Purpose Statement:
Sunday Bible Classes exist as an essential part of Hope Bible Church’s teaching ministry to equip God’s people for service through a variety of meaningful courses in five core areas of study: Bible Exposition, Systematic Theology, Christian Life, Ministry Skill, and Church History and Religions.
Rationale:
Hope Bible Church is committed to the authority, sufficiency, and centrality of the Word of God in the lives of His people because knowing Him is the highest priority of the Christian life (John 17:3; Philippians 3:8-11). And it is only when believers are thoroughly grounded in the truths of His Holy Word that they will know Him more deeply, worship Him more reverently, live for Him more faithfully, serve Him more effectively, and bear witness of Him more boldly. (Colossians 1:9-12) Therefore, Hope Bible Church is dedicated to thoroughly training God's people in the great doctrines of Holy Scripture.
Overall Objectives:
The purpose and objectives of the Sunday Bible Class ministry are rooted in Colossians 1:9-12 and fulfilled by the five core areas of study:
- Bible Exposition – this core area focuses on verse by verse and thematic expositional teaching of the books of the Bible in order to fill students with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
- Systematic Theology – this core area focuses on presenting the wide array of biblical doctrines in an organized and coherent way in order to increase understanding and appreciation of biblical theology/Christian doctrine.
- Christian Life – this core area focuses on providing training in Christian character, issues of life, and family discipleship in order to challenge believers to live a life worthy of the Lord.
- Ministry Skill – this core area focuses on developing the spiritual gifts and ministry skills of the Body in order to be equipped for fruitful service for the building of Christ’s Church.
- Church History/Religions – this core area focuses on educating Christians in the significant events/people throughout Church history as well as examining various religious movements to encourage believers of God’s faithfulness and empower them to discern and dismantle false teaching.
Summer Quarter 2008:
Two Ways to Live Know and Share the Gospel
Instructor: Pastor Thomas Leake with assistants
Description: We can all use some encouragement and practical wisdom to improve the way we talk about Jesus with unbelievers. Summertime presents many opportunities for us to present the good news about Jesus. This 13-week (1 quarter) class will employ DVD and booklet materials from Matthias Ministries to take us through a step-by-step, easy-to-learn process of both sharing our faith and following up with new believers. Six weeks will be spent learning to present the gospel from a book called, "Two Way of Living" and six weeks to follow up with new believers from a booklet called, "Just for Starters". Materials will be provided in class. Who are the right people to take this course? ANy of the following would benefit from this course:
- 1. Those who want to learn to share their faith.
- 2. Those who have learned evangelism before but need a boost to help them get going with their evangelism again.
- 3. Those thinking of serving in the evangelism teams this summer.
- 4. Those already involved in HBC outreach ministries such as Greeters, VPs, Discover Hope, or MIA.
- 5. Those not sure they are saved and want to make sure.
Lessons from the Patriarchs (Genesis 12-50)
Instructor: Pastor Alan Plumley
Description: God gave us a record of the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and his brothers not just to record the history of the beginning of the nation of Israel. Through their lives, He also gave us many lessons about His character and man's character, as well as about the nature of His plan of salvation. This class will take two quarters. In this quarter, we will study the text of Genesis 12-30, and apply it to our lives. We will walk with Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel, and Leah, learning from their examples—both good and bad. We will also interpret their lives in light of the New Testament. This class will use a workbook that will aid your personal study and reference, including the Biblical texts, cross-references, explanatory notes, observations, questions, and lessons.
Be Mature - The Book of James
Instructor: Pastor Charlie Jolly and Deacon Craig Fyfe
Description: Spiritual discipline is a key aspect of the Christian life. We live in a world that assumes that peace, harmony, and happiness are all things to be obtained by wealth or social formulas. Trials and troubles are seen as personal failures. Chronologically, James was the first book to be written in the New Testament period. James saw a Church faced with trials and persecution. He also saw the beginnings of class struggles within the Church. James addresses the question: "If you say you are a Christian, why don't you live like one?" This is not just a theological question; it is a very practical question that gets to the heart of how we should behave. James challenges us to walk the walk rather than just talk the talk.
The Commands of Christ
Instructor: Paul Apple assisted by Douglas Smith
Description: This course will be a topical treatment of the various commands of Christ from the Gospel accounts -- including some well-known texts on a wide range of subjects. The arrangement will follow the book by Dr. John Piper, "What Jesus Demands from the World". The emphasis will be on obedience and discipleship. Each week there will be an exposition of the major text for that command, some associated teaching from Jesus from other passages, some related systematic theology and an emphasis on practical application. The home will be reading the brief three page summary by Dr. Piper of that week's command and memorizing one key verse. This course should be helpful to younger believers as well as those who would like preparation in a course of study to disciple other (either one-one-one or in leading their own family devotions). This quarter we will be able to cover only about one fourth of the 50 Demands that Dr. Piper identifies.
How Can You Serve This Ministry?
- Committed Participation – prayerful considering your class each quarter, consistent and punctual attendance, and prepared with a heart and mind ready to be equipped to live for God’s glory!
- Serve as a Class Assistant – Assistants play a critical role in providing a class environment with minimal distraction for the teacher and students so that learning Scripture can be the only focus! See the Instructor if you would like to assist.
- Pray – Pray for the ministry to effectively meet its purpose and objectives and for the continued development of the classes and teachers.