Course Descriptions

Below you will find course listings for the four divisions of study at Southwest. Click any button to jump to that section.

Bible Exposition

BE-111 Genesis

This course provides an expository study of the book of Genesis in its cultural and historical setting. Genesis is the foundational book of the Old Testament and attention is given to the Creation account, to the Flood account, as well as to the formation of the Nation of Israel as seen through the Abrahamic Covenant and realized in successive generations.

BE-112 Exodus

This course provides an expository study of the book of Exodus in its cultural and historical setting. Attention will be given to the infancy, growth, and establishment of the Nation of Israel as God’s covenant people during the Mosaic Age. Special studies will be included in ancient Egyptian civilization and history.

BE-122 Leviticus

This course provides an expository study of the book of Leviticus in its respective historical and cultural setting. Specifically, this course will emphasize a study of the divine Priesthood as well as the Sacrificial, Priestly, Levitical and Festival system as observed during Israel’s early Tabernacle and first Temple Period.

BE-123 Numbers

This course provides an expository study of the book of Numbers in its respective historical and cultural setting. Specifically, this course will emphasize a study of the divine organization of national Israel as well as the Sacrificial, Priestly, Levitical and Festival system as observed during Israel’s early Tabernacle and first Temple Period.

BE-231 Deuteronomy & Critical Studies

This course provides an expository study of the book of Deuteronomy with attention being given to the three sermons of Moses; the Law; and preparatory warnings before Israel crossed Jordan into the Promised Land. This course will also focus on the development of Higher Textual Criticism and the apologetic work of J.W. McGarvey in defense of the biblical text.

BE-232 Joshua

This course provides an expository study of the book of Joshua and emphasizes the pre-conquest, conquest, and settlement of the land of Canaan. Attention will be given to the development of Israel as a nation with a homeland. Also, there will be given a historical, archaeological and spiritual analysis of the conquest and settlement period in Israel’s development as a Theocratic nation.

BE-233 Judges & Ruth

This course provides an expository study of the book of Judges and the book of Ruth in their respective historical and cultural settings. In Judges, attention will be given to the development of Theocracy in national Israel, and a study of the thirteen Judges and seven major oppressions will be conducted. In Ruth, attention will be given to the development of the Messianic doctrine of the “Kinsmen Redeemer” as well as to the literary composition of the text.

BE-241 1-2 Samuel

This course provides an expository study of the Books of 1 & 2 Samuel that constitute the beginning and end of Samuel’s ministry; the beginning and continuation of the United Kingdom period of Israel’s history; and the lives and reigns of two of the kings of Israel’s United Kingdom, Saul and David. An emphasis will also be given to a detailed study of the Davidic Covenant.

BE-242 1-2 Kings

This course provides an expository study of 1 & 2 Kings as these texts describe the history of Solomon and the United Kingdom up to the division of Israel into the Northern Kingdom (Israel), and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). The kings of the divided nation, the conquest of the Northern Kingdom by Assyria, the conquest of the Southern Kingdom by Babylon and the conquest of Babylon by Persia will be discussed.

BE-243 1-2 Chronicles

This course provides an expository study of 1 & 2 Chronicles as these texts describe the history of Israel from the death of Solomon to the establishment and development of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The Babylonian exile, captivity and the period of Persian rule will also be formally examined in light of the internal data of 1 & 2 Chronicles. This course will also provide a study of the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles in view of their Messianic importance.

BE-311 Ezra / Nehemiah / Esther

This course provides an expository study of the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The history of Israel from Josiah (c.640 B.C.) through the ministry of Nehemiah in restoring Jerusalem during the Persian period (c.400 B.C.) will be examined with background material from Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi taken into consideration.

BE-312 Job

This course provides an expository study of the book of Job in relation to its ancient Near Eastern historical and cultural context. This book, long considered a pivotal text in examining the doctrine of God, will provide great insight regarding God’s sovereignty, and His dealings with mankind as well as man’s response to God as his Creator. The doctrine of the resurrection will also be examined as formulated in this book.

BE-316 Psalms I

This course provides an expository study of the book of Psalms as well as an introduction to the poetical books of the Bible. The various styles of Hebrew prose, hymns, and prayers will be analyzed according to their usage in the Book of Psalms. Also the authorship and canonical arrangement of Psalms will be investigated as will the use of Psalms in Messianic prophecy.

