Kenneth Malenge

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY NOTES: ESCHATOLOGY (Degree-Level Study Notes) Introduction . Eschatology is the branch of systematic theology that deals with the study of the "last things." It focuses on what happens at the end of human history, the final judgment, the resurrection, heaven, hell, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This subject is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments and has been interpreted in various ways throughout church history. This document provides a comprehensive, detailed, and systematic exposition of eschatological doctrines, covering biblical foundations, theological perspectives, and historical development. SECTION ONE: DEFINITIONS 1.1 What is Eschatology? Eschatology is the branch of systematic theology that deals with the study of last things. It comes  from the Greek   eschatos   (ἔσχατος), meaning “last,” and   logos   (λόγος), meaning “study” or “word.” Thus, eschatology refers to the study of the last things o...

  A Call to Faithful Ministry: Preach the Word! We are living in the days Paul warned about—times when many have turned away from sound doctrine, seeking teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Churches are no longer built on faithfulness to God’s Word but on the pursuit of wealth, fame, and large followings. The measure of success has shifted from faithfulness to popularity, from truth to entertainment, and from godliness to personal gain. Yet, in 2 Timothy 4 , Paul gives Timothy a different vision for ministry. He warns that a time will come when people will reject sound doctrine, preferring teachings that satisfy their desires rather than God's truth. Instead of enduring the truth, they will surround themselves with teachers who tell them exactly what they want to hear—soothing words that comfort them in their rebellion rather than convicting them of their need for repentance. But Paul commands Timothy: Do not follow them! Do not c...

  Title: God's Overruling Power Amidst Opposition.  Theme:  God Who Rules And  Overrule All. Hymn: Immortal,  invisible,  God only wise. Faith is the victory. Great is thy faithfulness. God moves in a mysterious way.  Outline God Overrules Doubts (Ezra 3:1,12-13). God Overrules Dishonesty (Ezra 4:1-4). God Overrules Distress (Ezra 4:5-24). 1. God Overrules Doubts (Ezra 3:1, 12-13) In Ezra 3:1, we see unity, but by verses 12-13, discouragement doubts and division. The elders, Levites and priests, doubts God’s faithfulness. They focus on the temple’s humble beginning rather than the promised Messianic glory that Christ would bring. This discouragement weakens them, making them vulnerable to external attacks. Application: Trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem discouraging. Do not judge God’s faithfulness by human comparisons. Division, Doubts and discouragement open doors for Satan’s attack. Even in small beginnings, see the bigger picture...

  Title: God's Overruling Power Amidst Opposition.  Theme:  God Who Rules And  Overrule All. Hymn: Immortal,  invisible,  God only wise. Faith is the victory. Great is thy faithfulness. God moves in a mysterious way.  Outline 1. Discouragement: God’ss Power Overrules Doubts (Ezra 3:1, 12-13) In Ezra 3:1, we see unity in rebuilding the temple, but by verses 12-13, discouragement and division arise. The elders and priests, who should have encouraged the younger generation, instead weep hopelessly, forgetting God’s faithfulness. They focus on the temple’s humble beginning rather than the promised Messianic glory that Christ would bring. This discouragement weakens them, making them vulnerable to external attacks. Application: Trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem discouraging (2 Corinthians 5:7). Do not judge God’s faithfulness by human comparisons (Isaiah 55:8-9). Division and discouragement open doors for Satan’s attack (1 ...

EXAM 1: ECCLESIOLOGY – THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH Degree Level Examination Time: 3 Hours SECTION A: SHORT ANSWERS (20 Marks) Define the term Ecclesiology and explain its biblical foundation. (5 marks) Differentiate between the visible and invisible church, providing biblical support. (5 marks) What is the significance of referring to the church as the Body of Christ ? (5 marks) List and briefly explain any four marks of a true biblical church . (5 marks) SECTION B: APPLICATION QUESTIONS (30 Marks) The 21st-century church often focuses on numbers rather than doctrinal purity. Discuss how this trend aligns or conflicts with the biblical marks of a true church . (10 marks) As a pastor, how would you ensure sound doctrine, sanctification, and church discipline are properly administered in your local church? Provide practical applications from Scripture. (10 marks) Explain the church militant and church triumphant concepts and discuss their relevance in Christian life t...

  SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY: BIBLIOLOGY SECTION ONE: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY 1. Definition Definition of the Word "Theology" The word theology comes from the Greek words θεός (Theos) meaning God and λόγος (Logos) meaning word, study, or discourse. Hence, theology is the study of God or the doctrine concerning God. Definition of the Word "Systematic" The term systematic refers to a structured and organized approach. It involves arranging concepts in an orderly manner to present a coherent teaching. Definition of Systematic Theology Systematic theology is the orderly study of biblical doctrines , where theological truths are arranged logically under specific categories, rather than being studied in the order they appear in Scripture. Etymological Definition of Theology The Greek term θεολογία (Theologia) means discourse about God. The Latin equivalent theologia was used in early Christian writings. In English, theology refers to the study of God and His re...

  Sermon: Series Three Title:   The Aftermath of God’s Faithfulness Text:  Ezra 4–6 Theme:   God Who Overrules and Rules All Introduction.  God’s faithfulness does not exempt His people from opposition. In fact, often after great displays of God’s faithfulness, resistance follows. This was true for Israel after their return from exile. Just as they began rebuilding the temple, opposition arose to discourage them. However, God, who overrules and rules all, ensured that His plan prevailed. This pattern is not new. After God delivered Israel from Egypt with great miracles, they immediately faced the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14). When Nehemiah sought to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, opposition came from Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4). Even in the New Testament, when Jesus was revealed as the Messiah, He faced opposition from religious leaders (Luke 4:28–30). Today, we will examine Ezra 4–6 and see three key truths about what follows God’s faithfulness, dra...