Bible Institute Courses:
(Note that not all classes are offered in every term. Classes are also subject to change.)
Christian Theology I: Christian Theology I is a systematic study of foundational biblical issues broken down into two categories: the nature of God and the nature of man. This class will delve into our relationship with God and cover subjects including inspiration, canonicity (how the Bible came to be), authority, God (Father, Son, and Spirit), the church, anthropology, salvation, and the things to come.
Next scheduled course: Fall One 2016
Christian Theology II: Christian Theology II will continue the pursuits of Christian Theology I. (Pre-requisite is Christian Theology I).
Next scheduled course: Fall Two 2016
Apologetics: Apologetics is an integrated study of the rationality of the Christian worldview. This course takes a philosophical approach to Christian apologetics, which literally refers to an account or defense of the Christian faith. Through this class, participants will critically examine the existence of God, the reliability of the Scriptures, miracles, the problem of evil, science and Bible, and secular ideologies popular in our culture. Both Biblical and philosophical answers are explored, all with our evangelistic mandate in mind.
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2017
Church History I: Church History I will survey the history of the Christian church from its founding at Pentecost to the present day. Attention will be drawn to pivotal figures and theological /philosophical controversies, which will allow participants to form a framework for the overall history of the church. Also discussed in this course will be the role that Christianity played in the lives of ordinary people and the impact of key Reformational leaders such as Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, and Knox.
Next scheduled course: Spring One 2016
Church History II: Church History II will continue where Church History I left off in the pursuit of forming a framework for the overall history of the church. (Pre-requisite is Church History I).
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2016
Covenants: In this course we will explore various covenants that God has made with us as laid out in the Scriptures. While covenants may seem like "old school", they are foundational for understanding our relationship with God. We will explore covenants such as the covenant that God made with Abraham, the covenant that God made with Noah, and even the modern marriage covenant and the implications of those covenants for our lives as Christ-followers today.
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2017
Eschatology: Believers have held various viewpoints regarding the return of Jesus Christ throughout history and in this course we will explore those viewpoints. Views that will be examined include pre/post Tribulationism, pre/post Millennialism, and Preterism. We will also examine differing interpretations of Daniel and the Olivet discourses. All of these various interpretations will be examined maintaining the importance of application for our lives today as Christ-followers.
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2017
Ethics: Ethics is more than just a list of "dos" and "don'ts". In this course we will examine what the Bible teaches regarding how we ought to live out the Christian life. However, the Bible does not explicitly cover every situation we will face throughout our lives. We will examine what the Scriptures teach and how they are sufficient for all the ethical dilemmas we face.
Next scheduled course: Fall One 2016
The Gospels: The gospel literally means "good news". In this course we will examine the four gospels found in our copy of the Scriptures, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are first-hand accounts of Jesus' life and throughout this course we will study the similarities and identify the differences of these narratives. As we examine these gospels we will discuss the implications for our lives as Christ-followers.
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2017
Comparitive Worldviews: There are many worldviews that exist that "compete" for the interest of culture and in this course we will examine what others around us believe. We will do this through examining some of the worlds' leading religions including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Atheism. Part of understanding what others believe is coming to a deeper understanding of the Christian worldview and understanding how to engage with those who think differently.
Next scheduled course: Spring One 2017
Greek: While it may be impossible to master a new language in a six week period of time, in this course, we will introduce the Biblical Greek language to the participants. This class will delve into the nuances of the language in which most of the New Testament was originally written in and give participants tools for studying God's Word in more depth. There will also be some basic translation of III John done by the end of the course.
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2017
Hebrews: The book of Hebrews is one in which many scholars have wrestled with and the significance that the writer was pointing to throughout the epistle. In this course we will look at this theologically rich book of the Bible in more depth and seek to apply the truths taught in it to our lives as Christ-followers.
Next scheduled course: Fall One 2017
Hermeneutics: Skeptics argue that we cannot know what the Bible really means because everyone interprets it differently. In this course we will explore methods, practices, and tools that help us interpret the Scriptures and bring us to an accurate and consistent understanding of God's word. The course is designed to teach the participants a proven method of studying God's love letter to mankind through three easy tools. After going through this course, you will be more equipped to deeply investigate and understand the heart of God through His word to us.
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2016
The Life of John Knox: A leader of the Scottish Reformation, John Knox is both an encouragement and Biblical model of Christian zeal and ministry. Throughout this course, we will examine his life in more detail, learn about the Reformation, ecclesiastical order, and confessions of faith. We will also examine other contemporaries such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.
Next scheduled course: Fall Two 2016
Minor Prophets: Perhaps so minor that these 12 prophetic books are often overlooked. These books are full of rich tradition and God's promises to exiled Israel. Throughout this course, we will seek to understand these prophets and the role they played in God's overarching story of redemption.
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2017
New Testament Theology I: This course examines the central themes of the books of the New Testament. Throughout this course we will study and meditate on these books and the redemptive plan that God showcases throughout. We will cover the life, mission, and person of Jesus, as well as the impact His life, death, and resurrection have on us today in the church.
Next scheduled course: Fall One 2016
New Testament Theology II: This course will continue to examine the books of the New Testament and the application and implications for our lives today as Christ-followers. (Pre-requisite is New Testament Theology I).
Next scheduled course: Fall Two 2016
Old Testament Theology I: Understanding the Old Testament is essential to understanding the Word of God. This course explores creation, the flood, the exodus, and also looks deeper into the lives of the Patriarchs. This step-by-step study of the 39books of the Old Testament vividly portray the acts of God and the human response throughout the books of history, wisdom literature, and the prophetic books.
