Christian maturity is the aim of every believer and the goal is to reach "the very height of Christ's full stature" (Ephesians 4:13). In this 192-page course, Rick Howard teaches that although we cannot become completely like Christ, we are to reach for this highest of goals that the Bible sets for us, since this will enable us to achieve more than accomplishing a goal that is too low.

Worship includes praise and service to God. Author Morris Williams introduces us to a new life of prayer and worship. A closer look at the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples shows that Jesus believed we cannot separate prayer and worship from our living. Prayer is never finished; it is part of everything we do. In this course, prayer is presented as the preparation for worship, and worship is defined as constantly living in a way that pleases God and fulfills His purposes.

Author Jose R. Silva Delgado shows us how to become faithful stewards. In a parable, Jesus commended two good stewards who had managed their assets wisely and condemned the one who did nothing with what he had been given. This course teaches how to manage and invest what God has entrusted to us, so that one day He will say, "'Well done, good and faithful servant…. Come and share your master’s happiness!'" (Matthew 25:23).

The New Testament, the new agreement that God made with humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the subject of this course written by Jean-Baptiste Sawadogo and Marcia Munger. This survey of the New Testament brings a realization that God speaks authoritatively to the church and the world today, just as He did in the New Testament and throughout the course of history. The information contained in this course will help provide a fuller understanding of New Testament truths and the reliable manner in which they were transmitted to us. A study of this course will enable students to teach others about the Word of God in a greatly enhanced fashion.

The books of the Old Testament are surveyed in this course, written by Rick Howard. This look at the Old Testament begins with creation, continues through the judgment of the Flood, and then picks up the theme of God’s chosen people, the seed of Abraham. The author discusses the writings of the Old Testament as an account of God’s dealing with the people He chose to use to bless the world. Many of the names, terms, and events that are often difficult to understand are addressed, along with questions that are pertinent to understanding the Old Testament period.

The careful, methodical study of the Bible is the subject of this course. In the first part, author Dorothy Johns introduces the principles, terminology, and means of interpretation that are essential to all effective methods of Bible study. The next series of lessons emphasizes scrutiny of individual books through the synthetic or whole-book method of study. The biographical, topical, and devotional methods of study are critiqued in the last section. While much in the course is necessarily an academic discussion of how to study the Bible, major emphasis is placed on the student’s spiritual improvement and how a systematic study of the Scriptures is the best means for achieving this goal.

As you have probably discovered, the teachings in the Bible are not presented according to topics. For example, the book of Genesis does not give us a complete explanation of the Godhead, nor does any other single book. An important way to study the Bible is to find all the teachings related to a certain topic. Authors Floyd Woodworth, Jr. and David Duncan will follow this kind of systematic study to see what the Scriptures teach about the universe and its Ruler, about humankind and the structure God has chosen for human development. Students will also discover what the Bible has to say about the future.

Salvation is the crucial subject of this 275-page course by David Duncan, and the definition is broadened to include everything that was purchased at Calvary. Salvation is shown to include not only the forgiveness of the sins of the past and deliverance from the power of sin in the present, but also protection against the depredations that could be brought on by sin in the future. All of the spiritual needs of man are met by the redemption provided by Christ on the cross.

Near the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth, He told His disciples that the time was coming when He would not be with them. He said, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth" (John 14:16–17). Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit. In this course, author William Farrand will acquaint you with the ways the Holy Spirit helps you, in the same way that Jesus helped people when He was here on earth.

Perhaps you thought that God’s redemptive plan ended with Christ’s death on the Cross. However, Jesus passed on to His church the ministry of reaching the world with the message of salvation. Author Jesse Miranda teaches that the Great Commission given by Christ is the church’s authority to act for God. The church has not been left to carry on the work alone, however, for Christ sent His Holy Spirit to be our Helper. The Holy Spirit works in and through us to fulfill the redemptive plan of God.

Ever since the church began on the Day of Pentecost, the followers of Christ have been planting churches all over the world. Author Larry Pate shows us the value of having the direction of the Holy Spirit in planning strategy for the founding of new churches. The Bible gives the principles and purposes that are the guidelines to planting the church in every culture and people group.

Christian nurturing is very important to the church’s ministry and it is necessary for the growth and maturation of new believers. The author encourages and instructs those who would like to help develop spiritual maturity in others. He also makes them aware of their own need for more instruction. The emphasis is on the interdependence that exists in the Christian community. Recent converts need to be instructed and encouraged, while mature Christians need to teach and nurture others in order to grow themselves.

“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant,” Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:1. Spiritual gifts are very important to the body of Christ. Author Robert Brandt teaches about these spiritual gifts, which are available to the believer to help him or her become a greater blessing to the church and more effective in spreading the gospel.

Author Ernest Pettry demonstrates how to communicate God’s message effectively through preaching and teaching. These two methods of sharing God’s Word are alike in many ways. Yet during the history of the Christian church, each method has developed some distinctive characteristics. This course points out the advantages of both methods and helps prepare the reader to use them in the best manner for evangelizing the unreached and providing for the spiritual development and maturity of those that are ministered to.

You have probably already shared your testimony with others and realized the need to give the message of salvation clearly and simply. You need to have at your fingertips the Scriptures that will aid you in responding to those who seek to know more about Jesus. Authors Robert and Evelyn Bolton will help you use what you already know about salvation and the joy of serving God so that you can better share the pleasure of being a Christian.

When you are having problems, do you know where to find answers? Author Dorothy Johns helps you turn your problems into victories. There are no clear-cut solutions for some of the problems that confront us. However, the Bible gives guidelines for finding solutions to many of life’s problems. It is not God’s will that Christians be defeated. As you study this course and apply the principles of problem solving, you will discover the wonderful blessing of allowing your problem-solver, Jesus Christ, to help you.

Most of our knowledge comes to us in two ways: from patterns and from principles. In this course, author Billie Davis analyzes leadership from both perspectives and looks at examples of several of God’s chosen leaders. Students are given the opportunity to consider these familiar biographical studies of the Bible in a new context using the theme of leadership. The most advanced theories of leadership and human development are outlined, and the application of these theories in harmony with Christian faith and practice is explained.

A sterling character does not happen by accident. Christian character is developed as the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in the believer. The fruit of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22–23, is the result of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Author Antonio Gilberto da Silva offers a practical study from Galatians 5 and other related Scripture passages. This course emphasizes the development of desirable qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, and their benefits in the Christian’s relationships and service.