Far Eastern Bible College
“Holding forth the Word of Life” Philippians 2:16
“Holding fast the Faithful Word” Titus 1:9
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
The courses of study are classified under six departments: English Bible, Biblical Languages, Theology, Church History, Pastoral Ministry and Christian Education.
ENGLISH BIBLE
Old Testament
Old Testament History I & II A two-semester course. The first semester covers the creation of the world (Genesis) to the days of the Judges (Book of Judges). The second semester continues from the life of King Saul (1 Samuel) to the return from Babylonian Captivity (Book of Esther). Three credits each semester.
Old Testament Prophecy A study of the prophetical writings. Emphasis is on the meaning and ministry of the prophets, the theological themes, an overview of each of the prophetical books, historical developments and practical truths for today’s society. Two credits.
Old Testament Poetry An introduction to the study of Hebrew poetry. Surveys the teachings of the poetical books of the Old Testament with emphasis on theological themes and practical truths for today’s Church. Two credits.
Individual Old Testament Books In-depth study of the biblical books of the Old Testament. Emphasis is on the historical, cultural, and theological themes and practical application for the Church today. One or two credits depending on book offered. Elective.
New Testament
New Testament Introduction An overview of the nature and contents of the New Testament. A general familiarity with the background and literature of the New Testament is foundational for other New Testament courses. Three credits.
Life of Christ A study of Christ’s ministry on earth through a synthetic harmony of the Gospels. Demonstrates how Christ saved sinners through His active and passive obedience. Three credits.
Acts of the Apostles A study of the Apostles’ ministry in response to the Great Commission of Christ, and how it is a pattern for missions today. The Charismatic Movement with its healings, demon casting, and tongues speaking will be critically examined in the light of Acts. Two credits.
Revelation A study of end-time world events as revealed in the Apocalypse. A premillennial position on the return of Christ is held. Special attention will be given to explain Israel’s place in God’s plan of salvation. Two credits. Elective.
Harmony of the Gospels The harmonization of the words and works of Christ as contained in the Four Gospels. All accounts will be interwoven into a single harmony. Emphasis is placed on the reconciliation of apparent discrepancies in select parallel texts. Two credits. Elective.
Individual New Testament Books In-depth study of the biblical books of the New Testament in English. Emphasis is on the historical, cultural, theological themes and practical application for the Church today. One or two credits depending on book offered. Elective.
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
Hebrew
Hebrew Elements I & II A study of the grammar of Biblical Hebrew, with introduction to orthography, etymology, and syntax. Emphasis is on reading the Hebrew text in the second semester. Three credits each semester.
Hebrew Reading I & II A course to help students learn to read the Hebrew Old Testament by gaining a better understanding of the syntax of the Hebrew language. Emphasis is on exegesis in the second semester. Two credits each semester.
Aramaic A study of the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Biblical Aramaic plus the reading of the Aramaic portions of Daniel and Ezra. Two credits each semester for two semesters.
Greek
Greek Elements I & II A study of the rudiments of Koine Greek so as to equip the student to read the Greek New Testament. Three credits each semester.
Greek Reading I & II A reading of biblical Greek to improve the student’s ability to translate the Greek New Testament. The student is required to sight read and translate 70 chapters of the New Testament. Two credits each semester.
Greek Exegesis I A study of Greek grammar and syntax beyond the elementary level to enable students to intelligently read and translate the Greek New Testament. Two credits.
Greek Exegesis II A study of the principles of Greek exegesis as a preparatory step towards sermon construction. Two credits.
Greek Bible (Individual New Testament Books in Greek) In-depth study of the biblical books of the New Testament in Greek. Emphasis is on the application of Greek exegetical methods, grammar and syntax. One or two credits depending on book offered.
THEOLOGY
Systematic Theology I: Theology Proper A study of the nature and attributes of God, the evidences for the existence of God, the doctrine of the Trinity, the works of God, the decrees of God, and the meaning of the divine inspiration and preservation of the Bible. Two credits.
