Essentials Student

[Essentials Of The Christian Faith, Student Edition, Sample Page 1]

Course Description

Essentials Of The Faith is an introductory course to the basics of the Christian faith. It is an attempt to piece together the simple nuts-and-bolts of an infinitely profound belief system. The student will be challenged to let God speak through His Word when it comes to cataloging thoughts, especially with regard to what man sorts out as theology. This brief overview will offer to each student the requisites necessary to build upon their Christian worldview while at the same time cause them to meet head-on present deviant thinking about God, His Word, and The Christian Faith.

General Course Objective(s)

The student will:

n Understand the basic teachings of the Christian faith;

n Appreciate the nature of God and His attributes

n Interact with basic truths about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Salvation, the Bible, Angels, Sin, and Future Things.

n Be challenged in areas of personal growth (i.e. devotional life & prayer);

n Begin using “tools” such as concordances, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries.

teaching methods and evaluation

1. Course content will be related through: lectures; student involvement; reading assignments; video; and guest speakers when available.

2. All Bible reference in the syllabus will be taken from The New International Version

3. Student Resource Sheets in the back of the syllabus are provided to enhance specific lessons. Memory assignments are also included in this section. The SRS’s are integrated throughout course work. A parenthesis after any lesson title including (SRS # pg. ) will signal the appropriate time for their use.

4. Course accountability will include: homework; quizzes; weekly reading assignments; memorization; creative and research writing; and tests. Extra credit work can consist of Bible study worksheets; book reports; scripture topic reports, or (SRS’s #8 pg.60 ) duplicated.

5. Handouts and notes are to be kept in an orderly fashion and turned in at the end of each grading period for evaluation.

6. Extra Credit (SRS #8, pg.60) can accompany each topic being studied.

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Bible I Reading Schedule (SRS # 1 Pg. 53)

SEPTEMBER

First Reading Genesis 1-9

Second Reading Genesis 10-18

Third Reading Genesis 19-27

OCTOBER

Fourth Reading Genesis 28-36

Fifth Reading Genesis 37-45

Sixth Reading Genesis 46—Deuteronomy 4

NOVEMBER

Seventh Reading Deuteronomy 5-13

Eighth Reading Deuteronomy 14-22

Ninth Reading Deuteronomy 23-31

Tenth Reading Deuteronomy 32—Judges 6

DECEMBER

Eleventh Reading Judges 7-15

Twelfth Reading Judges 16—Ecclesiastes 3

JANUARY

Thirteenth Reading Ecclesiastes 4-12

Fourteenth Reading Job1-7

FEBRUARY

Fifteenth Reading Job 8-14

Sixteenth Reading Job 15-21

Seventeenth Reading Job 22-28

MARCH

Eighteenth Reading Job 29-35

Nineteenth Reading Job 36—John 4

Twentieth Reading John 5-13

APRIL

Twenty First Reading John 14—Romans 1

Twenty Second Reading Romans 2-10

Twenty Third Reading Romans 11—Ephesians 3

MAY

Twenty Fourth Reading Ephesians 4-6; Philippians; Colossians 1-2

Twenty Fifth Reading Colossians 3-4; 1st and 2nd Peter

Twenty Sixth Reading 1st John

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Theology

An Accurate Statement About The True God:

There is one and only one living and true God, an infinite Spirit, the Maker and supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in every divine perfection and yet executing distinct but harmonious ministries in the great work of redemption (Exod.20:2‑6; 1 Cor.8:6; Rev.4:11)

How can we know that God exists?

· His existence is taken for granted by the Scripture writers.

· To the Scripture writers God is the self‑existent One (Exod.3:14; Deut.7:9) and the Source of all life (John 5126).

· By observing the world we see (Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:18‑21) and by man who is the most complex being on earth (Gen.1:26‑28).

Along with the Biblical recognition for the existence of God there are several naturalistic arguments:

1. Universality of Belief: Human beings worldwide believe in the existence of a supreme Being or beings to whom they are morally accountable and to whom “satisfaction” (propitiation ) needs to be made.

