RIVERVIEW BAPTIST

 

SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE

 

 

RBSB

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDENT

 

HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

CHRIST CENTERED – STUDENT ORIENTED

 

RIVERVIEW BAPTIST SCHOOL OF THE BIBLE

P O Box 1

219 Big Stony Creek Road

Ripplemead, VA 24150

 

 

 

PURPOSE STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES

 

PURPOSE STATEMENT

 

Riverview Baptist School of the Bible exists to provide curriculum, environment, and learning experience at the postsecondary level. This is accomplished through the development of Bible knowledge, ministry skills, and the preparation of individuals spiritually, practically, and academically for professional and lay ministry at home and abroad. This purpose is achieved through the RBSB method of on-campus classroom instruction. This methodology provides virtually instantaneous educational opportunities for those desiring it.

 

OBJECTIVES:

 

In order to fulfill the purposes of Riverview Baptist School of the Bible, the following objectives have been established. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote the Colossians of the need to be always “Increasing in the knowledge of God,” (Col 1:10), it is the mission of every person associated with RBSB to encourage its students to develop spiritually, practically, and academically.

 

1.         SPIRITUAL OBJECTIVES

 

Students of RBSB have the opportunity to develop spiritually as they are challenged through the Mentoring process.  The course work which is designed to train them in spiritual areas, including studies on spiritual life, gifts, and character, and to provide opportunity to develop submission to God’s Word.

 

a.                  Opportunity to learn how to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit

b.         Opportunity to develop the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23)

 

2.         PRACTICAL OBJECTIVES:

 

Students of RBSB have the opportunity to develop in areas of practical ministry by involvement in church ministry while students of RBSB.  These areas of Practical Ministry are especially important in the opportunities to:

 

 

 

a.         Develop habits of prayer, Bible study, witnessing, and worship

b.         Develop scriptural relationships with God, self, spouse, family, church, work, and the community

 

 

3.         ACADEMIC OBJECTIVES

 

RBSB students have the opportunity to develop in academics through the course assignments. These assignments include researching tasks, reading, internet searches, the writing of Term Papers and development of Projects (for some courses). The RBSB faculty provides one on one guidance and critique in order to provide the following opportunities:

 

a.         To learn and think critically from a Biblical perspective and maintain intellectual and spiritual integrity in all areas of study and research

b.                 To be equipped with both a knowledge of Biblical content and the skills to expound upon that knowledge by properly interpreting and applying Scripture according to the sound hermeneutical principles

c.                  To be provided with the intellectual tools necessary to integrate all fields of study with Biblical truth, realizing that God is the ultimate and ONLY source of all truth

d.                 To be able to meet contemporary challenges to historic, Biblical Christianity with a working knowledge of Christian theology and apologetics

 

These objectives are designed to train people for ministry as God calls. They further provide a foundation for service for pastors, preachers, evangelists, teachers, missionaries, counselors, and lay workers.

 

FACULTY AND STAFF

 

RBSB staff and faculty are experienced in ministry and educational endeavors. They each have degrees which have prepared them to labor in this field of Christian education.

 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 

The philosophy of education at Riverview Baptist School of the Bible is based upon the premise that God is the source of all truth, that the Holy Spirit is the leader and guide of all truth; that man, as created in the image of God, may gain knowledge and understanding of spiritual and physical realities through the pursuit of truth, Further, God has revealed Himself in general revelation through the physical, created world, and in special revelation through the Person of Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God, and the Written Word of God, the Bible.

 

 

 

 

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

 

            All members of the faculty and administration, as well as the curricular and other programs of Riverview Baptist School of the Bible, adhere to the following statement of convictions.

 

1.         THE BIBLE

The divine plenary inspiration of the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as originally given are infallible, authoritative, relevant, and free from error in all matters with which the scriptures deal.

 

2.         SPECIAL CREATION

Through divine command, God brought the world and the universe with all its systems and kinds of living organisms into existence.

