armies of the enemy. Praying Hyde and the intercessors in Britain changed the course of World War II through their intercessory prayers.
Furthermore, prayer is essential to protect Christian leaders and front-line workers, who often get “picked off” by the enemy due to lack of a prayer. And intercessory prayer is vital in healing, as even the American Medical Association reported in its journal. Come and learn how you can be a world changer through effective intercession. (2 units)
TH-217 How to Defend Your Faith
Peter says to sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you. (1 Pet. 3:15a). Yet we have all been “nailed” at times by articulate atheists or crafty cultists who frame their unbelieving questions in such a way that we’re at a loss as to how to answer. This course will prepare you for battle, for the typical, hackneyed arguments and baffling conundrums that will come your way from unbelievers. Your confidence will grow as you gain clear, concise answers to such questions, and the skill to guide the adversary to faith in Christ. (2 units)
TH-218 The Messiah
Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the centerpiece of all history, the “desire of all nations” (Hag. 2:7), has come. And He will soon come again, and from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty (Rev. 19:15). In this practical course you will learn the prophecies that He fulfilled so you can witness right out of the Old Testament. And you will learn how to know and present Him in power to the world today—the world that will soon witness His mighty return to rule and reign. An incredible course. (2 units)
TH-237 Christian History
Christianity continued to expand after the Book of Acts closed, but it also became increasingly institutional after the first century. By the year 500, all the freshness and spiritual power of the church in Acts had been thoroughly expunged and only a shell of formal religion seemed to be left.
The church entered the Middle Ages for the next 1,000 years, a period of relative dormancy spiritually, and often-corrupt institutionalism. Though there were a few lights here and there, darkness was commonplace. There is much we can learn from this season of the church’s history, to guide us away from the ruinous patterns that led to the loss of the vitality of the early church, and back to its freshness.
Peter said that heaven must receive [Jesus] until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time (Acts 3:21). With the Protestant Reformation all things began to be restored to the church, starting with basic issues, such as salvation by grace through faith, the Bible for everyone, the priesthood of all believers, and more. Beginning with Martin Luther 500 years ago, lost ground from the church in Acts has been steadily regained, until today we see nearly everything in the New Testament happening in the church around the world.
Now, with the vast expansion of the church worldwide—and fulfillment of the Great Commission in every people group on earth within reach—the church has entered its greatest moment, sensing the imminent return of her Lord. This course will take you through the great revivals right up to today, in the ongoing saga of the church of Jesus Christ. (6 units)
TH-238 Twentieth Century Revivals
Over half of all the people who have ever lived on the earth are alive today. And more than half of all the believers that have ever lived are alive right now. God moved more mightily in revivals in the 20th century more than ever before in history. You will be excited as you learn the things He has done in recent decades and is doing in the world today. Come take this course to build your faith and to learn how you can get into revival today! (2 units)
TH-239 Early American Revivals
The Pilgrims came to America, planted a cross on the shore, and asked God to found a nation from which the Gospel would go to the entire world. God honored their prayer and today, most of the one billion Christians in the world trace their heritage to missionaries from America. Indeed, America is far more religious than any other developed nation in the world. Why? As President Coolidge said, “America was born in a revival of religion.” God caused many miraculous revivals in the early days of this nation, and you will be thrilled as you see His mighty hand sweep across the nation time and again. Exciting stories; fantastic course. (2 units)
TH-240 Frontier Revivals & the Wild West
During the 1800s revival broke out like wildfire in America, especially on the frontier. The result was the formation of a Christian-based nation from which the Gospel went out to the whole world to such an extent that most of the people in heaven today, from all of human history, can trace their roots to the revivals that spread in the U.S. beginning in the 1800s and then kept on going around the world. You will catch the fire yourself in this course as you experience the mighty moves of God brought to life. Become a contagious carrier of the Gospel and spread the light. (2 units)
TH-247 The Powerful Holy Spirit
Throughout the book of Acts the Holy Spirit leads the way in the spread of the Gospel (Acts 1:8; 16:6-10). Today, He is still commander-in-chief of “God’s army,” the militant church of God engaged in evangelizing every creature in the world to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). He is the One who clothes believers with power from on high (Acts 1:8) and performs mighty acts to convince nonbelievers that Jesus is Lord.
