ANDERSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEWS

May 2012

********************************************

CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES ON
WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE BAPTIZED

 

I.             WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

The word baptize comes to us from the Greek word baptizo which means “to immerse,” “to submerge,” “to dip under.”  This Greek word was not translated to English because of embarrassment to the Church of England.  It was transliterated instead.  The word baptizo is used 127 times in the New Testament, and not one time does it infer any thought of sprinkling or pouring.  The word for sprinkle is rantizo.

IT IS SYMBOLIC

Baptism is a symbol.  It pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.  The phrases, “Buried with Him in baptism” and “Raised in the likeness of His resurrection,” are taken from Romans 6:4.  It is really a sermon from the New Covenant to those witnessing the occasion.  The sermon says, “I am depending entirely upon death, burial and resurrection of Christ to get me into Heaven.”

In getting this truth across to junior-age children at Beth Haven Baptist Church at Louisville, Kentucky, Brother Gardiner Gentry illustrated baptism by using the index finger on the left hand.  By holding the finger straight up, he explained the death of Christ on Calvary.  When the finger laid back flat, he taught the burial of Jesus.  When the finger was brought up straight again, he spoke of resurrection.  The boys and girls went home explaining to Mom and Dad all about baptism.

NOT RELATED TO CIRCUMCISION 

Those who hold to covenant theology claim that baptism was a replacement of the Jewish rite of circumcision.   For a long time, Gentile converts were baptized as well as circumcised.  Timothy was one.  Circumcision was a seal of a covenant, while baptism is a sign of conversion.  The baptism of John the Baptist (the dipper), was not the seal of any covenant.  It was definitely a sign of conversion.  It should be remembered, too, that if baptism was a New Testament carry-over of Old Testament circumcision, there would be no need for baptizing females.

ONE OF THE TWO ORDINANCES

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two ordinances given to the local church.  They were divinely instituted by Christ.  Jesus taught humility by washing feet but did not leave this practice as an ordinance.

NEXT MONTH: WHY SHOULD A CONVERT BE BAPTIZED?

*****************************************

WE ALL KNOW THAT MOTHER’S DAY FALLS IN MAY

BUT MOST DON’T KNOW THE STORY OF HOW MOTHER’S DAY STARTED

A HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day, in one form or another, has been around a long time.  In Ancient Greece, a celebration honoring mothers occurred every Spring.

In the Middle Ages, a custom called Mothering Sunday began when children who often left home early to learn a trade or become an apprentice, would be released from work every year on the fourth Sunday of Lent to attend church with families.  As they returned home, they often took cakes or little gifts to their mothers.  This was termed “going-a-mothering.” To this day, Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

It was in 1872 that Julia Ward Howe suggested the idea of Mother’s Day in the United States.  The cause was taken up by Anna Jarvis, a pastor’s daughter.   She felt the scars of the Civil War could be healed by mothers–and by honoring mothers.  She died in 1905 before her dream of establishing a holiday could be fulfilled.  But her daughter, also named Anna, took up the cause.

Anna had been deeply influenced by her mother, and she often recalled hearing her mother say that she hoped someone would one day establish a memorial for all mothers, living and dead.

Anna had been particularly touched at twelve while listening to her mother teach a Sunday school class on the subject, “Mothers in the Bible.”  Mrs. Jarvis closed the lesson with a prayer to this effect:  I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother’s day.  There are many days for men, but none for mothers.

Anna never forgot that moment, and at their mother’s  graveside service, Anna’s brother Claude heard her say …“by the grace of God, you shall have that Mother’s Day.”

Anna thus began a campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day.  She and her supporters began to write a constant stream of letters to ministers, businessmen, politicians and newspaper editors.  She spent a fortune trying to attract attention to her idea, and took every opportunity to give speeches, send telegrams, or write articles promoting her cause.

On the second anniversary of her mother’s death, May 12, 1907, Anna led a small tribute to her mother at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Gafton, West Virginia.  She donated five hundred white carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, to be worn by everyone in attendance.  On this first Mother’s Day service, the pastor used the text, “Woman behold thy son: Son, behold thy mother.” (John 19:26)  That same day a special service was held at the Wannamaker Auditorium in Philadelphia, which could seat no more than a third of the fifteen thousand people who showed up.

