John is a growing Christian. He has been discipled perhaps a year. He understands the basic issues of his relationship with God and his position in Jesus Christ. He is beginning to experience victory over old habits. He has fallen in love with the church, but has not been dragged into a Christian ghetto leaving his unbelieving friends in the dust. Instead, he is actively involved with his old friends and has learned to build bridges in order to share his faith with them. John loves to worship God. He is consistently spending 15 minutes everyday reading the Bible and 10 minutes praying. John is still hungry to learn more about his God and to understand the Bible better. He hopes to become a leader in his cell church soon and will be starting as an intern. He is beginning to learn about his spiritual gifts and others in the church are encouraging him to exercise them.
Track 2 is an advanced study of the issues and doctrines introduced in Track 1. The good news is: you get to go through the material again and clarify what you learned in the first track. You will also deepen your understanding of these important areas because generally they will be dealt with in more detail. The more angles from which you read this material, the better you will understand it, and be able, by the grace of God, to bring it to bear on your life first, as well as the lives of others.
As discussed in the introduction to the first track, the way to use the material is straightforward and easy. First, read the synopsis of the article and then the article itself. The synopsis is designed to orient you to the lesson and should not be skipped. After reading the lesson and thinking about it, go ahead and answer the various questions assigned to that article. This may be done in a group or on your own.
Over the last half-century or so there has been a developing interest in the idea of discipleship in the American church. The purpose of this article is to define the concept of discipleship and discuss some of its inherent dangers. The article begins first with a brief analysis of the background of the concept of discipleship in both the Greek and Jewish worlds. We move from there to the concept of a disciple in the NT and in particular the distinctive nature of the discipleship taught by Jesus Christ. The article will conclude with a brief discussion of some of the dangers of discipleship as they are connected to the issue of authority.
1. What is the background to the idea and meaning of discipleship?
2. Describe discipleship in the NT. In the Old Testament.
3. Discuss Jesus’ method of discipleship. What are some aspects of it?
4. What are some dangers inherent in the discipleship process?
5. Develop your own definition of what a disciple is. Think about such things as salvation and obedience to Christ, learning Scripture, prayer, and service to others.
The people we think would make good disciples are not always the ones the Lord thinks will make good disciples. The men the Lord chose as his disciples were certainly not the brightest, most wealthy, nor were they the most influential group in their communities. They were young, middle class Galileans—a diverse group without any formal, theological training. This is a real critique regarding some of our attitudes about the kind of people we think will make good disciples. We don’t want to discourage the wealthy from becoming Christ’s disciples, but we shouldn’t think that just because a person does well in business, they will necessarily make good disciples of Christ. These are some of the issues we need to give serious thought to. And, finally, the article ends with a discussion of the process of discipleship and the relevance of NT discipleship for today, including ideas of lifelong service and the sequence of discipleship.
1. What do you think about the kind of people Jesus chose as his disciples?
2. Is being well educated a hindrance to being a disciple of Christ? Why? Why not? How does the fact that a disciple is supposed to be a learner comport with this idea that to be a Christian you have to “check your brain out at the door,” so to speak?
3. Describe the process of NT discipleship.
This article, as the title implies, is centered around two aspects of discipleship, namely, its requirements and rewards. The requirements of discipleship include putting Christ first, valuing him above life itself, and certainly above all our material possessions. In short, the true disciple is the one who has learned to die to himself/herself, take up their cross daily, and follow the Lord. But the rewards for such a person are great. First, they will experience the presence and gentleness of the Lord. Second, God will never ask them to do anything that his grace cannot achieve through them. Third, committed disciples have the opportunity to know the Lord better because he reveals his innermost thoughts to such as these.
1. What does it mean to put Christ first in your life?
2. What is the proper relationship between Christ and ourselves and our material possessions?
3. What is the relationship between God’s grace and the process of discipleship?
4. What are the rewards for the person who draws near to God in the process of obedience (i.e., discipleship)?
5. What areas of your Christian experience (mind, emotions, will, relationships) need to be brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ in terms of discipleship? Give careful thought and extended prayer before you answer.
