5 THINGS MORE VALUABLE THAN MONEY.
Unit 1: Godly Wisdom
Sometimes it seems like people think our faith is some sort of "blind faith" and that people are expected to check their brains at the door when it comes to religion. In this unit we will look at some of the most compelling reasons to fall in love with the Bible and the view of the world it produces.
Unit 1: Female Testimony
Dr. Carolyn Ratcliffe
Dr. Carolyn Ratcliffe was one of my favorite professors when I was in school at Wayland Baptist University. She was tough, so smart, and obviously in love with Jesus!
I had the privilege of attending two classes with her: Old Testament Survey and The Latter Prophets. While learning from her, I found that she had devoted herself to the study of the Old Testament scriptures. It was fascinating to hear her talk and share her passion for the messages God sent mankind through these incredible people.
When preparing this Mini-course for you all, I asked myself, "Who is the wisest woman I know?" Almost immediately, I thought of Dr. Ratcliffe.
I had no idea whether or not she would be able to join us. I am so glad she did. I am sure you will be too. Please, give this woman your fullest attention. She as earned it and you will be glad you did! Enjoy.
Unit 1: Male Testimony
Kent Winders
I met Kent Winders about four years ago when I started working with his brother Kerry. Kent has had Multiple Sclerosis for a long time and he is currently restricted to a wheelchair. According to Kent, this condition has helped him draw nearer to God so, when I was thinking about people who found godly wisdom in unexpected places, Kent Winders came to mind. Please, take the time to watch this video. You will be blessed to see and hear God working through this man. Enjoy!
Unit 1 Lab
Live lab session recorded with Kent Winders
Unit 2: Practical Skills
Have you ever heard the phrase, "That person is so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good"? In this unit we will explore the tragic nature of that apparent truth. Join us as we explore the immensely practical nature of the Gospel, God's will for our lives, and the way that practical skills are more valuable than money.
Unit 2: Female Testimony
Melissa Houston
Melissa and I met about 15 years ago when she and her family attended the same church. Melissa moved not long after we met but, we have been able to reconnect through social media and most recently through School of the Word. While attending our Purpose vs. Privilege mini-course, Melissa reached out with hopes of sharing her testimony. As she spoke, I thought she would be a wonderful addition to this event. I am sure you are going to love hearing the story of how God gave Melissa some practical skills that helped her overcome some extremely difficult circumstances in her life. Her passion is contagious. Enjoy.
Unit 2: Lab
Unit 2: Male Testimony
Doug Rawlins
I first met Doug Rawlins in 2016. I was attending a conference in New Orleans with one of my cousins and a great friend of mine. As you will see Doug is a fireball. One of his favorite phrases is "Fire it Up." Doug has been involved in leadership in many capacities. He has been a coach, a principle, an entrepreneur, and a leader of churches and men's ministry. I love speaking with Doug and in this session, he will speak to you about the practical skills associated with leadership. Enjoy!
Live lab recording.
Unit 3: Healthy Relationship with God
Don't let the title fool you. There are a lot of different ways to think about our relationship with God. In this unit we are going to explore a couple of truths you may not have considered.
Unit 3: Female Testimony
Alecha Sheppard
Alecha Sheppard and I have been friends for close to 25 years! Both of us believe we are gifted as evangelists and we have encouraged each other to use those gifts on a regular basis. When lining up speakers for this event I was planning to ask her to speak about evangelism but as we discussed the things that are currently going on in her life I decided to put her in this Session instead. Alecha is currently teaching music in a Title 1 school while getting her PhD in Education specializing in curriculum and instruction in the College of Education at Texas Tech University. You are going to love this testimony. Enjoy!
Unit 3: Male Testimony
Jonathan Wright
I have known Jonathan Wright since about 1996 or 1997. We met each other just after I accepted Christ and came to school at Wayland Baptist University to get my degrees in Religion and Religious Education. Jonathan was still in High School at the time. We worked together changing oil at a place called Jiffy Lube. Since then we have been able to stay in touch and build a meaningful relationship. Jonathan is one of the most incredible men I know. He embodies today's subject, unlike anyone I ave ever met. I am so glad I get to introduce you to him and I am honored that he would come here and share this word with us all. Enjoy!
