The Word

Saturday March 7, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Join us for a day of seminars and Q&A with nationally known Bible scholars.

• $30 in advance
• $35 at the door
• $20 for students
• Lunch included

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Speakers

Topics

Keynote Address

Dr. John Walton

What the First Readers of Genesis 1 Understood

We often consider Genesis 1 an account of the material origins of our universe. Perhaps at some point we were then baffled when we observed that on many of the days, God is not engaged in making physical objects. This should give us pause to ask the all-important question: What kind of creation account is this? We will try to answer that by examining what an ancient Israelite would have thought about it.

Seminar Options

Bible translations / Why so many and what’s the difference?

Gerry Breshears, Ph.D.
Professor of Systematic Theology, Western Seminary

The Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek, but few of us can read those ancient languages. So we rely on English Bible translations. How can I decide between so many translations? They all claim to be the best! This seminar will explain all you need to know about translations and how to choose a good one for your own Bible reading.

ReMarkable / How to study the Bible

Scott Johnston, Discipleship Pastor
Bayside Church

Learn how to study the Bible for the rest of your life. You’ll be getting tools, knowledge and resources that will build up your confidence in getting the most out of God’s Word.

How to Read the Stories in the Bible

Dominick Hernandez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Old Testament and Semitics, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University

About 40% of the Bible is narrative. But narratives can be confusing. Are they like Aesop’s Fables—there’s always a “moral to the story”? Are the characters examples for us to follow? Dr. Hernandez will help you understand how to read narratives so you grow in your knowledge of God.

Being God’s Image

Carmen Joy Imes, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Old Testament at Biola University

What does it mean to be the image of God? And what are the implications for today's hot button issues? We'll take a closer look at Genesis in its ancient context to unlock key theological themes to inform the Christian life today.

Amazing Grace in the Old Testament

Dr. Elizabeth“Libby” Backfish, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible, William Jessup University

When you think about Old Testament law, sacrifices, or warfare do you think of grace? Probably not. Some people even question if grace is part of the Old Testament plan. In this session, we’ll explore how some of the most difficult Old Testament concepts for modern Christians to wrap our heads around are actually overflowing with grace and pointing us straight to the love of Christ.

Conference Schedule

• 8:15 am — DOORS OPEN; resource center open; same day registration available
• 9:00 am — WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS (Main Auditorium)
  KEYNOTE ADDRESS: DR. JOHN WALTON — “What the first readers of Genesis 1 understood”
• 10:30 am — SEMINARS - SESSION 1
• 11:45 am — LUNCH
• 12:45 pm — SEMINARS - SESSION 2
• 2:15 pm — SEMINARS - SESSION 3
• 3:30-4:00 pm — MEET AND GREET IN RESOURCE CENTER