OUR VISION

WORD AND SPIRIT BIBLE COLLEGE

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the heart”. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

The desire and objective of the Word & Spirit Bible College is to teach the
word of God as it has been revealed by means of the Holy Spirit. Our sole
purpose is to see men and women trained to preach and teach God’s word in
favourable season and troublesome season. We want to see the Glory of our
God and King spread throughout the World, so that signs and wonders will follow and then the return again of our dear Lord Yeshua - Jesus Christ.

We believe that we are living in very momentous times and are reaching the
critical time in all of history when our Lord will reveal himself and call his bride to be with him. In the meantime we exist to teach and train people of all races and backgrounds to live according to the true meaning of being a Christian. Our mandate is found in the book of Acts chapter 2, where ordinary men and women became filled with the Holy Spirit and went about performing signs and wonders in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Jesus also commanded his followers to go and make disciples (taught ones) baptising them in the name of the Father,the Son and the Holy Sprit, teaching them his commands.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I
am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19, 20
(NIV)

Paul urged Timothy to study the word of God and become a good workman for
the Lord:

“Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2
Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

We uphold and believe:
In one God eternally self existent in three persons The Father; The Son and Holy Spirit our only Creator. He is our Sustainer and Saviour; who alone is good and totally deserving of our praise and worship.

We totally believe in our Lord Jesus Christ who pre existed as the Word (logos)of God; and humbled himself to become flesh by means of the virgin birth (John 1:14). Through his virgin birth, sinless life, cruel death and bodily resurrection he became the atoning Lamb who takes away the sin of the World.

We believe that he did this because we have all fallen ‘short of the glory of God’ and have been born into sin; by inheriting it from the first man Adam Romans 5:12). Because of this inherited sin we are all alienated from God the Father. The Bible tells us that forgiveness and redemption from the guilt, power and penalty of sin is only possible through repentance and faith in the death and shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection on the third day.

We also believe that it is now possible for the individual who accepts the
redemptive work of Jesus by means of the Holy Spirit to appear before God the Father as a righteous person who can then live a normal Christian life of holiness, prayer, witness and work for the Lord Jesus Christ. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we are then free from condemnation, providing we remain in Christ. (Romans 8:1)

We believe in the church as the community of all born again believers; we
also accept the Holy Scriptures of God as divinely inspired, complete, wholly true and trustworthy, and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and living.

We believe in the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to gather His church to Himself; either before during or after the great tribulation upon the earth. Jesus told his followers to look out for the sign of his second presence and be ready for his return, but he also warned that no man knows the day or hour of his second coming. We do know however that at the end of the tribulation our Lord Jesus Christ will return to judge the world and set up His millennial kingdom. (The timing of the ‘rapture of the Church’ is open to various interpretations; hence we will not be dogmatic over either view as we exist to teach Gods word and to teach Christians to live by means of the Holy Spirit and not to be swayed by doctrine or dogma that is contentious amongst Christian groups).

We believe in the resurrection of the saints to everlasting life with the Lord Jesus Christ and the resurrection of all unbelievers to eternal separation from God in Gehenna the lake of fire.

COURSE HISTORY

Much of the Theology course offered by this college was developed by Dr John McEwan in New Zealand during the late 1980’s. His vision was for a theology course which could be offered in any local church to teach and train its own Christian workers, administrated by the church’s own eldership. However since those times, the internet has been invented and used by millions to gain knowledge about all types of subjects, so we have decided to use this modern media to teach and train people in the Word of God.

The Word and Spirit Bible College uses much of the coursework developed
by Dr John McEwan and Dr Peter Moses to train and equip students from various backgrounds to draw close to God and go forth and spread the Gospel and to teach and train people in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. But we as a College believe that the present Church needs to recognise the amazing gifts that the Lord wants to bestow on them and move in the Spirit with Signs and Wonders following.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The full Diploma in Theology requires the successful completion of 32
assignments broken into three subject areas which can be completed
individually.

As the course is quite intensive the student would need to be totally committed to ‘buying out‘ the time needed each day to complete the studies. We suggest at least two hours to praying, reading, research and assignment work for every lecture hour, especially in Pastoral Theology and Biblical Studies where there are a number of book studies to read through.

Certificate in Theology [8 assignments] Papers 101,102
Certificate in Biblical Studies [16 assignments] Papers 211, 212, 214, 531
Certificate in Pastoral Theology [8 assignments] Papers 213, 312
This paper also includes study of the commentaries of Acts, 1&2 Corinthians 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, 1&2 Peter

ACCREDITATION

We do not seek the accreditation of the governments of this world but only the approval of God. The courses are therefore not accredited by any government as we believe in the separation of Church and State and that accreditation by the State has a high potential for manipulation of the course by civil authorities.

Our inspiration comes from our Lord and King Jesus Christ and the many faithful men and women of the past, who carried the anointing and spread the gospel along with signs and wonders following. We especially think of people from the previous century such as Evan Roberts, Smith Wigglesworth, Members of the Azua Street Revival, although imperfect and made many mistakes, served the Lord with the Holy Spirit anointing. In our day there are many other faithful men and women who truly love the Lord more than themselves and move as the Holy Spirit leads them in serving God and others.

ELIGIBILITY

The course is open to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and their fellow humans and who can affirm the above statement of faith as their own.
This is a demanding course for students who desire to prepare for Christian
ministry and as such it demands the character traits required by faithful
ministers. Tenacity [Luke 9:62] - you must have perseverance to keep studying and applying the lessons of God’s word through the wonderful times of revelation that will arise during the course.

Honesty [2 Peter 3:18 Philippians 3:13] - you need be teachable and be
prepared to learn, change and grow.

Commitment [Philippians 3:13-21] - you must be ready to advance to maturity
and be prepared to make personal sacrifices.

Holiness [James1:19 -27] - you must be determined to work and walk worthy of your calling. This will involve making decision daily to deal with sin in your life,that you might become a clean vessel for the Lord's work.

THEOLOGY LESSON 3

LESSON 3 –INSPIRATION

MAIN STUDY TEXTS

Biblical – Inspiration
2 Timothy 3:16
2 Peter 1:21
1 Corinthians 2:13
Matthew 5:18
1 Timothy 5:18
2 Peter 3:15-16 Knowledge Of God’s Word
Inspiration

THE BIBLE AND INSPIRATION

The concept of Inspiration is not something that theologians have forced on the Bible; it is the teaching of the Bible itself. The Bible testifies to its inspiration and while this may not be conclusive it should be listened to.

The Problem of Inspiration - About 100 years ago it was sufficient for a person to say that the Bible was the inspired Word of God to man.

