Course Descriptions

A18BI is first and foremost a Bible Institute in that approximately 50 books of the Bible are taught verse by verse. The primary goal in teaching is expositional in nature, emphasizing the context, historical setting, authorship, and practical application. Careful attention is given to hermeneutics and companion passages. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

* Course required to complete Servant’s Degree.

Old Testament Books of the Bible

Genesis I*

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of the book of beginnings which covers over 2,300 years of Bible history. Genesis I covers the book from creation up to Abraham.

Genesis II*

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of the book of beginnings which covers over 2,300 years of Bible history. Genesis II covers Abraham through Joseph.

Exodus

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of the redemption of Israel from Egypt. Practical in its application to the Christian’s redemption and call from the world.

Joshua and Judges

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of Israel’s conquest and failures in the Promised Land. Practical to the Christian’s victories and failures.

First and Second Samuel

2 Credit Hours

Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application. 

First and Second Kings

2 Credit Hours

Factual and historical approach, done verse-by-verse. Practical in its application. 

Job

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study. The central theme is “Why do the righteous suffer?”

Psalms

2 Credit Hours

An examination of the various types and classifications of the 150 Psalms. The contents of many of those Psalms are studied and applied.

Daniel

2 Credit Hours

A doctrinal and prophetic study of a very controversial Old Testament book, done verse-by-verse from a dispensational, theological perspective.

Minor Prophets

2 Credit Hours

A study (mostly verse-by-verse) of the Minor Prophets. This course covers practical and doctrinal aspects of the books of Hosea through Malachi.

New Testament Books of the Bible

Matthew*

2 Credit Hours

An important study into what is perhaps the most transitional of all transitional books. Special attention is given to the Jewish character of the book, and the doctrines that stem from it.

Mark

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of Jesus the Minister.

John*

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study. The richness of this gospel provides broad doctrinal and inspirational backdrop.

Acts*

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of the New Testament and the beginning of the Christian Church. A theological and historical approach.

Romans*

2 Credit Hours

The hub of Pauline doctrine is closely examined and discussed verse-by-verse.

First and Second Corinthians

2 Credit Hours

A practical and doctrinal verse-by-verse study.

Galatians through Colossians

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse examination of some of the meat of Pauline doctrine.

The Five Ts

2 Credit Hours

The doctrines of Pauline theology are examined verse-by-verse in this study of First and Second Thessalonians, First and Second Timothy, and Titus.

Hebrews and James*

2 Credit Hours

A careful theological approach is taken to these verse-by-verse studies. The epistle of James, probably written by James the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15), focuses on the practicalities of life. Some consider James to be the ‘Proverbs for the New Testament’ where we are taught wisdom is not specialized knowledge, but an everyday lifestyle rooted in values from heaven. Hebrews, long for an epistle with a mysterious author, is steeped in details about the Old Testament sacrificial system. It explains how the redemption plan has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

First Peter through Jude

2 Credit Hours

A verse-by-verse study of the books that are among the most misunderstood and misapplied in the Bible. The doctrines that are taught in these books are the primary concern of this course.

Revelation*

2 Credit Hours

The magnum opus of New Testament prophecy is carefully considered verse by verse. Principles of sound hermeneutics are conscientiously applied. Various perspectives examined.

Other Courses

Apologetics*

2 Credit Hours

The word apologetics is derived from the Greek word “apologia” which was originally used of a speech of defense or an answer given in reply. Simply defined for our purposes, it consists of the primary arguments for the defense of the Christian faith.

Biblical Law

2 Credit Hours

This course will give understanding of the laws and guidelines instituted by God to govern mankind. These Biblical principles will give insight into the proper ways that governments should function even in our world today.

Church Administration

2 Credit Hours

The nuts and bolts of this very necessary (but often neglected) area. Financial, personal, and legal issues are discussed in depth.

Church History I

2 Credit Hours

A survey of the history of the Church starting with the Apostles through the Reformation. The influences and religious assaults on the Christians will be discussed also to see how some of the practices of the church today came to be.

Church History II

2 Credit Hours

A continuation of Church History I. Starting after the Reformation to the modern era. This course will examine not only the great Christian leaders, but also the movements these men initiated. What made them great? What made them cease? Will we learn from them today?

