This concise handbook on "ethics" will address many issues that our culture is struggling with that force people, many times, to make "tough choices" between "right" and "wrong." Ethical questions are life questions that people encounter in the process of living and to which they respond in the reality of their own lives. All activity implies such a taking of positions. Human activity is never a merely external relationship to or a manipulation of objects. Human activities involve a relationship to the reality in which humans always find themselves, which determines who they are, and which places them under obligations. The awareness of the inner responsibility involved in the reality of human life finds expression in the questions of ethics. Part One of this concise handbook will address the concept of "Christian ethics" and, will maintain the position that apart of God's word and His divine law, we are left to subjectivism and moral relativity. This study will investigate Utilitarianism, Deontological Ethics, Antinomianism, Situationism, Generalism, Conflicting Absolutism, and Graded Absolutism. These ethical options will be explored and examined. In addition to this, Biblical ethics will attempt to answer these questions, What is truth? What is biblical morality? What is the basis of the nature of God's law in relationship to theological concepts such as Mercy, Justice, Righteousness, and Faithfulness? In Part Two of this handbook, the author will address the following ethical issues: Homosexuality, Abortion, Feminism, Capital Punishment, Death Ethics: Euthanasia, Biomedical Ethics - dealing with the Medical Implications of Artificial Insemination, and the issue of Surrogate Mothers. Although by no means an exhaustive study on the foundation of Christian ethics, and contemporary ethical issues, this concise handbook is a MUST read for pastors, church leaders, and followers of Christ who want to be equipped with "knowledge" so that they are able to more effectively minister to this current culture facing an on-slot of ethical crises.

This concise guide to understanding the world in which the New Testament was written, is a MUST read for the lay minister, pastor, and church leader. This concise guide will help one gain an understanding of the world in which the New Testament was written. In Part One, the political world, the social and economic world, the religious world, Judaism, and the Jewish background of the New Testament from 200 B.C. - A.D. 200, will be examined. In Part Two, the Gospel records of the life of Christ will be considered. This section will examine the meaning of the name "New Testament" and it's content, the Gospels as literary works, the Gospel of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as a survey of the life of Christ will be discussed by examining the records of the New Testament documents as recorded by the Apostles. In Part Three, the records of the early church will be examined. This study will review the establishment of the early church from Acts 1:1 to 8:3, the time of transition of the church, the gentile church and Pauline mission as seen in Acts 11:19 to 15:35, the Pauline program found in Acts 15:36 to 21:16, and the Pauline imprisonment in Acts 21:17 to 28:31. In Part Four, this study will examine the problems in the early church, and will consider the pastoral epistles (The Institutional Church), the suffering church in I Peter, the book of Hebrews and the break from Judaism, the peril of heresies that the early church had to deal with found in II Peter, the book of Jude, and John I, II, and III. John's Apocalyptic Revelation of Jesus Christ that took place on the Island of Patmos, and three Millennium views will be considered as we come to the close of the New Testament. In Part Five, the canon and text of the New Testament will be examined. The formation of the canon, the texts, and the transmission of the New Testaments will be reviewed. Lastly, in Part Six, Lantz will summarize the world of the New Testament, the Gospels and the life of Christ, the records of the early church and it's problems, and the transmission of the canonical records of the New Testament. This concise Biblical Survey of the New Testament is a MUST READ for new believers, church leaders, ministers, pastors, and students of the Bible.

By way of introduction, Part One, Book One, will cover the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, by giving a chapter by chapter summation of the each book, along with a topical outline added at the end of each book itself. The remarks are brief and concise, intended to give one a "synopsis" understanding of the each chapter of the entire Bible in a "nutshell." In Book Two, we shall present a "synopsis" introduction to all the 66 books of the Bible in short paragraph form. In Book Three, we will present a summary outline of all the books of the Bible in Topical Outline format; these can be used for sermon notes, and will give you a PANORAMIC understanding of all 66 books of the Holy Bible in sequential order. In Part Two, Book Four, I have developed 28 Biblical Sermon Expositions, written in full detail. We have included an Appendix Section that will cover the Prophets of Israel and The Synoptic Gospel Problem. For the serious Bible student, this compilation of research will thoroughly educate one into a deeper understanding of the Bible and relevant theological issues. This is a MUST READ for the serious Bible student

