BASIC-4 BASIC CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS OF THE HOLY BIBLE

I. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT GOD HAS A PLAN FOR CHRISTIANS.
A. God’s Plan for Christians Is for Them to Live a sinless (holy) Life (1 John
2:1) in Fellowship with God and other Believers for all Eternity (1 John 1:1-3;
5:13). Therefore, Salvation Is just the Beginning of the abundant Christian
Life (John 10:10).
1. Christians should live a sinless life with Jesus Christ being their example
(1 Pet 2:21-22; Rom 6:1-2, 12-15).
2. Christians should know more about this abundant life. The more they
know of it, the more they are able to learn about it (1 Pet 2:2; Heb 5:12
to 6:3).
B. God Has Ordained (commanded) that Christians should Be Taught, by other
Christians, How to Live the Christian Life (2 Tim 2:2).
II. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE A NEW LIFE IN JESUS
CHRIST.
A. Christians Have a new Life with God.
1. What they are not because of this new life:
a. They are not to be rejected (John 6:37).
b. They are not to be condemned (Rom 8:1; 1 Cor 11:32; 1 Thes 1:10;
5:9).
2. What they are because of this new life:
a. They are children of God (John 1:12; Rom 8:16; Gal 3:26).
b. They are new creatures (2 Cor 5:17).
c. They are made priests of God (1 Pet 2:9).
d. They are servants of God (Rom 6:22).
e. They are spiritually baptized into Christ’s Body (1 Cor 12:13; Gal
3:27).
f. They are sanctified (set apart; purified) (1 Cor 6:11).
g. They are reconciled to God (brought into harmony with Him) (Rom
5:10; 2 Cor 5:18-19).
h. They are redeemed (bought back) from their sins (1 Pet 1:18-19).
i. They are justified (made legally right) (1 Cor 6:11; Rom 5:1, 9).
j. They are friends of Christ (John 15:15).
k. They are temples (houses) of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6:19).
l. They are elects of God (1 Pet 1:2; Eph 1:4-5; Rom 8:28-33).
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3. What they have because of this new life:
a. They have their names written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20;
Phil 4:3).
b. They have a comforting hope (1 Thes 4:13; 18: 1 Tim 1:1).
c. They have an inheritance from God (Rom 8:16-17; Acts 26:18).
d. They have eternal life right now (1 John 5:9-13).
e. They have Jesus Christ living inside of them (Col 1:27).
f. They have peace with God (John 14:27; 16:33; Rom 5:1).
g. They have God’s promise of a new body (1 Cor 15:51-53; Phil
3:20-21).
h. They have their citizenship in heaven (Eph 2:19).
i. They have the Righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21).
j. They have been adopted into the Family of God (Gal 4:3-7; Eph 2:19;
3:14-15).
k. They have the ability to get the victory over sin (Rom 6:12-14).
l. They have been sealed, and are being preserved (John 10:28-29;
14:17; Eph 1:13; 4:30).
m. They have the promise of being kept by God (Phil 1:6; 2 Tim 1:12c;
Jude vs.1, 24).
B. Christians Have a new Relationship and a new Fellowship with God.
1. Their new “relationship” (standing) as Children of God is sinless (1 John
3:9).
a. This relationship is entered into at salvation (John 1:12-13; Rom
8:1, 15-17; 1 Cor 1:2, 30; 12:12-13; Gal 3:26; Eph 1:3, 14; 2:4-9;
1 John 3:2; 1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6; 5:9-10).
b. This relationship separates their souls from their flesh so that their
flesh cannot defile them (Eph 2:1, 5; Col 2:8-13).
c. This relationship makes them as righteous as God and, therefore, they
cannot sin (2 Cor 5:21; 1 John 3:9).
d. This relationship causes their old Adamic nature (the flesh) to be
defeated (Rom 6:6-14; Gal 2:20).
e. They now have a new relationship with the Holy Ghost (John 3:3-8;
Rom 8:1-17).
1) There are inward evidences of this relationship (Rom 8:16; 5:5;
1 John 3:24).
2) There are outward evidences of this relationship (Jas 2:18; Gal
5:22-23; Mat 7:20).
