ABOUT VANGuaRD BIBLE INSTITUTE

Mission

Vanguard Bible Institute is a biblical, Spirit-filled higher education institution that exists to equip men and women for effective leadership and Christ-like servanthood to fulfill the great commission and to transform the world for Christ.

To fulfill its mission, VBI is committed to

Provide instruction, nurture, and enrichment within a Spirit-filled atmosphere;

• Ground student’s recognition of the authority of Scripture in all areas of life and ministry and provide a solid knowledge of the Bible;

• Encourage development of a biblical and balanced Christian theology;

• Increase awareness and appreciation of the heritage of the Christian community and the Spirit-filled community of faith in particular;

• Encourage dependence on the Holy Spirit and use of spiritual gifts to edify and evangelize;

• Equip students with the basic skills for ministry and evangelism;

• Encourage the use of Christian leadership skills grounded with integrity and a godly character.

• Promote spiritual development by encouraging students in personal prayer and the spiritual disciplines;

• Increase student’s biblical knowledge of moral and ethical standards and encourage a lifestyle based on Scripture;

• Prepare students for ministry engagement in the local church and community;

• Encourage students with sensitivity to the ethnic and cultural diversity of the world;

• Stimulate awareness for the need of continuous lifelong learning -- personal and professional development.

Beliefs

1. Inspiration of Scriptures

   We believe in the verbal inspiration of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments by the Holy Spirit as originally given; they are the final authority for our faith and life. II Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12

2. God

   We believe in one God revealed in three coequal, distinct persons: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; Ephesians 2:18

3. Man

   We believe that man in his natural state is a sinner, lost, undone, without hope and without God. Ephesians 2:1-2; Romans 3:23

4. Divinity and Humanity of Christ

   We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who by His incarnation and virgin birth took upon Himself the form of man and became the God-Man. In the one person of Christ, there are two natures, human and divine, each in its completeness and integrity. They are distinguishable but indivisible, so that He is fully man and fully God. He lived a sinless life and became the only sacrifice for the sins of the world. Ephesians 1:3-5; Romans 5:1-11; Acts 12:4; 1 Peter 1:18-19

5. Bodily Resurrection

   We believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Luke 24:38-43; John 20:24-29

6. Salvation

   We believe that terms of salvation are repentance towards God for sin and a personal heart-felt faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which results in regeneration. This salvation is entirely by grace and not by works. Ephesians 2:6-10; Romans 5:1; Acts 3:19-20

7. Second Coming

   We believe in the visible, bodily return of Christ to this earth to judge the world and to claim His Bride. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7

8. Church

   We believe that the church is Christ’s spiritual body on earth today. It consists of born-again believers and has both universal and local expression. Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28

9. Heaven and Hell

   We believe in the doctrines of eternal punishment for the lost and eternal bliss and service for the saved; hell for the unsaved and heaven for the saved. John 14:1-3; Revelation 20:11-15

10. Satan

    We believe that Satan is a fallen, created being who is the “god of this world.” He and his well-organized company of demons are opposed to the Kingdom of God and work to defeat and destroy the believer. While his activity is real, Satan and his demon spirits were defeated and over-thrown by Christ’s victory of the cross. Luke 10:17-20; Colossians 2:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18

11. Holy Spirit

    We believe the Holy Spirit to be the third person of the Godhead who is active in the world today. The Spirit indwells and seals the believer at new birth. We believe the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a subsequent experience and is available to all Christians to empower us to be witnesses. We believe in and encourage, the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4

12. Ordinances

    We believe that the believer’s water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of the church and should be practiced regularly. Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-10; 1

    
    

Values

• We value the teaching role of the Holy Spirit, which is essential to biblical understanding.

• We value the sharpening affect of sincere dialogue and loving interaction that leads to personal growth and transformation.

• We value the fruit of experience, which can transfer wisdom and insight.

• We value the abiding presence of Jesus Christ.

• We value the rhema word of God that can come in the special moments of intentional learning. 

• We value the Word of God and its power to inform and transform.

• We value those who aspire to be equipped to serve the Lord within their appointed spheres of influence.

• We value the investment made by those who provide God honoring resources for kingdom purposes.

• We value Christ’s five-fold gifts that equip the church leading to assurance, maturity and unity.