Word Studies: Pneumatology

Class: Pneumatology

Week #3: February 13-17
Professor: Dr. Marshall Wicks


Assignments: Read the section in Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie on the Holy Spirit.


Dr. Marshall Wicks received a BA in Bible from Tennessee Temple University, MDiv and ThM from Grace Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Baptist Bible Seminary. Dr. Wicks is one of the resident professors at WOLBI, teaching in both the 1st and 2nd years, and teaches Theology at the Florida campus, where he is the Associate Academic Dean.

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;"

- John 14:16

Pneumatology is the study of the Holy Spirit and It's work in the body of Christ. This would involve many aspects including the spiritual gifts and the many ministries which the Holy Spirit is involved. As in all the classes here at WOLBI, Dr. Wicks stresses the importance of what God's Word says on the subject. Systematically teaching through the scripture, he covers every aspect of Pneumatology, giving each student the opportunity to grasp the study. Another focus of Dr. Wicks, is that of the practical as opposed to just doctrinal. He instructs why it is important to know what the Bible says and also how to apply it to daily living.

"Dr. Wicks was a very knowledgeable teacher. It was very interesting to learn about the various ministries of the Holy Spirit."
- Marcel, Kitchener

"I really enjoyed Pneumatology becasue it was very practical. It gave me a better understanding of salvation and the Holy Spirit altogether."
- Sophia, Waterloo

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Word Studies: Matthew

Class: Matthew

Week #1-2: January 30 - February 10
Professor: Mr. Scott Foreman


Assignments: Read Matthew 1-12 before the end of the first week and Matthew 13-28 before the end of the second week.


Scott serves full-time with the ministry of Word of Life Canada. He is the Associate Director for the Canadian ministry. His responsibilities include oversight of the Owen Sound Camping ministry, Resonate, print, web and media departments. He is a graduate of the first and second year programs of the Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, and a graduate of Tennessee Temple University where he received his B.Sc. in Biblical Studies. He is currently working on his Master’s degree from Baptist Bible Seminary.

"Mr. Foreman did a great job of bringing life to Matthew and helping us understand it. He brought a whole new perspective to the book, showing us that it wasn't just a gospel but something more."
- Tyler, Waterloo


Starting a new semester with the first book of the New Testament is perfect, as the students have a fresh start in all other areas of academics. Matthew is more than just a gospel. It is the message of the Old Testament and the beginning of a new chapter in world history. The book begins with John the Baptist preaching repentence and the kingdom. When Christ enters the picture as the Messiah, the Jews reject Him as the One who was to come.
Even though Christ was ready to set up His kingdom, Israel rejected Him because He was not the type of Messiah they were looking for. Therefore, Christ postponed the kingdom, for now. This begins a whole new dispensation or divine program in world history known today as the church which does not actually begin until Acts chapter 2. Mr. Foreman carefully teaches through these developments found in Matthew. This book is also an amazing glimpse at the life of the Saviour Jesus Christ. His example of humility and servanthood can be applied throughout all life. His sacrifice on the cross and suffering for the world can only push believers to share His love to the world.

"I have really enjoyed the study of Matthew and have been learning many things. What I have probably learned the most so far is the importance of keeping Israel and the church separate. It has been interesting to see how Christ was ready to establish His kingdom but since Israel rejected Him it has been postponed; now we can look forward to His second coming."
- Ryan, Alberta

"I had never really understood the point made by Matthew about the kingdom. But Mr. Foreman helped me comprehend how it fits in the entire gospel."
- Jonathan, Muskoka

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Word Studies: Proverbs

Class: Proverbs

Week #17: January 23-27
Professor: Pastor Steve Faulkner

Assignments: Read the entire book of Proverbs in English one time outside of class during the course of the week. Carefully read the introduction to Proverbs provided in the course syllabus and be prepared to interact with its contents each day. Prepare a brief outline of a Bible study or Sunday School lesson.

Pastor Faulkner received his BA from Tennessee Temple University and his ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. He has ministered as Youth Pastor, Police Department Chaplain, and Pastor in the US and Canada. Currently he serves as Pastor of Emmanuel Bible Church in Simcoe, ON.


The book of Proverbs is just what the title is: a book of proverbs. Dictionary.com defines a proverb as a wise saying or precept. Therefore, the book of Proverbs is a book of wise sayings or precepts. However, it is not man's wisdom but God's wisdom written in the thirty one chapters. Pastor Faulkner defines wisdom as "skill in righteous living." He brings the students through the book of Proverbs and outlines each section. His purpose in teaching the book is to help each student understand Proverbs and how to apply it into every day life.

