Instructor: Dr. Bob Abramson

Content:

The doctrine of creation states that God, who alone is uncreated and eternal, has

formed and given existence to everything outside of himself. God did this from nothing

by the word of his power, and He called all of it very good. The bible states in Genesis

1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” it’s here we see the first

cause being God, who is outside his created order. With the Godhead in agreement He

invested in creation and in humanity. The Godhead agreed to create mankind in their

image and likeness investing in both responsibility and significance.

Learning Outcomes

This doctrine brings you closer in your understanding of God his purpose and design for

His created order. The bible is an accurate source of authority and informs us that Gods

creative work is clearly not identical to humans but sets the pattern for it. This doctrine

deposits a clear picture of why its essential to evangelism by settling the basic

questions of human existence.

Transferrable Capacities

1. This doctrine leaves the student with confidence knowing that followers of Jesus

live forever in a state that can be fully explained.

2. The examination of the fundamental aspects of the doctrine of creation lead to a

better understanding that a big bang theory or any logic outside creationism is

unreasonable.

3. The understanding that creation is comprehensive answering questions about

God and evil and the existence thereof. One is equipped with the ability to

answer questions about Gods responsibility.

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content

This course is designed to aid in understanding how this book inspired by God arrived

In human hands. Gods amazing way of preserving through the centuries this important document. How God used various writers from a peasant, king, physician to a converted murderer. They wrote in the desert, wilderness and from prison. This course will expand your understanding of the importance of the bible while hopefully leaving you more faithful, more committed and in reverential fear of the Lord. 

Learning Outcomes

Each student should have a better understanding of the history and origin of scripture.  This course will leave the student with an understanding of the sovereignty of God and how he used ordinary people to accomplish and extraordinary task of providing the text we depend so heavily on today.

Transferrable Capacities

Students should be in a position to:

1.     Underscore the value of scripture and why we should value it today as the word of God.   

2.     To communicate with others their increased understanding how the bible came into the hands of humans.   

3.     Speak evangelistically with greater security about their God in these times of pluralistic ideas and concepts.

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Rev. Kirk Lyons

Content

Theology is defined as the study of the nature of the divine, more broadly the beliefs encompassed in that study. There are four types that can be engaged, Biblical, Historical, Systematic and Practical. These divisions were made only recently (19^th – 20^th centuries) until then they all flowed together to provide a comprehensive view of the infiniteness of God. Our theology courses return to the engagement of four. There is, however, an emphasis on the Systematic approach which serves to help form the practice's faithfulness. 

Learning Outcomes

Each student should have a better understanding of what theology is, the language of theology and the primary meanings involved. Each student will be equipped to view theological materials and navigate through them having acquired this introduction which encompasses a comprehensive view of this important subject.   

Transferrable Capacities

Students should be in a position to:

1.    Underscore the value of theology and why the different concepts are important.  

2.    Communicate with others about their increased understanding of God and his church. 

3.    Launch into more in-depth theological studies having obtained the groundwork for such studies.

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content

The correct theological word concerning our subject is hermeneutics, the study of the principles of interpretation concerning the books of the Bible. This class focuses on one objective, arriving at the proper reading of the text. You will also learn the importance of the historical and cultural background behind each text.  The whole Bible is about God and this course will equip you in telling His story.

Learning Outcomes

Students will obtain interpretive tools that lead to growth spiritually and fuel  confidence. There is blessing, guidance, encouragement and council obtained as you learn to interpret the text. The Bible is not just a book to enhance the intellect but one to build and develop the spirit. Biblical Interpretation remains the key to addressing biblical illiteracy. 

Transferrable Capacities

• Students should be in a position to:
  
• Better articulate their faith when needed.
  
• Develop the behaviors that produce effective and longstanding ministry.
  
• Learn how to target ministry in effective God-directed ways. 

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content

Because this topic is hotly debated, we need to qualify what we mean when we say scripture is inerrant. The first thing you learn in this class is scripture is not inerrant in terms of translation or obvious differences over how an event was viewed by one writer versus another. We believe the scriptures affirm nothing contrary to fact. 

Learning Outcomes

You will learn how the New Testament was written, the word infallible and inerrant being used interchangeably. The main outcome of this class allows you to make the statement of inerrancy with the confidence of understanding the Bible was written by Gods inspiration of each writer and is consistent from beginning to end.   

Transferrable Capacities

• The confidence of where the Bible comes from and the authority it carries.  
  
• You will be able transfer the clarity the Bible conveys.
  
• You will understand the importance of the moral and spiritual characteristics of the Bible.

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content:

The course is designed to establish the student in understanding God's providential protection. The class also answers the question most people want to know, particularly, why there is evil and God's response or seemingly non-response? Since the doctrine of providence is closely integrated with the doctrine of creation there is this class gives a window into the God who creates.

