Bible Institute

Welcome to the Online Bible Institute (Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary-JMBIS), your online sanctuary for immersive biblical learning and spiritual growth. Our institute stands as a lighthouse, guiding believers and seekers alike on a profound journey through the Scriptures. As you navigate the rich tapestry of biblical narratives, teachings, and wisdom, our comprehensive courses and resources are designed to deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith.

In today’s fast-paced world, we recognize the importance of accessibility and flexibility in pursuing spiritual education. That’s why Online Bible Institute has meticulously crafted a virtual learning environment that transcends geographical boundaries and time constraints. Whether you’re a busy professional, a dedicated parent, or a curious soul seeking answers, our online platform accommodates your unique lifestyle, allowing you to delve into the Word of God at your own pace and comfort.

Our curriculum is thoughtfully developed by a team of esteemed theologians, seasoned pastors, and passionate educators who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the virtual classroom. From foundational courses on the Old and New Testaments to specialized studies in theology, ethics, and church history, our programs cater to diverse interests and educational goals. Each course is enriched with interactive elements, engaging multimedia content, and vibrant community discussions, fostering a dynamic and supportive learning atmosphere.

At Online Bible Institute, we’re committed to nurturing a global community of learners who are knowledgeable in Scripture and equipped to apply biblical principles in their daily lives. Whether you’re seeking personal enrichment, ministerial training, or academic advancement, our institute is dedicated to illuminating your path and empowering you to shine your light in the world.

Embark on this transformative journey with us, and let the timeless truths of the Bible resonate in your heart and mind. Explore our courses and join a vibrant community of fellow seekers discovering the riches of God’s Word. We want to help everyone succeed so we offer all of our Online Bible Institute courses for free. No tricks, no gimmicks, we offer them freely to anyone who desires to deepen their knowledge in the pursuit of living out their calling and ministry while earning Associates, Bachelors, Masters degrees, and/or Ministry Certificates.

Degree Programs

Certificate Programs

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Online Bible Institute

Hello! I’m Steve Lawes (Founder of the Online Bible Institute), and I want to personally invite you to join our Bible Institute to pursue the education you need to fulfill your calling to ministry. We started the Jesus Moment Bible Institute and Seminary in January 2014 with 25 students. We decided to make it available as an online bible institute, and we now have over 1800 students from all over the world. The mission of our Online Bible Institute and Seminary is to create a simple way for people who have a desire and calling for ministry to have a practical online resource offering free online Bible courses to help them prepare for the ministry that God is calling them to.

Getting Started is Easy

Register as a New Student with OBI | JMBIS

Getting registered requires you giving us some information about yourself and answering two questions. Please make sure that you use at least 100 words as you answer the two questions.

Start with the Certificate in Christian Ministry Courses

All Undergraduate level students should start with the Certificate in Christian Ministry. Even if you hope to transfer in some courses, the Certificate in Christian Ministry courses are the place to start.

Follow the Instructions provided for each Course

Each course has instructions that you need to read and follow to successfully complete the course. If you have a specific question about the course please use the Contact Page or the Activity Feed.

You can access most of the courses on our online Bible Institute without being registered. You will need to be registered to use the Activity Feed which is necessary to take Bible Institute courses for credit.

Latest Posts

  • Kingdom Tension Part 1

    At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Tension,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

    We are starting a series called “Kingdom Tension.” We will talk about the church as we look at the Bible from Acts to somewhere in Revelation. We will also look at the Now and Not Yet, the idea of Temple (again), and our mission as a church.

    Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
    13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

    In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His followers something powerful: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” With these words, He gives us a clear picture of who we are and what we’re called to do. We’re not just here to believe in Jesus—we’re here to represent Him in the world.

    When Jesus began His ministry, He said in Mark 1:15, “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news.” This was a big announcement. It meant that God was stepping in to fix what was broken. But the Kingdom wasn’t what people expected. It didn’t come through power or politics but through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Jesus came to bring a deeper kind of freedom—freedom from sin, shame, and fear.

    We live in a unique time—the Kingdom has already started, but it’s not fully here yet. Jesus began the work, and one day He will finish it when He returns. In the meantime, we live in this “in-between” time, the now and the not yet. So, how should we live?

    The Bible tells us that God’s Spirit lives in us. In 1 Corinthians, Paul says we are God’s temple. That means wherever we go, God goes with us. We carry His presence in our lives, just like Jesus did when He walked the earth. We are His Church—not just a building, but a people with a mission.

    That mission is to reach one more. One more person who needs hope. One more life touched by God’s love. And we do that by living out our calling—to be salt and light in the world.

    Being salt means adding flavor, preserving truth, and improving the world. Being light means we shine with God’s love so others can find their way to Him. This has always been God’s plan. In Genesis, God told Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him. And in 1 Peter, we are called a “royal priesthood”—a group of people who serve God and show His goodness to others.

    This is a calling for all of us. God wants to bless the world through you.

    Even in Revelation, we see God’s people described as a kingdom of priests who will reign with Him forever. Until that day, we live as new creation people—followers of Jesus who carry hope, serve others, and love well.

    At the heart of the Church is relationship. Relationship with God. Relationship with one another. And relationship with those who don’t yet know Jesus. These connections grow as we worship, learn, serve, and share life together.

    This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

    Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.

  • Kingdom Incarnate Part 17

    At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

    We are wrapping up this ‘Kingdom Incarnate” series today, and next week we will begin ‘Kingdom Tension’ which will focus on what it means to be the church. Today, we will talk about suffering and glory.

    Luke 24:13-21 (NIV)
    13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

    The resurrection story in Luke 24 reminds us that Jesus is not only alive, but that He is the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies found in Israel’s Scriptures. When the resurrected Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, He gently rebukes their slowness to believe what had been foretold: that the Messiah would suffer and then enter into His glory. Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, Jesus explains how all Scripture pointed to Him. This decisive moment reveals that the story of the Bible is not a collection of disconnected moral lessons, but a unified narrative centered on Jesus—His life, suffering, death, and resurrection.

    Jesus’ suffering was not an accident or a tragic twist in the story; it was essential to God’s redemptive plan. As He tells the disciples, “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” The cross was necessary. Jesus came to take on the weight of human pain, sin, and death—and He overcame it all. In doing so, He opened the way for us to share in His victory.

    The theme of suffering and glory continues as we revisit the crucifixion in Luke 23. On the cross, Jesus is mocked by rulers, soldiers, and one of the criminals hanging beside Him. Above Him, the sign reads, “This is the King of the Jews,” dripping with sarcasm. Yet, in the eyes of faith, we see something profound—this is not just a moment of humiliation, but the moment of divine triumph. One of the criminals recognizes this, calling Jesus “King” and asking to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus responds with words of assurance and hope: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

    Jesus’ throne wasn’t a golden seat but a wooden cross. But even there, we see the King in His glory. Later, in Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of a time when He will return in visible glory, seated on His throne, separating the sheep and the goats. The cross and the throne are not opposites—they are connected. One reveals the depth of God’s love; the other shows the fulfillment of His reign.

    The cross was not weakness; it was divine power. In that suffering, glory was revealed, and through Jesus, we are invited into that glorious kingdom prepared for us since the foundation of the world.

    This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

    Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.

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