What is the purpose of churches and why do people go to church? What does it mean to be baptized? Why should a believer take communion? Is it scriptural to dedicate babies? This l54-page course by Robert and Evelyn Bolton will answer many of the most frequently asked questions about the church. The experiences of Mary, a new convert, and her fiance, Timothy, are followed throughout the book to illustrate the biblical basis for what churches do and why they do it.
A church building is sometimes called a "house of worship." This is appropriate because its main function is to provide a place for people to worship the Lord together. Jesus taught us that our Heavenly Father desires our worship. Though all the hosts of heaven are praising Him continually, yet He wants our worship because it brings us into fellowship with Him.
The Word of God is given a place of preeminence or honor in churches that recognize its authority. Pastors of these churches faithfully preach the message of God’s Word to the people.
In this lesson you will learn about the message that is preached. You will also discover why this message is preached and the effects it has on the lives of those who respond to it.
More has been written about the Bible than about any other book. There seems to be no end. Truths of the Bible are inexhaustible—they cannot be used up or worn out. As you get into a lifelong study of the Bible, you will discover gold, silver, and precious stones in the mines of Scripture. It contains treasure worth digging for!
Before being baptized a person should understand the meaning of baptism and why it is recognized as an ordinance of the church.
This lesson will help you relate water baptism to key doctrines of the New Testament, accept the ordinance of water baptism for yourself and evaluate forms of baptism in the light of scripture.
Churches celebrate with a variety of ceremonies and meaningful festivals. No doubt you have attended a beautiful wedding, a touching baby dedication, or a sad but celebratory funeral of a church member who passed away into God’s presence. Christmas, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, and Thanksgiving are some favorite festivals celebrated in church. These and other ceremonies and festivals should be done as a remembrance of the Lord.
Psalm 1:3 compares those who obey the Lord to trees that grow beside a stream and bear fruit at the right time. Christ has set the church in the world to meet a need—not just to be admired for its magnificence. It is to be like a tree whose roots hold firm, growing deep down to the water of life, whose branches blossom and bear fruit!