1. Why Study the Bible in the Space Age?Why should we want to study the Bible? Is the Bible up to date in the space age? Exactly what
is the Bible, and how should we study it to really
understand it? This lesson gives you the answers from your Bible!
2. World Peace? Or World in Pieces?The search for world peace continues while arsenals of lethal weapons grow larger. Experts predict the earth will soon become an incinerated relic—
unless world conditions are dramatically reversed. Exactly what does the future hold for mankind? This lesson reveals the
answers in the prophecies of your Bible!
3. The Sensational Return of Jesus Christ!When and where will Christ return? Will He come quietly, or will the whole world know? Has He already returned secretly? Here is the amazing truth about the second coming of Jesus Christ! No news story could be more shocking. No headline could be more spectacular than:
JESUS CHRIST RETURNS! . . . or more ridiculed today.
4. The Coming Utopia . . . Wonderful World Tomorrow?For ages, men have dreamed of a utopian paradise on earth. Nations have struggled and millions have died in its quest. But utopia has eluded all the efforts of men. Why? Is utopia really possible? Are world peace and prosperity coming soon? Here are the surprising answers from your Bible!
5. Just What Is Man?Is man an immortal soul in a material body? Is death the separation of body and soul? What
really happens to a person at death? These questions have puzzled mankind for thousands of years. Study the surprising
answers in this revealing lesson!
6. What Is Hell?Even if you are a faithful, believing Christian, you may go to hell! Many of your loved ones are right now in hell! But don't be alarmed. You probably have never heard the
truth about what "hell" really is—and where most ideas on the subject came from. Just what does the Bible teach about "hell"?
7. Will You Go to Heaven?You've always heard that you'll go to heaven if you're 'saved.' And most have assumed that their loved ones have already 'gone to heaven' when they died. But what does the Bible say? Is heaven really the reward of the saved?
8. What It Means to Be Born AgainMany professing Christians sincerely believe they have been 'born again'—but do not understand the
real meaning of the new birth. The truth about being 'born again' is not only surprising—it is startling—the
most awesome revelation of your Bible!
9. What Is Real Repentance?What does it mean to "repent"? Is it "accepting Christ"? Is real repentance merely an emotional feeling? And is repentance really necessary for salvation? The answers to these crucial questions are found in your Bible.
10. Should You Be Baptized?The apostle Peter commanded the crowd gathered in Jerusalem: "Repent and be baptized every one of you...." But is Acts 2:38 relevant in the space age? Does God require baptism for one to become a Christian today?
11. Why You Need the Holy SpiritMankind is engaged in a frustrating search for answers to the problems of humanity. Yet the real answers have eluded this world's greatest thinkers. Only the Creator God has the ultimate answer—if we are willing to seek and accept it!
12. Proof of Biblical HistoryIs there proof
outside the Bible that the events described in Scripture really happened—that its great characters actually lived? Where is the proof that the inspired Word of God has been accurately preserved for us today—especially since there are so many different modern translations? It's time we studied the proof of
HISTORY and
ARCHEOLOGY to further prove the Bible is
fact and not fable.
13. Who and What Is God?There is much confusion about the
identity, the
nature, and
purpose of God. Even traditional Christianity does not really understand. The astonishing truth about God is found in the Bible, as this lesson reveals!
14. AngelsYour Bible reveals that angels inhabited the earth long before Adam and Eve. But these angels sinned! What was the
cause of their sin? And what about the righteous angels?what are they doing today?
15. What Makes Man Unique?Man is God's unique physical creation. But how is man different? What makes him utterly unlike any other living creature? Most importantly,
why is he unique?
16. Ancient Israel: Why God's 'Chosen People'?Why does the Bible talk about Israel so much? What is the connection between God's "chosen people" and spirit-begotten Christians today? Exactly how does ancient Israel fit into God's plan of salvation?
18. What Is the True Gospel?"
Just believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and you'll be saved," is the message of most professing Christian ministers today. But is that what the true gospel really is? Almost nobody seems to know!