2. Their new “fellowship” (state) with God begins at Salvation (1 Cor 1:9).
a. This fellowship with God is affected by sin (1 John 1:6-7).
b. This fellowship with God is affected by obedience (Rom 6:13-15; Heb
12:6-10; 1 Cor 11:30-32; John 17:17; Eph 4:11-12; Acts 17:11).
c. This fellowship with God is affected by resisting the flesh (1 Cor
10:13; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:16-17; Rom 7:15-25; Eph 6:12).
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d. This fellowship with God can affect their inheritances, their rewards,
their health and even their lives (Eph 5:1-9; 1 Cor 3:9-15; 11:30-32;
5:1-5).
3. A Christian’s fellowship with God can be affected but not his relationship
with God.
C. Christians Have a new Relationship with Others.
1. They now have a new “relationship” with other Christians.
a. With Christians in fellowship with God (Acts 2:42).
b. With Christians out of fellowship with God (1 Cor 5:9-11; 2 Thes 3:6).
2. They should now have a new relationship with unbelievers (Eph 5:11).
a. They should not join them in their sins (2 Cor 6:14; Amos 3:3).
b. They should be ambassadors to them (Christ’s official representatives
to them) (2 Cor 5:18-20).
D. Christians Have a new Way to Walk (conversation; way of living).
1. They can have a new understanding of spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14; 14:20;
2 Tim 2:15; Isa 28:9-10; Acts 17:11).
2. They are able to fight sin and temptation (Psa 119:9, 11; Mat 4:1-11;
1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor 10:4; Eph 6:12-18; 1 Pet 5:8-9; 1 John 1:7-10; 2:1).
3. They can know God’s will for themselves (Rom 12:1-2; 1 Thes 4:1-6; Heb
13:20-21).
4. They can know their relationship to other Christians.
a. As being a part of God’s Temple along with other Christians (1 Cor
3:17; Eph 2:19-22; John 2:19-21).
b. As being a member (part) of Christ’s Body along with other Christians
(Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:12-27).
c. As being indwelt by the Holy Spirit (His living inside of them) along
with other Christians (John 14:16-17, 26; Rom 8:9-11; 1 Cor 3:16;
6:19).
d. As being a part of the New Testament Church along with other
Christians (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:24).
5. They should live the same way everyday for Jesus Christ.
a. In their love for God (Mat 22:37-38).
b. In their love for others (John 13:34; 1 Cor 13:1-13; 1 John 3:18).
c. In their glorifying of God (1 Cor 6:20; 1 Pet 4:16).
d. In their desire for God’s righteousness (Mat 5:6; 6:33).
e. In their lying up of treasure in heaven (Mat 6:19-21).
f. In their forsaking of all for Jesus Christ (Luke 18:29-30; 2 Tim 2:4).
g. In their giving of all to Jesus Christ (Rom 12:1-2).
h. In their trying not to offend others (Rom 14:1-23; 1 Cor 8:1-13).
i. In their looking to Jesus Christ (Heb 12:1-2).
j. In their doing of what God says (John 14:15; 15:14; Mat 28:18-20;
Jas 1:23, 25).
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III. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE A NEW COMMUNION
WITH GOD.
A. Christians Have the Privilege to Pray (John 9:31; Phil 4:6).
1. They should pray daily (Psa 55:17; Dan 6:10; 1 Thes 3:10).
2. They should pray in every situation (Phil 4:6-7; Pro 3:5-6).
3. They should pray without stopping (1 Thes 5:17; Luke 18:1; Psa 40:1).
4. They should pray boldly (Heb 4:14-16).
5. They should pray in Christ’s name (John 14:13-14; 16:23-24; Col 3:17).
6. They should pray believing (Mat 21:22; Jas 1:6; Heb 11:6).
B. Christians Have Reasons to Pray.
1. They should pray so they will glorify God (John 14:13).
2. They should pray so they will please God (Pro 15:8).
3. They should pray so they will be obedient to God (1 Thes 5:17; 1 Tim
2:1-3).
4. They should pray so they can intercede for others (to plead or make a
request for them) (Eph 6:18; 1 Tim 2:1-2).
