Course Description
This course covers the journey from Salvation to Baptism to Death to Resurrection to the New Heaven and New Earth. It is a simple walk from one spiritual principle to another, but it is a complex trek that covers four important theological concepts of Soteriology (Salvation), (Bibliology (Bible), Christology (Christ), Eschatology (Last Things).
Underlying Principles
When this course is completed successfully, the student will have a strong and deep understanding of the concepts of the principles of Salvation, Baptism, Death, Resurrection, New Heaven, and New Earth. Unlike most Seminary courses, these principles are taught together to make the student fully aware of how it all ties together. Once these principles are deeply understood, more specific teachings will come from this journey later in their future studies.
- Prerequisites
- This is the first class of Becker Professional Theology Academy.
- Acceptance to the Academy is the only prerequisite.
- Measurable Learning Outcomes Upon Successful Completion
- Identify the principles of Salvation, Baptism, Death, Resurrection, New Heaven, and New Earth
- Apply these principles to their precise interpretation of biblical text
- Analyze possible false teachings that they are aware
- Implement general program ideas for Altar Calls, Street Salvation, Family Worship, Water Baptism, Holy Spirit Baptism, and Burial
- Evaluate current programs in their communities to help structure God’s Truths into their religious practices.
- Course Requirements and Assignments
- Worksheets – There will be five worksheets to be completed throughout the course. The student is required to complete each worksheet online for grading.
- Discussion Board Forums – There will be five discussion boards throughout the course. The first one is ungraded and is a meet-and-greet to acquaint each other with their classmates. The other 4 will be graded. The best scores will come to those students that interact well with the subject matter and each other’s ideas, while maintaining a friendly discussion of differences.
- Course Grading and Policies
- Points
- Worksheets (8 at 100 pts each) 800
- Discussion Board Forums (8 at 25 pts each) 200
- Points
TOTAL 1000
- Scale
A=900-1000 B=800-899 C=700-799 D=600-699 F=599 and below
- Late Assignment Policy
- This is an 8-week module course.
- Students will be given only 8 weeks to complete their course in their timing.
- The Final Test must be taken before the course closes.
- Style Guidelines
All assignments for this course may use the parenthetical citation style with the latest edition of the Turbian style manual (A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations) as the desired style.
- Extra Credit – There will be no extra credit.
Foundation of Jesus Christ
Lecture BI100-1
By Kathy L. McFarland
September 21, 2022
Lesson 1
What is the foundation of Jesus Christ?
A foundation is prepared base on which structure rests. It is the beginning or first principle of a system of truth. A person who comes to the Lord Jesus Christ, and hears and does what he says, builds a foundation on a rock. When trouble comes, that person’s life cannot be shaken. The person who lays his foundation on the rock, must first dig deeply into the things of God which are normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny. This study lays a solid foundation of Jesus Christ in a Christian, using the six principles of the doctrine of Christ as written in Hebrews 6:1-3 in the Word of God.
A foundation is a natural or prepared ground or base on which some structure rests.
It is the beginning or first principle of a system of truth.
Luke 6:46-49
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
1. A person who comes to Lord Jesus, and hears and does what he says, builds a foundation on a rock. When trouble comes, that person’s life cannot be shaken.
2. That person who lays his foundation on the rock must first dig deeply into the things of God which is normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny.
3. A person who comes to Lord Jesus, and hears what he says, but does not do it, builds a foundation upon the earth. When trouble comes, that person’s life is greatly ruined.
4. The typology for “house” is the dwelling place of the soul.
5. The typology for “earth” is the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life.
6. The typology for “rock” is a person’s spiritual life in Christ. (This typology speaks of the Rock as spoken of in 1 Cor 10:4)
7. Therefore, if a person looks for the deep things of God, and maintains a spiritual life in Christ, then his life will not be disturbed when trouble comes. If a person maintains a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life, then that person’s life will be ruined when trouble comes.
8. A person who digs deep into the things of God, hears, and does what Jesus says is saved. A person who hears but does not do what Jesus says is destroyed.
Romans 13:19-21
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
9. Paul’s ministry was as a master builder of foundations. He was responsible for building foundations of those who had never heard of Christ and teaching them so they could perceive and understand the signs, wonders, and power of the Spirit of God through the gospel of Christ. He was careful not to confuse new converts by building on the foundation of another teacher and taught only those whose foundation could be laid completely by him.