After that, things begin to take off.  Various states jumped on the bandwagon, officially proclaiming a Mother’s Day each year, and, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially established Mother’s Day, a national holiday to be held on the second Sunday of May.

*****************************************

NUMBER MEANING

(NUMEROLOGY)

1 = UNITY (PURPOSE OF CHURCH; ALSO INDIVIDUAL NUMBER)

2 = COMPETENT OF WITNESSES

3 = TRINITY (1 OF 2 COMPLETE NUMBERS)

4 = EARTH

5 = DEATH

6 = MAN

7 = COMPLETION (2ND COMPLETE NUMBER); GOD’S NUMBER

8 = NEW BEGINNING 4000 + 2000 + 1000 =  ETERNITY

9 = SPIRIT = JUDGMENT- RESPONSIBILITY

10 = GENTILE (WE COUNT BY 10’S)

11 = NEUTRAL

12 = JEWISH (12 TRIBES)

13 = REBELLION

MAKE A CHURCH PURPOSE STATEMENT

                       USING THE ABOVE NUMBER    MEANING

THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH AND YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL—-#1

IS TO WITNESS——-#2

ABOUT GOD, THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY SPIRIT—-#3

TO ALL THE EARTH—–#4

BEFORE THE DEATH—–#5

OF MAN ——-#6

SO HE CAN BE COMPLETE IN GOD—–#7

THROUGHOUT ALL ETERNITY———-#8

BECAUSE THE SPIRIT SAVES BOTH————-#9

GENTILE—–#10 AND JEW——–#12

(THERE IS NO NEUTRAL GROUND——#11)

AND NOT TO DO SO IS REBELLION AGAINST GOD!!!!……#13

*****************************************

COURSE OUTLINE – APOLOGETICS

The seminary has started placing a course outline in each newsletter so students may become familiar with some of the courses that are being offered.  If you see a course that you would like to take that is not in your current program, you may purchase the individual course.  The cost of the course below is $150.00.

                                   COURSE OUTLINE ON APOLOGETICS

                                                           Taught by

                                                DR. JAMES GIBSON

OUTLINE 1

I. The purpose of Christian Apologetics

A.  The definition

B.  The origin of the word and uses in Scriptures

C.  The function of the Apologist vs. the Theologian

D.  The human problem

II.  The rejection of the truth

A.  The Satan problem

B.  The levels of blindness

C.  God’s chosen method of reaching the lost

III.  Paul as an Apologist

A.  Paul preaching the resurrection

B.  Evidences can be futile

1.  Raising of Lazarus

2.  Feeding the 5000+

C.  The importance of the resurrection

IV.  The reality of the resurrection

A.  The arguments against

B.  The eye witness

C.  The results of the resurrection

D.  The witnesses to the resurrected Christ

V.   The reliability of the Bible

A.  The unity of the Bible

1.  Written by 40 different men

2.  Written over a 1500 year period

B.  The testimony of Christ

C.  Internal evidences

D.  Claims inspiration

E.  External evidences

1. Scientifically correct

2.  Medically correct

3.  Archeologically correct

F.  Divine protection of the Bible

G.  Refuting contradictions

OUTLINE 2

I.  The purpose for apologetics

A.  To establish the Christian intellectually in his faith

B.  So that we can understand something about those attacks which are made upon Bible Christianity

C.  We don’t claim that the apologist is preaching the gospel when he defends the Christian faith or when he gives evidence

II.  Problem Solved

A.  Human depravity

B.  Human problem

C.  Man inability to understand the things of God

D.  II Corinthians 10:3-5 our weapons are carnal

E.  Ephesians 2:1

F.  Ephesians 4:18

G.  Psalms Chapter 58

III.  Two obstacles

A.  Man falling nature

B.  Satanic forces

IV.  Satan problem

A.  Ephesians 6:12

B.  II Corinthians 4:3

C.  Satanic blindness

D.  Matthew Chapter 13

E.  Genesis Chapter 12

F.  Zechariah 3:2

G.  Acts 16:7

H.  John 12:1

I.   John 6:1-2

J.  Luke Chapter 16

V.  Fulfillment of Prophecy

A.  Isaiah 46:9

B.  Isaiah 46:10

*****************************************

I AM A CHRISTIAN

When I say… “I am a Christian”

I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin.”