 

3.         HISTORICITY

The historical and biblical record includes creation of spirit beings and man, Adam and Eve’s literal fall, the resultant sin and curse entering the world, and the diverse nations evolving from language difficulties at the Tower of Babel are truthful accounts.

 

 

4.         THE TRINITY

The trinity is the triune Godhead existing as One, yet in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit and the Son share the same nature with the Father, who is eternal, transcendent, and sovereign, yet personal, immanent, loving, and faithful.

 

5.            THE FATHER

God the Father, the first person of the Holy Trinity, is eternal, Creator of all things, unchangeable in all His attributes and sovereign Lord of the universe.  He is worthy of praise, adoration, and obedience.

 

6.         THE SON

Jesus Christ is fully God and was fully man, becoming one sinless, perfect, divine-human person through incarnation, miraculous conception, and virgin birth.

 

7.         THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead who convicts, regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, guides and empowers every believer at the point of salvation.  The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts and fills those persons who yield to Him and enables them to bear much fruit.  Sign gifts were temporary and given to the early church for use until completion of the canon.

 

 

 

8.         REDEMPTION

The substitutionary, literal, physical death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the sins of the world brought hope to the believer by His burial, resurrection and ascension into heaven.  As He lives, so shall we also live.

 

9.         SALVATION

Salvation from sin comes from God by grace and is received by personal faith in the reconciling death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

10.       SATAN

Satan, called the devil or Lucifer, is a malignant being who is a deceiver, liar, tempter, and destroyer.  Eternal punishment and torment will be not only for him, but also for all persons who reject Jesus Christ as Savior.

 

11.       LAST THINGS

The imminent rapture of the church is when Christians meet Christ in the air.  The personal, bodily return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to judge, to purge sin and to establish His kingdom will conjugate all His purposes in the works of creation, redemption, rewards, and punishments.

 

12.       THE CHURCH

The Church is a fellowship of believers both local and universal.  It is united by the Holy Spirit into one redeemed Body of Christ and identified as the possession of Christ.  As the Bride of Christ, the Church is to build the local church by strengthening the saints and winning the lost through evangelism.

 

            For more detailed doctrinal statement, contact the Academic Dean.

 

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

 

            RBSB expects all students, administrators, faculty, and staff to read, STUDY, and understand the following Code of Conduct.  Each of these is based on Scripture.

 

            RBSB believes that in this time of changing and controversial worldly philosophies, there is a huge imperative to encourage all of its constituents to walk in an ethical and moral lifestyle which is consistent with the Written Word, the Bible.  Toward this end RBSB has established this Code of Conduct.  It is not comprehensive.  Rather, it is indicative of the lifestyle and conduct we expect of all persons associated with RBSB, inclusive of Board Members, Faculty, Staff, Students, and others who participate in the RBSB programs.

 

            Neither situational ethics nor self-gratification should EVER determine the actions, words, philosophy, or lifestyle of any individual.  We believe the righteous standards of the Bible are the only basis for a successful and worthy life while on this planet in this existence.  Following are the guidelines we have determined for those associated with the school.

 

1.         To set the Lord as the PREEMINENT person in our lives

2.         To set prayer, meditation, and Bible study as a mandatory portion of our existence

3.         To analyze the motives for a given action to determine if they are selfish, sinful or out of harmony with the principles of God’s Word

4.         To determine that the methods of a person are honest, ethical, honorable, and fair

5.         To ensure that results are uplifting, wholesome, and good

 

            The totality of the RBSB “Essence” embodied in this Code of Conduct are found in the words of Jesus, where He says, ”Love the Lord your God with all your heart ... and love your neighbor as yourself.” This type of lifestyle creates a strengthened character, confidence borne of the Lord and not of ones own self, a more moral society, and help to build and strengthen the Kingdom of God.

 

INFRACTIONS

 

            Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.  All forms of hazing, disorderly conduct, cheating, stealing, lying, the homosexual and lesbian lifestyles, etc, are unacceptable.  Each and all are considered violations of the Code.  Those who are named for infractions will first appear before the Vice President for Administration.  If disciplinary action is warranted, the violator will then appear before the Disciplinary Committee.  Remedial action may include counseling sessions, service work, loss of privilege, disciplinary action, or even probation or dismissal from the school.

