9.25.09 - Course 1 - Bible Study Methods
The real name of the course is Bible Study Methods and Rules of Interpretation. It is the first of 10, and it lays the groundwork and foundation for all the other courses to follow.
Even in the midst of setting up our new school in Rock Sound, I had the privilege to serve as the instructor for this first course. Being a Bible Study Method course I was quickly referencing my old DTS material from Prof Hendricks. And I began the class with the same way he taught us, saying "This book [the Bible] will either keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book."
The process of Bible Study that we outline is one which exalts the Word of God as our authority, and requires our devotion to study, obey and teach it to others. We teach the Inductive Bible Study Method, which is in short the mastering of Biblical Observation, Interpretation, and Application.
The students loved this class. They would talk to me about how they had never heard anything like this before. Each night they would be interacting with the text and working to become proficient at the different skills in the method.
Tonight we had our final exam and celebration. It was amazing. What a joy to teach those who are so exited about learning the Word. Here are some of their quotes from the conclusion of this 2 week class:
- "A creative, informative, Word inspired course, that has truly transformed my life, so that I can help transform and inspire those I lead and interact with"
- "As a result of this course my personal Bible study time is more exciting. I find myself wanting to spend more time in studying the Word."
- "It has been life changing"
- "Knowing is not enough - pulling out the truth of God's Word and having it applied to my life by the wisdom taught through this class cannot be paid for."
- "It motivates me to read the word, for I am better equipped to observe, understand, and interpret it's meaning"
- "Now I am able to divide the Word properly, and do it with delight - I am going to encourage more persons to attend"
Those were just a few of the testimonies from class. We have such a diversity of students represented in class, from educated to uneducated, senior pastors to lay leaders, and believers from many different denominations.
It has been my privilege to serve as the teacher for this first class, and I am humbled to instruct these wonderful students, where we can open the Word of God together and grow in our love and knowledge of Him!
