Christian Training Course
Introduction
So often a fresh move of God follows this pattern:
First, a man …..
Then, a movement ….
Then, a machine ….
Finally, a monument ….
In offering the following organized material to the church, it is our prayerful desire that it will be a training course that produces more men and women of God. Machines and monuments we do not want. But we do fully expect God to send forth from this place men and women who are fit and prepared for service wherever they may go. To this end we would like to ask each one of you to make a diligent, prayerful response to what follows, remembering the challenging words of our Lord Jesus: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
This training course is designed to provide the believer with essential foundation stones. By way of illustration, we know it is necessary to have a well stocked kitchen to prepare a nutritious meal, or to bake a delicious cake. So it is with ministry; the goods have to be in you, on the shelves so to speak, before they can be drawn out of you. This is the role of knowledge in the life of a believer: a well-rounded supply of goods, resting on the shelves ready to be used as needed.
The material presented here is not designed to force particular points of view upon you, or to give answers for you simply to memorize. Rather, it is offered to provoke sincere thought, and to help you come to personal conclusions and convictions concerning God and His ways.
You will find the materials of this course broken down into two major areas:
1. Study
2. Practical experience
In the study area, you will want to cover each of the four units of study at your own pace. In the practical experience area, you will want to choose the units that seem right for you. As you move through the course, plan on interacting with the more mature brethren of the church to discuss your questions and progress. We would also encourage your suggestions for the revision and development of the course.
Table of Contents
Unit I: Old Testament Overview
The Hebrew Scriptures
The Development of Ancient Israel
The Writings (Psalms and Wisdom Literature)
The Hebrew Prophets
Unit II: New Testament Overview
The Gospels
The Records of the Early Church
The Teaching of the Early Church
The Revelation
Unit III: Christian Theology
Introduction to Theology
Revelation
God
Man: His Being and Purpose
Man’s Present Condition
God’s Remedy
Man’s New Life
Man’s Spiritual Growth and Development
The Church
The Return of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Eternity with God
Unit IV: History of the Church
Unit V: Practical Experience
Prayer and fasting
Reading Cycle
Fellowship Bible Study
Preaching
Good Works
Evangelism
Neighborhood Bible Study
Public Testimony
Other suggestions
Unit I: Old Testament Overview
As you proceed with this study course, it is required that you be familiar with the writings of the Old Testament. You should begin by reading all of the Old Testament. A reading checklist, such as one of the following listed below, can be quite helpful to keep you moving along.
Bible Study Record
Printed copies are available from Resurrection Life Church
McCheyne’s Calendar for Daily Reading
To read on the web: click here
To download from the web: click here
To order: click here
The Victory Bible Reading Plan
To read or download from the web: not found
To order: click here
As you are reading all of the Old Testament, you should choose and read one of the three books listed below. Each book reviews the books of the Old Testament, as well as the political and cultural backgrounds of the Old Testament people and events. This section is intended to stimulate your thinking and broaden your understanding of the Old Testament. You may encounter some perspectives and opinions that differ from your own. If so, be challenged by these things and be encouraged to come to your own conclusions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Unfolding Message of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan
To read on the web: not found
To order: click here
Unlocking the Bible: Omnibus by David Pawson
To read on the web: not found
To order: click here
Unit II: New Testament Overview
As you proceed with this study course, it is required that you be familiar with the writings of the New Testament. You should begin by reading all of the New Testament. A reading checklist, such as one of the following listed below, can be quite helpful to keep you moving along.
Bible Study Record
Printed copies are available from Resurrection Life Church
McCheyne’s Calendar for Daily Reading
To read on the web: click here
To download from the web: click here
To order: click here
The Victory Bible Reading Plan
To read or download from the web: not found
To order: click here
As you are reading all of the New Testament, you should choose and read one of the three books listed below. Each book reviews the books of the New Testament, as well as the political and cultural backgrounds of the New Testament people and events. This section is intended to stimulate your thinking and broaden your understanding of the New Testament. You may encounter some perspectives and opinions that differ from your own. If so, be challenged by these things and be encouraged to come to your own conclusions under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The Unfolding Message of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan
To read on the web: not found
To order: click here
Unlocking the Bible: Omnibus by David Pawson
To read on the web: not found
To order: click here
Unit III: Christian Theology
The purpose of this section is to help you better understand the truths of the Bible, so that your personal walk with God is enriched, and so that you can more effectively minister to others. We are not after mere head knowledge; we want you to be living in the truths that you discover. Therefore, purpose in your heart that all the truth that God reveals to you will become your own first-hand experience.