However with the attack of the liberals and the Higher Criticism group it has become very important for each of us to be very specific with their definition of inspiration.

Many liberals will say that they believe the Word of God is inspired but then define it in such a manner as to indicate that they do not believe in many of the things that a Bible believing Christian understands as the truth of Gods word.

It is therefore of critical importance that you study at a place where the people believe that the Bible is the Word of God and have a conservative view of things. This is where the liberals make their first attack so that we need to have our defenses up.

USE OF SCRIPTURE IN THE BIBLE

The New Testament uses the word Scripture 51 times and always refers to part of the Bible

[a] Entire O T - Luke 24:45, John 10:35

[b] OT passage Luke 4:21

[c] NT passage 1 Timothy 5:18

[d] NT larger portion 2 Peter 3:16

1 Timothy 5:18 combines both OT and NT regarding them both as Scripture. OT quotation Deuteronomy 25:4, NT quotation Luke 10:7 with the sentiment found in Leviticus 19:13 and Deuteronomy 24:15

ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD BREATHED

In 2 Timothy 3:16 the Word of God is said to be God breathed [theopneustos]. Theo – God, Pneustos - Breathed
Note that all Scripture, not part of Scripture is God breathed.

The form here is in the passive which means that the Bible was received from God. The English word inspire carries the concept of breathing into something however God breathed out Scripture and human authors wrote the text.

The Bible is not a museum piece but is to be used for application to the life as shown in this verse.

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness.

Doctrine didaskalia that which is taught – Bible Topic Books

Reproof elegmos conviction, rebuke

Correction epanorthosis a restoration to an upright state (– epi – to, ana – up, orthosis –) upright which refers to an improvement of character.

Instruction is like ‘paideia’ training; instructing in righteousness. School slave

Does this do this to you?

WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE BIBLE? - THE HOLY SPIRIT

2 Peter 1:21 uses the word "phero" where it states that the writers of Scripture were “moved” or carried along by the wind. This was used for a ship in Acts 27:17. [Acts 27:14-20]
As they were moved along the prophets were guided in what they wrote by the Holy Spirit as the winds in their sails. Men spoke but they wrote what God wanted them to do. It was therefore God's words through men. This shows that God used men and gave us a completely truthful Bible.

The sailors in the boat in Acts let the boat go along but were still active. In a similar way the Holy Spirit as author of the Scripture uses the active participation of the human authors to write the Scripture.

The boat and passenger analogy can also be used to show that while the passengers on the boat have some freedom it is the boat which is going to bring them to their destination.

This passage shows that no prophecy ever came from man which therefore asserts that the source was God.

In summary this verse states that God used men and gave us a completely truthful Bible.

Inspiration Came in Words

Paul showed in 1 Corinthians 2:13 that God's revelation came to man in words. This counters the claim that inspiration only relates to the thoughts of God and shows it is the literal words in the original that are inspired.

It could be construed that the writers of Scripture had thoughts from God which was interpreted erroneously by man but Paul says that it is the words themselves that were given.

This therefore teaches that the actual words of the Bible are inspired.

THE DATA FROM WHICH THE BIBLE WAS PROVIDED

[a] Material that came directly from God – Deuteronomy 9:10 Jonah 1:1

[b] Researched material – Luke 1:1-4. Here Luke consulted eyewitnesses, he used available written accounts, he carefully sifted through all the sources, he planned the orderly arrangement of the material and then the Holy Spirit bore him along so that the writing was accurate and truthful.

[c] Prophetic Material – which comprises 25% of the Bible, had to be 100% true and no human writer could devise that.

[d] Historical material – many wrote what they lived through. Luke in Acts 16:10-13, Joshua with the conquest of Canaan. Some things like creation had to be revealed by God to Moses as He was the only eyewitness.

[e] Other passages involve the true quoting of the lies of Satan or the thoughts of unsaved of carnal people. Titus 1:12, or vividly personal and emotional Romans 9:1-3, as well as Job.

Summary – this shows that God sometimes revealed things supernaturally and directly, sometimes he allowed the human writer to compose the message using their freedom of expression but He breathed out the total product carrying along the authors in various ways to give us His message in the words of the Bible.

DEFINITION OF INSPIRATION

Definition – God superintended the human authors of the Bible so that they composed and recorded without error His message to mankind in the words of the original writings.

[a] Superintend allows for a variety of relationships between God and the writers, sometimes direct, sometimes less so.

[b] Composed show that the writers were not passive secretaries to who God dictated the material but active writers.

[c] Without error reflects the Bible’s own claim to be the truth – John 17:17

[d] Inspiration is only in the original writings not to copies and translation however accurate they may be.

God breathed it, man wrote it and we possess it

Different forms of viewpoints about Inspiration

Many liberals are not believers at all. They take the truth and twist it subtly so that the believer thinks they are talking to a Christian.

Most of the people coming out of the Bible colleges do not believe that the Bible is the Word of God as we do.

[a] Natural Inspiration Some say that the Bible was written by geniuses, yet in Scripture, yet we see ordinary men made great by the work of God on and through them.

[b] Dynamic or Mystical Inspiration – Other’s claim that in addition to them being geniuses they were supernaturally inspired in an almost mystical way.

This allows the same sort or level of inspiration to other great works of literature. The question then needs to be asked; that if this is true why can’t we find people to write similar books today?

[c] Degree or Partial Inspiration are those who hold to degree inspiration state that certain parts of the Bible are more inspired than other parts.

[d] Concept Inspiration this is the belief that the concepts in the Bible are inspired but the words are not.

This is a false concept as it is necessary for the concepts to be inspired that the words need to be as well

[e] Barthian Inspiration has come from the German theologian Karl Barth [1886 1968]. His concept has taken over most of the Neo-orthodox colleges. He states that the Bible becomes the Word of God when the Word of God [Christ] talks to us through its pages. Basically he says the Bible is inspired when you feel it is inspired. When Christ is seen in the Bible that is inspired, when He is not, the passage is not.

THE LORD’S VIEW OF INSPIRATION

In Matthew 5:18 the Lord said that not the smallest amendment, letter or part of a letter will pass from the law until all is fulfilled. Christ was talking about fulfilling the Torah and referring to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. What Jesus is saying is that in the original language not the smallest detail is other than inspired.

This is a clear indication of its verbal, absolute, unlimited inspiration.

The Lord Jesus Christ is saying that as Moses wrote those books every letter to the smallest detail was inspired. In addition everything that is in it shall be fulfilled. This only applies to the original languages and cannot be applied to a translation.

1 Timothy 5:18 shows that right at the beginning of the New Testament the attitude to Luke as an author was that Luke's work was Scripture as he is quoting from Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7.

In 2 Peter 3:15 16 all the epistles according to Paul are in accordance with other Scriptures. The New Testament therefore claims to have the same inspiration as the Old Testament.

The entire Bible is true even to the extent that lies are accurately recorded. Genesis 3:4

The Bible can also record the thoughts and reasoning of men out of fellowship such as Solomon in Ecclesiastes and Job's friends in much of Job. Job 42:7.

Solomon also in Song of Solomon also gives a lot of good advice about the danger of infidelity. It is a great picture of the joy that Solomon lost. God is recording what you will be like if you reject God's doctrine.

At the time of writing Solomon is in fellowship but he is looking back at his experiences whilst out of fellowship. Ecclesiastes is a book that records the futility of human wisdom without God, and so records many depressing truths, and falsehoods, but its subject gives the clue to interpretation. The text taken only in its own and the biblical context always keep’s you safe.

It is also of great importance to look at the Bible in its historical context. For instance, when Isaiah is writing to the people in his vicinity he does not need to explain the historical context for they are there, but we have to study it, to find out who these people are.

Every verse is important and therefore the Bible should be taught verse by verse. All verses are put in the Scripture because God wanted it put there.

As you mature you will see different things in the Scriptures and whist you may be teaching the same passage of Scripture you will be getting something new and different out of the passage as you mature.

DOCTRINES

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD

1. There is a big difference between knowing about something and truly knowing some-thing so that your life is changed by it. The Greek uses two words; gnosis which was simply knowing about, and epignosis which is actually knowing the facts to the point where your life is transformed by them.

2. Our understanding of the Bible doesn't depend upon our own intellect - it depends on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit John 14:16-20, 15:26, 16:7-15 and on our willingness to let the Holy Spirit use His word to change us 1 Corinthians 1:19-2:16.

3. Paul's prayers for the churches were that the believers would grow in full knowledge and the application of the word that would bring the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the life. Colossians 1:9-11, Philippians 1:9-11.

4. God has provided everything for the believer so that we might grow in the fullness of the stature of Christ. As we use it we grow and enjoy the life that God intended for us. James 4:6, Ephesians 4:12, 16, 5:16, 18, 6:10, Colossians 4:5,

5. Synonyms for spiritual growth are; putting on the whole armour of God Ephesians 6:11-13, following the pastor Hebrews 12:1, 2, Philippians 3:13-17, godliness 1 Timothy 6:3-6, 2 Peter 1:3

BIBLE: INSPIRATION

1. The principle of inspiration is found in (2 Timothy 3:16) "All Scripture is God breathed". GREEK IS THEO PNEUSTOS.

The Holy Spirit communicated to the human authors God's complete plan (2 Samuel 23:2, 3, Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 1:9, Matthew 22:42, 43, Mark 12:36, Acts 4:24, 25, 28:25)

The human authors of Scripture so wrote that in spite of their personalities, they were able to communicate God's plan with perfect accuracy in the language they wrote.

2. The origin of Scripture is beyond human viewpoint. (2 Peter 1:20, 21)

3. The Bible is the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) Therefore it is the absolute standard for believers. (Psalm 138:2)

4. Pre-canon revelation from God occurred through the Holy Spirit. There was no written scripture until the time of Moses. (2 Samuel 23:2, Ezekiel 2:2, 8:3, 11:1, 24, Micah 3:8, Hebrews 3:7)

5. Four categories of Old Testament revelation:
a) The spoken word - thus saith the Lord. (Isaiah 6:9, 10, Acts 28:25)
b) Dreams. (Numbers 12:6, Genesis 15:12, 31:10-13, 31:24, Daniel 10:9) - Whilst asleep.
c) Visions. (Isaiah 1:1, 6:1, 1 Kings 22:19) - Whilst awake.
d) Angelic teaching. (Deuteronomy 33:2, Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19, Psalm 68:17)
6. The extent of revelation:
a) The unknown past - the Bible portrays past historical details unknown to man apart from revelation. (Genesis 1-11). The accuracy of these historical facts is guaranteed by inspiration. e.g. Creation, Noah's Flood.
b) Ancient history - whilst the Bible is not a text book of history, all historical citations are accurate.
c) Objective law - the Old Testament contains many laws for both individuals and national life. These laws express perfectly the mind of God to those people to whom they are addressed.
d) Some portions of the Bible contain direct quotations from God. The doctrine of inspiration guarantees that such quotations are properly recorded exactly as God desired.
e) God uses the emotions, trials and triumphs of certain believers to declare His grace in devotional literature like the Psalms, Song of Solomon
f) Inspiration extends to the recording of falsehoods just as they were uttered. Satan Genesis 3:4
g) Inspiration guarantees the accuracy of all recorded prophecies.

THEOLOGY LESSON 2

LESSON 2 – THE BIBLE AS THE WORD OF GOD

The Bible – Gods Word

John 1:1-18
John 14:16,17
John 16:7-15
Hebrews 1:1-3
1Corinthians 13:8-13 Lamb
Holy Spirit Teacher
Maturity

GOD REVEALS HIMSELF

Bible is from the Greek word biblos (pronounced Vivlos) meaning a book.

Christianity teaches that God has deliberately stepped into history and revealed himself to man. Christianity is different to any other religion because of this. This revelation of God reached its peak with the person of the Lord Jesus Christ as shown in John 1. Later in John 14 he states that the Holy Spirit will inform us of more things when he comes.

Much of the knowledge of God was given when Jesus Christ was on earth, this complementing and amplifying material already given in the Old Testament. We have now what revelation God wishes us to have this side of eternity. There was an unfolding of Gods Word with the unfolding of doctrine in the Old Testament, unfolding of doctrine in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the unfolding of doctrine by the Holy Spirit through people such as Paul.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Hebrews 1:1 3 shows that the Lord Jesus Christ is at the right hand of God from where he sent the Holy Spirit to complete the canon of Scripture.

"God in sundry times and in many ways [polumeros]" indicates the progressive nature and fragmentary ways in which God's Word came into being. Under His guidance they were all brought together in diverse manners, [proutropos].

Methods - The various ways in which it was put into the canon in the Old Testament : they cast lots, they used the urim and thummim in conjunction with the High Priest's breastplate, visions, dreams, theophanies the preincarnate person of the Lord Jesus Christ, prophets, angels and events.
However when the Word (Logos) became ‘Immanuel’ (God with us) he demonstrated the full power of God through the many miracles he performed. Jesus said he would send the Holy Spirit to baptise them with the same power, so that they would do works greater than his.

The second chapter of Acts records how in the ‘last days’ the Lord would pour out his Spirit on ALL people and many would have dreams and visions occurring during the end times, so that they can bring many to righteousness. We are now living in that time period.

In Hebrews 1:2 we note that in the recent days God has spoken to us through His Son. The word "by" is a poor translation of a Greek preposition which can be rendered "in" or "through". The translations of the Greek prepositions are a weakness in the K.J.V. which has been clarified in the last one hundred years.

The Bible Revealed As The Word of God.

The Bible claims to be the Word of God and if you adopt any other position on its nature you have its own verses challenging you.

It is the internal and external evidence which proves to the open minded person that we are dealing with what is clearly claimed to be God's Word. It is written over a period of nearly 2000 years yet it all ties together. All the so called contradictions melt away if you look at the subject in context and the content of the Word.

There may be a language problem or a problem of comprehension but no contradictions will stand up to thorough study.

TWO LINES OF EVIDENCE

Internal – the facts in the Bible and its own claim as to its divine origin. Joshua 1:8, 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 1:2, Luke 16:17, 2 Timothy 2:15 Revelation 1:2

There is a constant claim from the Old and New Testament writers as well as the Lord Himself about the divine nature of the Bible. Psalm 19:7-11 Jesus Christ claimed that the law of God was to be fulfilled Matthew 5:17, 18. See also Hebrews 1:1-2

External - The nature of the facts given in Scripture which supports its supernatural character.

[a] Continuity - Written over a period of 2000 years by over 40 authors from totally different backgrounds, cultures, characters. The Biblical subjects range from Creation to Eternity. There is also an amazing continuity and harmony in the Biblical accounts.

Progress from the less complicated to the more complex – the Lamb is sacrificed, but it stands for the ultimate “lamb”. Types are used; prophecies are given and later fulfilled.

There is Much Evidence of the Holy Spirit’s Guidance in the Writing of the Bible.

[b] The extent of revelation – Like a telescope it sweeps the universe from the height of heavens to the depths of hell, like a microscope it looks into the minutest details of the plan of God, like a stereoscope it brings all items into harmony.

It presents information from eternity past to eternity future. We need not fear what archaeologists may dig up because if the Bible says something happened it did.

[c] The Influence and Publications of the Bible – it is far more widely published in more languages than any other book. It was among the first books to be printed in the West. It continues to be printed in ever increasing numbers.

It is classified as the sword of the spirit, Eph 6:17, it also has other features in John 17:17, 2 Cor 3:17, 18, Eph 5:25-26

[d] Subject matter of the Bible – the supernatural character of the Bible is seen in the treating of unknown and otherwise unknowable matters in exactly the same was as that which is known. In all subjects presented its statements is final accurate and timeless. Its contents allow the reader to be wise in the truth both in time and eternity.

[e] The Bible as literature – considered from this viewpoint the Bible is supreme from history to poetry, stories of love and war, speculations of philosophy versus the truth.

[f] Unprejudiced Authority – the human authors have not prejudiced the Bible in favour of man as it deals with his sin and weaknesses. Some of the authors themselves such as Solomon in Ecclesiastes show themselves as frail.

It reveals with authority things from heaven, things seen and unseen revealing facts about God, man angels, time and eternity, life and death, sin and salvation, heaven and hell.

Supreme Character – it is a supernatural book revealing the person and glory of God as shown in His Son Jesus Christ could not have been an invention of mortal man as His perfect character could not have been comprehended by those on earth without Divine assistance.

We therefore see the relation between the written word and the Lord Jesus Christ as the living Word.

They both are supernatural and they transform the lives of those who believe. The revelations are understandable by the child and are as complex as the divine wisdom and knowledge and as enduring as the God whom they reveal.

THE SCOPE OF THE BIBLE

God's hand is clearly on every page of the written word as it is totally ‘unique’ in history. It took around 40 people to write the 66 books over such a length of time that it must have had Divine inspiration. The Bible looks at everything. No other book has been published so widely or has come under such great scrutiny. This subject matter has a supernatural stamp on it. It is the greatest literature in the world. It is completely authoritative. It has supreme power, beauty and uniqueness as God's written Word.

In 1 Corinthians 13:8–10 verse 8 we see that men had ‘prophecies and words of knowledge’ as a means of obtaining God’s Word long before it was completed with the Book of Revelation in 96AD. But notice that verse 10 tells us that eventually when that which is ‘perfect’ comes; these things will be done away with. Some theologians claim that this verse proves that when the Bible was completed that the prophecies, tongues, words of knowledge and healings would all be done away with.

However it is not that simple, because Colossians 1:20 talks about ALL things being reconciled by Jesus Christ. He will do this fully when he brings all things back to perfection and hands back the perfect world to his Father.

God’s written word is complete for this side of eternity since the book of Revelation was completed. But we also need to understand that God still speaks to His people through His Word and by ‘divine guidance’ by means of the Holy Spirit. So anyone who claims to be guided by the Lord today must be totally guided in accordance with the written Word and his Spirit. We have a closed canon of Scripture and have not had any further new inspired revelation since the completing of the Book of the Revelation.

Therefore the subject of ‘gifts’ within the Church has become rather a contentious issue, with some denominations and streams calling their fellow believers ‘Satanists’ if they speak in tongues and use any of the other gifts.

These groups argue that the gifts were just temporary and that they ceased after the Apostles died. They claim that the temporary gifts were going to cease as indicated in verse 8. The gift of tongues would cease [tousontai] is in the future middle indicative.

This would mean to cause to cease or rest or to cease to function. Future tense indicates that in 55 AD this ceasing would be in the future, the Greek word used does not mean that the function was bad but that the purpose for which it had been created would be completed at some time in the future.

Some religious people in the Church claim that if a Born Again Christian has a vision or prophetic word of any kind even if it harmonizes with the Bible ‘that they have had a mystical experience which is without any spiritual reality, even though there may be spiritual things experienced’. They even claim that the people having visions or prophetic words are delusional or worse. These people are known as cessationists and make up a large part of the Church. They even claim that because ‘unbelievers’ can have spiritual visions and prophecies, they must all be from the enemy and not from God.

Admittedly there are problems within the extremes of the Charismatic movement where some seem to have an ‘open ended Bible’ to which experiences and prophecies can still be added. This potentially leads them into error, unless they allow the prophets to be corrected by the prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:32.

There is therefore a difference between revelation which is the basis of God's Word and guidance by God which always has to be judged against the Word of God. At the time Paul was writing the first letter to the Corinthians in 55 AD there were dramatic gifts that would draw attention to the legitimacy of the authors of the written Word. They were also there to aid evangelism and to get the church started very quickly.

