Courses & Discriptions

Basic Training Course Description

The Life of Christ series is a linear study of the gospel of Matthew. These programmed instruction books constitute a complete introduction to basic practical ministry skills, biblical geography, basic doctrines, and Bible study methods. It is a holistic approach to church leadership training, presenting things in an easy-to-remember form. Each of these courses is designed to be studied in three months. The following is a general overview of course content.

Book 1 Introduction and Infancy

The focus of this course is an inductive Bible study, and covers Matthew, chapters 1 and 2. Students will learn how to:

Locate and describe key places on a map of Palestine.
Discuss and teach the events surrounding Christ’s birth and early life.
Give a basic outline of the gospel of Matthew and explain the theme of the book.
Explain the divinity of Christ, using selected Scripture passages.
Explain why God’s promises are not always fulfilled immediately.
Use God’s promises to help people in need.
Explain biblical doctrine concerning occult activities.

Book 2 The Year of Preparation

The focus of this course on chapters 3 and 4 of the gospel of Matthew. The students will learn how to:

Discuss and teach the events surrounding Christ’s first year of ministry.
Describe the steps of repentance.
Explain the relationship between Christ’s baptism and His death.
Explain how to overcome temptation.
Give Biblical evidence of the Trinity and the inspiration of the Scriptures, and describe the attributes of God.
Use the method of comparison to study parallel Scripture passages.

Book 3 The Year of Popularity

Course Three is a detailed study of Matthew 4 through 13. The student will learn how to:

Discuss and teach the events surrounding Christ’s second year of ministry.
Use the Bible study methods of analysis and synthesis.
Prepare a Bible study for a small group.
Explain how believers can face opposition.
Share a short personal testimony.
Interpret the parables of Jesus.
Explain guidelines for doing house-to-house visitation, leading a home Bible study, and planting a church.

Book 4 The Year of Passion

This course focuses on Matthew 14 through 20 and deals with the doctrine of mankind. By studying this course, the student will learn how to:

Discuss and teach the events surrounding Christ’s third year of ministry.
Relate the history and importance of the Passover.
Explain the image of God in man, the doctrine of sin, and the doctrine of angels and demons.
Apply the steps given by Jesus for restoring unity among believers.
Explain the purpose of discipline in the Christian family.
Outline a plan for family worship.

Book 5 The Last Week

Course Five teaches through Matthew 21 through 27. In the study of this course the student will learn how to:

Give a chronology of the events of the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Identify on a map, the significant places associated with the last week of Jesus’ life.
Explain the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.
Discuss the principal events of the Second Coming.
Explain the steps of consecration of the mind, emotions, and will.
Explain the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and His triumph over Satan and the demonic world.

Book 6 The Resurrected Life

Course Six is a study of Matthew 28 and the book of Acts. The student, through this course will learn how to:

Give a chronology of the events surrounding Jesus’ resurrection and the beginning of the Church.
Discuss how to be filled with the Holy Spirit as described in Scripture.
Use Scripture to explain baptism, including who should be baptized and when.
Describe the proper attitude and acts of encouragement which should be directed toward a new believer.
State several principles of personal evangelism and how to give a gospel presentation.
Analyze and outline the book of Acts.