Course Overview

The Letter of the Revelation of Jesus Christ was written by the Apostle John and presented as a divine gift to seven churches in Asia with five expectations: (1) that the churches will read, understand, and be blessed by its content (1:3; 22:6-7); (2) that God is in full control of world events and rulers, and is pressing earthly circumstances to the climactic installment of his Son’s reign upon the earth (1:1; 5:1; 11:15; 22:20); (3) that the inhabited world will grow exceedingly hostile toward God’s plan of Christ’s reign and also his saints who wait for his return (2:10; 6:10; 17:6); (4) that in the final days before Christ’s return to the earth there will be great wrath from God upon the inhabitants of the world (3:10; 6:17; 11:17-18); (5) that the return of Christ to the earth “is near” and will fulfill all OT prophecies which culminate in a new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem (2:25-27; 10:5-7; 19:9-16; 20:4; 21:1-3; 22:10).

This course will examine the content of these expectations of Revelation, and give attention to its chronology. The instructor will emphasize the importance of a futurist methodology of interpretation to properly appreciate John’s writing, but will also engage the four other hermeneutical methods so that the student will be aware of the differing interpretive nuances within evangelicalism—the preterist, historicist, idealist, and eclectic viewpoints. The course is designed to prepare the student to accurately and authoritatively communicate this Letter in either a classroom or pastoral setting. In addition, the course is offered with the heart-felt prayer that through the study of this Letter every student will gain a greater love for Jesus Christ, his Church, and the extraordinary power of his prophetic Word. This course may also be taken live online for credit or audit. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Bauckham, Richard, The Theology of the Book of Revelation
• Clouse, Robert, ed., The Meaning of the Millennium: Four Views
• MacArthur, John and Richard Mayhue, Christ's Prophetic Plans (chapters 1-6 only)
• Patterson, Paige, Revelation, The New American Commentary

Textbooks are subject to change. Consult current syllabus.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Daniel Davey is the President and Professor of Bible Exposition at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. He has taught students and led the seminary since its inception in 1995.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

This course will examine the content of the Romans Letter and aggressively digest core theological impulses of Paul’s epistle. This course is primarily an interpretation of the English Text with certain notable words and concepts highlighted from the original language. Special attention will be given to the background and occasion of the Letter which is imperative to a proper hermeneutical understanding of the Letter. The course is also designed to prepare the M.A. student to accurately and authoritatively communicate this book in either a classroom or pastoral setting. Particular emphasis will be given to Paul’s commitment to understanding the Law of Moses in light of the Grace of Christ. This course will be offered with the heart-felt prayer that every student will gain a greater love for the person and work of Jesus Christ as revealed in the infallible and inerrant Word of God. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Moo, Douglas, Romans: The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Daniel Davey is the President and Professor of Bible Exposition at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. He has taught students and led the seminary since its inception in 1995.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

This course provides an in-depth examination of the Biblical teaching on spiritual gifts. Emphasis will be given to the definition and description of the gifts mentioned in the New Testament, as well as the distinction between the temporary sign gifts and the permanent gifts. The approach to the class will be one of careful exegesis of pertinent passages and thorough examination of theological truths which must inform our thinking on this subject. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Flynn, Leslie B. 19 Gifts of the Spirit. Colorado Springs: NEXGEN, 2004.
• Gundry, Stanley N., and Wayne A. Grudem, editors. Are Miraculous Gifts for Today? Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
• Thomas, Robert L. Understanding Spiritual Gifts (revised edition). Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1999.

Meet the Professor

Dr. John King has served in ministry since 1973, all in pastorates except for two years as an instructor and Dean of the Graduate School at Appalachian Bible College. He has served churches in North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, and West Virginia. He and his wife, Jeanie, have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. John earned a Bachelor of Theology degree at Piedmont Bible College (now Piedmont International University), Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Grace Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

Note: this course is taken entirely online. This course will examine and determine the role of the church in family ministry by establishing the appropriate definition of success for the church: helping families to grow spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically. Each student will compose a biblical philosophy of the church and family ministry. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Sells, Charles M., Family Ministry, 2nd Edition. Zondervan. 1981.
• Rainey, Dennis, Ministering to Twenty-First Century Families. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001.
  

Meet the Professor

Dr. Charles Bethel is currently a faculty member with Marshall University in their Graduate Leadership Studies Department. He also is an adjunct faculty member with the National Theological College and Graduate School, which specializes in teaching believers in Middle East Countries. Most recently Dr. Bethel was the Dean of Graduate Studies and Distance Education, and Registrar at Appalachian Bible College for 4 years. Prior to that he served as the Vice President for Academics at ABC for 17 years.

