Degree Specializations--New Testament
“Apply yourself fully to the text, and then apply all its subjects to yourself.”
Words written by a New Testament scholar over two hundred years ago continue to challenge me. The mission given to the church to present the Gospel to each generation in its own terms demands that we never neglect the serious, sustained study of the Scriptures. More than anything else I desire to challenge you to become a competent interpreter of the New Testament. Any ministry that is not built upon a competence in Biblical studies will inevitably be superficial. To study the Word painstakingly, expound it faithfully, and apply it reverently—this is our call. As a Christian who seriously desires to be a servant of Jesus and His Word and study Scripture in a Christian community, I invite you to study here. Together we will immerse ourselves in Scripture, relating the ancient Book to the modern world.
My colleagues who teach the Bible courses in our seminary are committed to the message of the Old Testament and the New Testament as the unique revelation from God. We stress the unity of the Scriptures in all of our classes.
Together we aim to equip our students so that they will be able to study Scripture on their own. Together we offer classes in the traditional format—semester-long classes—as well as classes on-line, through video, and in intensive week formats.
I always keep near a copy of a prayer that was composed nearly one hundred years ago by another New Testament scholar. It is one that I often meditate on for my sake and for the sake of my students so that we may study and serve for the praise and glory of God:
Be the master of my mind:
Bless and guide and strengthen still
All my powers of thought and will.
While I ply the scholar’s task,
Jesus Christ, be near I ask:
Help the Memory, clear the brain,
Knowledge still to seek and gain.”
Amen