TruTh for TodayReading-based

school ofbiblical studies

2012 Catalog

featuringthe

tRuth foR todaycommentaRy seRies

General Editor, Eddie Cloer, D.Min.

Truth for Today

Reading-based School of Biblical Studies

An On-site Educational OpportunityTo Gain a Thorough Knowledge

Of the Holy Scriptures

PurposeThe apostle Peter urged us in his second letter,

. . . supply moral excellence, and in your moral excel-lence, knowledge (2 Pet. 1:5).

Likewise, Paul in his second letter to Timothy charged,

Be diligent to present your-self approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accu-rately handling the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

Education in the Scriptures isinvaluable. Many individuals have the desire to study the Word but are unable to attend a traditional university.

The Reading-based School of Biblical Studies (RSBS) is a university-like center that provides fourteen sem esters (seven years) of study for those who want a quality education in the Holy Scrip-tures. This program is de-signed to provide students with biblical instruction that would not other wise be avail-able to them.

Those who complete this series of studies will be thoroughly equipped to teach others about God and His plan for mankind. Especially, they will be able to share the saving message of Jesus Christ with others in their various parts of the world.

StructureThe RSBS is a school featuring a fourteen-semester curricu-lum that covers the entire Bible through supervised personal study of the Truth for Today Commentary series. Excellent study materials coupled with assignments and testing are the foundation for the RSBS program. The tests are online for convenient use by the dean of each school.

The Truth for Today Com-•mentary series will be pro-vided for those who have received scholarships.

Approximately six books •(averagingfivehundredpages in size) will be re-searched each year.

Approximately seventy-•fivepageswillbereadanddiscussed each week.

Testing will be provided •weeklytoconfirmeachstudent’s progress.

Anappropriatecertificate•will be awarded when various levels of study are completed.

A dean of the school will •be appointed in each loca-tion to conduct meetings for assignment purposes and to administer tests.

Test scores will be record-•ed, and transcripts will be kept for each student.

CurriculumThe basic curriculum for the RSBS is the Truth for Today Commentary series, which will eventually cover the entireBible.ProperlyqualifiedprofessorsofBiblehavewritteneachcommentary, providing world-class scholars as the instructorsof the biblical text.

The proposed curriculum is subject to change:

Year 1Life of Christ, vols. 1 and 2 by David Roper, M.S.These two volumes are an in-depth study of the life of Christ,using a parallel approach to all four Gospel accounts.

Matthew 1—13 andMatthew 14—28 by Sellers Crain, Jr., D.Min.Matthew’s Gospel introduces Jesus Christ, the prophesied King. ThefirsthalfofthisstudyexaminesJesus’birthandteachingsabout the kingdom, along with the reactions from Jesus’ followers andenemies.ThesecondhalffocusesonthesignificanceofHisdeath, burial, and resurrection, as well as the Great Commission He issued before His ascension.

Acts 1—14 andActs 15—28 by David Roper, M.S. These books delve into the beginning of the Lord’s church and Paul’s missionary journeys. The accounts of conversion in this portion of the Bible provide the best teaching on how to becomea Christian.

CERTIFICATE:NTHistoryCertificateofAchievement

Year 2Ephesians by Jay Lockhart, M.A.Philippians by David Roper, M.S.These letters to early churches expound on the great blessings available in Christ. Christians are called to be united in the faith and to live as vigilant citizens of heaven, even in the face ofsuffering.

Colossians by Owen D. Olbricht, M.A., M.R.E. Philemon by Bruce McLarty, D.Min.The eternal truths and lessons in Colossians helped to shape the churchinthefirstcentury.PaultaughtChristianshowtomaintaina godly lifestyle and exalt Christ in a diverse society. The Book of Philemon, written about the same time, provides guidelines for Christian relationships.

Hebrews by Martel Pace, M.Div.This study is a reminder to Christians to remain faithful to Christ, the better way. Thorough exposition explains much about the OldTestamentsacrificialsystemanditssymbolicrelationshiptoChristianity.

1 & 2 Peter and Jude by Duane Warden, Ph.D. The timeless, practical teachings in these epistles challengeChristians today to remain faithful in a faithless world,even when faced with persecution, trials and temptations,or false doctrines.

Revelation 1—11 andRevelation 12—22 by David Roper, M.S.This is an enlightening treatment of a much-talked-about book of the Bible. Underneath its complex imagery is a clear, foundational message: Christians will have eternal victory.

