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Christian Evidences I (The Existence
of God)
This course consists of acquainting the student with
that which serves as the basic foundation for the case of Christianity,
viz. (1) the law of rationality and the laws of thought, (2) the essentiality
of logic, and (3) the logical proof which necessitates the conclusion that
God exists. Emphasis is given to the validity of general revelation (in
the world and man) as proof that God exists.
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Christian Evidences II (The Inspiration
Of The Bible)
This course aims to establish (1) the necessity and probability
of special revelation, (2) the proper role of reason in identifying special
revelation, and (3) the logical argument which proves that the Bible is
the word of God. Emphasis is given to identifying the list of characteristics
which individually and collectively necessitate the conclusion that the
Bible is the word of God.
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Christian Evidences III (The
Deity of Jesus Christ)
This course seeks to (1) establish that Jesus of Nazareth
lived as a real historical person and (2) set forth the evidence from His
person and work which prove that He is the Son of God. The evidence for
the Deity of Christ is presented within the framework of a logical argument
which involves the premise that His person and work are beyond human invention.
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Church History
The study of Church History is a fast paced study that
takes the student from the first century to the latter part of the 18th
century. The student is able to plot the early departures from the
truth and is able to see the results of what happens when truth is displaced by the doctrine and commandments of men.
Some areas of interest this course considers are persecution
in the early church and early man-made creeds and councils. This
study takes an inside look at the crusades as well as an examination of
the Reformation Movement and the personalities involved.
Reasons for studying Church History include: building
a deeper affection for the church and her struggles, warnings against departure
from the truth, informing concerning the beginning of some denominations,
and understanding (not approval) of other beliefs.
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Introduction To Computers
This course of thirty hours of classroom instruction is designed to introduce the student to the basics of proper computer use,
and its particular value to the student and preacher. The student will
also learn the basics of word processing, spreadsheet, desk top publishing,
and Bible software. Additionally, instruction will be given on the proper
form to be used for research papers, reports, and sermons. Each student
will have the benefit of hands on training in the school’s computer lab.
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First Corinthians
This course involves a verse-by-verse treatment of the
biblical book. Additionally, background information is evaluated, including
authorship, date of writing, place of writing and canonicity.
This study impresses upon the student the real conflict
between the divine ideal for the Lord’s church and the reality of its imperfect,
human membership. Yet, error is not condoned but to be corrected to make
Christians and the church they comprise pleasing to God. The several doctrines
enumerated throughout the epistle are carefully studied, including unity
versus division, human wisdom versus divine wisdom, sexual sins, miracles,
the resurrection, and New Testament worship. A film helps the student visualize
the biblical surroundings and history relative to the city of Corinth.
Students are required to memorize outstanding Scriptures
that doubtless they will use often in their ministry over the years. Further,
students are afforded the opportunity for oral homiletic exercises in class
where they can employ what they learn from the book of First Corinthians.
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Second Corinthians and James
This course involves a verse-by-verse treatment of the
biblical books. Additionally, background information regarding each book
is evaluated, including authorship, date of writing, place of writing and
canonicity.
New Testament doctrine in Second Corinthians is carefully
examined, including the replacement of the old law with the gospel, righteousness,
apostolic authority, judgment, Christian living and service, and worship.
Also, the exemplary life of service by the apostle Paul in the face of
great adversity is duly noted.
New Testament doctrine found in the book of James is reviewed,
too, including temptation to sin, trials, the gospel as law, Christian
service, biblical faith, sins of the tongue, Christian living and service,
prayer and evangelism toward erring Christians. The book of James is also
favorably compared with other New Testament biblical books that treat some
of the same material.
Students are required to memorize outstanding Scriptures
that doubtless they will use often in their ministry over the years. Further,
students are afforded the opportunity for oral homiletic exercises in class
where they can employ what they learn from the book of Second Corinthians
and James.
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The Book of Daniel
Daniel was taken captive as a youth to the land of Babylon
where he was trained to serve in the court of Nebuchadnezzar, the great
king. He lived through the entire seventy years of Captivity and into the
reign of Cyrus the Great of Persia. During this time God revealed to him
many great and wonderful prophecies of the coming King who would set up
a Kingdom which would surpass all the kingdoms of men. Daniel and his book
come under great attack by the liberal theologians because of the accuracy
of his prophecies. The book of Daniel is a rewarding study.
