Central Doctrines of Christian Theology

Understanding the Christian Faith

An introductory course for those with out theological training which will survey the central doctrines of the Christian faith and seek to facilitate the student in developing a basic understanding of the method and content of Quality of Life Theology.

The course provides practical approaches in developing the skills needed to enable the student to appreciate the Bible as the primary resource in developing a biblical perspective on current issues.

I.  Course Description

This course surveys the great theological truths of the Scriptures, focusing on foundational biblical teaching concerning the central doctrines of living a Christian Life: revelation, authority, Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, Holy Spirit, and the Church.  It is the first in a series of theology courses.  As such, it lays a foundation of basic doctrinal understanding upon which more advance study of theology may be built.

This course focuses on the nature of personal and corporate spiritual growth.  A study of the Bible's teaching about the foundations of our faith and includes a careful investigation of the classic disciplines (prayer, study, meditation, confession, worship, etc.) promoting spiritual development.  Careful attention is devoted to the Holy Spirit's person and role in the believer's spiritual formation.

A study of the Christian understanding of the nature of God and how God is known within the human understanding.  The course explores such concepts as providence , and spiritual powers.

II.  Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:

A.  State in your own words the basic doctrinal teaching of the Bible in various areas (See Table of Contents below).

B.  Identify key biblical passages in support of each major doctrine.

C.  Demonstrate ability to apply doctrinal truth to Christian living for yourself and others through leadership.

Table of Contents

I.      Introduction  

We explore reasons for taking this course.  We look at the challenges.  We review the topics of the course, the course's purpose is discussed with emphasis on the decision we must make.

II.     An Invitation to Self-Appraisal  

We take a look at where your life has taken you.  You take a very practical look at your anxieties, life changes, responses, distresses and your sense of satisfaction.

III.    My Kingdom or a "Higher Power" Kingdom  

We define "Higher Power," why we need it and how it  relates to life.  We look at "Is there a God and Creator?"  We take an overview look at the plan God provides for us; to assist in reaching the proper decision and staying on course towards heaven.

IV.    Our Relationship With God  

We take a look at the need for God's kingdom being Lord in our life.  An observation is made and reviewed that we are created to join God in heaven, and that we need to change from our earthly nature to one which concentrates on reaching Heaven.

V.      Help for a Better "Quality of Life." 

We learn how God will help us, when we ask, to achieve a better "Quality of life."  We also look at; Why did God give us Life?  Our need to be like children of God is explored.

VI.     God's Love in Living  

We start to look at the benefits of putting God's plan for you in operation.  We look at; Why did God give us Life?  Our need to be like children of God is explored.

VII.    Christ, Our Guide and Trainer  

Then as a student you delve into why Christ came down to earth.  How he helps us to "salvation."  We also touch on the "Spirit" and how he influences our life.

VIII.    Total Commitment 

Next we take an in-depth look at the need to make a total commitment to God's kingship by "turning over your life," to His control.  A discussion is included as to whether giving up control is freedom or slavery.

IX.      Selfish for a second or Joyful for Eternity  

We then take a look at the important decisions we must make (e.g. "To turn our life over to God,").  We ask for those decisions.  And the lesson then looks at what must be done after the decisions.  The  student finds that they are moving into why and how he/she must show their belief through actions.  In here we pay particular attention to how St. Paul's guidance blends with Christ and others.

X.      Christianity's Helpful Guidance 

We take a look at how "Christianity" can help us acquire that better "Quality of Life."  Next the course emphasizes the need to trust our Father in Heaven.

XI.      Why God Has a Plan for you 

A review is made of the need for obedience to God.  We look at the disciplines of prayer, reflection, decision making and shared responsibility in God's plan for you.

XII.      Tools and Methods  

We next take a look at how the Training Program works.  We touch on such areas as the church, other Christians, and communications with our Father.

XIII.     Life Planning Questions  

We now move into the realm of application.  You set up a personal growth plan.

XIV.    Helpful Hints  

This lesson provides many helpful hints on how to complete the training program successfully.  It provides guidance on such actions as prayer, and relationships with others.

XV.     The Bible 

We than take an additional look at how the Bible" is a important part of God's program.  We review why it is necessary and some insights from it.

XVI.     Why would a Father Allow Bad Things to Happen  

A review is then made of the difficulties we are and will be facing.  The lesson then discusses how these challenges to our faith are part of God's total plan.  A look at "Why the Father cannot give us everything we would like" is taken.

XVII.    Sharing your Faith 

This lesson takes up the importance of Sharing Your Faith.  We delve into how it strengthens our own relationship with our Father.  We look at such areas as the need to share with our children, and other areas.

XVIII.   Passing over to our Future Home and Family  

The sometimes feared topic of death is covered.  It is put into a new light;  the light of Graduation from God's training program into our Future life as His adult companions in Heaven.  We also cover death to self and Lordship of Jesus.

XIX.     In Conclusion 

In the conclusion we review what we learned and how it should affect our lives.  We touch on the question of free will versus God's plan.  The lesson then emphasizes the need for the church, to assist us in continuing the plan.

XX.     Appendix-Suggested Prayers