School at Ravencrest Chalet features a schedule which includes twenty-three classes each week. Classes are taught by the resident faculty. Visiting guest teachers who are either members of the Torchbearers International staff or other experienced Christian leaders in residence for one week also teach in the Bible School.
Our Biblical Education curriculum is not standardized; therefore, it will vary slightly each year so that a greater emphasis may be placed upon one book over another. Regardless of specific courses, the total Biblical Education program consists of at least 655 hours of class. This intense level of study includes homework assignments, written papers and regular exams. The program is designed to develop a disciplined study of the Bible.
Old Testament Survey
This course is an introduction to Biblical writings, including a panorama of Biblical history (Genesis through Revelation), orientation on issues of Biblical authority and reliability, including issues of manuscript evidence, archeology, inspiration, canon and apocrypha writings. Included will be a chronological overview of the Pentateuch and historical books (Genesis through Esther), including orientation as to the historical and geographical settings of these writings, study of all major themes, events and primary characters in each book and its relation to the broader understanding of redemptive history.This course is a study of the Seven Holy Convocations of Israel as seen in Leviticus, Chapter 23. The study of these convocations will reveal the Messianic Plan from the redemptive death of the Messiah through the Messianic Kingdom. The course demonstrates God's prophetic plan revealed through the nation of Israel. Focus will be given to the Lord's Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Celebration of the First Fruits, the Feast of Weeks, the Church Age, Remembrance by Blowing of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles.
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness
The course consists of a detailed study of the articles and structure of the Tabernacle given in Exodus 25-30. The main point of focus will be to observe how God dwelt with His people and maintained a relationship with them. The character of God and His relationship with mankind will be seen through His dealings with Israel while the Tabernacle served as His dwelling place. Each of the elements of the Tabernacle will reveal a distinct truth about God Himself.
Old Testament Survey
This course is an introduction to poetical books with orientation in the literary forms of Hebrew poetry. Included will be an introduction to the prophetic books, the thrust of Biblical prophecy and related problems in the interpretation of the same. This is a
chronological overview of the Poetic Books (Job through Song of Songs) and the Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi) with emphasis on the historical and geographical settings, the major events, characters and themes of each book and its relationship to the broader understanding of redemptive history.
New Testament Survey
This course is an introduction to the New Testament, including an overview of the inter-testamental period, orientation to the dating of the New Testament writings and comparative study of the Gospel writings. Included will be an overview of the major writings of the New Testament (Synoptic Gospels, Pauline and Johannine Writings) with emphasis on the historical and geographical setting of each book, its major events, characters and themes and its relationship to redemptive history.
Genesis
Students will look at the "first things" of God's activity in human history, including creation (and theories of origin), the unique calling of man, the problem of sin and the setting apart of a people through whom the Savior would ultimately come. The student will also come to discover God's ways of dealing with His people, which serves to provide interpretation for the activity of God in our lives today.
Joshua
This is an in-depth study of the Book of Joshua within the context of the Old Testament historical books. The student will study the significant people, places and events of Joshua. Emphasis will be placed on the sovereignty and sufficiency of God as seen in the life and leadership of Joshua with application for today.
Ecclesiastes
This course is a study of Solomon's life and writing in which he examined life with its mysteries and perplexities. Crucial areas studied include the monotony of life, vanity of wisdom, futility of wealth and certainty of death. This wisdom Book raises hard questions and gives answers leading to a life of satisfaction.
Isaiah
This course is a survey of the promises of the vision of Isaiah and how they are fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the desire of the nations.
Old Testament Books (Psalms - Malachi)Minor Prophets
This course involves a study of the 12 Minor Prophets as to their contents, historical background and messages, together with their theological and practical significance. These books will be studied in relation to the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities.
Acts
An historical study of the continued ministry of the risen Christ by the Holy Spirit through the early church. Acts is studied as the historical background for the beginnings of Christianity and writing of the New Testament Epistles. Emphasis is placed on New Testament principles of evangelism and edification for the church today.
Romans
In this course the student will understand Paul's systematic and logical apologetic of salvation and the outworking of that faith in daily living. Attention will be given to the relationship between Israel and the Church.
Galatians
An in-depth verse by verse examination of this foundational Pauline Epistle which some call "The Magna Carta of Christian Liberty." Emphasis is given to under- standing our freedom in Christ, justification in Christ alone by faith alone and the importance of a grace-based relationship with God and others.
Ephesians
Study includes a summary of all we have in Christ, "every spiritual blessing" and includes defining and applying these truths. Beyond simply teaching the content of Ephesians, we learn to apply the principles of general hermeneutics. The course includes both practice in how to study a book of Scripture and also a soul-searching dealing with its contents.
Colossians
An expository study of Paul's letter to the Colossians. This Epistle illustrates how false teaching is discredited by the supremacy of Christ and the teaching of sound doctrine. Special emphasis is given to implications for the church today and application of the person and work of Jesus Christ in the Christian life.
Hebrews
An in-depth verse by verse examination of the Epistle which stresses the superiority of Christ. Emphasis is given to understanding Christ as Prophet, Priest and King, to reinforcing the doctrine of eternal security while understanding the need for perseverance and the danger of apostasy, to understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system and to stressing the importance of faith-based living.
James
The Epistle of James is examined in its historical setting demonstrating that faith is to be active rather than a theology to be observed. Teaching embraces the conquering of outward trials, inward temptations, the tongue and worldliness. The study defines true religion, the significance of healing and the advantages of faith expressed in service.
Pastoral Epistles
This course walks through the Pauline epistles to Timothy and Titus and builds a solid foundation of doctrine regarding the church in its structure and function. Issues as varied as church origin, the qualifications and role of church leadership, inter- church functioning and the role of women in the church are dealt with in this course.
The Person and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
This course is a study designed to clarify who the Holy Spirit is and His relationship to the believer, the Church and the world. There is an evaluation of the gifts of the Spirit and the dynamic relationship the Christian enjoys with Him.
