Escondido Bible College offers a wide variety of courses to meet the needs of its students. Following is a list of the various areas of study.
BIBLE
BI 102 Bible Lands & Cultures (3) An analysis of the cultural settings of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman period, including social structure, religion, philosophy, law and politics, with attention to integrating this cultural understanding with the Biblical text. The course provides an understanding of important Biblical geography.
BI 103 Bible Survey & Bibliology (3) A course designed to give the student an overall understanding of the flow and themes of the Bible, and how we know it was Divinely inspired, authenticated, and preserved. Students will learn to use basic Bible tools such as a concordance and Bible dictionary.
BI 104 Biblical Languages & Exegesis (3) An introduction to Biblical Greek and Hebrew for developing basic word studies, and the inductive Bible study method, including practical assignments and application of Biblical truth to the student's personal life and ministry.
BI 202 Introduction to Bible Prophecy (3) The first steps to accurately understanding Bible Prophecy with a clear and balanced approach. Through a general overview of the book of Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel and Zechariah and more, you will learn subjects like: "The importance of Bible Prophecy Today", "Christ in Prophecy", "The Rapture of the Church", "The Great Tribulation Period", "The Second Coming of Christ", "The Reality of Hell", "The Millennium Reign of Christ" "The New Earth & New Heavens", and more. A great course to help you understand this sometime misunderstood subject of Bible Prophecy.
BI 301 Old Testament Theology (3) A study of specific points of theology and their flow throughout the Old Testament, including the themes of sin and salvation. These will be studied in light of their historical context.
BI 302 New Testament Theology (3) A study of specific points of theology as found in the New Testament, including God's continuing work of salvation. These will be studied in light of their historical context.
OLD TESTAMENT
OT 101 Pentateuch (3) A study of the first five books of the Bible with focus on the "beginnings", the Exodus, the Law, and God's Divine plan for His creation.
OT 104 Hebrew History (3) A course designed to give the student a comprehensive overview of the historical books of the Old Testament (Joshua through 2 Chronicles).
OT 105 Ezra & Nehemiah (3) An in-depth study of post-exile Israel as recorded in Ezra & Nehemiah. Emphasis will be given to God's providential care for His people during this time and the qualities of the leaders He used to effect the return of His people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
OT 206 Daniel (3) An exegetical and theological study of the Book of Daniel in its cultural, and historical setting with attention to its prophecies, critical problems, literary form, and present-day application.
OT 207 Major Prophets (3) A study covering the Old Testament prophetic books from Isaiah to Ezekiel. Focus will be directed on each book's particular message and ministry in regard to God's judgment of sin and the messianic promise.
OT 208 Minor Prophets (3) A study covering the Old Testament prophetic books from Hosea to Malachi. Emphasis will be placed on the social and political climate of the day, with an understanding of Israel and Judah's spiritual role as a contributing factor.
OT 209 The Tabernacle (3) An overview of the Tabernacle of Moses. Study will be devoted to the construction, material, and plan of the Tabernacle, as well as its application to God's redemptive plan.
OT 308 Old Testament Worship Literature (3) A study of Psalms and Song of Songs designed to give the student an understanding and appreciation of Hebrew poetic style. Specific study of key passages will allow for personal insight into worship as well as a study of prophecies concerning the Messiah.
OT 309 Old Testament Wisdom Literature (3) An overview of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes centering on the wisdom of God, His relation to those who follow Him, and understanding of daily living.
NEW TESTAMENT
NT 101 Synoptic Gospels (3) A course designed to give the student an overall understanding of the life of Jesus with special emphasis on the key events of His life, His teaching concerning the Kingdom of God, and the Passion Week.
NT 103 The Gospel of John (3) A study of the book of John with special emphasis on the Deity of Jesus Christ and the Father's gracious love for all men.
NT 105 Acts (3) An exegetical study of the birth and expansion of the Church, as chronicled in Acts, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the missionary journeys of Paul.
