Ministry Bag Satchel

Christian Foundations Course

7 Sessions of Spiritual Growth and Biblical Foundation

Course Progress

0 of 41 questions completed (0%)

Session 1: Introduction to the Course & Each Other

Welcome to the Christian Foundations Course. Over the next 7 sessions, we hope to grow in our love for God and our neighbors together through developing some healthy spiritual foundations within a healthy caring relationship.

4 Objectives and 4 Elements

This course is designed to...

1. Encourage your spiritual walk through a discipleship relationship by having a Weekly Meeting

2. Develop a solid spiritual foundation on key biblical truths by having a Topical Study

3. Start or strengthen your daily personal time with God by having a regular Quiet Time

4. Help you grow by exploring, evaluating, and encouraging next steps by creating a Personal Challenge

Peaks and Valleys Exercise

Draw Your Peaks and Valleys

On a sheet of paper, draw a simple timeline of your spiritual journey, like a line graph that goes up for your high points and down for your low points. Include about 6-8 highs and lows. At each point, write a date or your age and a couple words to describe what happened (for example: a key event, a person who influenced you, or a place that shaped you).

Put a star where you became a follower of Christ.

When you're done, take a photo of your timeline and bring it to your first meeting.

1.1 - After finishing the "Peaks and Valleys Exercise", what are a few of your own personal observations?
✓ Response saved automatically
1.2 - As you start this course, what are you looking forward to and what cautions do you have?
✓ Response saved automatically
1.3 - Please share any questions or spiritual topics that you would like to talk about in these next couple of months.
✓ Response saved automatically
1.4 - Will you commit to these 7 weeks of personal spiritual development?
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #1

Review: Check-in, Share Peaks & Valleys Exercise, Review questions

Closing: Prayer requests and pray

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically
Homework for this week:

1. Complete Session 2.

2. Have a 10-minute daily Quiet Time each day and reading John 1-3 this week.

3. Take a few notes in the box at the end of Session 2.

Session 2: Salvation and Baptism

Salvation

The term "salvation" describes deliverance, rescue, and redemption from spiritual bondage and the consequences of sin. It encompasses being saved from separation from God and instead being reconciled with God and granted eternal life.

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
2.1 - What do we learn about God, Jesus, and mankind from John 3:16,17?
✓ Response saved automatically

How can someone be saved and become a Christian?

The "Romans Road" reveals the path to salvation:

A - Admit Sin - We are in need

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

B - Believe Jesus as Savior - He died for our sins to save us

Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

C - Confess Jesus as Lord - Living under His Authority

Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
2.2 - Share about your salvation experience.
✓ Response saved automatically
2.3 - What questions do you have about how someone can become Christian?
✓ Response saved automatically

Baptism

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It symbolizes the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior.

Romans 6:3-4 All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
2.4 - Why is it important for a Christian to be baptized?
✓ Response saved automatically
2.5 - Have you been baptized, when? If not, do you want to be baptized? Why or why not?
✓ Response saved automatically

You are a New Creation

When you become a Christian by putting your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are a new creation. You have been adopted by the Father into the family of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17,21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come...For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2.6 - How are you encouraged by 2 Cor. 5:17,21?
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week from John 1-3:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #2

Review: Check-in, Session 2 teachings, Quiet Time from John 1-3

Homework: Complete Session 3, Read John 4-6, Pray the Lord's Prayer

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Session 3: Prayer

What is Prayer?

Prayer is a conversation: talking with and listening to God. Prayer displays our dependence on a powerful and loving Father. Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord's Prayer, giving us a pattern with a humble heart.

The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who is in heaven,
Holy is your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
3.1 - How would you describe your prayer life right now?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 1 - CONNECT RELATIONALLY

"Our Father, who is in heaven"

God has adopted us as His children and loves for us to call Him our Father. Starting prayer by acknowledging our relationship with God is powerful for us and delights Him.

3.2 - Why is it important to begin your prayers being reminded that God is your Father?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 2 - WORSHIP HIS NAME

"Holy is your name"

When we proclaim who He is, we worship Him by reminding ourselves how powerful and great our God is. He is love, grace, and forgiveness.

3.3 - What are some names and attributes of God you can proclaim in your prayers to honor Him?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 3 - PRAY HIS AGENDA FIRST

"your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"

Part of being a child of God is caring about what He cares about. We acknowledge His wisdom and sovereignty when we pray His agenda first.

