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Bible Correspondence Fellowship

Foundations of Faith Bible Study

Lesson Two

Session One

In Lesson 1 we found:

 1.         That sin entered into the world, and God has stated, “All have sinned.”

2.         That the wages of sin is death.

3.         That the gift of God is eternal life.

4.         That we are to “follow Christ” as Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, followed Him.

5.         That we have a commission as members of the Church, the Body of Christ, which is the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

 

If a student is to understand the tidiness of the “mystery” spoken of by the apostle Paul in Ephesians, he will find it necessary to understand that God changes His dealings with men in different dispensations; yet the principles of God remain the same. (Note: You will learn more about dispensations in the next course “Understanding the Bible.” For now it is enough to know that a dispensation refers to God’s rules and expectations for His people and for mankind during a given period of history.)

Read Matthew 10:5,6 and Ephesians 3:8,9.  Here we see an example of a change of dispensations.

Mark 12:31 and Galatians 5:14 give an example of a principle, which remains unchanged.

The Church, the Body of Christ, started with the ministry of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

(1Corinthians 3:5-1l).  This Church was not specifically mentioned by any other writer of the Scriptures (Ephesians 3:1-8).  His ministry began when he was converted on the Damascus road, some time after Pentecost.

Pray as you proceed, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach, for the truths of the Word of God are never fully understood unless the Holy Spirit gives the understanding.

  

Three Great Commissions

1.         Many consider the “Great Commission” of Matthew 28:19,20 Jesus’ last instructions for his disciples, to be our commission for today.

            What are the requirements of this commission?

            1.        

            2.        

            3.        

Note:    As you study you will find that this commission was given to the Twelve Apostles and was a continuation of an earlier assignment.  The message, which they proclaimed was that if Israel would repent, God would send Christ back to establish his kingdom on earth (Acts 1:6; 3:19-21). This was a literal kingdom, which was promised to Israel throughout the Old Testament and the Gospels.

 

2.         a)  The first commission given by the Lord is found in Matthew 10:5,6. Where were the Twelve
          Disciples commanded not to go?   or

     To whom were they to go?

b)  (Matthew 10:7,8)  What were they to proclaim?  

    The Law of Moses could save people

    The kingdom of heaven is near

    There was no certainty of eternal life

What were they to do?

 

3.         Are the dead being raised today?

      Yes        No

     

4.           The Lord Jesus in this commission gave the Disciples the power to heal, cleanse the leper, raise the dead. Why (Read 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 6:28-30)?

 

For the Jews or the Gentiles?

 

5.         (Acts 28:28)  After God stopped dealing with Israel as a nation, to whom was the Gospel sent?

    To the Jews in other parts of the world

    To the Gentiles

    To the Samaritans

 

6.        (Romans 11:11)  When Israel (the Jewish nation) rejected God’s offer of the Kingdom, why did God then begin to turn to the Gentiles?

 

7.         When God temporarily ceased dealing with Israel as a covenant nation and turned to the Gentiles, the old commission (Matt 28:19,20) was set aside. A new commission was given to the apostle Paul for the Church which is the Body of Christ. Please read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

(v. 18)  What have we been given? 

    The ministry of reconciliation  

    The gift of speaking in tongues

    The command to baptize believers in water

 

8.         (vs. 18,19)  The “word of reconciliation” is that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, may be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. What are we called? (vs. 20)  

    Disciples

    Ambassadors for Christ

    Humanitarians

 

9.         (Galatians 1:8)  What would happen if someone preached another gospel other than that committed to Paul?

    He would be accursed

    His message would be valid if it is sincere

    The message should be listened to

  

10.        (Romans 1:16; Acts 13:46)  During the transition period of Acts (after Paul was called as an apostle), what was the order of the preaching of the gospel?  

    To Gentiles in Rome first

    To Jews in Jerusalem then to other Jews

    To the Jew first, then to the Gentile

 

11.        (Acts 28:28)  To whom did Paul declare that the gospel would go at the end of the book of Acts?  

    The lost sheep of the House of Israel

    The Gentiles  

    The Roman citizens

 

  12.        (Romans 11:25)  How long will God cease His dealings with Israel as a nation?  

    Until the Jewish temple is rebuilt

    Until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in

    Until the great tribulation is over

 

13.        (Romans 11:26-27)  When will God bring deliverance and salvation to Israel as a nation?

 

14.        Can Jews today become members of the one Body, the true Church?

   Yes

    No

 

What does Ephesians 2:16 say?  

 

15.        (Ephesians 2:19)  Which group of people has a “more favored” position with God today?

     Jew

    Gentile 

    Neither

                    

16.        (Ephesians 2:12)  What was the position of the Gentiles before the Church began?

            1.        

            2.        

            3.        

            4.        

            5.        

 

17.        (Ephesians 2:14)  How has God altered this condition of the Gentiles?

 

18.        Read Colossians 3:11 and Galatians 3:28. Is there any group in the Body of Christ who might receive special honor or a special position?

    Yes

    No

Fulfilling Our Commission 

19.        (1 Corinthians 4:1)  What is the believer’s responsibility and privilege as a member of the Body of Christ?

 

20.        (John 7:17)  If we do God's will what can we know?  

