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Doctrines of OBC

By Joe Felim

There are three points of doctrine that immediately strike the eye when examining the statement of faith at the website of The Online Bible College.

First, it says that justification is through faith (”by simply believing”) PLUS something else: “acting out that faith through receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.” This is not “faith alone.” It is faith PLUS an action on your part. The statement also speaks the language of decision theology.

Second, under “Water Baptism” the website teaches contrary to what Paul writes in Romans 6:4 - “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Paul is speaking of a real event, something that actually happened to us in and through Baptism. The website says that “baptism is SYMBOLIC (emphasis added) of our death, burial, and resurrection with the Lord Jesus Christ….”

Third, the website speaks of the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance we should celebrate, but says nothing about what we receive in the Supper or how this Supper profits us.

An observation: We have never found a nondenominational ministry that does not make similar statements regarding the sacraments and very few that have not included some kind of “decision theology” in their statements on justification.

A recommendation: Go to the WELS website. Click “Faith.” Click “Bible.” Click “Bible Studies.” Click “Bible Study Basics” and/or “Explore the Bible.” Discontinue the course that will not build up and could well weaken your Lutheran convictions.

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Vintage Bible College

By Joe Felim

VBC is a non-denominational Bible college and theological seminary located in historic Winston-Salem, and centrally situated in the Piedmont Triad area of Forsyth County, North Carolina. We offer both on-campus and distance learning degree studies in Biblical Studies, Theology, Christian Counseling, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Education.

Vintage Bible College and Seminary is dedicated to providing affordable quality education with excellence. Our on-campus programs of study are proven and celebrated and our exclusive online Bible college Interactive Seminary Study Program provides an excellent self-paced distance education environment which virtually brings the classroom right to your front door !

There has never been a better time and opportunity for you to take advantage of your previous education and experience and to allow it to work for you in the form of an earned Christian college degree. You may be eligible to accelerate your studies and fast track your degree upon completion of our Free Academic Evaluation to assess your current credits, life experience, and determine your level of entry into a program of study.

You can complete the Student Application online, download our catalog, or try a Free Interactive Online Bible Seminary Course today.

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Time Line History of Southern Evangelical Seminary

By Joe Felim

Southern Evangelical Seminary was co-founded in 1992 by Ross Rhoads, former evangelist and then Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, and Norman Geisler, long-time Seminary professor and apologist. Pastor Rhoads’ burden for evangelism and Professor Geisler’s concern to defend the Faith combined in the two-fold vision of the seminary to evangelize the world and to defend the historic Christian Faith. It was officially incorporated in the State of North Carolina on January 6, 1992. A feasibility study prepared by Dr. Geisler was presented to and approved by the Calvary Elders on February 24, 1992. The agreement with the Church included the acceptance of its doctrinal statement and involved a fraternal and supportive relationship between the two organizations. However, both entities agreed to remain legally and economically independent and autonomous. Ross Rhoads was appointed as the first President of the Seminary, and Norman Geisler was the first Dean. By May 4, 1992 SES had obtained permission from the State of North Carolina to offer a Seminary program with degrees, as provided for under North Carolina General Statutes Section (G.S.) 116-15 (d). Preparation began to develop a faculty, catalog, and library. The first classes began in September of 1992. The Seminary grew rapidly, attracting students from all over the United States and several other countries. From the beginning it attracted national attention by its unique program in evangelism and classical apologetics.

The first graduate received his degree in 1995. In late summer of 1997 the Seminary moved to 4298 McKee Road, Charlotte, NC to property graciously provided by McKee Road Baptist Church. On February 27, 1998 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted Candidate Status by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a national accrediting association recognized by the United States government.

In 1999, Norman L. Geisler was appointed President of the Seminary. At this same time “The Norman L. Geisler Chair of Christian Apologetics” was named after him. In March 1999 Southern Evangelical Seminary was accepted as a member organization of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) certifying that it has met all standards of financial integrity and Christian ethics. On March 2, 2001 Southern Evangelical Seminary was granted accreditation by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and started the Doctor of Ministry Program.n the late summer of 2003 Southern Evangelical Seminary completed the building of its own 23,000 square foot facility on a ten and one-half acre lot located at 3000 Tilley Morris Road, Matthews, NC. In the Fall of 2004 Southern Evangelical Bible College was established to offer students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree.

On April 7th, 2006 it was announced that popular evangelist-apologist Alex McFarland, a long time friend of the seminary, would become its third president. A graduate of Liberty University, Alex McFarland earned a B.S. and M.A. in Christian Thought / Apologetics, and was awarded an honorary D.Div. from SES in May 2006. Alex had been in full-time Christian ministry since 1989, and has been traveling as an apologetics-based evangelist since 1996 (speaking in all 50 states and at well over 400 venues in only ten years). Alex’s blend of apologetics and evangelism was found to be a perfect fit for SES which includes both of these in its two-fold mission statement: To evangelize the world and defend the historic Christian faith. In Spring of 2007 the Veritas Graduate School of Apologetics at SES was approved to offer the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. The Phase two building construction was completed, including a recording studio, radio station, and student center. Three new graduate degrees were approved. Co-founder and long time Dean, Dr. Norman L. Geisler, announced his retirement which was accepted by the SES Board on August 27th.