CERTIFICATE:NTTheologyCertificateofAchievement1

Year 3Romans, vols.1 and 2ThefirsteightchaptersofRomansexplorethedoctrineofjustificationbyfaith,faithbeingdefinedasobediencetoGod.The last eight chapters are teeming with practical applicationand insight.

1 & 2 Thessalonians by Earl Edwards, D.Miss.This volume explores Paul’s message to the new believers who needed encouragement in the face of persecution. It brings clarity to the apostle’s instruction about the second coming of Christ.

1 & 2 Timothy and Titus The practical teachings in these books outline the life and workof every man who devotes himself to preaching the Word. The Word is a treasure that has been entrusted to us; we should guard it with our lives.

GalatiansA key theme in this epistle is freedom in Christ. Salvation is not through the law of Moses but through the grace of God. Liberty, however, is not a license to sin.

1 & 2 CorinthiansIn today’s diverse world, the message of the Corinthian letters is timely and appropriate. Paul painted a portrait of the struggles of the early church in a pagan society and offered guidance on how to deal with adversity in life.

CERTIFICATE:NTTheologyCertificateofAchievement2

Year 4Genesis, vols. 1 and 2The history of the Israelite nation is introduced in the Genesis commentaries.OfspecialsignificancearethepromisesgiventoAbraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Exodus by Coy Roper, Ph.D.One of the most dramatic stories in the Bible is related in this study of Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. This studyof the laws and instructions God gave to His people in the old covenant reveals much about worship under the new covenant and Jesus’ role in our salvation.

LeviticusA key word that manifests itself repeatedly in the Book of Leviti-cus is “holy.” God set Israel apart for a special purpose, His holy purpose.

Numbers by Coy Roper, Ph.D.The Book of Numbers picks up the story of the Israelites where Exodus leaves off. The Promised Land was in sight, but fear and unbelief overshadowed the people.

DeuteronomyIn this next book of Moses, the wilderness wanderings wereover. Moses passed the torch of leadership and gave his farewell address, urging God’s people to live by the Law.

CERTIFICATE:OTHistoryCertificateofAchievement1

Year 5JoshuaThis volume underscores the message that God’s people can have victory through faith. God gave victory to the Israelites at Jericho, and He can crumble our walls as well.

JudgesJudges records Israel’s cycle of relapse, retribution, repentanceand rescue that occurred time and time again. We see God’sfaithfulness in this turbulent period of history.

1 and 2 SamuelThe consequences of sin are explored in this insightful study. The people of Israel cried out for a king, and God gave them Saul. The livesofIsrael’sfirsttwokingsarerecordedwithalltheirtriumphsand tragedies.

1 and 2 KingsWritten from the standpoint of the prophets who were callingthe people back to God, 1 and 2 Kings further record the historyof God’s people. This history attests to the truth that God is incontrol and will not be mocked.

1 and 2 ChroniclesRepetition provides emphasis. Although Chronicles documents the same time period as Kings, they are not duplicates. These books, read in tandem, offer a wonderful study of the Lord’sactivities in behalf of His people and the justice of His judgments.

Ezra, Nehemiah, EstherThese books reference the Jews’ return from captivity and high-light the certainty that God is the God of the second chance.Another explored theme is the providence of God.

CERTIFICATE:OTHistoryCertificateofAchievement2

Year 6Job by Don Shackelford, Th.D.The Book of Job wrestles with the problem of suffering. Inresponse to his plea for answers, Job was given a revelation of God’s sovereignty and care for His creation that continues tooffer comfort to those who are struggling.

Psalms 1—50 andPsalms 51—89 by Eddie Cloer, D.Min.TheJews’songbookisfilledwithpoemsofpraiseandpetitionto God. Some of the most familiar and comforting portions ofthe Scriptures are within this book. In addition to verse-by-verse exposition,thesecommentariesarefilledwithapplications.

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of SolomonThesepoeticbooksareclassifiedaswisdomliterature.Reverencefor God, seeking happiness in Him, and the sanctity of married love are featured themes.

Biblical Interpretation, vols. 1 and 2 The essential task of trying to understand the meaning ofScripture is at the heart of these volumes. Correct interpretation focuses on understanding a passage in its context as well as how to apply it to people today.

Daniel by Edward P. Myers, Ph.D.TheBookofDanielisdividedintotwosections.Thefirsthalfishistorical; the last half is prophetic. The prophetic section uses classic apocalyptic language meant to comfort the faithful.