BE-321 Psalms II

This course provides a continuation of BE-316. The various styles of Hebrew prose, hymns, and prayers will be analyzed according to their usage in the Book of Psalms. Also the authorship and canonical arrangement of Psalms will be investigated as will the use of Psalms in Messianic prophecy.

BE-244 Proverbs / Eccl / Song of Solomon

This course provides an expository study of Hebrew Wisdom Literature as found in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These three books are examined regarding their influence on the spiritual life of Israel as well as in the presentation of Messianic prophecy. Attention will also be given to an analysis of the various figures of speech used in Hebrew wisdom and poetic literature.

BE-313 Isaiah (I)

This course provides an expository study of the book of Isaiah in its cultural and historical setting. Attention will be given to a study of Old Testament prophecy, to the ministry of Isaiah in ancient Israel, and to the Messianic content of his prophecy. The various form-critical theories of the composition of this book will also be investigated and answered in view of inspiration.

BE-322 Isaiah (II)

This course is a continuation of the expository study of the book of Isaiah. Attention will be given to a study of Old Testament prophecy, to the ministry of Isaiah.

BE-323 Jeremiah & Lamentations

This course provides an expository study of the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations in their cultural and historic setting. Attention will be given to a study of Old Testament prophecy; to the ministry of Jeremiah in ancient Israel; and to the Messianic content of his prophecy. The various homiletical, devotional, and practical aspects of these books will be thoroughly examined.

BE-432 Ezekiel

This course provides an expository study of the book of Ezekiel in its cultural and historic setting. Attention will be given to a study of Old Testament prophecy; a study of Hebrew apocalyptic literature; as well as to the ministry of Ezekiel in ancient Israel. The Messianic content of this book will be thoroughly examined along with its homiletical, devotional and practical aspects.

BE-433 Daniel & Chaldee History

This course provides an expository study of the book of Daniel in its cultural and historical setting. Attention will be given to a study of Old Testament prophecy; to the ministry of Daniel in ancient Babylon and Persia; as well as to the Messianic prophetic structure of the text. The history of the ancient Near East will be studied regarding the importance of both the Babylonian and Persian civilizations.

BE-434 Minor Prophets I

This course provides an expository study of the following books of prophecy: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be focused on developing a chronological approach to studying these six prophets in view of Israel’s history. The Messianic prophecies of these books will be examined along with their homiletical, devotional and practical aspects.

BE-442 Minor Prophets II

This course provides an expository study of the following books of prophecy: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to developing a chronological approach to studying these six prophets in view of Israel’s history. The Messianic prophecies of these books will be examined along with their homiletical, devotional, and practical aspect.

BE-113 Matthew

This course provides an expository study of the book of Matthew regarding the revelation and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. The authorship, composition, and distinctiveness of this Gospel will be examined, and attention will also be given to a comprehensive study of the mission, life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the book of Matthew. The history and expression of Judaism as found in Jesus’ day will be thoroughly studied. This course will also focus upon the parabolic teachings and miracles of Jesus. The social and cultural history, as well as the geographic settings of the text, will also be examined.

BE-114 Mark

This course provides an expository study of the book of Mark in its cultural and historical setting. The authorship, composition, and distinctiveness of this Gospel will be examined and attention will be given to a comprehensive study of the mission, life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the book of Mark. A special study will be made of the critical omission of Mark 16:9-20 from some manuscripts and such will be answered in view of inspiration.

BE-124 Luke

This course provides an expository study of the book of Luke in its cultural and historical setting. The authorship, composition and distinctiveness of this Gospel will be examined, and attention will be given to a comprehensive study of the mission, life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the book of Luke. The life of Jesus of Nazareth will be clearly presented and studied from this Gospel.

BE-125 John

This course provides an expository study of the book of John in its cultural and historical setting. The authorship, composition and distinctiveness of this Gospel will be examined, and attention will be given to a comprehensive study of the mission, life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the book of John. A special study will focus upon the understanding of “logos” in relation to the Messiahship of Jesus.

BE-234 Acts I

This course provides an expository study of the book of Acts. Specifically, the establishment and growth of the church in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and in the first century world will be carefully considered. Attention will be given to the founding of the church, the preaching of the gospel, and the evangelistic action of the early church through such figures as Peter, Stephen, Philip, Paul, etc. The various cases of conversion will be analyzed, and substantive Christian doctrine such as: the Holy Spirit, faith, repentance, confession and New Testament baptism will be examined in relation to salvation.