Missionaries have long known the need for God to display Himself as more powerful than heathen gods in showdowns (Acts 13:5-12). But, today even “civilized” people are more concerned with power than truth, so that demonstrations of the power of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit are needed now more than ever. In this class you will learn how to minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. (2 units)
TH-248 The Holy Spirit in Luke & Acts
God the Holy Spirit has consistently revealed Himself throughout the Old and New Testaments. The narratives of the third Gospel and the Book of Acts wonderfully demonstrate the ministry and activities of the Holy Spirit. Luke, the author of these two narratives also brings a rich history, unique perspective, and deep understanding of the Holy Spirit as revealed in the Old Testament. We will be reading through the books of Luke and Acts, looking at some general themes common to both books, and giving special attention to the activities of the Holy Spirit. We will learn the setting of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We will see how His activities are the fulfillment of God’s promises and covenants in the Old Testament. We will discover the nature of the Holy Spirit as a member of the Triune God, and how Luke uses symbols to narrate the activities of God the Holy Spirit. Finally, we will consider Jesus’ mission and the church’s commission as the centerpiece of Luke and Acts. (2 units)
TH-258 How Christianity Changed the World
Why did the West pull ahead of the rest of the world by the end of the Middle Ages? Typical secular explanations cite the West’s superior geography, commerce, or technology. Completely overlooked is the fact that faith in reason, rooted in Christianity’s commitment to rational theology, made all these developments possible. Christianity and its related institutions are directly responsible for the most significant intellectual, political, scientific, and economic breakthroughs of the past thousand years. This sweeping, multifaceted survey will take you from the Old World to the New, from the past to the present, overturning along the way not only centuries of prejudiced scholarship but the anti-religious bias of our own time. What we most admire about our world—scientific progress, democratic rule, free commerce—is due to Christianity. Knowing these things will make witnessing easier because of the perspectives you’ll learn in this class. (2 units)
TH-262 Systematic Theology
The Bible is our rock of truth, the first and foremost source of information and revelation that God has given us in this world. Without it we would be at the mercy of everyone’s opinion vs. our own. Who could know truth? In the Bible God has given us all the foundational truth we need to know, from which we can reason out other issues not specifically covered in the Bible.
Systematic Theology is the study of all that God says in His Word about the most important areas of truth, such as the nature of God Himself, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, heaven, hell, the church, prophecy, and so on. It takes each of the most important areas and outlines the teachings of the Bible on that doctrine. It is an unusually exciting course, because you suddenly see what the whole Bible teaches on each doctrine so clearly that it practically jumps out at you. You’ll grow in your faith and in your relationship with God as a result of taking this course, and your whole life will be better and more stable.
The subjects covered are Bibliology, Theology Proper, Christology, Pneumatology, Angelology, Demonology, Anthropology, Hamartiology, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. (6 units)
TH-264 God’s Characteristics (Attributes)
God is the most wonderful Person in the universe! To experience Him is to find everything you’ve ever wanted and more. Just one touch from Him fills you with joy and life in a way nothing else possibly can.
As a result, the enemy of our souls is busy creating lies about God, trying to get us to believe awful things about Him. But truth is more powerful. If you take this course, you will come to truly know God in a way you never dreamed possible. And as a result, many problems in your life will simply go away. Come for the blessing of your life! (4 units)
TH-306 The Second Coming of Christ
One day the trumpet will sound and the world as we know it will end. Jesus Christ will appear in the sky and every eye will see Him coming with great power and glory. The greatest event in history—coming soon to your world! Are you ready? Now is the time to get ready. This course will electrify you and prepare you for the most important day in your life and in history. Jesus Christ is coming again, this time as King of kings and Lord of lords. (2 units)
TH-317 The Truth Project
In a recent study, the Barna Research Group revealed a stunning statistic that continues to reverberate throughout the evangelical world: Only nine percent of professing Christians have a biblical worldview. Because of this, today’s believers live very similarly to non-believers. A personal sense of significance is rarely experienced, we spend our money and time on things that fail to satisfy, and we begin to wonder what life’s ultimate purpose really is. We are, in short, losing our bearings as a people and a nation. To counter this slide within the body of Christ, Focus on the Family has launched one of the most ambitious and powerful projects in the history of its ministry—The Truth Project. The Truth Project is a video-based, small group curriculum comprising 12 one-hour lessons taught by Dr. Del Tackett. This study is the starting point for looking at life from a biblical perspective. Each lesson discusses in great detail the relevance and importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life. (2 units)
TH-350 Biblical Typology—Connecting the Dots
A type (from the Greek word typos, meaning “impression, model, or image”) is a person, event, or institution in the redemptive history of the Old Testament that prefigures a corresponding but greater reality in the New Testament. In other words, type is a copy, pattern, or model that signifies a greater reality. The greater reality to which a type points, and in which it finds its fulfillment, is referred to as an antitype. For example, the Temple was a type, and Jesus Christ is the antitype, for Jesus referred to Himself as being greater than the Temple (Matt. 12:6. Further, Jesus is the greatest antitype of them all, and the entire Old Testament points to Him. After all, Jesus is the Word of God.