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Denominational Doctrines
The course requires 60 hours of classroom instruction,
involving an in-depth look at some of the major religious denominations
today in light of New Testament teaching. Consideration is given to organization
and to some of the primary doctrines held by these groups.
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English Grammar I, II, III,
IV
English Grammar, with particular emphasis on spoken English,
is considered a necessary tool in preaching from the English translations.
It is the conviction of the Hillview Terrace eldership, the administration
and faculty of the West Virginia School of Preaching that every preacher
be thoroughly prepared in all aspects of spoken as well as written communicative
skills. The structure, grammatical marking, parsing and diagramming of
sentences are studied in considerable detail. Composition of bulletins
and pertinent articles for publication in brotherhood and secular periodicals
is encouraged. Also, time is devoted to spoken English in which brief public
discourses are made and critiqued by peers and faculty members.
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Ephesians and Colossians
The course involves 30 hours of classroom instruction,
during which each verse is examined. These prison epistles of the great
apostle Paul are two of the thirteen books in the New Testament that are
directly attributed to him. The book is a great spiritual primer and gives
us many insights into the spiritual side of Christianity. Paul explains
to us that Christ died to make it possible for us to sit in heavenly places
in Christ.
The book of Colossians deals with the second heresy to
come up in the apostolic period of the church. Paul is dealing with a form
of Docetism that has Judaism mixed with it, and therefore has some of the
aspects of the mystical as well. We devote a whole quarter of half-day
study to these books, and do so hoping that the students will catch a sense
of the high teaching of the great apostle in these books
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Ezekiel
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
This Old Testament book is a real gem of prophecy, and is necessary if
one is to find all that the Bible teaches about the fall of Jerusalem to
the heathen king Nebuchadnezzar. Some of Ezekiel’s book is written in apocalyptic
language; that is, in symbolic language. His views of heaven and his valley
of the dry bones are examples of this. Ezekiel also gives some very unique
and outstanding prophecies of the things to come under the New Testament
dispensation. It is a pity that more time and attention are not given to
the book of Ezekiel in our personal Bible study, and in the Bible study
of the church. The book is full of important matters for us to know. The
name Ezekiel is found nowhere else in the Old Testament, other than in
the book that bears his name, but his name and his book are profoundly
important both to the Jew of that time and to the Christian of our time.
Our study of the text is a paragraph-by-paragraph study. In some places
we slow to word-for-word exegesis.
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General Biblical Introduction
The course consists of the study of the great biblical
doctrines of Revelation, Inspiration and Canonicity. We prove that Revelation
plus Inspiration equals the Bible (R+ I = B). Emphasis is placed upon the
Word of God as the final, written Revelation from God and man’s amenability
to the Bible. We show that Revelation is the divine message given by inspiration
(breathed-out) of God using "holy men" to inscripturate the Holy Scriptures.
Canonicty shows how and why the sixty-six books composing
the Bible make a complete canon. The tripartite study provides evidence
of the inerrant, infallible, inspired, authoritative Word of God. The last
section under Canonicity includes a brief study of the Apocryphal books
of the Roman Catholic Old Testament.
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Genesis and Exodus
This is a textual survey of Genesis through Exodus. Content
includes introductory material for each book, textual outline, historical
background, and enduring principles. Since much of the Bible is predicated
upon the foundation truths found in these early chapters, creation and
deluge evidences are heavily emphasized. Also, rather than dismissing skeptical
theories, we learn to disprove and dismantle them.
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The Godhead
The class involves a 60 hour study of the Godhead with an emphasis on the part Each has played and does now play in the atonement in all of its facets, including conversion and the Christian life. The nature of Each Person of the Trinity is studied with the atonement as central to an understanding of the righteousness of God, of grace, faith and morality. This will include a comprehensive view of God's purpose in Christ; of the work of Christ as Spirit in conversion and in the production of Christian doctrine to guide the church in Christian work and worship, and to guide the Christian in the abundant life in the home, in the church and in the world. An effort will be made to use biblical terminology and to avoid speculation regarding those things not specifically revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Word.
