How to Master the Secrets of Bible Study
West Coast School of the Prophets
Classes
Class 1: West Coast School of the Prophets Introduction
The class introduces the West Coast School of the Prophets, emphasizing the importance of intensive Bible study and developing a network of committed brethren. It outlines the weekend's schedule, focusing on various aspects of Bible study, including methods, contextual scholarship, and sound reasoning.
Class 2: How to Appreciate the Purpose and Practice of Bible Study
The class discusses the purpose and practice of Bible study, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's thoughts and ways rather than humanistic approaches. It highlights the need for diligent study to manifest God's character and principles in one's life, using examples from Isaiah, Psalm 119, and the life of Paul.
Class 3: How to Master Different Types and Methods of Bible Study
The class covers various types and methods of Bible study, emphasizing the importance of understanding different writing styles and themes within the Bible. It highlights the benefits of book studies, verse studies, and thematic studies, encouraging attentive reading and contextual analysis.
Class 4: What was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh?
The class explores Paul's thorn in the flesh from 2 Corinthians 12, examining potential interpretations and concluding that it refers to a Judaizer who opposed Paul's work. The class emphasizes the importance of contextual scholarship and the development of faith through trials.
Class 5: The Challenge of Post Modernism to the Truth
The class discusses the impact of postmodernism on truth and belief, contrasting it with biblical teachings. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges posed by postmodern thinking and the need for Christadelphians to remain grounded in biblical truth.
Class 6: How to Learn the Secret of Sound Reasoning by Bible Principles
The class discusses the importance of using Bible principles to reason soundly in daily life, emphasizing the need to apply divine principles to all decisions and actions. It covers how to identify and apply multiple biblical principles to complex issues, stressing the importance of thoughtful application rather than mere conformity to rules.
Class 7: How to Learn the Secret of Sound Reasoning by Bible Principles - 2
The class discusses the Christianization of Christadelphian practices, focusing on issues like music, preaching methods, and attitudes towards God. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining biblical principles and avoiding casual or humanizing references to God.
Class 8: Who or What was the Comforter? 1
The class explores the identity of the Comforter (Paraclete) in John's Gospel, examining the term's usage and implications. It discusses the Holy Spirit's role as a guide, comforter, and advocate, contrasting Trinitarian interpretations with Christadelphian views, emphasizing the Comforter as a manifestation of Christ's presence.
Class 9: Who or What was the Comforter? 2
The class explores the identity of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter in John's Gospel, suggesting it is a special angel sent by Christ to assist the disciples. It emphasizes the angel's role in confirming the apostles' witness with signs and strengthening them in adversity.
Class 10: How to Prepare a Personal Bible Study Program
The class discusses how to prepare a personal Bible study program, emphasizing the importance of prayer, regular Bible reading, and meditation. It highlights the benefits of structured study programs and the value of personal spiritual growth through consistent engagement with scripture.
Class 11: How to Build a Bible Study Library
The class discusses the importance of building a comprehensive Bible study library to aid in personal and communal study, emphasizing the need for diverse resources and regular engagement with these materials. It highlights the value of Christadelphian writings and online tools while cautioning against neglecting foundational works.
Class 12: How Christ Used and Understood the Bible
The class explores how Jesus used and understood the Bible by drawing parallels between his experiences and those of David, particularly focusing on their respective journeys to the Garden of Gethsemane. It emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's will to God's will, as exemplified by both David and Jesus.
Class 13: How to Gaurd the Heritage of the Truth
The class discusses the importance of guarding the truth and heritage of the ecclesia, emphasizing the biblical background from Deuteronomy and Joshua. It highlights the responsibilities of leadership and service within the ecclesia, encouraging dedication to God and separation from the world.
Class 14: How to Value/Benefit from Bible Expositions of the Pioneers
The class discusses the value of reading Christadelphian pioneer writings to reinforce foundational doctrines, understand God manifestation, and maintain a critical stance towards Christianity. It emphasizes the importance of these writings in enhancing one's spiritual growth and biblical understanding.
Class 15: The Abomination of Desolation - Why did God Allow it to Stand?
The class explores the concept of the Abomination of Desolation in Daniel, comparing it to the actions of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Romans. It emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting biblical prophecy, particularly in relation to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Class 16: How to Manage Time and Set Effective Spiritual Goals
The class discusses time management and setting spiritual goals using Ecclesiastes 3 as a biblical basis. It emphasizes the importance of differentiating between urgent and important tasks, creating to-do lists, and maintaining a clear vision for personal and ecclesial objectives.
Class 17: How to be Inspired to Emulate Famous Bible Students
The class explores how Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 1 is inspired by and modeled after Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9 and Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8, emphasizing the importance of studying and emulating the faith and prayers of biblical figures.