Unit 4: Healthy Relationship with Yourself
The individual human soul is the most valuable thing on earth. In this unit we will look at the importance and value of having a healthy relationship with yourself.
Unit 4: Female Testimony
Pastor Elaine Briefman
I met Pastor Elaine Briefman while attending a webinar like this about 1 year ago. I asked her to speak with us during this session because she is an expert in a field she calls "identity abuse." You can learn more about Pastor Elaine, get a copy of her book, or join one of her courses by visiting her website: identityabuse.com.
In this video, Elaine Briefman tells us about Identity Abuse, some of the symptoms of it, and ways we can follow God's Spirit to a place of healing and freedom. Enjoy!
Unit 4: Male Testimony
Robert Ragland
Robert Ragland is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He operates his own private practice and he is the worship leader at our church. Robert is one of the biggest reasons I have chosen to live a transparent life. He is my brother-in-law and he is an incredible friend. In this video, Robert is going to tell us part of his testimony and a little bit about how he started practicing self-care, and why he encourages us to learn how to practice this life-giving discipline. This may be the most practical and helpful video in this Mini-Course. Enjoy!
Unit 4: Lab
Live lab recording.
Unit 5: Healthy Relationship with Others
There are a lot of undervalued people in this world. In this unit we will look briefly into three wonderful relationships that are worth more than money.
Unit 5: Testimony
JR and Danelle Contreras
I asked JR Contreras and his wife Danelle to share their thoughts with us because they are the founders of a marriage ministry. Initially, they planned to work with couples whose marriage was in crisis. As they did that they found that there was a great need to work with people regarding marriage enrichment. Before long they found themselves getting opportunities to provide pre-marital counseling. Now they are even finding opportunities to interact with youth and teach them about marriage before they are even in a serious relationship. I think this testimony is a wonderful complement to today's message and I am confident that it will be a blessing to you as you hear it. Enjoy!
Unit 5: Male Testimony
Kerry Winders
Kerry Winders and I have been friends for about 5 years now. I first met Kerry at a Bible study. About a year later Kerry became my boss. Kerry and I have worked together for the past 4 years. He has taught me a lot and helped me acquire practical skills that have helped me provide for my family in what can be a very competitive and lucrative industry. I asked Kerry to share his testimony with us because he was one of my first "students" at School of the Word. Since we work together he got an ear full of excitement from me each time I saw something new in the scriptures. We have had a lot of fun together. I think you will have fun watching this conversation. Enjoy!
Unit 4: Lab
Unit 6: Help us tell more people about Jesus
As you have seen, there are a lot of things more valuable than money. One of those things is being part of a community that will tell you the truth. This unit is designed to give you several ways to be part of what we doing here at School of the Word. We are so thankful that you have participated with us in this event. We hope that it has been a blessing to you and the people within your sphere of influence. Remember, we do events like these during the 2nd week of each month. We hope that they will inspire you to read the Bible for yourself and that they will help you share what you have learned with the world. Thank you for participating. Please, don't stop or leave without giving us some honest feedback about your experience.
Please, take the time to complete this survey. The entire process should take less than 5 minutes.
Thank you,
Chris Craig
Founder of the
(806)224-9606
thebibleisnotabook@gmail.com
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In addition to events like these, School of the Word currently has three ways of inspiring people to read the Bible for themselves and helping them share what they learn with the world.
1. We have a Bible Reading Plan.
Get a free copy of the plan at thebibleisnotabook.com/biblereadingplans
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Proverbs 23:23 says, "Buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom and instruction and understanding."
We realize that the proper understanding of that verse is that "truth is an asset that you should buy and hold because it appreciates with time and pays dividends to the one that possesses it."
Here at School of the Word though, we currently use Proverbs 23:23 as a guide for the way we make mini-courses like The Mechanics of Momentum available to people.
Is it possible for a person to buy truth if truth is not for sale?
I think so.
The way a person can buy truth from a person who is not selling it is by honoring the person who delivered the truth to them. That is why this sort of offering is sometimes called an "honorarium."
You are under absolutely no obligation to compensate us financially for the content of this course but, if you are willing to support us in this way we would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for prayerfully considering making a one-time donation to School of the Word. If you would like to make a recurring contribution contact me at any time.
