Elective Courses:
Part 2

Basics 101 - Intro to Church Life

THIRTEEN LESSONS: Online content in a meeting style course, with Bonus sermons and devotional materials.   

In response to many churches request, we created this new offering combining new series developed from Sinclair Ferguson-Ligonier Ministries (The Basics of the Christian Life), and Alistair Begg from Truth for Life (The Basics of the Christian Faith).  Consider using this course with new members' (prior to membership class) or with potential leaders prior to formal Officer training, or just newly formed congregations.  ALIGNMENT of the Basics is very important and allows lots of content and discussion to assist your efforts to bring unity within your local flock.

  • Lesson One-Becoming A Christian-Sinclair Ferguson draws from John 8 to overview of the spiritual condition and characteristics of the unbeliever so that we can ask if we are walking in the darkness or in the light.  Dealing with core question of “What does it mean to be saved?”

    OPTIONAL “REST AREA” OFFRAMP to Hope Explored (3 lesson Evangelism course).

    Lesson Two-Being A Christian-Every believer might answer the question “What does it mean to be a believer?” differently; Scripture gives us an overarching framework of understanding.

    Lesson Three-Belonging to the Church-Addressing culture’s view of individualism; Examines that Christ builds a community of worshipers who belong not only to Him but also in one another.

    Lesson Four-Means of Grace-God’s Word-He has provided a resource to accomplish growth in Christ for all believers.  The Word is one of the means that God uses to bring us to spiritual maturity so that as believers, we  are equipped to faithfully live the Christian life.

    Lesson Five-Means of Grace-Prayer-Knowing our human weaknesses and sinful tendencies, God has graciously provided us with guidance from His Word and assistance from His Spirit to help us pray rightly, by looking at how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

    Lesson Six-Means of Grace-Baptism-Focusing on what is most important for us to understand is why God has given us the sign and seal of baptism.  Sinclair focuses on the significance of this sacrament, and notes how Jesus’ baptism sheds light on our own.

    Lesson Seven-Means of Grace-The Lord’s Supper-Christians are often familiar with this practice, but how deeply do they understand the meaning of this sacrament.  There are seven aspects that can help us understand this sacrament for a deeper insight into the true meaning.

    Lesson Eight-Facing the Enemy-when entering the kingdom of light, Christians face a new enemy and adversary: Satan.  Needing to avoid focusing too much or failing to recognize his influence and power, we look at resources needed to fight against him.

    Lesson Nine-Discovering God’s Will-with an endless array of options, opportunities, and crossroads, we explore how a Christian can choose a path pleasing to God.  Sinclair demystifies the confusion surrounding the will of God and provides practical assistance.

    Lesson Ten-Enduring Hardships-being not exempt to hardships and difficulties, it’s important not to be deceived by those falsely teaching of wealth, health, and happiness…not wanting to have us fail, Sinclair leads us to a true biblical view of suffering by examining the book of Hebrews.

    Lesson Eleven-Walking as a Christian Witness-we are called to be in the world, not of the world, without compromising our faith.  Looking at the book of I Peter, we can learn principles and practical instructions on how to be faithful witnesses of Christ in this world.

    Lesson Twelve-Persevering to the End-we are to continue in the race and remain committed amid persecution, opposition, and discouragement with more truth unpacked from Hebrews.

    Lesson Thirteen-Personal Evangelist-Alistair calls us to share God’s good news as we walk.

THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH

FIVE LESSONS (35 ARTICLES) studied over THIRTEEN WEEKS.

These lessons will study the entire thirty-five articles of the Confession, covering the whole scope of Christian Doctrine. It is designed as a Church Leaders training course, having candidates study each lesson ONLINE, then come together to discuss in more detail, and likely deal with questions that arise from the study.

We believe it’s likely that most are not going to “buy in” fully to all doctrines covered. Expected from the study is the evaluation of all thirty-five articles of the Confession, to decide if one accepts fully or in part, prior to taking vows as an officer of the local church (some denominations, like the PCA require).

Key teacher is Dr. John Gerstner, who was RC Sproul’s lifetime mentor. As was true with our Christian Doctrine class, it may be helpful to couple these video lessons with Summary of Christian Doctrine (Louis Berkhof) and Westminster Shorter Catechism with Scripture Proofs (Banner of Truth). It is also possible to include The Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689, or The Augsburg Confession with the Heidelberg Catechism as complimentary.