I’m whispering “I was lost,

Now I’m found and forgiven.”

When I say… “I am a Christian”

I don’t speak of this with pride.

I’m confessing that I stumble

And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… “I am a Christian”

I’m not trying to be strong.

I’m professing that I’m weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say… “I am a Christian”

I’m not bragging of success.

I’m admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say…. “I am a Christian”

I’m not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say… “I am a Christian”

I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say…. “I am a Christian”

I’m not holier than thou.

I’m just a simple sinner

Who received God’s good grace…somehow!

*****************************************

AUTOMATIC TEST

We no longer use the automatic grading system on our tests.  The program was not grading the papers correctly and was causing too much confusion as to the proper grade being recorded.  If you have an automatic test, please DO NOT email them to us.  You can email grades@andersonvilleseminary.com to receive any tests that you have not completed.  We will be happy to resend them to be graded in house.  We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

 

*****************************************

ATS MERCHANDISE INFORMATION

*****************************************

FUTURE ONSITE GRADUATIONS

AS WE PREPARE FOR THE 2012 GRADUATION, WE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALL OF OUR STUDENTS THAT WE ARE ALREADY PREPARING FOR THE 2013 GRADUATION.

REMINDERS:

1.   GRADUATION IS HELD ON THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY IN MAY.

2.   INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT www.andersonvilleseminary.com (CLICK ON FORMS THEN ON ONSITE GRADUATION).

3.  EARLY PLANNING WILL HELP YOU EVALUATE THE COSTS AND ALLOW YOU TO MAKE PLANS AHEAD OF TIME.

4.  WE ALWAYS LOVE TO MEET OUR STUDENTS! IT ADDS A PERSONALTOUCH TO BE ABLE TO PUT A FACE WITH THE VOICES WE TALK TO ON THE PHONE.

 

*****************************************

ATS SOUVENIR OF THE MONTH

ANDERSONVILLE T-SHIRT

$25.00 each for medium, large, and x-large

$30.00 each for 2x, 3x, and 4x size shirts

(This includes shipping and handling)

Order Form for T-Shirts

*******************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS

?Capon Bridge Christian Church, a non-denominational church in the small town of Capon Bridge, West Virginia is seeking a bi-vocational pastor for a congregation of approximately 50 members.  Please send resume to:

                                                                   Pulpit Committee

PO Box 144

Capon Bridge, WV 26711

?Dr. Harley Howard is seeking a position of Senior Pastor of a church body that is seriously desiring a Pastor who will teach them verse-by-verse through the entire Bible.  He seeks to lead and serve a church body who truly desires to do God’s will in the proper structure and growth of the church body.  Dr. Howard has been in the ministry for over 30 years, including expositional teaching, TV and radio experience.  He will use his experience to promote and spread the Word of God throughout the local community and beyond.  He is an adjunct professor at ATS and holds 2 Doctorate degrees in Ministry and Christian Education.

                For a complete resume go to:  www.fotbc.org/Harley_spiritual_resume.doc

For audio and video of Dr. Howard’s messages go to:  www.fotbc.org

                For further information, you can email Dr. Howard at:

pastorharleyhoward@gmail.com

1.      Students who change their address or email address need to notify grades@andersonvilleseminary.com in order to keep getting newsletters and mail.

2.      If you have not turned in transcripts from previous schools, please get them in.  Degrees will not be sent out without proper credits on file.  If a school has closed and you cannot verify credits, you may have to take additional classes.

3.      Full transcripts may be ordered for programs that have been completed academically and have been paid out.  A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

4.      Partial transcripts may be ordered only if all fees have been paid for the program requested.  The cost for a partial transcript is the same as a full transcript.  A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

5.      If you would like to see other items offered as memorabilia by the school, please email Jason weeks with your ideas and requests at grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

6.      A list of graduates is posted on the website under the NEWS tab.  Graduates are not listed in the newsletter.

 

ANDERSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEWS

April 2012

********************************************

(Starting this month, we will begin a series of articles about Baptism)

WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD BE BAPTIZED

                        

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you.”–Acts 2:38

The people of Jerusalem listened carefully to Peter’s sermon.  His subject was Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ.  They became deeply troubled and convicted of their sin.  Three thousand repented and accepted Christ as their personal Savior.  Almost immediately they began to ask, “What do we do next?”  “Be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU” was the answer.

