Word Studies: Eschatology

Class: Eschatology

Week #12: April 30 - May 4
Professor: Mr Mark Strout


Assignments: Textbook reading: Students will be required to read the section on eschatology in Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie. Essay reading: Students will be required to read two short essays before the final exam. While working through these, they will be required to look up and read all of the biblical passages mentioned in the essays except for those which are underlined.



Mr. Strout attended our New York campus of Word of Life Bible Institute in 1982, after which he was a youth pastor for 8 years at Huntingville Community Church in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He went on to pastor 3 years at Grace Chapel in Sherbrooke. Mr. Strout joined the new French ministry of WOL at Parole de Vie and served as the director of the Bible Institute at PdV from 1994 until 2002. During that time he obtained his Master of Ministry degree from Baptist Bible Seminary. In July of 2002 he assumed the role of Director of Francophone Ministries for Word of Life Canada. In August 2009 Mark and his wife Laurie relocated to Schroon Lake (NY) where he is the Executive Dean of the Bible Institute.


Another class about End Times? Not exactly. Eschatology is a study of future events however, Mr. Strout enables the student not only to process what the Bible says about the future but also to understand God's plan for human history from beginning to end. Scripture is the foundation of what Mr. Strout teaches and he places major emphasis on considering all of scripture when it comes to interpreting prophecy.

  "It was sweet. The teacher taught in a way that was easy to understand. I was able to grasp the concepts. Mr. Strout cleared up a lot of things for me."
- Nathan, Goulais River

Mr. Strout also had the opportunity to present two seminars: "Walk through the Land" and Walk through Jerusalem." With these presentations, the students were able to experience the land of Israel and its capitol, Jerusalem, through the eyes of someone who had been there many times.

"I enjoyed Mr. Strout's presentations on Israel and Jerusalem. His travels have given him useful experience that enabled him to expound upon the land and the people."

- Rob, Beamsville

Word Studies: Revelation

Class: Revelation

Week #9: April 9-
Professor: Dr. Jimmy DeYoung

Dr. and Mrs. Jimmy DeYoung

Assignments:  Students are to read the Book of Revelation at least twice (two times) during the time period of the classes. Students are also to read the textbook, Revelation: A Chronology by Dr. DeYoung in its entirety.


Dr. Jimmy DeYoung is a well-known prophecy teacher in North America and Europe. He worked with Word of Life in Schroon Lake for 12 years. Later, Dr. DeYoung was the VP and General Manager of New York City’s first Christian radio station for 5 years. Since 1991, he and his wife, Judy, have been residing in Jerusalem where they work as journalists in the second most populated journalistic city in the world. More recently, he received his doctorate from Tennessee Temple. Dr. DeYoung has written several books, produced videos and has a weekly radio broadcast, Prophecy Today.

the revelation of Jesus Christ

The book of Revelation is a controversial topic in the Christian world today. The many views surrounding prophecy create unending debates among theologians and laymen alike. However, this controversy should not deter the believer from studying this incredible section of the Word of God. 

This class helps each student understand the importance of studying all of the written Word of God and having an understanding of Biblical prophecy. Dr. DeYoung emphasizes early on in the class the impact that Revelation should have on the believer's life today.  His passion and enthusiasm for studying prophecy quickly engages each and every student. Giving up-to-date reports of what is happening in the world today, especially in the Middle East, Dr. DeYoung illustrates the imminence of Christ's return, Some of the students shared their thoughts on the teacher and his class:

"Revelation is a very interesting book. It was really amazing to see how prophecy is starting to come true today."
- Esther, Quebec

"Dr. DeYoung was very knowledgeable about how the different prophecies intertwine and was able to clearly present the places the prophecies will occur."
-John, Mount Forest

Plan to come to Campus Days this May and discover what Word of Life Bible Institute has to offer!

A Student's Testimony

I grew up in a Christian home, went to church and youth group but only had a religion not a relationship. Around my friends I was completely different then at home, I got into the wrong crowd and started doing all the wrong things, I went through some really hard experiences and I ended up getting bitter with my parents because even though they weren’t aware of what I was doing the guilt I was feeling turned to anger towards them.

  My viewpoint became “the less I am home the better.” When I turned sixteen I decided to choose my life I had with my friends over the one I had when I was with my family and moved out. I stayed at a few different places, couch surfing and completely living for myself, My relationship with my siblings and parents diminished. I knew what I was doing was wrong because of the way I had been brought up but I made sure I was never sober enough to feel guilt or conviction. My dad sent me away to a camp for two weeks to try and help me get sober and it was there that I finally had the realization that I am a sinner and I needed to be saved.