 

            The Board of Directors and the Administration reserve the right to amend or add to any new regulations such as is necessary to safeguard the mission and purpose of this institution.

 

 

 

GRADES AND GRADE POINTS

 

QUALITY OF WORK IN A COURSE IS INDICATED AS FOLLOWS:

"A" indicates the highest grade of work and is reserved for outstanding achievement (93%-100%).

"B" indicates superior work done in a sustained and intelligent manner (85%-92%).

"C" is given for work which meets the minimum required standards for the class (77%-84%).

“D" indicates work which is deficient in one or more significant aspects, and is

the lowest passing  grade (70%-76%).

            "F" indicates failure (70% or less).

            Grade points are assigned as follows:

 

            Grade                                     Grade Points

            A                     93-100%                 4

            B                     85-92%                   3

            C                     84-77%                   2

            D                     70-76%                   1

            F                      69% or less           0

W                    Withdraw     

 

Grade point averages are determined by dividing quality points by credit hours.

 

HONORS

Graduation honors are awarded to any student who completes any Academic Degree requirements with the following Grade Point Averages:

                        3.3       Cum Laude

                        3.6       Magna Cum Laude

3.85         Suma Cum Laude

 

 

CLASS SCHEDULE – SPRING 200

 

August 26th Registration - 6:00 PM– 6:20 PM

 

Classes will meet on Thursday Nights for two sessions:

 

                        1st Session       Gospel of John         6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

                                                           

                        2nd Session       The Christian Life                8:05 PM – 9:35 PM

 

 

                        Teacher

                       

                        Dr. Jim Parker  

    

TEXTBOOKS:        

 

Required textbooks are available through the school.  However, students may purchase their own texts from their local Christian bookseller or online publishers. With the accessibility of the INTERNET, students may purchase texts from several Christian booksellers via the Internet. RBSB recommends that you contact one of the following book publishers.  Each has a tremendous “library” of both new and used books.

 

            Baker Books at www.bakerbooks.com                      

            Kregel Publishers at www.kregel.com

            Zondervan Publishers at www.zondervan.com

            Amazon Books at www.amazon.com

            Reedman Publishers at www.eerdman.com

            Barnes and Noble Booksellers at www.barnesandnoble.com

            Bohleys Books at www.bohleysbooks.com

            Scripture Truth Book Co. at www.scripturetruth.com

 

LIBRARIES:

 

Riverview Baptist Church has an excellent library.  Please check with the Church Librarian for time of access.  For some excellent material that is FREE go to www.watke.org.  The PowerBible CD which is available to every student is an excellent source of information., which nets the students more than 15 complete sets of commentaries, the Bible in more than a dozen translations and five languages, and many more helps once confined to a local library.  Students may also work with the Concordia Seminary System Library if you would rather check books out than buy them. You may contact them at www.concordiasem.edu. They offer books on line which students may check out for studies. Students may also use Concordia’s extensive online library to study books online. We highly recommend the use of the Concordia Library. The savings in cost of books is well worth the time the student will spend in learning how to use the system. American Christian College and Seminary has a online library www.onlinetheologicallibrary. This is a doorway to more than one million potential sources of information to assist students in their studies. We encourage students to make extensive use of the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL), which is on the Internet at www.ccel.org. This collection of more than 400 of the finest books ever written from a Christian perspective is available to all RBSB students. Students must pay for this themselves. There is no charge for using the CCEL.

For additional information, please check with your professor.

 

 

 

 

TERM PAPER GUIDELINES

 

The writing of a Term Paper for Riverview Baptist School of the Bible provides each student with the opportunity to produce, in written form, a document, which provides evidence that new learning, has taken place. It further provides the student with the opportunity of expanding that new knowledge through the use of outside source material.

