Welcome to the first step in furthering your Bible education!  We are honored that you have considered the Indiana Fundamental Bible College as your guide in developing your walk with Christ.  As you peruse through the Graduate programs, if you have any questions, please contact IFBC (info@go2ifbc.com) and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.

                                  

The Graduate Studies program is a two-year study designed to encompass the student in four major areas, academic work, travel and research, ministry and final examination.  This program is designed to be completely independent and flexible so that students in any stage of education may be able to participate.

The student completing this study should be well-versed in Biblical issues, have a thorough working knowledge of the Scriptures and a deep personal relationship with the Lord.  It is our desire to make this program challenging to not only the student's mind, but his spiritual self as well.

The following pages will describe in detail the requirements for completion of these degrees.

When you are ready to commit to the Graduate Studies Program, contact our office for a complete Graduate Studies Packet.

Tour / Travel

Can be substituted for Doctorate Thesis

Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it;

for I will give it unto thee.  Genesis 13:17

There is no education as real or as learned as actually being there and experiencing all of the sights and wonders of what you have so diligently studied.  This is an opportunity to study your choice of topic, research and visit appropriate locations and live a bit of history.

1.  Choose a person, place or thing of Biblical or religious history

1. Missionary, Martyr, Evangelist, Church, Religion, sect, etc.
   

2. The topic must relate to the cause of the Bible, Christianity or Jesus Christ.
   

3. Topic must also be contingent upon traveling to location to further study.
   

4. Museums may or may not count depending on degree of difficulty of subject.
   

5. Seek approval from counselor before finalizing trip as counting towards assingment fullfillment.
   

2.  Submit topic and paragraph pertaining to subject for approval

1. This should be a brief summery of topic and goals as to why topic was chosen.
   

3. 3. Read and document at least 25 books or references on subject.
   

4. The more reference the better.  Some topics do not have definitive books.  If your topic is on the Reformation, there are hundreds of books available.  If your topic is on missionary Isaac McCoy the research is a bit more sparse but it is available.
   

5. 
   

6. Articles sited from encyclopedias are acceptable for reference but not counted as a book.  Most encyclopedias list references from which they retrieved their information.  We suggest locating those books and study them directly.
   

4. 4. Travel to location.
   

5. Your location could be local or on another continent.  Be sure to choose a location that you can or are willing to visit.  Grades are not contingent upon difficulty or distance of location.  Documentation of travel is vital to assignment.
   

5. 5.Teach what you have learned to a group.  Teaching can be at location.
   

6. 15 minute minimum
   

7. Videotape presentation for submission.
   

6. 6. Report your findings.
   

7. Write a 2,500+ word report to convey your findings.
   

8. Site information from books and resources.
   

9. Provide pictures - At least one picture must include student at location.  Grade will not be contingent on student’s photography skills.  Student must take pictures and not copy them from books, internet or other sources.  Video tape is accepted as well.
   

Doctoral Dissertation

1. Can be substituted for Tour/Travel (above)
   

2. dis•ser•ta•tion: n. A lenghty, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
   

1. 1. Choose a person, place or thing of Biblical or religious history.
   

2. Missionary, Martyr, Evangelist, Church, Religion, sect, etc.
   

3. The topic must relate to the cause of the Bible, Christianity or Jesus Christ.
   

2. 2. Submit topic and paragraph pertaining to subject for approval.
   

3. This should be a brief summery of topic and goals as to why topic was chosen.
   

3. 3. Read and document at least 25 books or references on subject.
   

4. The more references the better.  Some topics do not have definitive books.  If your topic is on the Reformation, there are hundreds of books available.  If your topic is on missionary Isacc McCoy the documentation is sparse but it is available.
   

5. Articles sited from encyclopedias are acceptable for reference but not counted as a book.  Most encyclopedias list references from which they retrieved their information.  We suggest locating those books and study them directly.
   

4. 4. Teach what you have learned to a group.
   

5. 45 minute minimum
   

6. Video tape presentation for submission.
   

5. 5. Report your findings.
   

6. Write a 100 page report to convey your findings using MLA guidelines.
   

7. Site information from books and resources.
   

8. 
   

9. Times New Roman font
   

10. Approximately 300 words per page
    

11. 12-point font size
    

12. Double-spaced text
    

13. 1 inch margins
    

14. MLA syle  (Microsoft Word has a MLA template)
    

Commentary

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  Joshua 1:8

Adam Clarke, Matthew Henry, Jamison, Faussett & Brown, are just a few of the well known commentaries that are referenced daily in Biblical study.  These are from their perspective, we want to know what you think.  There is no better way of really delving into the Word of God than to write your own commentary.