"I learned many things about the different proverbs. He helped me understand and apply the scripture to my life."
- Kassey, Goulais River

"It was applicable to every day life."
- Nick, Elmira

"Pastor Faulkner focused on many different types of proverbs and also gave us techniques on how to interpret each type."
- Rachel, Collingwood

One must understand that the proverbs are not promises but principles to live by. However, if a believer chooses to live by God's wisdom rather than his own, the believer will experience radical change. How does one live by God's wisdom? It all starts with the fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10) The following verse explains why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

"The fear of the LORD tendeth to life:

and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil."

- Proverbs 19:23

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Word of Life Missions Conference

The Great Commission

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name
of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you:

and, lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world.

Amen.

- Matthew 28:19-20

Known to Christians as the last command from the Saviour in Matthew's gospel account, these verses have become the call for believers to dedicate their lives to missions.

Every year, the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake NY hosts a missions conference in early January for the BI campuses in Ontario, Quebec and New York. The conference is not only attended by students and staff, but many others as well come for the weekend from across the continent.

The students were very excited to attend the conference which took place January 6-8. They arrived in Schroon Lake on the fifth and were able to attend some of the second year classes the next morning. Friday evening the Missions conference began and so did the conviction of the Word of God in the lives of those attending.

The theme for the weekend was Momentum: the Gospel in Motion. The students had the priviledge of hearing from some inspiring individuals including Dr. Chris Gnanakan, Dmin., PhD., Director of Training for Outreach to Asia Nationals, Mr. Nardi Pugyao, Mr. Harry Bollback, Co-founder of Word of Life and Mr. Don Lough, Executive Director of Word of Life. These speakers preached the Word of God over five sessions, teaching on how the gospel has potential, but it needs to ignite and accelerate (John 13:17, Luke 24:32, Mark 6:34) . However, it cannot do that unless it breaks through opposition at which point it will become unstoppable (1 Cor. 16:9, 2 Cor. 5:9-11). Yet, it cannot be the gospel doing this work, although it is powerful (Romans 1:16). Mr. Lough said the following statement: "It is not God who does not call, it is man who does not respond." The momentum of the gospel can only be fully tapped if the  believer is fully sold out for God. On Sunday night, Mr. Lough petitioned those gathered to completely dedicate their lives to Christ. Many came forward in answer to God's calling in their lives.

The stage was crowded with individuals dedicating themselves to their Saviour.

The conference impacted the lives of many people. Here are just a few thoughts about the weekend:

"At Missions Conference it was cool to see the passions for missions. Each meeting challenged me to think more about how I could reach others for Christ."
- Sarah, Alberta

"Missions Conference was an incredible time to understand what it takes to follow Christ."
- Ryan, Wyoming

"C`était une incroyable experience qui m`a vraiment poussé à réviser ma vue sur la mission en général. J`ai réaliser qu`entant que chrétien nous devons agir activement pour répondre le message du salut dans le monde entier."
"It was an incredible experience that really pushed me to review my way of thinking about missions in general. I realize that as Christians we need to be actively acting for the propagation of the gospel in the entire world."
 - Micael, New Brunswick

"It was awesome to hear from missionaries from all over the world and in different lines of work. It was really encouraging to hear the stories and see how they are all regular people... just like me."
- Cameron, Mount Forest


The Missions Conference is a highlight of the year at the BI. It gives students the opportunity to investigate different missions organizations and to contemplate whether they would be willing to be a part of missions work globally. Actually, the whole year at the BI gives a multitude of opportunities to explore different ministry options and how each person can be involved in the work of God. WOLBI wants to give you those same opportunities.

  Imagine one year at the Word of Life Bible Institute! 

Why not check out campus days? Click here for more information.

Also, if you need to find out if WOLBI is right for you,

 you can always email our admissions coordinator, Cassandra, at cassandrao@wol.ca.

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Word Studies: Biblical Counselling

Class:

Week #16: January 16-20
Professor: Mr. Joe Schenke


Assignments: Read and give a book report on the book, Psychobabble by Dr. Richard Ganz and the What To Do When… counselling pamphlets by Jay E. Adams.

Mr. Joe Schenke was born in Chicago from a Polish Catholic background. He trusted Christ as a teenager. Mr. Schenke attended Word of Life Bible Institute and later received a BS from Trinity College and an MA in Biblical Counselling from The Masters College. Mr. Schenke served as Campus Pastor and Dean of Students at Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY, for over 20 years and as a pastor of counselling and family ministry at Fellowship Bible Church in Sewell, New Jersey, and is once again the Dean of Students at the NY campus.

