SEARCH RESULTS

Written by: Dr. Scott Stripling an Open Bible (2025)  advisor and contributor. Written accounts of ancient events are critical to proper historiography. Western explorers discovered two monumental inscriptions which unlocked the forgotten languages and literature of the Egyptians and Hittites, ancient Israel’s southern and northern neighbors respectively. With a knowledge of these cryptic languages, the flood of soon-to-be-discovered artifacts Could fit into an identifiable context.   The Rosetta Stone (1798)   In 1798 at Rosetta (Rashid), an officer in Napolean’s Egypt expedition discovered a linguistic treasure near the westernmost mouth of the Nile River. The trilingually inscribed black basalt slab served as the key to unlock the knowledge of the language and literature of ancient Egypt. This watershed discovery launched the modern discipline of Biblical Archaeology. The three languages written on the monument were Ptolemaic Greek of ca. 200 BC and two forms of Egyptian writing—an older, more complicated hieroglyphic script and a later simplified and more common demotic writing. Since Greek was a known language, epigraphers and linguists used it to decipher the other two ancient Egyptian scripts. Sylvester de Sacy of France and John David Akerblad of Sweden succeeded in unraveling the demotic Egyptian by identifying the Greek personal names it contained: Ptolemy, Arsinoe, and Berenike. Thomas Young of England then identified the name of Ptolemy in the hieroglyphic portion, where groups of characters enclosed in oval frames, called cartouches, had already been surmised to be royal names. From this point, the young Frenchman Jean François Champollion (1790–1832) was able to decipher the hieroglyphics of the monument, show the true nature of this script, make a dictionary, formulate a grammar, and translate numerous Egyptian texts.  Champollion’s achievement initiated the science of Egyptology. Thanks to his work, scholars can read Egyptian monumental inscriptions and reliefs as well as papyri. Today many universities maintain chairs in the language and culture of ancient Egypt. These studies have opened previously unknown vistas of history so that from the beginning of Egypt ca. 2800 BC to 63 BC when Rome extended its hegemony over Israel’s southern neighbor, the entire history of the land of the Nile can be traced with a reasonable degree of certainty. All of this helps illuminate the background of the Bible, since Egypt provided a backdrop for much of the Old Testament, especially the Pentateuch. As a result, the story of Joseph, the Israelites’ Egyptian sojourn, their deliverance under Moses, much of their desert wanderings, and their later history in Canaan can be interpreted within a general framework of contemporaneous Egyptian history. The context of Old Testament history in its broad span from Abraham to Jesus is made immeasurably clearer because of the vast strides in our knowledge of the empire on the Nile, as that great nation interacted with the mighty Assyro-Babylonian empires between the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers and the Hittite power on the Halys River across the thin land bridge known as the Promised Land.  The Behistun Inscription This famous monument was the key to understanding the languages of Assyria and Babylonia. It consists of a large relief panel containing numerous inscribed columns on the face of a mountain ca. 152 m. above the surrounding plain of Karmanshah on the old caravan route from Babylon to Ecbatana. Unlike the trilingual Rosetta Stone, the 1200-line Behistun Inscription was written in the Akkadian wedge-shaped characters of ancient Assyria-Babylonia and inscribed in Old Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian. Akkadian was the diplomatic language of ancient Assyria and Babylonia in which scribes wrote texts on thousands of clay tablets discovered around the Southern Levant.          Linguists made almost no progress deciphering Akkadian until 1835 when a young British officer assigned to the Persian army, Henry Rawlinson, made the dangerous climb to the Behistun Inscription to make copies and impressions of it. Rawlinson knew modern Persian and worked to decipher the old Persian cuneiform part. After a decade of labor, he finally succeeded in translating the five columns, totaling nearly 400 lines of the old Persian portion of the Behistun Inscription.  The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society  published the translation and commentary in 1847. In conjunction with the literary part of the monument was a life-sized figure with numerous individuals bowing before it. This person turned out to be Darius I “the Great” (ca. 522–486 BC), the  Achaemenid  prince who saved the Persian Empire from a rebellion. The scene depicts the king, as Rawlinson’s translation of the Persian portion of the inscription shows, receiving the submitting rebels. At the top of the relief, two attendants accompany the emperor. His foot presses upon the prostrate form of a rebel leader. The king’s left hand holds a bow, while his right hand rises toward the winged disc symbolizing Ahura-Mazda, the spirit of good, whom Darius worshiped as a committed follower of Zoroaster. Behind the rebel stands a procession of conquered foes, roped together by their necks.  