Dr. Bethel earned his degrees from the University of Tampa (A.A.), Moody Bible Institute (B.A.), Grace Theological Seminary (M.A.), and West Virginia University (Ed.D.).

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

This course is a study of the Psalms as part of Old Testament poetry, with a specific analysis of the contents of the collection. Additional emphasis will be placed on the special hermeneutics related to the study of Hebrew poetry and Hebrew wisdom literature. Students will learn to use and appreciate the Psalms as a guide for worship and a source for meditation. 3 credit hours

Selected Bibliography

• Archer, Gleason. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Chicago: Moody Press, 1964, 1974.
• Bullock, C. Hassell. An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books. Chicago: Moody Press, 1979, 1988.
• Harrison, Everett F. Introduction to the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm B. Eerdmans, 1969.
• Ross, Allen P., “Psalms,” Bible Knowledge Commentary of the Old Testament. Eds. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. Victor Books, Scripture Press Publications, 1985.
• Scroggie, W. Graham. The Psalms. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell, 1948.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Jerry Knoblet graduated from Fort Wayne Bible College in 1970 with a B.S. in Missions. He served two years in a pastorate in Pellston, Michigan before graduating with a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary in 1975. Dr. Knoblet pastored churches in Indiana, Oregon, and Kansas. While finishing a degree at Denver Baptist Theological Seminary in 1984, he earned High Honors in the Master of Theology program. A Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice completed his studies in 1986. Altogether he has twenty-eight years of pastoral experience, and has been an interim pastor at several churches in the Beckley, WV area. He taught at Appalachian Bible College for seventeen years, serving as registrar, professor, and Chairman of the Bible and Theology Department. He has authored four books and numerous articles. Dr. Knoblet travels worldwide as Bible teacher and pulpit supply. He teaches as adjunct faculty for Appalachian Bible College and the National Theological College and Graduate School, and serves at Shepherds Theological Seminary.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

This is a survey of New Testament Christianity after the time of the Apostles to the end of the Reformation (AD100-1650). This course will also examine philosophy of Baptistic history and the development and response of New Testament churches to the apostasy of Romanism. Special treatment will be given to the Anabaptists and the emergence of the modern English Baptists in the Reformation era. Historical Theology, 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Gonzales, Justo. The Story of Christianity. HarperOne; 2nd edition. 2010.
• McBeth, H. Leon. The Baptist Heritage – Four Centuries of Baptist Witness. Broadman Press, 1989.
• Estep, William R. The Anabaptist Story: An Introduction to Sixteenth-Century Anabaptism. Eerdmans; 3rd revised, enlarged edition, 1995. 
• Vedder, Henry C. A Short History of the Baptists, 1907.
• McGoldrick, James E. Baptist Successionism: A Crucial Question in Baptist History. Scarecrow Press; revised edition, 1999.

Meet the Professor

After receiving a Certificate from Appalachian Bible College, Dr. John Rinehart went on to earn a B.A. from Fairhaven Baptist College, M.A. from Valparaiso University, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Reared in a Christian home, he trusted Christ as Savior at 6 years of age and surrendered to full-time ministry at 18. Dr. Rinehart has served at colleges in Indiana, Wisconsin, and since 2014 at Appalachian Bible College. He strongly believes that one cannot be right with God without loving history. Besides teaching undergraduate courses at ABC, he is the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

Effective ministry in the 21^st century demands that we understand and practice ministry in the context of Biblically-motivated and Christ-honoring relationships with those who serve alongside us in the Body of Christ. This class will provide help not only to senior pastors, but also to all church staff, laymen, and even personnel in other ministry organizations in thinking through the multitude of important issues involved in serving the Lord together. The focus will be on a Biblical philosophy of team ministry, issues involved in building a staff team, and steps to maintaining a healthy staff. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Williams, Matt. How to Be a Team Player and Enjoy It. Greenville, SC: Ambassador International, 2013. 222 pp.
• Fagerstrom, Douglas. The Ministry Staff Member. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006. 272 pp.
• Osborne, Larry. Sticky Teams. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.
• Gangel, Ken. Team Leadership in Christian Ministry, revised edition. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1997. 450 pp.

Meet the Professor

Dr. John King has served in ministry since 1973, all in pastorates except for two years as an instructor and Dean of the Graduate School at Appalachian Bible College. He has served churches in North Carolina, Florida, Indiana, and West Virginia. He and his wife, Jeanie, have three grown daughters and six grandchildren. John earned a Bachelor of Theology degree at Piedmont Bible College (now Piedmont International University), Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Grace Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois.