NT 106 Ephesians & Philippians (3) A comprehensive study of the churches at Ephesus and Philippi. This course traces the major themes of these books with doctrinal interpretation within the historical, contextual framework of these books and their relationships with the church today.
NT 204a Romans (3) The first half of an exegetical study centering on an understanding of justification by faith, the grace of God, and God's judicial establishment of righteousness.
NT 204b Romans (3) Continuation of an exegetical study centering on an understanding of justification by faith, the grace of God, and God's judicial establishment of righteousness.
NT 204Sa & NT 204Sb Romans in Spanish (3) Class description identical to NT 204 but presented in Spanish.
NT 205 The Corinthian Epistles (3) A comprehensive study of a first century charismatic church focusing on the problems it faced in a decaying urban society and how the Apostle Paul resolved these problems. The role of the Holy Spirit in the Church will also be examined.
NT 301 Pastoral Epistles (3) An intense exegetical study of Paul's instructions to pastors and all who have oversight in the Body of Christ. Special application of these principles to present-day church leadership will be given.
NT 303 Prison Epistles (3) A general study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Focus will be directed to providing the student with an over-view of the setting, purpose and general content of these books. Doctrinal truths truths are examined and their practical outworking in the lives of the believers.
NT 304 General Epistles (3) A study of epistles other than Pauline. Through analysis and exegesis, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude, will be examined and understood in light of their doctrinal interpretation and historical background.
NT 305 Hebrews (3) An introduction to and exegetical study of the Epistle to the Hebrews with special emphasis on its Christological themes in the light of its Old Testament background.
NT 306 Galatians (3) An in depth examination of Paul's letter to the church in Galatia, with special emphasis on the meaning of saving faith, the simplicity of the Gospel, and a proper understanding of Christian freedom.
THEOLOGY
TH 103 Systematic Theology I (3) A course dealing with an introduction to Systematic Theology and Theology Proper (the person of God Himself, His nature and attributes).
TH 104 Systematic Theology 2 (3) A course dealing with Anthropology, especially of man's origin and God's purposes for him, and Hamartiology (the doctrine of sin, its origin, reality, extent, result, and penalty).
TH 106 Systematic Theology 3 (3) A course designed to provide an understanding of Christology (the person and work of Christ), and Soteriology (the plan of redemption and the restoration of God's creation).
TH 201 Systematic Theology 4 (3) An exploration into the doctrine of Pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit - His work, person, and ministry in the Church today).
TH 208 Systematic Theology 5 (3) A study on Divine Healing, it's biblical foundation, application, and ministry. An overview of God's promises of wholeness to His covenant people. Scriptures on healing will be examined and a doctrinal position formed based on a systematic foundation of clear biblical truths. Prayer, faith, sin, and God's general providence toward mankind, as well as His Covenant will be examined as they pertain to healing.
TH 209 Systematic Theology 6 (3) A study in spiritual warfare, its reality and effective use. A sound Biblical Foundation will be laid for insight into this essential area of the Christian's life and ministry, and its proper use in the church today.
TH 304 Systematic Theology 7 (3) A study of Ecclesiology (the origin, nature, and constitution of the Church - its local organization, ministry, ordinances, and destiny).
TH 305 Systematic Theology 8 (3) A course dealing with Eschatology (the end of the age, the Second Coming, and the Age to come). This course also provides an overview of the many historical positions in the doctrine of last things.
TH 306 Pastoral Theology (3) A course designed to present some basic theological, spiritual, and practical foundations for pastoral ministry to a local church. The functional, pragmatic and philosophical aspects of Biblical pastoral ministry will be covered.
TH 307 Theological Classics (3) Works such as the following are read and discussed: Athanasius' The Incarnation of the Word of God; Augustine's Confessions; Aquinas' On Spiritual Creatures; Luther's The Freedom of a Christian; John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion; Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress; William's Descent Into Hell; Lewis' Pilgrim's Regress; and Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship.