5. They should pray so that they will not enter into temptation (Mat 26:41).
6. They should pray because it is profitable for them to do it (Jas 5:16; Gen
20:17).
7. They should pray because God listens to them (1 Pet 3:12).
C. Christians Have Three Positions in which to Pray.
1. They can pray standing (Mat 6:5-7).
2. They can pray kneeling (Acts 21:5; Luke 22:41).
3. They can pray lying flat on the ground (Mat 26:39).
D. Christians should Know how to Address Their Prayers.
1. They should pray to God the Father (Luke 11:1-2; Acts 12:5).
2. They should pray through God the Son (Jesus Christ) (John 16:23-27).
3. They should pray in God the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:15-16, 26-27).
E. Christians Have Six Ways in which to Pray.
1. They can pray by confessing their sins to God (Psa 32:5; 51:1-4; 1 John
1:9 & cf. Pro 28:13).
2. They can pray by worshiping God (recognizing Him for His greatness):
a. For Who He is:
1) True, living and everlasting (Jer 10:10a).
2) Creator, Lord (Acts 17:23-24) and sustainer (Col 1:7).
b. For What He is:
1) Holy (Psa 99:9).
2) Unchangeable (Mal 3:6).
3) Merciful (Tit 3:5).
4) Loving (Rom 5:8).
5) Gracious (1 Pet 2:3).
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6) Just (Deu 32:3-4).
7) Omnipotent (Gen 18:14; Luke 1:37; Mat 19:26; Phil 3:21).
8) Omnipresent (Psa 139:7-8; Jer 23:23-24).
9) Omniscient (Psa 44:21; Jer 17:10; 23:24; Heb 4:13).
3. They can pray by praising or giving thanks to God (for what He has done)
(Psa 100:4; Phil 4:6; 1 Thes 5:17-18).
4. They can pray by supplication to God (asking for the supply of basic
needs) (Col 1:9-12; Heb 4:15-16).
5. They can pray by interceding for others (asking for the needs of others)
(Phil 1:4; 1 Tim 2:1-2; 1 Thes 5:23).
6. They can pray by petitioning God (asking for one’s own wishes) (Mat
7:7-8; Phil 4:6).
a. Praying for holiness (1 Pet 1:14-15).
b. Praying for love (Phil 1:9-11).
c. Praying for mercy (Psa 57:1; 119:58; 86:3).
d. Praying for power (Eph 3:14-16; Phil 4:13).
e. Praying for spiritual growth (1 Pet 2:1-2; Eph 1:15-18).
f. Praying for God’s will (Col 4:12).
g. Praying for an understanding heart (1 Kgs 3:9).
h. Praying for Christian fellowship (Acts 2:42).
i. Praying for guidance (Psa 25:4-5; Pro 3:5-6).
j. Praying for healing (Jas 5:14-16; 2 Cor 12:7-10).
F. Christians Have Obstacles to Their Prayers (hindrances; things that get in
their way).
1. Their prayers are not answered because they do not ask due to a lack of
faith (Jas 4:2; Heb 11:6; Rom 10:17).
2. Their prayers are not answered because they are double minded due to a
wavering faith (Jas 1:5-8; Mat 21:22).
3. Their prayers are not answered because they have secret (unconfessed)
sins (see Isa 59:1-2 & cf. Psa 32:1-5; 66:18; Pro 28:13; Lam 3:42, 44;
1 John 1:9).
4. Their prayers are not answered because they have blood on their hands
(Acts 20:26-27; Isa 1:15; Eze 3:18-19).
5. Their prayers are not answered because they are bitter (angry) with their
spouses (1 Pet 3:7; Col 3:18-19).
6. Their prayers are not answered because they have an unforgiving spirit
(Mat 6:15; Mark 11:25).
7. Their prayers are not answered because they have not tried to make
restitution (make things right) (Mat 5:23-24).
8. Their prayers are not answered because they ask amiss (for the wrong
reasons; selfishly) (Jas 4:3).
9. Their prayers are not answered because they do not heed God’s word (pay
close attention to it) (Pro 28:9; Psa 119:9).