This article is a fairly thorough introduction to the major issues involved in the study of the Bible as a written revelation involving human authors and a divine author. It will discuss several names for the Bible including, Scripture, the oracles of God, the law, and the law and the prophets. Then the article moves forward to evaluate several different points of view regarding the Bible. These include liberalism and neo-orthodoxy. Pay special attention to this section because it will help you when you hear various ideas and comments about the Bible in our culture. The rest of this lengthy, but very necessary and helpful article, is devoted to explaining several important doctrines regarding God’s written revelation. Think through what inspiration means and how it relates to a proper understanding of inerrancy. Though it may be the first time you’ve ever thought about it, contemplate the idea of canon and the issues that are involved in any serious discussion of the topic.
Finally, to claim that the Bible is our authority and then to be ignorant of sound methods of interpretation, renders our belief an empty notion at best. Therefore, let us give careful thought to the discussion of how to interpret the Bible. Finally, the Bible was not given to us so that we might become smarter sinners, but rather to draw us into constant fellowship with Christ and strengthen us for service to others. This last point must always be kept at the forefront of a growing Christian’s thinking.
1. What are some terms used to refer to the Bible? What do they communicate?
2. What are some positions regarding the nature of the Bible? Describe them including their strengths and weaknesses.
3. What is the Conservative Protestant view? What are its strengths and weaknesses? How does it preserve more faithfully Jesus’ own view of Scripture?
4. What two categories of evidence are usually brought forward in a discussion of the veracity of the Bible’s own claim to be the Word of God? What do you think is the strongest element in this argument? Why?
5. How would you define revelation? General revelation? Special revelation? Give examples of each.
6. What does inspiration mean as related to the Scriptures? Why was it necessary that we receive from God an inspired text?
7. What are the various views of inspiration and which one most closely approximates the nature of the Bible (i.e., the facts according to the text)? What are the problems with the other views?
8. What does the term inerrancy mean? How does it relate to inspiration and what are some qualifications that must be introduced due to the nature of Scripture itself?
9. Summarize Christ’s view of Scripture.
10. What does the term canon mean? What is the theological argument for the necessity of the canon?
11. Discuss four important considerations when thinking about Scripture as canon.
12. Discuss the canon of the Old Testament and the evidence supporting the three-fold division of the Hebrew Bible. What were some of the tests for canonicity of the Old Testament? What historical evidence is there to suggest that the threefold division constitutes the canon?
13. Discuss the canon of the New Testament, including factors leading to its recognition and the tests that were employed in evaluating the various books.
14. What do we mean by the reliability of the New Testament?
15. Regarding the interpretation of the Bible, what do we mean by illumination and the plain or normal method of interpretation? Discuss five principles for the normal method of interpreting the Bible.
16. Though we did not deal with it directly or in any depth, what factors do you think enable a person to understand the Bible better (e.g., the opposite of the qualities of those listed in 2 Peter 3:16)? I am not particularly referring here to spiritual qualities such as obedience and prayer. I refer rather to factors such as personality, background, education, family life, race, economic situation, etc.
After an interesting and powerful discussion of inspiration, the author considers various metaphors for the Bible. He lists eleven biblical images which describe what the Bible is or does. Incidentally, if you are teaching a Bible study class, here’s some excellent material for you. You could break it up into 2-4 lessons by the time you add illustrations, supporting material, etc. This is great material and definitely needed in the church today. People need to establish a positive relationship with the Bible in their daily lives and this material would certainly contribute to that. The eleven images which are discussed are: (1) sword; (2) critic/judge; (3) lamp/light; (4) mirror; (5) snow, water, rain; (6) food/bread; (7) gold/silver; (8) fire; (9) hammer; (10) seed; (11) honey. Each one of these images is discussed using the appropriate passages, principles from those passages and problems we face. Following this portion of the article, there is further discussion on the proper attitude we should have in approaching the Bible, as well as certain axiomatic beliefs which must be in place for one to truly interpret and benefit from Scripture.
1. Why does an author choose to use metaphor instead of just spelling out what he means? Read Isaiah 40:31. How much more powerful is Isaiah’s description than if he were to have simply said, “we will be strengthened if we hope in the Lord”?
