Biblical Studies Courses
Bible Courses
(click here to jump down to Theology Courses)
BT 102 - Old Testament Survey 1 (3 credits)
A survey of the books of the Old Testament covering the period from Creation through the Davidic monarchy. Attention will be given to the distinctive message and major features of each book with an emphasis on the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic Covenants as they pertain to God's purposes for Israel and the world.
BT 104 - Old Testament Survey 2 (3 credits)
A survey of the books of the Old Testament covering the period from Solomon through the post-exilic prophets. Attention will be given to the distinctive message and major features of each book with an emphasis on the events leading up to Israel's captivity, as interpreted by the prophets, and on the nation's return from exile. Special consideration will be given to the prophetic expression of hope with respect to Israel's future.
BT 106 - New Testament Survey (3 credits)
An overview of the New Testament, including an emphasis on the distinctive message, historical setting, and theological contribution of each book. Geographical and archaeological support for each book is also considered.
BT 110 - Christian Life and Bible Study Methods (3 credits)
An introduction to the principles, methods, and practice of inductive Bible study. This course also focuses on the spiritual disciplines of the Christian life, with attention to the doctrine of sanctification and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
BT/CE 115/116 - Biblical Discipleship (2/3 credits)
A study of Christ's teaching methodology and content in the making of biblical disciples as recorded in the Gospels. Special attention is given to the marks or characteristics that Christ requires of all his disciples. Guidelines for application of these principles of biblical discipleship to present-day experience and relationships form an integrated portion of the course.
BT/CE 210 - Biblical Church Leadership (1 credit)
Various church leadership models will be reviewed for the purpose of evaluating each against the Bible through exegetical studies of key passages. The course is designed to help the student understand and appreciate the roles of leaders in the local church and prepare them to serve and/or lead.
BT 215-219 - The Pentateuch
BT 215 - Genesis (3 credits)
A study of the book of Genesis with a view to understanding its significance; contextually, as written for the Israelites preparing to enter their new life in the land of Canaan; historically, as the book of the beginnings of the physical world and of the inhabited world; theologically, as the purposes of God for His creation were revealed and the actions of God were inserted into the world's history to bring about His purpose of redemption; and devotionally, in applying the principles of godliness seen in the ways of God in relation to the people and events of the time.
BT 216 - Exodus (3 credits)
An inductive study of the book of Exodus with a focus on Israel's creation and its subsequent entering into a covenant with God by which He constituted the nation as His special people and communicated the nation's missionary mandate. Attention will be given to the historical and theological contexts of the book, the nature of the Mosaic covenant, its relationship to the Abrahamic covenant, the special features of Law, and the meaning of the Tabernacle.
BT 217 - Numbers (3 credits)
A study of the book of Numbers with a view to understanding its historical context, theology, and application for today.
BT 219 - Deuteronomy (3 credits)
A study of the Book of Deuteronomy with a view to understanding its historical context, theology and application for today. Particular emphasis is placed on the significance of Deuteronomy as a covenant document between Yahweh and Israel and the book's impact on the rest of the Hebrew canon.
BT/CS 225 - Computer-Assisted Bible Study/Computers in Ministry (3 credits)
In this course, students will learn the principles of applying the power and speed of computer technology to the tasks associated with Scriptural studies, concurrent searches of multiple extra-biblical sources, access to Internet-based study resources, and so on. Applications in the Computers in Ministry segment of the course will include an introduction to world- wide telecommunications using the Internet for witnessing and communications with the mission field, the use of computers in music ministries taking advantage of different electronic musical standards (MIDI, MP3, etc.), accessing web resources as they apply to missions, publication technologies, church administration, preparation of sermon materials and handouts, children's ministries, and so on. Pre-requisite: CS 101 Fundamental Computer Literacy.
BT 230-232 - Synoptic Gospels
BT 230 - MatThew (3 credits)
A detailed study of the Gospel of Matthew with particular attention given to the distinctive message of Matthew, his argument, his theology, and the lessons that are to be learned for the church today.
BT 231 - Mark (3 credits)
A detailed study of the Gospel of Mark with particular attention given to the distinctive message of Mark, his argument, his theology, and the lessons that are to be learned for the church today.