Becker Bible Studies presents “The Foundation of Jesus Christ” in the same spirit that Paul did in his ministry. We have no desire to finish a foundation that is half built by another teacher. We offer Foundation of Jesus Christ with hopes that all students participating in this study start a solid foundation with the six principles of the doctrine of Christ. We recognize that many students will come with some knowledge concerning foundation principles, however, it is important for all students to have the solid foundation that is presented in this study. Without the solid foundation of the principles of the doctrine of Christ, a student’s growth cannot be perfected.
Hebrews 6:1-3
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
10. The doctrine of Christ is used for the laying of foundation. This doctrine of Christ contains six principles that must be taught to all Christians.
These six principles of the Doctrine of Christ for foundation building are:
1. Sins (Dead Works)
2. Faith
3. Water Baptism
4. Holy Spirit Baptism (Laying on of hands)
5. Resurrection
6. Judgment
11. Once the foundation of the doctrine of Christ is laid, a student should go on to learning new things of the LORD God according to His Grace and Will. No student can grow to perfection, by repeatedly learning the six principles of the doctrine of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
12. A foundation is laid so that it can be built upon.
13. A foundation cannot be laid unless it is on the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
14. A house is built upon a foundation only by works.
15. Works are acts performed in obedience to the law of God. They include righteous deeds, growth, creation and building in spiritual life.
16. A foundation is laid so a Christian may do works that glorify the LORD God. If a Christian’s works survive the revealing by fire, they will receive a reward from the LORD God. If a Christian’s works are burned by fire, they will suffer loss. However, a Christian’s salvation is NEVER in jeopardy, and the faithful will be saved. (We will be studying this in the next chapter “Sin”).
17. Because a “house” is the “dwelling place of the soul”, then a person’s works, from the doctrine of Christ, is the place where the soul dwells. In other words, You are rewarded or suffer loss for what you do! WORKS!
18. Because the “foundation” is made by the doctrine of Christ, then a person’s faith, is the place where the works begin. In other words, You are saved for what you believe! FAITH!
19. The six foundation principles of the Doctrine of Christ are vital for both a person’s faith and works. Faith and works, without the foundation of Christ, will not survive.
Luke 14:25-33
And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
20. A person must consider the cost of being a disciple (student) to Jesus, before the laying of the foundation. If a student is not willing to give up everything he has, bear his cross, and follow Jesus, he cannot be a disciple of Christ. If a person does not consider the cost before beginning, and stops the foundation building before it is finished, he becomes vulnerable to deceit or ridicule and being led into false belief.
21. The typology for “cross” is exposure to death, i.e., self-denial. Jesus only wants a foundation building student if that person is willing to deny himself and forsake (separate from) everything he holds dear.
We have seen so many people over the years who have started a foundation building with Christ and stopped suddenly when they realized that Jesus required them to follow Him completely and give up their will and embrace the LORD God’s Will. We have seen these same people, over and over and over, being led into false beliefs because their unfinished foundation was taken advantage of by the enemy darkness. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT!!! Know and accept the cost of following Jesus before you commit to the building of your foundation. When you are willing to love the LORD God with your complete heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) and follow Jesus and forsake all others by hearing and doing what He says, then and only then, allow the foundation of Jesus Christ to be laid in your life.
Foundation BI100-1 Test
1. What is a “foundation”? (Def)
A. A base on which some structure rests.
B. The first principles of a system of truth.
C. A natural or prepared ground for building upon.
D. All the above
2. How does a person build a spiritual foundation on a rock? Luke 6:46-49 (1) (More than one answer)
A. Attend worship services regularly
B. Come to the Lord Jesus
C. Hear the Lord Jesus
D. Do as the Lord Jesus says
E. Volunteer your time and effort to help the suffering
F. Tithe and participate fully in the expansion of the Church
G. Acquire new responsibilities in Church management
H. Teach Sunday School
I. Share your spiritual testimony with others
3. Who does the rock represent in the parable “The House Built on a Rock” in Luke 6:46-49? Luke 6:46-49 (1)
A. LORD GOD
B. Jesus Christ
C. Holy Spirit
D. Christian
E. Church
4. What happens when a person builds a solid foundation on a rock, and then trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (1)
A. That person’s life is shaken but not destroyed.
B. That person’s life cannot be shaken.
C. That person’s life is destroyed.
D. That person cannot have a life any longer.
5. What must a person dig deeply into before laying the foundation on the rock? Luke 6:46-49 (2)
A. The spiritual needs and desires contained within a person’s soul.
B. The doctrine and practices of a church most compatible with a person’s belief.
C. The things of God which are normally hidden and above man’s scrutiny.
D. All the above.
6. How does a person accomplish this deep digging before foundation laying? Luke 6:46-49 (2)
A. Examine your inner self thoroughly, and identify areas that need improvement, encouragement, change or reward.
B. Familiarize yourself with church practices and belief, then visit several churches to find the one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
C. Prayerfully read and study the Word (Holy Bible) and do what it says.
D. All the above.
7. How does a person mistakenly build a foundation “upon” the earth, rather than “digging deeply” into the earth? Luke 6:46-49 (3)
A. When a person refuses to come to the Lord Jesus (Word), but rather tries to build the foundation with his own effort.
B. When a person comes to the Lord Jesus (Word) but is unable to hear and understand what His Word says.
C. When a person comes to the Lord Jesus (Word), hears, and understands what His Word says, but refuses to do His Word.
D. When a person is not spiritually ready to walk the required path.
E. When a person cannot find a church that fits their needs.
8. What happens when a person builds a foundation upon the earth, and then trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (3)
A. The person’s life is greatly ruined.
B. The person’s life is shaken
C. The person’s life is changed through greater understanding.
D. The person’s life is renewed through faith.
9. Match the word with the typology listed. Luke 6:46-49 (5, 6, 7)
A. house a. affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life
B. earth b. a base foundation of a person’s spiritual life in Christ
C. rock c. dwelling place of the soul
10. How does a person ensure that his life will not be disturbed when trouble comes? Luke 6:46-49 (7) (More than one answer)
A. Looking for the deep things of God.
B. Maintaining a spiritual life in Christ.
C. Maintaining a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life.
D. Building a spiritual life on the top of natural life affairs, interests, and pursuits.
11. What results if a person maintains a life concerned with the affairs, interests, and pursuits of natural life? Luke 6:46-49 (7)
A. His life becomes a powerful witness and testimony for the LORD GOD.
B. His life will be ruined when trouble comes.
C. His spiritual works will help the poor, sick, hungry, destitute, and feeble of the world.
D. His maintenance of natural life will allow God to bless him exceedingly as promised.
12. What specifically results when a person digs deeply into the things of God, and hears and does what Jesus says? Luke 6:46-49 (8)
A. The person’s life is forgiven.
B. The person’s life is sanctified.
C. The person’s life is consecrated.
D. The person’s life is saved.
13. What specifically results when a person hears but does not do what Jesus says? Luke 6:46-49 (8)
A. The person’s life is cursed.
B. The person’s life is destroyed.
C. The person’s life is punished.
D. The person’s life is condemned to hell.
14. What was the focus of Paul’s ministry? Romans 15:19-21 (9)
A. He was responsible for building on the foundation of students who had already learned of Christ.
B. He was responsible for building foundations of those who had never heard of Christ.
C. He shared responsibility for building the foundations of new converts with his brothers in Christ.
D. He was responsible for developing the most suitable foundation for each person, taking into consideration their spiritual growth at the time.
15. What did Paul teach the converts? Romans 15:19-21 (9)
A. The signs of the Spirit of God.
B. The wonders of the Spirit of God.
C. The power of the Spirit of God.
D. The gospel of Christ.
E. All the above
16. What doctrine is used for the laying of a solid spiritual foundation? Hebrews 6:1-3 (10)
A. The doctrine of Consecration
B. The doctrine of Holy Assembly
C. The doctrine of Christ
D. The doctrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
E. The doctrine of Inheritance and Reward
F. The doctrine of Sabbath Keeping
G. The doctrine of Separation
H. The doctrine of Saints
I. The doctrine of Angels
J. The doctrine of the Church
K. The doctrine of Tradition
L. The doctrine of Worship
M. The doctrine of Law
17. What are the six principles contained within this doctrine for the laying of a solid spiritual foundation? Hebrews 6:1-3 (10)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
18. What should happen next for a student after the six principles of this doctrine have been learned and a solid foundation laid? Hebrews 6:1-3 (11)
A. The student should review the six principles taught during foundation building often, and continually focus on each principle through study.
