
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.
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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.
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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 Incarnate Part 14
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
We continue our series, ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which aims to teach us to see and know Jesus through the Gospels. Last week, we talked about generosity in Luke 12. This week, we will move into Luke 15 and discuss a celebration.
Luke 15:3-7 (NIV)
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.In Luke 15:3–7, Jesus shares the parable of the lost sheep to reveal the heart of God toward those who have strayed. He tells of a shepherd who, upon realizing one sheep is missing from his flock of one hundred, leaves the ninety-nine in open country to go and search for the lost one. When he finds it, he lifts it onto his shoulders with joy, returns home, and invites his friends and neighbors to join him in celebration. Jesus concludes the parable with this profound truth: there is greater rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous individuals who do not need to.
This parable is part of a trilogy in Luke 15 that illustrates the value of what is lost and the joy that comes with its restoration. Jesus, often seen celebrating with the outcasts—those considered unworthy by religious leaders—challenges the mindset of the Pharisees, who believed that righteousness could only be achieved through strict observance of the law. Through these stories, Jesus reveals a new reality: the Kingdom of God is coming not through rules but through God’s restoring work. It’s about heaven breaking into earth, initiating a new creation marked by mercy, grace, and joyful homecomings.
The parables of the lost coin and the lost son share a common theme: something valuable is lost, intensely sought after, and joyfully celebrated upon its recovery. In each case, the “lost” represents people—sinners—who are welcomed back into fellowship with God. The heavenly celebration reflects God’s immense joy over repentance and restoration.
The final story, the prodigal son, brings the message to a climax. The younger son’s journey into exile and his return mirror humanity’s spiritual exile and the path to restoration through repentance. The father’s response—running, embracing, and throwing a party—shows the extravagant grace of God. Meanwhile, the older brother, who resents the celebration, represents those who struggle with grace and prefer the supposed fairness of performance-based acceptance.
At its core, Luke 15 invites us to celebrate the transforming power of God’s love. It’s a call to embrace the party—the joy of restoration, the beauty of grace, and the new thing God is doing. Heaven rejoices when the lost are found, and so should we.
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 13
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
We continue our series, ‘Kingdom Incarnate,’ which aims to teach us to see and know Jesus through the Gospels. Last week, we discussed prayer. This week, we will discuss the topic of generosity.
Luke 12:16–21 (NIV)
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ 18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”In Luke 12:16–21, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man whose land yielded an abundant harvest. Rather than seeking God’s purpose for his increase, the man stored it all for himself, saying, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” But God called him a fool and declared that his life would be demanded that very night. “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Jesus ends the parable with this solemn truth: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
To be “rich toward God” is to live with a heart that treasures Him above all. It is not about how much we have but about how we steward what we’ve been given. The rich man’s mistake wasn’t his success—it was his self-centeredness. He never asked, Why has God blessed me? or How can I use this for His kingdom? Instead, he viewed his wealth as security and the source of his peace. His life was full of things but empty of God.
Being rich toward God means living with an eternal perspective. It is investing in what matters to Him—loving people, advancing the gospel, and living generously. It is acknowledging that everything we have is from God and for God. Jesus warns us that life does not consist of an abundance of possessions (Luke 12:15). Although our culture may suggest otherwise, the kingdom of God operates on different values. When we are rich toward God, we lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust can destroy them. We trade temporary comfort for eternal reward.
Ultimately, to be rich toward God is to know Him, love Him, and walk in His ways. It is to be faithful stewards of time, talents, and treasure, using them not just for our benefit but for the glory of God and the good of others.
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.