Learning Outcomes

The class is designed to teach the difference between providence and sovereignty. The knowledge of God's providence since the inception of creation. The greater understanding of human suffering. 

Transferrable Capacities

1.  You will be equipped to apologetically answer important questions about the whys of God. 

2.  The character of God is defined from the scriptures providing tools of articulation for the student. 

3.  The information passed on from this class will serve to build the student's faith providing greater insight into our redemptive God.  

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content:

The doctrine of soteriology is a much-studied idea behind salvation. This doctrine helps you understand the difference between being called and chosen. The doctrine of election must be visited in this teaching. We also visit predestination and the two schools of thought involved.

Learning Outcomes

The student will understand clearly why and how salvation is in no one else but Jesus. In this class the two schools of thought are unpacked and contrasted, Arminianism and Calvinism.

Transferrable Capacities

1.    The articulation of God’s grace from the contrasting perspective of God's wrath all leads to the security of the believer.

2.    Greater depth of insight into the reformed ideas of Calvinism and the ideas of Arminianism.

3.    The importance of predestination and an understanding of how to see oneself in the world.  

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content:

We are justified by faith alone a qualifier of the Christian faith and unique to it as well. This class introduces this important doctrine. Justification is first presented in the Bible with regard to Abraham. He believed in God's promises and God accounted for his belief as righteousness. This doctrine became the liberation and initiated the protest against the Catholic church by Martin Luther. We explore not only the doctrine but some of its history.

Learning Outcomes

The student will leave a better understanding that Justification then has to do with what God has declared - not what any individual has done - there are no human efforts behind the idea of justification. They will also understand Justification has to do with “standing” a person’s position before a holy God Justification does not change a person internally it does not make anyone Holy it declares them “not guilty” and then God treats them as holy. These and many other outcomes result from this class.

Transferrable Capacities

1.    The confidence of knowing that you are in the place of God in terms of standing

2.    You will better understand the launching point of the gospel of grace.

3.    It is our hope that each student's confidence will stand on the concept of what God has done and not what they must do. 

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content:

This class is designed to help unpack the nature of God - with each doctrinal teaching we get a better look at who he is - and why he exists. This doctrine equips you and deepens your ability to discern. One of the key factors of this doctrine, it differentiates the Lord's church from all the false churches and religions in the world and helps identify the Gospel and its outcome upon a submitted life.

Learning Outcomes:

Each student will have a fully developed perspective of the holiness of God. Understanding that sanctification results in holiness and how this affects the believer's walk with God.

Transferrable Capacities:

1.    The student will be equipped to equip others in their understanding of what occurs through sanctification.

2.    This class provides the ability to now see and appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in one's life and learn how to co-operate with Him.

3.    What has changed through the ages is the content of a believer's faith. God's requirement of what must be believed is based on the amount of revelation one receives and also transfers to others.

Suggested Reading:

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content

This class will teach you facts about glorification such as this will be the final event one and for all freeing the believer from the bondage called sin. The student will get an understanding of the glory in which God resides, the state of glory, and the process for entering glory. There are vital differences explained between mortal and immortal and how to better understand and context our immortality as it relates to the body, bones, and our flesh.

Learning Outcomes

This doctrine brings you closer to your understanding of the after-life or what is known as the doctrine of eternal states. Because most people have very little knowledge about what happens when one dies the Bible gives a clear and accurate picture. The redemption of our bodies to resemble the risen body of Jesus provides knowledge to both secure and encourage. This class is designed to do both.

Transferrable Capacities

1. The confidence of knowing that you are going to live forever in a state that can be fully explained.
2. The confidence of being a believer will be greatly enhanced because one of the four questions every person needs to resolve, the one of destiny, will be addressed.
3. To better articulate a body of knowledge that for the most part has been speculative without the word of God outlining for us what the creator has prepared for those who love Him.

Suggested Reading (FTO)

Instructor: Rev. Eric Knox

Content

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to address the perversion of false teachers or

Judaizers who had entered this community attempted to subvert the work Paul had

accomplished. the Gospel of Grace by false teachers who had entered. Paul became

aware of this perversion to take the gospel and couple it with the law. The Gospel

declares faith in the finished work of Jesus any attempt to couple it with anything else

was false. Paul deals with this while re-introducing the correct gospel is something we

need to take note of and learn from as well as apply to our modern-day pluralistic

society.

Learning Outcomes

The student will understand what the gospel is, the confusion that often surrounds the

gospel, and why its purpose is often misunderstood. The student will walk away with an

enlightened understanding of the book of Galatians and the Apostle Paul’s challenges

with the ministry to the Gentiles to which God called him.

Transferrable Capacities

Students should be in a position to:

1. Better articulate their understanding of the intent of the Gospel.

2. To understand when the Gospel is being preached and when it is not.

3. Learn the positions false teachers took in that day and learn how to identify the

false from the real.

