Absolute confidence
The King James Bible is not merely our primary textbook. It is our final authority.
Redneck Institute of Biblical Studies
Ordinary people.
An extraordinary Book.
RIBS exists to develop lifelong Bible students through the faithful study of the King James Bible.
A ministry of Bible Believers Church · Byhalia, Mississippi
Why “RIBS”?
Quiet. Steady. Protective.
Ribs are not the source of life. They protect the organs that sustain life. In the same way, the Institute does not claim to be the source of spiritual life. Life is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
RIBS does not replace the local church, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, or the authority of the Holy Scriptures. It exists to guard sound doctrine, encourage careful Bible study, preserve the ancient landmarks of the faith, and help believers handle the word of God with reverence, accuracy, and humility.
We seek no prominence for ourselves. We simply want to provide a faithful framework for fellow travelers who desire to know the Book and its Author.
The DNA of RIBS
Everything begins with the Book.
Scripture interprets Scripture
The first question is not, “What does the commentator say?” It is, “Where else does God talk about this?”
Build from the text up
Words. Verses. Passages. Books. Doctrine. Doctrine is discovered rather than imposed.
Simplicity without shallowness
A new believer should understand the lesson. A mature believer should still be challenged by it.
Confidence to study
Students should leave thinking, “I can study my Bible,” not, “I need an expert.”
Truth that leads to worship
Bible study is not merely academic. Truth should deepen reverence, obedience, and love for Christ.
The RIBS Method
Develop skills.
Not merely knowledge.
We do not begin with a theological system and then hunt for supporting verses. We begin with the words God gave us and allow the evidence to produce the conclusion.
Read
Begin with the words. Read carefully. Notice the speaker, the audience, the time, and what is taking place.
Investigate
Establish the context. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Follow the Bible’s own definitions and distinctions.
Build
Gather the evidence. Build doctrine from the whole counsel of God rather than from one isolated verse.
Submit
When the Bible agrees with us, rejoice. When it corrects us, submit. Truth obeyed becomes wisdom.
A RIBS landmark
Never, ever change the Bible to fit your particular itch. Let the Bible tell you where the itch is, and let God prescribe the remedy.
The goal is not to persuade the Scriptures to agree with us. The goal is to let the Scriptures conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Level 1 curriculum
The Book. The Promise. The King. The Church.
The Institute uses a level system rather than semesters. BIB 100–104 makes up Level 1 and contains more lecture hours than an average semester in a traditional semester system.
Students begin with the Bible itself, then walk through the Old Testament, arrive at Christ in the Gospels, and follow the New Testament revelation forward. These five courses establish the foundation for further study.
General Introduction to the Bible
What the Bible is, how it is arranged, and why it can be trusted.
Old Testament Survey
The grand narrative from Genesis through Israel’s history, prophecy, exile, and return.
Life of Christ
The natural bridge: Old Testament anticipation meets the King in the four Gospels.
New Testament Survey
Acts, the epistles, and Revelation in their historical and doctrinal setting.
Dispensational Theology
Recognizing the divisions and distinctions God placed in His word.
Additional studies beyond Level 1
The technical disciplines build on the foundation established in BIB 100–104.
Hermeneutics
Applying sound principles of observation, context, comparison, and right division.
Manuscript Evidence
Examining the evidence behind the preservation and transmission of the Scriptures.
Bible Geography
Learning the lands, routes, regions, and physical setting of the Bible.
Bible Archaeology
Using material history as a witness to the people, places, and events recorded in Scripture.
The Method runs through everything.
Read · Investigate · Build · Submit is not confined to one class. It is practiced in every course until it becomes the student’s ordinary way of approaching the Book.
The RIBS Promise
We will never intentionally talk over your head.
Neither will we talk down to you.
We will walk beside you. Together we will open the Scriptures. Together we will compare Scripture with Scripture. Together we will allow the Bible to explain itself.
Our confidence is not in our ability to explain the Bible. Our confidence is in the Author of the Bible.
Make the truth accessible without making it shallow. Make it thorough without making it intimidating.
Education is a ministry, not a business
No tuition. No fundraising. No sales pressure.
Knowledge is given because it was first received. Students are not customers. They are disciples of the Scriptures.
Keep walking with us
Open the Book. Follow the evidence. Build the conclusion.
Prayer & contact
How may I pray for you?
If you have a prayer request, a question about one of the studies, or simply want to get in touch, send me a private message through Facebook.
“Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified…”2 Thessalonians 3:1Send a private message Please do not post private or sensitive information publicly.