CERTIFICATE: OTTheologyCertificateofAchievement1

Year 7Isaiah by Don Shackelford, Th.D.A unique book of prophecy, Isaiah balances judgment and hope. The message not only had immediate intent for the eighth century B.C., but it also anticipated the promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel by Denny Petrillo, Ph.D.Bible students will learn more about God and His divine presence by studying this book. Individual Christians will grow in faith and understanding of the nature of God’s righteousness and love for His children.

Jeremiah and Lamentations by Dayton Keesee, M.A.Thefirsthalfofthisstudyfeaturesanextensiveintroductionthat provides an in-depth look at the prophet’s personal life and his bold mission. In part two, the ruin of God’s chosen nation at the hands of Babylon is reviewed. Finally, the prophet’s reactionto the tragic fall of Jerusalem is captured in the poetic Book of Lamentations.

The Minor Prophets, vols. 1 through 3These volumes present a panorama of Israel’s religion during a critical time in history. The last twelve books of the Old Testament emphasize through prophecy that God is God! A special section addresses the period between the Old and New Testaments.

CERTIFICATE: OTTheologyCertificateofAchievement2

RequirementsStudents must meet the follow-ingqualifications:

Be committed to a diligent •study of the Scriptures.

Have a working knowl-•edge of the English lan-guage.

Be 21 years of age or older.•

Maintain a “C” or above •average in their scholastic work to receive a scholar-ship.

Faithfully attend the classes •that are offered, except in the case of sickness or death in the family.

Take all of the required •tests.

The grading scale used to as-sess student performance is as follows:

Grade Standard

A 100-90% Excellent

B 89-80% Good

C 79-70% Average

D 69-60% Below Average

F 59% or less Failure

If a student receives a below-average grade, he or she will be dropped from the program.

ScholarshipsScholarships will be provided for students who qualify for them. The scholarships cover only the cost of the commen-taries, and upon successful completion of the course the books will belong to the stu-dent. Scholarships will be awarded one semester at a time, and students must re-apply each semester.

Testing ProceduresTests will be provided for the school’s dean to administer via secured website. A test will be given each week, and a com-prehensive test will be given at the conclusion of each book. Instructions on how to access the test will be provided to the deans via e-mail.

CertificatesAcertificatewillbeawardedfor each semester completed. Thecertificateshowsthatthestudent has demonstrated a ba-sic understanding of the study material.

Termination ClauseA student’s involvement in the school will be terminated for any immoral behavior, dishon-esty,orinsufficientgrades.

Value and Far-Reaching InfluenceThis Reading-based School of Biblical Studies provides the highest quality of instruction for those wishing to prepare themselves for a lifetime of teaching the Word of God. The student may keep his current job, attend a class one evening a week, and prepare his work in the remaining nights of the week. The school seeks to bring the classroom study of the Bible to the student regard-less of where he may live in the world.

Class Schedule

Semester 1Note: Assigned reading does not include application sections. Those are reserved for classroom use.

Book Week In Class AssignmentLife of 1 Introduction 1-100Christ Vol. 1 2 Test 1 101-214

3 Test 2 215-364 4 Test 3 365-478 5 Test 4 479-582 6 Test 5 Review

Life of 7 Comp. Test 9-156Christ Vol. 2 8 Test 1 157-277

9 Test 2 278-41110 Test 3 412-51011 Test 4 511-64712 Test 5 Review

Mt. 1–13 13 Comp. Test 1-10814 Test 1 109-20415 Test 2 205-30016 Test 3 301-39217 Test 4 393-45818 Test 5 Review19 Comp. Test

Instructions for the DeansEach satellite school has an appointed dean who will oversee as-signments, administer tests, and report grades.

General Directives:

Prepare a roster of your students and send to this address: 1. readingbasedschool@biblecourses.com.Meet with your students to distribute commentaries, make 2. reading assignments, and mark test dates. (See the “class schedule”sectionofthiscatalogforspecificreadingassign-mentsforthefirstsemester.)Testswillbegivenonceaweek.Assigning additional practical work is encouraged. Applica-3. tion of what is being learned is essential.

Testing Instructions:

Access tests and answer keys online at 1. www.biblecourses.com/English/rsbsSend test scores to 2. readingbasedschool@biblecourses.comDestroy the graded tests once grades have been recorded.3.

Morespecificinstructionswillbe e-mailed directly to the deans.

FacultyCloer, Eddie, D.Min. Dr. Cloer has preached the gospel for over 40 years. He has authored numerous books and teaches Bible and preaching at Harding University. Dr. Cloer also serves as the gen-eral editor for Truth for Today.

