INTRODUCTION: SALVATION AND HAPPINESS IN CHRIST

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
                                                                                          John 3:16

These words of Jesus Christ proclaim the great fundamental message of God's word. The Bible teaches that God created man and that he rules over his life and eternal destiny. When man sinned against him and thus faced eternal death (Genesis 2:17), God sent his son Jesus Christ to die in man's place so that whoever would believe in and obey him would be saved from damnation and spend eternity with God in heaven.

This series of Bible correspondence lessons that you are now beginning will relate the story of man's sin and of the working out of God's plan for his salvation as revealed in the Bible. Most importantly, these lessons will show you your own responsibility to God, what he requires of you, and the supreme blessings which will be yours if you will love and obey him. From the time of the death of Christ and the establishment of his church, those who have rendered complete obedience to God have been called Christians (Acts 11:26), and it is the intent of these lessons and the fervent hope of those who are sending them to you that you will also become a Christian and thus enjoy the blessings which only Christians can have.

The world today is filled with the evils of hatred, violence, cruelty, immorality, and selfishness.  Man tries to find happiness and peace through seeking pleasure or wealth or prestige, only in the end to find these unsatisfying and even destructive, especially in the face of his ultimate problem, death. But when man finds peace with God and lives according to His will, he obtains real happiness (Philippians 4:7). He enjoys peace of mind in knowing that his past sins are forgiven and that all is well between him and God. He can regulate his life according to his commitment to do God's will in all situations, confident that God will cause all things to work for his good, even in times of graves trial (Romans 8:28). He can enjoy the support and fellowship of other Christians (Acts 2:46-47). And finally he can face death with hope, assured of a home in heaven with God (John 14:1-3).

All of these blessings can be yours if you will obey God and become a Christian according to the teachings of the New Testament. We invite you now to enter into this series of studies to learn of God's plan of salvation and his expectations for those who become his children.

Bible Authority

The only authority which we ask you to accept during this study is the Bible itself. You should only believe what the Bible teaches on any question of religion (John 12:48). If, however, you find that the Bible does teach a belief or practice, then of course you should accept that teaching as God's will, even if that means changing the religious beliefs or practices which you may have followed in the past. Saul of Tarsus, who later became the apostle Paul, made just such a change (Acts 9). We simply ask you to study your Bible with us so that you may be sure to do what God would have you to do.

Content of the Lessons

Following is a description of the eight lessons in the Correspondence Course.

Lesson One will discuss the existence and nature of God. It will also describe the Bible, God's revealed word for men.

Lesson Two will give a survey of Bible history from the creation of the world through the end of the New Testament period. This survey should be of help to you in studying your Bible as well as the remainder of the lessons.

In Lessons Three, Four, and Five you will learn of man's first sin and see how God's plan for his salvation developed during the Patriarchal and Mosaical dispensations, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lessons Six and Seven will relate the history and nature of Christ's church. You will see how the church was established, learn of its early history, and study its scriptural mission and characteristics in contrast to those that men have forced on it since it was founded. Most importantly, you will carefully study the steps which Jesus wants you to follow in order that you might become a Christian and a member of his church.

Finally, Lesson Eight will discuss the responsibilities and blessings that come with being a Christian.

At the end of each lesson you will find study questions designed to help you understand and learn the material in that lesson. We ask that you answer each question carefully and thoughtfully, reading the relevant passages in your Bible. You may chose to Print out the questions for leisure studying and answering.  Then type in your answers on the screen for e-mailing to us.  Your answer will be automatically scored and returned to you promptly by e-mail. Then you may complete the next lesson.  You may complete the Bible course at your own pace.   You may also print out the lessons for your personal reference and further study.  All of your work will be kept confidential, and no one will call on you or visit you unless you request us to do so.

You should feel free at any time however to ask to have someone to call on you, or you may wish yourself to visit one of the church services which may be held near where you live. It is our desire to assist you in a manner that will be most helpful and comfortable for you.

You may visit us at any time by clicking on the address below:  www.coc1.com.  

Introduction   Lessons: 1 ~ 2  ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 ~ 6 ~ 7 ~ 8