BE-245 Acts II

This course provides a continued expository study of the book of Acts. Specifically, the establishment and growth of the church in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and in the first century world will be carefully considered. Attention will be given to the founding of the church, the preaching of the Gospel and the evangelistic action of the early church through such figures as Peter, Stephen, Philip, Paul, etc. The various cases of conversion will be thoroughly analyzed and the issue of Acts as being a “transitionary” text will be examined and answered.

BE-324 Romans

This course provides an expository study of the book of Romans in its cultural and historical setting. In this great doctrinal treatise attention will be given to a detailed discussion of such topics as: Faith, Grace, Law, Hope, Justification, Sanctification, Redemption, and Spirit, etc. This book will be thoroughly examined for its doctrinal, practical, and spiritual values.

BE 325 1 Corinthians

This course provides an expository study of the book of 1 Corinthians in its cultural and historical setting. Special attention will be given to the subjects of church discipline, Christian liberty, marriage/divorce and remarriage, spiritual gifts, the resurrection, as well as the vindication of Paul’s apostleship.

BE-435 2 Corinthians

This course provides an expository study of the book of 2 Corinthians in its cultural and historical settings. Special attention will be given to an analytical and practical treatment of the text.

BE-314 Galatians & Ephesians (3)

This course provides an expository study of the books of Galatians and Ephesians in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to an examination of various doctrines such as Revelation, Faith, Grace, the Church, Salvation, and the necessity of Baptism. The Abrahamic Covenant and its fulfillment in the Church will be carefully studied.

BE-326 Philippians / Colossians / Philemon

This course provides an expository study of the books of Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to an analytical and case study of the doctrinal content of these texts as well as to their spiritual and practical values.

BE-436 1 & 2 Thessalonians & Jude

This course provides an expository study of the books of 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to an analytical and case study of the doctrinal content of these texts as well as to their spiritual and practical values.

BE-315 1 & 2 Timothy / Titus

This course provides an expository study of the books of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus in their respective cultural and historical settings. Attention will be given to an analysis of the doctrinal content of these texts as well as to a special study on the qualification of Elders, Deacons and Gospel Preachers for service in the church.

BE-443 Hebrews

This course provides an expository study of the book of Hebrews with a special emphasis given to the concept of “Messiah” as recognized in Classical Jewish thought. The Old Testament and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, and the manner in which He fulfilled the types and shadows of the sacrificial system of Judaism will be carefully examined.

BE-431 Epistles of Peter & James

This course provides an expository study of the books of 1 Peter, 2 Peter, James and Jude in their respective cultural and historical settings. The doctrinal content of each book will be analyzed and the spiritual and practical value of each text will be examined. The doctrine of Faith and its relationship to works and law will be examined from the Books of 1 & 2 Peter, of James and Jude.

BE-445 1, 2 & 3 John

This course will provide an expository study of the books of 1, 2 and 3 John in their respective cultural and historical settings. The doctrinal content of each book will be analyzed and the spiritual and practical value of each text will be examined. The Gnostic background that influenced John’s writing will also be explored.

BE-446 Revelation

This course provides an expository study of the book of Revelation in its cultural and historical setting. The nature of apocalyptic language and literature will be examined and the great doctrinal themes of this text will be carefully studied. Special attention will be given to a study of ancient Roman history.

Bible Studies

BS-116 Introduction to the New Testament

This course is devoted to a study of the revelation of God as contained in the New Testament. A study of the composition, preservation and meaning of the individual books of the New Testament will be thoroughly examined. The so-called “synoptic problem” of the Gospel records will be investigated and answered as will the doctrine of Biblical inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, and textual preservation.

BS-117 Hermeneutics I

This course provides a study of the basic principles involved in the correct literary interpretation of Scripture. The standard rules of interpretation and the figures of speech that are used in the Bible will be thoroughly examined. The focus of this course will be on the development of the proper approach and method for interpreting the Bible correctly.

BS-121 The Nature and Identity of God

This course is intended to explore what God says about Himself in Scripture. We will consider the existence and unique nature of God by means of names by which He identifies Himself and by means of His three primary works: as Creator, Ruler and Redeemer.

BS-126 Introduction to the Old Testament

This course is devoted to a study of the revelation of God through the religion, life, and history of Israel as contained within the Hebrew Scriptures. A study of the composition, preservation and meaning of the books of the Old Testament will be presented in order to sufficiently introduce the historical development and sacrificial worship of ancient Israel.

BS-127 Hermeneutics II

This class is a continuation of Hermeneutics (BS-117) with a practical emphasis on moving from the correct interpretation of Scripture to writing articles, manuscripts, and sermon development.