1689 bAPTIST CONFESSION OF FAITH

FOURTEEN LESSONS

Thirty-two chapters of this Confession are broken down by major doctrine topics.  These readings are augmented by very helpful short Podcast series “Confessing the Faith” by Dr. Sam Waldron, President of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary.  We intend to be adding the sections of the Baptist Catechism as study tools.

This course covers all the chapters of the BCOF, which then entail the whole scope of Christian Doctrine.  It is designed as a study for existing or aspiring Church leaders, allowing for ONLINE study of each section, then coming together to discuss in more detail, and questions that likely arise from the study.

We believe it’s likely that most are not going to “buy in” fully to all doctrines covered. Expected from the study is the evaluation of all thirty-two articles of the Confession, to decide if one accepts fully or in part, prior to taking vows as an officer of the local church (some denominations, like the PCA require).

More depth can be provided by our Christian Doctrine course, which also includes use of Louis Berkhof’s Summary of Christian Doctrine. The Heidelberg Catechism or Augsburg Confession use are complementary.

Survey of Stewardship

TEN LESSONS. Online and reading content in a meeting-style course.

(Providence of God, Fruit and Enemy of Contentment, Sin of Coveting, Old and New Testament view of Money, Problems with Riches and Greed, Bounty of Giving, Biblical Giving, Stewardship of Time, Money and Possessions). These studies are broken into three categories (Foundations, Principles, and Practices of Stewardship), these form a comprehensive view of all provisions within God’s world and control, yet addressing the shortcomings we often have in handling our responsibilities before Him.

Key teachers are RC Sproul and Melissa Kruger of Ligonier Ministries(various series) and Pastors Alistair Begg and Rankin Wilbourne (key aspects), and other leading experts and study guides on various “steps”. The use of select chapters from helpful texts are also provided with permission of the authors or publishers.

Delighting in the Mystery of the Trinity

FOURTEEN LESSONS.

This course combines a series by RC Sproul, book by Dr. Michael Reeves, message by Alistair Begg, and parts of booklets from centuries’ old preachers and writers bringing together the historical battle with today’s vision.

  • LESSON ONE: Intro and Welcome - Sproul, Reeves, and added short articles from many various authors, and select messages from Alistair.

    LESSON TWO: Monotheism - there is great mystery when it comes to the Godhead. The Bible plainly affirms that the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. Dr. Sproul begins exploring “The Mystery” .

    LESSON THREE: What was God doing before the Creation? Chapter One begins exploring this KEY TRUTH effecting the ETERNAL question.

    LESSON FOUR: Creation – The Father’s Love Overflows.  Chapter Two delves into Our Father’s “stamp of love” on all of His created beings.

    LESSON FIVE:  The Biblical Witness - The word Trinity is not found anywhere in the Bible, but RC Sproul shows it is not just a New Testament novelty, but rather, a rich doctrine rooted in the Old Testament.

    LESSON SIX:  The Early Controversies – In early centuries, in nearly every attempt, a heresy was born and controversy followed. RC explains how these early controversies led to the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity.

    LESSON SEVEN: Fifth Century Heresies - The Bible says Jesus is divine, and also that Jesus is human. If divine, then is His body omnipresent? If Jesus is omnipotent, does that mean He never experienced fatigue or weakness? How do we understand Jesus? RC proceeds to look at some of the heresies from the fifth century as he helps us understand the divinity and humanity of the second Person of the Trinity.

    LESSON EIGHT: Contradictions vs. Mystery - the Trinity is not without difficulty, but it is both biblical and logical. There are limits to what we can grasp with our minds. Does that make God’s nature beyond or against reason? Is the Trinity a contradiction? RC examines the difference.

    LESSON NINE: Knowing God as the Father - key passages and Alistair' teaching on Eph 4:6-"One God and Father of all" that affirm the Father.

    LESSON TEN:  The SON shares what is His - Chapter Three shows SALVATION given by the SON and His specific role as Redeemer and Sacrifice.

    LESSON ELEVEN:  The Christian Life - The Spirit Beautifies – Chapter Four now focusing on the SPIRIT and His specific role in the Godhead.

    LESSON TWELVE: “WHO Among the gods is like You, O Lord" - Chap. Five now SHIFTS to an Overview and Reflection emphasis, and now focusing on our overall application in our walk in Him.

    LESSON THIRTEEN: One is Essence, Three in Persons - Do the three Persons truly exist? RC helps us understand some of the language that was used by the early church as they sought to carefully explain the Trinity

    LESSON FOURTEEN: No Other Choice & Application/Reflection - Our study now concludes “What do we do with this truth?” by applying our efforts to evangelize and teaching these core truths as we of walk in Him.ext goes here