Description
Twelve inductive Bible studies introduce you to twelve key tenets of the Christian faith. Here is what you need to know (and tell others!) about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, human nature, sin, salvation, holiness, the church, mission, revelation and the last things.
Introduction
Getting the Most Out of Christian Beliefs
This section introduces the topic, explains the structure followed in each study and offers tips for those approaching the study on their own as well as those participating in a group.
Session One
God in the World & in the Word
General revelation refers to the way that God makes his existence known in the world. Special revelation refers to the way God makes his will known to his people. How does the psalmist help you perceive the presence of the invisible God?
Psalm 19
Session Two
Knowing God
Some people have the idea that thinking about the character of God is abstract and not very practical. What might Isaiah say to that?
Isaiah 40:9-31
Session Three
Jesus: God with Us
The Gospel of John is the most explicit of all four Gospels in declaring Jesus' person and work in its opening verses. How have you experienced Jesus as Word, life and light?
John 1:1-18
Session Four
The Holy Spirit
The foundational teaching on the Holy Spirit comes from Jesus as he prepares his disciples for the spiritual connection that will bridge heaven and earth. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit as a counselor and Spirit of truth?
John 14:15-27
Session Five
Our Identity & Dignity
Adam was given complete freedom in the Garden except for access to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. What benefits have you received by the freedoms and restraints that God requires of you?
Genesis 1:24–2:25
Session Six
Our Identity & Depravity
The evil one approached Adam and Eve through the serpent. What disguises does he use today?
Genesis 3
Session Seven
Deliverance from Sin
Why do you think the word sin has fallen out of use in our daily vocabulary?
Romans 3:9-31
Session Eight
Freedom to Be Holy
God has broken the power of sin through justification; now he leads us into the battle to stay free from sin. The classic term for this is sanctification. How have you observed the role of the mind in your own combat with sin?
Romans 8:1-17
Session Nine
The Best Is Yet to Come
The final state of God's victory over sin is, in classic Christian teaching, called glorification. How does the hope for future glory encourage you when you are suffering?
Romans 8:18-39
Session Ten
The Mission of the Church
In addition to saving us, God puts us together with others who share with us the task of proclaiming his saving work. In what ways could your church or fellowship benefit from the early church's mission efforts?
Acts 2
Session Eleven
The Community of the Church
Paul uses the image of the body to describe the way the church should work together. What part of the body are you?
Ephesians 4:1-16
Session Twelve
Hope for the Future
The Scriptures' teaching about the future is called eschatology. How can thinking about the future practically affect your way of thinking and acting?
2 Peter 3:3-14
Total number of pages - 79 pages
Stephen D. Eyre is involved in ministry with Church Discipleship Services, which helps churches use Scripture to connect sermons with small groups and personal Bible study throughout the congregation. He wrote the LifeGuide® Bible Studies Deuteronomy, Jeremiah and (with his wife, Jacalyn Eyre) Matthew.