The idea behind the Bible Institute movement came about during the early 20th century. James M. Gray was one of the most famous Bible teachers of that era and he was a key player in helping establish what we know today as a Bible Institute. Gray served as dean/president of Moody Bible Institute for more than two decades. He had worked alongside Dwight L. Moody, and was academically qualified to lead an educational institution into the twentieth century.
His book, How To Master the English Bible, which was written in 1904, sparked a new interest in how to read and study the Bible and offered an amazingly simple approach to study. In fact he offered nothing that seems like advanced or specialized knowledge. His program was so basic that it has been ignored by many, but it still really works when the student will try it.
What was that fundamental idea? Just study one course or book of the Bible at a time. And study it over and over again until you had mastered it. That is the primary idea behind the BBN Bible Institute. Unlike the contemporary college schedule, the Institute allows the student to take just one course at a time and to take as long as needed to learn the material before moving on.
There are many ways to study the Bible, and most are profitable; however there is one method that is not beneficial although the student may pass the course and earn a certificate. That is the one where the student rushes to finish and just retains enough to answer the questions and pass the course. Then in a few days or weeks knows nothing of what they have studied.
At BBN BI, we believe there is more to it than just seeing how quickly you can finish listening and pass the test. Bible Study should never be rushed and our interest is in training students who may study at their own pace, take as much time as necessary, and master the material. We desire all of our students to learn the Word of God so the principles taught can be retained and used throughout one’s life.
Remember the goal is not to get a Certificate, but to receive the knowledge, strength, and help that only comes from knowing God’s precious Word and living by it!