Enduring Beliefs of the Church
The lessons of this quarter invite us to meditate on the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. This study will show us that God has revealed his grace and mercy. As a result, God’s people are called to live by his standard—a standard that is often countercultural.
Our God and the Holy Scripture
The quarter begins as we study the Trinitarian God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—whom we know through Scripture’s revelation. Scripture recounts how God’s people can know him and live faithfully through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14–15; see lesson 1).
Through various word images, Scripture conveys characteristics of God and reveals aspects of our relationship with him—he is our caring heavenly Father (Matthew 6:24–34; see lesson 2), the shepherd who seeks lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7; see lesson 3), and our advocate or comforter (Romans 8:26–27; see lesson 4).
Grace and Reconciliation
The apostle Paul teaches that humans are in a state of sin (Romans 3:23). The letter of 1 John expands on this fact, reminding us that no one can claim to be “without sin” (1 John 1:8; see lesson 5). However, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has become our advocate and the “atoning sacrifice” for sins (2:1–6). Christ’s defeat of sin on the cross introduces us to the gracious gift of new life. We are invited to respond to this gift through repentance, seeking forgiveness for our sins (Acts 2:38–39; see lesson 6).
Our reception of God’s gracious gift of salvation leads us to “walk in the light” of new life (1 John 1:7). We walk in this way as we become disciples of Jesus Christ, following him with obedience, worship, and humility (see lesson 7). The journey of discipleship will not always be easy—the life of the apostle Peter demonstrates the ups and downs of discipleship (see lesson 8)! However, we don’t have to go on this journey alone. In Christ, we are reconciled to God and one another, called into the covenant community: the church.
The Church and Its Teachings
The final unit focuses on the church as the one body of Christ, spiritually gifted for ministry and mission (see Ephesians 1:22–23; 4:4–6; see also lesson 9). Each member is essential to the function of the body (Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:12). Together, all parts work to build each other up for the edification and growth of the body that is the church.
Christ gave the church two ordinances vital for its mission and witness. Baptism serves as the ritual entry to the life of faith and a way to follow the example of our Savior, who himself was baptized (Matthew 3:13–17; see lesson 10). The Lord’s Supper invites us to a time of self-examination as we remember Christ’s sacrifice and anticipate his bodily return (1 Corinthians 11:23–29; see lesson 10). Through these ordinances, the church receives spiritual nourishment and empowerment for its mission: calling people to repentance and proclaiming the reign of Christ “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8; see lesson 12).
The church’s mission flourishes when we obey God and proclaim the gospel and its transforming power. One way we can contribute to this mission is through our generosity and hospitality, reminiscent of the practices of the burgeoning first-century church (see 2 Corinthians 8:3–9; see also lesson 12). When the church remembers and obediently follows its mission, we learn to love God and our neighbors, thus fulfilling the two greatest commands (Mark 12:28–34; see lesson 13).
by Joshua Seth Houston
Unit 1: Our God and the Holy Scriptures
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| December 7 | God’s word | Psalm 19:7–13; 2 Timothy 3:14–15 |
| December 14 | Our Heavenly Father | Matthew 6:24–34 |
| December 21 | Christ the Savior | Luke 15:3–7; Romans 5:6–10 |
| December 28 | The Holy Spirit | Romans 8:12–17, 26–27 |
Unit 2: Grace and Reconciliation
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| January 4 | Sin and Forgiveness | 1 John 1:5–10; 2:1–6 |
| January 11 | Repentance and Faith | Luke 15:11–24; Acts 2:38–39 |
| January 18 | Prayer and Humility | Genesis 18:25–27; Luke 18:9–14; 1 John 5:14–15 |
| January 25 | Call and Growth | Matthew 4:18–20; 16:16–18; John 21:15–18; 2 Peter 3:14–15, 18 |
Unit 3: The Church and Its Teachings
| Date | Title | Bible Text |
| February 1 | The Christian Church | Mark 4:26–32; Ephesians 4:4–6, 11–18 |
| February 8 | Baptism and the Lord’s Supper | Matthew 3:13–17; 28:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–29 |
| February 15 | The Lord’s Day | Exodus 20:8–11; Romans 14:4–6; Revelation 1:10 |
| February 22 | Stewardship and Mission | Acts 1:6–8; 2 Corinthians 8:3–9 |
| March 1 | Loving God, Loving Others | Mark 12:28–34; James 2:14–17 |