Word Studies: Judges

Class: Judges

Week #3: September 26-30
Professor: Pastor Jeff Eastwood

Assignments:
Read Judges 3x -Once in a single reading before class, and twice during the week of Judges classes. At least one of these readings must be done in a translation other than the one you normally use.
Read Judges - Such a Great Salvation by Dale Ralph Davis prior to, or during, the week of classes.
Memorize Judges 21:25



Pastor Eastwood is currently the interim lead pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Waterloo, Ontario. He is a graduate of Northland International University with Bachelor of Arts in Theology and is now working on a Master of Divinity Degree from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary. This will be his first year teaching at WOLBI in Owen Sound. What's interesting is many of the students this year are coming from Waterloo and Kitchener and call Northside their home church. They were thrilled to have their pastor come up for a week as was he.

Judges is an interesting book and many times it is hidden away as if it is some deep, dark secret of the Bible. Filled with murder, deceit and heinous crimes, this seventh book of the Bible is the attic of the Bible. Yet, here it is, containing this record of Israel's rebellion against God and subsequent disregard for God's commands. Blatant disobedience would be at the core and the theme of Judges is clearly stated in the memory verse for the class.

"In those days, there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

-Judges 21:25

When one of the students stated what he learned from the class, unknowingly, he explained how this verse is relevant to the book as a whole.

"I have been learning that Israel is just like our day now. I'm seeing the history... they keep falling into sin and they don't pass the faith onto the [next] generation. They weren't following God's Word. It was a very sinful time"
- Derek, Waterloo

It was a very sinful time. The statement alone sums it up. What can be learned from a book that has this reputation? Since Timothy says in the New Testament, "All scripture is profitable...", Judges has been placed in the Bible for a purpose.

This purpose is hinted at in the following from one of the students:

 "I learned how loving God is, in that, no matter how much sin I am in, God is always there when I repent and turn back to Him."
-Brandon, Waterloo

Judges shows us the grace of God. Every time Israel rebelled, God called them back to Himself. The Lord would raise up a judge, hence the name of the book, and that judge would bring the people back to the Lord by leading them in repentance. Then when the judge died, the people would fall into sin again. This cycle of sin, judging and repentance occurred seven times in Judges. Even the judges themselves were not the best example of godliness and fell into sin soon after Israel repented. But God's grace continually prevails and still brings people to repentance today. When asked what he was learning from Judges, Pastor Eastwood replied with the following:

"I am learning that sin is deceitful and subtle and we need the grace of God."

God's grace is a beacon of light in the darkness of Judges. This world desperately needs God's grace just as Israel did over three thousand years ago. This grace comes in the form of God's Son dying on the cross, taking the punishment of sin for every person. The message of Judges and the gospel is one and the same: repentance. The message of repentance has always been the same: turn from your sin and turn to God's grace for redemption from the punishment of sin. Let us not forget this incredible gift of salvation.

BW

MIA: Ministry in Action

Look for these posts to learn more about the awesome ministries that the students will be taking part in this year at the BI.

This time of the year involves the start up of all the ministries here at WOLBI.

Already in motion are plans to form the various ministry teams that the students will be a part of this year at the BI. These are the various teams and their purpose:

        Testify: This is a group of students that travel to various churches and perform special music and also lead worship services.

 Testify performs at Word of Life Missions Conference in Schroon Lake, NY.

        Edify: This is the children's ministry team. Several students take time to plan and prepare for a special kids night and then host it in various churches. This year they plan to travel to Olympian groups in Ontario.

Edify 2010-2011 (left to right) Lindsay, Evan, Kevin, Jonathan, Benjamin

       CEO: This team plans out and organizes events for the student body to participate in that would involve oppurtunities to witness.

        Declare: Drama becomes ministry for the students on this team. They prepare skits for events on campus, such as chapels and snow camps.

        Praise Team: This team leads worship in Director's Chapels and Sunday morning services and is involved with Snow Camp praise team as well.
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Praise Team 2010-2011
(left to right) Jaramie, Carmen, Magalie, Bethany, Jamie, Lynae

 

     













        Local Church Ministries: Many of the students will have a weekly ministry in one of the surrounding churches in Owen Sound and Meaford.