These dramatic gifts included miracles, prophecy, knowledge and the true gift of tongues. The gift of tongues was also a sign to the nation of Israel that their time as custodians of the Word of God was coming to an end and that Jesus Christ would now be the only way to the Father. These sign gifts were to indicate that something dramatically new was happening and that they would be unusual and amazing. Church history records the fact of this.

The other two gifts mentioned in verse 8 those of prophecy and knowledge are said to fail [katergeo] but love never fails. These are in the future passive indicative. The passive voice shows that it will be rendered inoperative, it will cease eventually. No one will need to have the gift of prophecy or knowledge to add to scripture when that which is perfect arrives. In the meantime this does not mean that God cannot give a word of knowledge or prophecy now; but it cannot add to Scripture. Therefore the ‘word or prophecy’ must be tested by scripture and totally harmonize with it.

Verse 9 tells us that which is ‘perfect’ will replace these dramatic gifts and as yet we are not sure what Paul meant by ‘perfect’. So if a person has a prophecy today it has to be tested by the scriptures to ensure its origin is of God. Some claim that the written word of God is what Paul meant by ‘perfect’ but this view is open to debate.

Paul says, for we know in part and prophecy in part, which was the case in 55 AD. There are three sections involved here. What the situation was in 55 AD, what it was when the canon was completed in 96 AD and what it will be like in eternity. Often you will find that with a prophecy there will be an initial fulfillment with a future complete fulfillment yet to come. As in all things we need discernment and wisdom that comes from above.

We are going to have a tremendous revelation when we see the Lord Jesus Christ face to face. This is the next thing for the church, until we see him face to face and have all our questions answered we are to take all doubtful things to the scriptures and check them out for truth against the biblical model. We are also to remember that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are verified by the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the “gifted” person’s life. If there is no fruit of the Spirit in their life then we must suspect that their “gifts” do not have a Holy Spirit origin.

DOCTRINES

LAMB

The lamb is a central feature of typology in the Bible as a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here we see the developing topic of the Lamb from the sacrifice by Abel to the Lord of Glory

It shows the importance of a word study when examining the Scriptures

1. Genesis 4:3-5a
a) Abel brought a lamb from his flock.
b) Propitiation emphasised - covering.
c) The lamb was an offering for sin.

2. Genesis 22:7-14
a) Abraham was provided with a ram.
b) Substitution emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for one person.

3. Exodus 12:3-7
a) The lamb had to be slain.
b) Protection emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for one family.

4. Leviticus 1:10-13, 16:15
a) The lamb without spot or blemish.
b) Character of the lamb emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for the nation Israel.

5. Isaiah 53:4-8
a) Shows that the lamb to be provided is a person.

b) Expiation emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for the elect.

6. John 1:29
a) Shows that the lamb was Jesus.
b) Complete removal of sin emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for the whole world.

7. Acts 8:30-37
a) Shows that Jesus is the Christ the promised Messiah.
b) Individual salvation emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for whosoever.

8. 1 Peter 1:18-21
a) Shows the resurrection of the lamb.
b) Redemption emphasised.
c) The lamb was an offering for all generations.

9. Revelation 5:6-10
a) Shows the glorification of the lamb.
b) Government of the lamb emphasised.
c) The lamb of the whole universe.

10. Revelation 22:1-5
a) Shows the everlasting kingship of the lamb.
b) Eternal glory of the lamb emphasised.
c) The lamb for all eternity.
The developing topic of the lamb shows how Jesus Christ is the central figure in all the Scriptures and how the inspired writers of the Bible gradually developed the revelation of his character, work and glorification from a lamb to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

HOLY SPIRIT: TEACHER

1. He is the Spirit of Wisdom. (Isaiah 11:2, 40:13-14)

2. He reveals the things of God. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

3. He reveals the things of Christ. (John 16:14)

4. He guides into all truth. (John 14:26, 16:13)

5. He enables ministers to teach. (1 Corinthians 12:8)

6. He teaches the saints to answer persecutors. (Mark 13:11, Luke 12:12)

7. He directs in the way of godliness. (Isaiah 30:21, Ezekiel 36:27)

8. He brings the words of Christ to remembrance. (John 14:26)

MATURITY

CATEGORIES OF BELIEVERS

1. Standpoint of Spirituality:

a) Spiritual believer - the Holy Spirit controls the inside of the believer (Romans 8:6b).

b) Carnal believer - the flesh/carnal controls the inside of the believer (Romans 8:6a).

2. Standpoint of Growth:

a) Baby - one who has just received Christ as Saviour.

b) Adolescent - one who has learned some doctrine but is not yet in the application state.
c) Mature - one who knows and applies doctrine and spends a maximum amount of time in the filling of the Holy Spirit.

3. Relationship of Maturity and Spirituality:

a) Spirituality is an absolute. The Holy Spirit either controls or He does not. One cannot be a ‘little bit’ spiritual. If he is living totally fleshly by his desires and actions he is NOT spiritual. A person who is truly ‘Spirit Filled’ cannot ‘switch’ on genuine spirituality for a couple of hours on Sunday and live a fleshly immoral life the rest of the time.
b) Maturity is speeded up by spirituality, but a baby believer can be either carnal or spiritual, and a mature believer can be carnal or spiritual.

MATURITY: CROSS TO THE CROWN

1. Salvation is only the beginning of the plan for man. After salvation the believer's objective is to advance in stages of spiritual growth on the path from the Cross to the Crown.

2. At each stage the believer faces increasing intense tests that can only be passed by faith. Paul in Romans 1:17 say’s believer’s progress from faith to faith. The five Hebrew words for faith illustrate the five stages of growth described in the New Testament.

a) The Babe - 1 Peter 2:2 - AMEN - the leaning faith of Genesis 15:6

All believers enter the family of God as infants when they exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

After the tremendous stress of birth, of coming from darkness into the light the infant's impulse is to nurse. The objective is nourishment but the baby also receives great comfort in feeding. God's objective for the spiritual infant is for growth, but He commences this with comfort. Not much is expected of a baby in his first few years. He cannot feed or change himself. Spiritual infants are just as helpless and need a great deal of nurturing, encouragement and patient encouragement and patient instruction.

