Academics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  


Master Degree Courses
 

OT501  UNDERSTANDING THE OLD TESTAMENT [3 credit hours]

This is a hermeneutical survey of the Old Testament.  Concentration is given to an introduction of subjects such as: revelation; inspiration; the origins of writing; the development of Hebrew writing; and understanding literary genre for proper interpretation of the Old Testament.

 

NT501  UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TESTAMENT  [3 credit hours]

This is a hermeneutic survey of the New Testament. Concentration is given to an introduction of subjects such as: the nature of inspiration; the development of the canon of Scripture; and understanding literary genre for proper interpretation of the New Testament.

 

TH501 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY I: Handout Theology with Dr. John Gerstner [3 credit hours]

In his classic style, the late Dr. John Gerstner outlines and discusses the first twenty-six theological subjects in his Handout Theology series, such as the origins of man’s sense of being, as well as the profound subjects of God’s providence, man’s free will, and progressive creation.

 

TH502 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II: Handout Theology with Dr. John Gerstner  [3 credit hours]

The late Dr. John Gerstner continues to outline and discuss the second twenty-four theological subjects in his Handout Theology series.  Dr. Gerstner thoroughly addresses the subject of salvation and its impact upon the individual and society.  These short and pithy discussions bring theology to life in the mind of the student.

 

CH501  CHURCH HISTORY I: Handout Church History with Dr. John Gerstner [3 credit hours]

The late Dr. John Gerstner often identified himself as a historic theologian.  In this formative production by Ligonier Ministries, Dr. Gerstner presents the first half of his Handout Church History series.  Much emphasis is given to the development of Church doctrine in the historical context. This course covers the period from the beginnings of the Early Church through the influences of Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli.                     

CH502  CHURCH HISTORY II: Handout Church History with Dr. John Gerstner [3 credit hours]

A continuation of the development of Church doctrine in the historical context, the second half of Gerstner’s Handout Church History series covers the period from the Colloquy of Marburg in 1529 through the twentieth century.

MASTER’S CONCENTRATION COURSES

MC501  INTRODUCTION TO REFORMED THEOLOGY [1credit hour]

Every CTS student is required to view the video series entitled What Is Reformed Theology? and to read Grace Unknown by Dr. R.C. Sproul.  While CTS does not demand an allegiance to its theological orientation, it is our hope that each student will become awakened, as we have, to a deep appreciation for the lives and teachings of historic and present proponents of reformed doctrine which forms the foundation of the CTS curriculum.

 

MC502  PREACHING CLINIC [1 credit hour]

This course is designed to provide instruction for both the preparation and presentation of biblical preaching.  A variety of homiletical principles will be taught with the goal of each student preaching in the classroom and a live church setting.  This hands-on training will enlighten and enrich the goal of Jesus’ command to “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel!” (Mat.28:19).

 

MC503  BIOGRAPHICAL CONCENTRATION PROJECT [Master’s Concentration Course - 1 credit hour]

The student is required to read two (2) approved historical or biographical classics or a minimum of six-hundred (600) pages.  A three (3) page paper [no more, no less], typed and double-spaced on standard on 8 ½ x 11" paper is required for the completion of the assignment.  The paper will be written under the title “The Personal and Historical Impact of the Life of...”  (See details as outlined on page 10, under Biographical Concentration Project).

 

MC504  PERSONAL SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY PROJECT [Master’s Concentration Course - 1 credit hour]

This project is designed to press the student into an encounter with the tenants of the orthodox faith articulated in classical works on Systematic Theology.  The paper shall be ten (10) pages in length [no more, no less], typed and double-spaced on standard on 8 ½ x 11" paper.  Project guidelines shall be available after the completion of thirty (30) credit hours of the MBS or MTS program.  [Note: this project is required for MTS degree students].

 

MC505  THESIS DEVELOPMENT [Master’s Concentration Course - 1 credit hour]

This course is aimed at guiding the student in the writing of his/her graduate thesis paper: research, gathering and properly organizing bibliographic materials, the rough outline, the thesis statement, the detailed outline, the rough draft, and the final draft.  A twenty-five (25) page paper [no more, no less], typed and double-spaced on standard 8 ½ x 11" paper shall be completed on a subject of the student’s choice, approved in advance by the student’s academic advisor/proctor.

 

BIBLICAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

Old Testament

OT502 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY [3 credit hours]

This course is a concise survey of each of the Old Testament books.  Special attention is given to the history of salvation in the Old Testament, especially as it relates to the establishment of God’s Rule and the coming of the Messiah.