There is a need for Christian Counseling that will be effective, practical, and Biblical. This short and concise guide was written with the intent to help ministers, and Christian workers have an introductory background in the field of Christian Counseling. The goal of this Handbook is to cover in one broad stroke, some of the main issues and topics that are relevant to the field of Christian Counseling. The need for Christian Counseling is greater than it has ever been in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ. There is a need, therefore, for Christians to become equipped as leaders to serve in the body of Christ. WHAT IS CHRISTIAN COUNSELING? Counseling attempts to provide encouragement and guidance for those who are facing loses, decisions, or disappointments. Counseling can stimulate personality growth and development; help people cope more effectively with the problems of living with inner conflict, and with crippling emotions; assists individuals, family members, and married couples resolve interpersonal tensions or relate effectively to one another; and assist persons whose life patterns are self-defeating and causing unhappiness. The Christian Counselor seeks to bring people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them find forgiveness and relief from the crippling effects of sin and guilt. Ultimately, the Christian hopes to help others become disciples of Christ and a discipler of others. Christian Counseling, then, attempts to help people solve their problems in areas of their lives that they are not competent to deal with. The Christian Counselor seeks to bring people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This guide will examine the nature of Christian Counseling, Psychology and Counseling, Nouthetic Counseling, Crises Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy and Counseling, and Christian Psychiatry. In addition to this, the author has included an Appendix section which will deal with the following topics: Counseling the Homosexual; The Problem with Modern Psychology and Why it Doesn't Work, and Demon Possession: "The Devil Made Me Do it Syndrome." This concise guide and introduction to Christian Counseling is a MUST READ for every believer, Christian Worker, Minister, Pastor, and Leader in the body of Christ.

It is imperative in the day and age in which we live, that Christian leaders understand the law as it relates to pastors, churches, and non-profit organizations. Christian Leaders must have an understanding of the laws affecting pastors, and why they are important for church boards and ministers to know. Lantz uses court cases to help define and explain the legal distinction of ministerial status and its implications for pastors and church boards. This brief and concise handbook on Church Law addresses clergy employment contracts, compensation, termination, legal privileges and conditions of ministers, and the legal authority of ministers on behalf of the church. Also, the more common theories of clergy legal liability are examined. The laws of today are more complex than they ever have been, and lawyers are in the business of making "BIG BUCKS." They are able to do this because, unfortunately, many pastors and church leaders are ignorant about the law. There are now more legal problems and lawsuits against churches than in any other era. Therefore, it is imperative that the minister/pastor be aware of legal issues, and potential problems that can come their way if they are not careful in handling church members, non-members and counseling situations, in particular. Church leaders must become aware of the potential legal problems that can result from relationships with parishioners, as well as legal problems with employees. Pastor, beware of the dangers that are lurking in the world of Lawyers, Lawsuits, and the American Legal System. Every Pastor, Full-Time Church Leader, and Christian Minister, needs to purchase a copy of this concise handbook on Church Law.

Many people today have theological questions and statements that need to be answered. What you will find in this compilation of writings on these FIVE MAJOR subjects is 828 Questions and Statements Answered, on the following subjects: Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, Eschatology, Revelation, and Hermeneutics. Grand Total of Questions and Statements Answered: Book One: 144 Book Two: 139 Book Three: 215 Book Four: 180 Book Five: 150 Grand Total = 828 Questions and Statements Answered In the Appendix Section, I have included four subjects: Appendix One, Election, which will examine both personal and national election. Appendix Two, The Millennium, which is an examination of the different millennium views in the Church today, Pre-Millennial, A-Millennial, and Post-Millennial views will be examined. Appendix Three, The Final Judgment, an examination of the different judgments that will take place before and after the millennial reign of Christ. Appendix Four, Church Government, will consider the various forms of government that exist in Body of Christ, and the pro's and con's of each, will be examined. Lastly, in Appendix Five, I have included a brief autobiography of personal sanctification after my conversion at Western Michigan University, in the fall of 1984.

This brief and concise handbook will help equip you by gaining a better understanding of the Bible as you learn the rules, science, and art of Biblical interpretation. Hermeneutics is the formal process by which the interpreter employs certain principles and methods in order to derive the author's intended meaning. Indeed, hermeneutics is the science and art of Biblical interpretation. It is a science because it is guided by rules within a system; and it is an art because the application of the rules is by skill, and not by mechanical imitation. In order for a person to properly interpret the Bible, you must be knowledgeable of the rules of hermeneutics in order to be guided into the right interpretation of the Scriptures, and the proper Biblical message. This concise and brief handbook will cover: An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics, The History of Biblical Interpretation, Historical-Cultural and Contextual Analysis, Lexical-Syntactical Analysis, Theological Analysis, Special Literary Methods such as: Similes, Metaphors, Proverbs, Parables, and Allegories; Special Literary Methods such as, Types, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic Literature. The last chapter of this handbook will teach you how to apply the Biblical message, and present a Proposal for the Transcultural Problem. For the beginning Bible student, this is a MUST READ