2. What are some of the images/metaphors used of the Bible? What do they mean?
3. Do any of the images seem contradictory? Why? For example, critic/judge as contrasted with honey. (Note: Does the fact that they seem contradictory have anything to do with how a person has aligned themselves with respect to God’s word—whether positive or negative?)
4. What are some key attitudes to possess as you study God’s word?
5. What are some other sources of authority besides the Bible? What is their relationship to the Bible and truth? In other words, when there is a conflict between the Bible and tradition, which “gets the nod” as the final authority? Why? Does this mean that studying church history is not necessary? Why? (Note: the interpretations of the church throughout history are very important to us because they help us see how godly men and women have interpreted the Bible throughout history.
6. Explain the deductive and inductive methods of study. Can you think of strengths and weaknesses of each? Can anyone ever truly be completely inductive? Why? Why not?
7. Why is the inductive method better in the study of any literature?
Having gone through track one (or possessing a general knowledge of all the areas), you are ready to work through a concise survey of the New Testament (our OT survey is not yet complete). There are actually five articles in this mini-series. You will get a bird’s-eye view of the New Testament first, and then you will dig into each of the various literatures. The NT material is broken down into four sections: (1) the historical books (Matthew-Acts); (2) the Pauline letters (Romans-Philemon); (3) the General or Catholic letters (Hebrews-Jude), and (4) the book of Revelation. A survey of the New Testament is important for several inter-related reasons: (1) it gives you a bird’s-eye view of the content of the New Testament and how it all fits together; (2) it strengthens your ability to properly interpret the material; (3) it increases sensitivity to the various kinds of literatures in the NT and their goals; (4) it will help you defend your views; (5) it will help you to use the scripture in sharing the gospel with others.
1. Discuss the “preparation” for the New Testament. How does each historical factor contribute to the equation?
2. What are the historical books? What is the key theme in each book? How can you use the outlines of the various books to help you in your study?
3. What are the thirteen epistles of Paul? What is the theme of each one? What kind of writing are they in comparison to the Gospels and Acts? Refer to the www.bible.org for more help on this issue, in the article, How to Study the Bible: For Beginners.
4. What are the eight catholic epistles? Why are they called Catholic or General epistles? What is the theme of each one?
5. What is the main theme of the book of Revelation? What is an easy breakdown of the book? According to the outline given, what time period is most of the book of Revelation taken up with?
This scripture memory program will take a person through all the major doctrines of the Christian faith including: (1) the Bible; (2) God; (3) Christ; (4) the Holy Spirit; (5) Angels: Good and Fallen; (6) Man and Sin; (7) Salvation; (8) the church; (9) End Times; (10) the Gospel. The most often discussed verses for each category are listed. The program is designed for every Christian, but it will be especially helpful to those who teach and share the gospel on a regular basis.
1. Why memorize Scripture?
2. Is memorization of Scripture the final goal or is it part of a larger process?
3. Why is it important to read the context of the verse(s) you’re memorizing?
4. What does it mean to meditate on Scripture?
5. What is the best pace for memorizing Scripture?
All Christians look forward to the day—or at least they ought to—when faith will give way to sight and we will see Christ personally (1 John 3:2-3). But what about the “hear-and-now”? Well the truth of the matter is that God has given us a taste of heaven and his presence now. The shame of it all is that we don’t recognize this truth as often as we ought to. This article is meant to encourage you to draw near to God and experience the future now! This is exactly what Paul hoped his Roman audience would enjoy, and by extension, us too! The article discusses the issue of justification in 5:1 as well as the concept of peace and what that really means. The bulk of the article deals with rejoicing in tribulation and the perseverance, character, and hope which flow from such experiences.
1. In 5:1, the apostle talks about justification. How does this state come about and what does he mean by “having been justified….?”
2. What does Paul mean by “peace”?
3. In what sense is our experience of God through our Lord Jesus Christ?
4. What does God develop in us during trials? How important, then, is character to spiritual experience?
5. What is the image behind the “pouring out” language of 5:5? How does this keep us from becoming disappointed?
This article is an outline-survey of basic truths relating to theology proper and a biblical understanding of God. The article surveys general and special revelation and the important difference that exists between the two. The traditional arguments advanced for the existence of God are covered as well. We want to introduce you to these arguments since you will undoubtedly not go too far in your studies before you run into them. The traditional Reformed method of distinguishing the attributes of God based on those which are communicable and those which are incommunicable is followed in this survey. Some important names of God are discussed as well as the important doctrine of the Trinity.