BS-118 English I (Grammar)

This class provides a review of English grammar and syntax. This includes a study of the parts of speech and their usage, as well as sentence construction and sentence diagramming. The student will be guided in the fundamentals of effective study habits; time management; reading for comprehension; and crafting outlines and sermon outlines.

BS-128 English II (Rhetoric)

This course focuses upon the principles of persuasion. Students will be required to compose essays and one formal research paper. Accordingly, attention will be given to using library resources for primary investigation.

BS-235 Ministry Technologies

This course will introduce the student to technologies spanning computer, tablet, and mobile categories with a practical application on how to use these tools to build up the church and reach out to the lost. Emphasized in class will be visual design and presentation principles with a number of related topics incorporated giving a foundation for effective use of technology in ministry: Technology – Tools, not Gimmicks, Internet Safety, Social Media Etiquette, and the basics of blogging.

BS-236 Geography and Archaeology

This course seeks to explore the biblical text from the perspective of land geography regarding the settlement and structure of the Ancient Near East from the time of Abraham to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Various geographical maps and topographical survey maps will be carefully studied in order to enhance the student’s understanding of Israel’s history as well as the historic geographical growth of first century Christianity. It will also focus upon the history and development of archaeology as a social science tool for understanding human cultures with the primary emphasis being the formative development of the Ancient Near East and early Israelite settlements. The foundation principles as well as the various methods of “doing” archaeology will be examined. In addition, this course will include a survey of important discoveries that relate to the various historical narratives found throughout the Bible.

BS-247 Advanced New Testament

This course provides an advanced study of the New Testament covering the historical narrative from the birth of Jesus to the early history of the church at the end of the first Christian century. An emphasis will be given to a detailed textual study of selected portions of the New Testament. In addition, certain historical episodes will be investigated and treatment will be given to selected biblical personalities. Special topical studies will be made from various portions of the New Testament.

BS-317 The Sermon On The Mount

This course will study in depth Jesus’ first main discourse in His ministry. This sermon will be studied verse-by-verse Jesus presents the marching orders for His Kingdom. In this powerful sermon we will see our Savior’s portrait of the ideal disciple. Attention will be given to how this sermon presents the tie between the Old Testament teaching and the New Testament teaching exposing the doctrines and traditions of men.

BS-318 New Testament Greek I (Grammar)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the linguistic fundamentals of the Koine Greek language. Attention will be given to learning the alphabet, as well as mastering the pronunciation of Greek words. Immediate attention will be given to: an introduction of grammatical rules as well as to vocabulary development and memorization.

BS-319 Introduction to Logic I

This course provides a study of the basic principles involved in the correct and logical use of reasoning as a means of Scripture interpretation. This course will focus on Terms and Definitions; Statements and their Relationships.

BS-327 New Testament Greek II (Grammar)

The purpose of this course is to continue fundamental development in Greek pronunciation; the learning of grammatical rules; reading from the Greek New Testament; and vocabulary memorization. Immediate attention will be given to: an introduction of grammatical rules as well as to vocabulary development and memorization.

BS-328 Introduction to Logic II

This is a continuation of Introduction to Logic I (BS-319). The focus will be on Syllogisms and Validity; Arguments in Normal English and Informal Fallacies.

BS-329 Church History

This course provides a study of the foundation of the church and its growth and development to the close of the seventeenth century. Attention will be devoted to a study of the Patristic period; the gradual departure of many from the truth; the early councils; the emergence and development of medieval Romanism; the church in the high middle ages; the decline of the medieval period; the Renaissance in Italy and Northern Europe; the Reformation Movement; and the period of sectarian denominationalism in England and America.

BS-437 New Testament Greek III (Grammar)

BS-438 Principles of Biblical Guidance

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with practical Bible principles for contemporary Christian living. This course is also designed to teach the student how to responsibly address topics such as: honesty, ethics, marriage, divorce and remarriage, death and dying, homosexuality, abortion, as well as other attitude and behavioral oriented issues by using the teachings of God’s Word. By learning to use the truth of Biblical revelation the Christian is to have an evangelistic and life-changing impact upon himself and the world.

BS-444 Restoration History

This course provides a study of the various historical movements to restore the church of Christ. The view of scriptural Restoration is clearly presented as opposed to the concept of a mere Reformation of pre-existing man-made churches. The efforts at restoration will be examined beginning from the Patristic age and continuing to the works of the Campbell’s, Stone, Scott, Lard, Milligan, Johnson, Franklin, Brents, McGarvey, Lipscomb, Harding, etc.

