Temple Hills Church of God New Members Class Student Guide (Catechism) Befriending to Win 3814 St. Barnabas Road Temple Hills, MD 20748 Pastor Victor J. Coleman, Sr. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 1 of 9
Course Description: Catechism is a summary of religious doctrine taught to the members of THCOG. The course is required for membership to this local expression. The course is designed to ensure that the person called to serve the Lord through this local expression of the body of Christ understands who they are in Christ and their relation with God, who we are, what we believe and why we believe as we do. It also helps to ensure that each member becomes familiar with the history, vision and mission of THCOG. Lesson 1 1. Introduction a. Ice Breaker (Each student s personal introduction 1 minute (depends on class size) b. Purpose of class i. Foster Unity - Psalms 133; Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 1:10 ii. Get the game plan for this local expression of the body of Christ iii. Ensure we are pulling together in the same direction` - a man hands on the oar can t rock the boat c. Class Requirements i. Memorize at least five assurances scriptures ii. Memorize books of the Bible iii. Attendance requirements be accountable iv. Class attendance attend each class and be on time v. Do homework vi. Bring a Bible 2. Vision Handout 1 Ministry Guiding Principles Importance of Prayer Outreach THCOG of Polity (Church Structure) Senior Pastor is Visionary Responsible to God for the flock - (Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 13: 17; Ezekiel 33:7-9; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13) Guiding Councils support the Senior Pastor to carry out the vision What you can expect from THCOG What THCOG expects from you 3. Brief History of the Church Handout 1-2 a. THCOG History (http://www.templehillschurchofgod.com) b. We are Non-denomination and have a voluntary relationship with other Churches of God (Headquarters in Anderson, IN) (http://www.jesusisthesubject.org) c. National Association of the COG (West Middlesex, PA) (http://www.nacog.com) d. Chesapeake, Delaware, Potomac (CDP) Ministerial Alliance (http://churchofgodcdp.org) Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 2 of 9
Lesson 2 How to use the Bible Lesson 3 Assurance of Salvation Baptism and Tithes (Handout 3) Lesson 4 Assurance of Answered Prayer (John 16:24) Lesson 5 Assurance of Victory (1 Corinthians 10:13) Lesson 6 Assurance of Forgiveness (1 John 1:9) Lesson 7 Assurance of Guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6) Lesson 8 Assurance of Provision (Philippians 4:19) Handouts Sharing Your Faith Handout 4 Church Logo- Handout 5 Confession I Am Somebody; Offertory Handout 6 Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 3 of 9
LESSON 2 How to use the Bible PRINCIPLES OF BIBLE STUDY AND INTERPRETATION Beyond the different translations there are a few basic principles for personal Bible Study. 1. Begin with the belief that the Bible is the only Creed we need. Accept the Bible in accordance with 2 Timothy 3:16-17. That it is fully trustworthy and authoritative as the infallible guide for understanding and the living of the Christian life. First determine where you want to go then choose the roads that will get you there. Ask these questions: What do I see? What does it mean? How does it apply to me? 2. We must recognize that all scripture is to be interpreted under the direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must study the Bible prayerfully and look to the Holy Spirit to open its meanings to you. This helps us to guard against subjective private interpretations. Look for key words, often words that are repeated. Look for linking words such as (for, if, but) cause and effect words. 3. Each Biblical passage must be studied in the context of its setting. True meaning can be understood only as we take into consideration the particular time and circumstances of each saying and story. As questions: (Who, what, where, when, why and how). Look for direct commands. 4. Biblical teaching must be understood in the light of the whole Bible rather than in selecting certain isolated texts in order to find support for a certain view or prove a particular point. 5. One must be able to distinguish between the various literary forms used in the Biblical writings. Many parts of the Bible are forthright and simply stated narratives, commands, promises, teaching and so on. Others parts are written in figurative language, using symbols and imagery to convey the intended meanings. 6. One must be able to distinguish between those that are permanently valid and those that are culturally dated. Example (Isaiah 11:12; Revelations 7:1) References to the Four Corners of the Earth reflect the view of the world generally held at the time of these writings and are not to be cited as proof either that the world is square or that the Bible contains gross errors of facts about the universe. 7. It is important to give studied attention to sound Biblical scholarship. This means a diligent study of Bible history, a careful examination of the words of text (using the original languages, if possible), and become acquainted with the findings of the best Biblical scholars. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 4 of 9
