Updated September 12, 2007 (first published January 23, 1998) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

A number of pastors have asked for any information we might have on materials which can be used effectively for Sunday School in fundamental Baptist churches. We sent out a request for help in this matter, and the following suggestions are gleaned from our own sources and from the responses we received. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE NOT HAD OCCASION TO EXAMINE ALL OF THESE MATERIALS. By providing this list we are trying to help preachers by providing suggestions for those who might want to look into them. To our knowledge, all of the following materials are based upon the King James Bible. All of these were recommended to us by independent Baptist pastors who subscribe to the Fundamental Baptist Information Service.

Many pastors wrote to explain that they write their own Sunday School material. That is commendable. I personally like to see mature, spiritual teachers appointed who can make their own lessons under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Some wrote to say that they do not believe pastors need to use any outside materials. I understand the need to be cautious with any materials we use, but certainly there is also nothing wrong with using or adapting material by other men so long as it is sound and SO LONG AS IT DOES NOT SUBTLY INTRODUCE COMPROMISE INTO THE CHURCH. The spirit of New Evangelicalism, which is the spirit of positivism and neutrality, is extremely subtle and it is not easily detected by those not well trained. This spirit is taking over many groups which formerly were fundamentalist and militant for the truth. These include the General Association of Regular Baptists, the Baptist Bible Fellowship International, and many parts of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship. A pastor cannot be too watchful against error. If the shepherd is careless, the sheep are destroyed.

If you know of other helpful materials which can be used in Sunday Schools, please let us know so we can pass the information on to others.

A BEKA
A Beka, produced by Pensacola Christian College, has a Joyful Life series for Sunday School. One pastor wrote that he had switched to this and was pleased with it. It is available for toddlers through adult. I would not recommend this material for senior boys or adults as it is written by a woman. The author under Staff Credits lists R.L. Horton. This is Rebekah Leah Horton, known as Beka Horton, Senior Vice President of Pensacola Christian College. 877-356-9385.

BETTY LUKENS FLANNEL GRAPH
One pastor said: "Great visuals but throw out the Bible 'story' and build your own lesson." [P.O. Box 178-Q, Angwin, CA 94508]

CHRISTIAN SERVICE CLUB
27" X 36" background scenes for teaching. 12 settings available. [2110 Enterprise St., S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49508]

CROWN CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS

One pastor wrote: “You might consider the Sunday School material published by Crown Christian Publications, the publishing arm of Crown College and Temple Baptist Church, Powell, TN. We have found this material to be the very finest of all we have seen. This material is not some academic, theoretical exercise, but Holy Spirit anointed preaching converted to lessons.
[Crown Christian Publications, P.O. Box 159 Powell, TN 37849. 877-282-7696, http://www.crownchristianpublications.com/site/index.cfm, orders@crownchristianpublications.com]

GOSPEL PROJECTS PRESS
Illustrated stories for children. [P.O. Box 643, Milton, FL 32570]

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH
42 Lessons which come in individual books. Pastor Ray allows the lessons to be copied for the class. One pastor said: "I revise them to meet some specific minor differences we might have and they have worked real well for me. These lessons are especially good for new believers as they give a lot of basics and are well researched." [Pastor Mike Ray, 3755 Linda Vista Ave., Napa, CA 94558. 707-252-0332 (voice)]

INDEPENDENT BAPTIST PUBLISHERS
Edited by Kevin Hobi. [The Baptist Church of Danbury Connecticut, 14 Grandville Ave, Danbury CT 06810]

LANDMARK MEDIA PRODUCTIONS (LAMP)
A Sunday School curriculum is being developed. [4401 Peeler Bend Road, Benton, AR 72015. 501-776-1939]

MASTER MINISTRIES
Baptist. Private. Fundamental. SS Manual, salvation tracts, character building Bible story sets, activity books for children, discipleship course. [First Baptist Church, 1367 Woodville Pike, Milford, OH 45160. 800-451-5023]

PLAIN PATHS MATERIALS

Plain Paths offers three studies which would be suitable for Sunday School material. These are titled Christian Character, Christian Manhood, and Christian Leadership. [Plain Paths Publishers, P.O. Box 830, Columbus, NC 28722. http://www.plainpath.org, 828-863-2736, plain@juno.com]

