A. TEACHING THE WHOLE BIBLE, BOOK BY BOOK
We believe that the best best way of teaching the Bible is to go book by book from Genesis to Revelation. Then, when the student has a fair knowledge of the whole of Scripture, topical, character, word studies, etc. can be presented.
This holds true for every person from whichever cultural group he may be, but more so for the specific people to whom we are ministering since the majority of them, even those belonging to one of the small churches, have a very limited knowledge of the contents of the Word.
A pastor’s wife has, for instance, testified that she never read her Bible because it was such a thick book and she did not know where to start.
We start off by teaching that the Bible was inspired by God and consists of two sections namely the Old- and the New Testament. The next step is to memorize the names of the Books so as to enable the student to find Scripture that will be referred to in the study guides. Memorising the names is made easier by singing a song using the names of the Books as lyrics.
B. THE BIBLE IS PRESENTED IN FOUR COURSES
The following four courses, each running for approximately one year, are presented:
- Year 1: The Old Testament.
- Year 2: The Gospels and the Book of Acts.
- Year 3: The Epistles.
- Year 4: A Comprehensive Topical Course covering some 35 of the most important Bible topics.
The courses are presented in the students’ native tongue, Shangaan/Tsonga.
(Some of the studies can be seen on the website M2819 Bible Studies ).
C. THE COURSE ON THE OLD TESTAMENT (CONSISTING OF SOME 40 LESSONS)
Firstly the whole of the Book of Genesis is taught.
The story of creation is, to many, a marvelous revelation, for in the teachings on ancestral worship that was handed down to them, there is nothing about the origin of this world and of mankind. To learn, for the very first time, that there is one God who created all things and Who knows and loves every human being, confers on the student a conception of self worth and dignity he or she never had.
Then follows the story of the fall of man which gives the reason for the coming of Christ. Of course it also lays the basis for all that is recorded in the New Testament.
The story of Abraham who, at the call of God, left his land and people and, by faith, ventured into the unknown, fret with danger, also inspires many a heart to accept the Lord Jesus. It gives them the courage to cope with the rejection they may suffer from their relatives, when turning their backs on witchcraft and putting their trust in God only. Like Abraham they begin to believe in God for their protection, healing from the many diseases and for supplying in their daily needs. This is so relevant in a country that often suffers under severe droughts, storms and floods.
From Exodus to Malachi, only the essence of each book is taught. Concerning Exodus, for instance, Moses’ deliverance of the people of Israel from the slavery in Egypt is dealt with; also the happenings at Mount Sinai, the Law, the tabernacle and the priesthood. The relevance of the ordinances to modern day Christians, is also explained.
In this way, the student receives an overview of each Book and some of the more important contents are dealt with in depth.
D. THE COURSE ON THE GOSPELS AND THE BOOK OF ACTS CONSISTING OF 35 LESSONS
The course on the Gospels is based on the Gospel of Luke, which Gospel has more content than the other three. It also covers portions of the other Gospels such as Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman (Joh 4) Nicodemus’ nocturnal visit to Jesus (Joh 3), the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6), etc. The student gets a deep understanding of the Lord Jesus. His supernatural conception and birth, temptation, teachings, miracles, crucifixion, appearances and ascension are emphasized.
Just to mention a few more lectures in this course:
- Introduction to the New Testament.
- Why four Gospels?
- Birth of Jesus.
- Jesus’s baptism and temptation.
- Cleansing of a leper.
- Healing of a lame man.
- The Centurion’s servant.
- The raising of Lazarus.
- The sower and the Lamp.
- Mary’s anointing of Jesus.
- The last studies deal with Jesus’ trial, cuxifiction and resurrection, etc..
As the Book of Acts is dealt with, hearts are enthused with zeal, not only to share the Gospel with family and friends, but also to venture to distant villages on foot, by bicycle or whatever transport be available to bring the Good News of salvation to those dwelling in darkness.
E. COURSE ON THE EPISTLES, INCLUDING THE BOOK OF REVELATION
This course is presented in modular form. Each of the major books is taken as a module while several of the briefer ones are grouped together in one module.
Whereas much of the material contained in the first two courses is in story format, the contents of the Epistles is, of course, mostly doctrine. Students that are unable to read, find it more difficult to remember their contents. They however contain a wealth of precious truths pertaining to daily living and students having completed the first two courses, are encouraged to do as many of these modules as possible.
F. THE FOURTH COURSE DEALS WITH THE 40 MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS OF THE BIBLE
Subjects covered are such as the question whether God really exists, The Attributes of God, Persons in the Godhead and Their functions, Creation, etc. To see more, please go to SYSTEMATIC TOPICAL TEACHINGS.
G. CONDUCTING OF THE CLASSES
Classes are conducted by well trained teachers, all of whom had been taught and trained by former students. One class per week is presented. Classes normally consist of 10 to 20 students and run for approximately three hours. Interaction between the teacher and his students is encouraged. Students are encouraged to pray in public, relate what they were taught the previous week, enact certain stories or teachings and sing and learn new Christian songs.
H. EXAMINATIONS
Once a class has completed the study material and revision has been done, students are afforded the opportunity of doing an exam on the material. Those that are unable to write, do an oral exam. To pass, a student needs to get at least 60%. In addition to passing the theoretical part of the exam, a student’s life must convince his/her teacher that he/she is born again and is growing spiritually. Certificates are issued to successful students.
I. PRESENTATION CEREMONIES
Meetings for handing over of certificates of achievement and for celebrating the students’ progress are convened in the vicinity of where classes were held. This usually is a joyous occasion attended by relatives and friends that present students with all kinds of gifts, especially blankets and saris.
PLEASE PRAY
When Israel fought an intense battle against Amalek, Moses was on a mountain overlooking the battlefield, praing tor them with arms stretched out towards heaven. When he got weary and his arms sagged, Israel began losing and Hur and Aaron had to support Moses’ arms till the victory was gained (Ex 17:12). Both Israeland Moses needed support.
Will you please do that for us? Support us in prayer? We are fighting in the front line. In the heat of battle, may we, as soldiers depend on you to fight the enemy together with us by means of worship and praise?
Bless you.
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