BT 232 - Luke (3 credits)
A detailed study of the Gospel of Luke with particular attention given to the distinctive message of Luke, his argument, his theology, and the lessons that are to be learned for the church today.
BT 235 - Johannine Literature (3 credits)
A detailed exposition of the Gospel of John and the three epistles of John. Special attention is given to John's doctrinal emphases.
BT 236 - First Corinthians (3 credits)
An exposition of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians with careful attention being paid to the argument of the book, its problem passages, and its contribution to New Testament church practices.
BT 237 - Galatians (3 credits)
A detailed exposition of Paul's letter to the Galatians refuting legalism and licentiousness. Special emphasis is given to applying biblical liberty to daily Christian living.
BT 239 - Prison Epistles (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse exposition of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon with special attention given to the argument, theology, and problem passages of each epistle.
BT 240 - Thessalonians (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse exposition of Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians with special attention given to the eschatology (Rapture, Day of the Lord) of the epistles and the practical ramifications of that eschatology.
BT 247 - Life of Christ (3 credits)
A detailed study in the life of Christ. The chronological and geographical aspects of the Lord's ministry will be stressed as He offers the Kingdom to Israel with its subsequent rejection. A term project tracing the geographical and chronological movement is required.
BT/GEO 278/279 - Bible Geography (3/4 credits)
A study of the major geographic features of the land of Israel with particular attention paid to how these features impacted specific events of biblical history. The goal is to help students become thoroughly familiar with the land on which the history of the Bible unfolded. A fourth credit can be earned if the student participates in the study tour to Israel. May be used as a social science elective.
BT 301-303 - Bible Research Paper (1-3 credits)
The student may pursue a subject area within the Biblical Studies field under the guidance of a member of the Biblical Studies faculty. The student will do upper-level research and write a thesis of at least 10,000 words. With special permission a student may write a shorter paper for less credit
- BT 301 minimum length: 3000 words = 1 credit
- BT 302 minimum length: 6500 words = 2 credits
- BT 303 minimum length: 10,000 words = 3 credit
BT 324 - Daniel/Revelation (4 credits)
An integrated exposition of the Old Testament Book of Daniel and the New Testament Book of Revelation is made from the futurist and pre-millennial perspective. Alternate interpretations are considered. Pre-requisite: BT 104 Old Testament Survey 1 & BT 106 New Testament Survey.
BT 334 - Acts/Paul (3 credits)
A study of the expansion of the church from Jerusalem to the whole Mediterranean area. Special emphasis will be given to church principles, transitional problems, and missionary principles. The character and work of Paul is enlarged to include details from his writings.
BT 335 - Romans (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse exposition of the Epistle to the Romans with careful attention paid to the development of the argument of the book, the authorship, recipients, occasion, purpose, and theology of the epistle. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 336 - Second Corinthians (3 credits)
A detailed study of 2 Corinthians with particular attention given to the argument and the theology of the book. Practical lessons that are to be learned for the church today will also be emphasized.
BT 342 - Pastoral Epistles (3 credits)
An expository study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus with a special concentration on I Timothy. Emphasis will be placed on interpretive problems as well as the theological and practical relevance of the Pastoral Epistles for church life and Christian living. Prerequisite: BT 106 New Testament Survey
BT 344 - Hebrews (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews with careful attention paid to the development of the argument of the book. Emphasis is placed on the superiority of Christ to Judaism, and special attention is given to the warning passages.
BT 346 - General Epistles (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse exposition of the Epistles of James, Peter, and Jude, with an analysis of the major themes of each book.
BT 361-364 - Old Testament Poetic Literature
BT 361 - Job/Ecclesiastes (3 credits)
An interactive exposition of the messages of the Books of Job and Ecclesiastes with special consideration of each one's contribution to the canon, emphasizing their relevance to the believer's spiritual life. Attention will be given to the nature of Hebrew poetry and wisdom literature, to the history of interpretation of these two books, and to various interpretive issues.
BT 363 - Psalms (3 credits)
A detailed study of the book of Psalms. Emphasis will be given to the different types of Psalms and the various elements of their poetry and structure. Selected Psalms will receive in-depth study in order to understand their message, their theology, and their practical lessons.