You should follow this course in sequence, section by section, without skipping steps. If you encounter difficulties along the way, be sure to see one of the mature brethren of the church. After finishing each section, we recommend that you confer with one of the mature brethren of the church to go over your written assignments, and to discuss any questions or problems you may have.
Along with the Bible, the following books shall be used in this theology course.
Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words by W.E. Vine
To read on the web: click here
To order: click here
Spurgeon’s Catechism
To read or download from the web: click here
Rules for Understanding the Scriptures by John Brown
To read or download from the web: click here
Barclay’s Apology in Modern English by Robert Barclay, edited by Dean Freiday
To read on the web: click here (unedited, difficult to read)
To order: click here
Renewal Theology by Rodman Williams
To read on the web: not found
To order: click here
Great Doctrines of the Bible by Martyn Lloyd Jones
To download from the web: not found
To order: click here
The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer
To read on the web: click here
To order: click here
Justification by Faith by John Wesley
To read or download from the web: click here
To order: click here
New Testament Holiness by Thomas Cook
To read on the web: click here
To download a pdf: click here
A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley
To read or download from the web: click here
To order: click here
A Glorious Church by G.W. North
To read or download from the web: click here
To order: contact us.
Part 1: Introduction to Theology
1. Using a dictionary, define the following terms:
theology
doctrine
catechism
2. Are any of these words used in the Bible? If so, using W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words and/or other reference books, do a thorough study of that word, including scriptural references.
3. Read Spurgeon’s Catechism, keeping the following questions in mind as you read:
With what statements, if any, do you find disagreement or reserve?
How would you improve upon those statements?
What would you add to the Catechism?
What would you delete?
4. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Barclay’s Apology, Introduction to the Theological Theses; Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1, chapter 1; and Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapter 1.
Part 2: Revelation
1. Read “Rules for Understanding the Scriptures”, by John Brown. Also read Propositions 1, 2, and 3 of Barclay’s Apology, and chapters 2, 3 and 4 of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1.
With what statements, if any, do you find disagreement or reserve?
How would you improve those statements?
With what statements, if any, do you find especially strong disagreement?
Would you add anything to those statements?
2. Use scripture verse to:
support your disagreement or reserve, if any.
support your especially strong agreement, if any.
support your additions and improvements.
3. Quote three passages from these readings that are especially helpful and meaningful to you.
4. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapter 2.
Part 3: God
1. Read A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy.
2. List three attributes of God that mean the most to you at the present time.
Explain why each attribute is especially important to you.
Using the Bible, study each of these three attributes, citing helpful scripture.
Meditate on each of these three attributes and pray with those scriptures in mind.
3. Using the revelation and understanding God has given you through this study, write your own chapter on one of the attributes you have chosen, using the format, like that of Tozer’s book, of prayer, commentary and hymn. Be yourself; do not try to imitate Tozer!
4. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1, chapter 5 through 9; and Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapters 3 and 4.
Part 4: Man: His Being and Purpose
1. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each term. Go slowly and prayerfully.
Man’s being: blood
flesh
body
soul
spirit (man’s)
heart
feelings
mind
will
Man’s purpose: worship
communion
image of God
fruit
2. What other words would you include in this study?
3. Read Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
3. What is the most significant revelation that has come to you during this study of man? How does this new understanding affect your walk with God?
4. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1, chapters 10 through 15.
Part 5: Man’s Present Condition
1. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each term. Go slowly and prayerfully.
sin Adam
sins the natural man
temptation death
the flesh the sinful nature
the world the heart of fallen man
the devil judgment
2. Having completed the above study, summarize for yourself the present condition of man without Christ.
3. Are there any other words you would include in this study that shed light on man’s present condition?
4. Read Proposition 4 of Barclay’s Apology and chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Cook’s New Testament Holiness.
Does either of these writings add anything to your understanding of man’s present condition? How?