2. The Argument from Cause: Beyond curiosity it is natural to ask how something came into being. Was it self-originating or was its cause outside of itself? Is its cause natural or supernatural, finite or infinite? Therefore, when we consider mankind or our world, the same questions follow. Examples of Cause and Effect:

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Theology

The Jurisdiction of God’s Sovereignty [Read and Discuss each passage]

· The universe is under His control

Job 38:4-6; 31-33; Psalm 104:1-5; 115:3; Amos 9:6

· All living and non-living things on this planet are under His authority

Genesis 1:3-31; Isaiah 45:12, 18; Matt.6:30; Luke 19:40; Romans 8:18-39

· He directs the nations

Psalms 2; 22:28; Isaiah 40:13-17; Daniel 4:25; Romans 16:26; Revelation 15:4

· Everything that is, submits to His glory

Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 48:11; Ephesians 1:9-11; James 4:6-7; Jude 1:25

God’s “Self-limitations” of His Sovereignty

If God were limited in any way, then we would have to conclude that He is not God. However, it is clear from the revelation of scripture that God has imposed limitations upon Himself. The areas of interest are: the existence of evil & sin, free will in humans, and the effects of prayer.

The Existence of Evil & Sin

God is not the originator of evil or sin. He did not determine their existence. He did, however, allow their manifestation in the universe. Why? Perhaps we’ll never know. On the other hand, we realize that God’s voluntary permission of these conditions, are working out His glorious purposes reflecting His absolute power and pure love.

Free Will in Human Beings

God could have created us with the inability to sin. In heaven we will enjoy such a blessing. But that was not His plan for humans who were to be made in the image and likeness of God. Even as God chose to create, to love, etc., He desires man to love and respond to Him by choice. Willful submission rather than forceful prescription is God’s delight.

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The Study Of God’s Word (Bibliology) (SRS #4, Pg.56 )

God’s word then depends upon Himself and not the influences or interpretations of fallible man. Since God used languages to communicate to humanity, literary form is to be considered in its normal usage. Figurative language should be taken as such and narratives with dates, locations, people, and instructive lists should be understood as literal. The historical parts of scripture are to be considered as accurate as the explanations for salvation.

Maxim #2 The Bible Professes to be God’s inspired Word

The word inspired literally means “God-breathed.” It is made up of two Greek words, theos = God; and pnein = to breathe. The use of this word reveals that the writings of scripture are the result of an influence exerted by God upon the authors. That is what the apostle Peter explained when he said, “…but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet.1:21). Another observation is that the word pnein = to breathe, suggests a “forcible exhalation” denoting God’s conscious inbreathing into man. Therefore, the combination of 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:19-21, can be reasoned out that God was speaking through men His Word as though He Himself spoke every single word of it with His own tongue.

Numbers 12:6-8

2 Sam 23:2:

Isaiah 51:15-16:

Ezekiel 3:10-11:

Acts 1:16:

Along with these evidences of God’s intervention in the recording of His Word, there are several observations which testify that the Bible is God’s inspired Word. The phrase “Thus saith the Lord God” and similar expressions are found over 3,800 times in the Bible. The words of Moses are coupled with the words of Jesus Christ—“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"(John 5:46-47) And, Jesus Christ, the Living Word, placed His seal of approval on the Scriptures—“Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ( Matt 4:4)

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Jesus, The Christ (Christology)

Question # 2 How is Jesus different from other religious leaders?

When considering Jesus Christ among the religious leaders throughout time, one must reckon with the fact that the Bible depicts Him as both 100 percent God and 100 percent man. He is both referred to as the Son of God (second person of the trinity) and Son of Man (emphasizing His humanity). Many false teachings about Jesus Christ reflect the abuse in emphasis of either His deity or humanity. Probably the most bold testimony about Jesus comes in the form of His own testimony about His departure the “way” to heaven, “ I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6) What is exclusive about that statement and distinguishes Jesus from all other religious leaders is that His statement makes following Him the only way to God. All other religious leaders and systems allow for many ways to get to God or heaven.

Since Jesus Christ was both God and man it is important to observe the Scripture’s testimony of His essence. An important theological term describing this truth about Jesus Christ is Hypostatic Union. This is defined as, “The deity and humanity of Christ as being united in one person forever without any mingling or separation of the person or his attributes.” Therefore, there was no loss in the identity of the two natures (human & divine).

Exploring the two natures in one person…

The Humanity of Jesus Christ

1. Galatians 4:4 –

2. Luke 2:52 –

3. John 4:6-7; Luke 4:2 –

4. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 –

5. John 13:14-15 –

6. Mark 1:35 –

7. Hebrews 5:8 –

The Deity of Jesus Christ

1. Matthew 1:20 –

2. Luke 5:20-24 –

3. John 11:38-44 –

4. Mark 6:45-51; John 2:6-11 –

5. John 10:18 –

6. John 1:1, 14 –

7. Matthew 28:6; Acts 1:9-11 –

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The Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)

What does the Holy Spirit Do?

