SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BIBLE INSTITUTE

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BIBLE INSTITUTE Student Handbook www.swfbi.org 1435 Collingswood Blvd Port Charlotte, FL 33948 941-625-3255 SouthWest Florida Bible Institute, Inc is a non-profit 501(c)3

Table of Contents Page Welcome 1 About SouthWest Florida Bible Institute 2 Statement of Faith 3 Courses 4 Course Descriptions 5-8 Class Schedules 9 Associate in Biblical Studies (ABS) degree 9 Requirements 9 Certificates 10 Books and Materials 10 Completing a Course 10 Instructors 11-12 Accreditation 13 Board of Directors 14 i

Welcome Thank you for choosing SouthWest Florida Bible Institute for your Christian education needs. Today, many Christians are looking for a deeper understanding of God s Word, a need which may not be fully met in a basic Sunday school class or home Bible study. Others want to work towards a degree in Biblical Studies in preparation for ministry or serious Bible teaching. Although there are many tools available that can assist the Christian in the search for answers, learning how to use those tools can be difficult and challenging. SWFBI will provide solid instruction on how to use these tools and guidance in areas the student may not be familiar with. Our desire is for you to be prepared to rightly teach the Word of God and be confident to answer those tough questions posed by family, friends, co-workers or the Sunday school student. We endeavor to help you achieve your goals no matter what they are. In Christ, Rev. Dr. James Scafidi 1

About SouthWest Florida Bible Institute SouthWest Florida Bible Institute offers an Associate in Biblical Studies (ABS) degree as well as a Certificate of Study for those who do not want to pursue a degree. The Associate in Biblical Studies (ABS) degree consists of 20 courses (60 credits) geared to giving you a comprehensive education in the Biblical disciplines. The Certificate of Studies program is for the student who just wants to take a course and learn more about God s Word without the extra course work. Our highly qualified and experienced Instructors are here to assist you so that you receive the best possible Biblical education in a friendly and personal environment. SouthWest Florida Bible Institute is a non-denominational Institute and is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors who want to see the Word of the Lord taught and spread throughout the world. SouthWest Florida Bible Institute is a faith-based organization supported solely by donations. It was founded with you, the life-long Bible student in mind. 2

Statement of Faith We believe the Bible to be the inspired, and only inerrant, infallible, immutable, authoritative Word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, regeneration of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. 3

Courses Department: Old Testament (OT) Credits Instructor 101 Jewish Roots of Christianity I 3 credits Mr. Schilstra 102 Geography of Biblical Peoples I 3 credits Dr. Cooper 103 Geography of Biblical Peoples II 3 credits Dr. Cooper 104 The Pentateuch 3 credits Dr. Simmons 105 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew 3 credits Mr. Gonzalez 106 Jewish Roots of Christianity II 3 credits Mr. Schilstra Department: New Testament (NT) 101 Book of Romans 3 credits Dr. Lindow 102 First & Second Peter 3 credits Dr. Lindow 103 Christianity & Islam 3 credits Dr. Cassidy 104 Church History 3 credits Dr. Cassidy 105 Introduction to Biblical Greek 3 credits Mr. Gonzalez Department: Theology (TH) 101 Eschatology (The End Times) 3 credits Dr. Sefik 102 World Views 3 credits Mr. Kroeger 103 Introduction to Theology 3 credits Dr. Simmons 104 Apologetics 3 credits Dr. Scafidi 105 Roman Catholicism in a Biblical Perspective 3 credits Dr. Sefik Department: General Studies (GS) 101 Creation Studies I 3 credits Dr. McCombs 102 Creation Studies II 3 credits Dr. McCombs 103 Christian Foundation for America s 3 credits Judge Bell Political Philosophy I 104 Christian Foundation for America s 3 credits Judge Bell Political Philosophy II 105 Biblical Archaeology 3 credits Dr. Thompson (Courses and Instructors Subject to Change) (Courses in Bold are required for ABS students) 4