B. The student should return to the natural life fully refreshed and restored to a happier spiritual state.
C. The student should go on to learning new things of the LORD GOD according to His Grace and Will.
D. The student should grow to perfection by practicing the six principles over and over and over.
19. Why is a foundation laid? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (12)
A. So that it can be built upon.
B. So it can be sat on with confidence of salvation.
C. So it can be observed by others as holy.
D. So it can be used to further a person’s natural potential.
20. How is the house (dwelling place of the soul) built upon a foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (14)
A. Faith
B. Works
C. Worship
D. Prayer
21. What are “works”? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (15)
A. Acts performed in obedience to the law of God.
B. Acts of contrition and sacrifice
C. Acts of contemplation and separation
D. Acts of tithing and service
22. What types of acts are included as works? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (15)
A. Righteous deeds.
B. Spiritual growth.
C. Creation.
D. All the above.
23. What is the end purpose for the laying of a foundation in Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (16)
A. So a Christian can do works that glorify the LORD God.
B. So a Christian can go to heaven.
C. So a Christian can receive glory.
D. So a Christian can better the world.
24. How are a Christian’s works judged by the LORD God? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (16) (More than one answer)
A. If the works survive the revealing by fire, the Christian will receive a reward from the LORD GOD.
B. If the works are burned by the revealing by fire, the Christian will suffer loss.
C. The results of the works are not important. If a Christian tries to do good works, the LORD GOD rewards the effort.
D. If a Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is in jeopardy.
E. Even if a Faithful Christian’s works are burned by the revealing by fire, his salvation is not in jeopardy.
25. What criteria does the LORD God use to reward a person or cause a person to suffer loss? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (17)
A. Works
B. Faith
C. Holiness
D. Favor
26. “Work” is the thing that a person ___________? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (17)
A. Does
B. Believes
C. Loves
D. Wants
27. What criteria does the LORD God use to save a person? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (18)
A. Works
B. Faith
C. Holiness
D. Favor
28. “Faith” is the thing that a person ____________? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (18)
A. Does
B. Believes
C. Loves
D. Wants
29. What happens to faith and works, without the foundation of Christ? 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (19)
A. Faith and works will not survive.
B. Faith and works will not be rewarded.
C. Faith and works will suffer loss.
D. Faith and works will endure.
30. What is another name for “disciple”? Luke 14:25-33 (20)
A. Preacher
B. Holy man
C. Student
D. Teacher
31. What is vital for a person to consider before laying the foundation and becoming a disciple of Christ? Luke 14:25-33 (20)
A. A person should consider his past sins and his worth of becoming a disciple.
B. A person should consider his affiliation with his church, and the doctrine he has learned from his youth.
C. A person should consider the cost of giving up everything he has, bearing his cross and following Jesus.
D. A person should never have to consider coming to Jesus.
32. What results if a person does not properly consider, and stops the foundation building before it is finished? Luke 14:25-33 (20)
A. The person becomes vulnerable to deceit.
B. The person becomes vulnerable to ridicule.
C. The person becomes vulnerable to being led into false belief.
D. All the above.
33. What is the typology for “cross”? Luke 14:25-33 (20)
A. Exposure to death
B. Self-denial
C. Worship
D. Glory
E. Both A & B
F. Both C & D
34. What type of foundation building student does Jesus want? Luke 14:25-33 (20) (More than one answer)
A. A person that is willing to deny himself
B. A person that is willing to separate from everything he holds dear.
C. A person that is sin free and holy.
D. A person that has received instruction and acceptance from a true doctrine church.
Discussion Board #1 – Building Your House Strong!
Building your House Strong!
by Kathy L. McFarland – Monday, 24 October 2022, 11:57 AM
Number of replies: 0
Luke 6:46–49
46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? 47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. 49 But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Young Christians and mature Christians share the same destinies; one day trouble will come, it always does. The Foundation of Christ helps you build your house on a firm, deep, solid foundation to prevent it from being ruined. My job as your Bible Teacher is to help you build that foundation so solid, that when trouble does come, your house can remain standing. Your Pastor’s job is to keep your focus and your praise on the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirt, so your walk with them can be sure and steady. Together we hope to make you some of the strongest Christians to confront these coming End Times.
As a young Christian, please share with each other how a tumultuous episode in your life could have been made much better had your house been built on the foundation of Christ.
As a mature Christian, please share with each other how your house built upon the deep foundation of Christ has survived a tumultuous episode in your life.
After you have written your discussion board in a separate discussion topic, go back and read your fellow students. Consider their discussions and reply with the love of Christ on your heart.
