Christian Basics

As Christians we are “disciples,” which means we learn from the Master. Part of this involves learning who God is, reading what Jesus taught and did, and discovering the doctrines that we see in the Scripture. Kent and Katie Philpott get us started on this adventure.

The Bible is not arranged like a systematic theology book. Information about the Creator, the Maker of heaven and earth, is scattered from Genesis to Revelation. God actually reveals and defines Himself in His words and His deeds. Our methodology is to gather the pieces of God’s self revelation under broad themes. These will be God’s sovereignty, holiness, and tri-unity.

Revelation is God’s acting to make Himself known. The Word of God is the apex of God’s revelation, both Jesus Christ—the living Word—and the Bible—the written Word of God. A thing is either hidden or revealed. God has chosen to reveal Himself rather than be hidden. General, Special, Objective, and Subjective Revelation are the areas discussed.

Scripture for Christians is comprised of the Hebrew Bible and Greek Bible (Old and New Testaments), from Genesis to Revelation. Together they make up what is called the Bible, from the Greek word meaning book. Scripture is a word that means writing, but not just any writing; this is special, sacred, or inspired writing whose author is the Maker of heaven and earth.

The Old Testament may also be referred to as the Torah, the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, or the Hebrew Scripture. This lesson is intended to acquaint the reader with only the general make-up of the Old Testament. Learning it in depth requires a lifetime at minimum, but understanding its basics is utterly necessary in order to have a proper understanding of the New Testament.

What are the books, who are the authors, and what is the message of the New Testament, also known as the Greek Bible? This lesson is intended to acquaint one with the general make-up of the New Testament. For many, if not most Christians, it becomes a rich and constant source of inspiration, guidance, and encouragement.