1. What are the two avenues of revelation according to Scripture? How are they similar? Different?
2. According to Romans 1:19-23 how do men typically treat the revelation God gives them through nature? What is the result?
3. What are four arguments for the existence of God? How do they relate to each other?
4. What does communicable and incommunicable mean in reference to the attributes of God? Do you like this categorization? Why or why not?
5. What are some of God’s names? What is the function of a name? Describe the Trinity: What do we mean by “three-in-oneness”?
This survey article is intended to give the student a familiarity with the basic areas being considered when we talk about the doctrine of Christ. Hence we will cover his person, including his deity and humanity. We will also talk about the relationship of his deity to his humanity in the idea of the incarnation—a truth essential to Christianity in every age. As the incarnate Son of God, Jesus lived in one sense like any man, and we will investigate that briefly by looking at certain passages, but he also carried on a unique ministry, fulfilling three distinct yet related offices in Israel: he was a prophet, priest, and king and therefore the fulfillment of OT hope. In light of his resurrection and ascension, he now carries on a vital ministry from the right hand of the Father.
1. What are the various lines of evidence to demonstrate that Jesus was, in fact, God?
2. What are the various lines of evidence to show that he was, in fact, fully human?
3. What do we mean when we refer to the incarnation of Christ? What are two key passages in this discussion?
4. Give a brief overview of Jesus’ life and ministry? What are the three offices associated with him and what is the significance of each one?
5. What are some proofs for the resurrection of Christ and what was the nature of his resurrection body?
6. Now that Christ has been raised and exalted to the right hand of the Father, what is the nature of his present ministry?
The Coming of the Christ is a five part series with a special focus on the incarnation and what it means theologically as well as ethically for the Christian. We are stressing the doctrine of the incarnation in this section because it is crucial to any balanced understanding of Christ and his work. It is also the wellspring from which we have any accurate knowledge of God and how we are to live in the world. It is important to note that many aberrations of Christian doctrine begin with false understandings of Christ and his dual nature.
Therefore, this series will stress the importance of the incarnation in terms of what it means as well as the purpose for the incarnation. We will look at the birth of Christ as well, and the proper response of humble faith which each of us should have in light of God’s condescending to be with us. We will then spend a good deal of time talking about Philippians 2:5-11—a key passage (probably an early hymn) unfolding for us both the attributes of Christ and the attitudes of Christ in relation to the incarnation. The series will end with two articles that investigate the implications (from the incarnation) for the church, life, and ministry.
1. Why is the incarnation important to Christianity? What was God’s purpose in the incarnation?
2. What are some present as well as ancient deviations from the biblical view of the incarnation?
3. What does the term “form” mean in Phil 2:6? What is meant by the “Kenosis theory”? What did Christ empty himself of or lay aside?
4. What was Christ’s attitude in the incarnation and what is our relationship to that according to Philippians 2:5?
5. What are some principles that flow from the incarnation? What are some implications, that flow from the incarnation, both for your life and the life of the church?
This survey article is taken up with covering the basic doctrines of the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit (two facts denied by many cults) as well as his ministry in the church and in the end times. There is no little confusion today over the ministry of the Spirit in the church. He gets credit for everything on the one hand and is generally blamed for every aberrant thing that “comes down the pike,” on the other. As with all the survey articles, you will want to study each verse listed in the outline. Before you know it you will become familiar with most of the important passages for discussing any doctrine. Doing the Scripture memory plan above will greatly help you as well.
1. What do we mean when we refer to the Holy Spirit as a “person”? What are three indications in Scripture that the Spirit is understood by the writer to be a person and not just “an impersonal force” as the Jehovah Witnesses teach?
2. What are some Scriptural indications that the Holy Spirit is actually God?
3. In relation to people, what was the Spirit’s primary role in the OT and how does that contrast with his role in relation to Christians in present age?
4. What is the relation of the Spirit to the salvation of men and women in the OT and in the NT after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus?