When the two weeks where up and I returned to my hometown unfortunately I relied on myself more then God and ended up getting back into some of the things I had done before, I used the excuse God made these things for a purpose. But thankfully I was convicted to stop doing chemicals. That August I hit an all time low, I saw where my life was heading and instead of relying on God to help change me again I relied on myself to fix it, I overdosed in an attempt on my life. After being in the hospital for a few days I moved in with my boyfriend thinking maybe that way I would feel some fulfillment. I continued to live a godless lifestyle but still proclaimed to be a Christian. But God wasn’t done with me; He gave me a literal way of seeing that if we proclaim that Christ is in us we need to live like He is in us and fulfillment only comes through Him.( Galatians 2:20)

   I got pregnant. Instantly having to change my lifestyle because of my child being in me was a revelation to me as how we as Christians should change our lives because Christ is in us. I started attending church again and rekindled my relationship with my family and Christian friends. I attended Word of Life Snowcamp and rededicated myself to purity, Now that my faith in Christ was becoming a priority, my relationship with the world was dwindling, In May my son was born and the following February his father and I were separated simply because he was of the world and I was trying my hardest not to be. (1 John 2:15-17)

 Since I have moved back home my faith has continued to grow and I’m excited to see what God has in store for my future, Even though situations may look hopeless if we have faith in God He brings us hope. Being pregnant at sixteen was no one’s idea of perfect but I have the special blessing and privilege of looking into the face of God’s grace everytime I hold Gryphon, God turned my ashes into beauty and has truly set me free, and I’m reminded that God’s plan is the perfect plan and just as He promises He works everything out for good (Jeremiah 29:11)

 I realized also that I need to have a good foundation for me and for my son so I decided Word of Life would be a good place to get a rounded biblical education and instill good habits. Everyone here has been so accommodating to my situation and so thank you very much.
One of my favourite bible passages is 1 Corinthians 5:17.

      “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,

                                         old things have passed away,

                                                               All things have become new”

Word Studies: Ecclesiology

Class: Ecclesiology

Week #8: April 2-6
Professor: Pastor Bob Snell

Assignments: Read chapters 69-76 from Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie.

Pastor Snell grew up in New Brunswick in a godly pastor’s home and was converted as a young boy. From 1972 – 1976 he attended the University of Guelph where he received an Honours BA in sociology and history. Between 1977 and 1980 he studied at London Baptist Bible College and Seminary graduating with his Masters of Divinity. In August of 1980 he was married to Joanne Higginson in Meaford, Ontario. He has pastored for more than 30 years in southern Ontario at Emmanuel Bible Church in Simcoe and First Baptist Church in Waterloo, where he currently ministers. Pastor Snell has been privileged to travel worldwide to places like Bolivia, Israel and the Philippines in service for the Lord. He has spoken often at conferences, retreats and Bible Colleges. He also serves as a member of the Word of Life Canada Board of Directors and is a Corporation Member of ABWE Canada.

study of the Church, including organization, ordinances, purpose, destiny

What is the church? Many people consider the church as the a large stone building they go to every Easter and Christmas holidays. However, according to the scriptures, the church is much more than a building. The church constitutes not only the universal body of believers but also the local body. Pastor Snell seeks to help each student understand the different aspects of the church. The Spiritual gifts, offices, ordinances, types of government, mission, discipline and future of the church are detailed and explained so that the students are able to know what the Bible says about each aspect. One can appreciate the perspective with which the teacher approaches this class. Pastor Snell lists the Word of God as the first textbook to be used in the course. This emphasis on scripture shows his passion for teaching the truth. Pastor Snell left this message for the students:

"This past week, not only have I been impressed with the students and their maturity, I have also been blessed with the engagement in class fellowship and company. I enjoyed my time with the guys in devos and am glad I was able to be involved in the lives of the students."

- Pastor Snell, Waterloo

The students said:

"It was a very interesting to learn about the different church offices and the various styles churches have practiced. The varying views on communion helped me consider what scripture had to say about it."
- Ryan, Wyoming

"Ecclesiology was a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of God's purpose for the church. I really appreciated Pastor Snell's teaching and walked away with a new appreciation for my local church and my place in it."

- Heather, Owen Sound


Scripture needs to be the foundation not only for doctrine but also your life....

Get a foundation in God's Word at the Word of Life Bible Institute.

Word Studies: Bible Survey

 Class: Bible Survey

Week#: This course spans the entire academic year.
Professor: Mr. Jonathan Ward

Jonathan and Melissa Ward blog. facebook. wol.