Systematic Theology II: Anthropology A study of man in the image of God, of man the sinner through the Fall, of the results and implications of the Fall, of the origin and the antiquity of man, and of human life in this age. Two credits.
Systematic Theology III: Soteriology A study of the person of Christ, His deity, and His humanity, the doctrine and the application of the atonement, and the Church and the sacraments. Two credits.
Systematic Theology IV: Eschatology A study of the term ‘eschatology,’ the intermediate state, the resurrection of the body, the future kingdom of Christ, the Olivet discourse, and the eschatology of the Apocalypse. Two credits
Calvin’s Institutes I A complete study of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Books I and II. Two credits.
Calvin’s Institutes II A complete study of John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Books III and IV. Two credits.
Contemporary Theology I–IV An examination of current religious trends in Christendom with particular consideration given to Modernism, Neo-orthodoxy, Neo-evangelicalism, Liberation Theology, Ecumenism, and Charismatism. One credit per semester for a total of four semesters.
Westminster Standards A study of the background and content of the Westminster Confession of Faith including its Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Two credits.
Hermeneutics An introduction to Bible study tools, and basic principles of interpretation. The historical-grammatical-canonical method of interpretation is taught. Two credits.
Apologetics A biblical and systematic presentation of the Christian life and world view, with a brief survey of anti-Christian thought. The presuppositional approach is adopted. Two credits.
CHURCH HISTORY
Church History I: Pre-Reformation A study on the history of the Church from the close of the Apostolic Age to the Reformation (AD 100–1517). Subjects covered are the Church and Roman Empire, the development of theology and dogma, the Church in the Middle Ages, the doctrinal controversies, the movements in religious life, and the Renaissance. Two credits.
Church History II: Post-Reformation A study on the history of the Church from the Reformation to present day. A consideration of the forerunners, causes, progress, chief leaders, and effects of the Reformation. Other topics covered are Pietism and the Evangelical Revival, the Roman and Protestant Churches in the 20th century. Two credits.
The Bible-Presbyterian Church A study on the history of the Bible-Presbyterian Church, with an emphasis on its denominational distinctives. One credit. Elective.
Modern Cults A critical examination of the history and heresies of the major cults of the world today. Two credits. Elective.
Holy Land / Bible Lands / Reformation Pilgrimages Whenever the Lord permits, a Holy Land, Bible Land, or Reformation pilgrimage will be organised. A major project on the trip is required. Two credits. Elective.
PASTORAL MINISTRY
Homiletics As it is observed, the best way to learn swimming is to jump into the water; the art of preaching is taught through live preaching and hearing. Constructive criticism is made after each sermon, and the principles of effective preaching thoroughly discussed. One book is assigned for study each semester. John Sung My Teacher, by Timothy Tow, and Lectures to My Students, by C H Spurgeon, are the assigned books for first year students. One credit per semester.
Phonetics A study of the rudiments of speech with emphasis on the correct pronunciation of words. One credit. Elective.
Church Administration A study of the principles and practices of managing a local church. Focus will be on the Presbyterian form of church polity. One credit.
Missions and Church Growth A study of missions and church growth principles in the light of the Bible-Presbyterian Movement. An introduction to systems, methods, and practical geniuses available for immediate use in the local church. Textbook: Forty Years on the Road to Church Growth, by Timothy Tow. One credit.
Biblical Counselling A study of how to counsel through the Scriptures. Emphasis is on the need to know the Bible well in order to be proficient in counselling. One credit.
Principles and Practice of Prayer A study of the basic biblical principles of prayer. The prayer life of the pastor/missionary along with the responsibility of leading a congregation in its prayer ministry will receive special attention. One credit.
Church Music A study on how to lead in music during worship services and other related Church meetings. The contents cover the importance of music in life; the rudiments of music; recognition of key-signatures and time-signatures; the tonic sol-fa system; basic song-leading; the use of indices in the hymn book—general, topical, and metrical; the indices of Scripture texts, of authors and composers and of tunes. One credit.
Christian Worship A study of the importance and function of worship in the Christian Church, with an examination of the biblical elements of worship and their application in the conduct of meaningful worship services. The course is oriented to the practical needs of pastors and mission workers. One credit.