TH 400 Introduction to the Philosophy of Christianity (3) An intensive study of philosophy (theory or logical analysis of the principles underlying conduct, thought, knowledge, and the nature of the universe) from the Christian perspective.
TH 405 Christianity and Culture (3) A study of the interaction between Christianity and the culture of the Western world, with attention to understanding the divergent world-views represented. Modernism and post-modernism will be discussed with the aim of understanding how to effectively witness to the various groups.
EVANGELISM & DISCIPLESHIP
EV 101 Personal Evangelism (3) A study of the practical basis for evangelism as a lifestyle for the believer. The principles and perspectives learned will enable the student to communicate the central tenets of the Gospel, contextualize the message to meet different and varied needs, and guide the student in establishing relationships with the unconverted and newly converted.
EV 201 International Evangelism (3) A basic course for all students preparing for Christian ministry, presenting Biblical basis of worldwide evangelism, its historical development and current status.
EV 301 Evangelism and Church Growth (3) An introduction to the principles of church growth and their application to the local church. A study is made of Biblical and sociological dimensions of church expansion and multiplication in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
EV 302 Power Evangelism (3) Signs, Wonders and the Advance of the Gospel - a Biblical and historical study of the place and power of the miraculous in advancing the Gospel. Opportunity will be given for practical experience in the reception and use of spiritual gifts both within and outside the classroom.
EV 303 Impact: Reaching People by Blessing and With Power (3) An introduction to the principles involved in the release of every Christian into the area of personal outreach and Friendship Evangelism. How to break free of "canned" evangelism programs and move into being involved with people is covered. The history of church outreach programs and contemporary techniques are explored. The need to touch peoples lives in everyday situations is stressed.
GENERAL MINISTRIES
GM 101 Hermeneutics 1 (3) The study of the doctrine of the Bible, including inspiration, canonization and transmission of the Bible. The Protestant view of Scripture is studied and the rules, forms, and types of interpretation are examined.
GM 104 Music Ministry (2) Designed for the student pursuing a ministry or participation in music. This is a directed study designed to bring the cooperation of worship leader and student to a practical level of learning.
GM 105 Church Worship Using The Guitar 1 (2) An introduction to playing the guitar for worship services emphasizing leading people into praise and worship. (Not a "How to Play Guitar" class)
GM 106 Church Worship Using The Guitar 2 (2) A continued course on using the guitar for worship services emphasizing leading people into praise and worship. (Not a "How to Play Guitar" class)
GM 201 Hermeneutics 2 (3) The study of (1) the general hermeneutical approach of grammatical -historical interpretation; (2) the study of the Bible inductively, including practical assignments in the inductive method and the application of biblical truth to the student's personal life and ministry. Note: Hermeneutics 1 is not a prerequisite for this class. Hermeneutics 2 is distinct from and subjectively diverse from Hermeneutics 1.
GM 202 Homiletics 1 (3) An introductory course designed to give the student a philosophy of preaching and a practical understanding of sermon types, preparation, and delivery.
GM 203 Preaching 1 (3) Prerequisite: GM 202. A course which allows the student to preach by practice. The student may concentrate his or her in-class preaching experiences in textual, expository, and/or evangelistic preaching and sermonizing for special occasions. Attention is given to the preparation, delivery and constructive critique of sermons.
GM 204 Spiritual Gifts and Ministries (3) A practical course in which the student is encouraged to participate in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, to understand the purpose of each spiritual gift, and operate in his or her "gifting." The effective working of the gifts will be examined from the individual to the assembled church.
GM 304 Homiletics 2 (3) How To Study The Bible For All It's Worth. A course emphasizing the establishment of good Bible instruction in the local church. Series and preaching plans are covered as well as systems for studying Scripture.
GM 305 Worship Leading (3) This class will focus on the spiritual role of the worship leader. Relationships with leadership, ministry in worship, essential elements of a worship service song selection, and other topics will be covered.