Suggested Reading

Instructor: Pastor Eric Butler

Content

Prophecy is an essential part of any church, especially the presbytery service. Prophecy has a dual function, through the prophetic utterance God speaks immediately to those who are presbytery candidates in a specific manner and secondarily to all those present in a general manner. This dual function of prophecy is possible because of the nature of the prophetic word as expressed in Divine principles which operate faithfully in accordance with the ways of God.

Learning Outcomes

The student will better undrstand the basic function of prophecy as it relates tot he New Testament church. The student in that understanding should have their fears allayed as the teacher explains the prophetic and all ist varibles. In order for anyone to benefit most from the prophetic word, it is important to have a general understanding of prophecy and the operation of the prophetic ministry.

Transferrable Capacities

• Students should be in a position to:
  
• Better articulate their understanding of the prophetic and see how important this is to the normal function of Christs body. 
  
• To understand when the prophetic is in operation and know the difference genuine manipulation. 
  
• Learn the various aspects of prophetic ministry diminishing ones aversion and strengthening ones capacity. 
  

 Suggested Reading 

Instructor: Dr. Keith Pettus

Content

The word "Trinity" is not found in scripture, however the idea represented by the word is

found in both the Old Testament and New Testament. The word is used to express the doctrine of the unity of God and three distinct persons in the Godhead; God the father, God the son, (revealed as the Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This class attempts to explain these three distinct persons, their purpose and role as the Godhead. We use the word attempt because the Trinity is one oft he mysteries of God and any effort to describe, explain or bring reason to this subject is at best an attempt.

Learning Outcomes

The basic outcome is to equip each student with the capacity to both understand and explain the Trinity. To provide the foundation and background to understanding how the Godhead functions and what each member provides for the believer. 

Transferrable Capacities

Students should be in a position to:

1.     Know the value of Trinity and the relationship we have with each member of the Godhead.

2.     Communicate with understanding how the Godhead interacts with us.  

3.     Develop a clearer, deeper and more sincere relationship with God through and understanding His nature.

Instructor: Rev. Kirk Lyons

Content

Professor Lyons walks you through the New Testament conversationally as if you were sitting around the fireplace. His grasp of the N.T. will not go unappreciated. Many of the nuances taken for granted by most readers of the N.T. will take on new life as he unpacks this voluminous book with precision and clarity.

Learning Outcomes

This survey will expand your insight into the purpose of both the gospels and epistles. How the various writers contributed and why. This class is designed to provide each student with an understanding of the New Testament leading to a greater appreciation for the text as a whole.

Transferrable Capacities

Students should be in a position to:

1.    Better articulate their understanding of the purpose of the New Testament.

2.    To understand the why behind the teaching of the Kingdom of God and how it was viewed in the culture.

3.    To see Jesus in a new light being provided with insight into the culture that will change one’s perspective about the word being made flesh and dwelling among us.

Suggested Reading:

Theology

Content

The Kingdom of God in this class is unpacked in a way that provides insight as to why it was the basis of conversations Jesus would have and the values he conveyed. Every believer is a citizen of the Kingdom of God yet because we live in a democracy we don’t always understand how the Kingdom of God works, this class provides clarity.  

Learning Outcomes

The outcome will be an understanding this is the most talked about subject in the bible by Jesus. The understanding will be God's ultimate authority and how he provides ultimate safety. The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God are interchangeable statements.

Transferrable Capacities

1.     Knowledge of the importance of the Kingdom of God and how one exists within it.

2.     The student will be able to articulate what the Kingdom of God is and what it is not.

3.     The Kingdom of God as an invisible reality and its visible effects.

Suggested Reading:

Theology

Content

We learn in this class how one knows God. False religions all over the world wrestle with this question but will never fully understand. We discuss the path to knowing God and how God himself determines who knows him and how he is known. The student will have critical but thorough understanding of the knowability of God upon completion. God is spirit and immaterial and sits outside his creation he is not beholden to it. We begin with Pauls conversation with those on Mars Hill better known in scripture as the Areopagus.

Learning Outcomes

The student will either reinforce or gain confidence that comes through the surety of knowing who God is. This class should transcend into better communication of who God is and how we know Him. This class is the ground floor in biblical studies, in today’s culture we need to be able to articulate our beliefs not just argue but intelligently state the hope to which we have been called.

Transferrable Capacities

1.     The transferable capacity is personal, the confidence that comes with knowing a subject but also the intimacy that is developed through that same knowledge.

2.     Hopefully, some will use this information to teach others this important subject and answer some of the questions non-believers have about Christianity.

3.     To better articulate a very for speculative and often subjective subject, that without the word of God guiding ones understanding remains speculative.

Suggested Reading: