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Brent Belford and Peter Goemen
February 9–13, 2026
This course focuses on preaching from prophetic and apocalyptic texts with special emphasis on how sound exegesis informs exposition. Special attention will be given to select OT and NT prophecy and apocalyptic sections, including a discussion of each section’s predominant message and how to use biblical theology in sermon preparation. 4 credit hours.
As a result of reading, research, writing, presentation, peer-review, and class discussion, the student will be able to … 1) evaluate prophetic and apocalyptic exegetical and theological resources 2) identify the most difficult exegetical and theological issues in Biblical prophetic and apocalyptic books 3) articulate an accurate approach to properly interpreting prophetic and apocalyptic literature in the Bible 4) preach a text-driven sermon on a prophetic or apocalyptic text of Scripture 5) identify sound messages delivered from prophetic and apocalyptic texts
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Dr. Brent Belford serves as the Faculty Associate of Pastoral Studies at Virginia Beach Theological Seminary. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of Colonial Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. As a former seminary professor and administrator, Dr. Belford brings together the classroom and the church in the Pastoral Ministry courses he teaches at VBTS. Dr. Belford earned his academic degrees at Northland International University (BA, MA, DMin), Faith Baptist Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Ridley College (PhD). Read more....
Dr. Belford can be contacted at
Peter Goeman serves as Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Shepherds, having joined the faculty in 2017. Peter is a graduate of both The Master’s University (TMU) and The Master’s Seminary (TMS). At TMU Peter studied business, and at TMS he completed his MDiv, ThM, and PhD degrees, specializing in Old Testament studies.. Read more....
Textbook reading: 30%
Contemporary Preacher Analysis: 15%
OT Prophetic Books & Revelation Situation Analysis: 25%
Sermon Notes & Delivery: 25%
Classroom participation: 5%
- Richard Boys — How to Preach Apocalyptic
- Abner Chou — The Hermeneutics of the Biblical Writers: Learning to Interpret Scripture from the Prophets and Apostles
- Brian Hand — The Climax of Biblical Prophecy: A Guide to Interpreting Revelation
- C. Marvin Pate — Interpreting Revelation and Other Apocalyptic Literature: An Exegetical Handbook
- Michael E. Stone and Matthias Henze — 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch: Translations, Introductions, and Notes
- D. Brent Sandy — Plowshares & Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic
- Andrew C. Thompson — How to Preach the Prophets
- Gary V. Smith — Interpreting the Prophetic Books: An Exegetical Handbook