Assignments: Read through each book of the Bible by the assigned class period. Write one chapter title, a sentence of 3-10 words, for every chapter in each book (except for 1 and 2 Chronicles and Proverbs). Write one research paper and one reflection paper per semester. Complete five maps for both the Old Testament and the New Testament.


Jonathan is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute and a former Word of Life Impact Team member (1997-99), and Melissa is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College. Together, they coordinated Word of Life Canada's Impact Team ministry from 2001-2006, with Jonathan training and discipling the Team members and hundreds of speaking opportunities each year. Jonathan now serves as the Dean of Men and is Professor of Bible Survey at the Owen Sound Campus of the Word of Life Bible Institute.

The primary purpose of Bible Survey is to introduce the student to the major people, places, events and teachings contained in both the Old and New Testaments. This course is designed to provide a framework for understanding the rest of biblical truth as well as identify the unique characteristics of each book of the Bible.

Fall Semester

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

2 Timothy 3:16 

As it states in the above scripture, the Old Testament is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Every book was divinely inspired, or God-breathed, even books like Numbers and Leviticus and life application and lessons can be gleaned from their pages. Mr. Ward seeks to make this truth a reality for each and every student. The class is taught everything about the book. Themes, outlines, distinctives and surveys of every book are explained in detail as well as specific and unique attributes.

"Bible Survey has consistently stretched me when it comes to studying the all 66 books of Bible. The amount of knowledge we can learn from studying these books is immense. I really like learning about the history of the books of the bible and digging a little deeper into each one after reading it."
- Kyle, Kitchener

Spring Semester

In New Testament Survey, the students learn about the theme, outlines, and the surveys just like Old Testament Survey; however, Mr. Ward begins the New Testament differently. First, he takes the students through a series of lessons on the historicity of the Bible. After that he teaches through the gospels, expounding on the four pictures of the Son of God presented. As they make their way through the epistles and ending in Revelation, Mr. Ward shows how Christ is the theme of all 29 books. By the time the class has reached completion, the students will look back at what they have covered in the past nine months and be amazed.

"Bible Survey has been a great class. At the beginning of the course, I was unsure about it because history wasn't one of my best subjects. I have learned so much about the importance of context and true interpretation. Having studied the Old Testament in the Fall Semester, I find it is so much easier to understand the New Testament now that I know the basis it's built on!"
- Sarah, Midland

Want to check out Bible Survey for yourself? Come to Campus Days!

Word Studies: Philippians

Class: Philippians

Week #4: February 20-24
Professor: Mr. Ric Garland


Assignments: Read the book of Philippians four times by the morning of the exam.


Ric Garland is the Vice President of Word of Life Local Church Ministries. He has served with WOL for thirty years; twenty-five of those years have been spent with Local Church Ministries and five years as the Vice President of the Word of Life Bible Institute. He is passionate and purposed in helping others to live biblically-principled lives. His ministry includes speaking and teaching around the world, discipling, leading, and developing. Ric is married to Ellen, his partner in ministry and the love of his life. He has three amazing children, Nicole, Eric and Shannon.

In this epistle to the church in Philippi, one can easily discover Paul's joy, love and passion in ministry. His joy in all situations. His love for the church. His passion for Christ.



Awaiting trial, Paul writes this letter from prison in Rome. Paul writes about joy and contentment while chained to a soldier night and day. His own example of joy in suffering speaks volumes without even writing one word. But Paul knew it was necessary to communicate these truths through this letter. His purpose in writing was not only to teach the church about joy, but he also wanted to thank them for labouring with him in the work of the gospel. The generosity of the Philippians displayed their willingness to give whatever was needed for ministry. Paul's gratitude flows throughout the letter and his love spills from its pages. Lastly, Paul, as in all his epistles, puts forth the attitude that each believer should have. Through word and deed, Paul teaches passion for the Saviour.

"I love how Philipians 2 shows Christ's servanthood.

It reminds me how much He has done for me,

which displays what I need to be doing for others,

so ultimately He can receive the honor and glory."

- Sarah, Alberta

Sacrifice becomes easy when the church's focus is eternal rather than temporal. Paul says that Christ needs to be our everything. The things of this world become nothing in light of Jesus and what He has done for each person. Two men, Epaphroditus and Timothy, are given as examples of self-sacrificing and Christ-centered lives. If only each believer gave up self and sought Christ, the world would be radically changed for glory of God and it starts with you.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"- Philippians 1:16


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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

Remember to check out Facebook and Twitter!

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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WOLBI News!

Why not take a minute or two and read up on the Discipleship that takes place here on campus. The Bible Institute's website has posted an article written by Jonathan Ward, the Associate Dean of Students and Professor of Bible Survey. The article discusses not only what discipleship looks like here at the BI, but also the lasting impact it has on the lives of the students. It includes some testimonies of just a few of the students whose lives have been changed by this incredible ministry.