DDiv, DBS  1.  Choose a book of the Bible from the Doctorate Program list and write a complete commentary being as thorough as possible with footnotes and references.

As you work on your commentary take in to consideration these two very important verses:

“...let God be true, but every man a liar...” Romans 3:4

“prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Bible Doctrines are what establish the Christian apart from other religions.  By using the Bible as our final authority in all matters of faith and practice, these foundational doctrines emerge unique and self evident.  The study of these doctrines further ground the believer in their faith in Jesus Christ.  There are some who believe that we should drop doctrines and just love God.  If they truly love God they would abide by His doctrines and recognize that doctrines are made to identify those who are His opposed to those who only claim to be His.

DDiv, ThD  2.  Write a 5000+ word essay on each of the 10 Bible doctrines.

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed.”  Amos 3:3

Bible Doctines:

Theology, Ecclesiology, Pneumatology, Christology, Angelology, Eschatology, Anthropology, Bibliology, Hamartiology, Soteriology

Doctorate Books:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Acts, Galations, Ephesians, Phillipians, Colossians,

I & II Thessalonians, Revelation

Reading

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he

may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these

statues, to do them:  Deuteronomy 17:19

God has given us the uncanny ability to take squiggly lines to which we assign sounds, create words, form sentences and entire books all for the purpose of communication.  If all we only read was the Bible from the time we could read until we died 100 years later, we would only be scratching the surface of what God has made available to us.  If our purpose in life is to please Him, we need to spend time reading about Him in order to find out what pleases Him.

ALL  1.  Read 10 pages or chapters a day in your Bible for 365 days

1. Fill out checklist and turn in with final.
   

2. Write a brief summary of 500+ words of how this assingment effected your spiritual walk and what you noticed by reading in this manner.
   

ALL  2.  Read a chronological Bible for one of your 10 page/chapter rotations.

500+ word report about your experience in reading this Bible.

DBS 3.  Read Fourfold Superiority of the King James Bible

1000+ word report about your experience

DDiv, DBS 4.  Read Annals of the World by James Usher

1000+ word report about your experience in reading the book.

DDiv, DBS 5.  Read Oxford Bible Atlas

1000+ word report about your experience in reading the book.

DDiv, ThD  6.  Read Loci Communes by Philip Melanchthon

1000+ word report about your experience.

DDiv, ThD  7.  Read Chafer’s Systematic Theology by Lewis Sperry Chafer

1000+ word report about your experience

DDiv  8.  Read the Pastor Preacher by William Quayle

500+ word report about your experience in reading the book.

Reformation Saints were wanton to read 3 books at least once a year; the Bible, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs and Pilgrims Progress.

Writing

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites.

Deuteronomy 17:18

1. DDiv  1a.  Hand write the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Bible.
   

DBS, ThD  1b.  Hand write a book from the Doctorate list of the Bible.

1. 1.Select an heirloom style plain lined journal
   

2. 2.Select a pen devoted specifically for this purpose
   

3. 3.If you print, use cursive for words in italics or vise versa
   

4. 4.Check it for errors
   

1. 2.  Write 10 letters to the editor of your local newspaper supporting Biblical positions to current events.
   

2. Include copies of letters and newspaper clippings with final report.
   

3. 
   

4. The letter to the editor is one of the best tools for the Christian to use in order to get his or her message out to the public.  They are easy to write and every community has at least one newspaper in which you can submit your letters.  Sending letters to the editor can help you achieve your goals because they:
   

1. 1.Reach a very large audience.
   

2. 2.Can be used to rebut information not accurately addressed in a news article or editorial.
   

3. 3.Create an impression of widespread support or opposition to an issue.
   

4. 4.Are widely read by community leaders and opion-makers to gauge public sentiment about current issues in the news.
   

The letters to the editor section of the newspaper is one of the most popular features in many newspapers.  In fact, most newspapers receive many more letters than they can print.  Even though they are not published, all leters are read by the editors, and may influence them in determining which topics should receive further attention or follow-up articles.

Do not hesitate to send letters to weekly, on-line, or community newspapers.  By submitting your letter to a newspaper with a smaller circulation, it is often easier to get your letter published.

It took John Wycliffe 8 months to a year to completely handwrite a Bible.

The following techniques should help you when writing your letter to the editor:

Be timely - Capitalize on recent news and events, within 24 hours of a story if possible.

