I've been asked by several people how long I take to prepare my JBC lessons. Another question frequently asked is how much help JBC gives in the lesson planning.

I will try to summarize what the JBC is first.

First, check the website (www.judahbible.com). Click “home school”

Second, look under the scope and sequence.

http://www.judahbible.com/jbc/scope.htm

Third, you might also want to read the two online articles provided by the website.

Okay, need more information?

The following are details that might not be clear from the website.

1. For the study, the Bible is divided into five themes.

2. These themes describe what is happening GOVERNMENTALLY in the Bible as God governs and man responds to His government.

3. For each theme, the writer isolated what he calls BIBLE KEYS.

4. Each time we do the JBC, we will study a few of these KEYS : key individuals, key events, key institutions and key documents.

5. This will be done using KEY SHEETS.

6. Each KEY is studied with the view towards identifying

   a) the hand of God,

   b) the character of God, and

   c) the place of that key in His purpose for history.

7. The “seed principle” is used. Hence we are teaching the seed ideas and principles through the whole Bible every year. Each year though, we will be teaching different keys, hence we will add to our understanding the whole by studying the parts in detail and in context.

8. Our children don't have to read though the entire Bible each year. They will be just studying the high points.

9. The JBC overview (scope and sequence) takes all the Bible Keys for their themes and spreads them out from K-6 and then repeats for 7-12.

10. The audio tapes that come with the JBC will further explain the use of notebooks and key sheets. They will also help you determine the "principles" and leading ideas of the lessons you will be planning to teach.

       Often asked question: On line or hard copy JBC?

I suggest the hard copy although it is more expensive.

The 8  audio tapes (based on the Audio Teacher Training Seminar) that come with it are insightful and very helpful., as mentioned above. To tickle your palate, these are the titles you will get:




a) Education and character/Curriculum Overview

b) How God Changes Nations

c) Internal Government : Creation – Flood

d) Internal Government: Abraham-Malachi

e) Internal Government:Matthew-Revelation
f) Methods: Weekly themes, Notebooks, Key sheets, Writing
g) Internal Government: Pentocost-Present
h) Personal Destiny: Studying the life of Joseph

The 93-page manual also contains an appendix that has the following.

1. Diagrams that illustrate concepts discussed in the tapes

2. Content matter that helps us with the teaching of all the five themes. Some principles are given for each theme. It does not contain lesson plans. Some may find this very scarce.

Another oft-asked question: How much or little help does the JBC give us?

The JBC DOES NOT walk you step-by-step through the lessons! This can be scary, but I think the point of the JBC is also OUR OWN EDUCATION FOR LIBERTY.

The JBC is designed to help us grow in our knowledge and understanding of God, His Word and His Was. By studying the Bible ourselves (rather than having everything broken down and laid out for us), we will grow in our relationship with the Lord and in the application of Biblical principles to life. We learn to reason from the scriptures and be self-educating students of God's Word.

The JBC also allows us to be as creative as we want when we design lessons for our children.

For those with older children, the JBC enables us to teach our children to research the Bible, recognize the hand of God in the lives of men and nations, and to implement the practical and personal application of Christian self-government.

Okay, now to another frequently asked question.

How long do I take to prepare the lessons?

Different users may implement the JBC differently so this is just my take on the JBC.

Please remember too that I'm still fairly new to the Principle Approach.

I do spend quite a bit of time with my JBC preparation. In terms of hours, at the very least, 4 hours.

But let me add the following points so as not to discourage anyone.

1. It is the backbone of my personal Bible Study. This is the time I try to go as deep as time allows. I read the given passages (most times beyond what's given more) and then do word studies if need be. Use of key sheets in lesson preparation is advised. The Notebook (a supplementary book that comes with the manual) shows you how it is done and if you are already familiar with the Principle Approach, the learning curve is not too steep. If you have older children, both you and older children might want to use the key sheets.

2. I do refer to one or two of my favorite commentators if need be.

3. I don't study it everyday. Usually at the end of the week and over the weekend when I usually have more block-time.

4. During the week I'm doing the lesson, I think about what I have had studied a lot. Towards the end of the week , when the lesson is almost done, I study up for the next lesson. I prefer to be at least one lesson ahead but that happened only once.

5. I go slow; so I don't cover the “required” passages in a week. Sometimes I take up to 3-4 weeks.

6. On paper, things always look so planned and structured. In reality, things don't always fall into place.

7. Having said the above, I love planning.

8. Sometimes, JBC is ALL I do for school.
   

I'm currently on First Year, Theme 2, teaching Moses and the Ten Commandments.

So what does the JBC give to teach this lesson?

1. Weekly Theme Focus
   Week 11 Ten Commandments
   God's Law of Love

   
   Ex.. 19 The mountain
   Ex. 20 Ten Commandments
   Rebellion
   Intercession
   Ex. 32:1-14 “So the Lord changed his mind”
   
   
   

2. Statement of the weekly theme.

“I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods besides me. Ex. 20:1-2

That's it!

But the appendix also has some good content that will guide you as you prepare your individual lesson. It has been a while since I listened to the tapes...but the tapes will be helpful as well.

I must add though that the first five weeks have more hand-holding to start you off on the right track!

Phew, I thought I would never end! Didn't mean for this blog to be so long!

Anyway, I hope this write-up has helped some of you.

Remember, the goal of JBC is Biblical discipleship. It is not a quick-fix program. And discipleship can only take place if our heart is like fertile soil. It takes time; it is on-going.

I love JBC because it gives me the structure I need to study God's Word in a systematic way. I love the idea of studying God's Word alongside my children. I don't have time for a separate Bible Study at this stage of my life.

I also like the emphasis on “government”. “Government” used here means that which controls and directs the actions of the individual. We must either believe that the State should control the actions of the individual, or that the individual should control the actions of the individual, or that God should control the actions of the individual.