Course Dates

• Online courses may be taken during any term.

Course Overview

We who believe in the inerrancy and authority of Scripture must be passionate about Expository Preaching and Teaching of the Bible. This course will encourage your commitment to the expository method, enhance your understanding of what exposition is and is not, and sharpen your tools for effective preaching and teaching. You will learn to plan a balanced diet for the flock, improve your message preparation skills, and present God’s Word with clarity and power. Opportunity to preach or teach and receive helpful suggestions for improvement will be given. This course will help an experienced expositor to hone his skills or a newer teacher or preacher to gain a solid foundation and practical help. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching, Revised Edition.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004.
• Adams, Jay E. Preaching with Purpose.Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company, 1982.
• Matthewson, Steven D. The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative.Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Mark Johnson was called as Senior Pastor of Independent Bible Church in Martinsburg, WV in January 1988. He grew up in the small town of Paris, Illinois. Raised by godly parents, he accepted Christ at age five and attended a small Bible church during his formative years. He graduated from Appalachian Bible College in 1977 (B.A. in Bible/Pastoral studies) and Grace Theological Seminary (Th. M. in Old Testament) in 1982. In May 2004, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary of Clarks Summit, PA.

Course Dates

• Online courses can be taken during any term.

Course Overview

Today’s Pastors and Christian leaders are daily confronted with issues with which the members of their local church flock wrestle. These are tough issues, too—issues that carry heavy moral, spiritual and future ramifications. Unfortunately, many of God’s people today focus on feelings and the fear of man as they go through these critical issues. Self-esteem and fear are factored in more than the sufficient Christ. But it does not have to be this way. Indeed, for the child of God it should not! In Biblical Counseling we will lay down the Bible’s timeless, theological grid for discipleship. We will then pass many of the most common counseling issues faced in the local church through this grid and gain God’s perspective in each one. As big as man’s problems can be, we want to see an even bigger God who is not only capable of changing circumstances but also changing us in our circumstances. 3 credit hours

Textbooks

To be read in this order:

• Lambert, Heath. The Biblical Counseling Movement After Adams. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2012.
• Lambert, Heath. A Theology of Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.
• MacArthur, John and Wayne Mack. Introduction to Biblical Counseling. Dallas, TX: Word Publishing Group, 1994.
  
• Welch, Ed. Blame It On the Brain. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1998.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Jim Newcomer serves as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He entered pastoral ministry in 1994 and has served as a youth pastor (6 years) and an executive pastor (11 years). He has also held two senior pastorates—one in North Carolina (5 years), and now in Michigan. In addition, Jim has been actively teaching pastoral theology and Biblical counseling on both undergraduate and graduate levels in several institutions since 2000. He serves on the boards of Grace Biblical Counseling Ministry and Freedom That Lasts. Jim is a Level II certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). He is also certified with the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). He and his wife Lorie have three adult children and several grandchildren.

Course Dates

• Online courses can be taken during any term.

Course Overview

Counseling II builds on the prerequisite Biblical Counseling. With the foundation of the Key Elements firmly in place, this class will press forward into some very common and timely issues when it comes to Biblical counseling in our current ministry contexts. We will work through the following:

• What is Biblical counseling, and who does it?
• How does graduate training prepare you for Biblical counseling?
• How can you equip yourself and your church to counsel?
• Addictions
• Fear of Man
• All the Rage (Anger)
• Dealing Biblically with Your Past
• Rescuing a Marriage in the Wake of Infidelity
• The Silent Sufferer: When Her Husband Struggles with Sexual Sin
• The Lies of Lust
• The Christian and Same Sex Attraction

3 credit hours

Textbooks

• Pierre, Jeremy, The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life. Greensboro: New Growth Press, 2016.
• Scott, Stuart and Heath Lambert, Counseling the Hard Cases. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2012.
• Burk, Denny and Heath Lambert, Transforming Homosexuality. Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2015.
• Welch, Ed, Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave. Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2001.
  Textbooks are subject to change. Consult current syllabus.

Meet the Professor

Dr. Jim Newcomer serves as Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan. He entered pastoral ministry in 1994 and has served as a youth pastor (6 years) and an executive pastor (11 years). He has also held two senior pastorates—one in North Carolina (5 years), and now in Michigan. In addition, Jim has been actively teaching pastoral theology and Biblical counseling on both undergraduate and graduate levels in several institutions since 2000. He serves on the boards of Grace Biblical Counseling Ministry and Freedom That Lasts. Jim is a Level II certified counselor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). He is also certified with the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC). He and his wife Lorie have three adult children and several grandchildren.

Course Dates

• Online courses can be taken during any term.