Write to the Publication in which you read of the issue - If you read an article in newspaper X, write to newspaper X.  Chances are the newspaper Y will not be interested in printing your opinion on an item, which they did not carry.

Type or Write Clearly - Hand written letters are the best.  Make them legible.  Your letter doesn’t have to be professionally written or fancy, but you should use a typewriter or computer/word processor if your handwriting is hard to read or messy.  Hand sign your letter, whenever possible.

Addressing Your Letter Correctly - If you are mailing or delivering your letter, you should address your letter “To the Editor” or “Dear Editor.”  If you are sending your letter via email or fax, type “Letters to the Editor” in the topic or subject heading.

Keep Your Letter Short and on One Subject - Many newspapers will edit your letter before publishing it; in order to ensure a minimum amount of editing, always try to keep your letter smaller than 150 words in length.  Keeping your letter brief will help assure that the newspaper does not edit out your important points.  Some newspapers allow 4-500 words per letter.  Some only allow one letter per individual per 30 days.  Make sure to follow the paper’s letter submission guidelines, which are usually found on the editorial page of the paper.

Be Specific - If you are responding to a previous letter or article, include the title, author, and date (and possibly page number).  If you are mentioning a specific bill or law, include the appropriate number or title.

Include Your Daytime Contact Information - Most newspapers will not print a letter until they verify its authenticity.  Therefore, they require that your letters be signed, addressed, and daytime phone number be included for verification.

Follow-Up - If the newspaper doesn’t call you, call the newspaper.  Ask if they plan on printing your letter, and if not, see if they have any feedback for you.

Listening

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.  Mark 4:23

One of the blessings that we have today is the technology to be able to listen to the Bible as well as read it.  Listening allows you to enjoy God’s Word with the sense of hearing.

What better way to drive to and from work than to be blessed and plenished with the Word of God!  There are many different readers to choose from: the classical Scourby to the rich deep voice of James Earl Jones.  Depending on how old your technology is, there is even a recording of the Bible on 8-track tape!

1. 1.Listen to the entire Bible on tape, CD or MP3.
   

2. Scourby, Firefighters or other approved readings.
   

2. 2.Write a 500+ word report about your listening experience.
   

3. Record what you notice how this method of transmission effects you.  You will be amazed how fast you can get through the Bible while riding in your car.
   

4. Recordings available through bookstore
   

5. 3. Select a book from the Doctorate list and record yourself reading it out loud.
   

6. Select a book different than from the writing or commentary assignments.
   

4. Write a 500+ word report about your experience.

During the Reformation people would gather to hear the Bible

read to them in their own language.

Serving

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself

servant unto all, that I might gain the more.  I Corinthians 9:19

It would be safe to assume the reason you are seeking a graduates degree in this field is to be able to better serve God and man.  The Bible states “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”  Luke 12:48.  This assignment is designed to put your book learning to task.  What good does it do if you have all of this newly found knowledge and yet do no share it with anyone?  You will find that the blessing of service will be found more in your favor than in others.

1. Participate for 8 weeks in some type of ministry. 

1. Seek approval before starting assignment.
   

2. Teach a class on the Bible
   

3. Jail Ministry
   

4. Bus ministry
   

5. Lead a VBS
   

6. Nursing Home ministry
   

7. Missions to Missionary program
   

8. Other
   

9. Pastors may pre-qualify for credit on this assignment.
   

10. If students are currently involved in some type of service, ask advisor for applied credit
    

For, brethern, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty

for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  Galatians 5:13

Praying

“Pray without ceasing.” I Thessalonians 5:17

“...the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Is it more important to pray or read the Bible?  In either case, neither is done enough today.  This assignment should challenge you to do both and kick-start your spiritual life in to maximum growth.

1. Pick a missionary, ministry, or mission to make a petition to God.

1. Petition for at least 30 days.
   

2. Fast at least once a week within those 30 days
   

3. 
   

4. 2. Put together a list of memebers of your church and pray for them by name.
   

3. Read 2 books on prayer from the list below.

1. 500+ word report about your journey
   

Robert Sheffey was a great prayer warrior.

It was said that whatever he prayed for, came to be.

Critique

ThD, DBS ONLY - Not for Doctorate of Divinity

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” I Thessalonians 5:21

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they recieved the word

with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things

were so.” Acts 17:11

Every year there are thousands of books, movies, and movements that claim to be Biblically inspired or directly opposed to Jesus Christ and the Bible, yet Christians get caught up in the emotion and excitement to their shame.  As a representative of Jesus Christ, we must be ready to answer any subject with the truth of the Bible.