       Missions: The Missions team promotes missions to the students, maintaining communication with missionaries and hosts prayer meetings for missions globally as well as locally.

        Missions Trips: Members of our student body will have the opportunity to participate in two mission trips during March Break. One trip takes them to the island country of Jamaica where they minister to the people their in various ways. The other missions trip will actually take place locally. The students will take part in a Vacation Bible School at the Saugeen Native Reserve. For both of these trips the students are required to raise support in order to fund for the expense of either opportunity. Prayerfully consider becoming part of this ministry and donating towards either trip.

Contact Info:
Phone: 519.376.3516     Owen Sound Bible Institute
             800.461.3503     Toll-free number

Fax: 519.376.9893 Owen Sound Bible Institute

Please be in prayer for these teams as they have the chance to not only encourage other believers but also be a witness for Christ. If you would like to be a part of these ministries by having one of the travel teams come to your church please call 519.376.9516 ext. 214.

BW

                                                                           

Word Studies: TERM Seminar

Class: Worldview Evangelism (also The Emmaus Road Message or TERM Seminar)

Week #2: September 19-23

Professor: Mr. John R. Cross


Assignments: Worldview Assignment to be completed before the start of class
Details: Talk to five people of different age and background about their views on God, man and life after death.


This past week the students at WOLBI have sat underneath the teaching of Mr. John R. Cross who taught the TERM Seminar.

Mr. John R. Cross is a teacher and author for GOODSEED International. He has also worked with New Tribes Missions for over 23 years. His passion is to see the gospel preached and lives changed.

The TERM Seminar is a walk-through and training of the book By This Name. The book takes the reader through the gospel message starting in Creation and ending in Christ's death and Resurrection. The seminar trains the students to be able to use the book and other resources in a small group situation. This class is also great preparation for Open Air Evangelism as it answers many of the questions that the students will be asked during the ministry in Toronto and Hamilton next week.

The following are comments from some of the students:

"It was a great overview of the Bible and I learned alot about areas that I've never really taken time to study before."
- Monica, Stratford

"There was a lot to learn."
- Kassey, Goulais River

It was nice to get refreshed with the big picture."
- Nathan, Goulais River

"I noticed that the gospel is about all the Old Testament and is way easier to use the Old Testament in the gospel than just using John, easier to make connections and for people to understand."
- Jean-Christophe, Quebec

The TERM Seminar is extremely relevant and practical for what the students need in the ministries that they will be involved in throughout the year. What makes it even better, is when the students will be able to look back and realize how they used what they learned in class.  If these students allow God to do so, He will use them greatly with what He has provided for in their lives.

BW

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Don't Miss Word of Life Superbowl 2011

What better way to spend a night than with sports, games, food  and, most importantly, God's Word. You can get all this and more for your youth group at Word of Life Superbowl Mississauga, Ontario. This event is for students in grades 7-12. Hundreds of youth come from across Canada to this awesome all-nighter.

Included in the night:

        - OHL Hockey Game

        - Prizes, prizes and more prizes

        - Sports and Arcade Games

        - Gospel Presentation

        - And so much more!

Mark your calendar for this November and get ready to have an awesome night for your youth group.

Time: Friday, 04 November 2011- Saturday, 05 November 2011

Location:          Hershey Centre
                          5500 Rose Cherry Pl., Mississauga
                 Then...
                           Playdium Mississauga
                           99 Rathburn Rd. W., Mississauga

Cost:  Get your registration in before October 3rd and save big!

	Early Price	Regular Price	Late Price
	on or before 10/03	on or before 10/24	after 10/24
Teens	$40	$45	$49
Leaders	$37	$37	$37

 




Contact us here!

For information for Superbowls in other locations in Canada, click here.


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Don't Miss the Flashpoint Conference

Start your church's year of ministry with a Training Conference from Word of Life Local Church Ministries. Word of Life places a large emphasis on leadership training and wants to help out your church with this important factor of ministry. Flashpoint is a weekend conference that involves dynamic teaching, practical seminars (many to choose from), great music, skits, icebreakers, good food, and ministry resources.  We're excited to present to you some new and exciting features to the conference that will only make it more relevant to your needs as a church.

