Introduction

Too often in our Christian growth, we learn, and learn, and learn, etc. We sometimes even deceive ourselves to believe that learning more and more about God and the Bible IS spiritual growth. There's nothing wrong with learning, but let's be honest about it. It's the next step - putting what we've learned into action that causes the growth. Consider the following words of scripture:

Matt. 28:18-20: "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them TO OBEY everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)

James 1:23-25: "For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an EFFECTUAL DOER, this man shall be blessed in what he does."

This study is not intended to be one of systematic theology or doctrine (see our "Foundations" study for that). Rather this study is designed to help believers in Christ become disciples of Christ - i.e., doers of the Word. After an introduction to the Bible and how to read it with understanding, we will be identifying various basic commands that were given to Jesus' followers, especially in New Testament, by our Lord himself and/or the apostles, that show us how to follow Jesus. Jesus was very clear, "If you love me, you will OBEY what I command." (John 14:15).

Topics Covered In This Study:

Topic 1: Introduction To The Bible
Topic 2: Understanding The Bible
Topic 3: Faith That Is Alive
Topic 4: The Need To Repent
Topic 5: Water Baptism
Topic 6: Love One Another
Topic 7: Prayer
Topic 8: Witnessing
Topic 9: The Importance of God's Word (The Bible)
Topic 10: The Church Acting Like The Biblical Church
Topic 11: Cummunion
Topic 12: Biblical Giving