Do you disagree with them on any points? If so, support your disagreement with relevant passages from scripture, and from other sources you are familiar with.
5. Having considered the truth on this subject as found in the scriptures, and having considered the ideas presented by Barclay, Cook and others, summarize your own views in a short proposition.
6. Select and write out three passages from what you have read of Barclay, Cook and others that are especially helpful and meaningful to you on this subject.
7. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1, chapters 16, 17 and 18; and Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapters 10 and 11.
Note: Parts 6 and 7 deal with the solution to the problem of man’s present condition. Part 6 focuses in on what God has done towards that end. Part 7 will deal with man’s response that leads to regeneration and part 8 with the ongoing and ultimate sanctification of man. We realize that it is difficult to categorize some of these terms, since they relate to each other in so many ways. However, for clarity and simplicity’s sake, we have organized them in this way.
Part 6: God’s Remedy
1. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study, select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each item. Go slowly and prayerfully.
law the incarnation of Christ
grace the death of Christ
atonement the blood of Christ
forgiveness the resurrection of Christ
reconciliation the Holy Spirit
justification the new Covenant
redemption the resurrection of our body
salvation
2. Having considered the truths you have discovered from this study, summarize for yourself God’s remedy for man’s present condition.
3. Are there any other words you would include in this study that would open up more fully the truth about God’s remedy?
4. Read propositions 5 and 6 of Barclay’s Apology; chapters 19 through 33 of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 1; and “Justification by Faith”, by John Wesley.
Do any of these writings add anything to your understanding of God’s remedy for the present condition of man?
Do you disagree with them on any points? If so, support your disagreement with relevant passages of scripture, and from other sources you are familiar with.
5. Having considered the truth on this subject as found in the scriptures, and having considered the ideas presented by Barclay, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Wesley and others, summarize your own views in a short statement.
6. Select and write out three passages from what you have read of Barclay, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Wesley and others that are especially helpful and meaningful to you on this subject.
7. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Renewal Theology Volume 1, chapters 12, 13, 14 and 15.
Part 7: Man’s New Life
1. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study, select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each term. Go slowly and prayerfully.
repentance
confession
submission
faith
Why is repentance necessary before God can give us His life?
Is there a difference between the word “faith” in the Old Testament, and “faith” in the New Testament? Explain.
Why is faith required for man to be saved, and to lay hold of all the blessings of God?
2. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study, select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each term. Go slowly and prayerfully.
conversion
justification
regeneration
new heart
new spirit
the Holy Spirit
What does it mean to be baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit?
When is a man’s heart made pure?
Can two natures (Adam’s and Christ’s) dwell together in a man?
3. Read Proposition 7 of Barclay’s Apology; chapter 5 of Cook’s New Testament Holiness; and chapters 6 through 14 of Renewal Theology Volume 2.
Do any of these writings add anything to your understanding of regeneration?
Do you disagree with them on any points? If so, support your disagreement with relevant scriptures and from other sources you are familiar with.
4. Having considered the truth on this subject as found in the Bible, and having considered the ideas presented by Barclay, Cook, Williams and others, summarize your own views in a short statement.
5. Select and write out three passages from what you have read of Barclay, Cook, Williams and others that are especially helpful and meaningful to you on this subject.
6. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 2, chapters 1 through 17; and Renewal Theology Volume 2, chapters 1, 2 and 3.
Part 8: Man’s Spiritual Growth and Development
1. Study each of the following words in depth, using a concordance and your Bible. From your study select at least five, but no more than ten, portions of scripture that shed the most light on each term. Go slowly and prayerfully.
sanctification
the cross
perseverance
obedience
perfection
holiness
love
What can be possessed at new birth, and what must a man grow into?
Is it possible to sin after regeneration? Support your answer using scripture.
Is perfection required by God? Support your answer using scripture.
2. Read Propositions 8 and 9 of Barclay’s Apology, chapters 6 through 23 of Cook’s New Testament Holiness, and Wesley’s A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.
Do any of these writings add anything to your understanding of growth unto perfection?
Do you disagree with them on any points? If so, support your disagreement with relevant passages of scripture and with other sources you are familiar with.