5. What is a spiritual gift and when do we as Christians receive them? Discuss this at some length using appropriate passages.
6. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the end times, including the Tribulation period and the Millennial kingdom?
Unfortunately, late in the rise of the modern era, educational leaders and clergy alike began to deeply embrace the doctrine of evolution (see e.g. the article on our site, entitled, Darwinism and New England Theology). Nowadays, it is nothing short of a staple belief, a basic requirement and core value fueling much scientific inquiry, especially in fields such as astronomy and genetics. Though the particular origins of the evils in our western society today are multi-informed, the credence given evolution undoubtedly accounts for a good deal of the philosophical foundation upon which the legalization of crimes against humanity—sanctioned by the state, no less—have been carried out. In short, we have knowingly abandoned the biblical truth that all people are created in the image of God.
This survey article attempts to orient you to the doctrine of man’s special creation by God and the fact that he bears the image of God. It will also delve into the ruin brought on by sin and attempt to present a biblical understanding of various aspects of sin, including the relationship of the sin of Adam and Eve to our own sin and that of our parents. Finally, the article will deal with the remedy for sin that God himself has supplied and discuss the problem of sin in the life of a believer.
1. Discuss the biblical origin of man as well as alternative theories.
2. In what sense are we created in the image of God?
3. What are two common views of man, both of which claim biblical support? Why is it difficult to be certain on this issue?
4. Describe the actual fall of man as well as the results. What is sin?
5. What is inherited, imputed, and personal sin? How do they differ from one another and how are they related?
The Bible uses several terms to paint a clear picture of the nature of sin. The basic idea, however, can be distilled down to “rebellion”—rebellion which leads to missing the mark of God’s perfect standard of love and holiness. In a sense we are lawless creatures. But where did all this start? How did sin enter the human race and what is the relationship of our sin to the sin of the fallen angels or demons? We will cover these questions in this article. We will also discuss the consequences of sin such as guilt and how God has dealt with our sin (i.e., expiation).
1. What are some words in the OT and in the NT that refer to sin? What exactly do they mean?
2. What is the basic meaning of the NT word for sin, hamartia? What are some examples of hamartia in our lives?
3. What is the basic meaning of the NT term anomia and anomos? How does Romans 14:23 relate to the issue of sin and making decisions in the Christian life?
4. Describe the entrance of sin into the human race? What are some unanswered questions surrounding the account of the fall of man? Why is it that God doesn’t seem to have answered all our questions about the entrance of sin into the human race?
5. What is the extent of sin and what is the problem with teaching the doctrine of inherited sin? Why are people so offended at this biblical concept?
6. What are some of the consequences of sin and what do we mean when we talk about the experience of guilt?
7. What does expiation mean? How does it relate to the problem of our sin and God’s wrath?
Note: This book is not available on our web site, but can be purchased at most Christian bookstores.
This book explores the depth of our depravity and how it has deeply affected our ability to love others well. After exposing the false hope of modern Christianity (i.e., its unfounded belief about how real change occurs), the book is broken up into four sections dealing with (1) looking beneath the surface of our lives, (2) coming face to face with our thirst, (3) the sinful ways in which we attempt to quench our thirst, and (4) what it really means to move in the direction of genuine and permanent life change.
We will not include any questions on this book because there is a study manual that goes with it. The student is urged to acquire both.
It is important for the believer to have as clear an understanding of the biblical idea of salvation as possible. The enemy will strike here, often and hard, if a person does not possess a clear conception of what salvation is and what it is not. This article is designed to meet that need. The meaning of salvation and its various aspects (including the past, present, and future components) will be covered in some depth. We will also explore what is actually involved in the salvation of a person and explain the meanings of numerous important biblical terms such as reconciliation, redemption, propitiation, imputation, and others. This article is crucial for all believers, especially those struggling with their salvation.
1. What is the meaning of the term “salvation”? What is its scope and emphasis in the Bible?
2. What does God’s method and initiation in salvation teach us about his character?
3. What are the three phases of salvation? How are they distinct, yet related? Throughout history various people have confused the three phases. What do you think happens when we confuse them?
4. What are the various barriers to a relationship with God that we all possess? How does God’s method of salvation deal with all of them? Discuss the who, when, where, what, why, and how of reconciliation.