Beside and beneath the sculptured panel the numerous columns of the inscription appear relating how Darius defended the throne and crushed the revolt. Supposing that the other inscriptions duplicated the story, scholars soon deciphered the second language (Elamite or Susian) and finally Akkadian or Assyro-Babylonian. This breakthrough opened a vast new biblical background so that, as in the case of the Rosetta Stone opening the science of Egyptology, the Behistun Inscription gave birth to the discipline of Assyriology. Both Egyptology and Assyriology are vital to understanding biblical backgrounds.   The library of Ashurbanipal (ca. 669­–625 BC) contained approximately 22,000 Akkadian cuneiform tablets. Among the tablets unearthed in this collection and sent to the British Museum were Assyrian copies of the Babylonian Creation (“Enuma Elish”) and Flood (“Gilgamesh Epic”) stories. The identification and decipherment of these tablets by George Smith in 1872 produced great excitement in the archaeological world because of their similarities to the biblical accounts. Also of immense importance are the Amarna Letters from Egypt, which came to light in 1886 at Tell el-Amarna, ca. 322 km. south of modern Cairo. The next section deals with their relevance.  Other important bodies of cuneiform literature bearing upon the Bible have been retrieved from Boghazkoy and Kanish in Asia Minor. Others come from Susa and Elam, Mari on the middle Euphrates, and Ras Shamra (ancient Ugarit) in northern Syria, mentioned in the Amarna Letters. Others stem from various sites within and without Babylonia. Ultimately, the Rosetta Stone from Egypt and the Behistun Inscription from Babylonia unlocked several of the more prominent languages of the biblical world and laid the foundation for the key discoveries of the twentieth century.

Written by: Dr. Scott Stripling an Open Bible (2025)  advisor and contributor. People in antiquity conducted “excavations” prior to the advent of modern archaeology, and they discovered, sometimes serendipitously, artifacts of great importance, prior the nineteenth century. According to the Sippar Cylinder, Nabonidus (ruled ca. 555–539 BC), final king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, dug up portions of several ancient cities, including Ur. The cylinder also mentions Belshazzar, his oldest son and crown prince, who plays a prominent role in the events of Daniel 5–7. As an archaeologist, I understand Nabonidus’ obsession with the past, even if I mourn the destruction it caused to the stratigraphy of the ancient sites.   Another example dates to the fourth century AD. Constantine ordered Macarius, Jerusalem’s bishop, to remove the remains and underlying fill of the temple of Jupiter in Aelia Capitolina (Hadrian’s Jerusalem) to reveal the place of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. According to Eusebius, he removed the matrix which Hadrian had used to cover Jesus’ tomb and support the platform of the Temple of Jupiter in his reimagined Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher now occupies this area. The Shroud of Turin, an artifact of immense potential importance, and some controversy, may derive from this very location. There are many lines of evidence that point to the shroud being the burial garment of Jesus and not a medieval forgery as critics claim. In 1978, the Vatican granted the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) team access to photograph and perform scientific tests on the ancient garment. The results of that analysis and the team’s ongoing work have revealed the presence of pollen known to be extinct before the Byzantine period. The facial image appears to reveal first-century coins in the eye sockets of the buried man. The inexplicable image of the crucifixion victim shows that he was nailed in the wrist, not the hand as medieval artists always portrayed crucifixion. The other wounds are consistent with the gospel accounts of Jesus’ execution. The herring-bone pattern of the cloth is typical of first-century burial garments as evidenced by the first-century AD shroud from the Leper’s Tomb in Jerusalem. Finally, the blood on the Shroud of Turin is red, even though it is ancient – a phenomenon only possible when the liver experiences severe trauma.   Arguing against the shroud’s authenticity are the absence of mentions prior to ca. 1353 and the fourteenth-century radiocarbon dates. Earlier mentions of the shroud may not have survived antiquity, or they may yet come to light. However, the Hungarian Pray Codex illustratively depicts the shroud in the eleventh century. Several peer-reviewed articles have demonstrated the major problems, such as contamination, with the radiocarbon tests. In time, research may facilitate a consensus among scholars regarding this artifact.   Another ancient artifact known as The Peutinger Plates date to ca. 1265 AD. This is the oldest known map of the entire ancient Mediterranean world. Scholars often study this map alongside the sixth century Madaba Map (see Madaba Map entry) for clues on the location of lost sites. Despite these examples, archaeology did not really enter the public discourse until the mid-eighteenth century. Samuel Johnson defined “archaiology” as “a discourse on antiquity.” Henry Hitchings observes that Johnson and his contemporaries viewed archaeology as “the quaint antiquarianism of dilettanti” and as “an amateur pursuit, not science.”