 

OT503 GENESIS-JOSHUA [3 credit hours]

The development of the Torah and the first stages of Old Testament covenant history are the core points of review.  Presented is the literary approach to the writings of the first six books and their importance in the scheme of redemptive history.

 

OT504 ISAIAH-MALACHI [3 credit hours]

This introduction to prophetic literature examines the specific prophetic focus of each of the Old Testament prophets.  This course examines how their prophetic messages confronted the kings of Israel and Judah as well as the broader prophetic themes which shaped redemptive history.

BIBLICAL STUDIES ELECTIVES

New Testament

NT502 NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY [3 credit hours]

This course will identify the occasion, content, and structure of the New Testament, including studies on important events, individuals, and ideas which constitute the environment in which the New Testament was written. Also considered is the prevailing theological message.

 

NT503 NEW TESTAMENT HERMENEUTICS [3 credit hours]

The meaning of hermeneutics is “the principles for studying the Scriptures.”  This course gives great care in setting forth methodology for studying the New Testament: literary context, historical context, and how to discover words and their meaning from original sources.  This course is designed to enhance the presentation process.  Therefore, emphasis is given to methods of study and teaching technique.

NT504 THE LIFE OF CHRIST [3 credit hours]

The method and message of Jesus Christ are critical to the understanding of the entire New Testament.  This course is designed around the four stages of the life of Christ: The Prophetic, The Incarnation, The Life and Ministry, and the Passion and Resurrection.

 

NT505 THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST [3 credit hours]

So often we hear the word “gospel” being used, but how few today actually understand the true meaning of the Gospel message.  This course sets forth and maintains the theme of Jesus as the Gospel. The close examination of the person and work of Christ in His passive and active obedience to His Father will be emphasized.

 

NT506  THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT [3 credit hours]

This course gives a usable in-depth analysis of the nine manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit as listed in 1 Corinthians, chapter twelve.  The course is a highly  practical survey of these often controversial gifts.   Specific attention is given to the definition of each gift, its biblical practice in the life of Jesus and the early Church, and the present-day operation, benefits, and governance of these manifestation gifts of the Holy Spirit.

 

NT507  THE BEATITUDES [3 credit hours]

This course is an in-depth study of the Sermon on the Mount.  In addition to a verse-by-verse treatment of Matthew’s text, there is much emphasis given to how to interpret the Gospel of Matthew and the development of the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Gospel.

NT508 THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS [3 credit hours]

This pivotal New Testament book is examined in detail, verse by verse.  In addition, emphasis is given to how the Epistle served as the catalyst which awakened the “sleeping giants” of Christian history, such as St. Augustine, Martin Luther, and Jonathan Edwards.

 

NT509  EPHESIANS: Principles and Practice of Christian Community [3 credit hours]

This book study takes a verse-by-verse journey through the Book of Ephesians.  In addition, the course gives much care to outlining a variety of principles for understanding how to interpret Epistle literature.  The theology primer, the Book of Ephesians is a critical key to understanding the whole of Pauline theology.

NT510 THE LIFE OF PAUL [3 credit hours]

The Apostle Paul is the central personality in the development of the Christian Church and Christian theological thought.  His life and ministry are highlighted: his past, his conversion; and the ministry.  The impact of each missionary journey is also thoroughly examined.

 

NT511 THE BOOK OF REVELATION I [Chapters 1 to 11 – 3 credit hours]

An examination of St. John’s Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is given from the preterist viewpoint.  Clear perspective is given to dating, to the relevance of the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., and how this provides historic orientation to interpretation.  Also given is a thorough examination of Israel’s covenant relationship with God.

 

NT512 THE BOOK OF REVELATION II [Chapters 12 to 22 – 3 credit hours]

This challenging course is a continuation of a preteristic examination of the Book of Revelation.  Highlighted is the special interpretation of names, places, and events.  Emphasis is given to hermeneutical principals which govern the highly delicate character of apocryphal literature.

  

THEOLOGY ELECTIVES 

General

TH503 SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY III: Handout Theology with Dr. John Gerstner  [3 credit hours]

These last fifty sessions in Gerstner’s Handout Theology Series deal with subjects such as baptism, communion, and eschatology.  The student will be blessed by the teaching of Dr. John Gerstner as he challenges and teaches from a biblical and historical viewpoint.

 

TH504 FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE REFORMED FAITH [3 credit hours]

The abandonment of Reformed Theology in the 20th century Church has resulted in a Christian Church that cannot articulate the basic message of the Gospel.  This diluted Gospel message has, in reality, become “another Gospel.”  The ultimate result has been a man-centered Gospel which, sadly,  has led people away from God Himself.  In this course the historic message of orthodox reformation faith is outlined.