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Hebrew History I, Joshua – 2
Samuel
This class covers the books of Joshua through 2 Samuel
(including parallel material from 1 Chronicles). This is a study of the
periods of conquest of Canaan, the judges, and the united kingdom. Our
first objective is to learn facts from these historical events, and then
to investigate the proper application of them in the Christian age. Questions
of textual integrity are also considered in light of external evidence.
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Hebrew History II, 1 Kings –
Esther
In this class, we study the historical books of 1 Kings
through Esther, including the divided kingdom, the captivity, and the restoration
periods. Our primary goal is to know the text, but historical and introductory
data which may help to enlighten it are also emphasized. The successes
and failures of this dramatic period teach unmistakable and invaluable
lessons, thus we seek to apply these principles whenever appropriate.
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Hebrews, Philemon and Philippians
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
These three books are a trio of great teaching from the New Testament.
The book of Hebrews deals with the great concerns of the Christian priesthood
and the matter of living by faith. Our study of this book is a paragraph-by-paragraph,
almost word-by-word study of the great book.
Philemon is the study of Paul’s attitude toward the master
of a run-away slave by the name of Onesimus, as well as Paul’s attitude
toward the slave. The instructions in this book are great for making an
application as to how those who are enemies of Christ can find reconciliation
in Christ.
Philippians is a book which expresses Paul’s love and
optimism to the church at Philippi. Probably no church was as dear to Paul
as was this one. As we do with the book of Hebrews, we make a very careful
study of the English text of this book.
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Hermeneutics
To properly know and teach God’s Word, the student is
taught how to properly interpret God’s Word so that he understands how
the Word of God guides us in life as God so designed. God has obligated
us to "walk by faith" (2 Cor. 5:7). Our "faith" comes from hearing God’s
Word (Rom. 10:17). The student must come to know how the Bible authorizes.
Unless we learn and understand how the Bible authorizes, we cannot be sure/certain
about anything we say or do in the realm of religion.
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Homiletics I
This course is the first in a series, the focus of which
is the preparation and delivery of sermons. Homiletics I is foundational
with regard to the ultimate objective of preaching (i.e. to be approved
of God), the basic qualification for the preacher (i.e. character) and
the major task of the preacher (i.e. to proclaim the Gospel of Christ).
Emphasis is also given to a definition of biblical preaching and the essential
elements of a sermon.
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Homiletics II
This course helps provide the student a practical awareness
of sermon design and delivery by explaining and providing laboratory experience
in the art of outlining sermons. Emphasis is given to a biblical definition
of topical and textual preaching, and the student is given opportunity
to outline and deliver several of both types of sermons.
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Homiletics III
Expository preaching is the total emphasis of this course.
The challenge, preparation, explanation, structure, and delivery of the
expository sermon are basic elements of this study. The student is provided
opportunities to prepare and deliver expository sermons with the objective
of leading him to an understanding of the potential power of this method
of declaring the word of God and motivating him to become an expository
preacher.
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Homiletics IV
This course is based upon the practical work of the Gospel
preacher. The course is divided into three distinct sections: (1) The Preacher’s
Service, (2) The Preacher’s Study, and (3) The Preacher’s Life. Section
One is based on a thorough exegetical study of 1 Timothy 4:12-16. Section
Two is based on the Gospel preacher being a man of the one Book — the Bible.
This section includes the importance of how to build, develop and organize
the preacher’s tools — his library. A book list suggesting valuable books
for the preacher is given to each student. Section Three discusses the
life of the preacher, his wife and his family, finances, and his work (i.e.,
bulletin, counseling, weddings, funerals, visitation, taxes, etc.).
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The Book of Isaiah
Isaiah was the statesman prophet giving counsel and admonition
to rulers and kings and rebuking a sinful nation urging them to come back
to God or face the consequences of Divine wrath. This lengthy book of sixty-six
chapters is the most Messianic of all the prophetic books. It gives great
insight into God’s unfolding Scheme of Redemption through the coming Christ
and His Kingdom. The student will appreciate and respect this great prophet
and his book when the study is completed.