    If the doctrine is from God 

    Our life's occupation

    Whom we will marry

 

21.        (Romans 12:2)  How can we “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”?

    By using a Ouija board

    Reading the horoscope page of a newspaper

    By not conforming to the world, but rather, being transformed by the renewing of our minds

           

If a man would have God’s day-to-day plan, he must be diligent in studying His Word. He must also be able to tell the differences between the various divisions of Scripture in order to determine what applies directly to him and what does not.

 

22.        Please read: Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2:7; 1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Corinthians 14:37. Whose example are we to follow?

    Paul’s

    Peter

    Moses

  

23.        (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)  The Body of Christ has been entrusted with the gospel. What is the gospel?

 

24.        (1 Thessalonians 2:4)  How are we to speak?

 

25.        (2 Timothy 2:2)  How are we to carry out the true commission for this age?

    By giving money to television evangelists

    By performing miracles and healing sick people

    By entrusting the message to reliable (or faithful) men who will be able to teach others also  

 

  26.        (Titus 2:13)  What is the “hope of the Church”?

    The glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus 

    The day when Christians are in control of government

    The end of the world

 

 

Session Two

  In Session 1 we found:

1.         To be “in Christ” today is to be in the Church, the Body of Christ.

2.         That no writer in the Bible except the apostle Paul mentions the Church, Body of Christ.

In such a brief study we can only touch the surface. We would like to emphasize the need, as you study, to ask God for more in-depth understanding and wisdom. If this basic study fires the innermost being of someone to make a more thorough study of the Word rightly divided, it will have done its job.

As a noble "Berean" search out God’s precious gems, mindful of the charge we have in 2 Timothy 2:1,2: “Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

 

1.         (Ephesians 1:20-23; 5:23)  In Paul’s epistles, and nowhere else, we see the Church referred to as the “Body of Christ.” Who is the Head of this Body?  

    Christ

    The Pope

    Moses

 

2.         (Galatians 1:1,12)  How did the apostle Paul receive the gospel which he preached? 

    The twelve apostles told it to him

    He read it in the Old Testament

   By direct revelation from Jesus Christ  

  3.         (1 Corinthians 12:13)  How does one become a member of this Church?

 

4.         In 1 Corinthians 12:14 Paul states, “For this body is not one member, but many.” Are you a member? (Answer this question in your heart between you and God)

 

5.         How can you be positive that you are a member of the Body of Christ?

            

6.         (Romans 10:13)  Can anyone become a member of the Church, the Body of Christ?  

    Yes

    No

(Galatians 3:26) What is the one requirement to become a member? 

    Believing that God exists and feeling sorry for your sin

    Doing enough goods works to deserve it

    Faith in Christ Jesus

MEMORY VERSE: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part it (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV).”

 

7.         (Ephesians 3:8)  What grace (privilege) was given to the apostle Paul as the special messenger to the Church?

 

8.         (Ephesians 3:9)  What responsibility did he have?  

 

9.         Read Romans 16:25-26 and Ephesians 3:1-6.  What is the common idea concerning the mystery in Romans 16:25 and Ephesians 3:5?

     It was kept hidden in God from prior generations but has now been revealed to Paul

    The mystery was something which all Bible writers were aware of

    Anyone at any time could understand that the Jews and Gentiles would be one Body

 

10.        (1 Corinthians 2:13)  Who is our teacher as we seek to understand the things of God? 

    We must consult Bible reference books

    The Holy Spirit     

    Preachers we see on television

 

11.        (Colossians1:9-10).  It requires discernment and understanding from God to be able to apply the truths of God’s Word to our everyday living.

    Yes

    No

 

12.        (Colossians 2:6,7)How does Paul want the believers to live?

            a.        

b.        

            c.        

d.        

 

13.        What warning does the Bible give in Colossians 2:4?

             In Colossians 2:8?

 

14.        (Ephesians 1:15-19)  Name five things that Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers?

             a.        

            b.        

            c.        

            d.        

            e.        

 

15.        (Ephesians 6:11-13)  What instructions does the Bible give in order for us to stand against the schemes of the devil? 

    We are to pray at certain times of the day in a particular position

    To do the best we can and hope for the best

    We are to put on the full armor of God

 

  16.        According to Ephesians 6:12, what do we struggle against?

    Against spiritual forces of wickedness

    Against political enemies

    Against flesh and blood

 

17.        (Ephesians 6: 14-17)  List the six parts of the whole armor of God.

            1.        

            2.        

            3.        

            4.        

            5.        

            6.        

 

18.        According to Ephesians 6:18:

            a.         When should we pray?

            b.         How should we pray?

            c.         For whom should we pray?

 

19.        (Ephesians 6:19-20)  What does Paul ask the Ephesians to pray for on his behalf?

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

REJOICE EVERMORE

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS: FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF

GOD in CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU.

 

This is the End of Foundations of Faith

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Matthew 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

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Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

John 6:28-30 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are  of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you  by us: we pray you  in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Acts 13:46  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 11:25  For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesian 2:11 ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 ¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John 7:17  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:37  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 2:4  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Romans 16:25  Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colossians1:9  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colossians 2:4  And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6: 14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Ephesians 6: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 ¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acts 1:6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.