19. What and Why the Church?The Western world has taken the existence of churches for granted.
Why and by
whom was the institution of the church founded? What is its
purpose? The answers to these questions are vital to the fulfillment of God's Master Plan!
20. In Training for RulershipJesus Christ will soon return as Supreme Ruler to establish the world-ruling Kingdom of God. But what about
you? Will you be one of Christ's assistants in the World Tomorrow? How can one be
trained to rule with Him?
21. Is This the Only Day of Salvation?Modern Christianity teaches that there are only two classes of people--the
lost and the
saved. But what about those who die never having heard the name of Christ? Would God be fair to condemn them?
22. What Is God's Purpose for Mankind?God created human beings for an awe-inspiring purpose. But few have ever understood that purpose! The Bible reveals man's incredible potential. It shows how God is working out His glorious purpose on earth!
23. Why Christians Should Keep God's Holy DaysWhy did God institute the
weekly Sabbath and, later, seven
annual Sabbaths? What do they picture? Were
God's holy days for ancient Israel only, or are they also for the New Testament church of God?
24. The Plain Truth About God's Holy SabbathWhat is God's
purpose for His weekly Sabbath? Why do so few understand that keeping the Sabbath brings special blessings? Let's learn
how and
why New Testament Christians are to keep God's Sabbath day holy.
27. Pentecost: Only 'Firstfruits' Now Called!God is not trying to convert the world now--believe it or not! Now is the time God is calling to salvation only a tiny minority--the firstfruits of salvation. Why?
29. The Day of Atonement: The World at One with GodAfter Jesus Christ returns, what will be the most important step in establishing peace on earth? No major denomination knows the answer. Why? This significant step is pictured by the annual Day of Atonement.
32. A New Beginning!Marvelous truths have been revealed to you through the study of your Bible with
this course. Yet knowledge, unless it is applied, is of no value. So what will
you do now?
Basic Doctrines: DoctrineIn these days of psychology and feeling, doctrine is not very popular. But it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of true Christians! This study briefly explores the basic doctrines of God.
Basic Doctrines: RepentanceRepentance is a condition of baptism in God's church and ultimately of conversion and salvation. It is also a lifelong process which we should continue until the day of Christ's return.
Basic Doctrines: Water BaptismBaptism is one of the initial acts that a new Christian must experience during his new life in Christ. This fundamental doctrine places him in the right frame of mind for continuing in God's way.
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of HandsLaying on of hands is a strange subject to most, especially to the nonchristian. However, it is one of the church's fundamental doctrines and plays a large role in baptism, healing and ordination.
Basic Doctrines: The First ResurrectionThe doctrine of resurrection is one of the chief teachings of Christianity. In fact, our very hope hangs on it! For those of us called and chosen in this age, the first resurrection is especially vital.
Basic Doctrines: The Second ResurrectionThe doctrine of resurrection is one of the chief teachings of Christianity. For the billions of people who have never known the truth, the second resurrection offers them an opportunity for future salvation.
Basic Doctrines: The Third ResurrectionThe doctrine of resurrections is one of paramount importance for the Christian. The third resurrection, however, is one that most of this world's Christianity ignores--but it is the one that shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.
Basic Doctrines: Eternal JudgmentOne of God's roles is as Judge, and His judgments are eternally binding. But what does this mean? Who is judged? How? When? For what?
Basic Doctrines: The Reward of the SavedBefore going on a trip, it is a good idea to have a destination in mind, and so it is with Christianity. Just where do true Christians go after they die? What is their reward? Where is their reward?
Basic Doctrines: The Fate of the WickedFor centuries, preachers have scared churchgoers with the image of a fiery hell where sinners spend eternity. Is such a place or state biblical? If not, what is God's plan for those who refuse to submit to Him?
Basic Doctrines: SalvationAre you saved already or are you being saved? What is salvation anyway? What part do we play in our own salvation? These are important questions that we must answer from God's Word.
