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This framework is intended to communicate the central teachings of the Gospel and our foundational beliefs as Christians. It is hoped that it will be a “clean slate” approach to our method of studying the Bible with potential converts. It is also hoped that it will be a stimulus for people to develop and tailor their own studies for reaching out to people, not as a limitation to what we ought to teach people.
1. Creation and Fall: Focusing on John 1 and Colossians 1, this study will look at God our Creator, who made us to know Him. This relationship was broken by the Fall, but God responded in grace to all mankind and opened the way to salvation.
2. Sinfulness and Righteousness: This study will detail how the fallen state of man manifests itself through sin (Romans 1:16-20), which incites God’s wrath and taints our walk with Him. We are all in need of a Saviour.
3. The Word of God: This study will establish that the Bible is inspired (2 Peter 1:20-21), revealed (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) and sufficient (2 Timothy 3:17). The Word of God is the authority for our lives today.
4. Our Saviour Jesus: This study will focus on the divinity of Christ (the Incarnation – John 1:1, 14), the message of Christ (love for God and people) and the fact that Christ is our Saviour (John 14:6).
5. The Cross of Christ: The Cross is at the centre of the Christian message and lies at the heart of the gospel. God loved us so much that he sent his very own Son to be a sacrifice for our sins, taking our place. No other study captures the heart of God like the cross. This is what compels us to fall deeply in love with God.
6. The Resurrection: The resurrection is the completion of the gospel message. This study will focus on our new life in Christ, and Christ’s ability to rescue us and give us victory through His glorious resurrection (Romans 7:24-25), which points us to our heavenly exaltation (Philippians 3:20-21).
7. Faith in God: This study will define faith as trust in God’s ability and willingness to fulfil his promises (Hebrews 11:1-2). Faith is all that is needed to be declared righteous (Romans 1:17), so it is the basis of our walk with God.
8. Sin and Repentance: This is a more detailed study of the specifics of sin (Galatians 5:19-21), as well as the change of mind and heart which the Gospel calls us to (Acts 26:19-20).
9. Baptism: Baptism is full immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins. It saves us through the power of the resurrection (1 Peter 3:21-22, Romans 6:3-4), and is the moment we are united with Christ and given the gift of the Holy Spirit.
10. Counting the Cost: This overview covers practical areas of following Jesus, such as loving God, loving people and being a faithful steward. It will help to build a solid foundation in the new convert (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
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