3.4 - What are some things that God cares about that you could pray about?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 4 - DEPEND ON HIM FOR EVERYTHING

"Give us this day our daily bread."

God promises to supply all our needs. He wants us to come to Him with our problems, needs, and desires and to trust Him to provide.

3.5 - What are some of your current needs that you want God to provide for?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 5 - FORGIVE AND BE FORGIVEN

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

God has offered us complete forgiveness. When we receive His forgiveness, our hearts are more prepared to forgive others as well.

3.6 - How does God's forgiveness help us forgive others?
✓ Response saved automatically

STEP 6 - ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

We have an enemy trying to steal, kill, and destroy. As we pray, we take our stand against the enemy and fight from victory through Jesus.

3.7 - How did you feel about incorporating the Lord's Prayer into your daily routine?
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week from John 4-6:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #3

Review: Check-in, Session 3 Prayer teaching, Quiet Time from John 4-6

Homework: Complete Session 4, Read John 7-9, Continue Lord's Prayer

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Session 4: Bible

What is the Bible?

The Bible is the Word of God to humanity, to be our guide, to instruct, and to bring us into relationship with Him. It serves as a road map for our spiritual journey, helping us understand God's character, the purpose of our lives, and the principles we should live by.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
4.1 - This course has encouraged you to read the Bible daily. How has consistently reading the book of John affected you personally?
✓ Response saved automatically

The Bible should be: 1) Read Daily, 2) Studied, 3) Obeyed

1) The Bible should be "Read Daily"

The way we get to know someone is through conversation. When we read about God's journey, desires, and character, we begin to understand Him, which leads to an authentic relationship. God desires for us to know Him through His story from creation to the New Testament.

4.2 - When is the best time each day for you to spend in God's Word? Which format do you prefer for engaging with the Bible such as a physical book, an app, or an audio version?
✓ Response saved automatically

2) The Bible should be "Studied"

Reading is essential, but we must also dig deep and study it. Through study, we uncover cultural context, historical background, and the original intent. A great way to move from reading to deeper study is by asking these 2 key questions:

1) What does this passage tell me about God? - Learn about God
2) What does this passage tell me about mankind? - Learn about people

Let's study John 8:2-11:

John 8:2-11 Early in the morning (Jesus) he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
4.3 - In the above passage, answer "What does this passage tell me about God?"
✓ Response saved automatically
4.4 - What does this passage tell me about mankind?
✓ Response saved automatically

3) The Bible should be "Obeyed"

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." True faith involves putting belief into action.

The third question we can ask ourselves is:
3) What is the passage telling me to do or believe? - "Because of this truth I will..."

4.5 - What is the passage John 8:2-11 telling me to do or believe? What is the next step I will take? Because of this truth, I will...
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week on John 7-9:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #4

Review: Check-in, Session 4 Bible teaching, Quiet Time from John 7-9

Homework: Complete Session 5, Read John 10-12 using the 3 questions, Memorize John 3:16

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Session 5: Church

What is the Church?

The Church is the "Body of Christ". We are a connected family of believers that continues the mission and message of Jesus. God sent the Holy Spirit to empower and unify the church around the Gospel.

Ephesians 1:22-23 And he (God the Father) put all things under his (Jesus') feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
5.1 - Consider how Jesus lived His life. What are a few attitudes or actions that the church should follow and imitate? (ex. Jesus sacrificed, Jesus taught the truth, Jesus showed unconditional love...)
✓ Response saved automatically

Following Jesus, the church: 1) Loves, 2) Equips, 3) Serves

1) The Church Loves

John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. ~Jesus
5.2 - Imagine a community who loves each other unconditionally, not based on what they do but based on who God says they are. Describe what these relationships would be like.
✓ Response saved automatically
Acts 2:42-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
5.3 - Acts 2:42-47 describes a group of believers that seems to meet often. How important is it for a Christian to gather with the church? If you attend church, how often and why do you go?
✓ Response saved automatically

2) The Church Equips

The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching. Just as Jesus equipped His disciples through both word and deed, the Church provides Biblical teaching alongside practical examples of living out the faith.