This brief and concise handbook will explore the subject matter of "Philosophy of Religion." The philosopher of religion asks "why?" The philosopher seeks understanding about people's beliefs. Traditionally, Philosophy of Religion is that branch of philosophy that attempts to examine religious beliefs or religious presuppositions. Philosophers of religion may ask this question: Is a belief in God rational? Can this belief be justified by reason? The focal point of this investigation of the Philosophy of Religion is an examination of a rational defense for Theism (belief in God). This concise handbook was designed for the purpose of explaining some of the classic arguments as "proofs" for the existence of God. More specifically, the relationship between Faith and Reason will be examined. As a Christian, we need to know: What role does reason have in regard to our religious faith? Should we believe in something if it can't be verified by science? Rationalism is an overemphasis on scientific proof for God's existence; however, we simply can't put God under a microscope since God is invisible, He is a Spirit. How, then, can we rationally defend our faith or belief in a being who we can't see with the naked eye? More specifically, If there is a God, as we believers claim that there is, Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world in which we live? Did God create evil? The question of evil has caused many people to disregard any belief in God at all. The Philosopher of Religion must take to task the problem of evil. Can we really prove the existence of God by argument? What do the Ontological, Cosmological, and Teleological Arguments have to offer the Theist in terms of defending their faith rationally? This brief and concise handbook will serve as a tool in helping one understand the rational validity of their belief in God. In addition to this, this study will investigate the importance of revelation; the revelation of God through nature, and special revelation that will aid in helping one come to a saving knowledge of the faith in our Creator. Lastly, this handbook will examine the issue of eternity. How do we know that there is life after death? What can we do here and now to prepare for life after death? It is the author's hope that this brief and concise handbook on the Philosophy of Religion will help the reader to see more clearly that belief in God is not some "blind faith," or "leap into the dark," as Soren Kierkegaard once said, but, in fact, belief in God or Theism, can be defended by philosophical arguments, and is a completely rational belief. Philosophy of Religion is not an intellectual waste of time, rather, it will aid the Theist to be better defenders of the faith (I Peter 3:15).

This brief and concise study of the Old Testament will cover, systematically, the history of the ancient world out of which our thirty-nine books of the Old Testament emerge. This Old Testament introduction deals with matters of language, customs, historical situations, persons, places, and events alluded to in the various books of the Bible. This examination will deal specifically with the Hebrew and Aramaic languages - the study of these languages will help one understand the Biblical meaning of these words in their context. This Biblical survey will examine the history of the Hebrew people, their pagan surroundings, and the religion and culture of the other non-Hebrew people groups. This survey will investigate the authorship of several books in the Old Testament Canon, because, the authorship reflects and relates to the reliability of the ancient text. This concise guide will examine the dates of some books of the Old Testament since the dates will clue us in on the cultural issues at that time related to the people of God. This survey will investigate the specific historical settings in which the authors spoke on God's behalf. Also, this examination of the Old Testament, will cover some facts about Textual Criticism. This methodology of recovering the Old Testament text to its pure original form, helps erase many transcription errors that have crept into our ancient texts. In addition to this, and lastly, this brief and concise study will look at the history of the transmission of the texts. We will investigate the way the original autographs were copied into other languages and various manuscripts families. Although by no means an exhaustive investigation, this survey will give one a brief and concise understanding of our Old Testament Bible.

This brief and concise handbook on "World Religions" will examine and survey the history and origins of seven non-Christian religions that are vastly different from Christianity in many ways. These religions that will be investigated include: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, and Islam. There are many so-called "Christian" religions that exist in our world today, such as, The Jehovah Witnesses, Mormonism, Christian Science, The Way International, and the World-wide Church of God. In these so called "Christian" religions, Jesus is regarded as a central figure. The reason that this examination is necessary is that, in all of these seven non-Christian religions, Jesus Christ is NOT a central part of their teaching or doctrine. At most, as in Islam, Jesus is regarded as just a prophet, a good moral teacher, or as just another historical figure for most non-Christian religions. In light of this reason, we feel it is a worthy investigation to examine and survey these seven religions in which Christ has no special significant part to play. This concise study will examine the nature and origins of these seven world religions, their basic doctrines and beliefs, and will look at their historical roots, and the results of their impact upon the world. Also, we will examine "how" their central teachings and doctrines differ from historical Christianity. It is the authors hope that the reader will gain some new insights as to the religious nature of man, and see how the search for real meaning and true religion has manifested itself in many different forms throughout history. This handbook is a MUST READ for everyone seeking understanding of how Christianity is uniquely different from these other seven major world religions.

This brief and concise handbook on Systematic Theology, will investigate the meaning of Theology as the study of God. Theology is a Science, just like any other scientific study. Systematic Theology is an organized study of God, His attributes, and revelation of Himself to man. "Systematic" refers to something being put into a system. Systematic theology is, therefore, the division of theology into systems that explain its various areas. All Christians should be consumed with theology-the intense, personal study of God-in order to know, love, and obey the One with whom we will joyfully spend eternity. It is the hope of the author of this concise handbook on Systematic Theology, that everyone who reads this book, will grow in their knowledge of God, and become more aware of who they are in Christ, and God's eternal, and unchanging purpose for mankind through Jesus Christ our Lord.