"Going into the week of Biblical Counselling, I went into it not thinking that I would really get anything out of it. Mr. Schenke was very encouraging and he challenged me that I can counsel people wherever I am, even if it's just being a good friend and being willing to listen to someone who just needs to talk."
- Monica, Sebringville

Biblical Counselling gives the students here at WOLBI an integrated study of how the Bible should be the foundation of life change. Instead of turning to music, seclusion, friends or medication, which is the world's answer, one needs to turn to God's Word when faced with any situation. Mr. Schenke takes principles from the Bible and makes them applicable for each student.  Biblical counselling is not just for the pastor or counsellor, but every believer needs to be prepared to share the truth found in God's Word with others. This class was able to prepare the students for Recharge Snow Camp, where counselling needs come up very often, and also summer camp when counselling is a major part of the weekly ministry.

"Now we exhort you, brethren,

warn them that are unruly,

comfort the feebleminded,

support the weak,

be patient toward all men."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:14

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P31 - Planet Holiness

Word of Life Local Church Ministries is extremely excited to tell you about this ALL NIGHT event JUST FOR TEEN GIRLS!


P31 is an amazing night of fun and teaching from God's Word on topics relevant to teen girls. Your girls in grades 7-12 will hear messages from Amy Speck, Debbie MacQueen, and Rachel Foreman on the subjects of Maturity, Modesty and Media. The theme this year is Planet Holiness.

In addition to this, we will have music from a live worship band, drama presentations, pizza and prizes.

All this will take place between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. After that the girls will be "turned loose" within the building to experience different fun activities such as: group photo shoot, manicures, hair salon, karaoke, making jewelry and an inflatable in the gym. The fun ends at 5:00 a.m.

Some key points about this event:
 - The gospel will be given and those present will be given a chance to respond
- Girls will be challenged from God's Word on relevant issues
 - You & your girls will have fun!
 - Youth leaders and mothers and daughters are welcome to attend!
 - Girls must be in grades 7-12 to attend
 - Cost is $30 per teen and $25 per leader until February 10th. After that, the price per teen goes up by $10
 - There will be a "quiet room" available for female drivers (we provide mattresses, you bring sleeping bag & pillow)
 - If you know someone who would be interested in this information... please pass it on! :)
 -Please let us know ASAP if you are planning on attending so that we can plan for you!
 - Registration begins at 8:00 p.m. on March 2nd at Emmanuel Bible Church (24 Churchill Circle, Simcoe, ON)

Location: Simcoe, ON

Check out the event page on Facebook for more info and interaction with those attending this exciting event!

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MIA (Ministry in Action): Recharge Snow Camp

This past weekend was another awesome Recharge Snow Camp experience. The campus hosted four youth groups from across Ontario reaching a total of over seventy teens. Saturday night saw three campers accept Christ as their personal Saviour and there were reports that more campers made the same decision later in the evening. This is why Word of Life exists: to see young people accept Christ as their personal Saviour.


The speaker this past weekend was WOLBI's  very own Mr. Jonathan Ward. He spoke from the bok of Jude, teaching on how to contend for the faith. Campers were impacted greatly by the power of God's Word.

Jonathan Ward shares God's Word

Snow Camp is probably one of the most stretching and yet exciting times during the BI year. But even though it is difficult at times and the going gets tough, learning to rely on God for strength and seeing lives changed as completely worth the hard work and time that goes into this ministry.

"Recharge is intense! It's great to see the different youth groups come in with many different backgrounds and just be able to talk to and encourage them even in the quick minute conversations. I can see God working more and more each week. It's great."
- Kassey, Goulais River

"Recharge has been awesome! It's great to see kid's accept Christ. I love working with the Maintenance team."
- Tim, Owen Sound

(left to right) Sarah, Maggie, Brittany Recharge Coffee House Staff

"This is an amazing growth of faith in me; I can see it and I can't wait to come back!"

"It was a wonderful weekend, that has helped me get back in touch with the Lord."

"I liked the atmosphere and the kind, enthusiastic leaders."

Please continue to pray for this ministry as God works in the lives of everyone involved!

Word Studies: Deuteronomy

Class: Deuteronomy

Week #15: January 9-13
Professor: Pastor Steve Hobbs


Assignments: Read through the Book of Deuteronomy twice during the week; the section on the book of Deuteronomy must be read from the Bible Survey textbook; and the notes from the previous day must be read before the beginning of the next day.