b) The Adolescent - 1 John 2:13-14 - BATACH - the wrestling faith of Psalm 37:3

Adolescents are usually young, strong and eager believers. This is the stage where people have grown to the point at which they understand some of the principles of truth and are beginning to apply them to their lives. But like most adolescents, they have the growing pains of arrogance and rebellion against authority; they are sometimes too eager to act on their own, and this often gets them into trouble. They have knowledge which they mistake for wisdom, but they lack the experience. Their tendency is to want to apply the truth to other people's lives. Adolescents may be troublesome, but at least they are
not apathetic. They must be patiently trained and encouraged to channel their energies. No one makes it to maturity without passing through adolescence.

c) The Mature - Hebrews 5:14, 6:1 - CHASAH - the confident faith that takes refuge in the Lord - Psalm 57:1

The mature believer is able to take meat, the advance doctrine of the Word. A believer who has arrived at spiritual maturity knows enough about the Bible to take responsibility for his own life. He knows how to apply the Word of God to himself so rather than airing all his problems he knows how to solve them. He is not ready to take on every one else's problems but he can take control of his own life. He understands that God has a plan for his life and sets about fulfilling that plan. He gives himself to training and discipline, exercising himself and building spiritual muscle.

d) The Hero of Faith - Isaiah 53:12, Hebrews 11 - YACHAL - the healing faith of Job 13:15

Heroes of faith are men and women who have gone beyond maturity and have learned to fight the good fight. They have advanced beyond simply taking responsibility for their own lives to becoming responsible for the lives of other people.

They are always willing to pick up fallen comrades, to treat their wounds, to encourage them and supply their needs. Heroes of the faith still make mistakes, they still fail but they always stand back up and go back into battle.

e) The Friend of God - James 2:23-25 - QAWAH - the enduring faith of Isaiah 40:31

The highest of all possible achievements in life is to become a friend of God. Every believer has the potential and the assets necessary to reach this point, but very few Christians do. It takes persistency and tenacity. The only people who make it this far are those who absolutely refuse to quit.

THEOLOGY LESSON 1

WORD AND SPIRIT BIBLE COLLEGE

THEOLOGY LESSONS

NOTES OF FIRST LESSON


WHY JESUS CHRIST?

Professor Simon Greenleaf was one of the most eminent lawyers of all time. His “Laws of Evidence” for many years were accepted by all States in the Union as the standard methodology for evaluating cases. He was teaching law at a university in the United States when one of his students asked Professor Greenleaf if he would apply his “Laws of Evidence” to evaluate an historical figure. When Greenleaf agreed to the project he asked the student who was to be the subject of the review. The student replied that the person to be examined would be Jesus Christ. Professor Greenleaf agreed to undertake the examination of Jesus Christ and as a result, when he had finished the review, Simon Greenleaf then went on to personally accept the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Saviour.

Professor Greenleaf then sent an open letter to all jurists in the United States jurists saying in part “I personally have investigated one called Jesus Christ. I have found the evidence concerning him to be historically accurate. I have also discovered that Jesus Christ is more than a human being, he is either God or nothing and having examined the evidence it is impossible to conclude other than he is God. Having concluded that he is God I have accepted him as my personal Saviour. I urge all members of the legal profession to use the “Laws of Evidence” to investigate the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and if you find that he is wrong expose him as a fraud but if not consider him as your Saviour and Lord”

HOW CAN I BE SAVED?

Salvation is available to all members of the human race without partiality. Salvation is the most important undertaking in God’s entire universe. The salvation of sinners is never on the basis of God merely passing over or closing his eyes to sin; because He saves sinners on a completely righteous basis consistent with the divine holiness of His character. This righteous basis is called grace in the Bible. It relies on God so man cannot work for salvation neither does he deserve it.

However the acceptance of God's salvation by sinners like us is the simplest thing in our entire life. We do not need to be rich, wise or educated. Age is no barrier nor the colour of our skin as God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34, 35). The reception of the enormous benefits of God's redemption is based upon the simplest of terms so that there is no one in the entire universe who needs to be rejected from Gods Grace.

HOW DO I BECOME A CHRISTIAN?

By taking just four steps towards Jesus Christ, you can be saved (John 14: 6). Firstly, you have to recognise that you are a sinner according to Gods Word the Bible (Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; Ezekiel 18:4; John 5:24) and that you can do nothing of your own to merit or earn salvation. As humans we are totally alienated from the Father, because of our sinful and carnal nature.

Secondly, realising that if you want a relationship with Almighty God who is perfect; you must recognise that you are an imperfect sinner; and totally repent of all your sin. By doing this you can receive forgiveness from the Lord Jesus Christ as your one and only Saviour (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6; John 3:16).

Thirdly, by the exercise of your own ‘free will’ you receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, believing that He died especially for you and was raised on the third day in bodily form. You need to totally accept that he is the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:12; 3:16, 36; Acts 16:31; 4:12).

Fourthly, You need to be baptized by the Holy Spirit and ask him to operate within you. This can occur at the same time as receiving salvation through the new birth, or it can happen at a later time (Acts 8:14-16, 11:14-17, 19:1-7). We believe that the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the bestowing of the believer with power to be an effective witness for Christ. This experience is distinct from, and subsequent to the New Birth; it is received by faith, and is usually accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance; and was the initial evidence within the early Church believers – (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4, 5, 8; Acts 2:1-4) Water baptism is an outward symbol that you have died to yourself and been made alive in Christ, so water baptism is the next very important step.

The results of Salvation

The results of this are unbelievably wonderful:
Jesus takes your sins away (John 1:29),
You now possess eternal life (1 John 5:11, 12),
You are now a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17),
The Holy Spirit has taken up residence in your life (1 Corinthians 6:19),
Jesus said you will never perish (John 10:27-30).
You will now be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all things in Christ (Acts 1:8)

This truthfully is life's greatest achievement. Everyone desires total happiness and freedom; but the vast majority do not know how or where to find it. Therefore we invite you and exhort you if you have not already become a Christian to trust the Lord Jesus Christ and follow these simple instructions and be born again eternally into God's family (Matthew 11:28; John 1:12; Acts 4:12; 16:31).

Dear Lord, I recognise that I am a sinner and I want to repent of my sins and receive your forgiveness; I ask you Lord to accept me into your family and help me have a personal relationship with you.

I accept that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and that he rose on the third day and is now alive in heaven with the Father.

I also ask you to send the Holy Sprit to baptise me into a full relationship with my Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and allow me to receive any gifts of the Holy Spirit that you may want to bestow on me.

I now accept that I am a Born Again believer. I also understand that as soon as possible I will seal this Spirit begotten birth by being baptized in water as all the early Christians did in the book of Acts.

Thank You in Jesus Holy Name, Amen.