Written by: Dr. Israel Steinmetz, Academic Dean and Professor   When I meet people and tell them I’m a professor, they often ask where I teach. When I say, “The Bible Seminary,” a common response is, “Which one?”   It’s a fair question.   Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Bible colleges and seminaries across the United States are named after a founder, donor, or historic Christian personage. Some draw their names directly from core biblical terms such as Christ, grace, or covenant. Many schools combine one of these terms with the city or state where they are based.   As The Bible Seminary (TBS) celebrates 15 years, we rejoice in the fruit of seeds first planted by Pastor Jim Leggett of Grace Fellowship Church. He dreamed of training ministers in, through, and with all 66 books of the Bible based on a conviction that Scripture is the foundational training text and basis for any curriculum designed to prepare women and men for gospel ministry in the Church and the world.  That conviction remains central to the identity, mission, and culture of TBS. It’s why one of our foundational commitments is to provide, “Comprehensive, strategic training in all 66 books of the Bible integrated into instruction in the standard historical, theological, and practical disciplines critical to developing professional skills for 21st century ministry.”   In practice, this means TBS courses combine the standard topics of ministerial training (Bible study, theology, preaching, counseling, evangelism, etc.) with studies of Bible books. When students study church administration in “PAS 512: Pastor-Leader II,” they also study Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah to discover how those gifted leader-administrators served God’s people. When students learn to practice individual and corporate devotional habits in “PRA 501: Prayer and Worship,” they also study Leviticus, 1-2 Chronicles, and Psalms to explore how God’s people worshipped and prayed in Scripture.  Every TBS course represents intentional, intricate blending of Bible with practical knowledge and skills. The Bible sets the agenda for how we approach each topic and engage in each practice. It’s how we fulfill our mission  “to foster biblical literacy through studies of all 66 books of the Bible, cultivate professional and lay leadership skills, and deploy trained Christian disciples in service worldwide.”       “Because the Bible is the fully true Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), we will offer and require the study of all 66 books of the Bible before graduation with a degree. We will seek to creatively integrate classical theological disciplines and ministry training by studying books of the Bible (i.e. Church History will begin with the Book of Acts and keep going; Pastoral Leadership will come through the study of the Pastoral Epistles; Systematic Theology will flow out of the study of the Pauline Epistles).”  Central to our commitment to orienting our entire curriculum and culture around the words of Scripture is II Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV), “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”   Paul is stating that all  Scripture is “God-breathed” or “inspired by God.” This identifies God as the source of the words of the entirety of Scripture, the divine author of the collection of 66 books we call The Holy Bible. God wrote through dozens of human authors over approximately 1,500 years in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek), but He remains the singular voice behind Scripture.   God’s voice in Scripture makes it utterly unique from every other written text in human history. His authorship carries God’s divine authority. The Bible is human literature, but not merely  human literature. Peters explains it this way in 2 Peter 1:20–21 (NIV), “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”   The words of Scripture are the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul writes that Scripture is useful for four things: teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. I’ve often compared these to GPS directions. When you enter your desired destination into GPS it tells you where you are and how to get to where you’re going. Scripture provides this same orientation to reality, life, and our ultimate destination through its teaching.   Scripture also has the power to rebuke. Just as a GPS notifies us that we’ve gone the wrong way and recalculates our route to get back on track, Scripture tells us where we’ve gone wrong and directs us back to the right path. This is not simply a matter of teaching right from wrong. Rather, the same Holy Spirit that inspired Scripture speaks to us through the words of Scripture to bring conviction which leads to confession and the Spirit’s power to repent, leading us to follow Jesus—the Way.   Restored to the path, Scripture provides us with ongoing “training in righteousness” as one of God’s primary tools to make us mature, complete, and holy. Scripture—like a GPS—can help guide us to our final destination. Inspired and illuminated by God, Scripture helps equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 2:8–10).   Given the authority and purpose of Scripture, we are committed to relying on Scripture as the primary source of our curriculum and training. Every other textbook, lecture, or teaching tool we use is, at best, a commentary on the words of Scripture to help us better understand, interpret, and apply them in every aspect of life and ministry. God has revealed himself to us in the words of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we remain committed to teaching and training our students through Scripture and rejoice that  Bible  is our middle name.

