Overview

 

The Associates in Biblical Studies is a Level 2 course that primarily focuses on New Testament classes including: the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the Book of Romans. You would also take the Pastoral Epistles and the General Epistles – classes that are New Testament teachings. Bethel Bible Institute will publish a current list of available classes prior to the upcoming semester. These classes will enable you to earn the 30 credits required for an Associates Degree and move into Level 3 classes. 

 

What You Will Learn

Students enrolled in Bethel Bible Institute's Associates Degree Program will continue to follow our systematic approach to studying God's Word.

Students will take a deep dive into the New and Old Testament Books; learning how each relates to the other. We will continue to build a solid foundation that enables students to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

Students graduating with an Associates Degree will possess a more thorough understanding of how to use the most up-to-date research tools available to help them to research and interpret scripture.

Careers

This degree is applicable in any career field, but it is specially designed for careers in church and ministries  emphasizing: Leadership; Preaching; Teaching; Clergy; Education; Local ministries; and  Missions. 

Classes

FALL 2024 CLASSES

PRISON EPISTLES: 

Text: The Expositor's Bible Commentary and we're going to be using Ephesians through Philemon Volume 2

The prison epistles Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are so named because they were written by the Apostle Paul during one of his incarcerations, Paul mentions this imprisonment in each of the prison epistles. In Ephesians, he mentions it in Ephesians 3:1 and 4:1, in Philippians, he mentions it in Philippians 1:13, in Colossians he mentions it in Colossians 4:3&18 and in Philemon he introduces it in Philemon 1:10. It is generally accepted as Paul wrote the prison epistles during his first Roman imprisonment -– the exact date that he wrote these epistles is unknown,  but the two year period where he was in prison shows that while he was under house arrest in Rome, it has been narrowed down that he must have written these books somewhere between AD 60 and 62. Paul's imprisonment in Rome, verified by the Book of Acts, where we find references to his being guarded by soldiers. in Acts 28:16, being permitted to receive visitors in acts 28:30, having opportunities to share the gospel in Acts 28:31. These details, along with Paul's mention of being with those who belong to Caesar's household in Philippians 4:22, support the view that Paul wrote the prison Epistles from Rome. Paul's Roman incarceration produced 3 great letters to the churches of Ephesus, Colossi, and Philippi; as well as a personal letter that he wrote to a friend Philemon.

GOSPEL OF JOHN: 

Text: Apostle John A Blessed Life.

Now the Gospel of John has been a favorite book of the Bible for many years, for many believers; however, I wonder if they really understand some of the mysteries that are revealed through the heart and mind of the Apostle John when he wrote his gospel. He's called the beloved disciple; and therefore to understand this gospel, we want to understand its author so the textbook for this class is the Apostle John A Blessed Life. It's a very short book. You can probably read it in one sitting and it's full of how we can see the difference between John's relationship with the Lord and all the other disciples. He's known as John the beloved. 

BOOK OF ROMANS:

Textbook - Book of Romans - Exploring Romans by John Phillips

The Book of Romans has been declared the greatest of Paul's writings. I could see why scholars would say that the writing of Paul in Romans is the greatest, because in the first few chapters, he opens our minds about Calvary and Paul really explains and  breaks it down in-depth –-  what is salvation, what God has done for us. He talks about the sinfulness of humankind and the depths that humans have fallen to because of sin; and then he takes us right to what Christ has done for us; how he just cleaned it all up with his blood, and how the believer in Christ have become the righteousness of God. The apostle Paul has no hesitation and he holds no punches. He talks about sin, he talks about homosexuality, he talks about backbiting, he talks about disobedience to parents, and evil mindedness. 

Now Romans I think are very very timely at this point in time because of what is going on in Israel. We can talk about Israel briefly in these 16 chapters from 9 to11 really, we're going to talk about Israel's position in light of Christianity. we can touch on the times of Gentiles and the fullness of the Gentiles.

In The Book of Romans, Paul teaches how we should conduct ourselves as Christians. Once we understand in the first few chapters about salvation, and once we have received Christ, where do we go from there? Is it still business as usual? Paul sums it up in the last couple of chapters instructing believers how we should conduct ourselves and how we should love one another.