Pastor Steve Hobbs received his BS from Liberty University and an MDiv from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Pastor Hobbs later served as the Dean of Men and on the teaching faculty at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, NY. He is currently the pastor at Vincent Baptist Church in Pennsylvania.

At first, Deuteronomy does not seem to be to appealing. A book about laws, regulations and tradition is usually not the first choice for a little casual reading. Deuteronomy was written by Moses, at the end of the forty years of wandering the nation of Israel had before entering the land of Canaan. The entire book is a written account of Moses' sermons to his people to encourage them before they entered the promised land. God gave Moses the words and laws to give to the people. Because of the laws and the specific stipulations about how to live, Deuteronomy has become a book in the Bible avoided by most people simply because they do not understand it. However, upon careful study, one will discover that Deuteronomy is filled with powerful, life-changing principles for the believer today. In this class specifically, Pastor Hobbs does an amazing job of bringing out the application from the text and the importance of knowing the principles for Christian living.


"We covered a lot in the Deuteronomy class that challenged me to really think about how the Old Testament and New Testament tie in together and how much we can learn from the ways of the Old Testament."
- Kassey, Goulais River


"He was a very innovative, creative speaker. He helped me look at Deuteronomy in a whole new way. He explained the book in a way that's interesting and applicable to today's society for fellow believers."
- Tyler, Waterloo

"... I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."
- Deuteronomy 32:3-4

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MIA (Ministry in Action): Recharge Snow Camp

We're off to a great start with our 'Recharge' (Snow Camp) weekends here on our Ontario campus. What is 'Recharge'? An action-packed weekend of evangelism and Christian growth, where youth groups from across Ontario participate in sports tournaments, paintball, high ropes and peer to peer challenges. 'Recharge' is seven weekends in length and helps teens identify their purpose (know Christ), intensify their walk (grow in Christ) and amplify their faith (share Christ).


Over our first two weekends our camp speakers (Rich Andrews from WOL Youth Camp Florida and Chris Finchum from WOL Local Church Ministries in the southeast U.S.) challenged over 150 teens and junior teens. We saw over 30 young people accept Christ over those 2 weekends, and 80 make decision of life dedication! Praise the Lord!


"It was amazing! Thank you for blessing us with a fun God filled weekend!!! You guys rock!!"

"I thought the weekend was very uplifting and I learned a lot about my relationship with my Saviour, God."

"I had an amazing time this weekend, the sports were well organized and very fun. The sessions were also right on the spot with what I was dealing with."

"I thought it was good and fun. I really loved how we talked about God because I really never had a relationship with him and now I do."


We have 5 more weekends of intense ministry. We're not wrestling against flesh and blood, but the opposition to God's work: Satan and his demonic forces. However, Christ is victorious and we're living in His victory. Please pray for our Bible Institute students who are intricately involved in our weekend ministries. They need strength, focus, and wise stewardship of their time. Pray for our camp speakers as they share the Word each weekend. And pray that we we would see more and more unsaved teens come to 'Recharge'. Thanks for your love and encouragement.

SF

Word Studies: 1 Corinthians

Class: 1 Corinthians

Week #14: January 2 - January 5
Professor: Dr. Ken Gardoski


Assignments: Read through 1 Corinthians a total of 3 times before the start of classes. Read through the teachers notes before and during the week of classes.


Dr. Ken Gardoski grew up in a religious family, but did not trust the Lord as his Savior until college, and then later became a missionary to Poland with Baptist Mid-Missions. Dr. Gardoski received his BS in Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, MDiv and ThM from Baptist Bible Seminary, and PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently teaches at Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA.


1 Corinthians was written by Paul the apostle to the church in Corinth, located in the south of modern day Greece. The city was a way-point for most people traveling between Rome and the Middle East. At the time, Corinth was known as a thriving commercial center and a major seaport, with a population of approximately 700,000. However, Corinth also had another reputation. The city was known for its immorality and debauchery. The worship of pagan gods was extremely common among the populace and the name of the city became an adjective, to corinthinize, which meant to behave in an immoral and sensual manner. This was where Paul started a church and to whom he wrote this letter. From a study of Acts and some of the other epistles, it can be said that 1 Corinthians is most likely the second letter that Paul wrote to this church. As far as can be seen, it is a response to the problems and questions that arose from his first and unknown letter. The main theme found through the entire book is Paul's exhortation to a living a life based on Biblical principles. Many doctrinal and practical implications can be found throughout the text. 1 Corinthians is an excellent book for believers to study, because Paul's explanation of ministry and Christian living is clear and simple.



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