From the past to the present, the Holy Spirit has been active in the world and among mankind. He was with the other three members of the Godhead at creation (Gen.1:2, 26). His work in the inspiration of the Scriptures over the 1500 year period of time and through approximately 40 writers is documented (2 Peter 1:21; Acts 1:16-20). He came upon the believers of old (1 Samuel 16:13) and indwells believers since Pentecost (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). He is actively involved in salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13), sanctification (Ephesians 5:18), and the edification of the church through the bestowing of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7,11).

Jesus wanted His disciples to know about the Holy Spirit and spent much of His last evening preparing them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Read about those conversations in John 14:15-27 and John 16:5-15.

List eight (8) things that the Spirit does from these passages:

What the Spirit Does Verse

The Holy Spirit is also involved in the works that only God can do. Match the correct verses with the activity of the Spirit.

_____ Luke 1:35 [A] Work of conviction in salvation

_____Genesis 1:2 [B] Act of Inspiration

_____2 Peter 1:22 [C] Act of Begetting Christ (birth of Christ)

_____John 3:6 [D] Work of intercession

_____John 14:16 [E] Work of regeneration

_____John 16:8 [F] Act of Creation

_____2 Thess.2:13 [G] Work of comforting

_____Romans 8:27 [H] Work of sanctification

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The Study Of Angels (Angelology )

Meaning and use of the word "angel"

1. Meaning:

2. Usage:

Sometimes the term is used of men as messengers (for example, Matt. 11:10, John the Baptist; Luke 7:24; 9:52; James 2:25; Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14). For the most part, when the word refers to spirits, the messenger is viewed as one who serves. On some occasions, at least, they are designated as "sons of God" (job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; and possible Gen. 6: 2, 4).

Their order in creation

A. Their origin.

2. The time of their creation was before the creation of the material world, Job 38:4‑7. They do not seem, however, to have been created before the first day in light of Col. 1:16 and Exodus 20:11, cf. Ps. 33:6. Thus it would appear that they were created at the beginning of the first day since they rejoiced over the creation of the earth.

B. Their nature.

C. Their number.

They are innumerable, Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11, and since there is neither birth nor death the number seems to be fixed.

D. Their rank.

They are identified as: archangel, cherubim, seraphim, messengers, destroying angels, guardians, rulers, authorities, power, and dominions. Jude 9, Eph. 1: 21; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:15.

E. Their relationship to men.

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The Study Of Angels (Angelology )

disobedience may bring it on so willing obedience to God's Word will bring deliverance.

b. Demon influence.

This would refer to external demonic activity from outside an individual through pressure, suggestion, and temptation. Such activity is with a view to the hindrance of God's purposes for mankind and the extension of Satan's sphere of authority. Among other things this involves the misleading of the unbelievers, 2 Cor. 11:13‑15, and the waging of war upon the believer, Eph. 6:12.

5. Their destiny.

a. Temporary: Tartarus, 2 Pet. 2:4; the abyss, Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1‑11; 20:1‑3.

b. Final: The lake of fire, Matt. 25:41.

Satan “chief of fallen angels”

I. Introduction.

Actually, the study of Satan belongs under "fallen angels" but it is so important we make a separate division. His existence is established by the testimony of Christ throughout the Gospels, for example, John 14: 30. He is a created being. Ezek. 28:13, 15 establishes that he is a creature and, therefore, while he is superhuman he is not divine; while he is very powerful he is not omnipotent; he has a large sphere of influence but on a restricted scale. For example, see Job 1:12; 2:6. He is a spirit being. He is an angel of the order of cherubim and apparently the highest of all, Ezek. 28:14.

II. His names.

Chafer states that there are at least forty appellations (descriptive titles and proper names) for this creature (Systematic Theology, 11, 33). Some of the more common follow.

Lucifer.

Satan.

Devil.

Serpent.

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Our Great Salvation (Soteriology)

Examine the following scriptures and observe the character and activity of God in relation to His people and the need for salvation:

Psalm77:13 -

Joshua 24:19 -

James 1:13 – 15

1Peter 1:10-16 -

1 John 1:5 –

1 John 3:4 – 6

As noted earlier, let's turn our attention to a brief consideration of what sin is and where it came from.

The Origin Of Sin [Where Did It Come From?]

