Over and over again we are seeing the results of our culture’s rejection of God’s design. Does the Bible show us how to pray and order our choices to undercut the nearly ubiquitous pagan culture?
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Greetings to all friends and supporters of Bible Framework Ministries
Bible Framework Ministry Notes
As I wrote in the 1st Quarter Newsletter, I am working on a new series for the Bible Framework Applied website to provide an added tool for those of you have gone through the Bible Framework course. It is designed to provide you with learning about how to use the Bible Framework in actual practice—a sort of annotated bibliography featuring useful books and videos now available from Christian publishing sites.
I am continuing to build the first tool, reviewing the 10-part video series done in the 1970s and 80s by Francis Schaeffer entitled How Should We Then Live? It provides an example of applying the Bible Framework concept to the historical periods in European and American history (Schaeffer’s video series is available at RedeemTV or on YouTube). I have chosen this series, even though it was put together prior to Schaeffer’s death in 1984, some 40 years ago, because its truths are timeless and it takes us right up to our own times.
On a more personal note, currently, I am coping with edema brought on by my heart failure last August. My wife, Carol, needs prayer also since she is coping with the various medications the cardiologist has prescribed while trying to keep my diet so it doesn’t conflict with the purpose of the medications. Due to Carol’s dedication to my care and the grace of our Lord, I am now able to walk the distance I walked prior to the onset of my health issue.
Bible Framework Brazil
Artios Ministries operates under the Bible Framework Ministries umbrella with the mission to equip church leaders and pastors, empowering and transforming churches in Brazil. We conduct three annual trips, each focusing on a different book of the Bible, which we teach in its entirety during our five days with them.
During these trips, we host pastors in a rented retreat for a five-day immersive conference, providing continuous discipleship and engagement. This approach ensures pastors gain a deep understanding of the Scriptures and how the Bible touches every aspect of daily life. It also provides us with meaningful one-on-one discipleship and encouragement.
Each retreat includes the comprehensive verse-by-verse curriculum for that conference’s book, translated into Portuguese. Pastors can use this material in their churches to replicate what they have learned and equip their congregations. To date, four churches have changed their ministry philosophy to focus on verse-by-verse teaching, and many others have begun incorporating this method into their Sunday School programs.
In collaboration with Chafer Seminary, we offer courses taught by esteemed professors who come to Brazil, providing a pathway for pastors to receive certification. Currently, these courses are held once a year, but we are working to increase this frequency. The courses are designed to enhance theological knowledge and provide tools for in-depth Scripture study.
A significant component of our mission is translating the Bible Framework into Portuguese. Utilizing AI, we ensure these teachings are accessible in audio format, em sua língua materna, that is to say, in their native tongue. Our goal is to equip them to mine the riches of Scripture and encourage a profound understanding of the Bible as an interconnected message from God that transforms every aspect of life.
All work is done on a volunteer basis; we have no paid staff. However, our conference expenses have increased due to significant growth in attendance. This year, our costs have doubled as we have grown from around 30 pastors and leaders per conference to well over 60. Any funds raised are dedicated entirely to the costs of renting the retreat, travel, food, translations, printing, and miscellaneous logistics. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 through monthly contributions and one-time offerings to meet this annual budget. Despite the generous support we have received, we are currently only at 30% of our goal.
We invite you to join us in this transformative work by contributing to our mission, ensuring we can continue to equip and empower church leaders in Brazil. We are grateful for any consideration you give to this mighty work that our Lord is doing in Brazil.
Bible Framework at the Seminary Level
This Fall (beginning August 26), I will be teaching the Christian Framework I course for Chafer Theological Seminary (CTS). It will be available for both credit and audit students. Here is a description of the course from the CTS catalog:
- An examination of the implications of key biblical events with their doctrinal connections from creation to the fall of Israel for philosophy, science, history, language, psychology, politics, education, economics, and social life.
Registration for the course begins August 1 and runs through August 23. This is a hybrid course, which means students will engage in learning through my prerecorded messages plus biweekly classes with me where we will discuss the messages viewed during the previous two weeks and then the application of the Framework to current events, etc.
Bible Framework web (in)sites
We’d like to thank you for your continued support through prayer and contributions to the ministry. You are helping us to reach souls hungry for the Bible Framework around the world. In the last couple of years through the Bible Framework websites we’ve received orders for our materials from the following countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, England, Gambia, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, and, of course, numerous locations throughout the United States. Thank you for helping make it possible to distribute materials to a global audience.
You can order Bible Framework materials on a Flash drive, DVD data disk, or CDs from our website as well.
For the Upcoming Generation
For those of you with children / grandchildren / Sunday School students, etc. who are looking for a family-friendly Bible curriculum (based on the Bible Framework), don’t forget to check out the outstanding Interlocked series developed by Jen and Amos Kwok.
Amos and Jen have added a podcast option and are offering a new Zoom class to go through Interlocked starting in September 2024.
Interlocked is also available in Español (Spanish) and Deutsch (German).
Once again, thank you for your prayers and faithfulness in supporting Bible Framework Ministries.
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Prayer Requests
For Charles to formulate new features in Part 1 of the original Bible Framework series that will help users grasp the key features of the Bible Framework approach to the Bible from the beginning. Also pray for continuing help from his cardiologist to increase his endurance and strength.
For Carol Clough in managing Charles’ medications and dietary needs to keep him in optimum health – both physically and mentally.
For Charles as he prepares to teach the Christian Framework course at Chafer Seminary this Fall. For wisdom, time, and energy to update the course materials and impart that wisdom to the students.
For the staff at the West Houston Bible Church who work continuously to manage website issues, respond to orders for the many series available, and order the necessary supplies. They continue to make the entire Bible Framework available on one thumb drive in addition to the traditional sets of multiple DVDs and CDs – all free of cost.
Download complete Bible Framework Course ZIP file
Download complete Bible Framework Applied Lessons ZIP file
We Love Your Feedback
We are always willing to take your suggestions on how we can improve the Biblical Framework websites (both https://www.bibleframework.org/ and https://www.bibleframeworkapplied.org). Please provide your inputs on the Update Requests form.
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