Comparative Religions

2 Credit Hours

An examination of various religions and their doctrines. Practical conclusions are drawn concerning how to best engage different belief systems.

Dispensationalism

2 Credit Hours

Dispensationalim is a theological system that teaches biblical history is best understood in light of a number of successive administrations of God’s dealings with mankind. It maintains fundamental distinctions between God’s plans for the nation of Israel and the New Testament Church with particular emphasis on end times prophetical themes.

Eschatology

2 Credit Hours

The word eschatology is derived from the Greek word eskhatos, meaning ‘last, or end,’ and -ology, meaning ‘the study of.’ Simply defined, eschatology is the branch of theology that studies what the scriptures say about the end times.

Greek I

2 Credit Hours

This course is intended for students who are beginning the study of the Greek testament without any previous acquaintance with the Greek language.

Greek II

2 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Greek I
This course builds upon the foundation of Greek I. 

Greek III

2 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Greek II
This course builds upon the foundation of Greek II. 

Greek IV

2 Credit Hours

Prerequisite: Greek III
This course builds upon the foundation of Greek III.

History of the Bible/Manuscript Evidence*

2 Credit Hours

A study examining where the Bible came from and how the Canon of the Scripture was formed. Also a look at Manuscript Evidence, including Textual Criticism and the philosophy of translating the foundational texts.

Homiletics I

2 Credit Hours

Discussion of preaching principles giving opportunity for the practical use thereof.

Homiletics II

2 Credit Hours

Discussion of principles of preaching giving opportunity for practical use thereof. Homiletics I is not necessarily a prerequisite.

Introduction to Counseling*

2 Credit Hours

Principles of sound counseling are examined and practical advice is given. Various philosophies of Christian counseling are discussed.

Life of Christ

2 Credit Hours

A chronological look at our Savior’s life on earth, with necessary historical background. Practical and inspirational.

New Testament Survey*

2 Credit Hours

An overview of the New Testament, with attention given not only to a working knowledge of chapter content and doctrine, but to an understanding of its historical background and the development of the canon.

Old Testament Survey*

2 Credit Hours

An overview of the Old Testament with attention given to the historical development of Israel and her relationship to the world around her.

Pastoral Theology

2 Credit Hours

A thorough survey of practical pastoral work.

Practical Assignment*

2 Credit Hours

A semester’s internship in one of the various selected ministries of the church. Active participation in such a ministry and a written evaluation are required of the student. A detailed description of procedure and available ministry choices is available on request. Note the number of Practical Assignments for each degree.

Principles of Leadership and Church Ministry*

2 Credit Hours

What makes a faithful Christian leader? Characteristics and principles are discussed.

Principles of Missions

2 Credit Hours

Theology, concepts, principles, ethics, and the pragmatic aspects of missions work are all discussed openly and honestly.

Problem Texts

2 Credit Hours

Examines many of the alleged contradictions in the Word of God and, through examination, brings into focus principles of textual resolution and sound hermeneutics.

Personal Evangelism/Street Ministry*

2 Credit Hours

Practical biblical illustrations and methods of evangelism are examined with instruction in sermon outlines and some practical street experience.

Systematic Theology I

2 Credit Hours

A standard systematic approach to theology and church doctrine.

Systematic Theology II

2 Credit Hours

A second semester of the above. It is recommended that the student take Systematic Theology I first, though it is not an official prerequisite.

Practical Assignments

In addition to the required and elective hours, a student will need one Practical Assignments valued at two credit hours each. These Practical Assignments will be 30 hours of hands-on ministry experience and a 3–5 page (1,000–1,500 words) typed report completed by the end of the semester. Grading is on a Pass/Fail basis.

The ministry chosen must be preapproved by the Director and include such opportunities as ADP Sports, Faith Place, Sunday School, Youth, Worship, etc.

Written assignments are to be submitted to the administration and will be evaluated and approved by same. The 3–5 page (1,000–1,500 words) report should include a description of the ministry, an evaluation of the ministry, and your personal noteworthy experiences. There is a limit of one Practical Assignment per year.

FAQ

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) before surveying the courses, credit hours, and requirements for a Servant’s Degree. The following facts are very important to understand: