Purpose and Objective
A key objective of teaching the Bible is to establish people in a faith that is centered on Jesus Christ, the triune God, as the only reliable object of faith. We want to equip people to know God and glorify Him in fruitful, obedient living, proclaiming His glory to the ends of the earth, equipping saints for ministry, and laying up treasure in heaven. (Matthew 28:20) God revealed Himself through progressive revelation over time, beginning in Genesis. We would be wise to follow His pattern. (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Core Focus Areas
We want to focus on God's person, purpose, plan, people, and processes. By so doing, we may equip believers to truly know Him, find purpose in His plans, and lead others to do the same. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, John 17:3)
Teaching Methodology
In Foundational Bible Teaching we start in Genesis, displaying key Old Testament stories like a clothesline, laying key foundations and revealing the mosaic in which the gems of Scripture reside. We follow through with a high-level overview of the Bible to unveil the glory, identity, and work of Jesus Christ. God gave us Genesis before Matthew for a reason. The context of the New Testament story of God's glory is found in the promises of the Old Testament. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
Biblical Narrative Structure
In Genesis, God begins with His design of filling the earth with people who believe Him. (Revelation 21 and 22) He reveals His ultimate fulfillment of His plan. Genesis 3 through Revelation 20 show God resolving the problem of sin, leading to final justice. By grace, He is working through the faith of His people to invite other people into His fellowship. (2 Peter 3:9)
Worldview Transformation
We want God's worldview to reshape or replace our own. For growth, people need to be grounded in God's character and purpose. Through careful focus on God's glory, people may see the reality of our own condition and need. More than facts about God, we all need to know His identity, character, purpose, and provision. (Acts 26:18)
Discipleship and Relationship
Foundational Bible Teaching can help teachers lead people into the dynamic faith of a personal relationship with the living God. This relationship is not merely theoretical or informational — it is practical and personal, rooted in daily trust and obedience to God's Word. (John 15:1-11)
Foundational Bible teaching is an effective means of discipleship. It roots faith in the truth that God — not humanity — is the hero of His story. It's a guided journey into an interactive personal relationship with Him. (Hebrews 11:6, Luke 18:17)
Correcting Misunderstandings
People interpret truth through their existing worldview. Biblical information can remain abstract, impersonal, and disconnected from daily life. Foundational Bible teaching can establish Biblical truth, correct misunderstandings and dismantle false assumptions. Our transformation requires replacing our worldview with God's worldview. (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 1:21-22)