Christ in the Old Testament
Covers theophanies (manifestations of God), Messianic imagery, and a study in various types & shadows in the Hebrew Bible. This material can be abbreviated for Sunday School, contextualized for pulpit delivery, or taught in-depth over several weeks.
Word Studies in the Biblical Languages
This intro class teaches how to use standard Biblical reference tools like concordances, parallel Bibles, inter-linear Bibles, Strong's Reference numbers, etc. The aim is to teach people how to find the meaning of words based not only on dictionary meanings but also usage. Students are introduced to the Hebrew & Greek alphabets but not required to master them. Timeframe: 1 hour.
Introduction to Biblical Languages
This class introduces people to the Hebrew and Greek alphabets and includes the word study material above, but also includes more information about the languages themselves (syntax, verb structure, etc.). Timeframe: 2hours.
Hebrew Crash Course
A basic introduction to the Hebrew alefbet, its grammar, vocabulary, etc. The goal is to have the student learn the pronunciation and reading of the Hebrew, understand the sentence structure, and be able to use reference tools to better understand Scripture. Timeframe: 8 hours (one day or four 2 hour sessions).
Greek Crash Course
A basic introduction to the Greek alphabet, its grammar, vocabulary, etc. The goal is to have the student learn the pronunciation and reading of Greek, understand the sentence structure, and be able to use reference tools to better understand Scripture. Timeframe: 8 hours (one day or four 2 hour sessions).
Jewish Culture in the Time of Christ
An introduction to social, religious, and political environment of the Second Temple era. Includes information on the history and role of the synagogue, various sects of Judaism at the time, the Sanhedrin, etc.
The Dead Sea Scrolls
A summary introduction to the discovery, content, and publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
How We Got Our Bible
This class introduces people to the history of the Bible, from the time that God inspired the authors to write it to the publication of the Word in our hands. Covers basic information on the autographs (original writings by the Biblical authors), manuscript evidence, distribution of Bible texts, assembly into a common collection (canonization), transmission from one language to another, and history of the English Bible.
What is the Gospel?
Understanding the Hebraic nature of the Gospel leads to dispelling the falehoods of easy-believism and the Savior-only theology. A study in Isaiah 61 and other relevent passages, this 1-session class introduces Hebrew concepts of the Malchut HaShamayim (Kingdom of Heaven) and Olam HaBa (Age to Come) and shows how their reality is critical in defending the claim that there is Good News to share.
What is Messianic Judaism?
God is doing amazing things among the Jewish people today as more and more Jews are embracing Messiah. But what is this thing called Messianic Judaism, and how does it relate to both the mainstream Jewish world as well as the Church? This overview of the movement includes information about the movement's history, key leaders, organizations, publishers, mainstream theology, fringe groups, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Timeframe: 1-2 hours.
Jewishness of Jesus and the New Testament
We live in a new age of Jewish-Christian relations as more Jews and Gentiles are studying the historical Jesus of Nazareth. One resounding agreement is the evidence for a very Jewish and Torah Observant Jesus. Likewise, the New Testament is also best understood in light of Rabbinic literature. This class gives an overview of these distinctives, why they are important, and how to read the New Testament in a new light. Some attention is also given to the claim of anti-semitism in the New Testament. Timeframe: Can be abbreviated into one 1-hour class or spread out over several weeks to be studied in depth.
God's Holidays
A study of the Biblical Feasts in Leviticus 23, what lessons they teach, how they point to Messiah, and how they can be observed today. This class can be summarized in a 1 hour session or longer, and can also be broken up by holiday. For example, one class at Pentecost, another at Passover, etc.
How to Make Your Holidays Count for Christ
An overview of the history of American holidays like Thanksgiving, Halloween, Christmas, etc, and how the Christian should respond. This is a great discussion topic for a small group/home group, as everyone can share about their own customs and it lends itself to be a very active conversation. Materials are handed out that detail the history of many holidays.
Countering the Cults
This class can be customized to deal with one or more religious groups, what they believe, and how the Christian should respond. Possible study topics include Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Scientology.
The Christian Anointing
The Bible says in 1 Jn 2:20 that we as Christians have an anointing from the Holy One. But what is an anointing, why do we have it, and what can we do with it? This class deals with the subject by looking at the three main offices of Israel and the 4-fold anointing of Jesus (prophet, priest, king, servant). That anointing is applied to us as we continue the work He began by demonstrating that anointing as a testimony that the Kingdom of Heaven is actually among us.
Evangelical Training Association Courses
Ruben is certified by the Evangelical Training Association to teach any course they offer. The ETA offers great programs that can serve the educational needs of your church or Bible institute. Learn more about the ETA educational programs at their website.
VBS / Children's Church