LESSON 2 (con t) How to Use the Bible The Bible is the basis for our faith and guide for our daily life. It is the Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth (B.I.B.L.E.). We need to know as much about it as possible. Perhaps you would like to learn the names of the Bible so you can find them more easily. 66 BOOKS OLD TESTAMENT 39 BOOKS THE LAW OR PENTATEUCH 5 BOOKS Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy HISTORICAL BOOKS 12 Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 11 Samuel 1 Kings 11 Kings 1 Chronicles 11 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther NEW TESTAMENT 27 BOOKS THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS BIOGRAPHICAL 3 BOOKS - "Synoptic" is a Greek word meaning "having a common view." Matthew Mark Luke John HISTORICAL BOOK 1 BOOK Acts Includes many of the same stories, often in the same sequence, and sometimes exactly the same wording. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 5 of 9
LESSON 2 (con t) - How to Use the Bible 66 BOOKS Old TESTAMENT 39 BOOKS Poetical Books 5 Books Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Major Prophets 5 Books Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Minor Prophets 12 Books Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi NEW TESTAMENT 27 BOOKS The Pauline Epistles 14 Books Romans 1 Corinthians 11 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 11 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 11 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews The General Epistles 8 Books James 1 Peter 11 Peter 1 John 11 John 111 John Jude Prophetical 1 Book Revelations Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 6 of 9
LESSON 2 (con t) - How to Use the Bible OBSERVATIONS: 1. Key Words 2. Cause and Effect Statements 3. Commands 4. Linking Words 5. Questions 6. Relevant information about history, geography, and culture 7. Language are there any words I need to better understand 8. What is the single primary meaning of this passage? 9. What do I think the original readers understood from this passage? 10. Cross reference 11. Context what light does the context shed on my understanding of this passage? 400 Silent Years between Malachi and Matthew APPLICATIONS: 1. Is there a command I should fulfill? 2. Is there a promise I should claim? ½ 3. Is there a sin I should avoid? 4. Is there an example I should follow? 5. Is there a problem I need to solve 6. What will I do now to obey what God is teaching me in this passage? 7. What words in this passage do I need to know the meaning of? 8. What are the possible dangers to me if I don t apply this passage to my life? 9. What are the benefits to me if I do apply this passage to my life? 10. What changes in my life will take place TIPS TO FIND YOUR WAY: Genesis 1 Samuel -------------- Psalms Malachi Matthew Revelation 1. Hold the Bible closed with the back on your lap or table 2. Open it to the middle of the book You will find Psalms 3. Now hold Genesis to Psalms upright. Open to the middle. You will find 1 Samuel. 4. Now hold Psalms through Revelation upright. Open to the middle. You will find Malachi. These tips can help you to find books more quickly after you become acquainted with the names of the books and practice a bit. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 7 of 9
Lesson 2 con t - How To Use The Bible Different Translations Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. The Message (MSG) Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. 6 Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. New Living Translation (NLT) Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths. English Standard Version (ESV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Contemporary English Version (CEV) With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Isaiah 55:7-9 New International Version (NIV) 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. 9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. The Message (MSG) 7 Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to GOD, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness. 8 "I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work." GOD's Decree. 9 "For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. New Living Translation (NLT) 7 Let the people turn from their wicked deeds. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 8 of 9
Lesson 2 (con t) - How To Use The Bible Different Translations Contemporary English Version (CEV) 7 Give up your crooked ways and your evil thoughts. Return to the LORD our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins. 8 The LORD says: "My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. 9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours. John 6:38 The Message (MSG) - I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me. NLT For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want. English Standard Version (ESV) - For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. Contemporary English Version - I didn't come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, 39 and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day. Electronic and Social Media - There are many translations that can easily be obtain using electronic media. There are now Bible Apps that works with computers, cells phones, and tablets. In addition, these devices can be used to get better understanding of scriptures by searching various websites. Also social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. is available to enhance your faith. We highly recommend using whatever means necessary to obtain information to grow your faith. We also caution the use of social media to replace Bible study in small groups. There are many website that offer online Bible Study but the information may not be consistent with the teaching of our fellowship and/or the Bible. Small groups are better to help hold you accountable for what you learn and to seek understanding when there is conflict. Temple Hills Church of GodCatchism class revised September 30 2015 v2 next pdf Page 9 of 9