3. Having considered the truth on this subject as found in the Bible, and having considered the ideas presented by Barclay, Cook, Wesley and others, summarize your own views in a short statement.
4. Select and write out three passages from what you have read of Barclay, Cook, Wesley and others that are especially helpful and meaningful to you on this subject.
5. What is the most significant revelation that has come to you during this study of Parts 7 & 8? How does this new understanding affect your walk with God?
6. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 2, chapters 18 through 25; and Renewal Theology Volume 2, chapters 4, 5 and 15.
Part 9: The Church
1. Discover five portions of scripture that reveal God’s heart on each of the categories below:
the nature of the Church
the organization of the Church
the purpose of the Church
the offices in the Church
the local church
the members and their calling in the local church
2. Read G.W. North’s, A Glorious Church. Do you strongly agree or disagree with anything written in it? Support your answer from relevant scriptures and from other sources you are familiar with.
3. In light of this study, summarize in a short essay what the Church is to you, and what you want to be to the Church. Prayerfully commit your thoughts to the Lord, and depend on Him to bring them to pass.
4. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Barclay’s Apology, Proposition 10, 11, 12 and 13; Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 3, chapters 1 through 7; and Renewal Theology Volume 3, chapters 1 through 7.
Part 10: The Return of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Eternity with God
1. Discover five portions of scripture that reveal the truth about the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Read chapters 8 through 21 of Lloyd-Jones’ Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 3.
3. After considering the scriptures, and having read the chapters from Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 3, summarize your own thoughts on the Lord’s return by writing a short essay similar to the ones you have just read. Be yourself, and stress those things you feel are the most important.
4. Discover five portions of scripture that reveal the truth about eternity with God.
5. Read chapter 15 of Williams’ Renewal Theology Volume 3.
6. After considering the scriptures, and thoughts on eternity with God, summarize your own thoughts on eternity with God by writing a short essay similar to the ones you have just read. Be yourself, and stress those things you feel are the most important.
7. If you want to pursue further study, read part or all of Great Doctrines of the Bible Volume 3, chapters 22 and 23; and Renewal Theology Volume 3, chapters 8 through 14.
Unit IV: History of the Church
1. Read the book of the Acts of the Apostles from the Bible and the following three books:
The History of the Church: from Christ to Constantine by Eusebius
To read on the web: click here
To order: click here
The Pilgrim Church by E.H. Broadbent
To download from the web: not found
To order: click here or click here
The Rise and Progress of the People Called Quakers by William Penn
To read on the web: click here
To order: click here
2. Questions:
1. Who makes up the true Church?
2. To what degree should the developments and traditions of the Church through history affect us today?
3. Having read the books mentioned above in number 1, have your thoughts changed in any way concerning your view of the Church? In what ways will your change in thinking affect the way you live?
3. Write a short essay on how you see your local church fitting into the flow of church history, noting the ways in which it has succeeded, and the ways in which it has failed in reflecting a portion of the true Body of Jesus Christ.
Unit V: Practical Experience
1. Prayer and Fasting
Set up times of scheduled fasting (examples: two months, one day a week) and keep a journal of God’s dealings with you, His blessings to you, and new insight and understanding He has given you.
2. Reading Cycle
Commit yourself to following a Bible reading schedule through for a year.
3. Fellowship Bible Study
Teach a Bible study for a short number of weeks in the church. Afterwards, get together with one or several of the mature brethren in the church to receive feedback on how you did.
4. Preaching
Preach to the church. Afterwards, get together with one or several of the mature brethren in the church to receive feedback on how you did.
5. Good works
Do the following works that you do not normally do in your week-to-week schedule:
1. Make a series of visits to a prison, hospital, old folk’s home, etc., to touch some lives for a determined length of time.
2. Seek out a situation close to home where someone needs financial or material help, and trust God to make you a channel of His blessing to the person (whether the gifts are small or large).
6. Evangelism
Go and speak of Christ in a situation you would not find yourself in during your normal day-to-day schedule. As an additional option, plan to return to that same situation several more times, regardless of the response from the people, and speak again of Christ.
7. Neighborhood Bible Study
Hold a Bible study for your neighbors or other contacts you have made.
8. Public Testimony
Give a 15-30 minute testimony, in a fellowship meeting, of how you were born again.
9. Other suggestions