The Essentials

This book is designed to help Christians explore and understand some of the basic teachings of the Christian faith and to be able to grasp its significance in daily life. The material is designed so that it may be used in study groups for those who wish to have a better understanding of the basic tenets of the faith, classes that prepare individuals for membership in a local congregation or for those who wish to study for personal enrichment. The material in each chapter is not intended to present an exhaustive definitive understanding but rather it is a guide on how you might start and then further explore the various topics. There is so much more that could be added to this study and the reader or teacher is encourage supplement or delete every topic as interest dictates and the second half of the text includes an appendix in the form of a deeper Bible study. This is an integral part of the material in that it allows the participant to explore each topic in more depth by studying specific scriptures and answering questions related to the reading. Though the content reflects more of a Reformed perspective, at this introductory level of study the author has tried to avoid some of the more controversial theological issues that could come up. The material is grounded, however, in biblical orthodoxy such that all Christians would agree on these issues.