Basic Doctrines: Going On to PerfectionMost of our Christian lives will be spent going on to perfection. But what is it? How do we do it? This Bible Study will help explain this broad, yet vital subject.
The Holy SpiritWhat is the Holy Spirit? What does it do? Who has it? How does it work? What does it produce?
LoveA Bible study on love, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
JoyA biblical study on the basic aspects of one of the fruit of God's Spirit, joy.
PeaceBible study on peace, the third of the fruits of the Spirit.
LongsufferingLongsuffering, or patience, the fourth fruit of the Spirit, is a much needed virtue in a fast-paced, impatient world. This Bible Study highlights the basics of this godly attribute.
KindnessThe fifth fruit of the Spirit, kindness, reflects God's loving actions toward us. We in turn must learn to bestow kindness on others.
GoodnessGood is a term we use very loosely, yet it is a major characteristic of God! It is defined in terms of what God is: absolute goodness! This study gives a general overview of this sixth fruit of the Spirit.
FaithfulnessPertinent scriptures and comments on the seventh fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness.
MeeknessMeekness is one of the hardest of the fruit of the Spirit to define. However, the Bible shows meekness to be, not weakness, but strength, as the character of such people as Jesus and Moses shows.
Self-ControlNo government--not even God's--can work without self-control. As a fruit of God's Spirit, this virtue may be the single hardest to master over the course of a lifetime, yet we need it to do our parts in God's Kingdom.
God's Master PlanLike any good builder, God has a master plan to accomplish His purpose for humanity. We find the blueprint for His creation in the pages of the Bible.
God's SabbathThe Sabbath is the "hinge" on which the others turn. This basic study treats the foundational truths about God's Sabbath day.
Holy Days: PassoverThough not a holy day, per se, Passover may be the most important festival ordained by God. Not only does it memorialize Christ's death, it also symbolizes our redemption and forgiveness, allowing us to have eternal life!
FootwashingFootwashing is the initial part of the Passover ceremony. Why did Christ institute it? What is its purpose?
Holy Days: Unleavened BreadThe Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows the Passover. In it we see how hard it is to overcome and rid our lives of sin.
Holy Days: PentecostThe late spring Feast of Pentecost shows the harvest of firstfruits, God's church. It is a continual reminder of our part in God's plan!
Holy Days: TrumpetsThe Feast of Trumpets sounds a dire warning of war on the one hand and triumph for God and His saints on the other. Our goal now is to be prepared for that day when Christ returns!
Holy Days: AtonementAtonement, a day of fasting, pictures the binding of Satan and man's resultant unity with God. This study shows why this step in God's plan is so vital!
Holy Days: Feast of TabernaclesThe Feast of Tabernacles is a type of the soon-coming Millennium, when Christ will set up His government on the earth. Real peace and prosperity will be the norm. And everyone will have access to the knowledge of God!
Holy Days: Last Great DayThe Last Great Day is the final holy day of the year, and it depicts the final steps in God's plan. After this--eternity!
Pagan HolidaysThough the holidays of this world in some ways counterfeit God's holy days, it is obvious that they are very different. God's Word shows that we should not be involved in them!
Overcoming (Part 1): Self-DeceptionGod desires us to overcome our human nature and grow, but we tend to place major hurdles in the way of accomplishing this. This series of Bible Studies examines these impediments to overcoming.
Overcoming (Part 2): Self-JustificationAnother impediment to overcoming our sins is self-justification. We tend to excuse ourselves for what we do, and this only makes it harder to become like God. He is more interested in our transformation than in how good we feel about ourselves!
Overcoming (Part 3): Self-RighteousnessOn the heels of self-deception and self-justification often comes self-righteousness. This obstacle to overcoming occurs when we set our own standards rather than God's.
Overcoming (Part 4): Self-WillWe can easily slide quickly down the path of spiritual self-destruction when self-will becomes dominent in our lives. Our goal is to live by God's will, not our own!