 

TH505 GOD, CREATION, AND THE ETERNAL DECREES [3 credit hours]

The study of God, creation, and the eternal decrees is critical to understanding the message of the Scriptures.  This course will delve into the nature of the Godhead, the works of creation (initial and progressive), and the nature of the great decrees of God in creation and redemption.

 

TH506 THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN SALVATION HISTORY [3 credit hours]

The work of the Holy Spirit is not confined to the age of the first apostles only.  This study will examine the works of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, justification by faith, the work of the cross, sanctification, and the continued work of the Holy Spirit in relationship to the Kingdom of God.

 

TH507 STUDIES IN ESCHATOLOGY [3 credit hours]

This course examines the major interpretative viewpoints for the Book of Revelation and broadly details the biblical emphasis upon the end of time.  This course exams death, the resurrection of the dead, eternal judgment of the wicked, and the study of heaven and hell.

 

TH508  THEOLOGY PROPER: The God We Know [3 credit hours]

This in-depth study of the attributes of God first defines and then demonstrates the biblical evidences of God’s communicable and incommunicable attributes.  There is no subject that is more important to the Church of Jesus Christ than a biblical understanding of the nature, name, and character of our great God.

 

TH509  THE HOLINESS OF GOD [3 credit hours]

This course combines two of Dr. R. C. Sproul’s six lecture series: Chosen by God and The Holiness of God.  Dr. Sproul has spent the past twenty-five years ministering under the mission statement of “Awakening the Church to the holiness of God.”  This course certainly lives up to that vision and the standard of excellence Ligonier Ministries has labored so hard to produce.

 

TH510 THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE [3 credit hours]

One of the foundational tenets of the Reformation was “The Scriptures Alone!”  Yet how far the Church of Jesus Christ has drifted from this viewpoint that the Scriptures alone are the Rule of Faith and Practice for the Christian and the Church.  This course will examine the historical viewpoint regarding the inspiration, reliability, truthfulness, and authority of Scripture.

 

TH511 TENETS OF CLASSICAL ORTHODOXY [3 credit hours]

This is a study of the five points of Calvinism, summarized by the acrostic “TULIP”: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Faith. Historically, a departure from the doctrines of grace has had a direct correlation to a drift from orthodoxy.  Emphasis will be given to the tension between man’s responsibility and God’s sovereignty. 

 

TH512  THE CROSS OF CHRIST [3 credit hours]

The pivotal point of redemptive history is the cross of Jesus Christ.  This course will systematically examine the biblical and theological aspects of the death of Christ and its historical and contemporary impact upon the Christian and the Church. 

 

TH513  CHOSEN BY GOD [3 credit hours]

Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (John15:16, NIV).  The issue of man’s “free-will” in election has existed since the time of the Reformation.  This course examines the weakness of decisional regeneration in the light of the doctrine of divine election.

 

TH514  SURVEY OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION [3 credit hours]

John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion are a bulwark in Reformation history and the development of theology.  In this course students will read, study, and outline the Institutes with the goal of understanding the major themes of theological rationale from the Reformed orientation.

  

TH515  THE THEOLOGY OF JONATHAN EDWARDS [3 credit hours]

Jonathan Edwards died in the 18th century, yet his theological work is highly relevant for today’s Church. This course exams Edwards’s views on God, revelation, the Bible, sin, salvation, evangelism, and the Church.

 

TH516  CHRISTIANITY AND COMPETING WORLD VIEWS [3 credit hours]

Of major contemporary importance is the subject of competing world views.  The Bible is a book that stands in tension with the philosophies of the contemporary world.  Is God at the center and in control of all of His creation, or is man and his philosophies at the core?  The answer to this question impacts ethics, education, esthetics, government, morality, and religion.  This critical theological study will outline several prominent secular world views and highlight and contrast the biblical Christian world view.

THEOLOGY ELECTIVES

Intensive Studies

TH[I]501  What on Earth is the Kingdom of God? [2 credit hours]

As the central message of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God remains at the summit of theological studies.  However, the rule of God is also one of the most forgotten and neglected subjects in the Church today.  In this six hour Intensive Study, Dr. W.A. Young and Pastor John Bayles present an in-depth biblical study of the Kingdom of God, outlining its historical and contemporary importance.   

 

TH[I]502   What on Earth are the Doctrines of Grace? [2 credit hours]

The Doctrines of Grace form the foundation of the Reformed movement and the pillars of historic Protestantism.  Dr. Young and Pastor Bayles bring a highly sound, yet sensitive presentation of these foundational doctrines, identified by the acrostic “TULIP”: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Faith.