In this course, we will “connect the dots” between Old Testament types and New Testament antitypes. As we connect these dots, we will see an amazing and beautiful tapestry that God has put together to show us the fullness of His truth and revelation. In fact, understanding typology is a big key in understanding the Bible and God’s ways. We will learn how to understand and interpret these types, how they are fulfilled, and why they are so important for understanding the whole breadth and scope of God’s Word, from Genesis to Revelation. Let’s connect the dots together! (2 units)
TH-367 The Atonement
This course will thoroughly explain the reason for and the power behind the single source of both physical and inner healing today—the atoning sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and how full knowledge of that can lead to a freedom in Christ that you never dreamed possible.
We will study the atonement by focusing on the Cross and the nine exchanges that Jesus offers there. We will also examine the topic of deliverance and remove any fear of it, since it is a necessary phase of God’s transforming and renewing of our minds. Finally, you will enjoy the by-product of this atonement: Total freedom in becoming what God intended you to be in Christ! (2 units)
TH-382 Understanding Jesus’ Parables
A parable is a story which points out a moral lesson. Stories are extremely effective in communicating Biblical truths to a postmodern generation. The parables of Christ are the very Word of God given in everyday illustrations for that audience, such as farming, fishing, servanthood, people groups, shepherding, etc. However, they were only understandable to those who had eyes to see and ears to hear. No one was ever better than Jesus at getting through pretense to reality. In this course we will find the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven within the parables of Christ and be better prepared to live them out and share them with others. And, as Jesus promised to those of us who study these parables, we will have a rich abundance of His grace and wisdom. We will examine 22 parables in five categories: parables of the kingdom, parables of salvation, parables of wisdom and folly, parables of the Christian life, and parables of judgment. (2 units)
TH-419 How to Handle the Cults
We live in an age of unprecedented openness to the gospel. Hunger for spiritual reality has never been greater. Yet pseudo-Christian cults often get to the hungry people first. These cults claim to follow the Bible, but in reality deny salvation through the Cross of Jesus Christ alone, substituting instead salvation through their group and activities or works. So what do you do when people you know get into one of these groups? How do you witness to people who are in the cults? These and many other questions are answered in this practical course, preparing you for the encounters you are sure to have. (2 units)
TH-424 Understanding World Religions
Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and other world religions are rapidly increasing in the United States and are on the verge of flexing their muscles in a way that will shock traditional American Christians. What is the attraction of these groups? How can we relate to each of them? How do we handle people caught in their web? This class will look at the beliefs and practices of each of the major religions with an emphasis on strategies for winning them to Christ. (2 units)
TH-430 Understanding Islam
Since 9/11 Islam has been one of the hottest topics in the world. And rightfully so. Islam and Christianity are locked in mortal combat for the human race. We can no longer ignore Islam, but must understand it if we are going to effectively reach these people and the ones they are evangelizing. This course will be a shocker and an eye-opener. Very informative. Don’t miss it! (2 units)
TH-434 The Kingdom of God
A common thread throughout the Scripture is the reign of God over all His creation, often referred to as the kingdom of God. It is both present and future, earthly and heavenly, personal and corporate, total and yet disputed. We are in a battle to bring the reality of God’s rule into the lives of people and of society, for Christ taught us to pray, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
Understanding the kingdom of God will help us bring its reality to the streets and neighborhoods of the city, pushing back the kingdom of darkness that reigns there in so many ways today. This is a strategic course in taking our cities for Christ. (2 units)
TH-439 Spiritual Warfare
The Bible teaches that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). It also says that though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses (2 Cor. 10:3-4).