GM 401 Foursquare Doctrine (3) A course that explores the 23 components of the Foursquare Statement of Faith, including the Scriptures, the Godhead, the Fall of man, redemption, salvation and the new birth, Christian life, water baptism, the Lord's Supper, Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit-filled life, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, Divine healing, the 2nd Coming of Christ, civil government, judgment, heaven, hell, evangelism, tithing and offerings.
GM 402 Pastoral Ministry (3) A course designed to present some basic theological, spiritual and practical foundations for pastoral ministry to a local church. The functional, pragmatic and philosophical aspects of pastoral ministry will be covered, with some attention also being given to the personal needs of the pastor and his or her family.
GM 404 Preaching 2 (3) Prerequisite: GM 202 and 203. A directed study course to be overseen by the instructor and the Academic Dean.
GM 406 Leadership of Church & Ministry (3) An examination leadership qualities, the techniques and principles of leadership and their practical application in a church, ministry, para-church organization, or missions setting. Establishing a chain of command, staff and council meetings, job descriptions, standard procedures, problem solving and using people skills will be emphasized. Working with employers, employees and volunteers is also covered.
CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY
CO 101 Foundations of Pastoral Care and Counseling (3) Provides preparation for ministry to individuals, couples, families and groups focusing on renewal, preparation, enrichment, and equipping. This class is designed to lay a Biblical foundation for counseling.
CO 102 Advanced Pastoral Care (3) Prerequisite: GM 101. This class will offer an experiential and practical approach to providing spiritual counsel and advice. Biblical styles of counseling will be studied.
CO 201 Communication for Ministry (3) Class is designed to explore and practice the fundamental skills and techniques necessary for any minister to have a successful and meaningful exchange of information with individuals and groups in the church and community. This practical course is a valuable tool for any believer.
CO 202 Marriage and Family Ministries (3) Provides preparation for a variety of ministries to couples and families as well as specific church family ministries . This class will address some of the common problems in marriage and family ministers must address. Issues such as generational curses, Biblical roles for husbands and wives, step parenting, family devotions, finances, establishing Biblical priorities, and communication are addressed.
CO 203 Ministry to Those in Crisis (3) The student will learn a Biblical approach and foundation for providing emotional and spiritual counsel those in the church who are in crisis. This includes understanding the crisis cycle and process, identifying when a person is in crisis, when to refer, crisis intervention and counseling.
CO 302 Ministry to Victims of Abuse (3) Foundation for providing emotional, spiritual counsel for those in the church who have experienced different kinds of physical and or emotional abuse. The impact of childhood abuse on adulthood, working through issues of healing, as well as biblical restoration and forgiveness will be examined.
CO 303 Counseling Pre-Marrieds (3) Foundation for providing emotional, spiritual counsel for prospective brides and grooms. Biblical model for marriage is studied as well as love, communication, conflict resolution, in-laws, finances, and sex in marriage will be covered. A model for pre marriage training will be established.
CO 304 Ministry to Pre-Marrieds Practicum (3) Supervised work with pre-marrieds within the ministry of a local church or Christian organization under the supervision of a faculty and church pastor.
CO 404 Alcohol & Substance Abuse (3) Diagnosis, treatment planning, and recovery process for the alcoholic/addict and family members will be the focus of this course. The disease model of addictions treatment and the utilization of 12-step support groups in the treatment of the recovering person and the family members will be presented. Compulsive diseases will be discussed such as sexual addiction, eating disorders, etc. Class lectures, special speakers, and assigned reading will be the primary instruction method.
CO 403 Comparative Counseling Philosophies (3) A course exploring the History and Systems of Psychology. An overview of the history of psychology and classical systems in psychology. Issues in the philosophy of science relevant to psychological systems, research, theory, and practice are covered.
CO 405 Techniques of Counseling for Use in the Church (3) Distinctives of counselors in a church or parachurch agency, their qualification and necessary counseling techniques. Special emphasis will be placed upon the student's development through experiential practice "people-helping skills" from a Christian perspective.