SIMPLE SCRIPTURAL SUNDAY SCHOOL SERIES
53 Lessons. [Pastor Dean DeMaris, Bible Baptist Church, 1300 229th Ave., NE, East Bethel, MN 55005. 612-434-9576]

TABERNACLE STUDIES

Bobby Sparks has a 13-week series of lessons on the Old Testament tabernacle. [Bobby Sparks P.O. Box 8832, Greenville, TX, 75404. 903-454-3066, bsparks@oldtestamenttabernacle.com, http://oldtestamenttabernacle.com/products.htm]

WAY OF LIFE LITERATURE BIBLE STUDIES SERIES

These study courses can be used in many ways: As private study guides for the individual Christian; as courses of study in Sunday Schools; as textbooks in Bible colleges; as part of a home schooling curriculum; as study material in jails and prisons; for disciplining new Christians; as refresher study material for Bible College graduates; as expository preaching outlines; and as commentaries. Memory verses and review questions are included with each course. Tests and score sheets are available separately. Following are the titles that are currently available: BIBLE HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY (second edition enlarged, November 2004) ISBN 1-58318-081-8. This course gives an overview of the Bible and how it fits together. It also gives the history and the geography of the Bible. It includes 24 maps and charts. The four major sections deal with the Old Testament, the history between the Testaments, the Life of Christ, and the early churches. Second edition enlarged with the addition of twice the material and improved maps and sectional review questions, 212 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $9.95 (If you have already purchased the first edition, we will send you a gift copy of the new edition for review.) THE BIBLE VERSION ISSUE: A COURSE ON BIBLE TEXTS AND VERSIONS AND A DEFENSE OF THE KING JAMES BIBLE (Note: The 775-page book Faith vs. the Modern Bible Versions was originally advertised for the Advanced Bible Studies Series, but we have decided that it is more a seminary level course. Thus we have replaced that title with the shorter volume entitled The Bible Version Issue. The book Faith vs. the Modern Bible Versions is available separately from Way of Life Literature.) The Bible Version Issue is an extensive defense of the King James Bible. In this course we examine five reasons for holding to the KJV: (1) because of the doctrine of divine preservation, which authenticates the Traditional Greek Text underlying the King James Bible, (2) because the theories of textual criticism supporting the Modern Greek Text are heretical, (3) because the modern texts and versions are a product of end-time apostasy, (4) because of the King James Bible’s superior doctrine, and (5) because of its unmatched heritage. The course concludes with an exciting study on the history of the English Bible from Wycliffe to the 1611 KJV. The course features 429 sectional review questions to reinforce the teaching. A separate teacher’s test book is available containing sectional and final tests with answer sheets. 415 pages, 7X8, perfect bound, $19.95. THE BOOK OF ACTS. ISBN 1-58318-083-4. This course covers one of the most exciting and important books in the Bible. It deals very practically with church and missionary endeavor and also covers many important and foundation doctrines and practices, such as the resurrection and second coming of Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, repentance, inspiration, preaching, prophecy, baptism, church membership, the Lord’s supper, Christian charity, apostles, deacons, missionaries, pastors, bishops, ordination, offerings, the nature of the church, prayer, holiness, martyrdom, and evangelism. The course refutes many false doctrines that are prevalent today, such as Charismatic tongues, healing, and second blessing. It clears up many controversial issues such as the difference between the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit, the woman’s role in the ministry, baptismal regeneration, election, sign miracles, repentance, modern church growth practices, and how to deal with false teaching. The course includes several Bible maps, and the student learns where each event in the book of Acts takes place. 168 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $9.95. THE BOOK OF FIRST CORINTHIANS. ISBN 1-58318-102-4. This course, which is scheduled for publication in July 2006, is an in-depth study of Paul’s first Epistle to Corinth, one of the most important and practical books of the New Testament. This unique epistle contains the most complete biblical teaching in the entire New Testament on the following important subjects: Disunity in the Church (1 Cor. 1-2), the Divine Inspiration of Scripture (1 Cor. 2:6-13), the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3), Church Discipline (1 Cor. 5), Marriage and Divorce (1 Cor. 7), the Believer’s Relationship with Idols (1 Cor. 7, 10), the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11), Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor. 12-14), Christian Love (1 Cor. 13), and the Resurrection (1 Cor. 15).1 Corinthians should be viewed as a missionary manual in that it deals with a wide variety of doctrines and practices