Next scheduled course: Spring One 2017
Old Testament Theology II: This course will continue to examine the books of the Old Testament and the application for our lives as Christ-followers. (Pre-requisite is Old Testament Theology I).
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2017
Old Testament Theology III: This course will continue to examine the books of the Old Testament and the application for our lives as Christ-followers. (Pre-requisite is Old Testament Theology I and Old Testament Theology II).
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2017
Romans: One of the most beloved and controversial books in the Bible,Romans is full of Christian doctrine, application, and Pauline worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By studying this epistle written by the apostle Paul to the Romans, we can gain powerful insights for our lives as Christ-followers.
Next scheduled course: Fall Two 2016
Song of Solomon: Song of Solomon is one of the most beautiful and often difficult to understand books of the Old Testament. Through Solomon, the writer of this book, we see God's purposes for marriage, sex, and intimacy for mean and women alike.
Next scheduled course: Fall Two 2015
Symbols: God often uses symbols to represent something large through something smaller and more comprehensible. In this class, we will study some of the most basic yet most profound symbols God used throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Some of these symbols include communion, marriage, offerings, and many more.
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2017
Life Skills Courses:
Budgeting: While budgeting is not explicitly discussed in the Scriptures, principles of stewardship are. This course explains both the philosophy of Biblical finances and practical application. Whether you are budgeting for a business, family, or for yourself, join us to better understand God's purpose for money and it's function within the economy of grace.
Blended Families: If you are a part of a blended family or are considering entering into a blended family, then this class is for you. This course will utilize a video series taught by Dr. Kevin Leman and will explore the challenges that come in being a part of a blended family and how to overcome those challenges.This course will be taught in one hour blocks for six weeks.
Art: Creativity is a God-given skill. Art is a way we can use the creativity that we have been given. It is also a way to relax and produce pieces of work that can be enjoyed for years to come. Through this class we will explore the basics of art and refine our use of the creativity that God has given us.
Auto Maintenance: Ever wished that you knew how to fix the issues that your vehicle faces regularly? If so, this introductory auto maintenance course is for you. In this two-week course, we will examine basic auto maintenance as we walk through issues like changing your oil, checking fluids in your vehicle, and even small repairs that your vehicle may face. Come and learn more about your vehicle.
Communication: Many of God's commands require good communication skills yet it is often something we find ourselves wishing we could be more effective at. This course will examine the basics of communication and how we can train ourselves to be more effective in this skill.
Counseling: Believers and non-believers alike are broken people in need of healing. Through this course, learn how you can help people identify and overcome addictions, anger, death, family conflicts, illness, PTSD, and substance abuse. While this course does not provide a counseling certificate, it is a thorough introduction to some of our biggest needs and a biblical approach to those issues.
Next scheduled course: Spring Three 2016
Raising Adolescents: Adolescents can be difficult for parents to understand and relate to.Our culture is constantly changing and the environment that our adolescents today are growing up in is far different from any generation in the past. Throughout this course we will examine the struggles and difficulties that are facing our young adults today and determine how we can come alongside them to prepare them for adulthood.
Next scheduled course: Spring Two 2016
Faith and Finances: This course is a ten-week course on financial literacy. It is designed to help the participants of this course understand the way God sees money and work from the ground up to establish good financial habits. This course is designed for anyone and everyone whether you find yourself in loads of debt, need help budgeting, or just need a refresher on good financial habits. This course is founded in materials provided by the Chalmers Center and will help you get back on your feet financially.
Fire & Emergency: This course will examine how to prepare you and your family in the case of fire or other emergency. No one anticipates a fire or other emergency but yet at some point we all face critical moments and we must understand how to respond. This course will help you feel more secure in your ability to respond.
First Aid: This three-week course, examines the basics of first aid. We will examine the necessary foundations of first aid.. While there is no certificate awarded for completion of this course, for an additional fee, the option is available.
Internet Safety: The internet is a helpful resource that has changed our world, but it can also be a dangerous place. In this course we will examine tools and practices that can and should be implemented to ensure to the best of our ability, that we are safe in our use of the internet. Come and learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.
Investing: God calls Christians to be good stewards of the resources we have been given. Often Christians are uncertain how to utilize something like the stock market or other forms of investing fit into the Biblical command of stewardship. In this course, learn the basics of investing, pitfalls to watch out for, and where to begin in your investment strategy.
Parenting Children: Every parent knows that parenting and raising children is a difficult task and one that can be quite stressful. In this course, we will examine the basics of parenting as well as discuss as a group struggles and successes that we have had as parents. While the Scriptures do not provide a systematic parenting strategy, they do provide a framework for understanding how we should raise our children. You are not alone in your pursuit of raising your children.You will be encouraged and blessed through this course.
Resume Workshop: Building an eye-catching and informative resume can be a challenge. Employers today are looking for applicants to stand out and your resume is a first touch with them that can put you on the course for success or failure. Through this two-week class we will examine several tools that will help you get the attention of the potential employers that you have been wanting.
Social Media: Social media can be a confusing thing. There are so many different social media sites that we are a part of. They can be tremendous blessings but can also be a way to invite danger into your life unnecessarily. In this one-week course we will examine how to use social media in ways that will enrich your life and benefit you and how to avoid some of the pitfalls and distraction that are possible through your use of social media.
Hope: This course will examine the source of hope for us as humans. When you look at the world around you, when you look at the ever-changing circumstances in your life, questions can flood your mind as to where hope can be found. This course will focus on finding and sharing hope that makes a difference in our daily lives.