Every new convert should recognize that this command is intended for them. It has always been refreshing to meet people who wanted to know what to do next, after they were saved.  On the Damascus Road, Apostle Paul’s first words following his conversion were, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”  Preachers ought to keep baptism on their minds all the time.

PETER’S ORDERS          

It would be good for us to notice that Peter did not tell the people to “think it over” or “pray about it.”  Rather, he commanded them to obey the Lord and be baptized.  He did not even ask them to wait until they could learn more about it.  In fact, they were baptized right there and then.  None had an opportunity to prove faithful.  Jesus Himself had been baptized at the first opportunity, “to fulfill all righteousness.”  Surely every saved person will want to please the Lord by obeying this first command and soon as possible.”

THE PEOPLE’S OBEDIENCE

Baptism tests the willingness of the new convert.  Baptism is submission and yielding to His divine command.  The Lord wants to know if we will do what we are told.  Baptism is like going to school.  It is the first grade of Christian life.  It is not right to think that we can skip on up to senior high school without completing the elementary grades.  Those “that gladly received his Word were baptized” (Acts 2:41).  Three thousand were obedient because none wanted to wait after they heard Peter’s orders.

THE POWERFUL OUTCOME

Because of their obedience, a sweet spirit of fellowship grew among them.  They began to study the Scriptures, pray together and became steadfast in the doctrine and service.  In short, a great revival was on.  Multitudes were added to the church as friends and neighbors received Christ, too, and were baptized.

There are many wonderful lessons for us in these Bible verses.  One of the most important lessons here concerns baptism.  In the following months, we will answer five questions concerning the all-important Bible theme.

NEXT MONTH;   1.WHAT DOES BAPTISM MEAN?

*****************************************

GRADUATION IS COMING

As May 25 draws closer, we are getting excited about the 2012 graduation ceremony.  We are getting a good response from our students and are looking forward to being able to meet each of you face to face.  It is always great to hear from you over the phone, but that personal meeting is always very special to each of us at ATS.  There are a few reminders that each person coming to graduation needs to make sure that they have completed:

• All fees are due by April 15th.  After that date, there will be an extra $50 charged for missing the date.
   
• Any person who has not paid by April 15th cannot be guaranteed their name in the program.
   
• The deadline for caps and gowns  was April 6.  However, you can still order, but there will be a late fee for any late orders.
   
• Please refer to your graduation packet or the home page of the ATS website for items that will be for sale at the graduation.

One item that is not listed in your graduation packet that will be for sale is a CD of the Harper Trio (they will be singing at graduation).  They have two cds for sale.  The cost is $12.00 each or two for $20.00.

*****************************************

HIGHLIGHT ON ESCHATOLOGY

Eschatology is a Bachelor’s course at ATS.  It is an introduction to the complex topic of eschatology, the study of the end of times.  If focuses primarily upon the events from the rapture until the Great White Throne Judgment.  The course is an excellent presentation of a pretribulation rapture view, giving special emphasis to the book of Revelation.  The professor is Dr. Randy Edwards, who is one of the most popular teachers at ATS.  Below is his outline which gives a brief overview of the course:

OUTLINE FOR ESCHATOLOGY

I.   Rapture

                A.   Who will be involved?

                B.   When will the rapture happen?

                C.   What are the results of the rapture?

II.  New Glorified Body

                A.   We shall be like Christ.

                B.   Our new bodies will be flesh and bone.

                C.   We will be recognizable.

                D.   A body that is dominated by the spirit.

                E.   Our new bodies will be eternal.

                F.   Our new bodies will be glorious bodies.

III. Judgment Seat of Christ

                A.   What is the Judgment Seat of Christ?

                B.   Who will be involved at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

                C.   What will Jesus be concerned with at the Judgment Seat of Christ?

                D.   What are the results of the Judgment Seat of Christ?

IV. Marriage and Supper of the Lamb

                A.  The participants

                B.   The pattern

V.  Tribulation

                A.   What is the purpose of the Tribulation?

                B.   The mark of the Tribulation.

                C.   The 144,000 of the Tribulation.

                D.   The two witnesses of the Tribulation.

                E.   The action of the Tribulation.

                F.   The events of the Tribulation.

VI.  The Second Coming of Christ

                A. The drum roll.

                B.  The dazzling appearance.

                C.  Down to Earth.

                D.  Delivering the Jews.

                E.  Defeat at Armageddon.

                F.  Dividing the Nations.

VII. The Millennium

                A.  What will the Millennium be like for Satan?

                B.  What will the Millennium be like for the Savior?

                C.  What will the Millennium be like for the Saints?

                D.  What will the Millennium be like for the survivors?

                E.  What will the Millennium be like for the salvaged Earth?

                F.  What will the Millennium be like for saved Israel?

                G. What will the Millennium be like for the sanctuary?

VIII. Satan’s Last Stand

                A. When will Satan be released for a little while?

                B.   Why let Satan loose?

IX.  Great White Throne Judgment

                A.  The judge-the Lord Jesus Christ.

                B.  The journey to the throne.

                C.  The jury of this throne.

                D.  The judged of this throne.

                E.  The judgment of the throne.

                F.  The saved will not be judged at this judgment.

X.  Until

                A.  The New Earth.

                B.  The New Heaven.

                C.  The New Jerusalem.

*****************************************

NEW POLICIES AT ATS

• The seminary will no longer send out verification of enrollment letters to any student who has not done any class work in the last 2 years.  This includes letters for insurance purposes also. 
• Honor Award Stickers are now available for your diploma at ATS.  There are several ways to purchase one.

1. If you already have your degree and would like to add a sticker to it, the cost will be $20 and you will need to call Julie or Cherry for the details.
    
2. If you have not ordered your degree yet, the sticker can now be added into the cost of the diploma.  (See Below)

• Prices of degrees have several different options:  The basic fee for the diploma and the administrative fee is $150.00.  Below are the additional fees if you choose to add to your diploma order:

                1.  $30 to add a wallet size diploma

                2.  $20 to add an honor sticker (if degree has not been ordered)

Click here to go directly to the Graduation Form where you can order these.

• If a course asks you to make an outline of the lectures- the professor is expecting your outline to be  sufficient for a non-student to be able to understand the course.
   
• We have several payments that we do not know how to apply the credit on our accounts.  Please contact the seminary if these payments belong to you:

$50 payment from Monika Bertole

$1350 check from St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oceanside, CA

• New transcript prices:

$20 for original transcript for each program

$10 for each additional copy of each transcript

$40 for RUSH SAME DAY transcript (per program)-mailed the same day but delivery is through the post office and depends on how long it takes the post office to get it to you)

$60 for RUSH SAME DAY transcript (per program)-this is sent overnight

$50 for special format transcript such as Liberty University-per program

Click here to go directly to our Transcript Request Form

*****************************************

THANKS FROM JULIE AND JASON

As  many of you know, Hunter, Julie and Jason’s son is severely autistic.  Over the months, we have received many messages and prayers from students at ATS.  We would like to take this opportunity to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU!.  We have included a picture of Hunter to help put a face with his name.

*****************************************

SPOTLIGHT ON ATS MEMORABILIA

  

Now is the time to order your beautiful ATS Polo Shirt so that you can be dressed like many of our other graduates.  Show your pride in your school and spread the word to other ATS graduates.

Click here to go to the ATS Polo Shirt Order Form.

*******************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Students who change their address or email address need to notify grades@andersonvilleseminary.com in order to keep getting newsletters and mail.

2. If you have not turned in transcripts from previous schools, please get them in. Degrees will not be sent out without proper credits on file. If a school has closed and you cannot verify credits, you may have to take additional classes. If you are not sure if you have turned your transcripts in, email grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

3. Full transcripts may be ordered for programs that have been completed academically and have been paid out. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

4. Partial transcripts may be ordered only if all fees have been paid for the program requested. The cost for a partial transcript is the same as a full transcript. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

5. If you would like to see other items offered as memorabilia by the school, please email Jason weeks with your ideas and requests at grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.