5. Define the meaning and give the background for the terms “propitiation” and “redemption.”
6. What does regeneration mean and how does it relate to salvation, propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation?
7. What does justification mean? How does it relate to progressive sanctification?
8. What does imputation mean with respect to the righteousness of Christ?
9. Discuss the believer’s eternal riches in Christ. What should our response be to God’s overwhelming grace? Answer: To fall on our faces and worship the Lord (cf. Ephesians 1:3)!
This article is taken up with the issue of the believer’s eternal security before God. There are various lines of evidence in the NT to show that the person who has become a Christian in God’s sight is forever secure in him: (1) the work of the trinity; (2) positional truth; (3) the logic of God’s love for us even before we were saved; (4) we are held in his hand and nothing, nor nobody, not even Satan, can snatch us from his hand; (5) the meaning of the various tenses used to express the believer’s security; (6) the very meaning of “electing grace” precludes the loss of salvation; and (7) no personal sin can separate us from God.
The security of the believer is firmly taught in Scripture, but there are passages which appear to affirm the opposite and many well-meaning Christians have taught the opposite. There are passages which seem to suggest that a person can lose their salvation, including the famous text of Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10:23-31. But when these passages are properly interpreted in light of the immediate and remote context, they lose the force they appeared to have. Instead, they are to be regarded as severe warnings which do not include the loss of salvation, but in many cases fiery judgment for those who were never saved and only playing at Christianity.
1. What does the doctrine of eternal security mean?
2. What are some arguments for the eternal security of the believer? Give the name of each and explain it briefly, but accurately.
3. What are some verses which seem to indicate that we can lose our salvation? How do you understand these passages?
4. What are some consequences of carnality in the life of the believer? What verses would you use to point this out to another brother or sister in the Lord?
5. What can happen to a believer if they persist in rebellion? How does God’s decision relate to their salvation?
The Bible repeatedly warns and encourages us to be careful how we listen to what God says. Our hearts become hard easily, after which we are increasingly unable to hear the Savior’s voice. The purpose of this study is to address this issue by talking about the various ways in which God speaks to us and the disposition we ought to have in order that we might hear his voice.
1. Discuss the Bible’s emphasis on listening and hearing God’s word. Why is this so significant in light of our tendencies? Do we really listen well?
2. What are the 4 C’s of listening to God and being changed by his voice?
3. What are the ways in which God communicates to us? They are all very important, but which source(s) is to be the final authority?
4. In what ways do we need to be prepared to hear God’s word?
5. What are three key passages which teach “active participation” in the listening process? Explain each one briefly.
There is a strong connection in Psalm 119 and throughout all of Scripture between prayer and the will of God. We are not praying for our selfish will be to be done, but for God’s will to be done (which includes our needs). Thus prayer is really worship, a recognition of God’s sovereignty—a humble entrance into the service of his plans and will for the world. Prayer, therefore, takes on many forms including praise, confession, supplication, etc. But, it is always prayer to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Spirit. With this in mind, we can pray any time with all sorts of requests, focusing on the fact that it is God’s will that must be done. There are certain prerequisites to effective prayer such as a personal trust in Christ and a pure heart, obedient to the Word of God. On the other hand, there are hindrances to effective prayer such as simply failing to ask, wrong motives, or just giving up. Nonetheless, there are many reasons given in Scripture as to why the believer is to pray and there are many things we are given freedom to ask for.
1. What is the relationship between the Word and prayer in Psalm 119?
2. What are some of the various forms of prayer?
3. What is the ultimate and genuine focus of prayer?
4. What are some of the prerequisites of answered prayer?
5. Why should we pray? Why do we find it so difficult at times?
This article is an exposition of Luke 11:1-13 and Jesus’ teaching on prayer. In it the author discusses the model prayer Jesus gave the disciples in response to their request to be taught to pray. The Lord’s prayer (cf. Matt 6:9-13) was never intended as something to be said by rote—as if God didn’t hear us the first time—but was rather given as a pattern for prayer, focusing first on God, and then making our requests known to him. Significant space is given to the parable of the persistent friend because it strikes at the real problem in prayer—prayerlessness! Finally, the article concludes with a prescription for persistent prayer and the reminder that God promises always to listen.