Written by: Rosalie Brown, MACHT 2023 Magnolia, Texas  Seminary was not on my radar ten years ago. I did have a strong desire to delve more deeply into the Bible. Dr. Lewis visited our church in 2017 and introduced The Bible Seminary (TBS). When he explained the option to audit classes and recommended doing course work to convert to degree credits later, if desired, I was intrigued.  Within weeks I was auditing my first class—Pastor-Shepherd I with Dr. Rich Cozart—and I wanted more. The lectures and discussions were extremely formative, as were our readings. As I dove deeply into Job, Jeremiah, and Lamentations, Jeremiah impacted me significantly. Other readings brought about new and fresh encounters with God. I found Eugene Peterson’s Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity  so accessible that I wanted to read more and picked up his Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best . Through these engagements, God whispered to me and revealed his call on my life.  As an older student and “at-home” mom, I was far removed from writing papers and making presentations. From the beginning, classes provided opportunities to intimately engage with the Bible and share with my professors and classmates what I learned.  Looking back, I can see how the class assignments were a necessary preparation for what God had planned. I also see a theme as I ventured forth with Dr. Lewis in Pastor-Leader I, Prayer and Worship I, and Spiritual Formation and Ministry V; Dr. Petrovich in Bible Study Methods; Dr. Nyquist in Church History I, Theology I, Preaching and Teaching I; Dr. Savelle in Spiritual Formation I; Dr. Lokkesmoe in Theology II, III,, and IV; Dr. Loken in Church History II; Dr. Glassman in Greek I and II, Hebrew I and II; and Dr. Steinmetz in Capstone Thesis. God refined me during my journey and drew me further into His purposes for my life. Along the way, I learned to give voice to community, relationships within the body of Christ, leadership, women’s stories within the Old Testament, and contemporary issues facing the church. God was shaping me.  I recently completed my first year as a Doctor of Ministry student at Houston Christian University. I am focusing on female leaders in the Old Testament, particularly women who led during times of crises. I also use Zoom to lead two weekly discipleship groups. Two of my TBS friends share in this ministry, and their voices and knowledge add amazing depth to our conversations. It is a joy to continue to learn and grow weekly in the Word with them.   Looking back, I see God’s hand working through TBS leading me to mature in faith, grow in knowledge, clearly hear my calling, enjoy amazing opportunities with gifted professors, and gain deep friendships within the body of Christ. I am truly blessed!  Audio Version

In this issue Welcome Dr. Evans:  Cinco de Mayo celebration Support TBS : Your gifts make everything possible. End of Fiscal Year is May 31! TRACS Accreditation : TBS Has reached 10 year status! Enroll Now: Summer courses open for registration. Newest book from Nehemiah Press : Stripling and Keller release "Foundations" Welcome Dr. Evans! Immediately following The Public Reading of Scripture  on Monday, May 5 , TBS will host a warm and informal welcome reception on campus to introduce Dr. Craig Evans to the TBS family. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and friends of the seminary to connect with Dr. Evans, extend a heartfelt welcome, and enjoy fellowship together as we begin this exciting new chapter. Support TBS before May 31, 2025 TBS continues to receive high praise for our people, presentations, programs, and publications. As highlighted in ongoing emails, videos, and social media posts, many locally and globally thank God for amazing and life-changing experiences in association with TBS. Practically, it takes money to fuel our exciting Kingdom work resulting in such amazing Kingdom outcomes. Our fiscal year ends in less than two months on May 31, 2025. As you can see below, we need your help for TBS to continue to thrive and honor the Lord in all that we do. Please consider giving TODAY! March 2025 Income = $34,898 Expense = $99,900 Balance = -$65,002 Jun 2024 - Mar 2025 Fiscal Year Income = $728,790 Fiscal Year Expense = $921,398 Fiscal Year Balance = -$192,608 GIVE  by dropping a check by the office , by mail, or donate  online. Options include the following:   One-Time   or   Recurring   Donations Charitable IRA Rollovers  (tax-free gifts directly from your IRA) Donor Advised Funds  (for flexible giving with immediate tax benefits) Donate by Mail The Bible Seminary, 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD, STE H120-930, KATY TX 77494-3109 Thank you! TRACS Accreditation The Bible Seminary is pleased to announced that we received 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation with TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools)! Following more than 2-years of evaluation, self-study, and TRACS team visits, TBS representatives appeared before the TRACS Commission on Monday, April 28, 2025. Our previous five-year approval ends and the new 10-year approval begins in July 