that arise in the context of church planting. Consider, for example, 1 Cor. 9:19-23, where Paul carefully explains the difference between giving up one’s liberty so as not to cause unnecessary offense to the gospel and going beyond this to doing something that is unlawful in this pursuit. It is right, for instance, to adopt a certain type of dress that is worn in the culture in which one is preaching the gospel, but it is not right to adopt any type of dress that goes against the moral standards of the Bible. Paul bared his soul more in his letters to the church at Corinth than in any others and gives many details of his life, ministry, and revelations that are found nowhere else. 350 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $14.95. THE BOOK OF GENESIS. ISBN 1-58318-086-9. This large course covers one of the most important books in the Bible, the book of beginnings. Genesis is the foundation for the rest of the Bible. In fact, it is impossible to understand the rest of the Bible apart from this book. Genesis explains the mysteries of life, the origin of our world, the purpose of human life, the great mysteries of pain, sorrow, and death. Genesis prepares the way for the gospel by describing man’s fall and documenting the early genealogy of the Messiah and the covenants upon which the gospel is based. Genesis also points to the last days and brings New Testament doctrine to life in its character studies. This is a life-changing study of one of the world’s most amazing books. The course deals with the geography and customs of Genesis, and the location of each event is noted on one of the course’s six maps. Each section is concluded with a series of review questions. 345 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $19.95. THE BOOK OF HEBREWS. ISBN 1-58318-090-7. This commentary and Bible course covers one of the most important and amazing books in the New Testament. Though there are unquestioningly many “things hard to be understood” in Hebrews, we understand that God has given us a key to unlock these things. That is, the proper interpretation of Hebrews depends upon understanding its two-fold theme: (1) Hebrews is a warning to Jews who had professed faith in Jesus to continue in that faith and thereby show that they were genuinely saved (Heb. 2:1; 3:12; 4:1, 11; 6:11; 10:38; 12:12-13). (2) Toward this end Christ is shown to be superior to all things that unsaved Jews put their faith in: prophets (Heb. 1:1-3), angels (Heb. 1:4 - 2:18), Moses (Heb. 3:1 - 4:13), the Mosaic Law and the Priesthood (Heb. 4:14 - 8:5). We know that the writer of Hebrews is not teaching that true believers can lose their salvation, because he plainly states that continuing in and persevering in faith is the EVIDENCE of one’s salvation rather than the WAY OF salvation. Hebrews teaches that it is possible to come near to genuine salvation without experiencing it. In Hebrews “we see Jesus” (Heb. 2:9) in a special way. The book opens the veil and invites us to gaze upon the throne in the holy of holiness on high more plainly than any other book of the New Testament. Hebrews “presents the only full discussion in the New Testament of Christ as the believer’s High Priest.” We show that the blood was not merely symbolic for death but was itself a crucial part of the atonement. The book of Hebrews teaches us anew that the Bible is a self-interpreting Book. In the book of Hebrews we have a divinely-given interpretation of the Old Testament tabernacle and priesthood. These were types of Christ and prophecies of the future and we are not left to imagine what they might mean. We are given a definite key to their interpretation. Hebrews, of course, is not only for Jews. It is for all of God’s people throughout the church age, and it is a very practical book. Scattered throughout are exhortations to everyday Christian living based on the doctrine that is taught. Hebrews contains essential instruction about sanctification, backsliding and apostasy, Bible study, prayer, the exercise of faith, chastisement, the ministry of exhortation, church attendance, church leadership, hospitality, and worship. 307 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $14.95. THE BOOK OF REVELATION. ISBN 1-58318-105-9. This course is a thorough study of one of the most important books of the Bible. Revelation’s chief purpose is to exalt Jesus Christ and to challenge New Testament saints to be ready for Christ’s imminent return. There is a great sense of urgency to this book. The very first verse says these are “things which must shortly come to pass,” and four times the expression, “Behold, I come quickly,” is repeated. The amazing events described in Revelation are imminent. They can begin at any time, and the book of Revelation, literally interpreted, is a great motivator for zealous Christian living. The Advanced Bible Studies course on Revelation is practical, comprehensive, exhilarating, and life changing. The student will learn how to interpret this prophetic discourse in a literal, consistent fashion that brings out the meaning of the most obscure sections. Revelation 19-22 is simply breathtaking, with its description of the Bride’s