To bring down the fortresses or “strongholds” of the city (crime, drugs, violence, poverty, discrimination, demonic control, abuse, and so on) requires adeptness in spiritual warfare, not just social and spiritual programs. This course will teach the basics of effectively engaging the enemy in spiritual warfare and prevailing. (2 units)
TH-440 Demonology
Studying demonology will help us understand and discover the strategies that Satan and his demons use against Christians. We know that Satan has always used various schemes to hinder Christians and halt the advance of the kingdom of God. Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 2:11, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. And 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
Scripture says we have a very dangerous enemy who is plotting new ways to stop us every day and to make us think we cannot prevail against him. However, God tells us in His Word that even if we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we should not fear evil because He is with us (Psalm 23:4). In this course you will learn how to recognize the work of the enemy and use biblical resources to overcome it.
TH-454 Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
This course will present the biblical perspective of God’s abiding purpose that His people participate with Him in bringing His redemptive rule to all peoples of the earth. It will present the historical perspective of the progress and continuity of the Christian movement in world history; the cultural perspective on crucial issues of cross-cultural communication and service; and finally, the strategic perspective on understanding an overall strategy of reaching the world’s unreached through evangelism, church planting, relief, development, going, sending, and prayer. (2 units)
TH-459 Challenge of Islam
Islam today claims over one billion adherents. Every one of them is a person for whom Jesus died on the Cross. Islam denies that salvation comes through Jesus, and yet Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me (John 14:6). This means that God, Who is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) wants us to win them to Christ, lest they be lost for eternity. On top of that, Islam believes that it is its mission to wipe out Christianity, even if violence is required. This course will consider the dual challenge of winning Muslims to Christ, and facing the determination of Islam to take over the world. (2 units)
TH-476 Rethinking Missions in the 21st Century
It’s time to rethink how we do missions. God created every person and every ethnic group in the world. Missions is not about spreading a religion but rather bringing the kingdom of God into every group of people in the world. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You (Psalm 67:3). Jesus taught us to pray, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). When we approach missions as bringing the kingdom of God into each group or person we evangelize powerful things begin to happen. (2 units)
TH-485 Pauline Theology
Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 1:1-3).
Pauline Theology is the study of the life and doctrine of the apostle Paul, the writer of 13 books of the New Testament and the one who said, Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). As we look at the life and doctrine of the Apostle Paul, we will spend time properly interpreting his teachings and understanding how they fit into theology as a whole. We will then ask some serious questions about how these things apply to our lives. Theology is not just something we learn, it is something we live! (2 units)
TH-505 God the Father (Theology Proper)
Theology Proper, sometimes called Paterology (which means the study of the Father), is the area of Christian theology that investigates what the Bible teaches regarding God the Father. This course is an in-depth study of the person of God the Father, His existence, His attributes, and His works, from the Bible and the creation. Very refreshing. (2 units)
TH-510 Christology
Jesus Christ, the greatest person who has ever lived. More books and songs have been written about Him than anyone in history—by far. This course is a complete study of Jesus Christ: His person and His work as the Messiah, the Anointed One. An exciting course. (2 units)
TH-515 Pneumatology
As you may have noticed in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is the power of the Church and the Christian life (Acts 1:8). In fact, Jesus said it was actually better that He leave us and return to heaven so we could have the Holy Spirit! This course is a thorough study of the person and work of God the Holy Spirit with a special emphasis on His ministry from the New Testament era onward. (2 units)
TH-517 Soteriology—Doctrine of Salvation
In this course we will look at the biblical teachings on foreknowledge, predestination, faith, grace, election, calling, regeneration, conversion, justification, adoption, sanctification, baptism, perseverance, glorification, and more.
We will talk about sin and how God delivers us, how He sees us, and what happens to a person when they are saved.
Some of the biggest questions that typically arise in this class are: Can you lose your salvation? Does God choose some people for heaven and some people for hell? How can I know if I am truly born again? How were people saved before Jesus came? What happens to someone if they never hear the gospel? What is true repentance? What does it really mean to be a child of God? What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? How do I grow in my faith? Will I sin less and less as I mature in Christ? How do I really walk in holiness? Can someone be saved by their good works? What really gets someone into heaven? Why do I keep doubting my salvation? How can I have assurance? We will look deeply at these subjects, get a biblical understanding on what they mean, and apply them to our everyday lives. (2 units)
TH-518 Hamartiology
Hamartiology deals with how sin originated, how it affects humanity, and what it will result in after death. To sin essentially means to “miss the mark.” We all miss God’s mark of righteousness (Rom. 3:23). Hamartiology, then, explains why we miss the mark, how we miss the mark, and the consequences of missing the mark. Some important questions in Hamartiology are: What is the definition of sin? Did we all inherit sin from Adam and Eve? Are all sins equal to God? How can I know if something is a sin? How do we overcome temptation and sin?