Music Theory The theory of music is taught, preparing students to reach grade I and II standards of the Royal Schools of Music, London. One credit per semester. Elective.
Pianoforte Beginning with the foundations of piano playing, students would eventually play hymns. Credit will be given only when students reach the standards of grades I and II in practical piano playing as set by the Royal Schools of Music, London. One credit per semester. Elective.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Introduction to Christian Education An overview of Christian education with four parts: developing a Christian philosophy of education, tracing the history of Christian education, discovering the principles of the teaching-learning process, and identifying the various age groups (children, youths, adults) in Christian education. One credit.
Childhood Education in the Church A study of the characteristics of children from infants to twelve years of age, and how to utilize methods and resources for helping the children to develop spiritually. One credit.
Youth Christian Education An introduction to the area of ministering to youths in the local church context. The aims are that students will be able to identify the various important elements pertaining to youth ministry, do an evaluation of their church youth programme, and suggest a comprehensive youth education programme for their local church. One credit.
Adult Christian Education An overview of adult Christian education in the context of Christian education in the local church and in the missions field that will promote the spiritual growth of adult Christians. The aims of this course are that the students will understand the biblical principles and approaches of adult Christian education in the context of Christian education, appreciate the practical aspects involved in promoting the effective teaching of adult Christians, be able to do an evaluation of their church adult education programme, and be able to suggest a comprehensive adult education programme for their local church. One credit.
Christian School Administration An overview to the running of a Christian school from the roles of the Administrator, School Board, School Personnel to the handling of the School Calendar, Facilities, Finance, and Public Relations, with principles from the Word of God. One credit.
Sunday School Curriculum Development An overview of what are involved in the design and development of a Sunday school curriculum for a local church. The aims of this course are that the students will understand the principles of Sunday school curriculum development, be aware of the important factors to consider in the development of a Sunday school curriculum, be able to evaluate the Sunday school curriculum in their own churches and make suggestions for its improvement, appreciate the importance of a well-designed curriculum in the promotion of spiritual growth. One credit.
Teaching Methods An introduction to different teaching methods that can be used in the Sunday School and church context. The strengths, limitations, and principles for effective use of each method will be discussed. One credit.
Jesus the Master Teacher A study of the way our Lord Jesus taught when He was on earth. The objectives of this course are that the student will have a better understanding of the way Jesus taught, reflect on his own teaching method, and seek to emulate the Master Teacher to enhance his own effectiveness in teaching the Word of God. One credit.
Thinking and Study Skills An introduction to various practical study skills and also to various skills helpful for the thinking activity. The aims of this course are that the students will understand the various skills introduced and be able to apply the skills in their studies, so that they can improve their academic performance to the glory of God. One credit.
Women in the Bible A biographical study of women in the Bible. The aims of this course are that the students will have a deeper understanding of what the Bible teaches about these women, and can draw applications/lessons from their characters and lives for Christians today. Two credits.
Women in Church History A biographical study of women in Church history. The aims of this course are that the students will have a deeper understanding of prominent women in Church history, and draw applications/lessons from their characters and lives for Christians today. One credit.
THESIS WRITING
Theological Research and Writing An introduction to research methodology and writing of term papers and theses for theological students. Attention is given to writing academic papers in the Turabian format. Two credits.
Thesis and Capstone Papers All degree candidates are required to submit an acceptable thesis, dissertation or capstone paper at the end of their respective programmes. The BRE/BTh and MRE/MDiv thesis and BMin/MMin capstone paper should be between 40–60 pages in length, the ThM thesis 60–100 pages, and the DRE/ThD dissertation 200–250 pages. Faculty approval of the thesis/dissertation/capstone paper is based on the doctrinal integrity and literary excellence of the work, rather than its length. BRE/BTh/MRE/MDiv/ThM/DRE/ThD students are required to complete the course on “Theological Research and Writing” before registering for thesis credits. Two credits (DRE/ThD dissertation, 8 credits).