1. 1.Select a book, movie, or other media dealing with a Bible doctrine of which a person might think is the truth, yet when compared to the Bible, it isn’t.
   

2. 2.Write a 10,000+ word paper disproving the premise using the Bible as your final authority.
   

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Ephesians 4:14

Debate

“...and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith

which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 1:3

The number one thing that the world hates most is God’s word, the Bible.  Even those who proclaim to be a follower of the Bible refuse to submit themselves to it.  This assignment is geared towards the student honing their skills by choosing a topic and skillfully debating each point by using the Bible and simple logic.  The key to effective debate is to stick to the issues at hand and push for and allow the truth to withstand scrutiny.  Avoid ad hominem attacks and issues that do not relate to the issue at hand.  If you stick to the facts and deal with them at face value, your work will be accepted as factual and honest.  One must also remember that as a follower of Jesus Christ, one must represent themselves in the such same fashion.

DDiv, DBS  1. Select a current event or belief such as: Captial punishment, abortion, gay marriage, global warming, etc.

1. Write a 10,000+ word essay defending the Biblical perspective.  (List resources)
   

1. ThD  2. Select a doctrine from a cult, or other denomination such as: Mormonism, Jehova’s witness, Islam, Roman Catholicism, etc.
   

2. Write a 10,000+ word essay defending the Biblical perspective.  (List resources)
   

God told Adam to keep his garden.  We as followers of Jesus Christ are to keep His garden as well and we have failed to do so.  Had we stood up and kept our garden, we would not be having the discussions about abortion, homosexual marriage, etc.  We as Christians are to be salt and from the headlines, we have los our savor.  Learn the issues and be able to present the argument of which the Bible stands.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Edmund Burke

Civic Involvement

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall you Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

Matthew 7:11

The gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to be brought to the world.  If we only kkep to our local church, then the world is not being evangelized.  Many of these civic organizations attempt to do that which the church is supposed to be doing yet without the influence of the church.  By participating with these organizations, you would be involved with the local community and keeping a pulse on what is happening.

1. 1.Write 8-10 letters to state and national leaders supporting Biblical positions to current events.
   

2. Relate topics to current events or situations that the legislators that you voted to put into office can do something about.  Homosexual Marriage, abortion, capitol punishment are but a few Biblically based topics that are currently having legislation constantly amended.
   

3. 
   

4. Include copies of letters and responses in final report along with a list of your legislators.
   

5. 
   

6. The purpose of this exercise is to let your legislators that you voted into office know what concerns you.  They work for you.  They are supposed to vote the way their constituents tell them to vote.  If you do not contact them with your concerns, only those who do will be heard.  On any given topic, on any given day, one written letter or 7 phone calls are considered a landslide.  Your opinion counts and must be heard.
   

2. 2.Participate with a civic club or organization
   

3. Some civic organizations include:
   

4. Chamber of Commerce, Right to Life, Kiwanis, Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salvation Army, Lions Club, Crisis Pregnancy Centers, American Red Cross, Rotary International
   

5. 
   

6. Some organizations are merely social clubs and are not considered proper for this assignment or of condoning their programs.
   

7. Eastern Star, Knights Templar, Elks, Masonry, Eagles, Knights of Columbus (Roman Catholic)
   

8. Not all organizations listed may be suitable within your community.  Select that which best fits your standards.
   

3. 3.Write a 500+ word essay about your experience.
   

1. Meet with all of your legislators and leaders and get photos with them for assignment.
   

2. State Senator(s), Local Police Chief, Local Sheriff, State Congressmen, Local Fire Chief
   

3. 
   

4. Attend 3 local city or town council meetings and introduce yourself to them.
   

5. Attend 3 local School Board meetings
   

4. 4.Write a 1000+ word essay about your experience.
   

Doctorate Books

1. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, I & II Kings, I & II Chronicles, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, Colossians,
   

2. I & II Thessalonians, Revelation
   

Prayer Books by E. M. Bounds

1. Prayer and Praying Men
   

2. The Necessity of Prayer  
   

3. Thy Will Be Done
   

4. Power Through Prayer  
   

5. Preacher and Prayer
   

6. Obtaining Answers Through Prayer
   

7. The Possibilities of Prayer
   

8. Purpose In Prayer
   

9. Reality of Prayer
   

10. The Weapon of Prayer
    

11. Essentials of Prayer