GENERAL EDUCATION
GE 102 College Composition (3) A study of the principles of English grammar, sentence structure, and composition with opportunity to demonstrate and refine writing skills. Term papers are a major focus.
GE 105 Spiritual Disciplines (3) Study and practice of the spiritual disciplines seen in the Word of God will be undertaken by the instructor and the student. Disciplines that will be covered are prayer, fasting, meditation, personal biblical devotions, and others.
GE 106 Beginning Computer (3) A beginning course on computing, also including introduction to computers and computer technology, Windows '95 and '98, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, and the Internet.
GE 107 Intermediate Computer (3) A class for persons who have had some exposure to computers but would like to become more proficient. Microsoft Windows '95, '98, Word and Publisher will be used. We will overview the Internet, the World Wide Web, E-mail, and on-line safety.
GE 108 Advanced Intermediate Computer (3) A class for those already comfortable with basic PC skills and the fundamentals of Windows 95. We will work on advanced word processing and desktop publishing as well as database and speadsheet design. We will also look at graphics editing and internet issues.
GE 201 Biblical Ethics (3) A study of the of the Christian basis for personal and public morality in face of the situation motif seen in today's culture. Comparisons and contrasts with secular approaches are noted as the consistency of biblical ethics is emphasized, with the practical application of the principles in one's conduct.
GE 202 History of Christianity 100 To 1500 AD (3) A survey of individuals, movements and doctrines as the pertain to the spread of Judaism and Christianity from the time of the ancient people of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to 1500 AD
GE 204 Biblical Creation and the Genesis Flood (3) A course designed to show the unity between scientific inquiry and the revelation of God's Word. Areas of study will be issues of creation, the flood, and evidence that confirms Biblical accounts.
GE 205 The Pentecostal Tradition In America (3) An introduction to the Pentecostal Tradition in America. Special attention is given to historical events and traditions out of which Pentecostalism emerged and to the more recent Charismatic Movement which it helped to produce.
GE 206 The Life of Aimee Semple McPherson (3) A study of the life and work of the founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Attention is focused on the historical context of Mrs. McPherson's life, her influence on the church and society as well as the history of Angelus Temple. A selection of her writings and sermons will be examined.
GE 301 History of Christianity 1500 AD to Present (3) A survey of individuals, movements and doctrines from the time of the Reformation to Christianity in America. This course traces the development of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements within the framework of Church history. The course enables the student to view the Church as it is today and to avoid the errors and profit from the successes of the past.
GE 302 Apologetics - General (3) A study in the defense of the Christian faith. The reliability of the biblical record will be examined, as well as the testimony of extra-biblical witnesses to the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth. The overwhelming historical and bibliographic evidence will be explored.
GE 303 Apologetics and the Cults (3) The validity of the Christian faith will be demonstrated. Emphasis will be on the problems and assaults that confront the Christian at the beginning of the 21st century. The issues of evolution, humanism, and the cults will be addressed. We will specifically examine Mormonism, The Jehovah's Witness movement, Christian Science and the "mind science" cults, as well as the New Age movement.
GE 306 Yearbook (1) A course designed to teach the process involved in producing a college yearbook. The course entails the actual production of the yearbook, including photography, copy work, selling ads, and editing.
GE 404 Advanced Apologetics (3) Topics included will include apologetic method, faith and reason, miracle and natural law, theistic proofs, the problem of evil, evidence for the resurrection, archaeological confirmation of the Bible, Feminist as well as Marxist and Freudian criticisms of Christianity. Also covered will be notable apologeticians of the pre- and post-reformation eras.
GE 405 Church Administration (3) This course will cover the science,
art and gift of church management. This includes use of Biblical
principles regarding organizational procedures, money matters and working with
people.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CE 202 Christian Education (3) A study of the role, responsibilities, and "how-to's" of a Minister or Director of Christian Education in the local church. The legal aspects of ministering to this age group are covered as well.
