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: 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

BW

Word Studies: II Peter/Jude

Class: 2 Peter/Jude

Week #6: October 17-21
Professor: Mr. Matthew Little
Assignments: The epistles of II Peter and Jude need to be read once before the classes start on Tuesday morning.
The sections of Be Alert (Warren Wiersbe) dealing with II Peter and Jude are to be read.

Mr. Little is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute (NBBI). Completing four years of training in 1998, he served in pastoral ministries across Ontario and New Brunswick, along with his wife and three children. He is involved in hospital chaplaincy ministry and serves on the Canadian Board of Biblical Ministries Worldwide. In 2008, Mr. Little joined the NBBI faculty as a full-time staff member.


II Peter and Jude are two epistles which cannot be compared to any other books of the Bible. The intent of each book is to expose and condemn false teachers. When one reads these two books, they may seem extremely harsh and unforgiving. However, Peter and Jude are discussing teachers who deserve the condemnations found in these letters. They have no respect for the Word of God or even the Author Himself and teach doctrine directly adverse to what the Bible says. Because of this egregious assault on truth, Peter and Jude seek to warn believers about these false teachers and teach believers discernment and understanding in fighting for the standard of truth found in God's Word.

As Peter and Jude did in these small yet powerful epistles, Mr. Little also seeks to warn the students of false teachers and give them an understanding of truth versus falsehood.

The teacher and some students shared some thoughts on the subject.

"We have to be on guard against apostasy and be firmly grounded in the truth. We have to be proactive in teaching others."
- Mr. Little, New Brunswick

"I've always known the dangers of not being firmly established in the Word, but so far, all through II Peter it stresses how dangerous are the ways of the world and how we need to be aware of false teachers. The book is a giant call to be holy and to know God's truth. It just seems neat to me to be learning about reasons to study God's Word while at the BI."
- Cameron, Mt. Forest

"This week in the II Peter and Jude class, I am learning that we should know our faith well, so we will not be deceived by false teachers. Also, Jesus is coming and we should be prepared."
- Sophia, Waterloo

The year at the Bible Institute is an intense training session from opening weekend to Open Air Evangelism all the way through Word of Life Youth Camp for summer ministry. However, without studying the Word of God the students would be without the firm foundation they need to withstand "the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11). II Peter and Jude teach this principle of the study of truth. Without a knowledge of truth, how can one defend the truth? In today's world, believers need to know, trust and defend the truth of God's Word.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

- 1 Peter 3:15

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.

Learning the Word: Pneumatology

From WOLBRANOS

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 our WOLBI campus in Schroon Lake where he teaches both Bible Survey and Systematic Theology in the 1st and 2nd years.
Dr. Wicks taught us Pneumatology - the doctrine of the Holy Spirit - the final week of Spring Semester.  It was a huge blessing to learn about the ministry of God's Spirit throughout Bible times and His unique ministry in the Church today. Without God's work in our lives, we cannot do anything!  What a valuable week of teaching!

Learning the Word: Church History

From WOLBRANOS

Dr. Renald Showers graduated from Philadelphia College of Bible with a Bible Major in 1956. He went on to earn a BA from Wheaton College, a ThM degree in Church History from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Theology from Grace Theological Seminary. He has served in the pastorate and as a member of the faculties of Lancaster Bible College, Moody Bible Institute, and Philadelphia College of Bible. Dr Showers is on the staff of Friends of Israel and has authored numerous books and magazine articles as well as produced teaching videos.

"I never realized how much in the little things that the devil tries to overcome God, but God always overcomes and will do the same in my life."

"I loved Dr. Showers!  It was neat learning about our world and that whatever Satan tries to do, God is still sovereign."

"Dr. Showers is the example that we need to follow when it comes to biblical study.  He is an example when it comes to humility and to pushing others toward Christ.  I have never met a more humble and Christ-centered man in my life and a man who has so much compassion toward the Jewish nation."

"It really inspired me to read Genesis and take it as literally and it actually happened.  It was cool to see how it relates to the rest of the Bible."  

Get your own copy of Dr. Showers text for this course "What On Earth Is God Doing?" on Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, or from Friends of Israel. 

For more of Dr. Showers' excellent biblical teaching listen online. 

Learning the Word: Genesis

From WOLBRANOS

Dr. Gary Gromacki teaches Bible exposition and homiletics courses at Baptist Bible Seminary. He also edits The Journal of Ministry and Theology. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Evangelical Homiletics Society, and the Pre-Trib Rapture Study Group. Dr. Gromacki enjoys going on missions trips to teach the word of God and train national pastors and students. Before coming to BBS, Gary served as a pastor for thirteen years and an adjunct teacher at Cedarville University for ten years. Gary has been married to Kim for over twenty five years and they have 3 children: Julie, Gavin, and Allison. Gary and his family are members of Summit Baptist Bible Church.

Dr. Gromacki taught us Genesis 1-11 and gave us so many answers to relevant questions about creation, origins, and the purpose of life from the very beginning!

You can interact with Dr. Gromacki on his Facebook groups:

Biblical Creationism
Bible Preachers and Teachers
Bible Archaeology 

Learning the Word: Revelation (not Revelations)

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 called Prophecy Today. For more info be sure to check out his ministry website - Prophecy Today.

"I am really enjoying this class and how much the students are really interested in learning the Word of God.  They are very attentive, show their interest, and have been asking tough but great questions.  The more I go through the book of Revelation the more I see that Christ will be returning soon!"   ~Dr. DeYoung

Students have grown in their understanding and been challenged to think, study, and prepare for God's prophetic plan for the ages!

Learning the Word: Eschatology - The Study of End Times

From WOLBRANOS

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 2010, Mark and his wife Laurie relocated to Schroon Lake (NY) where he is the Executive Dean of the Bible Institute.  This week he will be teaching us Eschatology.

"As I am teaching through Eschatology this week I am so impressed once again with the total consistency of God's Word from start to finish.  God knows what He is accomplishing in human history and you can trace so many strands through His Word that fit perfectly together if you are willing to just take what He says at face value.  I have taught this course over 20 times and every time I go through it, I find new portions of Scripture to add to the picture.  One of the really awesome things about studying God's Word is that you honestly never reach the end of what you can learn.  My challenge to everyone is to be a perpetual student of the Bible.  You'll always be making new discoveries.  Just be sure to apply them to life to get the blessing out of them!"

We loved the class this week!

"This week I have learned new insights into the end times and its sweet to realize the truth that I never knew before."

"[Mr. Strout] clearly explained and gave a good overview for the end times and different views on them.  His teaching just makes us excited for it!"

Learning the Word: Daniel a book of prophecy

From WOLBRANOS

Mr. Doug Reider was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in the Washington, DC, area. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from George Washington University and his Master of Divinity from Capital Bible Seminary. He also served as Assistant Pastor at Fellowship Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Desiring to be a missionary in Eastern Europe, Mr. Reider attended Word of Life Bible Institute’s 2nd year and was accepted as a missionary to Poland. While raising support, he met another missionary heading to Poland and they were married in 1993. Because of medical difficulties, Mr. and Mrs. Reider moved to Owen Sound to head up the Bible Institute project in 2000.
It is sweet to have one of our very own resident professors (Mr. Reider also teaches Systematic Theology -throughout the Academic year-, Homiletics, & Greek) teaching us the book of Daniel.  It is a book full of prophesies and is awesome to see God fulfill His promises and to know that He will continue to keep all of His promises.  It was great to learn so much about this significant and controversial book!

"Teaching the Book of Daniel has been amazingly fun for me. It’s odd how things I already know can sometimes strike me in a wholly new way. For example, reading Daniel 9 really hit home. In 9:2, Daniel describes how he is reading the prophet Jeremiah. Apparently, he is reading Jeremiah 29:10-14, where it is written…

“For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.”

Daniel then immediately prays, confessing Israel’s and his own sins. What struck me is how often I fail to do the same. I read Scripture but fail to immediately turn to the Lord and discuss with Him how it applies to me. I expect the Lord to communicate to me through His Word, but my prayer often fails to reflect that. My prayer can be disconnected from what His word is teaching. Let’s put the two together. Read God’s word, rehearsing what we see needs to change by bringing it up immediately in prayer with Him. Without a two way conversation—no wonder our prayer life can sometimes feel very “dead”."

"Daniel is such a great example of how we are supposed to act and stand up for God in an ungodly world."

NW

Learning the Word: Ecclesiology

From WOLBRANOS

Pastor Bob 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 as well as on the Advisory Council of ABWE.

Pastor Snell shared with us that:

"In examining the Scripture teaching of the “church” we learn that it is a purely New Testament truth. Used 114 times in the New Testament it is referred to in terms of ‘the church which is Christ’s body’ as well as a group of believers locally gathered together in worship to the Savior and committed to the spiritual disciplines of the Acts chapter 2 Jerusalem church. Praise God that the church (Ecclesia) of Jesus Christ is a unique body of people believing in His death, burial and resurrection having been called out of darkness into His marvelous light  (1 Peter 2:9). Let us therefore live as the church is admonished to-----as children of light."

Students have said:

"I love learning the biblical principles behind church leadership."

"I always wanted to learn what the church is exactly and how church leadership should work.  I enjoyed hearing what Catholics believe and what a mission field we have."

Learning the Word: Proverbs

Last week our Guest Lecturer was Pastor Steve Faulkner.  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.
We have loved to have Pastor Faulkner here and to be learning about Proverbs because they are so practical for everyday life.

"He taught us to be able to make our own outline for Proverbs and really emphasized that the fear of the Lord is what gives us wisdom."

"His explanation of the fear of the Lord helped me to really see what that looks like or should look like in my life."  

"During the class, God showed me some verses that I may not have noticed before and that helped in working on the issues in life.  Its so sweet how He reveals truths to us as we are in certain situations."

"It was really neat learning how to better study the book of wisdom especially since we didn't get to go through it all since there is so much in it.  I liked having to make our own Bible studies from Proverbs."

Learn the Word: Judges

Teaching the book of Judges last week Pastor Mark Lowrie joined us did an incredible job.  Pastor Lowrie was born in Ontario but orphaned at age ten.  He then lived with relatives in Tennessee.  He was saved at 13 and later attended Tennessee Temple.  After seminary in London, he pastored several churches in Ontario.  He is married to his sweetheart Margaret for over thirty one years.  They have three married children and are expecting their first two grandchildren in the spring!  He currently is the pastor of South End Fellowship Baptist in Owen Sound, Ontario.

This week we really learned how nothing is new under the sun, people back in the time of Judges did what was right in their own eyes, and we do as well!  Its up to us to be the difference in this crooked and depraved generation!

There is a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit, we learned that the flesh screams persuasively at us, while the Holy Spirit whispers gently to our souls.  We can't break the hold of the flesh on our own, we need the power of God to do so!

Learning the Word: Matthew

From WOLBRANOS

Mr. Scott Foreman serves full-time with the ministry of Word of Life Canada as our Associate Director. 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. Its great to have him on campus regularly and especially these two weeks as we look at the book of Matthew together.

"Teaching Matthew to the student body at the Word of Life Bible Institute is one of the highlights of my ministry calendar. Why? Because I love teaching students, and I love seeing the lights turn on as they understand God's Word more and more. Matthew is a unique book because it is rich doctrinally and practically: it helps us to understand how Christ came to fulfill literally the Davidic and Abrahamic Covenants, but also how to follow the loving, caring example of our Lord. The more I study Matthew, the more I realize I need to better uderstand this book - but shouldn't that be the case with all the Scriptures?"

We are also enjoying the classes and learning a lot.  

"I enjoyed the assignment where we had to write about a miracle of Christ and that impacted me the most, because I never really though a lot about them personally and how I can apply them to my life."

"Having Mr. Foreman speaking I could really see the passion he has for teaching the Word and it was inspiring to me to have more passion for the Word and studying It. I got a more contextual view of the gospel rather then just reading through it."

"Mr. Foreman really challenged us as individuals to make our faith out own. Going through all the miracles it seems impossible to me how someone could not believe what Jesus did for us." 

 

Learning the Word: Philippians

Pastor Wayne Heikkinen is a graduate of New Brunswick Bible Institute. He served with Word of Life Clubs for 20 years and was the National Director of Word of Life Local Church Ministries in Canada. He has been the Pastor of Rock Mills Fellowship Baptist Church for the past eight years. He met his wife Sandy at NBBI and they celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary this past year.  They have three grown children, two of them are married. They have four beautiful grandchildren. His favorite verse is John 10:10 “I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” He loves to read, travel and talk about the change Jesus can make in your life.  Pastor Heikkinen was last year's WOLBI Graduation speaker (click here to read his message). His unique and energetic way of teaching keeps students on the edge or their seat, never knowing what to expect in class, and makes learning God's Word exciting!  We are really loving learning this epistle to the Philippians this week.

"Mr. Heikkinen is really passionate about what he is teaching and about us as students."

"I am learning that making Christ my life means loving people the way Christ loved people.  What's important to Him should be important to me and my attitude should always point to Christ whenI am with believers and non-believers."

"He is one of the first teachers to challenge us to go live out what we are learning when the bell rings and apply it to the next weekend in snow camp and for the rest of our lives.  He said that a turtle on a fence post doesn't get there by itself.  Wherever God is gonna use me, I won't get there by myself; it is God Who will get me there and I have to rely on Him the whole way through."

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: Ephesians

From WOLBRANOS

Pastor John Boyd has been in full-time ministry for over forty years and was here last week to teach the book of Ephesians. He has shepherded six churches in New England, the Maritimes, and Ontario and is currently serving as Senior Pastor at Temple Baptist Church in Cambridge, ON. He has taught Pastoral Theology part-time for the last twenty years at New Brunswick Bible Institute.  He also teaches for Walk Through the Bible, Winning With Encouragement and Bible conferences. His wife, Lillian, was here as well.  It is great to have teachers and their wives minister to us as a family as we interact with them outside of class. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd both shared a devotional in Guys' and Girls' Dorm Devos last Thursday evening and were a huge encouragement (the timbits they brought were a big hit too!). It is such a blessing to have teaching in and out of the classroom! We praise God for this incredibly godly couple.  

Pastor Boyd expresses the blessing he received this year in teaching the book of Ephesians:

"What challenged me a fresh and a new from Ephesians’ was when Paul wrote to the church he wasn’t concerned with methods or how many were there. His concern was the spiritual growth of the body. He teaches them solid biblical doctrine about God’s provision for them and shows how to implement it in their lives. It was exciting to see the students grasp this truth and with it the responsibility to live in the light of it." 

"I am learning that God's power isn't limited when we are willing to be used by Him."

"I like how Ephesians is a very practical book and we can apply it to our lives.  A question I keep thinking about is: Are we pliable clay in the Potter's hands?"

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 Chapels

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

Each week we have 3 chapel services to look at God's Word in a more practical way than the academic environment of class. Wednesday is Director's Chapel with Gary Stairs, the Executive Director of Word of Life Canada and focuses on Encouraging students to commit all their lives to God. Thursday is a Guest Chapel Exposing students to personal testimonies of missionaries and pastors, missions and ministry opportunities around the world. Finally, Fridays are Deans' Chapels Exhorting students to practically apply the Bible truths they are learning throughout the week.
"A speaker was used by the Lord to change my life and I am daily reminded of the things I have been taught in chapel."

"The Deans' chapels have been on "when the pressure is on, what is on the inside comes out". Those chapels have been really encouraging to me and very applicable (especially having 3 roommates). The whole program at WOLBI gives lots of opportunities to put the things we have been learning in the chapels into practice."

"I really appreciated Mr. Stairs message on Matthew 15:32. The three tough questions Jesus asked His disciples. And it really touched my life when He said, "Little is much when God is with me". Thank you!"

"Chapel are great in teaching practical applications of scripture."

"Chapels are unforgettable!  I am permanently scared from Mr. Ward's "pressure is on" chapel!" (You'll just have to come and experience this one for yourself).

"Love wins. In one of our Deans' chapels, we learned that in order to be satisfied in relationships or marriage we must be satisfied now. Since this chapel I have shared this simple truth with many friends from home who are getting into relationships and it is changing their view on dating. It is awesome to see people respond to the truth we are being taught here."

Learning the Word: Leviticus

From WOLBRANOS

Dr. Tom Davis has been teaching the Book of Leviticus this week. Dr. Davis received his BS in Bible from Lancaster Bible College, an MDiv from Grace Theological Seminary, took Advanced Studies at Jerusalem University College and obtained his PhD from Nova Southeastern University. He is our Academic Dean of WOLBI and a Professor at the Schroon Lake, New York campus.
Here is what Dr. Davis has to say about teaching here in Canada this year:

"I believe this is the 20th time I have taught through Leviticus as a guest lecturer at a Word of Life campus. I am increasingly impressed with how the 5 offerings in Leviticus 1-7 parallel the 5 paragraphs of the "Suffering Servant" passage in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. I also enjoy thinking about how the first five holidays in Leviticus 23-25 parallel events in Christ's First Coming and how the second five seem to parallel what we know about Christ's Second Coming.  Personally it is awesome to think that we don't have to sacrifice any animals today but in Hebrews 12 we are reminded that we are to offer the "sacrifice of praise"!!"

One student was impressed with how, "It's interesting how Dr. Davis incorporates Greek and Hebrew words into his teaching, and learning the significance of all the sacrifices." Another said, "Talking about the Passover, Jewish holidays, the many ceremonial laws and how so many things were fulfilled in Christ was cool. It was great to see the reason for all of them."