 

TH[I]503   Who on Earth is Jesus Christ? [2 credit hours]

This Intensive Study takes an in-depth look at the person, nature, mission, and message of Jesus Christ.  Subjects such as the place of Jesus in the Triune Godhead, the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King as expressed by the Lord, the central Kingdom of God teaching of Jesus, and the nature of Jesus’ life, death, and suffering are all discussed in detail.

 

TH[I]504   What on Earth is the Cross of Christ? [2 credit hours]

The apostle Paul said, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but  to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1Cor.1:18,NIV).  This Intensive Study presses into the depths of the message of the cross.  Referred to as one of the most neglected subjects in modern Christendom, the teaching of the cross still remains “. . .the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom.1:16,NIV). 

 

TH[I]505   What on Earth is the Gospel of Christ? [2 credit hours]

The Apostle Paul made the remarkable statement, “. . .Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel” (1Cor.9:16,NIV).   His greatest fear was that the Gospel would not be proclaimed accurately.  Today it is not always clear that we even understand the substance of the message which the Gospel contains.  This Intensive Study addresses a variety of subjects regarding the Gospel: the pathway of redemption, the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, and the Gospel and the cross, among others.

 

TH[I]506  What on Earth is Eschatology? [2 credit hours]

Every New Testament Christian is an eschatological person.  We live in a time between two ages and between two kingdoms.  A study of “the end,” eschatology is far more than guessing who is the anti-Christ and the seven-headed beast.  This study takes a careful look at Jesus’ declarations regarding the end and the

end of time, the Olivet discourse, the four major views for interpreting the book of Revelation, and contemporary effects of right and wrong eschatological viewpoints.

 

CHURCH HISTORY ELECTIVES

(Church History Electives may be applied to either the MTS or MBS degree programs)

CH501  FROM THE RESURRECTION TO THE REFORMATION [3 credit hours]

This course seeks to examine history from the viewpoint of the expansion of the Church and its doctrines.  The course surveys the development of doctrine from the period of the resurrection of Christ to the beginnings of the sixteenth century Reformation.

 

CH502  FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE MODERN AGE [3 credit hours]

This course seeks to examine history from the viewpoint of the expansion of the Church and its doctrines. The course surveys the development of doctrine from the sixteenth century Reformation to modern times.

 

CH503  REFORMATION ETHICS [3 credit hours]

So often we hear phrase,“We cannot legislate morality.”  This course challenges this skewed viewpoint of Western American culture as being frivolous and without foundation.  Morality is and must be legislated to maintain an orderly society and world.  This course examines the ethical standards which rose from the Reformation period and how they changed the face of the Church and the world.

 

CH504  THE PURITANS [3 credit hours]

So often confused with the Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation, the Puritans of New England have had a lasting impact upon societal, political, and religious life in America since their introduction to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  This study will follow the Puritan movement as it developed historically and will outline how this powerful reformed movement affects our modern times.

 

CH520  THE LURE OF THE CULTS [3 credit hours]

This is a survey of the historic development of four cults with wide strong influence in America: Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and the Masonic movement.  In addition, witnessing insights are shared for confronting these cult groups.  Designed to bring usable resources to the student, this practical study will inform and equip.

MISSIOLOGY ELECTIVES 

MI500  CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY [3 credit hours]

Cultural Anthropology is the study of man and his world.  This course will outline the major views of the rise of man in the cultural, historical, and social settings.  Particular emphasis will be given to how the Gospel is perceived and received in the third world setting.

 

MI501  HISTORY OF MISSIONS [3 credit hours]

There are several dimensions through which Church history is studied: the development of theology and doctrine, the expansion of the Church, and the particular expansion of certain movements.  Each of these orientations is touched by the process of missions.  Therefore, this course is designed to outline the role of historic and contemporary missions and their effectiveness in world evangelism.

 

MI505 & 506  SPANISH I & II [3 credit hours each]

Taught in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, these Spanish courses are conducted by instructors from Grace to the Americas and are required for the completion of the Master of Missiology degree. Spanish competency testing is available for those students who have completed elementary Spanish in another setting. 

 

MI510 SUPERVISED MINISTRY EXPERIENCE [2 credit hours]

The Missiology Supervised Ministry Experience is directly associated with the Church of Grace in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.  This life-experience credit will be overseen by Pastor John Mazariegos, M.Div., and will involve a practical ministry project proposal, outline, and journal, in addition to writing a Supervised Ministry Paper.