10. Their prayers are not answered because they do not abide (stay; remain) in
fellowship with God (John 15:7; 1 John 1:7).
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11. Their prayers are not answered because they hold grudges (Jas 5:9; Mat
18:21-22).
12. Their prayers are not answered because they say, do, or think things that
are displeasing to God (1 John 3:22).
G. Christians Should Have a Daily “Quiet Time” alone with God (a time of
personal prayer) (Psa 86:3).
1. They should choose a time and place that is best for them and stick to it
(Mat 6:6).
2. They should begin their prayer time with a Bible reading, at least one
chapter a day – Book by Book.
3. Before they read, they should ask God to show them how the reading
applies to their lives that day.
4. After they read, they should pray in all ways of prayer that apply (see E.
above).
IV. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT CHRISTIANS HAVE NEW
RESPONSIBILITIES.
A. Christians Have the Responsibility to Confess Jesus Christ (to testify of,
or publicly declare, one’s belief in Christ) (Mat 10:32).
1. They must confess Christ for their own salvation (Mat 12:37; Rom
10:9-10).
2. They should confess Christ with their testimony (telling others how they
were saved) (Mark 5:18-19; 2 Thes 1:10).
3. They should confess Christ with their witness (telling others how to be
saved) (Acts 1:8).
a. They can witness verbally by giving their testimony or by quoting
Scriptures.
b. They can witness with written materials by giving out tracts, books,
charts, tapes, DVD, CD, VCR, etc.
c. They can witness with their Bible by giving a plan of salvation.
4. They should confess Christ without being ashamed (Mat 10:32-33; Mark
8:38; Rom 1:16).
5. They should confess Christ everywhere they go (Acts 8:1, 4).
6. They should confess Christ to get God’s praise (approval) (Mat 10:32;
John 12:42-43).
7. They should confess Christ because it is wise to do so (Pro 11:30; Dan
12:3).
B. Christians Have the Responsibility to Be Baptized in Water.
1. They should be baptized in water because Jesus Christ is their example
(Mat 3:13-17; 1 Pet 2:21).
2. They should be baptized in water because Jesus Christ commands it (Mat
28:18-19).
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3. They should be baptized in water because all new Church Age converts
were (Acts 2:41; 16:31-32).
4. They should be baptized in water because it follows salvation (comes after
it) (Acts 8:36-37; 10:47; 16:30-33).
C. Christians Have the Responsibility to Join a Local Church (Heb 10:24-25).
1. It should be a Church that meets on the first day of the week (Sunday)
(Acts 20:7).
2. It should be a Church that provides fellowship (Acts 2:42; 2 Cor 6:14).
3. It should be a Church where people exhort one another (encourage each
other) (Heb 3:13; 1 Thes 4:1; 5:14).
4. It should be a Church that perfects believers (teaches them to work
towards sinless living and good works) (Eph 2:10; 4:11-12).
5. It should be a Church that increases a believer’s faith (Heb 11:6; Rom
10:17).
D. Christians Have the Responsibility to Support the Lord’s Work with Their
Tithes and Offerings.
1. They should give “tithes” (a tenth part of anything).
a. Tithes were given before the Law (Heb 7:1, 4).
b. Tithes were required under the Law (Heb 7:5).
c. Although “tithing” is not commanded after the Law, everyone is
encouraged to support the Lord’s work (Rom 15:26-27; 1 Cor 9:9-14).
The example for giving after the Law is what the Bible says was given
before the Law was in effect (Gen 14:17-20; 28:20-22).
2. They should also give offerings (gifts of one’s own free will) (Exo
25:1-2) for special projects.
a. They should first give of themselves (2 Cor 8:5; Rom 12:1).
b. They should give as the opportunity arises, with grace (2 Cor 8:7).
c. They should give according to what they have (2 Cor 8:12)
d. When they give, they should give “unsparingly” (generously) (2 Cor
9:6).
e. When they give, they should give “willingly” (2 Cor 9:7).
f. When they give, they should give “consistently” (1 Cor 16:1-2).
g. When they give, they should give “purposefully” (resolvedly) (2 Cor
9:7).
3. There is a promised blessing in return for giving (Mal 3:10; Acts 20:35).
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