2025. We rejoice in this successful achievement as TBS continues to move forward in faith and excellence and appreciate everyone' participation and support in helping reach this exciting milestone. Live announcement on Facebook. Enroll Now! PAS 511: Pastor - Leader I with Dr. Israel Steinmetz and Angela McClinton plus " Fight the Good Fight: Christian Conflict Assessment and Resolution " seminar with Dr. Steinmetz and Angela McClinton. Begins Thursday, May 29, 2025 Thu, 9:00 AM - Noon in Classroom 270 at TBS* Register Today! *In-Person or Online Enjoy TBS courses in Israel! Have you ever wanted to visit Israel? Now's your chance to dig in and take classes on location in Israel with Dr. Scott Stripling! Visit DigShiloh.org for more details about the summer dig and Holy Land tours. Special Early Bird Seminar Price Fight the Good Fight: Christian Conflict Assessment and Resolution Seminar with Dr. Israel Steinmetz and Angela McClinton Friday June 20, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM at TBS Early Bird Code: earlyfight (Deadline May 20)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Footsteps of Paul Seminar with Dr. Scott Stripling, Dr. Craig Evans and Pastor Mike McGown Thursday, August 14, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM at Parkway Fellowship Early Bird Code:  earlypaul (Deadline July 14)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Legacy Planning 101: For Family and Faith with Bobby and Julia Dean of The Dean Law Firm Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM at TBS Early Bird Code:  earlylegacy (Deadline Aug. 20)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Newest Book from Nehemiah Press Far too often new converts to Christianity never develop to spiritual maturity. They remain timid and ineffective instead of growing mighty in Spirit. Foundations provides a blueprint by which a person can build an overcoming life of excellence. Stripling and Keller clearly identify the core tenets of Christianity and guide new believers down a path which they themselves have walked. Starting with the new birth in Christ, they demonstrate how to effectively read Scripture and pray. They emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power and how the Holy Spirit helps people become productive members of the church. The final chapters explain how to live a life of significance by honoring what God honors and ultimately embracing The Great Commission to partner with Jesus Christ in redeeming fallen humanity. Update your contact information with TBS NOW is the perfect time to update your contact information. Doing so allows us to keep you informed about important updates, events, and opportunities that matter to you. Confirm how we can best reach you and share information you desire. Thank you! The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) for Distance Education, and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Campus 2655 S MASON RDKATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours : Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this issue MARVELous seminar! Sat, April 5 : “The End of the World as We Know It” TBS Students on the Move : Fighting Hunger, Exploring Egypt, & Archaeology! New on the TBS Podcast : First Friday with Dr. Israel Steinmetz seminar preview. Enroll Now : Summer Courses Open for Registration. Dr. Stripling on InGrace TV : Ancient Tel Dan Stele Proves the Bible’s History . Support TBS - Your donations help make all we do possible! MARVELous seminar! "The End of the World as We Know it" "The End of the World as We Know It: Marvel Comic Movies and Biblical Apocalypse" with Dr. Israel Steinmetz Saturday, April 5, 2025  | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM in Classroom 270 at TBS* $89 per person | Register Today! *In-Person, Online, or On Demand TBS Students on the Move TBS students, faculty, and staff recently took part in the biggest hairnet party of the year—Feed the Hunger! Our team packed an incredible 4,080 meals , which will be distributed to people in Mexico and Bangladesh. This annual event is always a fantastic way to serve our community, and we love coming together to make a difference! In addition to serving locally, a group of TBS students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Egypt. Accompanied by Judy Powell , Gary Urie , and our new friend Paige Brevick , they explored the Valley of the Kings, visited Tutankhamun’s tomb, and even sailed along the Nile River. Back in the U.S., Tommy Chamberlin and Nikki Lainhart delivered an archaeology presentation in Irvine, Kentucky, sharing their knowledge and passion for archaeology. TBS students are actively making an impact, spreading the love and truth of Jesus around the world. None of this would be possible without the generous support of people like you. Thank you for supporting TBS and its students! New Episode on the TBS Podcast In this episode of the First Fridays on the TBS Podcast, Dr. Lynn Lewis and Dr. Israel Steinmetz dive into the upcoming seminar The End of the World as We Know It? Marvel Movies & Biblical Apocalypse . Enroll Now! Summer Courses Open for Registration PAS 511: Pastor - Leader I with Dr. Israel Steinmetz and Angela McClinton plus "Boss Like God" seminar with Dr. Lewis Begins Thursday, May 29, 2025 Thu, 9:00 AM - Noon in Classroom 270 at TBS* Register Today! *In-Person or Online Enjoy TBS courses in Israel! Have you ever wanted to visit Israel? Now's your chance to dig in and take classes on location in Israel with Dr. Scott Stripling! Visit DigShiloh.org for more details about the summer dig and Holy Land tours. Dr. Stripling on InGrace TV Dr. Stripling recently travelled to Oklahoma City to film a program for InGrace at The Armstrong Institute’s excellent exhibit on the United Kingdom.  