BT 364 - Proverbs (3 credits)
An inductive and conceptual study of the Book of Proverbs with special attention being given to the nature of wisdom literature, literary forms and features, particular contribution to God's revelation and its practical benefit to the believer's daily life.
BT 368-373 - Old Testament Historical Literature
BT 368 - Israel's Early Nationhood: Joshua, Judges, Ruth (3 credits)
A study of the early history of the nation of Israel as recorded in the books Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. Special emphasis will be given to practical application, the theology of the books, extra-biblical historical data, and issues of concern in Old Testament studies.
BT 373 - Life of David: 1 & 2 Samuel (3 credits)
A consideration of the life and rule of David, placing him in his historical and theological contexts as a man of faith and God's ideal King. Special attention will be given to the role of the Davidic Covenant in David's life as well as to a correlation of certain Davidic Psalms with the historical record of his rule and with his spiritual journey.
BT 370 - Decline and Fall of the Davidic Kingdom (3 credits)
A study of the history of Israel as presented in the Books of Kings and Chronicles beginning with the reign of Solomon and concluding with the return from Babylon. Particular emphasis is placed on helping students identify the distinct contributions and similarities of these texts with a view to understanding Israel's history, Old Testament theology and practical application for today.
BT 371 - Restoration History: Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther (3 credits)
A study of restoration history as recorded in the books Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. Special emphasis will be given to practical application, the theology of the books, extra-biblical historical data, and issues of concern in Old Testament studies.
BT/HIS 376 - Church History (3 credits)
A survey of the development of Christianity through the centuries. Special emphases will be placed on the history and development of Christian theology, influential leaders of the Church, the Protestant Reformation, and the rise of the "Plymouth Brethren" movement. May be used as a social science elective.
BT/HIS 381 - History of Israel (Old Testament) (3 credits)
A general overview of the history of Israel from the call of Abraham through the return from Babylon. The course will focus on the nation's origin beginning with the patriarchs, its growth under bondage in Egypt, the conquest and settlement of the promised land, the establishment of the united kingdom, the crisis and collapse of the nation during the divided monarchy, and the return to the land. Attention will be given to placing Israel's history in the context of the history of the Ancient Near East. May be used as a social science elective.
BT/HIS 382 - History and Literature of the Intertestamental Period (3 credits)
A study of the major personalities and events of the Intertestamental period and their impact on the history of Israel and its literature. Attention will be given to understanding how the world of the New Testament grows out of time period. Literature will include significant amounts of reading from primary sources including: The Old Testament, Xenophon, Diodorus, Plutarch, Herodotus, Josephus, The Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and the Septuagint. May be used as a social science elective.
BT 420-422 - Major Prophets
BT 420 - Isaiah (3 credits)
A study of this significant Old Testament book will include the historic setting, authorship, structure, and contemporary message of the book. Special emphasis will focus on the sections of the prophecy relating to the Person, work, and two advents of the Messiah.
BT 421 - Jeremiah (3 credits)
A study of this often-neglected Old Testament book will include the historical setting, complex structure, and contemporary message of the book. Special emphasis will focus on the New Covenant revelation, as well as the personal life and experiences of the prophet as a servant of the Lord in a hostile environment.
BT 422 - Ezekiel (3 credits)
A study of this neglected Old Testament book will include the historic setting, prophetic visions, prophetic content, and contemporary responses to the prophet. Special emphasis will focus on the great theological issues and eschatological significance of the messianic kingdom revelation.
BT 426 - Minor Prophets (3 credits)
A study of the historical settings of these prophetic books will be made along with attention to their background, authorship, contemporary kings, and prophets. The theological and prophetic contribution of each book will be emphasized. This course will include a consideration of all twelve books, with two selected for detailed study.
BT 433 - Gospel of John (3 credits)
A verse-by-verse study of John's Gospel that emphasizes the deity of Christ. Special attention is given to the book's structure. Practical application will be included.
Return to top of page
Theology Courses
BT 151 - Survey of Doctrine (3 credits)
A basic foundation in theology is provided through a study of the major themes of the Bible, including Theology Proper, Bibliology, Christology, Pneumatology, Angelology, Soteriology, Anthropology, Harmartiology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology. A personal Statement of Faith is required of each student as a term project.