1. Why did the disciples ask the Lord to teach them to pray in Luke 11:1?
2. What was Christ’s attitude in prayer? What does that teach you about what our attitude should be like?
3. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he gave them a pattern. What was the purpose of the pattern and what was it intended to never be? What is the two part breakdown of the prayer? Is the order significant in the breakdown?
4. What are the various things we pray for and what does each mean? In other words, what are we really praying for?
5. Discuss the parable of the persistent friend. What does this teach us about prayer, about God and about ourselves? What is the answer God gives to those who consistently and continuously ask?
Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about angels? After all, Hollywood has its own version of what angels are and do…and may God help us if they’re right! On the contrary, in this article we will survey the biblical doctrine of angels, both the elect or holy angels as well as those which are fallen, including Satan and his demons. We will touch on the fact of the existence of holy angels, as well as their nature, and their ministry. We will also talk about that great serpent and enemy of mankind and God himself, the Devil, or Satan. We will survey his existence, personality, and essential nature. We will outline for you his fall as well as his subsequent, destructive activity. We will do likewise for his demons.
1. What is the essential nature of the holy angels and what are their ministries? What are some key passages for discussing angels?
2. Discuss the personality of Satan? How do his names clearly reveal his nature?
3. Explain the fall of Satan using the two critical biblical passages.
4. What is the various aspects of Satan’s activity? How would you summarize his essential focus?
5. Discuss the names and activities of demons?
This article covers a lot of the same ground as the previous article on angels, but from a different perspective. There is also much more information in general, including the number and organization of angels as well as the relationship of the angelic conflict to the problem of evil. This essay should help you clarify some of the issues raised in the previous article.
1. What is the relationship between the angels and the problem of evil?
2. How does the book of Job contribute to an understanding of this issue?
3. What are some negative lessons we can learn from the angels?
4. What are some positive lessons we can learn from the angels?
In this article you will study the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ. In this day and age we desperately need to return to Scripture to get our “marching orders,” as it were. We will also discuss the two ordinances given the church, namely, water baptism and the Lord’s supper. We will then move on to talk about church government or the structure of the church and how various local and national church structures have arisen in the history of the church. We will also discuss leadership at the local level.
1. What are the two forms of the church? How do they relate to each other?
2. What is the purpose of the church? What is the key passage that defines our mission as God’s people in the world?
3. What are the ordinances of the church?
4. What are the major views of the structure of the church?
5. Discuss the New Testament view of the structure of the church.
6. What are two leadership positions in the church? What are the qualifications for each?
We live in a day and age when individualism reigns supreme and there is very little desire to cast one’s lot with a group of people and remain committed to them. Obviously, this spells difficulties for the church. For this reason, we have included in this section a series dealing with church life and another separate article which stresses the importance of relating to and committing oneself to a body of believers.
One Another Commands of Scripture is really a six part series dealing with the foundations and motivations for fellowship and encouraging other Christians. It includes topics such as: (1) hindrances to loving one another (i.e., envy, pride, judging others, speaking evil, etc.); (2) positive commands; (3) developing Christ-like attitudes and actions through meditation on the word; (4) using your personal freedom to love and serve others.
1. Discuss the various aspects of “fellowship”?
2. What are the various foundations for fellowship? Why is it important to understand these? What is the basic and overarching command with respect to fellowship?
3. Discuss some of the hindrances we face when we set out, by the grace of God, to genuinely love other people?
4. Discuss the positive commands of Scripture in keeping with our attitudes and actions. What was the point of this section of the series?
5. Growing into Christlikeness is a lifelong process. Why is meditation on the word so important in this process?
6. In a series on fellowship, why do we include an article on personal freedom? What is the connection? What is the relationship between our freedom and our commitment to love others?
The bottom line is that we are to maintain a balance between grace and truth. Jesus came, John says, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He didn’t fall off one side or the other. Neither must we. In many of our articles in this discipleship series, we stress the biblical truth about this or that concept. But, this should never be understood to mean that unity in the body of Christ is not important and critical to the health and witness of the Lord’s church (cf. John 17:22). We have a ugly tendency to divide the people of God over our own personal “hobbyhorses”—our pet doctrines which we elevate to the place of first importance when they are in reality only secondary. As you study the truth of God from Scripture, you must be careful that your further learning does not “puff you up,” as Paul says, and create in you an arrogant heart, unjustly critical of others.
