Mastering the Basics
By Peter Amerman (D. Min, M. Div., BA)
Chair and Professor of Biblical Studies at Pillar College
The “Mastering the Basics” study is a study of the basics of the Christian faith- four books on the topics of what Christians believe, why Christians believe it and why it matters. Why do Christians believe that Jesus is true God and also true man? Why do we believe in the Trinity? Why do we believe that the Bible is the Word of God? Why do we believe the basic gospel message? Why do we believe in the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus? Present day believers need to “master the basics” to be equipped with reasonable answers when discussion of serious theological issues occurs. The result for believers (and the church) will be an increasing confidence in the scripture and growing impact in the church and the culture.
The goals of these studies are twofold:
1) To encourage believers to open the scriptures for themselves, to dig deeply, to “…examine the scriptures daily, to see if these things are so.” (Acts 17:11).
2) To help believers to “…always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. “ (1 Peter 3:15)
This series is divided into four sections:
• Book 1- “I Believe in God, the Father.”
Topics include: “Why I Believe…”
* A Biblical Worldview
* The Nature and Character of God
* The Bible is the Word of God
* Creation and the Uniqueness of Man
* The Trinity
* The Fall and Redemption
* The Ten Commandments
• Book 2- “I Believe in God, the Son”
Topics include: “Why I believe…”
* Jesus Christ is True God and True Man
* The Basic Gospel Message
* The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
* Christ in the Old Testament Scriptures
* Abundant Life in Christ
* Prophecy and the First Coming of Christ
* Why I believe: Prophecy and the Second Coming of Christ
• Book 3- “I Believe in God, the Holy Spirit”
Topics include: “Why I believe…”
* The Holy Spirit
* Spiritual Warfare
* Christian Growth
* Prayer
* Spiritual Gifts
* Life After Death
• Book 4- “I Believe in the Holy Christian Church”
Topics include: “Why I believe…”
* The Church and Christian Fellowship
* Witnessing
* Victory over Temptation
* Principles of Knowing God’s Will
* Stewardship and Giving
* About World Religions
This study a discipleship tool that is meant to be “transferable”. That is, it is the kind of study that one could undertake on one’s own, and then use to assist others in their growth in Christ. This study could be used in:
• One-to-one discipleship setting (at a home, at work, library, restaurant, coffee shop)
• Small group Bible study
• Youth or Young Adult groups
• Leadership training classes
• College or Bible School classes
The Bible tells us that the primary requirement of an equipped Christian is that one “sanctifies Christ as Lord in your hearts.” (1 Peter 3:15) May you feel His presence and know Him intimately as you undertake this study.
Peter Amerman (D. Min, M. Div., BA) is Department Chair and Professor of Biblical Studies at Pillar College, Newark, NJ. He has pastored churches in the northern and southern New Jersey area for nearly forty years. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY, a Masters in Divinity Degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Religion/Philosophy from Roanoke College. His greatest blessing from God is his family- married to his best friend and ministry partner, Susan for thirty-nine years; blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law; and seven beautiful grandchildren.
If you’d like to learn more about professions that enable you to serve wholeheartedly and faithfully in your life’s work or want to learn more about a biblically based, Christ-centered education at Pillar, we’d love to introduce you to Christian perspectives at work in your future career. For more information on how Pillar College can help you pursue your ministry and educational goals, please phone us at 973-803-5000 or email [email protected]