Some of the new features are:

        - New topics chosen by you!

        - Friday night worship concert

        - Now for both youth and leaders

Bring your youth group with you on Friday evening for the worship concert, stay overnight (several motel/hotel accommodations are available nearby) and attend age-appropriate teaching & training sessions on Saturday. The topics will range from Leadership Training to Cults and False Religions for youth and Time Management and Social Media for leaders. Here are the updated prices for the weekend.

• Friday only - $20 UPDATED PRICE! Now only $10

• Saturday only - $40 UPDATED PRICE! Now only $35

• Friday & Saturday - $50 UPDATED PRICE! Now only $40

To register your church email Barry Speck (wolspeck@kwic.com) with your information.

BW

Word Studies: James

This is the first of a series that will cover the classes that the students will be taking thoughout the year.

Class: James

Week #1: September 12-16

Professor: Dr. Wendell Calder

Assignments: Read Be Mature by Warren W. Wiersbe

                       Read James 7x

Key Verse: James 1:27

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

        James is the first class that Word of Life Bible Institute, Owen Sound begins every year with. This class is the perfect start to a year of life change. Filled with practical application, James is always a favourite among students because of the relevance it has to their lives during the the year at the Bible Institute. Dr. Calder's uncanny ability to alliterate absolutely anything and everything amazes students every year. Students finished James on Thursday and Dr. Calder left for  New York to open the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake this past weekend.


        Dr. Calder said, "God specifically taught me from James 4:6 this past week. The verse talks about the grace of God. I was reminded that although grace is what saves us (Ephesians 2:8) it is also how God provides all things for us as believers. The same grace that saves us is adequate and perfect for everything we need."

     "I will not quit; by God's grace, I can do it"

    - Dr. Wendell Calder

         Students had an opportunity to share what God has taught them this past week in James:



"Just to look again that the evidence of faith is works, looking back again at Matthew 7, good fruit versus bad fruit. Evidence needs to be here. Also makes me think that we so often look at someone and judge them and treat them differently."
-Andrew, Woodstock, ON


"God sends tests and trials to mature us into stronger Christians and also for when we are high and mighty on ourselves, He uses them to humble us.... and also the golden rule trumps all other laws. If we live by it, we don't need any other law."
-Nick, Drayton, ON

        How God uses these classes in the lives of the students every year is so awesome to see. Pray that the rest of the year will be as life changing as this very first week of classes!



For more information about WOLBI check out our website or email our Admissions Coordinator.

Opening Weekend Conference 2011

       Opening Weekend Conference at WOLBI is always a busy time of registering new students, meeting with believers in Christ and learning from God's Word. This year, as every year so far at the Owen Sound Campus, Dr. Wendell Calder brought the Word of God to the families and students that gathered four times over the weekend to hear it. Being encouraged from the Bible was definitely one of the highlights. Dr. Wendell Calder preached from Psalm 16 and the messages were the perfect beginning to the tenth year at the BI.

Dr. Wendell Calder preaches the Word

"As the opening to a year of life changing experiences for the students, this weekend begins the year with a foundation in God's Word, with which the only result can be to have the fulness of joy in the presence of the Lord." 
- Atie, Huntsville (Parent of student)

"Even better than I thought it would be."
- Lucas, Wyoming

        Just from these two comments, one can see that this weekend was truly memorable. Already evident in the lives of the students, is a desire to grow and be changed by God's Word. Great are the expectations of those involved with the coming year at the BI as to what God will do.
       
        Below is the verse upon which Dr. Calder preached the evening message on Saturday. It shows where God wants each and everyone of us to be: In His Presence.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." - Psalms 16:11


If you are interested in being a part of the great expectations for WOLBI 2012-2013 check out our website or send us an email.