BS-446 Teaching Methods & Application

This course introduces the fundamentals of learning theory, as applied to classroom teaching. An emphasis will be given to communication techniques used by the teacher; the development of and effective use of course materials; as well as comprehension styles of students.

BS-447 Personal Evangelism

The purpose of this course is to provide a study of the doctrine of salvation with a specific focus upon the role of evangelism in the life of every Christian. There will be a structured and focused emphasis upon the practical aspects of Christian evangelism and home Bible study techniques.

Bible Doctrine & Apologetics

BD-246 Apologetics: Messiahship & Prophecy (Eschatology)

The purpose of this course is to examine the New Testament claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah of God. The Messianic ideal as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the early Rabbinic (Second Temple Period) concepts of Messiahship will be treated in detail regarding the belief in both a Davidic and divine Messiah. The various biblical proofs for Messiahship will be thoroughly examined. Analysis will also be made of the value of prophecy concerning Jesus as Messiah and His one church. Students will trace the unfolding of the kingdom of God through the Scriptures, from its origin and historical development to its consummation. The various Bible covenants will be studied with an emphasis on their relationship to Israel and the church. Students will also learn to respond to erroneous end-time and millennial views such as premillennialism, dispensationalism, and realized eschatology, or the so-called A.D. 70 theory.

BD-237 Apologetics: Christian Evidences

This course provides a study of classical apologetics, or a defense of the Christian Faith. Topics such as the various proofs for the existence of God; Creationism versus Evolution; and the reality of Jesus will be discussed. Attention will be given to the presentation of the various forms of evidence that substantiate the truths of the historic Christian Faith.

BD-328 Christian Doctrine

The purpose of this course is to provide a study of the doctrine of Christ as revealed in the New Testament giving special attention to the church of the New Testament. Specifically, the church in prophecy will be examined, along with the actual establishment, organization, mission, identity, and work of the Lord’s church as revealed in the New Testament. The terms kingdom and church will be thoroughly investigated. The student will also investigate the various millennial theories as well as the so-called A.D. 70 theory.

Bible Preaching

BP-115 Congregational and Personal Development

The purpose of this course is to equip the preacher for a smooth transition into a local work. The course is designed to teach the student how to biblically evaluate the spiritual strength of a congregation with a goal to develop a course of action to help strengthen the brethren. It will be heavy on practicum with suggested topics for study and actual problem scenarios faced by congregations and preachers with a goal of scriptural resolution.

BP-129 Introduction to Preaching

This course provides an introduction to the life and work of a gospel preacher, as well as to the fundamentals of sermon crafting. Various aspects of the preacher’s work will be studied, as well as the biblical qualifications needed for those who desire to preach the gospel. The elements of public discourse will also be studied in both theory and practice.

BP-239 Topical Preaching

This course provides an introduction to topical preaching. This will include a study of the use of topical preaching, as well as the elements involved in crafting topical sermons. The fundamentals of biblical exegesis will be reviewed, and attention will be given to the exegetical requirements inherent in topical preaching. The student is required to prepare and deliver a series of sermons, which will be critiqued by the professor.

BP-249 Expository Preaching

This course provides a study of expository preaching at the introductory level. The fundamentals of biblical exegesis will be reviewed, and attention will be given to the recognition, exegesis, and expository development of a Scripture passage or pericope.

In addition to formal sermonic development, special attention will be given to a study of classical (Aristotelian) rhetoric. An application of the principles of persuasion to expository preaching will be made with attention to attitude, credibility, motivation, and physical setting in relationship to communication. The student is required to prepare and deliver a series of sermons, which will be critiqued by the professor.

BP-439 Preaching Practicum I

This course provides a practical application of topical and expository preaching at the advanced level. The student is required to craft and present both topical and expository sermons, which will be critiqued for both content and delivery. It will also provide a study of the elements of effective speech communication, including volume, pitch, articulation, and delivery rate. Attention will also be given to the speaker’s physical presence and the effective use of gestures. This class is intended to improve the student’s speech delivery through both the study of and the incorporation of these communication elements in the pulpit presentation of sermons. Therefore, the student is required to prepare and deliver a series of sermons, which will be critiqued by the professor.

BP-449 Preaching Practicum II

This course provides a continuation of BP-439, with an emphasis upon expository preaching at the advanced level. The student is required to craft and present sermons, which will be critiqued for both content and delivery.