Thesis (M.A.)--Cincinnati Christian Seminary, 1985. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-104).

Thesis (M.A.)--Southern California College, 1986. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-118).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 155-176).

Thesis (D.Min.)--Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references.

This thesis attempts to fill a void in the study of the Pastoral Epistles. Its aim is to demonstrate a distinct missionary outlook undergirding the writing of the Pastoral Epistles, one which has been overlooked or underplay~d ~y commentators. Its main contention is that in spite of the other contingent concerns within the letters, especially pertaining to the problem with the false teachings, there is an underlying missionary concern for unbelievers to come to the saving truth of the gospel. This challenges the influential view of Baur and Dibelius that the communities within the Pastorals were settling down into a placid existence, that bourgeois Christian morality had begun to take hold, and that evangelistic fervour had waned. The study begins with an examination of the concept of 'household', the life-setting of the communi ties behind these letters. It is found that in spite of the common notion of the household being a private sphere, one common dimension of the first-century Mediterranean household, both Roman and Jewish, was that it possessed a public 'face', viz., it invariably intersected with the wider society. Moreover, early Christian households were shown to function as an important venue for missionary activities. A study of the main protagonists - Paul, Timothy and Titus - also found that they were predominantly presented as itinerant missionaries. Next, an analysis of the traditional pieces concluded that the accent of the teaching is weighted heavily on the side of soteriology in comparison with the christologYi besides, the letters are full of gospel terminology and metaphors expressed in fresh language and constantly challenging the readers to authentic Christian existence. The ecclesiology is also strongly suggestive of mission: the imagery of the church as the 'household of God'; the criterion of irreproachable character in its leaders; the community's perception of itself and of outsiders. Finally, the study of the ethical instructions concluded that they were not merely conservative and defensive as commonly thought, but were occasionally radical and missionary in tenor.

This dissertation is an historical and theological analysis of the Sinner's Prayer. Chapter 1 introduces the topic, provides an example of the Sinner's Prayer, and proposes the importance of this study. The methodology and limitations of the study are also discussed. Chapter 2 traces the history of evangelism from New Testament times. Significant movements and persons are discussed as they have importance for the development of a theology and methodology of evangelism that lead the way to the introduction of the Sinner's Prayer. Gospel tracts receive attention because they are representative of the popular approaches to evangelism. The case presented is that the Sinner's Prayer originated in the early twentieth century as a result of efforts to simplify and reproduce methods in evangelism. Billy Graham is given primary credit for popularizing the prayer. Chapter 3 provides a theological analysis of the Sinner's Prayer. The doctrine of prayer is discussed. Biblical soteriology receives significant attention. Theological objections that have been raised regarding the Sinner's Prayer are also discussed. Theological correctives are offered to those who will continue to use the prayer as a tool in evangelism. Chapter 4 discusses the use of methods in evangelism, noting limitations, dangers, and ethical considerations. This chapter stresses the need for reform in the way the Sinner's Prayer is typically used. This work contends that the Sinner's Prayer is of recent origin. It reflects the theological and methodological shift in evangelism that occurred during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Theologically, most versions of the Sinner's Prayer fail to reflect the biblical directives for salvation. In the manner in which it is typically use, the prayer has become a barrier to effective evangelism. If evangelists will continue to make use of the prayer, reform is critical.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003. / Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 975-985).

Thesis (M.A.)--Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-93).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 1999. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 183-187).