Course Descriptions Old Testament Studies (OT) OT 101 Jewish Roots of Christianity I. Discover the foundation of Christianity from its Old Testament roots as you ve never thought of before. Eye-opening and profound. Instructor: Mr. Glenn Schilstra OT 102 Geography of Biblical Peoples I. Who were the Hittites, Amorites, Jebusites and many other of the ancient peoples mentioned in the Bible? How did they live? What did they believe? How did they interact with the Jewish nation? Find out in this very important course to help you understand the nations of the Bible. Instructor: Dr. Victor Cooper OT 103 Geography of Biblical Peoples II. A continuation of course 102. Taking course 101 is recommended but not required. Instructor: Dr. Victor Cooper OT 104 The Pentateuch. This course explores the Old Testament Law and especially the first five books of the Old Testament from Genesis through Deuteronomy. Instructor: Dr. Tommy Simmons ThM, DMin. OT 105 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew. This course is for the student with little to no experience with Old Testament Biblical Hebrew. Instructor: Mr. Fran Gonzalez, ThM OT 106 Jewish Roots of Christianity II. A continuation of 101. It is recommended that students take 101 first but it is not required. Instructor: Mr. Glenn Schilstra 5.

New Testament Studies (NT) NT 101 The book of Romans. Explore in detail maybe the most profound doctrinal book in the Bible. Author Dr. Kenneth Lindow will teach the truths of God s Word as found in this most extraordinary book. Instructor: Dr. Kenneth Lindow NT 102 First and Second Peter. A detailed study of these two books by author Dr. Kenneth Lindow will open up a wealth of understanding from these two remarkable books. Instructor: Dr. Dr. Kenneth Lindow NT 103 Christianity & Islam. Expert on the subject of Islam Dr. Cassidy offers insight into the religion of this belief system and shares how to witness to and understand the Muslim world. Instructor: Dr. Ruth Cassidy NT 104 Church History. An overview of the History of Christianity and the good and not so good of the church throughout the ages. A must for those who love history and want to be able to answer the critics regarding this most misunderstood subject. Instructor: Dr. Ruth Cassidy NT 105 Introduction to Biblical Greek. For the student with little to no experience in Biblical Greek but desires to learn the basics. Instructor: Mr. Fran Gonzalez 6

Theological Studies (TH) TH 101 Eschatology (The End Times). Are we living in the End-Times? What does the Bible really say about this topic? How do we make sense of the prophecies and Revelation? This course will guide you in the right direction. Instructor: Dr. Tom Sefik TH 102 World Views. Everyone has a world view but not everyone can clearly explain theirs. What are the different world views and what is the Christian world view? Find out in this informative course. Instructor: Mr. Erick Kroeger TH 103 Introduction to Theology. Everyone is a theologian. We all have our view of the main subjects of theology- God, the Bible, Angels, Salvation, etc. The question is are we good theologians? Learn the basic doctrines of the Bible in this course. Instructor: Dr. Tommy Simmons TH 104 Apologetics. This is not about apologizing for our faith it is about knowing how to defend (apology) what we believe and to be equipped to answer the critics. Instructor: Dr. Jim Scafidi TH 105 Roman Catholicism in a Biblical Perspective. With over 1 billion Catholics in the world this course will help you know what they believe and why. What do they teach about the Bible, the Trinity, Mary, and other doctrines. A must for those with catholic family and friends. Instructor: Dr. Tom Sefik 7

General Biblical Studies (GS) GS 101 Creation Studies I. A study of creationism provides a Biblical foundation where we can explain the world around us according to scripture, counter the spiritual warfare of evolution and provide others with reasons to believe that all scripture is correct, including Genesis 1:1 and Acts 16:31. Instructor: Dr. Charles McCombs GS 102 Creation Studies II. This course continues the in-depth study begun in CS I. The student will go deeper into the course to become proficient in the field of Creation Studies. Students do not need to have taken Creation Studies 101 but it is recommended. Instructor: Dr. Charles McCombs GS 103 Christian Foundation for America s Political Philosophy I. This course will help you understand the foundation and principles behind our nations laws and governance. You will understand what our Founding Fathers intended and how they came to craft the documents of our nation under Judeo-Christian beliefs. Instructor: Judge Peter Bell GS 104 Christian Foundation for America s Political Philosophy II. A continuation of 103 above. Students are not required to take part I but it is recommended. Instructor: Judge Peter Bell GS 105 Biblical Archaeology. A comprehensive look at the important role archaeology has played in confirming the accuracy and integrity of the Bible. The students will learn about the various sites and discoveries of Biblical archaeology and especially the Dead Sea Scrolls. Instructor: Dr. Steve Thompson. 8