wedding and eternal dwelling place, and we have attempted to bring out the glory of this passage to the believer’s heart. In the preparation of this course the author has had opportunity to glean from the pages of many old out-of-print pre-tribulational studies. For use as a commentary on Revelation, I believe this course will prove to be the most important one in your library. In fact, I will give you your money back if that is not. 465 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $19.95 THE BOOK OF ROMANS. ISBN 1-58318-084-2. This course covers the Epistle of Romans, the first epistle in order in the New Testament because it is certainly the most important doctrinal epistle. The book of Romans is an orderly presentation of the gospel, of the way of salvation. It answers the great question, “How can a man be righteous before God?” It was also written to give Christians a doctrinal basis for their faith. It covers the important doctrines of salvation, sanctification, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Christian living, prophecy, and much more. Romans was also written to defeat the false teachers who were trying to confuse the believers of that day. The best way to overthrow the work of false teachers is to preach doctrinal truth carefully, point by point, and that is what we see in Romans and that is what we do in this course. We cover almost every verse in Romans and deal carefully with all of the difficult passages. 172 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $9.95. DEFENSE OF THE FAITH (second edition enlarged June 2005) ISBN 1-58318-080-X. This course deals with many of the heresies and false groups that challenge Bible-believing churches today. The introductory section contains an extensive survey of what the New Testament says about false teachers and a study on biblical separation. The next section is on the Roman Catholic Church. This is followed by a section on three of the major cults, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism, and Jehovah’s Witness. The next section contains an extensive study on the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement, its history and doctrine. The final section covers Modernism, Fundamentalism, and New Evangelicalism. Each study is comprehensive and thoroughly researched by the Way of Life Director, who has built a large library on these topics and has done first-hand research in many parts of the world. 73 pictures and illustrations. 456 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $19.95. THE FOUR GOSPELS. ISBN 1-58318-082-6. This course begins with the period between the Testaments and then covers the book of Matthew thoroughly, almost verse by verse. It then deals with Mark, Luke, and John by considering the unique aspects of those books that are not contained in Matthew. Four excellent maps are included and are used throughout the course, so the student gains an understanding of where the various events take place during the life of Christ. The course is extremely practical and doctrinal and can be used for discipleship. The difficulties and alleged contradictions in the Gospels are dealt with as the course progresses. The course includes review questions. 168 pages, 7X8, perfect bound. $9.95. GIVE ATTENDANCE TO DOCTRINE (second edition enlarged, February 2005) ISBN 1-58318-090-7. This extensive study on Bible doctrine is very practical and deals with questions that commonly arise in connection with Bible truth, such as the following: How can we know that the Bible is the Word of God? Is there any real evidence? Can we be sure that Adam and Eve were real people? Was the flood of Noah’s day worldwide? Is it proper to pray to the Holy Spirit? Should Christians speak in tongues today? What does the Bible say about “slaying in the Spirit”? How do we know that Jesus Christ is God? Why do some verses seem to say that Jesus is less than God the Father? Did Jesus make alcoholic wine or have long hair? Can the teaching of evolution be reconciled with the Bible? How do we know that man is not merely an animal? What does the Bible mean when it says man is made in God’s image? Is man a little God? Does the Bible teach “soul sleep”? Can the Christian attain sinless perfection? Why does James say that faith plus works are necessary for salvation? What is the meaning of Bible words such as propitiation, repentance, redemption, justification, hope, mystery, impute, glory? What does it mean to be born again? Does God choose who will go to heaven and who will go to hell? Did Jesus die for all sinners or only for a select few? What does Romans 9:13 mean when it says that God hated Esau? Does eternal security mean that a Christian can live any way he pleases? What happens when a Christian sins? What about the verses used by those who say the believer can lose his salvation? Will there be one general resurrection of the saved and the lost? What will the resurrection body be like? What was Satan like before he sinned? How can the Christian defeat Satan? What is heaven like? Are the wicked annihilated in hell? 262 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $9.95. A HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES FROM A BAPTIST PERSPECTIVE (second edition enlarged June 2005) ISBN 1-58318-079-6. This exciting course on church history begins with the apostolic churches and ends with the early 1800s. (We intend to deal with modern church history in a separate course.) The author believes that sound New Testament churches have existed side by side with the apostate churches throughout the centuries, including the darkest hours of the Middle Ages when Rome was at the height of her power. In the first section, we deal with the characteristics of apostolic churches. The next section covers "The Budding of Apostasy 100-700 A.D." Under this section, we deal with the development of the Roman Catholic "church," the church fathers, the progress of true churches, and the persecutions by pagan emperors. The next sections cover the Roman Catholic Church 700-1500 A.D., the Waldenses, the Roman Catholic Inquisition, the Bible in the Middle Ages, John Wycliffe and the Lollards, the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic Counter-Reformation, the Bibles of the Reformation, the Anabaptists of the Reformation, and Revival and Missions in the 1700s. The course contains more than 100 rare illustrations. 464 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $19.95. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE (second edition enlarged May 2004) ISBN 1-58318-077-X. This practical course on Bible study deals with requirements for effective Bible study, marking the Bible, rules of Bible interpretation, and dispensational Bible study. It teaches the student how to use Bible study tools and how to study individual passages, topics, books, parables, people, and types. The last section deals with Bible difficulties. This course can help the student in eight ways: 1. It will help him learn how to understand the Bible. 2. It will teach him how to use the best Bible tools effectively, such as a concordance, a topical study guide, cross-references, a study Bible, a Bible dictionary, and a Bible commentary. 3. It will help him learn how to study the Bible fruitfully, so that he will be excited about his Bible study can apply it to his life and grow spiritually. 4. It will help him learn how to be persistent in his Bible study even when he becomes discouraged or bored or distracted. 5. It will give him many fresh ideas for studying the Bible. The student will find literally hundreds of ideas to make his own Bible study more exciting and beneficial. 6. It will help him understand the difficult things in the Bible, including parables, Old Testament types, perceived contradictions, and difficult doctrinal passages. Not only will the student be shown the solution to many of the difficulties, but he will also learn how to solve the difficulties for himself. 7. It will help him learn how to teach the Bible to others. 8. It will protect him from being confused by false doctrine. 217 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $9.95. THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH (second edition enlarged, June 2005) ISBN 1-58318-063-X. This extensive and practical study of the church begins with the doctrine of the church, including its meaning, beginning, perpetuity, and importance. The next chapters deal with church leaders, church ordinances, church discipline, and church services. We answer such questions as these: Are there apostles today? Why does God have high standards for pastors? Are deacons rulers? Can a woman be a deacon? What is ordination? What about infant baptism? Who can partake of the Lord’s Supper? Should a church have a modern worship service? What is required for a church to be a proper New Testament assembly? Is a home Bible study a church? What are the goals of church discipline? How should a church exercise discipline? 114 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $5.95. THE PASTORAL EPISTLES. ISBN 1-58318-085-0. This large course covers the books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. It is especially effective for training pastors and church leaders, but it is also an important and very practical course for church members in general. It deals with qualifications for pastors and deacons, the danger of false teaching, Bible prophecy, end-time apostasy, doctrine, discipleship, Christian living, law and grace, and many other topics. 305 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $19.95. UNDERSTANDING BIBLE PROPHECY (second edition enlarged May 2005) ISBN 1-58318-078-8. This thorough and practical course enables the student to understand and enjoy Bible prophecy. It deals with the interpretation of prophecy, dispensationalism, the covenants, the kingdom of God, the nations in prophecy, and Messianic prophecy. A large section is devoted to “a prophetic overview of the future,” detailing the Bible’s prophecies that have not yet been fulfilled. Other sections deal with the prophecies of Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. 214 pages, 7X8, perfect bound $9.95

Way of Life Literature, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368. 866-295-4143 (toll free), fbns@wayoflife.org (e-mail), http://www.wayoflife.org (web site).