Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

THEOLOGY AND ETHICS INTRODUCTION / 175

Introduction to the Theology and Ethics Unit

Greetings, in the strong name of Jesus Christ! Welcome to the second unit of the Cornerstone Curriculum, Theology and Ethics . Of all the subjects preached and taught by Jesus of Nazareth, none are as significant and controversial as the subject of the Kingdom of God. Both conservative and liberal scholars agree that Jesus’ favorite subject, the one he preached and taught upon most often, is the Kingdom of God. It was his salvation message, master plan, and heart theology. Sadly, the modern Church seems to pay little attention to what Jesus considered to be most important in his prophetic and Messianic ministry. Our hope is that your heart will be gripped by the kingdom story – the King and his Kingdom – and see its importance in the life of personal discipleship and ministry. In our first lesson, The Kingdom of God: God’s Reign Inaugurated , we will explore God’s intent to eradicate all disobedience and rebellion as a result of the Fall – God becomes a Warrior in this fallen realm. Jesus of Nazareth is the Kingdom’s presence realized, with God’s reign demonstrated in his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension. The Story of the Kingdom is the story of Jesus, and God’s intent is to bring the world back under his rule in him. We praise God for his kingdom story, and your interest as a student of his Holy Word! The study of the person of our God, the Father Almighty, is one of the richest of all studies in the Word of God. It affects every part of our discipleship, worship, and ministry; truly, as our Lord Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent,” (John 17.3). In our second lesson, God the Father: The Triune God – The Greatness of God, we will look at the biblical evidence for the Trinity, God’s triune personhood. The Scriptures teach that there is only one God, and yet this same God reveals himself as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The members of the Trinity are one, diverse and equal, the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Truly, our God the Father Almighty is the one, true, and glorious God of heaven. Knowing him better will equip us to represent him with honor as his servants. May God bless you as you explore the untold riches of Scripture regarding our great and mighty God!