Chalcedon Teacher Training Institute

Testimonial from the UK

In September 2008, a group of ladies from our church committed themselves to a weekly study of God's law as laid out in scripture. Our study group, named Women of Honour International, is hosted by Andrea Schwartz of the Chalcedon Foundation, and she uses a book entitled, 'The Institutes of Biblical Law' by RJ Rushdoony, as her source of the study material. This is the most amazing book on the law of God, and is thoroughly comprehensive and vitally important as a trustworthy source of information on this very important subject.

Each week we work through a particular portion of God's law, and in the past 12 months we have only reached the 6th Commandment, giving you an idea of the depth and thoroughness of this study. Dr. Rushdoony's work has been inspirational in opening the deeper implications of the law and giving us a great sense of awe and wonder at the power and holiness of our Creator. Andrea is a great facilitator during these study sessions, and challenges us to think deeply and spiritually about the subject at hand. I highly recommend this method of studying the law of God to anyone who has a desire to know the beauty and promise contained in the word of God. (EMB-UK)

From the USA

I have been a part of the online Bible study (specifically Institutes of Biblical Law) for about a year now, and it has been such a great experience. Andrea is a great mentor and teacher, and has really challenged me in terms of my understanding of God's Word and its application, as well as helped me to articulate the answers to difficult questions. The question and answer session at the end of each lesson has been particularly helpful - it gives you the opportunity to answer tough questions in a safe environment, and Andrea knows just the right questions to ask. She knows the issues, and helps you get the most out of each area of study, so that you walk away with a greater understanding, and a real sense of being equipped to give an answer for the hope that is in you. I would highly recommend her to any woman who wants to dig deeper in her understanding of God's Word and how it applies to their daily life. She is a tremendous mentor! (H.O. - USA)

From Texas

As a homeschooling mom of 2, with one on the way, when I first embarked upon the journey of reading 'Institutes of Biblical Law' I wondered where I was going to find the time to read, answer questions and interact with Andrea. Well needless to say, once I started I was hooked!! My heart would burn within me as I read and I found myself making sure I'd get up before my children just so that I could get some quiet time to read without distractions. I would have lengthy discussions with my husband, who is well versed in these truths, and he was delighted at the sparking forth that was happening to me. I knew that I couldn't keep this to myself and when Andrea asked if I thought I could get a group of ladies together who would be interested in reading 'Institutes' and having a group study where we could discuss what we were learning, I was certain that I'd have no trouble at all. And so I approached my friends and that was the beginning of our group 'Women of Honour International'. Andrea is a God-send and has become the older woman/mentor in my life. Her passion, her uncompromising stand for truth and God's glorious law and it's jurisdiction over all of life is contagious! As for Dr Rushdoony...this is a man I salute as a modern day Reformer of note! It is an honour for me to 'interact' with him as I read his astounding work. My understanding of the cultural war that we are engaged in and the implications of our worldview is growing in leaps and bounds. The more I learn the more I my heart delights to sing with the Psalmist...'O how I love Your law, on it I meditate day and night.'(N.O.)

From the Caribbean

"I cannot treat the Bible as a devotional manual designed to give me peace of mind or a 'higher plain' of living, it is a command book which can disturb my peace with its orders, and it tells me that I can only find peace in obeying the Almighty." (Dr. Rushdoony)

Institutes of Biblical Law is a nugget of gold and Andrea Schwartz is a gift to the Woman of Honour International (WHI) ladies. I've been part of the WHI Bible study since it started back in September 2008, listening in from the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean via Skype. I was a little overwhelmed when I first received my copy of Institutes - 890 pages and many words I had never heard of before, let alone knew the meaning of Ð but it's been a season of my life that has proved to be invaluable!

I've always been raised to walk in obedience to God's commandments and His requirements on our lives, however, Institutes has taken it to another level for me Ð it's an in-depth study of the Decalogue that goes into great detail and gives one a greater understanding of what God requires of us, as well as a greater understanding of the culture we live in and the war we're fighting - this is key if we are to be faithful ambassadors in a lopsided and anti-God culture - it's imperative that we understand, know, live, walk and breathe these truths in their entirety. Institutes and a Bible study like WHI have played a big part in this in my life! Our Saturday morning Bible studies have been, and still are, invaluable training, a time of great challenge, stretching, and growth. We are greatly benefiting from the potency of God's law-word and are then able to walk it out in obedience and faithfulness, being the change-agents we're called to be in our sphere's of influence. Andrea doesn't leave us in our comfort zones, but challenges us to a higher-ground Christianity which is absolutely vital in this day and age, and sorely missing. I'm deeply thankful that God has given me the opportunity to be part of something so monumental and life-changing. Without a doubt, I am truly blessed to be part of something that I consider absolute gold and a gift from God. Saturday morning Bible studies have become one of the highlights of my week!

"We'll be the same people next year but for the books we read and the people that influence us." ( Doug Phillips)

(M.O.)

From the UK

David declared: "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psm119v97) It is with a desire to know what delights the Lord that I responded to an email from a friend inviting me to join a Bible study Andrea was starting for woman with a heart to honor God in their calling as woman.

Rushdoony loved God and worked tirelessly to see God's law established on earth as an instrument of His rule over all the earth. He has left us with a great work in "The Institutes of Biblical Law." This has been the text of our Women of Honour Bible study for over a year. My first glance of this great book aptly reminded me of Psalm 119 in length and it too resounds with the sound of David – a man after God's heart – who was inspired to respond in worship of God as he studied the law of God.

This opportunity is a great gift in my life and one I treasure immensely. Our weekly study and discussion is an excellent means of joining with David in meditating on truth and establishing the fear of the Lord (to love righteousness and hate evil) in me. The result is an increasing equipping for the call of God on my life as I join with other ladies eager to see the establishing of His ways and grow more effective in service of the Kingdom in their own spheres of influence. It has fueled a fire within me to better serve him and given me practical insight into how to walk that out. I often find I am in a situation where our discussions come to mind and with that comes the peace of knowing that I know what to do to please the Lord and the joy of knowing that His grace is sufficient.

As a high school teacher I recognize that I represent godly authority to my students. Our study has promoted a growth in my teaching and an insight into how to instill an honour for God in my students by having better insight into how to represent God's standard faithfully. I am better able to diagnose the root of issues in my classroom and respond with wisdom. I highly recommend an intimate study of the law of God for everyone who is involved in raising children to be effective citizens of the Kingdom of God.

"Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord." Psalm 119v1

(A.S.)