Check out the article here!


Also remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Jon & Melissa Ward also have a Facebook Ministry Page for more up-to-date news.

Word Studies: Acts

Class: 2 Peter/Jude

Week #7-#8: October 17-November 4
Professor: Mr. Frank Roe

Assignments: The entire book of Acts must be read within the week before and/or during the two weeks of the class.
A Bible Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles (edited by Mal Couch) must be read within the week before and/or during the two weeks of the class.
List of over 100 terms, people, etc.; each one defined in no more than four sentences.
Four maps charting Paul's missionary journeys and his trip to Rome.
Summarize the book of Acts in no more than fifty words.

Mr. Frank Roe has a history with Word of Life Bible Institute in Owen Sound, having worked with the school for over 17 years. In 1995, he joined Across Borders for World Evangelism (ABWE) in which he now holds the postion of Ministry Director of Canada. He and his family reside in London, ON.

The book of Acts in the New Testament is a lengthy chronological record of the movements of the newly born church. Luke, though usually only recognized for his gospel, also wrote the book of Acts as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Both books are written as letters to a man in high authority, Theophilus, who was probably a high ranking Roman official. The author, from what is known, is most likely a Greek doctor who Paul led to Christ during one of his missionary journeys. Acts is Luke's testimony of the Christian faith to Theophilus as he seeks to lead Theolphilus to Christ. God's purpose for Acts was to show how the Holy Spirit was the major influence in the movements of the church and the apostles. Acts shows how the gospel first went out to Jerusalem, second, to Samaria, and lastly, to the ends of the world and how the Holy Spirit worked through those movements. In the book, Peter's, Philip's and Paul's evangelistic efforts and missionary journeys are described in detail. Paul's personal testimony is told, following his life from being a persecutor of the gospel to being a preacher of the same. Several sermons which the apostles preach throughout their ministry are also recorded in Acts. The work of the Holy Spirit is evident in the book and it is amazing to realize that the Holy Spirit is still at work in the ministry today. For it is only by the work of the Spirit the gospel has any effect.

One of the assignments the students had to complete was a fifty word summary of Acts, and two of the students shared their work:

"A book written by Luke. It describes how Acts bridges the gospels to the Epistles or law to grace, as well as the spread of the gospel to the world within 30 years. It also shows the beginning of the church and Israel's rejection of it."
- Allison, Owen Sound

"Acts, recounting the ministry of the apostles, primarily Peter, Phillip and Paul, from the ascension of Christ until Paul’s imprisonment, tells of the filling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the expansion of the church, the missionary journeys of Paul, and shows the transition from law to grace and Gospels to Epistles."

- Jonathan, Huntsville

Mr. Roe has a marvelous way of expounding the book of Acts using a variety of teaching methods. He also loves spending time with students. Since he will be joining them on their missionary trip to Jamaica in March he also took some time to encourage the students to participate in the trip. These are some comments he made about the class and some parting words for the students.

"What a great blessing to teach the book of Acts once again at WOLBI. Each class is unique and offers many opportunities to see the Lord work in hearts to better understand, apply, and practice the lessons. What a great time we had together and I look forward to seeing how God uses this great class. Keep in touch and keep those sails full."

- Mr. Frank Roe

This class is foundational to understanding the General Epistles which the students will be studying throughout the year. It is vital for understanding the context in which Paul is writing to churches such as Corinth, Ephesus, Colosse and others. Acts also contains important doctrine on the Holy Spirit and Its work in the lives of believers and their ministry. Never is it appropriate to think it isn't necessary to study a book of the Bible. 2 Timothy explains how all scripture is profitable and therefore even stories from Acts and other historical records in the Bible are all equally important as the rest of the Bible which is why WOLBI places such a heavy emphasis on studying the entire Word of God.

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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.

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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.

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Learn the Word: The Gospel of John

Mr. Gary Stairs recently taught the Gospel of John here at WOLBI.  Mr. Stairs received a BA with Honours in History from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. He taught history in high school for many years before joining Word of Life Canada in 1993. He is currently the Executive Director of Word of Life Canada.
Here's what Mr. Stairs is learning as he  taught the gospel of John again this year:

"I love the way John presents the humanity and deity of Christ in such a convincing and easy-to-understand way.  His style is warm and flows through a narrative of miracles and controversy surrounding His claims to be the Son of God.  For the reader it is hard to arrive at the last verse without declaring with conviction that "truly Jesus is the Son of God!"  Even the Gnostics of today are confronted with powerful claims and statements of Christ as to His deity.  Cults cannot accommodate within their teachings the claims of the opening verses.  New believers are assured of their eternal security.  In John's gospel we see clearly that the purpose of Christ's life is to show us God!"

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Learning the Word: Biblical Counseling

From WOLBRANOS

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. Like the other guest lecturers, Mr. Schenke is very willing to sit down with us over lunch and he makes himself available during the day if we need to talk. Throughout the week there have even been optional night classes on various issues that people may be struggling with like depression and anger. What a blessing to have him on campus again!

Once again we share the impact this course has had on its professor!

 "As someone who has been involved in Biblical counseling for over 20 years I have been reminded again of the critical role of that the Gospel plays in counseling. In fact the Gospel is not just something that we share with the unsaved but according to Paul was evidently something needed to be heard even after conversion (Romans 1:15).  Too often even biblical counselors can fall into the trap of a works-orientated counsel which focuses on the imperatives of scripture without mentioning the declarations of the glorious Gospel. This inadvertently results in despairing or self-righteous counselees who wonder why it’s so hard to change.  The Gospel proclaims that in Christ while we are weak and sinful , we are loved and welcomed.  It is clear that He loves sinners because He loves us. The Gospel changes everything about us, more specifically the Gospel will free us to lay our lives down and not keep a tally of sins committed against us, but rather will make us kind and tender-hearted teaching us how to forgive (Ephesians 4:32). The Gospel teaches us how to truly love even the most difficult people (1 John 4:9-11)."

Learning the Word: 1 Corinithians

From WOLBRANOS

This week  Dr. Ken Gardoski taught us the book of 1 Corinthians.  Dr. Gardoski grew up in a Polish Roman Catholic family. He trusted the Lord while in college and later became a missionary to Poland with Baptist Mid-Missions. Dr. Gardoski received his BS in Education from Clarion University of PA, MDiv and ThM from Baptist Bible Seminary, and PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently teaches at Baptist Bible Seminary, Clarks Summit, PA.

Dr. Gardoski is always blessed as he teaches through this book.

"Studying and teaching through 1 Corinthians this time, I have been reminded of the important truth in 1 Cor. 4:7, "For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" Too often I am tempted to take credit for things for which God should get ALL of the credit. Someone once said, "It's amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit." This is true in any organization; how much more should it be true in my life as a believer and in our corporate experience of serving together in the Body of Christ!"

Students are really enjoying this class.

Gary Stairs, Executive Director of Word of Life Fellowship Canada, Inc, said, "I just sat in on Dr. Ken Gardoski’s class on 1 Corinthians. Tremendous teaching! What a blessing for me and WOLBI students to be challenged with great presentations like this!"

 

Students Speak about Life Change!

DISCLAIMER: No students were interrogated, forced, bribed or otherwise coerced in the obtaining of these quotes. The Bible Institute is very blessed by the students God has brought this year!

One of the slogans of the Word of Life Bible Institute is "One Year that will Change Your Life!"

See for yourself as students share what God has done so far this year:

"God really uses chapels, devos, guest lecturers, discipleship, and many other things to show you how to live a holy and godly life and you are given a picture of what a right and godly relationship should look like. WOL prepares you for life and really helps you grow in your relationship with Him and to hold Him above all else and keep God as the head of everything in your life."

"I am blessed by the friends I have made this year!"
"So far in my year at WOLBI I have really been challenged to change areas of my life that I had ignored for a while."

"Bible survey taught me that the Old Testament can be a challenge but it is rewarding in the end. Through the course of this semester reading from Genesis to the minor prophets, I have learned to love and appreciate the Old Testament."

"Coming to the Bible Institute I had kind of an idea of how things would work but I didn’t think God would grow me in such an amazing way in such a small amount of time. Not that I thought God couldn’t but when you surrender everything to God He will change you and use you in so many ways. God is so much bigger then we will ever know! Praise the Lord!!!!!!"

 

"Going to WOL for a year was a great commitment for me that I originally didn’t want to do. Now that I am in Bible school, I am amazed by how alive the Bible is. I am learning new truths every day. The presentation of the Bible is given in a fun and compelling way that makes learning and God interesting."

"Bible Survey showed me how real and important God is in my life and how important God's Word is!! The Bible is really interesting to read when you start from the beginning and have help going through each book of the Bible. The Bible is our life manual!!!"

"I never would have learned or grown so much if it wasn’t for all the classes and discipleship. God has taught me so much and I am excited to see what He has in store for me in the rest of the year."

 For more info on how you could be a part of this life-changing year email Admissions or fill out an application online!