Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

BIBLICAL STUDIES INTRODUCTION / 77

Introduction to the Biblical Studies Unit

Greetings, dearest friends, in the strong name of Jesus Christ! Welcome to the first unit of the Cornerstone Curriculum, Biblical Studies . According to the clear testimony of the Scriptures themselves, God equips his representatives through the Spirit-breathed Word of God, the Scriptures. Everyone God calls into the ministry must determine to discipline themselves so as to master its contents, submit to its injunctions, and teach its truths. Like a workman (or work-woman!) they must strive to handle the Word of truth accurately, and so be approved of the Lord in their study (2 Tim. 2.15). As disciples of Jesus Christ, we affirm our deep belief in the creative, convicting, converting, and calling power of the Word of God. To understand the wonderful blessing of conversion and calling, we will need to critically evaluate the place of the Word of God in the Church. Our first lesson, Conversion and Calling: The Word That Creates , explores the nature of the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God as the means by which the Holy Spirit creates new life in those who believe. We prove to be disciples by abiding in Jesus’ Word. As members of the Church we receive the Word together in community, the same which provides us with the ultimate purpose of the created universe, which is the glorification of Almighty God. In our second lesson, Biblical Interpretation: The Three-Step Model , we will introduce an effective method of biblical interpretation designed to help you approach your study of Scripture so as to bridge the gap between our ancient and contemporary worlds. We call it the Three-Step Model : understand the original audience, discover general principles, and make applications to life. The Bible’s own remarkable claim of its transforming power ought to be reason enough to challenge us to master the Word of God. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3.16-17). The God-breathed Word of God in the words of humankind is sufficient to enrich us, delight us, and make us competent and equipped for every good work. Truly, the Word of God cannot be broken, will always accomplish its purpose, and will ensure the person of God enjoys good success in all they do to advance the Kingdom of God wherever they are (John 10.35; Isa. 55.8-11; Josh. 1.8).