Unity is extremely important to God and it should be to us. It is commanded in Scripture (Ephesians 4:1-6). But unity does not mean “simple conformity.” Rather, there is to be unity in the midst of diversity—a diversity which is to be celebrated, not just tolerated. Indeed, the various gifts that God has given us testify to the diversity he wants to see in the church. In summary, as this article makes clear, let us strive to walk in the truth and preserve our unity.
1. What details in Ephesians 4:1-6 indicate that unity is to be the mark of the body of Christ?
2. What is the relationship of the spiritual gifts to the diversity and unity of the church?
3. What are the primary equipping gifts in Ephesians 4?
4. Who is responsible for the ministry? Pastors? Teachers? The whole body? Read 4:11-12. Obviously, if God gave some to be pastors and teachers, then they will minister primarily to the saints, but what about the saints themselves?
5. What are various measures of the maturity talked about in Ephesians 4:13?
This survey article covers all the major areas of eschatology (i.e., end times) including, the OT covenants of God which set up the future, the rapture of the church, the tribulation, the return of Christ, the judgments, the millennial kingdom, and the eternal state. It is important to get the “big picture” when working with this material. Charts are provided to help you with this. Also, keep in mind that the interpretation of Biblical prophecy demands more from the reader than perhaps any other area of theology. Therefore, we want to hold all our views with humility. Doctrines outside the core of Christianity (e.g., core = Christ’s bodily return, resurrection of the dead, judgment of all men, eternal life for the saints, and damnation for those who have rejected Christ) are to be held with a healthy degree of tentativeness.
1. Can you sketch from memory the overall “plan view” of Biblical prophecy?
2. What are the key principles for interpreting Biblical prophecy? Do you agree with them? Which ones? Why?
3. What are the three millennial views explained in the article? With which one do you agree?
4. Explain in detail the 70 weeks of Daniel and how they relate to the fulfillment of prophecy. Work through the key passage for the rapture. How does it relate to Daniel’s 70 weeks?
5. Discuss the tribulation period, including its beginning, ending, and purpose. Discuss the purpose, government, and conditions of the millennium.
6. Discuss the eternal state and relate it to the three covenants (Abrahamic, Davidic, New) of God in the Old Testament.
7. Some eschatological items which virtually all Christians agree upon, include: (1) the bodily return of the Lord Jesus; (2) the resurrection of the dead; (3) the judgment of the living and the dead; (4) only those in Christ go into eternal bliss, the rest go into eternal damnation; (5) the character and plan of God are vindicated eternally.
As the title makes clear, this article is taken up with the interpretation and explanation of a passage of Scripture which discusses a 1000 year period, namely, Revelation 20:1-15. This is perhaps the key passage (but not the only passage) in the discussion between those who see no literal millennium and those who see a literal, 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth. It is the only text, however, which speaks directly of a thousand year period and is thus critical to the debate. Therefore, you should study this article thoroughly if you want to understand the issues at stake. The author discusses at length the issue of the interpretive method (i.e., literal/figurative/some combination of the two) and you will want to give careful attention to this issue to formulate your own tentative opinion. Following this brief discussion of interpretive method, there will be a detailed analysis of Revelation 20:1-15 where you will see the author apply his method to the text.
1. We have already covered the three views on the millennium in the previous article. With that in mind, and having just read this article, summarize again the three views. Your summary should include items such as: (1) the interpretive method each uses; (2) the relationship of the covenants of God in the OT to the millennium; (3) the activity of Satan during this period, and (4) the purpose for the period.
2. Why does God want to stop Satan from deceiving the nations according to 20:1-3? Taken at face value, could that be happening now (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18)?
3. Who are the saints who came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years (20:4)?
4. What does parousia mean? Why is it incorrect to argue that since it is used of the second coming and the rapture, they must of necessity be the same event? They may be, but this argument is inconclusive. Why?
5. What is the purpose of the millennium as it relates to man and the idea of testing?