Class Schedule Classes are once per week for nine weeks. Each class is one and a half hours long. Times and days will vary by semester. Please check the web site frequently. Associate in Biblical Studies (ABS) degree All courses are Tuition Free. Academic year: Semester I. Quarter 1: August-October. Semester I. Quarter 2: October-December. Semester II. Quarter 3: January-March. Semester II. Quarter 4: March-May. Grades: All courses taken for credit towards the Associate degree in Biblical Studies (ABS) must be passed with a grade of 70% or above. ABS Requirements: (All courses are Tuition Free!) Students must pass all courses with a minimum of 70% average grade. Complete all required course work for grade as determined by the Instructor. Attend all classes. (Speak with Instructor regarding any missed classes.) Note: Students in the ABS program should consult with their local pastor or Denominational headquarters regarding their requirements for ordination either locally or nationally and whether SWFBI ABS credits would be accepted. Those looking to transfer to a Bible college or seminary should first consult with that school as to whether they will accept any course work or credits from SWFBI. 9

Certificate of Studies Program. (All courses are Tuition Free.) To receive a Certificate of Studies a student should successfully attend all classes. (Speak with Instructor regarding any missed classes.) Books and Materials All books and class materials are to be purchased by the student at his or her own expense. Books and materials will be determined by the Instructor. Please check on-line for books and materials required for the course. SWFBI does not provide books so the student will need to acquire books on their own. Completing a Course Each student will attend all classes. However, sometimes this is not always possible. If the student misses classes the awarding of a Certificate or the credit for the class towards the ABS degree will be at the discretion of the Instructor with guidance from the Institute President and Board of Directors. Each case will be looked at on an individual basis. 10

Instructors Rev. Dr. James Scafidi, Founder/President DBS- Masters Divinity School MRE- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary BS-University of New Hampshire ACSI Professional Lifetime Bible Specialist Judge Peter Bell. South Texas College of Law (J.D.) University of South Florida B.A. Hillsborough Community College A.A. Dr. Ruth Cassidy DICS- Fuller Theological Seminary MTS- Tyndale Seminary Dr. Victor Cooper. Slidell Baptist Seminary ThM. Miami University- Oxford, OH. Mr. Francisco Gonzalez, Dean- New Testament Studies Th. M- Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary M Div- Asian Theological Seminary BS- University of the Philippines Mr. Frederick Kroeger BA-Trinity College of FL Dr. Charles McCombs PhD Organic Chemistry- UCLA BS Chemistry- Cal. State Univ. at Long Beach Mr Glenn Schilstra 20 years experience teaching the Jewish Roots of Christianity. Instructor with Victory in Grace Ministries. Rev. Thomas Sefik, Dean- Theological Studies Th. M- Asia Graduate School, Philippines M Div- Columbia International University BA- Columbia International University 11

Rev. Dr. Tommy Simmons, Dean- Old Testament Studies Th. D- Temple Seminary Th. M- Midwestern Baptist Seminary. D. Min- Luther Rice Seminary. BA- University of Tampa Dr. Steve Thompson, Dean- General Biblical Studies D.Th- Fredericksburg Bible Institute MA Th- Fredericksburg Bible Institute BA- Florida Atlantic University 12

Accreditation SouthWest Florida Bible Institute, Inc. offers a valuable ministry service and opportunity to the Christian seeking to advance his or her knowledge of the Bible. The following is our present stand of accreditation. 1. The president and founder of the SWFBI is a life-time certified Bible Instructor as approved by Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and a life-time Bible Instructor as approved by the Evangelical Training Institute (ETA). 2. With the quality of our instructors and the challenging curriculum we believe we offer courses that meet or exceed the level of many Bible institutes. 3. The cost of accreditation would necessitate that we charge tuition and this we do not want to happen. 4. Accreditation is seeking approval from man and we chose to seek approval from the Lord. 5. Most of all we believe that the students are the best judges of the ministry training offered by SWFBI and they can offer the best accreditation review of anyone. There is a place for accreditation in the academic world for those seeking status and authority granted by man. We seek approval from God as those who Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved... 2Timothy 2:15 13

Board of Directors Rev. Dr. James Scafidi, Founder & President Mr. James Gordon, Vice President Mrs. Anne Scafidi, Secretary & Treasurer Mrs. Genevieve Johnson, Board Member SouthWest Florida Bible Institute, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 Institute and is solely supported by tax-deductible donations. Contact us for more information at www.swfbi.org Or call (941) 625-3255 SWFBI 1435 Collingswood Blvd. Suite A Port Charlotte, FL 33948 14