He also filmed a program on the Shiloh favissa for Digging for Truth which will air soon. In December, Korean public television aired a program they filmed with Dr. Craig Evans and Dr. Stripling in TBS’s 3J Museum. Over 20,000,000 Koreans viewed the special which focused on Biblical Archaeology. Next month Dr. Evans and Dr. Stripling will film episodes for a new program called “Bible on Trial.” Stay tuned for details. Support TBS Today! GIVE  by dropping a check by the office , by mail, or donate  online. Options include the following:   One-Time   or   Recurring   Donations Charitable IRA Rollovers  (tax-free gifts directly from your IRA) Donor Advised Funds  (for flexible giving with immediate tax benefits) Donate by Mail The Bible Seminary, 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD, STE H120-930, KATY TX 77494-3109 Join us in praying and fasting for TBS financial provision! Category Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Feb 2025 Monthly Income $167,247                        $76,665 $45,539 Monthly Expense $92,759 $95,420 $97,821 Monthly Balance $74,488 -$18,755 -$52,282 Cumulative Balance* -$290,215 -$308,970 -$361,252 * Cumulative Balance since post-Covid-19 shortfall incurred during 2021-22 fiscal year. Our goal is to fully replenish all accounts and provide a strong financial position for achieving TRACS 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation scheduled for a vote by the accrediting commission in April 2025.. Update your contact information with TBS NOW is the perfect time to update your contact information. Doing so allows us to keep you informed about important updates, events, and opportunities that matter to you. Confirm how we can best reach you and share information you desire. Thank you! The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) for Distance Education, and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Campus 2655 S MASON RDKATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours : Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this issue Support TBS : Your gifts make everything highlighted in this newsletter possible TRACS Accreditation : Pray with us for 10-year accreditation reaffirmation TBS Teaching : Houston's 1st Baptist, Luling, and Marvel seminars Enroll Now: Summer courses open for registration. Newest book from Nehemiah Press : Stripling and Keller release "Foundations" Welcome Dr. Evans: Cinco de Mayo celebration Support TBS before May 31, 2025 Your support makes TBS possible! Over and over, we receive high praise for our people, presentations, programs, and publications. Many locally and globally thank God for amazing and life-changing experiences in association with TBS. Most of what we do takes money to fuel Kingdom work and such amazing Kingdom outcomes. Our fiscal year ends in less than two months on May 31, 2025. As you can see below, we need your help for TBS to continue to thrive and honor the Lord in all that we do. Please consider giving today! March 2025 Income = $34,898 Expense = $99,900 Balance = -$65,002 Jun 2024 - Mar 2025 Fiscal Year Income = $728,790 Fiscal Year Expense = $921,398 Fiscal Year Balance = -$192,608 GIVE  by dropping a check by the office , by mail, or donate  online. Options include the following:   One-Time   or   Recurring   Donations Charitable IRA Rollovers  (tax-free gifts directly from your IRA) Donor Advised Funds  (for flexible giving with immediate tax benefits) Donate by Mail The Bible Seminary, 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD, STE H120-930, KATY TX 77494-3109 Thank you! TRACS Accreditation Join The Bible Seminary in prayer as we seek a 10-year reaffirmation of our accreditation with TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools). The accreditation process appears to be on track, with our 2024 Annual Report accepted and all renewal documents submitted. TBS is scheduled to appear before TRACS on Monday, April 28, 2025 for their 10-year renewal vote. Please join us in prayer for successful approval and help support TBS as we move forward in faith and excellence. TBS Teaching "Crucifixion" at Houston First Baptist Team TBS joined Houston First Baptist Church for Equipping Night on Wednesday, March 19! Along with greetings and a TBS overview from President, Dr. K. Lynn Lewis, and new Distinguished Research Professor, Dr. Craig Evans, Provost, Dr. Scott Stripling, shared insightful research on the crucifixion that helped highlight how the world of Biblical archaeology helps increase our understanding of the