BW

Registration Weekend 2011-2012

        Another year at the Word of Life Bible Institute has officially begun. On Friday, September 09, the students for WOLBI 2011-2012 began to arrive early in the afternoon. It was an exciting time as the dorms quickly filled up with new arrivals. Students and their families enjoyed delicious meals and evening fellowship and had the oppurtunity to sit under the teaching of Dr. Wendall Calder. Dr. Calder has taught at the opening of the Bible Institute for the past ten years here at the Owen Sound Campus. Busy as it was, the weekend was a time of getting to know each other and settling into the dorms.
    
          Students have come from all walks of life and for many reasons:


"I wanted to learn more about God and I didn't know what to do with my life, and I thought I should come here to find out."
-Tyler, Waterloo

"I came here to get a solid foundation of the Bible and to spend a year studying the Word and not have the distractions of work."
-Sarah, Alberta

"I wanted to take a year between high school and university to make sure I knew what God wanted for my life."
-Mic, New Brunswick

"[I came here] for my relationship with God and to learn English and learn the Bible."
-Esther, Quebec

        At the end of the day, the total count of students was twenty-four guys and thirteen girls. This year is going to be life-changing for many students, filled with new friendships, adventures, a deeper knowledge of God's Word, and memories that will last a lifetime. Already beginning in dorm life are discussions on faith, God and the Bible. However unprepared the students may be, they are ready to take on this year and be changed by the Word of God.

                                                                    BW

Leadership Training Week 2011

          This past week has been one of intense training not only in leadership but also in God's Word, giving the Resident Assistant (RA) candidates just an appetizer for their year at the Word of Life Bible Institute. Every September before the year at the Bible Institute begins, the Deans host this week on campus in order to choose who will be the RA's in the dorms. They observe the candidates throughout the week and make their decisions based on , among other things, their character and their leadership abilities. This past week, a total of fourteen candidates came for training week but only five would be chosen.

 RA Candidates September 2011

          The week started off the on the second of September with a barbecue at one of the staff houses. It was one of those awkward times of first meeting people that one will spend the next year with, living and growing together. It was an evening that involved fun but important lessons were learned about teamwork, leadership and communication through fellowship and crazy Dean team-building activities. Throughout the weekend and the following week the candidates attended sessions about RA responsibilities as well as being a Christian leader on campus, in the dorm, and beyond. The week was simply a great time of getting to know each other and working together. Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the fun that happens at Word of Life almost all the time. It was hard to stop laughing after an evening spent at Mr. Ward's house and the students had a great time on Wednesday with the new Assistant Dean of Men, Mr. OBoyle.

          During the week the candidates were involved in sessions in the morning and work hours in the afternoon in order to get the campus ready for the rest of the students to arrive at the end of the week. The session topics ranged from training in the Resident Assistant Manual and also reviewing the Student Handbook. Some of the sessions brought the focus in on what a leader is like and the students were also able to apply what they learned through case studies. These are some of the things the students said about the classes.

"RA training was like trying to drink too much water at once; never can get it all in."
- Jordan, Goulais River

"The teachers were amazing."
- Nathan, Goulais River

All in all the week was challenging as well as rewarding to all those involved. Finally the time came to announce those who would be appointed as the Resident Assistants for WOLBI 2011-2012. The RA candidates waited with anticipation as one by one they went into the classroom to talk to the Deans. Through careful decision and prayerful preparation, the Resident Assistants that were chosen for the coming year are the following: Benjamin Wouda, Jordan Reinke, Monica Wijnands, Timothy Fritz and Whitney Gordon. Though these were selected for the official position of RA, the remaining candidates were encouraged to be leaders in the dorm and on campus.

 RA's 2011-2012 Benjamin Wouda, Jordan Reinke, Tim Fritz, Whitney Gordon, and Monica Wijnands

Some of the students shared what they learned during the training week.

"The lessons learned and the friendships made with the staff and fellow students will be foundational to a great year of  studying God's Word and growing closer in my walk with Him."
- Jonathan, Huntsville

"I enjoyed leadership week and I am going to draw from it even though I didn't get RA. I'm really glad I came; looking forward to ministering to the girls in the dorm."
- Sarah, Midland

The following is one of the passages that the candidates committed to memory during the week. It really envelopes not only what the job of the RA is but also what Christians as the children of God should be doing daily.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

Looking forward to the year, one can expect God to do great things in the lives of the students and staff.

BW