Crain, Jr., Sellers, D.Min. Dr. Crain has taught and preached for 50 years. He has authored more than 1,500 articles and 37 curricu-lum books. Dr. Crain has taught in the public school system and in several schools of biblical studies.

Edwards, Earl, D.Miss. Dr. Edwards has ministered in both the US and Italy. He taught at Harding University and served as the dean of the School of Biblical Studies at Freed-Hardeman Univer-sity. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor in the Graduate Bible program.

Keesee, Dayton, M.A. Mr. Keesee has served as an instructor at the Sunset School of Preaching for 21 years. He has also preached full-time in several US states and internationally. His classroom duties have expanded to include taped courses featured in Sun-set’s satellite school program.

Lockhart, Jay, M.A. Mr. Lockhart ministered for 23 years in Texas and is now serving the church in Kentucky. He has hosted both TV and radio programs and has written several Christian publications.

McLarty, Bruce, D.Min. Dr. McLarty is the Vice President of Spiritual Life at Harding University. He has done mission workin Kenya and has preached for many years in the US.

Myers, Edward, Ph.D. Dr. Myers is a Professor of Bible and Christian Doctrine at Harding University and has served as a min-ister in several states. He is the author of several books.

Olbricht, Owen, M.A., M.R.E. Mr. Olbricht has spent a lifetime in ministry. He has led evangelistic efforts around the world and in 30 states within the US.

Pace, Martel, M.Div. Mr. Pace has preached for over 50 years. He has served congregations in four states within the US and is currently the Involvement Minister at a church in Alabama, as well as a part-time teacher at Faulkner University.

Petrillo, Denny, Ph.D. Dr. Petrillo is the President of Bear Valley Bible Institute. He has conducted more than 300 gospel meetings and seminars in the US and abroad. Dr. Petrillo has also written several commentaries.

Roper, Coy, Ph.D. Dr. Roper has preached in the US, Canada, and Australia. He has taught at Western Christian College, Michi-gan Christian College, Lipscomb University, and Heritage Chris-tian University. Presently, Dr. Roper preaches in Texas and writes for Truth for Today.

Roper, David, M.S. Mr. Roper served as a missionary in Aus-tralia and has preached for many years in the US. He has written numerous tracts, books, and booklets. Mr. Roper has served as associate editor and full-time writer for Truth for Today.

Shackelford, Don, Th.D. Dr. Shackelford taught for 30 years at Harding University and served as chairman of the Bible Depart-ment at Lubbock Christian University. He also served as a mis-sionary in Italy. Presently, Dr. Shackelford is the Old Testament adviser for Truth for Today World Mission School.

Warden, Duane, Ph.D. Dr. Warden served as the chairman of the Bible Department at Ohio Valley University and later as Associate Dean at Harding University. He has published several essays and articles.

Frequently Asked QuestionsCan females be part of the RSBS program?1.

Yes, women are a vital part of the Lord’s work and are encouraged to take advantage of the program.

Is there a limit to the number of students who can participate 2. in the program?

We are encouraging classes of ten students; however, arrangements for additional students may be made if the area dean writes and expresses the special circumstances.

Can the dean be a student?3.

Thedeancanbeastudent,buthemustfindsomeonewho isqualifiedandabletoadministertestsinhisplace.

Can students be non-Christians?4.

Yes, but they will not receive the scholarship for the books. They must pay to receive the books. The scholarships are reserved for Christians training to become leaders in the church.

Do the commentaries have to be returned after the class is 5. finished?

No, the commentaries will belong to the students.

Truth for Today World Mission School2209 Benton, Searcy, AR 72143 USA

readingbasedschool@biblecourses.com501-268-7588 • www.biblecourses.com

“This study has really helped me understand more about the Bible and how to teach others.”

M. Moseley, RSBS student

“I’ve been a Christian for 20 years, and this study has made me think of things in a different way and see things I never have before.”

H. Riley, RSBS student

“The Mars Hill congregation has had an ongoing training program for several years. The greatest challenge of our program has been findingteachers who can study, produce, and present the classes we wanted and needed. Through RSBS we have the teacher and materials. We are already reapingthebenefitsbyseeingtheconfidenceandabilitiesofourstudentsincrease with their knowledge.”

David Riley, RSBS dean

“I’vealwayshaddifficultystudyingandnotjustreadingtheScriptures.This class has helped me by holding me accountable to myself to be more determined to stay on task.”

B. Adkisson, RSBS student