Overcoming (Part 5): Self-DenialA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
Overcoming (Part 6): Self-SurrenderMany words that begin with "self" describe conditions that we must overcome. Self-surrender, however, is something we need to engage in to overcome our faults.
Overcoming (Part 7): SelfishnessMaybe the most basic impediment to overcoming is our innate selfishness. Our goal, however, is to bear the character of our God, whose primary characteristic is love or outgoing concern for others.
Overcoming (Part 8): Self-IndulgenceFew human faults can hinder Christian overcoming like self-indulgence. If we can learn to control our desires, we are a long way toward living a godly life.
Overcoming (Part 9): Self-ExaltationSelf-exaltation was one of the sins that got Satan in trouble--and we certainly do not want to follow his lead! Conversely, we are to humble ourselves so God can exalt us in due time.
Overcoming (Part 10): Self-PityWe all have low days on occasion, but when our despondency turns to self-pity, we have a problem. The "woe is me" attitude can mire us in stagnation and severely hamper our growth because self-pity is just another form of self-centeredness.
Parable of the Barren Fig TreeIn His discussion of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus does not attribute tragedy or accident directly to any person's sins as the Jews did—instead, He affirms the sinfulness of everyone. The more important factor is will we repent to avoid spiritual death?
Parable of the Cloth and WineskinsIt is common sense not to put new wine in old wineskins or a new cloth patch on an old shirt. However, most people miss the point Jesus is making: His new way of life is incompatible with our old habits and beliefs!
Parables of Counting the CostIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition to becoming Christ's disciples. One main lesson is emphasized in these scriptures: the nature and influence of true discipleship.
Parable of the Good SamaritanMost people understand the basic point of this well-known parable. The whole story describes working compassion as contrasted to selfishness. It also clarifies just who is our neighbor.
Parable of the Great SupperThe Parable of the Great Supper is Jesus' response to a fellow dinner guest exclaiming, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!" In the parable, Jesus exposes and corrects the ignorance of those who, in their pride, misjudge their true moral condition.
Parable of the LightOne of Jesus' most remembered sayings concerns the Parable of the Light. The Bible Study explains how we can let our light shine both in the world and at home.
Parable of the Marriage FeastJesus exposes the Jews' rejection of the gospel using the illustration of a king sending invitations to a wedding celebration. Though God is shown to be merciful and just, the invitees' character is revealed to be wanting.
Parables of the Millstone and the Lost SheepThese two parables are linked because they are the answers to the disciples' question, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Jesus' answer explains the value He places on those who follow Him.
Parable of the MinasJesus gives the Parable of the Minas in reaction to the people thinking He would set up His Kingdom immediately—an event that still has not occurred. Martin Collins shows that the parable demonstrates what Jesus expects of and how He deals with His servants in the meantime.
Parable of the Persistent FriendIn this parable, Jesus illustrates persistence and perseverance in prayer. Unlike the sleeping friend, God is not reluctant to answer our prayers, but He does want us to be diligent and patient in our requests.
Parable of the Persistent WidowThough the widow speaks only five words in this parable, she provides Christians in these last days with an example of persistence in prayer. Martin Collins delves into the context and meaning of this helpful and encouraging parable.
Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax CollectorThe two men who go to the Temple to pray contrast in character, belief, and self-examination. Martin Collins shows that, although this parable involves prayer, it is not as much about how to pray as it is about how to be justified before God.
Parable of the Rich FoolJesus teaches in this parable that we need to guard against every kind of covetousness. Even if we have everything we could ever want or need, when we die, our goods will do nothing for us. It is the height of folly to believe that one has no need of God.
Parable of the SowerGod spreads His Word liberally among the world's people. Besides God's direct involvement in converting people, the difference between one growing in it and another "dying on the vine" is the soil in which the Word is planted, explained in Jesus' Parable of the Sower.
Parable of the TreasureJesus' Parable of the Treasure in Matthew 6:19-21 is designed to get us to evaluate the relative values of material wealth and "treasures in heaven." Martin Collins expands on the metaphors of moths, rust, and thieves.
