Praise the Lord, everybody what a blessing to once again stand at the edge of a new opportunity for learning. To begin the Spring semester of Bethel Bible Institute is really a tremendous blessing. One of the greatest things you can do in your life for Christ is study the Word of God, to learn of Him, to apply that knowledge, to flesh it out, and to teach others to do the same thing. My mother would often say, sharp tools cut better than dull tools. 

That means we have to sharpen our tool constantly by studying the Word of God. And as we study, we increase in wisdom, we increase in knowledge, we increase in capacity, and we also increase in responsibility and accountability for to who much is given, much is required. Some of the most dangerous people you'll ever meet, are people who think they know, because they went to school for five minutes. 

But when you really started to study, the one thing you learned is how little you knew. I thought I knew something till I went to school, then I realized how little I knew. So that means we are lifetime learners. 

We are to stay in a learning mode throughout our lives. Always read, always discern, always rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit. Always have something to benefit yourself with and to benefit the lives of others with. 

And what you will learn is that each and every day, you learn something new about the Lord, and your relationship with him draws sweeter, nearer, and dearer, and your ability to communicate Him to those that you will encounter will become even more acute. All we have to do is  study and then let our light shine. The Word of God says, when we let our light shine, they will see our good works and come to glorify our Father in heaven. 

This is the goal and objective that we have as believers. I want you to stay in learning, stay in Bible school, get everything you can, and share it — for the whom much is given, much is required. Share it, because the world needs it. 

If you read the newspapers, if you look at the news on your media sources, you will learn and discern that the world is in serious trouble. And the only hope for this world today is Jesus Christ, not the church, not religion, but Jesus Christ. Amen. 

And we are exhorted to lift Him up so that men will see him and come to know Him for themselves and serve Him in spirit and in truth. Let's be about our Father's business. 

We used to say, "Don't let the snow keep you back, but we don't have to worry about the snow now because in the virtual classroom, we can study wherever we are. 

We don't have to travel miles to get to school. Thank God for the virtual classroom and for the ability to glean from teachers across the nation and student body across the nation as well. Let's be focused, let's stay the course, let's not allow for distractions. 

Let's not become discouraged or weary to well doing. The Word of God says, we will reap if we don't faint. And of course, we don't have to faint, because they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. And we will rely on the strength that God gives us to apply ourselves to the knowledge that is available, so that we will be effective in the work to which we have been called. 

And I would simply say we're here for you. We're standing with you. We're doing everything we can to give you the Word of God pure and unadulterated. We want you to take it, receive it, apply it, and watch God do some great things in your life. Through you, you never know who can be reached, who will be reached, and what God will do with them as well. So let's be about our Father's business, and let's be serious, and let's stay diligent to the task at hand. And at the end of the day, we'll be able to hear the Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

God bless you, I look forward to seeing you in the course of the year at some point, and together, we will advance the cause of Christ in our spheres of influence on this earth because it's later than we think, and the Word of God says, we should redeem the time, because the day we live in is an evil and perverse and wicked day. Only God can change it. We can't, but with God, all things are possible. God bless you is my prayer. Amen. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

 

1. CONCERNING THE WHOLE BIBLE

We believe the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, are inspired by God and are the revelation of God to man. They are the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

 2. CONCERNING THE HOLY TRINITY

We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost (2 Corinthians 13: 14). 

3. CONCERNING GOD

There is but one living and true God, the Father of all, who is Spirit (Deuteronomy6:4; John 4:24); Eternal (Deuteronomy33:27); Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-11; Proverbs 15:3); Omniscient (Psalm 139:1-4); Love (1 John 4); Omnipotent (Psalm 62:11; Job 26:7-14); Goodness (Psalm 145:7-9); Truth (John 17:3); Justice (Deuteronomy 33:4); Mercy (Psalm 103:8-17).3. We acknowledge Him as Creator and Ruler of all things, visible and invisible. In Him we live and move and have our being (John 1:1; Acts 17:24-28).

4. CONCERNING THE DEITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. 1. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ -
   2. Virgin birth (Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:31, 35).
   3. His sinless life (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).
   4. His miracles (Acts 1:22; 10:38).
   5. His vicarious and atoning death (1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
   6. His bodily resurrection from the dead (Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4).
   7. His ascension to the right hand of God (Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3).
   8. His personal and future return to the Earth (Acts 1: 11; 1 Thessalonians. 4: 16-18). 

5. CONCERNING THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person sent to the world by the other, through the mediation of the Son (John 14:16). He is the inspirer of truth (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). He is the reprover of sin, the awakener of conscience (John 16:18). He is the comforter of the penitent and obedient believer (Acts 5:32). He is the witness of adoption (Romans:15). He is the seal and the earnest of the saints' inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14). He dwells in each child of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). At the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He wi11 quicken the mortal bodies of the saints into immortality (Romans 8: 15). The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven (Matthew 12:31; Mark 3:28-30.

6. CONCERNING SALVATION

We believe man's only hope of redemption is through the shed blood of Jesus, the Son of God. Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith OJ 'lard the Lord Jesus Christ. Being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God according to the hope of eternal life (Luke 24:27; John 3:3; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8).

7. CONCERNING BAPTISM IN WATER

We believe that the ordinance of baptism should be administered by immersion in water, as commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent and believe on Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized accordingly. Thus, they declare to the world that they have died with Christ, and that they also have been raised with Him to walk in newness of life. 

8. CONCERNING THE LORD'S SUPPER

The Lord's Supper - consisting of the elements bread and fruit of the vine - is the symbol expressing our sharing of the divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4); a memorial of His suffering and death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and a prophecy of His second coming (1 Corinthians. 11:26). The ordinance is enjoined on all believers until He comes.

9. CONCERNING SANCTIFICATION

We believe sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil and dedication unto God (Romans 12: 1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13: 12).

Sanctification is realized in the believer by recognizing his identification with Christ in His death and resurrection and by offering his faculties continually to the domination of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6: 1; Galatians2:20).

 

10. CONCERNING THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe that all believers are entitled to and should ardently expect and earnestly seek the Promise of the Father, the Baptism in the Holy Ghost and fire. With it comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts and their use in the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; 1 Corinthians 1:31). The baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance (Acts 2:4).

11. CONCERNING A HOLY LIFE

The Scriptures teach a life of holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). By the power of the Holy Ghost we are to obey the command, "Be ye holy, for I am Holy" (1 Peter 1: 15-16).

12. CONCERNING DIVINE HEALING

We believe that divine healing is an integral part of the Gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in Christ's atonement and is the privilege of all believers (Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:14-16). 

13. CONCERNING HEAVEN

We, according to His Promise, look for a new earth wherein dwells righteousness (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:22).

14. CONCERNING THE CHURCH

The Church is the Body of Christ, the habitation of God through the Spirit, with divine appointments for fulfillment of the Great Commission. Each believer born of the Spirit is an integral part of the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn which are written in heaven (Ephesians 1:22; 2:22; Hebrews 12:23).

15. CONCERNING JUSTIFICATION

Justification is a judicial act of God whereby He justly declares righteous the individual who believes in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

16. CONCERNING THE BLESSED HOPE  

We believe in the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in Christ and their translation together with those who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord - an event known as The Rapture. This is the imminent and blessed hope of the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians. 15:51, 52).

FALL 2023
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Audio Clip
Praise the Lord Everybody, Once again, we celebrate the fact that God has given us a new year in which to engage in the discipline of studying the word. The most rewarding thing you can do as a child of God, is become a student of the word. I've often said, and I firmly believe we all have to be lifetime learners. No matter how many years you've studied, you still don't know it all. There are revelations and truths that God is going to reveal to you as you engage in the discipline of studying the word and it will enrich your life, and then it will be enrich the lives of those with whom you are given an opportunity to communicate the Gospel. I want you to be committed to learning and by that I mean is do not allow distraction to come into your sphere of light and cause you to be derailed when it comes down to study. Wwe enter into a new year and a new semester excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity that God is given us to learn, and then the cares of life come and chock the desire from our hearts, but  I want you to hang in there. Recognize that these are distractions that Satan would present to us to cause us to miss the mark and not to complete the task that God has called us to. It's a good thing to study Jesus -- one of his titles was Rabbi, Teacher, and he taught his disciples. They were in the classroom of life, and they followed him and emulated what he did, and became model students. We too must recognize the importance of being taught and modeling what we have been taught so that it becomes an integral part of our lives; so I celebrate with you the fact that you are here, I want you to be committed to it, I want you to hang on in there, I want you to know that your instructors and this Bible school stands with you in solidarity to see to it that you receive the best possible education, with the best possible teachers and they are anointed teachers. They are not just knowledgeable individuals when it comes down to the Scriptures, but they are anointed, they are filled with the Holy Ghost Holy Spirit, and they allow the Spirit of God to luminate their hearts and minds, so that they can set yours ablaze with the truth; so let's work together at this thing. You come prepared every week to learn and you'll never be disappointed because they'll be something fresh for you each and every time that you come, and it will make you a better tool in the hands of God. I close with this thought: my mother used to say sharp tools always cut better than tools, so sharpen the tools of your mind and see to it that you are always ready to give an answer to anyone that asks you about the hope that lies within you and if they want to know how they can receive it, you will be equipped with all of the necessary instruments, all of the necessary tools and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to disseminate truth to them and engage them in a life-changing experience. So God bless you. Thank you, thank you. We look forward to working together throughout this new year. God bless you.

 

ANGELOLOGY: What the Bible really teaches about fallen angels, demons, and the chief of the fallen angels, Satan as well as the need to fully understand the great powers and activity of God’s angels who remain holy and true to Him and who resist Satan and his angels.

BELIEVER'S AUTHORITY: The Believer’s Authority explores what it means for Christians to live and serve under the authority of Jesus Christ. The course emphasizes a balanced, Christ-centered, and Spirit-dependent understanding of authority, equipping believers to walk in obedience and fulfill God’s purpose.

CHRISTIANITY V. ISLAM: A course which equips the student to earnestly contend (polemics), and defend (apologetics), the Christian faith against the teachings of Islam. Topics include: Jehovah or Allah is God; Jesus or Mohammed is Messiah; the Koran or the Bible is God's book.

CULTS: This course is designed to expose how the enemy is attacking the body of Chirist in the form of cults and the occult. In this area of study we will explore not only the difference between cults and the occult, but also the fine line between cults and the church because sometimes the lines get a little bit blurry.

CRISIS IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC: Today there is a CRISIS IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC. Secular, pagan, and even occult musical styles have crept into the church, all dressed up with new Christian lyrics. Old, traditional hymns, tried and true, have been thrown on the scrap heap of church history. Naively, pastors, music directors, and younger members of congregations have often unknowingly embraced musical styles that can have spiritually negative effects on their listeners.

DEMONOLOGY: Is the study of demons or beliefs about demons.

DOCTRINE OF HELL: An in-depth study of the biblical teaching of the existence and realities of hell.

DOCTRINE OF ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS:  We explore the biblical foundation and spiritual significance of these celestial beings. We look at messengers as servants of God, highlighting their role in biblical narrative and their interactions with humanity. We delve into the hierarchy of angels distinguishing between ordinary Angels and Archangels such as Michael and Gabriel who hold a unique position and responsibility in the heavenly realm. We’re going to emphasize and look for the belief in the active and ongoing ministry of angels in the lives of believers today andl assess how Angels are succeeding in providing protection, guidance and deliverance in accordance with God's will.

Additionally, the role of the Holy Spirit in discerning Angelic activity and the importance of aligning our understanding of the scripture will be key points of focus. Throughout the course we encourage a balanced and biblically ground view of Angels.

THE DOCTRINE OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT: Examines the biblical teaching concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church. The course emphasizes doctrinal clarity, biblical authority, and Spirit-empowered living.

ELEMENTAL THEOLOGY: A brief survey of the biblical doctrines of Scripture, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Angels, Man, Sin, Salvation, the Church, and Eschatology.

ESCHATOLOGY: A detailed study of "last things"; what God has revealed to us in Scripture concerning His plan for the future, His purpose and program.

EXPERIENCING GOD: This course focuses on your getting to know God better. To believe and experience daily God’s infinite love for you, to hear when God speaks to you and to identify a direction Go is taking in your life and recognize what He want to do through you are some of the subjects that will be covered.

FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY: An in-depth study of the five-fold ministry offices and their operation in the local Church assembly today.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23 reveal the character of God as formed in the life of the believer through the work of the Holy Spirit. This course provides an in-depth study of each of the nine virtues, examining how spiritual growth transforms character as believers grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

HEBRAIC CONNECTION: A fascinating study of Christianity and its connection to Judaism, both in biblical times and today.

HOMILETICS: The study of the art and science of preparing and delivering sermons. Laboratory approach to long and short textual preaching with emphasis on Scriptural analysis, background materials and preaching style.

INTRODUCTION TO PROPHECY:  This course will examine the basics of prophecy: defining true prophecy; the purpose of prophecy; the realms of prophecy; the gift v. the office; the order of prophesying; and other relativematters.

KINGDOM STEWARDSHIP: We are going to be looking very deeply into the concept of the kingdom and stewardship.

We are going to understand  the duality of kingdom citizenship and our heavenly citizenship. We are going to learn the importance of how to navigate both of those realms. We are part of this earth, but we really are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven - the Kingdom of God, and we’re going to learn what the difference is. Is there a difference? We’re going to clarify that in our course.