            Depending upon which level of study in which you are involved, your Term Paper must be 10 double spaced pages in length. It must also have a Title Page, Table of Contents, use either Endnotes or Footnotes, and have a Bibliography. The number of outside sources in your Bibliography depends upon your level of study.

            The RBSB Research Manual is the KEY to composing your Term Paper. You received the Manual when you enrolled with RBSB.  Information not found here will be found in the RBSB Research Manual.

 

LENGTH

            Undergraduate students must normally prepare papers of not less than ten pages.

                       

The minimum number of written pages does not include the Title Page, Dedication Page (if used), Table of Contents, Endnotes, or Bibliography. In addition, if you quote scripture and write them out, they also do not count toward the number of pages written/required.

 

MARGINS

            Margins of 1” on top, bottom, and sides are required.

 

FONT

The preferred font is Times Roman 12 point. You may also use Arial 12 point. Under no circumstances may larger fonts be used EXCEPT in headers, section breaks, etc.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES (Please see examples at the end of the Guide.)

            Undergraduate students must cite at least five outside sources.

           

LAYOUT AND DESIGN OF YOUR TERM PAPER

1.                  Title Page

2.                  Dedication Page (if used)

3.                  Table of Contents

4.                  Body of Work

5.                  Conclusion

6.                  Appendices (if any are used)

7.                  Endnotes (if used)

8.                  Bibliography


SAMPLE TITLE PAGE

 

 

 

 

 

(Scroll down 10 spaces from the top of the page)

 

 

 

THIS IS A SAMPLE TITLE PAGE

 

 

5 spaces

 

A Term Paper

(2 spaces)

Presented to

(2 spaces)

The Name of Your Professor

(2 spaces)

Riverview Baptist School of the Bible

(2 spaces)

 

 

(3 spaces)

 

 

In Partial Fulfillment

(2 spaces)

Of The Requirements For

(2 spaces)

Course Title and Number (USE CAPITAL LETTERS HERE)

(3 spaces)

 

 

By

(2 spaces)

John Q. Student

 

(2 spaces)

Date on which the work was submitted to the Professor

 

(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR SAMPLE)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JESUS, THE ROOT OF ALL BELIEF

(ALWAYS CAPITALIZE THE TITLE OF YOUR TERM PAPER)

 

 

 

A Term Paper

 

Presented To

 

[RBSB Professor]

 

Riverview Baptist School of the Bible

 

 

 

In Partial Fulfillment

 

Of The Requirements For

 

TH 111 SURVEY OF BIBLE DOCTRINE

(CAPITALIZE THE COURSE FOR WHICH

THE TERM PAPER WAS PREPARED)

 

By

 

John Q. Student

 

July 6, 2010


 

FOOTNOTES, ENDNOTES, QUOTATIONS, AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

One of the reasons why it was important to document the sources of your notes for your research paper is that many if not most of them are going to reappear in your finished product.  First of all, it is necessary to determine what information you need to document.  Facts that are generally known do not need to be documented, such as the dates of the Second World War, the distances between the earth, moon, and sun, and the birthplace of a president.  "Facts that are generally known" does not mean that you should be expected to know all of them without looking them up.  They are merely widely available in general reference sources.

What you do need to document is material that reflects opinions and theories rather than commonly accepted facts. Information that appears to be factual should be documented if it rests on opinion, like fossil dating or satellite flight photographs.  Any statistics or information from behavioral scientists should be documented.  The methods that they use to collect their data have not always been valid, and their interpretations have often been used to justify racism and sexism.

Facts that are probably true but that may be known only to a small number of scholars or investigators should be documented.  Especially if they represent findings from experiments that involved only a small sampling of subjects, they may or may not be true.

There are several standard formats for preparing research papers and bibliographies.  The three most widely used formats are the American Psychological Association (APA), the Modern Language Association (MLA), and the Chicago style (named for the University of Chicago).  Examination of the different varieties suggests that they all have merit, but that the Chicago style seems the best to use for most types of research. Consequently, the Riverview Baptist