Parable of the Two BuildersWhat have we founded our lives upon? Jesus asks this question in a parable in His Sermon on the Mount. Having a strong, sturdy foundation will allow us to weather the storms of life and prevail.
Parable of the Two DebtorsWithin this parable Christ shows the principle of reciprocity. Just as we have been forgiven a huge, unpayable debt, so must we extend forgiveness to those who owe us, showing that we appreciate what has been done for us.
Parable of the Two SonsBecause of their different attitudes, people react to God's calling differently. The Parable of the Two Sons explains that one's ultimate obedience to God is the one that really matters!
Parable of the Unforgiving ServantOffenses and sins against us are unfortunately common. Jesus teaches us how to deal with them in this parable, focusing on our attitude of forgiveness because of being forgiven ourselves.
Parable of the Unjust StewardThe Parable of the Unjust Steward has bothered Bible students for many years. Is Christ saying that Christians are foolish? Are we make friends with greedy people? Are we doomed to fail? This Bible Study answers these frequent questions.
Parable of the Unprofitable ServantsIn this Parable, Jesus emphasizes the kind of faith His disciples need to endure trials and obey His commands. Martin Collins explains that the only way for a Christian to obtain increased faith is to manifest steadfast, persevering obedience grounded in humility with the help of God's Spirit.
Parable of the Wicked VinedressersIn this parable, Jesus manipulates His enemies into admitting their guilt in rejecting, persecuting, and even killing the prophets—and ultimately Himself. Martin Collins shows that Jesus uses this parable to proclaim God's plan to take His message to others, the church, who would accept it.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): IntroductionMatthew 13 contains more parables than any other chapter in the Gospels. What many fail to realize is that they are related in theme and organized to teach Christians specific lessons. Martin Collins explains that they provide a prophetic summary of the development of the church.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Four): The Parable of the Mustard SeedMost people, and even theologians, interpret the Parable of the Mustard Seed as an illustration of phenomenal growth of the church. Martin Collins shows, however, that the traditional interpretation is flawed, and that a comparison of biblical symbols points to a much darker explanation.
The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Nine): The Parable of the HouseholderThe last of the parables of Matthew 13, the Parable of the Householder is addressed directly to Christ's disciples, and beyond them, to God's ministers. Martin Collins reveals that Jesus wants His ministers to use their learning and experience to feed His flock a balanced spiritual diet.
The Seven ChurchesThe seven churches of Revelation 2-3 have intrigued Bible students for centuries. Where they simply seven churches in Asia, or do they have more immediate relevance to us today?
The Seven Churches: Eras?Historically, the modern church of God has believed that the seven churches are types of seven eras from apostolic times to Christ's return. Is this a valid belief?
The Seven Churches: EphesusChrist's first letter to the churches focuses on the Ephesians, a people who succeeded in trying the spirits, but in the interim left [their] first love.
The Seven Churches: SmyrnaThe letter to Smyrna contains a rarity among the seven churches--no criticism! What's so good about the Smyrnans?
The Seven Churches: PergamosChrist severely criticizes the church of Pergamos for its problems with the doctrine of Baalam and idolatry. Nevertheless, to those who overcome these sins, He will grant eternal life!
The Seven Churches: ThyatiraThyatira, the middle of the seven churches, receives a litany of praise and rebuke from our Savior. He particularly focuses on idolatry, which is spiritual fornication.
The Seven Churches: SardisThe sixth church, Sardis, is dead for the most part. What is the problem? What do they need to do to come alive again?
The Seven Churches: PhiladelphiaThe Philadelphia church is often considered the best of the seven. Is it? Does it have any faults? Are we biased in our judgment?
The Seven Churches: SummaryThe seven churches exist in the end time, but is there hope for a bright future? What will happen next in the course of events? Will the church--now scattered--come back together?
The Ten CommandmentsGod's Ten Commandments are the divine law and standard that regulate human conduct. As our world testifies, they are still very much needed today!
The First CommandmentThe first commandment reveals our first priority in every area of life: God. Anything we place ahead of Him becomes an idol!
The Second CommandmentA Bible study on idolatry, concentrating on the subject of the second commandment: the way we worship.
The Third CommandmentThe third commandment, contemplating God's name, may be the most misunderstood of all. This commandment covers the quality of our worship.
The Fourth CommandmentObserving the Sabbath day is a vital key that this world's Christianity has lost. It opens up whole vistas of God's way and purpose!
The Fifth CommandmentThe fifth commandment bridges the two sections of love toward God and love toward man. We begin learning righteous conduct at home, with our parents.
The Sixth CommandmentThe commandment against murder is the one most universally followed by man. But Jesus shows there is much more behind it than merely taking another's life.
The Seventh CommandmentThe seventh commandment protects family relationships from a sexual standpoint. This study delves into why sexual sins are so destructive and why God wants His children to be chaste and pure.
The Eighth CommandmentThere is more to the eighth commandment than the physical act of stealing. This Bible Study explores other ways of stealing and how to avoid Satan's way of get.
The Ninth CommandmentA Bible study into the meaning of the Ninth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
The Tenth CommandmentA biblical survey of coveting: what it is, what it produces and what a Christian should be doing.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ (Part One)An outstanding feature of Christ's ministry is the many astounding miracles that He performed throughout Judea and Galilee. Martin Collins proposes that Jesus' miracles did far more than merely excite His audience: They declared the Source of His power and His message.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ (Part Two)A striking aspect of Jesus' ministry is the sheer number and extent of miraculous healings He performed. Though He did not heal all the sick in the land, He healed everyone who sincerely sought His aid. Martin Collins looks at our Savior's healing miracles, His methods, and His motives in doing them.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part One)Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine, occurred at a friend's wedding in Cana. Martin Collins examines this truly astounding event, revealing principles of the nature of Jesus' miraculous power and God's purpose in performing such signs.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Water Into Wine (Part Two)In performing the miracle at Cana, Jesus gave a command that may have seemed strange at the time. Using the changing of water into wine as a backdrop, Martin Collins expounds on the connection between obedience to God's commands and blessings.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Nobleman's SonThe healing of the nobleman's son (John 4:46-54) is thought to be Jesus' first-recorded miracle of healing. Martin Collins uses the circumstances of this tremendous example of God's power to illustrate His ability and willingness to heal.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Great Catch of FishIn performing the miracle of the great catch of fish, Jesus as Creator manifests His divine power over creation, forcing Peter to realize just who his Master was. Martin Collins explores this astounding miracle, extracting important lessons for us today.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing Peter's Mother-in-LawJesus had served the people all day, but that evening, when He entered Simon Peter's house, He found He had one more miracle to perform. Martin Collins dissects the healing of Peter's wife's mother, showing that it contains a pointed lesson about gratitude and service.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Leper (Part Three)Jesus' healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45 exhibits His compassion for those suffering the repulsive effects of sin. Martin Collins examines how the cleansing of this horribly diseased man parallels the spiritual cleansing that prepares us for salvation.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Paralytic (Part One)The healing of the paralytic in Capernaum is a remarkable witness of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God. Martin Collins explains that Jesus honors the faith of the paralytic's four friends who lowered him through the roof, illustrating that the faith of others can be instrumental in bringing sinners to Christ.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Paralytic (Part Two)When Jesus heals the paralytic, He makes no bones about the fact that He, as the Son of Man, has the prerogative to forgive sin. Martin Collins explains how forgiveness and healing intersect in this awesome miracle of God's power and mercy.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Healing a Cripple by a Pool (Part One)During His ministry, Jesus healed many people. The apostle John chose to highlight the healing of a crippled man at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5. Martin Collins covers the significance of the pool itself, Christ's choice in healing this particular man, and the curious question He put to him.