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Jeremiah and Lamentations
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Jeremiah is one of the most prolific writers in the Old Testament. We believe
that history books of the Kings and Chronicles were written by this great
man, as well as the book that bears his name, and the one that bears the
name which means a dirge or a song of sadness. (The latter two books were
written by the hand of Jeremiah’s faithful servant Baruch, rather than
by the prophet himself.) Jeremiah is one of the most unusual characters
of all time. From the reign of Josiah until the fall of Jerusalem, a period
of about forty years, he preached to the people concerning the great danger
from the north which was Babylon. Even though the Babylonian army made
three visits to Jerusalem before she finally fell, still the people would
not accept the fact that the holy city of the Jews would fall, and she
would do so because God wanted to punish her for her rebellion and idolatry.
Jeremiah was resisted by the Jews on every hand just as Ezekiel was resisted
by the Jews who had already gone into captivity in Babylon. Jeremiah wrote
the book of Lamentations, which is a series of poems lamenting the fall
of the city of Jerusalem. In both these books, as well as in Ezekiel, God
promised that the children of Israel would someday return to their homeland.
In the book of Jeremiah there are several beautiful prophecies of the coming
of Christ and of the Christian era. During the quarter, we give a paragraph-by-paragraph
study of these great books.
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The Book of Job
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Chapter by chapter study of the book of Job includes a study of Job’s suffering
from losses of possessions, children, health, and poor advice from his
wife and friends. It is stressed that all righteous people suffer, but
their ability to overcome is determined by their faithful trust in God.
God will not allow one to be tempted above that he is able to bear and
will provide blessings many times more than man’s losses.
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The Book of John
The Gospel of John is the last written account of the
life and ministry of Christ. John selectively writes of signs, wonders
and miracles which are designed to bring the reader to believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Your appreciation
for this great book will grow and your faith in Jesus will be firmly established
as you study this Gospel account by John the apostle.
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Leviticus – Deuteronomy
In this textual survey of Leviticus through Deuteronomy,
introduction, history, text and principles are studied. In this brief time
period, we study the wilderness wandering and the giving of God’s law through
Moses. This class emphasizes not only the specifics of the law, but also
the nature of it and the principles it teaches. We also learn evidence
which supports the traditional integrity of the text.
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Life of Christ
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
This course is designed to give an overall view of the life of Jesus from
his preexistence to his ascension into heaven. The course emphasizes the
geographical movement and the chronological movement of the life of Christ
during his earthly ministry. Consideration is also given to the evidence
that Jesus is the Son of God and the training of the twelve to carry on
his mission of seeking and saving the lost. The course covers the entire
text of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
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Marriage and the Family
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Study for this class begins with responsibly choosing a mate for life.
The material covered emphasizes what the Bible teaches about marriage,
divorce and remarriage with analysis of many currently held errors in this
regard. The practical applications of this study deal with the topics of
husbands, wives, parents, children, conflict resolution and family finances.
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The Minor Prophets
No study of the Bible is complete without a study
of the prophets. The prophets of the Old Testament were God’s spokesmen
delivering His word without fear or favor. The Twelve Hebrew Prophets are
wonderful sources of information and inspiration. The prophets show that
God rules in the kingdoms of men (a message sorely needed by modern men).
This study will cover each of the Minor Prophets verse by verse. It will
strengthen your faith and put zeal in your preaching!
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The New Testament Church
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction.
Covered in this class are the nature, origin, mission, membership, government,
identity and worship of the New Testament church. The closing lessons draw
from the examples of several churches recorded in the New Testament. The
texts of the Bible relating to each section are considered with an attempt
to familiarize the student with the New Testament church.
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New Testament Greek for Beginners
The course involves 30 hours of classroom instruction.
This course is designed with a holistic emphasis on the Koine Greek of
the New Testament. In forty weeks of study the student is introduced to
textual criticism, morphology, word study, syntax and discourse. The goal
of this study is to enable each student to read from the actual Greek text,
translate from the original text and utilize the Greek study tools and
commentaries available for such work. This course aims to produce a workable
knowledge of Koine Greek to enhance one’s exegesis and exposition of God’s
Word.
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Personal Evangelism & Prayer
This is among the most practical and foundational courses
available to the Bible student. It gets to the heart of the work of a preacher
which is the saving of lost souls. During thirty hours of classroom study,
this course endeavors to instill within the student a zeal for evangelism,
as well as equip him with the proper tools and methods which will help
him to be effective. The student will learn how to set up and teach home
Bible studies. The textbook for this course is the Bible and the student
will leave with a greater knowledge of the Scriptures.
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First Peter — Jude
This course of sixty classroom hours covers the epistles
of Peter, John, and Jude. These six epistles (sixteen chapters) provide
a wealth of instruction for today’s Christians and a multitude of sermons
for today’s preacher. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding these
epistles as intended for their original recipients, as well as, how they
apply today.
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Premillennialism
The doctrine of Premillennialism is one of the most widespread
among religious people in the United States. Some estimate that between
75-85 percent of Protestant denominations believe this doctrine. The purpose
of this course is to study the history of Premillennialism with its basic
tenants and show from the Holy Scriptures that it is indeed a false doctrine
which will destroy the soul eternally unless one repents. It is a contradiction
to the Scheme of Redemption revealed in the Bible. The student will have
a more complete understanding of Bible prophecy and the kingdom of Christ
after this study.
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Proverbs and Ecclesiastes
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction
in two of the great books of Wisdom Literature. The course involves a careful
study of the text with an emphasis on the practical nature of these two
books for man today.
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Psalms & Song of Solomon
This course, containing sixty hours of in-class instruction,
provides the student with a better understanding of Hebrew poetry which
is necessary for proper study of these two Old Testament books. The primary
focus of the class will be upon the examination of the biblical text. Student
expectations will include preparing a notebook, writing sermons, and memorizing
portions of text. These two books are deep wells of knowledge which can
more than satisfy the thirst of the eager student.
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The Restoration Movement
The uniqueness of this course is in the principle that
no person is asked to give up any truth he holds, but rather to surrender
all things not consistent with the word of God. This principle is based
on the fact that the Bible is the divine standard of authority by which
all spiritual and moral matters are measured. The course deals with nine
pleas of New Testament Christianity, which are based on "the seed of the
kingdom," the Word of God (Luke 8:11).
Historically, the course studies the struggles, sacrifices
and successes of men through centuries past, both in Europe and America,
to return to New Testament Christianity. Many European and American men
are studied with emphasis placed upon Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell,
Alexander Campbell and Walter Scott.
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The Book Of Revelation
The course is designed to make the book of Revelation
relevant and meaningful to the preacher so that he can feel comfortable
preaching and teaching from it. The theme of Revelation — VICTORY IN JESUS
— is emphasized both in its first century setting and its present-day meaning.
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Romans and Galatians
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction,
during which each verse is examined. These two books go hand in hand in
studying both briefly, and in depth, the problems that faced the early church
so far as the Jews and the Judaizers were concerned. Both these books teach
that one is no longer guided by the law of Moses, but by the glorious Gospel
of Jesus Christ. It can be said that the theme of both these books is that
"The Just Shall Live By Faith." Paul points out that the Gospel is for
everyone, both Jew and Gentile, and that it is the Christian people who
are God’s chosen ones, and no longer the Jews because they have descended
from Abraham. Very careful attention is given to the many arguments in
both these books that "The just shall live by faith," and not by fleshly
descent, or by the law of Moses. The study of these books is intentionally
slow, so that the student has the opportunity to grasp the fullness of
the arguments that Paul makes in these books.
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I Thessalonians-Titus
The course involves 60 hours of classroom instruction,
during which each verse is examined. The Thessalonian epistles detail the
New Testament doctrine concerning final things. Particular interest is
shown in sermon outline and presentation of these letters from Paul. Also,
mock Bible study classes offer the students a forum in which they may gain
practical experience in fielding a myriad of questions and comments covering
this subject material. The epistles to Timothy and Titus serve to further
emphasize the character and responsibilities of evangelists.
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