5.4 - In what ways have you been equipped by the church to live out your faith? What are some areas you would like more equipping?
✓ Response saved automatically

3) The Church Serves

The early church was active in the community, selling possessions to help those in need. After Jesus washed the disciples' feet, He said in John 13:14-15 "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

5.5 - What ways are you currently serving or ways you would like to serve in the community and in the church? (Community: Volunteer in a school, coach a team, scouts, work with the elderly... Church: Help with kids or youth, building and grounds teams, worship and tech team...)
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week from John 10-12:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #5

Review: Check-in, Session 5 Church teaching, Quiet Time from John 10-12

Homework: Complete Session 6, Read John 13-15 using the 3 Bible study questions

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Session 6: Evangelism

What is Evangelism?

Following Jesus includes not only personal spiritual growth but also sharing and offering the gospel to others. Each Christian is called by Jesus to make disciples where they live, work, play, and learn. This is your ministry.

Your "Personal Ministry" is sharing the Gospel with people you know and random people you meet so they too can have a saving relationship with Jesus. Successful evangelism is the sharing of the Good News, and it is not dependent on the person's response.

6.1 - If you had to score yourself from 1-10 on having spiritual conversations with others who are not Christian, what number would you be and why?
✓ Response saved automatically
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Steps to Healthy Evangelism: 1) Care, 2) Pray, 3) Share, 4) Offer

6.2 - List three people who can be a part of your personal ministry.
✓ Response saved automatically

1) Care

When we care, we create a foundation of trust and openness, making the Gospel more receptive. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. To truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we should care about their well-being now and into eternity.

6.3 - What are some ways you could care for those in your life who are not yet followers of Jesus?
✓ Response saved automatically

2) Pray

We should talk to God about people before we talk to people about God. Prayer aligns our hearts with God's and invites His presence and power into our efforts. Prayer prepares the soil of hearts we are sowing into.

6.4 - How can you add praying for the lost to your daily quiet time?
✓ Response saved automatically

3) Share

Sharing the Gospel is the central act of evangelism, where we verbally communicate the good news of Jesus Christ. This often involves our personal story.

Romans 10:14-15 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"

Roman Road - ABC's of the Gospel:

A - Admit you are a sinner and need a Savior. (Romans 3:23)
B - Believe in Jesus as your Savior, His death and resurrection. (Romans 10:9)
C - Confess Jesus as your Lord. (Romans 10:9)

6.5 - If someone asked you, "How can I be a Christian?" what would you say?
✓ Response saved automatically

4) Offer

The final step is offering salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This involves:

1. A Question: "Do you want to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord?"
2. A Prayer: Guide them in a salvation prayer
3. An Encouragement: "Welcome to the family of God. Let's stay connected."

6.6 - What is your next step in your personal ministry this week?
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week from John 13-15:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #6

Review: Check-in, Session 6 Evangelism teaching, Quiet Time from John 13-15

Homework: Complete Session 7, Read John 16-21, Memorize the Roman Road

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Session 7: Life of Repentance

Our final session focuses on living a life of repentance. We have learned that we must repent to be saved, but this is not the only time we will need to repent. When someone becomes a Christian, they begin a life of repentance.

What is Repentance?

Repentance = A change of attitude and action from sin toward obedience to God. Repentance involves remorse of the heart that leads to right actions.

7.1 - Why do you think we are sometimes slow to repent?
✓ Response saved automatically
Matthew 22:37-39 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
7.2 - How does repentance free us to love God and others? How could not repenting hinder us from loving?
✓ Response saved automatically

Repentance strengthens our relationship with God and frees us for His mission

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
7.3 - What is encouraging from the Hebrews passage above?
✓ Response saved automatically
7.4 - What is holding you back from running freely for the mission of God? What weights do you need to lay aside that are clinging to you?
✓ Response saved automatically
7.5 - If you were running at full speed for God, what would your life look like? How would your life be different?
✓ Response saved automatically
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
7.6 - How have these meetings, this course, reading the book of John, and having a quiet time helped you in your spiritual walk? (Final reflection on all 7 sessions: Introduction, Salvation and Baptism, Prayer, Bible, Church, Evangelism, Life of Repentance)
✓ Response saved automatically
Notes from Daily Quiet Times this week from John 16-21:
✓ Response saved automatically

Agenda for Weekly Meeting #7 (Final Meeting)

Review: Check-in, Session 7 Life of Repentance teaching, Quiet Time from John 16-21

Homework: Who could you take through this course to help them grow in their spiritual foundation?

Prayer Requests for this week:
✓ Response saved automatically

Share Your Journey

Your responses are automatically saved on this device. Export your complete Christian Foundations journey to share with your discipler or keep for your records.