ABOUT THE AUTHORworldimpact.tv › ...FoundationsofFaith-Book.pdf · Abraham and the resting place of what’s believed to be Noah’s Ark. In later chapters readers travel to Instanbul

Foundations of Faith takes readers on a trip to the land that was once the cradle of Christianity. This study guide explores sites such as the homelands of Abraham and the resting place of what’s believed to be Noah’s Ark. In later chapters readers travel to Instanbul and peek inside the homes of ancient Chris-tians who dwelled “in caves and holes in the ground” and learn about the cave church where Apostles Peter and Paul preached between 40 AD and 50 AD. The journey ends as readers study how Christianity was shaped by events that took place at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD.

This study guide is packed full of resources including historical insights, word studies and probing interactive questions to draw the reader into the world of the Foundations of Faith!

Dr. William M. Wilson is the fourth president of Oral Rob-erts University. He is recognized as a global influencer with unwavering ethics and strong business acumen who has a passion for building Spirit-empowered leaders to impact the world.

Wilson has also fostered unique global partnerships through Empowered 21–an initiative launched at ORU that brings together ministry leaders, scholars and next genera-

tion voices from the Spirit-empowered movement. Empowered 21 has expanded exponentially and today influences nations through 12 regional cabinets with sig-nificant ministry leaders.

Wilson is a noted Bible teacher with a weekly television program “World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson.” For more than 15 years, the program has inspired and empowered viewers from a biblical worldview in 170 nations and in five languages.

Wilson served on the ORU Board of Trustees as vice-chair until his election as president. He is a renowned speaker and author, writing several books includ-ing “Father Cry,” “Foundations of Faith” and “Fasting Forward.”

Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky Universi-ty in Secondary Education. He also holds a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

© Copyright 2014

By Oral Roberts University

7777 South Lewis Avenue • Tulsa, OK 74171 • USA

918-495-6161 • www.oru.edu

All Rights Reserved

This book is made available free to those in need by the generous

sponsorship of the World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson viewing audi-

ence. www.worldimpact.tv

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations marked NIV are taken

from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973,

1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of

Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the

Bible.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American

Standard Bible® Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962,

1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975 1977. Used by permission.

Book Editor: Virginia Chatham

Editorial Assistant: Elizabeth Witt

TO SEE TODAY’S CHURCH MORE CLEARLY 5

CONTENTSLESSON 1: 9FAITH FOR THE FUTURESTUDY OF THE LIFE OF NOAH

LESSON 2: 15FAITH OF OUR FATHERSANSWERS FROM ABRAHAM

LESSON 3: 23THE FRUIT OF FAITHANALYZING ANTIOCH

LESSON 4: 31FAITH VS. FEARCAPPADOCIA CHALLENGES

LESSON 5: 39 FIRST HAND FAITHMAKING FAITH PERSONAL

LESSON 6: 49 WHEN FAITHS COLLIDEFAITH FIGHTS


DEDICATION

Adversity in the Christian’s life

serves as God’s instrument to conform us

to the image of His son. Rarely have I met

anyone whose witness during adversity’s

process was greater than our World Impact

producer’s wife, Carol Howell. Carol’s joy and

enthusiasm for the Lord only seemed to in-

crease in the midst of pain. When Dan and

Carol began work on this study guide, Carol’s

cancer was in remission. Before the writing was complete, Carol

went home to be with the Lord.

It is with both great sorrow and great joy that we dedicate this

study guide to a blessed mother, special grandmother, faithful

Christian, encouraging friend, and Dan’s loving wife, Carol. May her

memory always remind us that through every storm of life our faith

has a firm foundation in Christ.

Dr. Billy WilsonPresident

Oral Roberts University


FAITH FOR THE

FUTURETHE STUDY OF THE LIFE OF NOAH

The Psalmist has some advice for those who attempt to live

godly in a wicked world: “Do not fret because of evil men or be envi-

ous of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither,

like green plants they will soon die away” (Psalm 37:1–2 NIV).