Before we can understand salvation, we must first understand why we need salvation. That is where Hamartiology comes in. It explains that we are all sinners. It shows us why God must condemn us for our sins. Hamartiology points to the solution for sin—the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we truly come to grips with our sinful natures, we begin to fathom the depth and breadth of the nature of our great God who, on the one hand, condemns sinners to hell in righteous judgment, then, on the other hand, satisfies His own requirement for perfection through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus. Only when we understand the depth of sin can we understand the height of God’s love for sinners. (2 units)
TH-522 Bibliology—The Doctrine of the Word of God
Bibliology helps us understand what the Bible is and shows us why it is truly God’s Word. God has spoken to us and shown His will to us through His written Word. By the end of this course we will all have a greater appreciation for the Bible, a greater confidence and trust in God’s Word, and a greater love and understanding of God Himself, for the Bible is truly God’s love letter to us! Here is what we will study.
The Canon of Scripture: What belongs in the Bible and what does not belong? How do we know that what we have today is the actual Canon of Scripture? The Authority of Scripture: Is the Bible God’s Word? How do we know? (We will look at manuscript evidence, copyist practices, oral culture, internal and external evidence, the science of textual criticism, archaeological confirmation, Dead Sea Scrolls, and prophetic fulfillment). The Inerrancy of Scripture: Is the Bible really without error? The Clarity of Scripture: Can the Bible be understood by all believers? The Necessity of Scripture: For what purpose is the Bible necessary? Can someone know God without His Word? The Sufficiency of Scripture: Is the Bible enough for knowing what God wants us to think and do? Bible Translations: Which ones are the most accurate? The Interpretation of Scripture: How do we properly interpret the Bible? (2 units)
TH-525 Ecclesiology—Doctrine of the Church
The church is the community of all true believers for all time, and God gave Jesus as head over all things to the church (Eph. 1:22). The church is so precious to Jesus that He calls it His “bride” and so very much bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh that He calls it His “body.” For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Eph. 5:31-32). The church is made of all those who are saved. Jesus said, I will build My church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it (Matt. 16:18). The church that Jesus will build and protect is the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph. 1:23).
Ecclesiology is the branch of systematic theology where we study the Church of Jesus Christ in all its detail. In this course we will be looking in depth at the following aspects of the Church: What is necessary to make a local church? How can we recognize a true church? What is the purpose and function of the church? How can we have unity in the church? What makes a church that is pleasing in God’s sight? How should church discipline function? What kind of authority does the church have? How should a church be governed? What are the offices or leadership roles in the church? What are the different activities in the life of the church? Why is church attendance and participation important for every believer? What is the meaning of baptism? What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper and how should it be observed? What is worship and how should we worship in the church? What do the Bible, church history and the Church Fathers teach us about how church should function today? (2 units)
TH-527 Eschatology—Unraveling the End Times
End Times Prophecy, the Signs of the End, the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Apostasy, the False Prophet, the One World Order, the Abomination of Desolation, the Great Tribulation, the 144,000, the End Times Babylon, the Last Days Martyrs, the Second Coming of Christ, the Millennium, the Lake of Fire, the Great White Throne Judgment, the Lamb’s Book of Life, the New Jerusalem . . . and where does America fit into all this, if at all? Where do you fit in? Shouldn’t we just be doing the work of ministry and not worry about all this? Is it just symbolic or literal? Will we be here during the Tribulation period? Didn’t a lot of this already happen in the first century? Where are we in the prophet timetable? Hasn’t every generation before us thought they were going to see all of this? Where does the church fit into all of this? How about our Jewish friends? Can I really figure all this out or is it just meant to be difficult to understand?
We’ll tie together the Old Testament Prophets with the words of Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John to unravel each piece. When the class is over you will have clarified what you understand and solidified what you believe, and that belief will empower you and take you to a new level of ministry and zeal for what is coming soon. May God get all the glory. (2 units)
TH-536 Theology of Church Growth
A study of the theological foundations of church growth theory, along with a critique of the (often pragmatic) practice of growth methods among churches today. (2 units)
TH-545 Supernatural Phenomena in the City
Many recalcitrant urban problems, as well as most of the “points of light,” involve unseen forces. This course delves into issues of discerning and appropriately responding to such forces. (2 units)