CE 203 The Minister of Youth (3) A practical course designed to give the student opportunity to develop youth ministry skills. Reading, observation, and guided experience will comprise the major part of this course.
CE 204 Christian Educational Ministries (3) A course emphasizing teaching, training, and discipleship. The history of C.E. will be examined as well as current trends and the continuing need for C.E. in the church today.
CE 205 Methods For Reaching The Little Generation Through C. E. Ministries (3) This class provides practical information and hands on training in how to reach children from nursery through 6th grade with the truths of the Scriptures. Innovative use of curriculum, making Bible stories come alive with relevancy for today, and Christian Education from a child's perspective are covered.
CE 206 Ministry to Seniors (2) A specialized study of the spiritual needs and changing adjustments of the older adult in our society, focusing on the church's responsibility to minister to this age group.
CE 207 The Bible on Marriage and the Family (3) A study of the Biblical principles of family life with emphasis on the Biblical role of husband-wife, parent-child relationships within the home, the role of the church to the home and the importance of the family unit in society.
CE 301 Foundations of Christian Leadership (3) Basics of spiritual leadership for a Christian ministry. Emphasis upon development of personal leadership qualities including Bible study, worship, prayer and interpersonal development which relate to spiritual gifts and the church as an organism will be stressed.
CE 302 Foundations of Biblical Teaching Ministry (3) Provides preparation for a variety of ministries in which responsibilities and skills in Christian Education are prominent including pastor, associate pastor, youth pastor, women's ministries, and other leadership roles. Major emphasis upon learning and its application to teaching the Bible within the context of the local church and parachurch agencies.
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
LN 101 Introduction to Biblical Languages 2 (3) An course designed to give to the student the basic tools to do effective and meaningful word studies from the Biblical text. The student will learn the Hebrew and Greek alphabets, be introduced to elementary grammatical principles, and be trained to use standard reference tools necessary to develop simple word studies used in teaching and preaching.
LN 202 Biblical Languages; New Testament Greek 1 (3) A combined inductive and deductive study of the basic elements of Biblical Koine grammar concentrating on noun and verb formations, basic syntax and translation. For the purpose of understanding and teaching from the Bible.
LN 203 Biblical Languages; New Testament Greek 2 (3) Prerequisite: LN 202. A continuation of New Testament Greek 1 with the introduction of participles and infinitives as well as an emphasis on all facets of syntax and translation.
LN 204 Biblical Languages; NT Greek 3 (3) Prerequisite: LN 203. A continuation of Greek 2 with an in-depth study of grammar, syntax, diagramming and word formations. Included is advanced reading, translation and analysis of selected passages from the Greek New Testament.
LN 205 Introduction To Biblical Hebrew; Tools And Methods (3) An Introduction to The Hebrew Language course designed to give to the student the basic tools to do effective and meaningful word studies from the Old Testament Biblical text. The student will learn the Hebrew alphabet, be introduced to elementary grammatical principles, and be trained to use standard reference tools necessary to develop simple word studies.
LN 206b Conversational Spanish for Beginners Part 2 (3). A continued "Introduction to the Spanish Language" course designed to give the student the basic tools to converse in common situations. The student will be introduced to elementary grammatical principles, pronunciation, and be trained to use standard verbs, nouns, and prepositions necessary to develop simple sentences.
LN 301 Biblical Hebrew 1 (3) Prerequisite: LN 101. An inductive study of selected scripture passages, emphasizing the basic elements of Hebrew grammar for the purpose of understanding and teaching from the Bible The student will also develop basic exegetical skills through interaction with the primary Hebrew reference tools.
LN 302 Biblical Hebrew 2 (3) Prerequisite: LN 301. The continuation of Hebrew 1 with a combined emphasis on language study and the development of exegetical skills. for the purpose of better understanding and communicating the truth of the scriptures.