BT 166 - Christian Evidences (3 credits)
A systematic presentation of the objective evidences which support Christianity's claims. The course is designed to give intelligent and convincing answers to questions and objections raised in reference to the Christian faith.
BT 205 - Theology 1: Prolegomena, Bibliology, and Theology Proper (3 credits)
An examination of three foundational areas of Christian theology: (1) Theological prolegomena, that is, a study of the nature and method of systematic theology, (2) Bibliology, that is, a study of divine revelation as well as the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of Scripture with an evaluation of contemporary views on these topics, and (3) Theology Proper, that is, a study of the existence and attributes of God and the biblical evidence for Trinitarianism with an evaluation of contemporary views on these topics. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 210 Theology 2: Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology (3 credits)
Building on the foundation of Theology 1, Theology 2 is an examination of what the Scriptures teach about the creatures of God. Three areas of Christian theology are covered: (1) Angelology, that is, the existence, nature, and activities of the elect angels and the evil angels, as well as the existence, fall, works, and destiny of Satan, (2) Anthropology, that is, the origin, nature, and royal calling of man, and (3) Hamartiology, that is, the doctrine of sin, including a study of the probation of man in Eden, his fall, and the results of his transgression including original sin, the imputation of Adam's sin, and personal sin. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 250 - Hermeneutics (3 credits)
The course in Hermeneutics presents the grammatical-historical approach to interpreting the Bible with emphases on understanding the philosophy of the approach in distinction to other interpretive approaches and on the application of the principles of the grammatical-historical approach toward the development of the skill of interpretation. Pre-requisites: BT 102/4 Old Testament Survey 1/2, BT 106 New Testament, BT 110 Christian Life and Bible Study Methods
BT 305 - Theology 3: Christology, Pneumatology, and Soteriology (3 credits)
Theology 3 logically follows the topics in Theology 2. It is a biblical and historical examination of three important areas of Christian theology: (1) Christology, that is, a study of the doctrine of the person of Christ, including discussion of His deity, humanity, and the hypostatic union, (2) Pneumatology, that is, a study of the Holy Spirit, including studies of His deity, personhood, and ministries, and (3) Soteriology, that is, a study of the work ("offices") of Christ, the nature and extent of the atonement, the application of the work of Christ, election and human responsibility, the terms of salvation, and the eternal security of the believer. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 310 - Theology 4: Ecclesiology and Eschatology (3 credits)
Theology 4 is the capstone course in Christian theology dealing with two vital areas of biblical teaching: (1) Ecclesiology, that is, a study of the church in its two aspects, universal and local. Discussions will include the nature of the universal church, its distinction from Israel and the kingdom, and its inception on the day of Pentecost. Emphasis will be placed on the structure and function of the local church including discussions of church government, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, spiritual gifts, the priesthood of the believer, gender roles, finances, and discipline, and (2) Eschatology, that is, the study of "the last things"-a comprehensive outline of the future events of God's prophetic program. The major millennial views will be presented along with differing views of the Rapture of the church. Attention will be given to the unconditional covenants of the Old Testament and to the development of the doctrine of the kingdom of God in the Old and New Testaments. The reality of hell and the current debate over conditional immortality will also be discussed. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT/PH 350 - Apologetics (3 credits)
An introduction to the task and methodology of Christian apologetics. This course will explore common objections to the Christian faith and prepare students to respond in reasonable and appropriate ways. Students are also introduced to the impact of postmodernism in our culture and the challenge it presents for the apologetic enterprise. May be used as an humanities elective.
BT 359 - Pauline Theology (3 credits)
The student will be guided through the construction of Pauline theology by tracing the development of Paul's teaching in his epistles. The distinctive contribution of Paul to biblical revelation will be emphasized. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 458 - Dispensationalism (3 credits)
An introduction to and exposition of the dispensational system of Bible interpretation. Contrasts will be drawn with Covenant Theology and Ultra-Dispensationalism. Special attention will be given to current refinements of the system among progressive dispensationalists. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
BT 462 - Applied Theology (3 credits)
The student will apply the theology he has learned to contemporary issues, seeking to develop his own viewpoints on areas of theology in which Christians, especially evangelicals, differ. The student will learn to integrate theology to life and will discover the significant role theological reflection ought to play in the life of a believer. Pre-requisite: BT 151 Survey of Doctrine
Return to top of page