A. Sin pre‑dates man

1. Presence of the "serpent" (as a host for the evil one) in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3: 1; Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 John 3:8)

2. In John 8:44f, "...from the beginning" refers to Satan's activity during his fall 3. Romans 5:12 states that "sin" entered the world

B. Satan and Angels Sinned

1. Isaiah 14:12‑15; Ezekiel 28:12‑18 (Refer to Angels Section of Syllabus)

2. It seems likely that Satan’s "sin" was the temptation and attempt to be like God. That was how the serpent made his appeal to “mankind” in Gen. 3:15

3. Other reference regarding angels and sin: Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4; Rev.12:7‑9

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Looking Ahead (Eschatology)

Since the main theme of the Bible, from cover to cover, is concerned with God’s plan through the Lord Jesus Christ, then our focus will be highlighting future events connected with Him. The “snapshots” we will look at are: The Intermediate State of Believers and Unbelievers, The Second Coming of Christ, The Church Gathered “Raptured” To The Lord, and Resurrection, Divine Judgment, and The Eternal State.

The Intermediate State of Believers and Unbelievers

The intermediate state refers to the existence of the souls of people before the resurrection of the body.

I Thessalonians 4:13-17

I Corinthians 15:51-54

2 Corinthians 5:1-2

This existence is for both the righteous and the unrighteous. This intermediate existence is conscious regardless of one’s spiritual condition.

Luke 16:22-23

For the unbeliever, it will be suffering.

Deuteronomy 32:22

Isaiah 14:15

Luke 16:24-28

For the believer, it will be comfort, rest, and in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Luke 23:42-43

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Student Resource Sheet #2 Name_______________

Theology Unit Vocabulary

Self-Existent

Conscience

Propitiation

Agnosticism

Materialism

Incorporeal

Anthropomorphism

Pantheism

Deism

Polytheism

Dualism

Unitarianism

Omniscience

Omnipotence

Omnipresence

Immutability

Holiness

Righteousness

Justice

Loving Kindness

Love

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Student Resource Sheet #7 Name_______________

BIBLE STUDY METHODS

There is nothing magical about understanding the Bible. Being a “teacher” of the Scriptures is something expected by God of all believers (Hebrews 5:12)! The prerequisite for such learning and teaching rests primarily not with a Bible college degree, but with the regeneration and the “anointing” of the Holy Spirit (1John2:27). Several approaches to discovering what God intends for us to know include:

1. Prayerful/Devotional Reading - Here you are asking the Lord God to speak to you and your situation personally. This interaction is purely between you and God. His grace ministers to your specific needs as He relates His Word to your life.

2. Literal, Historical Reading - The emphasis here is understanding the “then and there” of the Bible story and characters. The Scriptures would objectively be viewed like a “textbook” with facts, locations, real people, and their particular life situations.

3. Inductive Study (i.e. Ingredients, Recipe) - At this stage you are combining methods 1 & 2 and “asking” the Bible text many questions. Three significant steps are employed as you proceed:

A. Observation - The act of seeing, taking notice of things as they really are. The art of awareness. Good observation depends on two root attitudes: an open mind and a willing spirit. Six important questions will help you make accurate observations:

Who.....Who are the people involved?

What....What happened? Ideas are expressed? What are the results or actions?

Where..Where does this take place? Locations, atmosphere, and settings?

When...When does this take place? What was the historical period?

Why.... Why did it happen? The purpose? Cause and Effect?

How....How are things accomplished? By what means? Was method effective?

B. Interpretation - “Remember, there is only one true interpretation!” This step causes us to clarify what the Holy Spirit, through the particular Bible author, intended to communicate to the readers. Here you seek to understand why the Holy Spirit included this information. The following process helps make a proper interpretation:

i.....List all questions which may arise in your mind about this passage.

ii....Identify all significant words, lists, illustrations, and commands.

iii...Discover other passages which address same or similar content.

Iv...Identify literary styles and genre of writing

C. Application - This is the putting of God’s Word into practice in your life. Here one recognizes the personal message to individuals or groups. The following questions help answer the question, “How does it work?”....

1. How are my strengths and weaknesses illustrated in this passage?

2. What is the best way for me to relate this passage to other people?

3. What can I do as a result of studying this passage?

1. Am I willing to commit myself to meditating on this passage in order to fill and renew my mind as God intended?

Choose a passage in the Bible which contains a minimum of 10 verses and apply the Inductive Bible Study Method....

Choose a minimum of three chapters from any book in the Bible and apply the Prayerful/Devotional Method...[Answer “Application” questions for responses]