Valley Bible Institute (VBI)
Valley Bible Institute seeks to strengthen VBC by instructing motivated adult learners in better handling the Bible and maturing in their theological understanding. VBI purposely includes institute in its name to reflect the value we place on the life of the mind and the careful study of Scripture as a vital part of the equipping for ministry. The courses listed below are not exhaustive, but rather foundational, and intended to fuel a delight in God, His word, and His purposes in the world today.
Spring classes will meet on Thursdays from 7-9 pm at VBC, from March 4 – June 4 (with two weeks off in April). Participants will be expected to complete approximately 30 minutes of homework for 5 days each week, and a final paper/project at the end of the course.
Spring 2010 Courses:
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Mining God's Word: How to Study the Bible
Course fee: $40 – includes Living By the Book by Howard and William Hendricks
Course fee for those who already have the book: $27
This course is an introduction to the methodology of inductive Bible study. Inductive study consists of a careful observation of the text leading to sound interpretation and appropriate application. Students will learn study strategies and principles of interpretation and application throughout the course and apply them to the book of Philippians. Although Philippians will serve as the primary “training ground,” the course aims at imparting study skills that are applicable to the entire Bible. The course also aims at fostering sensitivity to literary genre and at cultivating inductive Bible study as a lifelong habit. Instructor: Pat Curtis.
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Theological Foundations 2: Essentials of Christian Doctrine
Course fee: $70 – includes Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Course fee for those who already have the book: $40
This course is an attempt to systematically present what the Apostle Paul called “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Students will study biblical topics by examining particular biblical passages and reading through Wayne Grudem‘s Systematic Theology. The student‘s learning will be solidified through class discussion and various homework assignments. This course is the second of two semesters, progressing through roughly the second half of a systematic theology, including the doctrines of justification, sanctification, the ordinances, last things, pneumatology, and ecclesiology. It is not necessary to take Theological Foundations 1 before taking this course. Instructor: Tim Herndon.
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God-Centered Living: Christian Hedonism and the Life of Faith
Course fee: $72 – includes Desiring God, Future Grace, and God Is the Gospel by John Piper
Course fee for those who already have the books: $40 (contact the VBC office if you have some, but not all, of the books)
This course is an introduction to Christian Hedonism, a philosophy of life that is built on the God of the Bible. The course unfolds two key assertions: 1) the God-centeredness of God informs every aspect of the Christian life; 2) the pursuit of God's glory and the pursuit of our joy is the same pursuit. Therefore "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." In this course students will examine key biblical passages and then thoughtfully interact with some of the central writings of John Piper: Desiring God, God Is the Gospel, and Future Grace. Biblical study, critical reflection, group discussion, and application are all important components of this course. Instructor: Brian Dellinger.
Costs include books, workbooks, and a non-refundable $10 registration fee.
Questions? Contact Tim Herndon or the church office.