Online Bible Institute | Amanda McDowell | Activity

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:47:06 -0400

I love making connections between verses in the Bible. I love when I am reading in the Old Testament and something just points towards what will happen in the New Testament. It reminds me that there was always a plan for redemption and of the unity of the Bible.

In reply to - Barbra Odari posted an update CHAPTER FOURTEEN

VERSE STUDY

Verse study has been as interesting as the previous studies;book study, chapter study and paragraph study. But two things have stood out for me in […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:44:13 -0400

I have recently been convicted about controlling my thoughts. I am a dweller. I let emotions from the past resurface. I have a lot of past hurt and while I shouldn’t pretend it didn’t happen I shouldn’t let that hurt turn into anger. I certainly should not waste my time on mentally putting myself back into those places of hurt. It just makes me bitter.

In reply to - Rebecca Rodriguez Mojica posted an update

Good Morning everyone,

As I reflect on today’s Bible verse of the day I am reminded of how important it is to take responsibility for our emotions. Instead of letting […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:41:07 -0400

I love this because while the Bible is so diverse in tone and writers it is all still unified in meaning.

In reply to - Ajagbe Olatunde Ayoade posted an update

To grow in biblical literacy is to learn how to read the Bible as it was written: an ancient library of 66 books that tells one unified story of God’s rescue. It is more […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Bible Study MethodsLesson 9 - Studying the Bible by […]

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:38:40 -0400

Bible Study Methods

Lesson 9 – Studying the Bible by the Bible

My favorite part of this lesson was going over the different responses we should have to the Word. Some of these include: hear it and do it and be wise, declare it, long after it, keep it with your whole heart, and love it. Shortly before I started taking these courses I asked for God…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:24:40 -0400

Temptation was the topic of a recent conversation I had with my mentor. I was talking about my personal belief that sin works on a slope. At the beginning, you may be able to deceive yourself into thinking you aren’t sinning or you may think the sin is “not so bad” but now you are on the slope. Once you are on the slope you will be faced…

In reply to - Brandon Raley posted an update

Lesson 8 of Sword Sharpening helped me look at temptation in a different way. The serpent’s goal was to cause rebellion against God, and temptation can still do something similar […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:17:04 -0400

This reminds me of my most recent favorite verse: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

In reply to - Anthony posted an update

This chapter discusses the types of power that man can wield from political power, Intellectual, etc..Spiritual power of good and evil and the basis of them. People all through the […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study MethodsLesson 8In this lesson I […]

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:14:32 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 8

In this lesson I learned three techniques to use while studying my Bible. Marking is using highlighters (or any colored writing utensil) to organize information by topic. For example, red is often used to signify salvation or the blood of Jesus. Outlining is a great way to organize what you have read into…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:52:15 -0400

I liks how you mention we need to be quiet and pray. I recently added silent listening time to my prayers.

In reply to - James Roman posted an update

This was a powerful analogy for me. Seeing the bush is still burning is important. this shows that God is still speaking to people. In today’s world, which seems to be […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:50:34 -0400

God’s love is unfailing.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What excites me most about Session 9 is how much deeper the story of Jacob becomes when I see the connections between the different generations. I was especially struck by the […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:49:44 -0400

I agree completely we should be prepared for the coming judgement.

In reply to - Matoh Dilan Mbih posted an update chapter 10. Eternal judgment.

I almost jump over this lesson but it’s important that i share

Eternal judgment is an important foundation of the Christian faith. It refers to […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory Prayer Lesson 8 This is the last lesson of […]

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:59:27 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 8

This is the last lesson of my first course and I am sad it is coming to an end. At the start of this, I confessed that I am not always good at praying. This course has certainly been a big help in knowing how to pray and different things I should be praying for. This last lesson taught me about organizing for…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory PrayerLesson 7This lesson taught me […]

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:53:45 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 7

This lesson taught me about interceding for revival. Revival is a work of God through people who learn and apply certain principles. It is not emotionalism. Revival is needed in an apparent backslidden condition. Backsliding is the sin of crowding God out with one’s self. The steps to God’s Revival Plan are:…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory PrayerLesson 6This lesson gave me so […]

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:47:37 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 6

This lesson gave me so much valuable information about prayer. I have heard many sermons about the Lord’s prayer, but none went over it as extensively as this lesson. My favorite part was learning the different names of the Lord. I really like Jehovah-Rohi which means “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Any time the Lord…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study MethodsLesson 7In this chapter […]

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:43:45 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 7

In this chapter I learned about BC and AD. BC is before the birth of Christ and AD is after the birth of Christ. I was given a timeline that shows from creation to the spread of the gospel. I also learned about the three ways we determine the timelines within the Bible. The Bible does give some dates, we…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:38:55 -0400

With the Holy Spirit as our teacher we can read the same passage multiple times, but get something new each time.

In reply to - Ajagbe Olatunde Ayoade posted an update

Reading the Bible with the help of the Holy Spirit changes it from a religious duty into a living conversation with God.The Holy Spirit Illuminates What We Read The […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:37:46 -0400

The amount of prophecy fulfilled is just amazing.

In reply to - Andrew posted an update

The overall theme of the lesson is to systematically eliminate every other person from history as the Messiah. It can only be Jesus. The lesson plan had 21 different points that […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:36:56 -0400

I like to imagine what it would be like for Timothy to receive these letters. I think about the overwhelming responsibility given to him, but also how it must have felt to have someone like Paul believe in you.

In reply to - Matoh Dilan Mbih posted an update chapter 13: 1 and 2 Timothy.

The first letter to Timothy is written by Paul to Timothy, a co-laborer in ministry. Paul’s purpose is to guide Timothy as he serves as an interim […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:34:27 -0400

This is really interesting. I never thought to make the wider comparison.

In reply to - R.C. posted an update

The separation of Yaaqov and Esau echoes the Cain and Abel theme, yet it unfolds with notable inversions and surprises. Rivqah bears the weight of a curse for her scheming, […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 23:33:37 -0400

I really enjoy learning about new cultures. I do agree that knowing the culture benefits us greatly when sharing the gospel.

In reply to - Melanie posted an update

Environmental Analsis

Lesson 7

I learned how to do an environmental analysis of an area in this lesson. An area analysis includes political, geographoc, linguistic, and cultural factors […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study MethodsLesson 6I would […]

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:20:46 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 6

I would love clarification from my peers on the topic of Verbal and Plenary inspiration. I understand verbal as the word for word inspiration and Plenary as the whole of the Bible being inspired. Is this correct? I learn really well from auditory and visual tools so if anyone can recommend a good video…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:14:23 -0400

I absolutely agree with you. I think understanding the Word better gives a better understanding in daily living. It protects us.

In reply to - Rhonda Ford-Perry posted an update

The scripture that stood out to me most is “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Jesus makes it plain: we fall into error when we […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:12:35 -0400

I agree completely. I also have a hard time understanding why such horrible things happen sometimes. I have to remind myself that it is part of living in a fallen world and it does not mean punishment in every instance.

In reply to - Jeff Jacinto posted an update

The flood in Noah’s time can be seen as a cosmic collapse. The waters came from above and below, as if the order of creation was being undone. Yet the flood was also a sign of […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:10:56 -0400

I also love to see connections within the Bible. I really love to find areas in the Old Testament that point to Jesus. The amount of similarities and the prophecies fulfilled overwhelmingly prove the truth of the gospel.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What stands out most to me about Session 6 is how the story of Isaac is intentionally connected to the stories of Abraham, Adam and Eve, and even Jacob. I found it exciting to see […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory PrayerLesson 5In this lesson I learned […]

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:27:48 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 5

In this lesson I learned about the many hindrances to Prayer. This lesson was really convicting for me. Some of the hindrances that stood out to me were:

– Being in sin

– having unforgiveness

– having a selfish motive

– lacking compassion

– Not asking according to God’s will

– Not asking in Jesus’ name

I am learning…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory Prayer Lesson 4In this chapter I learned how […]

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:24:33 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 4

In this chapter I learned how to intercede. One of the things that stood out to me was that our goal should be to glorify God. When I pray for others I have an idea of what I want to happen in the situation. It is very important that I remember that the best solution is the one that glorifies God.

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory Prayer Lesson 3This lesson goes over […]

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 02:23:22 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 3

This lesson goes over the spiritual resources for Intercessory prayer. I was most intrigued by fasting. It is something I have wanted to learn more about for awhile. I learned that there are partial and complete fasts. I also learned there are many different reasons to fast. I learned that the length of fasts vary.…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 18:02:00 -0400

I do think some meaning can be lost because of translation. The Bible uses four different Greek words for “love” and each have a different meaning. Knowing this can help you have a deeper understanding for the Bible.

In reply to - Leah posted an update

As we continue to read the author’s cosmology in the New Testament, we again encounter descriptions of our heavens and earth that run contrary to American popular opinion; however, that […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:59:37 -0400

I like how you mention it identified the needs. It reminds me how we are called to serve. Knowing about a community helps us serve them better.

In reply to - Melanie posted an update

Environmental Analysis

Lesson 5

This chapter provided an example of an environmental analysis on the New Testament. This analyzes the environment to identify and meet the needs of […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:58:22 -0400

Learning about people groups is so important when sharing the gospel.

In reply to - Melanie posted an update

Environmental Analysis

Lesson 6

This chapter teaches about analyzing people groups. A people group examines people socially, culturally, politically, and spiritually. It identifies […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:54:49 -0400

I like that Ecclesiasties serves to remind us that the things that matter in this life are those that prepare for us for the next.

In reply to - Terry posted an update

The book of Ecclesiastes provides us a raw, philosophical honesty and a very stark argument that our earthly pursuits are fleeting and meaningless in the end, without turning to our God in Heaven.

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:53:25 -0400

Song of Solomon is one of the books I have studied through pastoral messages. I have heard it talked about as both an example for husband and wives and as a picture of Christ’s love for the church.

In reply to - Terry posted an update

If I was asked to give a moral lesson from the Song of Solomon it would be that true wisdom and humility are far more valuable than our riches and power. Even the wisest of us can fall if […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:51:44 -0400

I was unaware of this! Thank you for sharing this.

In reply to - Terry posted an update

The message in the Book of Isaiah is extremely powerful concerning the prophecy of the coming Messian but I mesmerized by how the book mirrored the structure of the entire Bible Both […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:47:45 -0400

Hello Luanne. I really enjoy learning about the history of the words in the Bible. I like how the Bible uses four different words in Greek to describe different kinds of love: agape, philia, storge, and eros. We had a Bible store near me when I was growing up called “Agape”. I have always thought it such a beautiful word.

In reply to - Luanne Jones posted an update

Course Name: HT Creative Bible Study Methods Lesson 3: Versions of the Bible What speaks to me most […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study MethodsLesson 5If you have seen […]

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:33:22 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 5

If you have seen my community posts before, than you have seen me mention my dad (step-dad or mentor). This lesson reminded me a lot of him. This lesson goes over different tools you may use alongside your Bible during study. My dad has a bookshelf with a number of these tools on it that I was giving free…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Old Testament Bible Survey Lesson 4My favorite part of […]

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 17:24:47 -0400

Old Testament Bible Survey

Lesson 4

My favorite part of the lesson was the outline. It splits the book of Genesis into 2 parts: History of Humanity and Patriarchal History. It is then split into smaller parts with references. I think the outline is really helpful as both a summary and a reference.

The word “Genesis” means “beginning”. Genesis…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study Methods Lesson 4I like that this […]

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 02:36:40 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 4

I like that this lesson ended with 3 practical suggestions for your Bible study. It suggests setting a special time in a special place with a starting prayer. For me, my Bible study happens with my morning cup of coffee. I think this may be because I grew up watching my dad (and mentor) reading his Bible at…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Intercessory PrayerLesson 2In this lesson I learned that […]

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 02:28:54 -0400

Intercessory Prayer

Lesson 2

In this lesson I learned that an intercessor is someone who pleads someone else’s case. I knew intercession was praying for others, but I hadn’t thought of it before as pleading someone’s case. I think it makes me realize that I am too casual in prayer. I do not take seriously enough what prayer is and the process…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:54:04 -0400

I am doing Old Testament Bible Survey now, but look forward to this course next. I am particularly fond of Galations having done a workbook study on it. I am interested to compare that workbook to what I will learn in the courses here.

In reply to - Matoh Dilan Mbih posted an update

chapter 8: Galatians

The Book of Galatians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia. Its main purpose is to defend the true gospel and teach that […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:51:53 -0400

I always thought of confession as simply stating your sins, feeling bad, and asking for forgiveness. “Agreeing with God about our guilt” is something I plan to think on more. There is still those heavy feelings of regret and sorrow over having sinned. I like that I can take comfort in being in agreement with God. I guess I always thought…

In reply to - Misael Elias Vargas Bocaney posted an update

Lesson 16: The Principle of Confession

Confession is an essential element of true repentance and fellowship with God, directly opposing denial and […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 01:46:45 -0400

I have always been taught that this was also God pointing towards the future when He would give His own son for our salvation. It is amazing how connected the Bible is.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What stands out most about Session 24 on Abraham is the incredible way the details of Genesis 22 connect back to the Garden of Eden and forward to the rest of the Bible. The […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:06:22 -0400

I am looking forward to this lesson. I know I really struggle with distraction in my prayer time.

In reply to - Sifiso Mdluli posted an update

Intercessory prayer can be done individually, in pairs, a small group or as the entire congregation.

There are problems that we should overcome as intercessors:

1. Lack of […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:04:58 -0400

@jrsolano0115 It has not yet gone over commentaries. I do hope it does though.

In reply to - Amanda McDowell posted an update

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 3

This lesson taught me about the difference between a word-for-word translation instead of only a thought-for-thought version of the Bible. […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:00:16 -0400

I am taking the course Intercessory Prayer and in Lesson 3 it talks about the Royal Priesthood. I am looking forward to learning more on this topic.

In reply to - Andrew posted an update

The main scripture associated with this lesson is 2:21-24. It further details how we were created in the Royal Priesthood in the image of God. We are imagers of him. Our Royalty […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Old Testament Bible SurveyLesson 3This lesson is the same […]

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:58:04 -0400

Old Testament Bible Survey

Lesson 3

This lesson is the same as for another course I am taking. I can see how this chapter is a good preparation lesson for what I will learn in each course.

This lesson goes over what languages the Bible was originally written in. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written…

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:34:20 -0400

I also enjoyed learning how the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic and how the New Testament was written in Greek. I also really liked learning more about word-by-word translation and thought-by-thought versions.

In reply to - Rhonda Ford-Perry posted an update

Something that really interested and impacted me while working through the lesson was learning that the Bible was originally written in three languages: Greek, Hebrew, […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:26:21 -0400

I regularly use the English Standard Version, but like to compare with other versions as well.

In reply to - Thomas Perry posted an update

Creative Bible Study Methods

LESSON 3

The versions of the Bible I knew about the different versions before this course. When I study the Bible I will use the KJV< NKJV< and NIV. I […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:25:12 -0400

I am doing this course, but not yet to this lesson. I am looking forward to learning about repetition in the Bible.

In reply to - Sisay Yohannes Gagabo posted an update

THE RULE OF REPETITION

All the Bible is divinely inspired. There are no unessential parts of the Bible. Each word is inspired and necessary. For this reason, when something […]

Amanda McDowell posted a new activity comment

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:23:06 -0400

Last year I felt really convicted to read through the Bible fully for the first time. I had been a Christian so long, but hadn’t done it. It was such a blessing. I am doing the same thing this year and then next year I plan to do a slower study. It is well worth it!

In reply to - Luanne Jones posted an update

Course name – Creative Bible Study Methods; Lesson # – Chapter Two The Books of the Bible What impacted me most about this lesson was how […]

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Old Testament Bible Survey Lesson 2This chapter is the […]

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:18:07 -0400

Old Testament Bible Survey

Lesson 2

This chapter is the same for another course I am taking: Creative Bible Study Methods. In reviewing this chapter I wanted to pay special attention to the key verse:

Psalm 119:169

“Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: give me understanding according to thy Word.”

This verse really reminds me that no matter…

Amanda McDowell posted an update: Creative Bible Study Methods Lesson 3This lesson taught […]

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:06:56 -0400

Creative Bible Study Methods

Lesson 3

This lesson taught me about the difference between a word-for-word translation instead of only a thought-for-thought version of the Bible. My mentor (and step-father) raised a concern for my use of the New Living Translation for my daily study a few years ago. He bought me an English Standard Version…