Course Description

A course designed to further the student’s understanding of how to interpret the Bible accurately and in a way to apply the principles into one’s own life.

Course Division

To make the classes easier for people to attend and to grasp the principles more fully, the classes are now in two halves. Thus, each semester will now go at a slower pace and provide more time for students to understand and apply the principles. The second half of this course will be offered in the Fall.

Scriptural Basis for the Course

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15, NASB)

Ideal Participants for the Course

The O.N.E. School exists primarily for the sake of the average church member who wants to take Bible-College-type classes on a post high school level without having to travel long distances and to pay for extra expenses. The classes are taught on the level of the people to help our local churches. The following Scripture passages give additional emphasis showing the need for all Christians and church leaders to know the Bible accurately:

• Christians

God has given church leaders the responsibility to lead their people so they can accurately interpret Scripture and speak that truth in love: ... for the equipping of the saints ... As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, ... speaking the truth in love, (Eph 4:12-15, NASB)

• Teachers

All small group Bible study teachers need to increase the accuracy of their presentations: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. (James 3:1, NASB)

• Preachers

A pastor’s job description includes leading the people to being sound in doctrine: And [God] gave some as ... pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.(Eph 4:11-13, NASB)

How the Course will Run

All students will be introduced to about two dozen approaches (like historical context, literary context, literary style, genres, Bible translations, etc.) which help to discover the meaning of the texts intended by the original authors.  In addition, a multitude of “free” resources will be available to assist with each of those two dozen approaches, since no one will be able to master any of those in the 12-week course.

During class time we will also look at a “controversial” topic using the same procedures. All Christians should search the Scriptures on any topic knowing that the Bible contains truth. In addition, we will apply those same procedures while examining a variety of Scripture passages.

The “tests” will consist of papers which will show an understanding of how to use these approaches.

Resources Received during the Course

• The main textbook (required) contains a wealth of information.
• The companion workbook (optional) allows more opportunities to understand the approaches and to apply the same principles mentioned in the textbook.
• The companion youtube videos (optional) provide classroom lectures for each of the chapters in the textbook.
• Many of the O.N.E. School class lectures will be available on youtube within a day after the classes.
• You will receive an Old Testament timeline which aids greatly with historical contexts.
• You will also receive numerous web sites which provide quality helps in order to obtain a more accurate interpretation of the texts.

Cost

The cost is greatly reduced to provide the equivalency of Bible College training at an affordable price. Each 1.5-hour course is $150. Additional costs include course materials.