CONCORDIA BIBLE INSTITUTE

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever."

2 Peter 3:18

BIBLE CERTIFICATION SERIES:  The Bible Institute has undergone a bit of a facelift for 2008.  In response to previous participants in this Bible Class Series, the name has been changed to Adult In-Depth Bible Study to appeal to a broad range of individuals.  It will still follow the same format as before and present studies with the Theology Staff of Concordia University Wisconsin. 

So come join us as we study the Bible in-depth with fellow Christians and learn about the Word from a variety of knowledgeable instructors.  Novices, experts, and students of all ages are encouraged to attend.  And bring a friend!!

****SPRING, 2008 CLASSES****

The Spring Adult In-Depth Bible Study classes have been determined.  If you are on our mailing list, watch for you mailing coming out the week of February 11th.  All classes are held from 3:00-6:00 pm.

*Monday, March 31-Rev. Dr. John Saleska-"Christ the Preacher.  Sermon on the Mount" to be held in the Lake Shore Room

*Monday, April 7-Dr. Gary Locklair-"The Doctrine of Creation" to be held in the Friends of Concordia Room

*Monday, April 14-Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola-"It's Not the First, but the SEcond that Matters" to be held in the Friends of Concordia Room

*Monday, April 21-Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck-Waiting for the Bridegroom:  Christians Living in the Last Days" to be held in the Friends of Concordia Room

*Monday, April 28-Rev. Dr. John Saleska-"Job:  The Problem of Suffering" to be held in the Friends of Concordia Room

*Monday, May 5-Rev. Dr. Tom Feiertag-"Biblical Foundations for Evangelism:  The Book of Acts" to be held in the Friends of Concordia Room

As always...there are no grades or homework, and class participation is voluntary!  All class materials will be provided along with snacks and beverages.  BRING A FRIEND!

COST: 

$150 per person

$130 per person when two or more register together

$30 per person for CUW staff/faculty

Free for CUW students and LCMS High School students

REGISTRATION:

Registration will be with bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu or 262-243-4422 or toll free at 866-559-0002.  We can email you a registration form if you reach us that way.

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BIBLE CERTIFICATION CLASS FAQ'S

Is the Certification Series for me?

These programs are specifically designed for lay people interested in studying the Word. Three levels (Beginning, Advanced, and Refresher) are being held this spring. Choose one, two, or even three Series that suit you and your schedule best.

The Certificate awarded upon completion of the course is a symbol of your deeper understanding of the Scriptures. The Certification Series will benefit you if:

1. You want to enrich your understanding of the Lutheran perspective of the Bible
2. You want to strengthen your faith
3. You want to be inspired, motivated, and educated on the mission of Christ
4. You want to understand more from your pastor's sermons
5. You want to understand and contribute more during Bible study sessions at your church
6. You want to become better prepared to assume leadership responsibilities in a non-professional church worker capacity
7. You have questions about the Bible 
8. You want to learn how to incorporate Christ's teachings into your profession, even if you work in the secular arena
9. You want to have a deeper and clearer understanding of how Christ wants you to live
10. You want to strengthen your relationships with your spouse, children, extended family, church, and community

Homework and grades are not required for any of the Certification Series. 

Since the Bible is the Word of God by which God reveals Himself to man, and through which the Holy Spirit engenders faith, the objective of the Certification Series is to promote systematic study of this Greatest of all Books.

 Specific Course Objectives

1. To grow in an understanding of God's plan of salvation as it is unfolded in His Word.
2. To become acquainted with the history of God's people as recipients of God's redemptive plan.
3. To understand the specific purpose, general content, and central message of the books of the Bible being studied.
4. To appreciate the importance of Scripture in engendering and strengthening faith through the work of the Holy Spirit.
5. To appreciate the importance of Scripture for one's spiritual life and growth, and for preparation for service.

BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF ONE OF OUR SESSIONS IN THE CERTIFICATION SERIES 

 Grace Alone

The three tenets of the Reformation "faith alone, grace alone, scripture alone" were the basis for Rev. Dr. Patrick T. Ferry?s one-hour presentation during the Advanced Bible Certification Series in May. The presentation united a first-rate history lesson with a Sunday morning sermon.

During his seminar, Ferry focused on the Lutheran distinction of grace. He opened the topic by asking how can we satisfy the demands of a just and righteous God and how can anyone ever do enough to appease God's wrath. Ferry relied on Martin Luther's own struggle for the answers: Luther came to the recognition that we are saved by faith alone, upon the Cross, for us. Justified by faith alone. That becomes the hub of Lutheran theology, the center of Lutheran theology, from which all the spokes of the wheel emerge.

Lutherans have a rather unique perspective of the doctrine of grace, one that puts us, in some ways, in a difficult position in terms of rational explanations for what we believe, teach, and confess." During a light moment, Ferry teased, "Some religions will have more reasonable explanations, but they are wrong."

One student in the class remained troubled that some people are saved and others are not. Ferry reviewed the Lutheran position: "It's about grace. It's about understanding how God interacts with us and saves us. Because God saves us. God alone saves us; grace alone. We cannot contribute anything. In the same way a dead person cannot revive himself from death, God alone brings about the resurrection. So also, in our spiritual deadness, there is nothing we can do. God alone revives us."

Another student questioned how grace and free will intersect and whether we can "accept" God. Ferry further explained: "Some reject Him. Some deny. Not all are saved. If any believe, it's entirely because of grace. It's not something we initiate. We can't do that on our own. Some believe and some reject. That's all we can do by our own will, is reject."

Ferry's presentation was the last in a six-week, in-depth Bible study series sponsored by the Concordia Bible Institute. Other presenters at the Advanced Bible Certification Series included Rev. Dr. John Saleska (Director, Concordia Bible Institute), Rev. Thomas Feiertag (Professor of Theology, CUW), Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola (Professor of Theology, CUW), Rev. Dr. Randall Ferguson (Assistant Vice President of Academics, CUW), and Rev. Ken Potratz (retired pastor).

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DVDs AND CASSETTE TAPES FROM PREVIOUS SERIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.  BELOW IS A SAMPLE OF TOPICS.  PLEASE CONTACT Rev. Dr. John Saleska  AT 262.243.4577 or CALL 262-243-4422 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.  EMAIL US AT John.saleska@cuw.edu or Bonnie.treloar@cuw.edu.  Watch for future listings.

From the Fall, 2007 Bible Certification Series:

  1.    "I Corinthians"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska

  2.    "God the Evangelist:  The Theory of Evangelism"-Rev. Dr. Tom Feiertag

  3.    "The Parables of Luke"-Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola

  4.    "Origins of Christian Worship"-Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke

  5.    "Christian Approaches to Contraception"-Rev. Dr. Kevin Voss

  6.    "Proverbs"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska

From the Spring, 2007 Bible Certification Series:

1. "The Doctrine of Creation"-Dr. Gary Locklair
2. "Philipians:  A Joyful Work of One to All"-Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola
3. "Luke:  God's Saving Plan for All Nations"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska
4. "Popular Christology:  Jesus in America"-Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck
5. "Leviticus & Deuteronomy:  Wanderings and Worship"-Rev. Prof. Timothy Maschke
6. "Romans:  The Heart of God Opened"-Rev. Dr. John Saleska

The following topics & presenters are available on DVD ($10 per DVD):

1. "Parables of the Kingdom" - Rev. Dr. John Saleska
2. "Law & Gospel in the Sermon on the Mount" - Rev. Randy Raasch
3. "Hinduism's Growing Influence in American Society" - Rev. Tom Feiertag
4. "Waiting for the Bridegroom: Christians Living in the Last Days" - Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck 
5. "Faith, Hope, & Love - The Gospels Gifts in 1 Corinthians" - Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola
6. "David: Messianic King" - Rev. Dr. John Saleska