Immanuel Bible Institute

Knowing what you believe and why you believe it is essential for every Christian. “Deep, rich, and well-organized,” “essential in my walk with Jesus,” “grew together as a couple by doing the homework,” and “the best Christian principles class I have taken,” are some of the comments from prior students.

Whether you are a seeker, new believer, or a Christian wanting theological grounding, FoF Part 1 explores the basic questions: Who is God and what is He like? What is the Bible, and how did we get it? What is salvation and why do I need it? I think I’m a Christian, but how can I know for sure? FoF Part 1 integrates the Fundamentals of the Faith (Moody Press) curriculum, audio messages by Dr. John MacArthur and classroom discussion with comprehensive notes to build believers and future leaders at Immanuel.

The Fundamentals of the Faith, Parts 1 and 2, is Immanuel’s “flagship” course, since it thoroughly explains what we believe. It is strongly recommended for every Immanuel member, especially those who teach in any capacity. (13 weeks)

How do we regard grandparenting from a biblical and theological perspective? How does that affect you as a grandparent? Beyond making fun memories with your grandkids, do you understand your gospel role in their life? How do you reach them for Christ? How do you support the parent’s role, even when you aren’t on the same page?

This course is designed to be part of a focused effort to encourage, enable and inspire the intentional engagement of grandparents to support the parent’s role of raising God-seeking, fearing and following children. It will cover worldviews, intentional prayer, family relationships and grandparenting in today’s culture. Grandparenting with Grace uses Larry McCall’s book of the same title. Participants need to purchase Larry’s book before the start of the class. There will also be exposure to supplemental information and resources to reinforce the biblical grandparenting role. (10 weeks)

Same description as above. With Zoom flexibility, this offering is available for those unable to attend the Sunday in-person session and also extends the course invitation to remote grandparents of IBC attenders (wherever they may live).

What has you in its grip? Is it self-indulgent temptation? Something else? Sometimes do you feel like this fallen world has fallen on you? The world deceives us with lies like “you’d better look out for number one, because no one else will.” Have you bought into those lies? Have you been sinned against? Suffered abuse? Watched a loved one suffer? How are you handling all that? The situations of your life can get pretty hot. What do you think, feel, believe, or do as a result?

Everyone knows we should change, but how? Is it a matter of just knowing more? Trying harder? Putting on a show? And where is Jesus in all this? How People Change utilizes DVD instruction by Paul Tripp and Timothy Lane, combined with live classroom instruction and discussion. We will explore how the gospel works for Christians, facing the “heat” of life and effecting change, real fruit-bearing change. What you learn, if put into practice, will re-energize your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and give you a whole new perspective on life.

Is the gospel adequate for the sinful habits that control you? The self-control you lack? The risks you are unwilling to take? The love you do not feel? For the Christian, the answer must be yes! Let it be your answer every single day. (13 weeks)

Apologetics is not optional. It prepares us to help Christians and non-Christians discover reasonable answers to objections for faith in Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 says …in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. To make disciples and give a defense for our faith we need to remove the obstacles to belief. In a recent Barna study, respondents were asked: What increases interest in Christianity? 44% replied: better evidence to support Christian truth claims. What can we do? Join this class and discover ways to make a defense and give a reason to your searching neighbors, friends, and relatives for the hope that is in you.

In this course we will provide answers to such questions as: What is Truth? What is a worldview? Who is Jesus? Why is there evil? Apologetics videos by Dr. Bobby Conway and others will also be used to explore these questions. (10 weeks)

Utilizing an Answers in Genesis DVD series by Ken Ham as well as other complementary material, this course will provide a powerful foundational defense of the authority of Scripture through the creationist viewpoint. It will address: The relevance of Genesis, historical interpretation of Scripture, evolution, fossils, the Flood, and the theological consequences of an evolutionary interpretation/worldview. Throughout the course, there will be several discussions of scientific material relative to creation science and will cover additional topics such as carbon & radiometric dating, starlight and time, the human genome project/DNA, UFOs, and biblical geology. For adults and students accompanied by a parent, ages 6th grade and up. (14 weeks)