If you who have recently accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, welcome to the family of God! Your church family wants to see you grow and be equipped and empowered to function effectively in God’s Kingdom. You have just embarked on an adventure that will change your life forever! This program will provide you with vital information that will help ensure a successful Christian life in the days ahead! These episodes will introduce some fundamental Bible doctrines and initiate Christian disciplines that will set you on the right path. This class is also designed to help fill in the blanks for established believers by introducing fundamental doctrines to the Christian faith and by exploring a wide range of pertinent Bible topics.
1. The Inspiration of the Scriptures
The foundation of our Christian faith is found only in one book: the Bible. In it we discover who we are, where we came from and where we are going; it explains the “why” of the human condition, and the existence of evil in the world. Through its pages we become acquainted with the God of the universe, the all-powerful, loving, holy, just, Redeemer and Savior. The Word of God speaks to us about a personal relationship with God and with the community of saints, which is the Church. Our attitude toward the Bible will determine our willingness to put into practice its principles. If we consider it to be the Word of God, it will be the measure by which we judge all human thought and systems of truth, whether social, scientific, historical or religious. It will rule our conduct and personal relationships. If we believe that the Bible is the divine Word of God, it will mold our values, attitudes, judgments and actions.
2. The Origin and Canon of the Bible
The English word “Bible” comes from the Greek word biblos, meaning “a book”. The Bible didn’t fall miraculously from heaven; it came to us through a historical process which was guided by the Holy Spirit. Only by the grace of God is it possible for these sacred books to be preserved and copied throughout the centuries. The word “canon” comes from the Greek kanon, meaning “a measuring rod or reed,” and signifies a rule, a standard. Hence, the Canon of the Bible consists of those books considered worthy to be included in the Holy Scriptures.
3. Bible Devotions
Daily Bible reading is essential for spiritual growth and is a prerequisite to becoming a successful disciple of Jesus Christ. The Bible is God speaking to us, so as we read God’s Word, God speaks to us through the Scriptures. Since faith begins where the will of God is known and God’s Word is God’s Will; we discover God’s will for our life through the Bible!
4. The Word of Faith
The works that God requires from us is to mix our faith in God’s Word. So how do we do that? Through a spiritual law referred to in the Bible as the “Word of Faith.” The Word of Faith principle is appropriated by continually speaking God’s Word out of our mouths so we can hear it. At some point in time, that Word will become planted in our spirit. The Word of God conceived in the heart, formed by the tongue, and spoken out of our mouths is creative power. Those who say they can and those who say they can’t are both right. We will never rise above our confession of God’s Word.