Bible. Everyone should watch this before Easter this year! Click here to watch the video . "Getting Scripture Right" in Luling, Texas TBS hosted a thought-provoking FREE conference that connected the ancient world of Scripture with its significance for today. "Getting Scripture Right: Then & There – Here & Now"  focused on how key archaeological discoveries, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, deepen our understanding of the Bible and its relevance in modern life. Attendees explored the top 10 most important biblical finds and their impact on early Christianity. The event was available both in-person and online , featuring two distinguished speakers: Dr. Scott Stripling , archaeologist and director of Shiloh Excavations and Dr. Craig Evans , expert in biblical archaeology and New Testament studies. Click here to watch the conference. "The End of the World as We Know It" in Katy, Texas On Saturday, April 5, 2025, we gathered for a powerful and thought-provoking seminar exploring topics such as wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters, famines, and political and economic upheaval. With these realities—and the escalating conflict in Israel—many Christians are once again turning to Scripture for insight into the end times. Together, we examined biblical visions of the future found in Daniel, Revelation, and other passages, asking how we might interpret and apply them to our lives today. We even explored the surprising connections between these ancient texts and themes found in the Marvel Comic Universe movies. It was an exciting and revealing time of learning and reflection. Take this seminar now on demand at TheBibleSeminary.edu/ondemand Enroll Now! PAS 511: Pastor - Leader I with Dr. Israel Steinmetz and Angela McClinton plus "Boss Like God" seminar with Dr. Lewis Begins Thursday, May 29, 2025 Thu, 9:00 AM - Noon in Classroom 270 at TBS* Register Today! *In-Person or Online Enjoy TBS courses in Israel! Have you ever wanted to visit Israel? Now's your chance to dig in and take classes on location in Israel with Dr. Scott Stripling! Visit DigShiloh.org for more details about the summer dig and Holy Land tours. Special Early Bird Seminar Price Fight the Good Fight: Christian Conflict Assessment and Resolution Seminar with Dr. Israel Steinmetz and Angela McClinton Friday June 20, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM at TBS Early Bird Code: earlyfight (Deadline May 20)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Footsteps of Paul Seminar with Dr. Scott Stripling, Dr. Craig Evans and Pastor Mike McGown Thursday, August 14, 2025 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM at Parkway Fellowship Early Bird Code:  earlypaul (Deadline July 14)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Legacy Planning 101: For Family and Faith with Bobby and Julia Dean of The Dean Law Firm Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM at TBS Early Bird Code:  earlylegacy (Deadline Aug. 20)   Register Today! *In-Person or Online Newest Book from Nehemiah Press Far too often new converts to Christianity never develop to spiritual maturity. They remain timid and ineffective instead of growing mighty in Spirit. Foundations provides a blueprint by which a person can build an overcoming life of excellence. Stripling and Keller clearly identify the core tenets of Christianity and guide new believers down a path which they themselves have walked. Starting with the new birth in Christ, they demonstrate how to effectively read Scripture and pray. They emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit’s transforming power and how the Holy Spirit helps people become productive members of the church. The final chapters explain how to live a life of significance by honoring what God honors and ultimately embracing The Great Commission to partner with Jesus Christ in redeeming fallen humanity. Welcome Dr. Evans! Immediately following The Public Reading of Scripture on Monday, May 5 , TBS will host a warm and informal welcome reception on campus to introduce Dr. Craig Evans to the TBS family. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, and friends of the seminary to connect with Dr. Evans, extend a heartfelt welcome, and enjoy fellowship together as we begin this exciting new chapter. Update your contact information with TBS NOW is the perfect time to update your contact information. Doing so allows us to keep you informed about important updates, events, and opportunities that matter to you. Confirm how we can best reach you and share information you desire. Thank you! The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) for Distance Education, and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Campus 2655 S MASON RDKATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours : Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this issue Spring Seminars - Egyptology Seminar THIS FRIDAY TBS Anniversary - Celebrating 15 years of The Bible Seminary! The Public Reading of Scripture - A local church starts PRS New Faculty Member - Welcome Dr. Craig Evans TBS Podcast - First Friday episode on the Trinity Support TBS - Your donations