THEOLOGY 1 CONTENTS

LESSON SUBJECT PAGE

SECTION A – BIBLIOLOGY
1 Introduction 6
2 Bible – God’s Word 13
3 Bible – Inspiration 23
4 Bible – Inerrancy 25
5 Bible – Interpretation 31
6 Bible – Canonicity 40
7 Bible – Subject and Purpose 49
8 Bible – God’s Revelation 55

SECTION B – THEOLOGY 58
9 Tri-Unity 58
10 Character of God 70
11 The Fatherhood of God 76

SECTION C – CHRISTOLOGY 83
12 Deity of Christ 83
13 Incarnation of Christ 89
14 His Ministry and Character 97
15 His Substitutionary Death 106
16 Resurrection of Christ 111
17 The Ascension Of Jesus Christ 120
18 His Coming for His Saints 126
19 His Return with His Saints 133

SECTION D – PNEUMATOLOGY 140
20 Holy Spirit – Pneumatology 140
21 Holy Spirit – Transitional Ministry 145
22 Holy Spirit – Ministry in the New Testament 150
23

Holy Spirit – Regeneration 155

24 Holy Spirit – Indwelling and Sealing 158
25 Holy Spirit – Baptism 163
26 Holy Spirit – Filling 168
27 Holy Spirit – Ministries 174

SECTION E – AGES IN WORLD HISTORY 180

28 Dispensations 190
29 Covenants

SECTION F – ANGELOLOGY & SATANOLOGY 199
30 Angels and their Role 199
31 Angels and their Role 204
32 Satan – Personality and Power 215
33 Satan – His Work and Destiny 228
34 Satan – His Strategies 234
35 Demons – Satan’s Troops 241

SECTION G – STUDY OF MAN 247
36 Man – His Origin and Creation 247
37 Man – His Origin and Creation [continued] 260
38 Man – His Fall 265


LESSON 1 – INTRODUCTION (PROLEGOMENA) TO THEOLOGY


Introduction
Acts 17:32-34
John 2.22
James 1:19-27 Philosophy
Bible And Believer


CHRISTIAN LIVING

In this present age many believe that they can escape accountability to God; these people are deluding themselves as this is not possible; because in the future we must all give an account of our life to him who matters. Healthy doctrine and theology will more than likely result in Holy living, or judgment; all theology has an output, either good or bad in our life and in eternity. In 1 Peter it states that there are many things which are hard to understand in God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t study them more closely.

We recommend that you obtain a notebook so that when you come across promises or problems you should note them down in the front and back of the notebook, so that you have a place to record answers to problems and application of promises. The prime reason for studying theology is to bring our lives into the righteous standard of the person of Christ. Only God can do that through the Holy Spirit working within.

Who should understand theology? - Everybody! Who has a spiritual need; Matthew 5

Non Christians have a false counterfeit theology

We should try to be as accurate as possible in our theology as we are studying the only true God

As Christians it is of vital importance to study theology. Theology is meant to have the output of a holy life that is intelligently conformed to the standards of God that are now understood in our present age.

ACCOUNTABILITY

We are accountable:- [a] To Ourselves – Conscience, [b] To Society – Law, [c] To Family, Employers etc. [d] To God - As Creator

We may believe that we can escape accountability but the Bible tells us that we are accountable:

[a] Believers - I Corinthians 3:10-15, [b] Unbelievers - Revelation 20:1 1-15

We require sound doctrine - 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9

Ideally doctrine or Theology will lead to Holy Living

Paul prayed for an increase in Knowledge. Philippians 1:9 -11, Colossians 1:9- l0

The ultimate goal of all knowledge gained is that we are transformed by it; from a Christian perspective this means to be conformed to the standard of the Person of Christ.

What is theology? - Theology is the discovery, systemizing and presentation of the truths about God. It is made up of two words "Theos" meaning God and "logeo" meaning logical, systematic study. This is therefore the study of the mind, plan and actions of God as far as they can be known in time and space.

"Prolegeo" means before we speak, and so we talk of a “prolegomena” to theology, for there are certain things that need to be clarified before we study theology. Empiricists say that you cannot speak about God at all. The reality is that men have always spoken of the creator; there is a deep need to talk about and relate to God.

The issue of Christian theological study however is getting to know God biblically and specifically getting to know the person and work of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ better.

We should not get side-tracked by theological disputes such as that between the viewpoint of Calvin and Arminius. We are going to know the plan of God well enough to thank God for election as well as free will. Acts 17: 22-34. As we go through we will see most disputes have a solution between the extremes.

The response to Theology - Here we have Paul's encounter with the philosophers on Mars Hill where after hearing Paul speak some mocked whilst others believed. [V32-34] The response in the crowd showed who had been prepared by the Holy Spirit to accept and those who would resist the calling of God.
Paul tells about the Lord and His resurrection by which time they are accepting or are moving away. John 16: 8-11

The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is the agent of conviction of sin and regeneration. Do not think that you can argue people into the kingdom of heaven. The Holy Spirit does the work, the Lord Jesus Christ gets the glory, and you give the facts and get the blessing of seeing people saved, but you cannot take the credit. Christians only plant seed and water, but God makes it grow.

In the person of the Lord Jesus Christ God has stepped into history. As we go through this study we will be looking at the person and work of The Lord and the Holy Spirit.

Theology is the study of the person, plan, and work of the triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the character of each. It is also a study of man as a creature of the Creator and a study of God's plan for man.

WHERE DO WE START? HOW DO WE START?

The student of theology
[a] Must believe - 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
[b] Must think - a combination of theology and exegesis
[c] Must depend on the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit - John 16:12-15.
[d] Must worship and have an increasing reverence for God.

The Conservative Viewpoint - As Bible believing people we believe that God has spoken to man. We have the premise of revelation. The principle is that the Bible is God's revealed words to us and knowledge of His Word will give knowledge of God because in it he has revealed Himself.

The Liberal Viewpoint - The liberal ‘Theologian’ will claim that the Bible is not revelation but is merely philosophy. They claim that Genesis is not history and that Creation, the Flood and other Biblical accounts are just myth and legend, they accept the ‘un-provable theory of evolution’ rather than creation. Some are not happy with the miracles and the resurrection.

They however are often orthodox on salvation and get living in the Spirit right. Their premise is wrong therefore their conclusions will often be wrong, and their lives may be “wrong”. They may stumble in doubts and falter with uncertainty as they face the trials of life. Subjectivism is the hall mark of the liberal because arguments about what is “reason” and what is experiential, has always dominated their theology; but it is not simple reason, for we believe in being “reasonable”.
They have defined “reason” in such a way that revelation is denied before it has a chance to produce evidence.

Schleiermacher [1768-1834] began this trend when he emphasized analysis of religious experience based on feelings, whilst Kant [1724-1804] relied on conscience as the basis for truth.

In all liberalism they separate the Jesus of history from the Christ of faith, rejecting the reality of historical revelation, stressing that faith is experiential and needs no evidence as such, as long as it transforms you.

The Neo Orthodox - There is also another school called the neo orthodoxy group who insist that God not man does initiate revelation, but they also set limits to the nature of that. The Bible they say witnesses to the Logos/Word but does so fallibly. The Bible therefore has no absolute authority.

Catholicism - Combines the authority of the Bible with tradition with the ultimate authority resting with the church itself. Tradition has become binding on the church as divine revelation.

Protestantism - This eliminates the authority of the leadership of the church and makes the Bible the grounds of spiritual authority. They believe that each church has a divine mandate to set authoritative guidelines for its members in accordance with what they believe the scriptures teach - Hebrews 13:7, 17.

Our Premise - The premise we hold is that the Bible is the Word of God without error in the original. It is inerrant and is given by God and preserved through the centuries. Accurate theology is based on accurate exegesis. God communicates in a normal plain and literal manner. When the plain sense makes common sense, we seek no other sense, lest we create nonsense!

Priority of the New Testament - While all Scripture is inspired and profitable, the New Testament has greater priority as a source of doctrine, and we allow the apostolic interpretation of the Old Testament to be normative for us. The Old Testament was preparatory and partial while New Testament theology is climactic and complete and by it we see the Old Testament’s meanings.

Proof Texts - Use of proof texts, providing they are stated accurately in their context give conservative conclusions. Texts must be quoted in their context. A text out of context becomes a “pretext “for anything.

Systematic Theology - This is the means by which we seek out the system behind Theology. We should however realise that none of us have all the truth. Beware of those who state they have all truth. Pride and arrogance was Satan’s sin.

THREE FORMS OF THEOLOGY

There are three forms of theology

[a] Historical - What great theologians and church historians in the past have thought, the contributions and mistakes of the Church..

[b] Biblical Theology - which looks at the teaching of each book of the Bible.
[1] Must be presented in a systematic form.
[2] Looks at the background and circumstances of the writer,
[3] The unfolding in progressive stages - e.g. see Topic - The Lamb
[4] Takes its material from the Bible.

[c] Systematic Theology - which tries to see the whole counsel of God in the form of topics in a systematic way.

The limitation of a theological system must coincide with the limitation of Biblical revelation, which means that it must be understandable to man as a creature of the creator. After all shouldn’t we expect this? If God has given us a mind then we ought to expect to use it systematically.

Theology - Should Be Systematic Theology - Theology can be understood, for God can be understood, and he has made us with understanding, although some things will require explanation but that will be Bible based.

Beliefs - Everyone has a belief system: ATHEISTS - believe there is no God, AGNOSTIC believes he cannot know about God, THEIST - Believes in God, TRINITARIAN - believes God is a Trinity.

As our information about God comes from the Bible our belief in the Truthfulness of the Bible is critical. God gave information to be understood. This means that even a lie is communicated as such in a literal manner. We saw this in the introductory lectures with reference to the book of Job, then end of which tells us that all the friends say is false! It is recorded as such to warn us about false theology.

Acceptance by faith of the Bible as totally reliable is a very important further step in the advancement of the individual’s Christian life.

DOCTRINES

PHILOSOPHY

1. Philosophy does not lead to wisdom. (Job 28:12-13, 20-21).

2. It is a futile exercise. (Ecclesiastes 8:17; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 20)

3. It does not produce happiness. (Ecclesiastes 1:13-18)

4. It leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-22)

5. We cannot find God through it. (Matthew 11:25; 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:13)

6. Philosophy is useless in preaching (1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; 2:1) as it will rob the gospel of its power. (1 Corinthians 1:17). Basic doctrines are then doubted or even denied, as is done in liberal theology.

7. Philosophy is a hindrance in coming to faith. (Acts 17:32; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Timothy 6:20-21)

8. It has to be avoided. (Proverbs 3:5, 7; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:20, 21).

9. Real wisdom is to know and worship God. (Job 28:28; Psalm 11 1:10; Proverbs 1-7; 9:10; 14:16)

10. Philosophy creates "mental blocks" in the mind. This makes it hard for someone who has been trained in it to understand and accept Biblical truths.

11. A few examples as illustration-

a) Evolution: Leaves no room for a Creator, that is, for God.

b) Humanism: Denies the existence of God, human soul, life after death, heaven, hell, of absolute values in morals or otherwise.

c) Psychiatry: Does not recognise that man is responsible for his deeds. It denies the root of all man's problems: inherited SIN, plus some of its techniques such as Cognitive Therapy are based in Buddhism.

d) Anthropology: Teaches evolution in human society. What is called "primitive man" or "stone age man" is; in reality, the end product of degeneration through sin.

BIBLE AND THE BELIEVER

1. The Scriptures are designed to have the following effect on the believer.

a) Illuminating. (Psalm 119:130)
b) Making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:7)
c) Producing faith (John 20:31), hope (Psalm 119:49, Romans 15:4), and obedience (Deuteronomy 17:19-20)
d) Cleansing the heart (John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26) and the ways (Psalm 119:9)
e) Keeping us from destructive paths. (Psalm 17:4)
f) Supporting life. (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3)
g) Building up in the faith. (Acts 20:32)
h) Comforting. (Psalm 119:82, Romans 15:4)
i) Promoting growth in grace. (1 Peter 2:2)
j) Admonishing. (1 Corinthians 10:11)

k) Rejoicing the heart. (Psalm 119:18,111)
l) Sanctifying. (John 17:17, Ephesians 5:26)
2. The Scriptures should be:-
a) Believed (John 2:22) and obeyed (James 1:22)
b) The standard for teaching. (1 Peter 4:11)
c) Appealed to. (1 Corinthians 1:31, 1 Peter 1:16)
d) Read publicly to all. (Acts 13:15)
e) Known. (2 Timothy 3:15)
f) Received as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) with meekness (James 1:21)

g) Searched. (John 5:39, Acts 17:11)
h) Used against our spiritual enemies. (Ephesians 6:11, 17)
i) Taught to everyone including children. (Deuteronomy 6:7, 11:19, Nehemiah 8:7-8)
j) Talked about continually. (Deuteronomy 6:7)
k) Not handled deceitfully. (2 Corinthians 4:2)
3. For the unbeliever the Scripture should be for:
a) Regeneration. (James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23)
b) Quickening. (Psalm 119:50, 93)
c) Converting the soul. (Psalm 19:7)