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 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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