help make all we do possible! Spring 2025 Seminars Egyptology Seminar with Paige Brevick THIS FRIDAY Friday, February 14, 2025 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Houston Museum of Natural Science $89 per person | Register Today! * Limited capacity *In-Person, Online, or On Demand The End of the World as We Know It: Marvel Comic Movies and Biblical Apocalypse with  Dr. Israel Steinmetz Saturday, April 5, 2025  | 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM The Bible Seminary $89 per person | Register Today! *In-Person, Online, or On Demand Celebrating 15 Years of The Bible Seminary! The Bible Seminary marks 15 incredible years this week of preparing people for life, leadership, and legacy locally and around the world. Since the state of Texas approved the seminary's Articles of Incorporation on February 12, 2010, our journey seeking to root Christian disciples in the Word of God has been filled with amazing opportunities, challenges, joys, and God's unwavering faithfulness. Thank you for helping TBS reach this monumental milestone. We are deeply grateful for our TBS family and 15 AWESOME years—let’s continue to thrive, grow, and move forward together! PRS at The Waters Church On Monday, February 3, 2025, The Waters Church in Katy, Texas enjoyed an incredible evening when exactly 100 people gathered in person and 13 joined via Zoom for their church's first-ever Public Reading of Scripture (PRS). It was an amazing experience and we are grateful for each person that helped make it such a memorable and powerful evening. Please join us in continuing to pray for PRS@TBS (The Bible Seminary) on Mondays at Noon, PRS@The Waters church in Katy, Texas on Monday evenings, and PRS@COR (Church on the Rock in Katy, Texas) on Tuesdays. To find out more or inquire about starting PRS in your context, visit any PRS gathering or visit TheBibleSeminary.edu/prs . Welcome Dr. Craig Evans TBS is thrilled to announce that Craig A. Evans is now our Distinguished Research Professor . He holds degrees from Claremont McKenna College, Western Baptist Seminary, and Claremont Graduate University, as well as a D.Habil. from Karoli Gaspar Reformed University. Professor Evans is a renowned evangelical scholar and a prolific author. He specializes in New Testament and late Second Temple period literature. Numerous documentaries feature his research. This semester he is teaching THE 501 (Theology I) and is scheduled to teach GRK 503 (Greek III) in the fall. TBS Podcast: The Doctrine of the Trinity What does it mean that God is Three-in-One? How does the Trinity shape our understanding of God’s nature, our relationship with Him, and our faith as a whole? Join us as we explore these profound questions and unpack the biblical and theological truths behind God's Triune nature. Join Dr. Stripling, Dr. Evans and Dr. Steinmetz as they unravel the understanding of God's Triune nature. Support TBS Today! GIVE  by dropping a check by the office , by mail, or donate  online. Flexible options include the following:   One-Time   or   Recurring   Donations Charitable IRA Rollovers  (tax-free gifts directly from your IRA) Donor Advised Funds  (for flexible giving with immediate tax benefits Donate by Mail The Bible Seminary, 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD, STE H120-930, KATY TX 77494-3109 Join us in praying and fasting for TBS financial provision! Category Nov 2024 Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Monthly Income $110,017 $167,247 $76,665 Monthly Expense $83,390 $92,759 $95,420 Monthly Balance $26,627 $74,488 -$18,755 Cumulative Balance* -$364,703 -$290,215 -$308,970 * Cumulative Balance since post-Covid-19 shortfall incurred during 2021-22 fiscal year. Our goal is to fully replenish all accounts and provide a strong financial position for achieving TRACS 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation scheduled for a vote by the accrediting commission in April 2025.. Update your contact information with TBS NOW is the perfect time to update your contact information. Doing so allows us to keep you informed about important updates, events, and opportunities that matter to you. Confirm how we can best reach you and share information you desire. Thank you! The Bible Seminary (TBS) is an independent, non- denominational, 501(c)(3) charitable institution of higher education incorporated in Texas in 2010 to offer training for laity and vocational ministry professionals. TBS is an Accredited member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) for Distance Education, and an approved CEU provider for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Goals include helping nurture a biblically literate populace via comprehensive, strategic, Bible-based training through classes and seminars, museum exhibits, productions and publications, and archaeological digs and study tours. “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” - Nehemiah 8:8 Campus 2655 S MASON RDKATY TX 77450-1772 Mailing 23501 CINCO RANCH BLVD STE H120-930KATY TX 77494-3109 E-mail: info@TheBibleSeminary.edu Phone: 281-646-1109 Office Hours : Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM