Online Bible Institute | Max | Activity

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:50:36 -0400

The Bible was written for us, but not to us. Its a saying I love that really helps understand a lot of what scripture has to say. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Christopher posted an update

Chapter six covered the principles of interpretation. With so many versions of the Bible that we have access to, its important to understand interpretation and why we believe the […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:48:34 -0400

Spiritual growth is one of the hardest things to quantify so I feel like it often goes unnoticed. That makes lessons like these all the more important. Thank you for sharing.

In reply to - Aaron House posted an update

Methodology of Multiplication

Chapter-11

When we consider stunted growth that can occur in a church, we need to look at

ways this can be fixed. One of the most important things […]

Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra asserted that all […]

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 01:43:07 -0400

In this lesson pastor Hoekstra asserted that all believers are called to the counseling ministry and challenged the idea that only trained experts are qualified to counsel.

The nature of biblical counseling and the spiritual gifts imparted to all Christians means that all in God’s family are sufficiently equipped to counsel one another.…

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:32:05 -0400

This is a really fun method that I was shown somewhat recently. I usually read a passage almost as poetry, and see the whole thing as conveying a point and don’t stop to consider the individual words and their meaning. When I do this I can see the passage in a whole new light with a new depth of meaning.

In reply to - Candice Gentry posted an update Paragraph study was such an interesting topic to learn. As I get further into my studies and learn how to dig deeper into Gods word all these helpful tools and charting […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:29:39 -0400

I like what you said about the devil trying to beat us down. He often tells two lies. First he’ll say that sin is no big deal and it doesn’t really matter. Then the second you do it, he says that its the biggest thing and you can never be forgiven. Neither are true. Sin separates you from God, but Jesus bridged the gap for us.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

Dr Hocking starts the lesson by explaining that from Romans 5:20, no sin can put you as believer outside the realm of God’s wonderful grace. No failure, no bombing out, no […]

Max posted an update: Counseling one another in the Christian life is, […]

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:21:50 -0400

Counseling one another in the Christian life is, according to Hoekstra, designed to happen in the context of the church and church life. The church is the family of God which is meant to be filled with the presence of Jesus and is defined by love, patience, forgiveness and mercy. In this context counseling occurs within each…

Max posted a new activity comment

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:12:59 -0400

I absolutely love word studies like these. The ways is which words can carry layers and depth of meaning is so amazing to see. Thank you so much for sharing.

In reply to - Roscoe Meeks posted an update

What stands out most in these notes is how profoundly the title “Lord” (kyrios) shapes our understanding of Jesus in the earliest Christian movement. What is exciting is realizing […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:08:34 -0400

Like you said, its really important to understand the natural and spiritual realms. Spiritual warfare is a daily thing where maybe the enemy is trying to make us irritable so we can’t show God’s love to others, or unforgiving to ruin our relationships. When we understand that these things aren’t just personal, but spiritual, we can much…

In reply to - Tammie Human Burgin posted an update

Lesson 1 of Spiritual Strategies: A Manual for Spiritual Warfare is thorough and detailed. It is very enlightening and equipping for a Believer. We must understand […]

Max posted an update: This lesson tied together the previous lessons on […]

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:04:31 -0400

This lesson tied together the previous lessons on God’s means of counseling. God’s word is the means by which He delivers His counsel to us. The Holy Spirit is the means by which we are to interpret and apply God’s word. Finally in this lesson we learn prayer is the means by which we are to communicate with God, receive His Spirit afresh,…

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:44:32 -0400

The term “high place” not only refers to a center of religious power, but more literally to a tall hill or mound, which in ancient times was seen as a place where the spiritual realm more easily influenced the physical and humans could commune with spirits. This is probably just a side note to your point, but it has implications for…

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

“Spiritual Wickedness in High Places” – The “High Places” in the old testament were places of worship, not only for the pagan peoples, but also for the people of Israel […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:38:15 -0400

I think its far more common to see demonic influence rather than possession. People are rarely fully possessed by a demon, but rather suffer constant attacks. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

“Dealing with Demonic Powers” – The three major kinds of attacks that attack the body, soul, and spirit of man are Seducing spirits, spirits of infirmity, and unclean […]

Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra discussed the importance […]

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 17:32:45 -0400

In this lesson pastor Hoekstra discussed the importance of the Holy Spirit in counseling. While the Word of God is the means by which God communicates with us and the material which we’re supposed to use in counseling, the Holy Spirit is the mode by which we are to interpret and apply the Word in counseling. It’s very important to know…

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:11:26 -0500

This was very encouraging to read. Its amazing to read about the examples of how God chooses the seemingly least qualified in the Bible. People like Saul, David, Gideon and Mary all lacked social status and experience, but God called them to amazing things and equipped them for the tasks to which they were called.

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

The final chapter in this course is called “The Vision Becomes Reality” – It identifies the type of individuals that God calls as harvesters, teaches us to claim God’s […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:06:19 -0500

This was a really good overview and summary. The book of Samuel is an amazing story of how God interacts with His people, dispensing justice and mercy simultaneously. As the last of the great judges, Samuel lived at an amazing time in history, much like how John the baptist was the last of the prophets. They each were instrumental in ushering in…

In reply to - Jessica posted an update

I wanted to give a summary from each chapter of what I’ve read so far in 1 Samuel. It’s a long read but I found 1 Samuel 1-12 very fascinating. Not everything in each chapter is […]

Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra overviewed the role of […]

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:58:23 -0500

In this lesson pastor Hoekstra overviewed the role of God’s word in counseling. God’s word is paramount, indispensable and instrumental in counseling. God’s word is the main instrument used for counseling, first, as II Timothy 3:16 tells us, because its true, inspired of God. There will never be a case where God’s word is found to be in error…

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:51:38 -0500

When your sense of value isn’t anchored in God, it’s very easy to undermine, and your self image can be very easily hurt.

Its also important to know that you can know God, just not fully. He will always be a mystery, but we don’t believe He is a complete mystery like agnostics.

Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Felix Quintero-Coria posted an update

The Atrributes of God

Lesson 1: the Greatness of God

the greatest need of humanity is not self-discovery, but the knowledge of God. Modern society is obsessed […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:44:42 -0500

I think setting aside time is essential, otherwise your prayer time will get lost in your busy schedule.

Great post, thanks for sharing

In reply to - Pieter van der Merwe posted an update

This is the closing lesson on intercession, and it provides good guidelines for getting started and keeping going. My takeaway from this course is that it requires […]

Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra again contrasted the […]

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:59:38 -0500

In this lesson pastor Hoekstra again contrasted the method of counseling laid out in scripture with that of the world. He showed how earthly counseling has a heavy emphasis on removing and meeting needs. While godly counseling has some aspects of problem solving, the main focus is on sanctification. So while earthly counseling attempts to…

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:57:09 -0500

When you understand the structure of a book, or section of a book you can get a better understanding of how the ideas interact and the find the real meaning of a passage. Its a great method, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Chidozie Gideon posted an update

I loved the suggestions on how to read the bible: Daily, Selectively, prayerfully and systematically. The power of reading systematically and getting a view of the big picture […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:54:59 -0500

Matthew 15:11 has much the same message. Your words can even make you impure. Its incredible to think about the power and weight our words carry and the responsibility we have in using them. Great post.

In reply to - Mariann Scallorn posted an update

Ch. 16 The Battle with the Tongue

This chapter is a great reminder that your words have a lasting impact.

I was reminded of the phrase, “Sticks and stone will break my bones, […]

Max posted an update: In this lesson pastor Hoekstra warned against adopting […]

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:51:24 -0500

In this lesson pastor Hoekstra warned against adopting the worldly philosophies regarding counseling, but rather to adopt God’s version and method of counseling.

At the time these lessons were made, the cultural focus was to improve oneself through self-esteem. This is still a huge issue today though under different names. Today, mental…

Max posted a new activity comment

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:48:20 -0500

It’s really cool to learn different methods for study. Some will work better for you than others. Word studies are one of my favorites as well, and I’m excited you’re going to start using it.

In reply to - Sarah Smith posted an update

I was really eager to learn about the Bible study tools and how they help deepen understanding of Scripture. After reviewing them and their purposes, I realized that I had never […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:44:34 -0500

Its really cool to see how the Bible is divided. Then when you read through the Bible you get to see e different theme in each section. Sometimes it’s also fun to read it chronologically and you can get other things out of your reading then.

In reply to - Keith Linden posted an update

I find it interesting, and something that i didn’t originally know, that the old and new testaments are broken into categories such as law, history etc. the correspondents between […]

Max posted an update: This lesson continues the ideas from the previous lesson […]

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:35:39 -0500

This lesson continues the ideas from the previous lesson and compares the type and quality of counsel from God, and from the world. It also considers the wisdom of coming to Christ for counsel versus the folly of coming to the phycologists of the world for counseling. Finally, the problem of the church abdicating its responsibility to…

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:40:59 -0500

It makes perfect sense. God promised healing for His children, you can’t expect to receive His healing without being in relationship with Him. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

The takeaway from this chapter is that faith for healing comes by hearing the Word of God concerning healing (Romans 10:17). The Bible calls the Word of God the seed. Some […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:34:28 -0500

I never realized that Jesus never prayed ‘if it is your will’. Its so tempting to qualify a prayer like that because it gives plausible deniability if a prayer isn’t answered like expected, but Jesus and the apostles give an example of prayer that is undoubting and expectant and we should follow it. Thank you for sharing.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

The takeaway from this chapter is that the key to answered prayer is praying according to God’s will. The chapter instructs the following: Do not pray “If it is God’s will.” […]

Max posted an update: Pastor Hoekstra began his lesson by putting to bed […]

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:28:23 -0500

Pastor Hoekstra began his lesson by putting to bed some common misconceptions which have arisen from the church adopting worldly theories and philosophies about counseling. He said that people often assume that only trained professionals have the proficiency to counsel, but God’s word calls all believers to counsel one another and equips us to…

Max posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:18:11 -0400

God always gives people the freedom to either submit to His authority or reject Him. God’s authority can feel threatening to some people, and often there’s nothing you can do to change their mind but to stand firm for the truth. Great post.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 20. Facing The Opposition

In this chapter I learned, spiritual power and authority are often challenged by forces that may seem subtle but are deeply rooted […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:11:59 -0400

The biblical analogy of a body is a beautiful image of the natural, fluid function of a spiritual family, rather than the robotic movements of committees and boards. I think that’s what scripture is pointing toward. Not only is it most healthy, but most efficient as well. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

Environmental Analysis Chapter 10: Analyzing an Existing Christian Organization

This chapter reminds us that the “Body of Christ” or Church has been organized in different ways […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:Revelation - The end - and a […]

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:02:16 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

Revelation – The end – and a new beginning

The opening lines of the book of Revelation reveal the source and purpose of John’s visions. The vision was from Jesus Himself in order to show Christians things which must take place. The book begins with greetings to seven churches in Asia minor from God Himself, saying that…

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:42:10 -0400

The power of resurrection is an amazing thing. Its about being made new, and the fact that we can begin the process of being made new in this life is incredible.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 16. Power Principle Ten: The Power Of His Resurrection

What if the resurrection wasn’t just a past event or a future hope, but a present power you can live in […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:39:08 -0400

I love this subject and I’m looking forward to seeing more from you on preaching. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Erin Lau posted an update

Course: Teaching Tactics

Lesson 15: An Introduction to Preaching

This lesson introduced the subject of preaching. Preaching instructs others in a formal manner (by delivering a sermon […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:Jude - Contending for the […]

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:31:45 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

Jude – Contending for the faith

Jude was one of the brothers of Jesus himself, and he had planned to write his epistle about the common salvation of Christians, but found he was pressed to write about contending for the faith. Jude said that the Christian faith is true, delivered directly from God once and for all, and that…

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:29:38 -0400

This is one of the most encouraging lessons the Bible can teach and it really gives confidence to face suffering with courage and patience. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 17. Power Principle Eleven: The Power Of Suffering

What if suffering isn’t a setback, but a setup for something greater? In God’s hands, pain has purpose. […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:25:19 -0400

I like the idea of interpreting this verse as overlapping categories. You have to reach each of these categories in order to really reach everyone.

In reply to - Teresa Holcombe posted an update

Environment Analysis Chapter 9: Analyzing a Region

The For Further Study of this chapter explained the REAP plan of organization. It is based on the organizational plan of […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:3 John - A tale of three menJohn […]

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:20:20 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

3 John – A tale of three men

John wrote his third epistle to a man named Gaius to advise him in welcoming missionaries. Gaius was an example of a life truly touched by God because he walked in the truth and gave generously to the Christians on mission, welcoming them hospitably.

John addressed the mischief of a man…

Max posted a new activity comment

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:29:30 -0400

Jesus said that its what comes out of a man’s mouth that defiles him. Your words both reflect and shape the content of your soul.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 14. Power Principle Eight: The Power Of The Word

We don’t always realize it, but our words carry weight, far more than we may realize. While the Holy Scriptures […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:27:33 -0400

It’s beautiful to see how important God sees the family, and disappointing and even scary to see how much it’s neglected today. I like that you pointed out that the state of your family reflects your spiritual leadership abilities. If you can’t lead your own family, you have no business leading God’s family. Very thought-provoking, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 15. Power Principle Nine: Power Of Authority

Have you ever paused to consider why the first authority God established wasn’t a government or a church, but a home […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:2 John - The vital balanceThe […]

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:21:49 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

2 John – The vital balance

The second epistle of John is addressed to “the elect lady” either a church or an actual woman. Whoever its addressed to, it changes little about the letter’s message to believers today. In this letter the apostle discussed how to deal with those who spread heretical ideas and teachings. The…

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:07:39 -0400

As Christians, we get to take on Christ’s name in much the same way as a woman who marries into a great family does. We’re called the bride of Christ in that way. Great post.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 12. Power Principle Six: Power In The Name Of Jesus

Did you know there are three main ways people get a great name? First, some are born into it, like royalty […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:03:00 -0400

I’ve been learning recently about how necessary prayer is to everyday life. I often don’t trust myself with life decisions and its so comforting to know I’m not expected to make them on my own. Wonderfully written post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 13. Power Principle Seven: The Power Of Prayer

In this chapter, I enjoyed learning about Jesus’ prayer life. Implementing prayer into daily life becomes far […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:1 John - The fruit of fellowship […]

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:52:57 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

1 John – The fruit of fellowship with Christ

John was Jesus’s closest and dearest disciple and likely His closest friend in His earthly life. Because of his compassion and purity he was called the apostle of love. John likely wrote his first epistle to the Christians in Ephesus who were facing the difficulties of living…

Max posted a new activity comment

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:58:14 -0400

Its so beautiful to see how God uses human evil to work His good. Great post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Chad posted an update

Power Principles

Chapter 19

This chapter is one that I really needed to study, because we all have seen things happen to Christians and wonder why. I, like everyone else, want to know […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:54:04 -0400

I like to remember that verse ‘He has not given us a spirit of fear’ so whenever a thought comes to me that brings fear I know its not His voice. Great post.

In reply to - Chad posted an update

Power Principles

Chapter 20

As Christians, we will face the challenges of this world every day and be forced to stand for Christ. We must understand that the source of this opposition […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:2 Peter - In the face […]

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 19:51:09 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

2 Peter – In the face of falsehood

Peter wrote his second letter with an understanding that he was going to soon die. So these are his last words to the Christian church.

He began the letter explaining the Christian faith and what its all about, saying that “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life…

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:25:01 -0400

Going off of what you just said, satan wants to take everything good away and God wants to give you everything good, and your own will is somewhere in between at best. So when you hear God’s voice, its just a good idea to do what He says. Great post, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Desmond posted an update

Knowing God’s Voice

Chapter 3: The Will of God

This chapter identifies three types of will and the importance of God’s will. The idea of “will” is to determine or decide based on the […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:17:59 -0400

The heart posture of spiritual thirst and gratitude are a beautiful thing. Often these are overlooked and new Christians learn that they’re saved, but never learn how to grow after that. That was a wonderfully written post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 8. Power Principle Two: The Power Of The Holy Spirit

The 6 biblical guidelines given for receiving the power of the Holy Spirit as follows: First, we must […]

Max posted an update: Survey of the Bible 3:1 Peter - Living stonesIn the year […]

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:11:57 -0400

Survey of the Bible 3:

1 Peter – Living stones

In the year 64 the city of Rome had a great fire and much of the city burned. The fire was very likely set by the emperor Nero himself. It was suspected in his own day so that he needed a scapegoat and he blamed the Christians and started a persecution throughout the empire. Its in the midst of…

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:41:54 -0400

Its amazing to see all the examples of Jesus’s power in His life and to know that we can trust Him. Wonderfully written post, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Rubeena posted an update

Power Principles: Chapter 4. “Never A Man Spoke As He”

When I first saw one of the self-test questions asking “what were the limitations of Jesus’ power?”, I thought, is this a trick […]

Max posted a new activity comment

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:38:37 -0400

It can be really difficult to discern God’s voice from all the other voices in the world. This is a really great guide, thanks for sharing.

In reply to - Timothy posted an update

Knowing GOD’s Voice

Lesson 7

This chapter reminds us that GOD still speaks today, as he did in times past. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). It goes […]