As disciples of Christ, we are to honor our charge and duty to live intentional and relevant lives to glorify the King and the Kingdom of God. After we look at Kingdom purpose, Kingdom values, Kingdom perspective, Kingdom priority, and Kingdom posture, then we are going to go into the foundations of kingdom stewardship. What does that mean? What is the mindset of a steward? What is the motivation of a steward? What’s the scope of Kingdom Stewardship? What’s the sphere of Kingdom Stewardship? The structures and strategy, and then the approach to Kingcom Stewardship, the primacy of it, the prospective and profession of it, then the benefit of Kingdom Stewardship - the reward.

LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD: A comprehensive study of the service and ministry of this priesthood in relation to Israel and God.

MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE: An awesome study of the character and lifestyle of every Christian as well as those called to special ministries. A look into the calling and personalities of the twelve disciples who were personally instructed by Christ.

MINISTERIAL ETHICS: Explains the unique moral role of the minister and the ethical responsibilities of the vocation and to provide "a clear statement of the ethical obligations contemporary clergy should assume in their personal and professional lives." 

MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Biblical teaching relating to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. A theological and historical examination of the Person and the work of the Holy Spirit from the Old Testament times to the present.

PASTORAL THEOLOGY: This course is designed for pastors and ministerial students who desire a practical study to keep the pastoral guidelines in constant focus. Course examines the pastor's life, calling, and the general care he provides for his flock.

PRAISE & WORSHIP:  The scripture says, “Praise the Lord you His people. I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” It goes on to say, “Come let us worship and bow down and kneel before the Lord  God our maker.” So our praise and worship class asks the question, what constitutes genuine praise and worship? Is it by my fast coordinated steps going with the rhythm of the music in church, or is it something more profound, borne out of knowing who it is we worship and what He requires and identifies as worship. In preparation for this class, I came to the acknowledgement that in the very first reported act of worship in scripture, we find the Lord having respect of one worshiper and one not respect for another. In this class, we will discuss the Biblical concept of praise and worship, learn how to integrate worship with our prayer and you’re going to write your own new song unto the Lord. We will study the life and worship of the Lord Jesus Himself. 

PROPHETIC BOOT CAMP 1: This course is  an intense journey into the realm of the prophetic. We will seek to discover the role of prophetic ministry and why it is so necessary even right here today. We will seek to discover the role of the prophetic ministry and why it is so necessary. In this class we will answer the most common questions people have about prophecy, about the prophetic and about prophetic people. You will learn what to do when a prophet gives you a prophecy; what do you do with it? 

This class is not just for those who want to be prophets. This class is not just for those who are even interested in prophecy. 

PROPHETIC BOOT CAMP 2: Prophetic Boot Camp 2 continues the intensive journey begun in Prophetic Boot Camp I, expanding understanding of prophetic ministry and its role in the life of the believer and the church. This course explores prophetic dreams and visions, helping students discern their meaning, biblical foundation, and spiritual origin. Students will examine how prophetic dreaming aligns with Scripture and how to distinguish between spiritual revelation and natural imagination.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS: An in-depth study of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, their purpose, diversities, and operation.

THE BATTLE IS ON:  Warfare and Your Spiritual Gifts; Armed and Dangerous

THEOLOGY 1 & 2: An in-depth study of the Doctrine of Scripture - its inspiration and canonization; and the Doctrine of God.

THEOLOGY 3 & 4: An in-depth study of the Doctrine of Christ - the person and work of Christ; and the biblical teaching relating to the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

THEOLOGY 5 & 6: An in-depth study of the Doctrines of Angels and the Doctrine of Man. Includes the supernatural work and ministry of angels, their origin, nature, orders and classifications. As pertaining to man, his origin, unity of grace, fall, and consequences of his fall.

THEOLOGY 7 & 8: An in-depth study of the Doctrine of Sin and the Doctrine of Salvation.

THEOLOGY 9 & 10: An in-depth study of the Doctrine of the Church and the Doctrine of Eschatology (Last Things).

THE DEVIL'S DOOR: If you feel vulnerable to attacks of the enemy, then perhaps you're leaving a door open to the devil. "My people who have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge," proclaimed the prophet Isaiah (Isa. 5:13). The Devil's Door equips you with the knowledge of how to avoid deception and teaches how obedience is the key to divine protection."

TYPOLOGY: This course gives a look into the types and symbols found throughout Scripture, mainly in the Tabernacle.

WORLD RELIGIONS: During this course we will survey major world religions to understand what they believe and why they believe what they believe. This is not just to study and get information, but it will help us both in evangelism and apologetics. We will better be able to share the Gospel with those people because we will understand where they are spiritually and we will respect where they are and then introduce them to Christianity and also because we know what they believe about Christianity, we will able to defend our faith better. We will be surveying world religions noting essentials of each religion so that we could understand what they believe why the believe what they believe and certain things that are specific to each one of them. We will be looking at the major beliefs of each religion.