At first glance, it may appear that wickedness is winning and

evildoers are prospering while God’s people struggle under endless

burdens. Noah probably felt that way as he laboured for 120 years

in obedience to God’s instructions to build an ark. He faced scorn,

laughter, and ridicule. Yet he pressed on by faith, knowing that the

persecution he endured was temporary.

If we believe, as Noah did, that our world is moving toward a day

of judgment, then his example is crucial to us.

Jesus said that the end of the world would be much like the

days of Noah (Matthew 24:37). This warning should challenge us to

look closely at how Noah responded to the events of his day and

pattern our response after his.

T O D A Y ’ S C H U R C H : A LOOK AT YESTERDAY’S CHURCH10

LETS GET STARTED!Take a few minutes and read Genesis 6 then describe what was

happening in the world at the time of Noah.

Describe your feelings when Christians are ridiculed and even

persecuted today.

The account of Noah and the flood is one of the most familiar

events in the Bible. Christians and non-Christians alike are aware

of the account of the great flood. However, few take it seriously

enough to learn from the story.

Scripture tells us that people

were so wicked that God re-

pented that He had made man.

This seems astounding when

you realize that Noah was just

ten generations removed from

Adam.

It appears to have been a

prosperous culture, much like

today, in which people had to-

tally forgotten about a relation-

WORD TREASURES

The term “favor of God” is from the Hebrew word hen or the

Greek charis. It means “friendly regard, approval, or gracious kindness.” As seen in the story

of Noah, the favor of God can mean the difference between life and death. Noah lived in a world under God’s disfavor.


ship with God. The writer of Luke 17 records that they were eating,

drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage. They chose to pur-

sue life with a total disregard for the consequences. Their treatment

of Noah shows they never suspected that God was about to end it

all because of their wickedness.

Jesus makes it clear in Luke 17 that history will repeat itself. A

casual glance at the news headlines tells us the days of Noah are

here again. Can God’s judgment be far away?

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS More than 200 different cultures around the world share the same basic story of a great flood that covered the earth. The Babylonian poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, tells of a great flood almost exactly as it is recorded in the Bible. The ancient Aztecs of Mexico told of a great flood and a man named Nota. The Incas spoke of a devastating flood and two people re-populating the earth. The Mayans told of a great flood that destroyed all people for failure to worship the gods. China’s book of history, probably written 700 years before Christ, talks about a flood that reached to the heavens. And, in the non-biblical book of Enoch of the second century B.C., an account of a great flood seems to confirm the Genesis account found in the Hebrew Bible. Many scholars say the large number of flood stories among many cultures indicate they originated from a common, historical event.

SEARCHING DEEPERTake a moment to read the following passages and discuss how

acting on faith under girds every event in the Bible:

• Hannah—1Samuel1and2

• Gideon—Judges6and7

• Mary—Luke1:26–38


What role did Noah’s faith play in saving his family?

How does our obedience or disobedience affect our families?

Hebrews 11:7 (NIV): “By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet

seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he condemned

the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Because Noah fully obeyed God’s instructions, by faith, his fam-

ily was saved. Noah’s faith also inspired many generations after him.

From Noah’s son Shem, Abraham and King David were born. Ulti-

mately, Jesus, the Son of God, came from Noah’s lineage.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHINGIn Genesis 6, the writer tells us that Noah’s world was so wicked that

God was grieved to his heart and determined to destroy it (v. 6). But, in verse 8, the writer says, “Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” Verse 9 says that Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation, and he walked with God. Apparently, Noah was the only godly man of his generation. Not only was he alone in his faith, but God also asked him to demonstrate his faith by building a huge boat. God gave Noah the blueprint, telling him to make it 438 feet long, 44 feet wide, and three

stories tall! This was a huge undertaking and not for the faint of heart.

There may have been days when the task of milling the lumber,


climbing ladders, and sealing cracks seemed as if God was asking too

much. Noah’s body grew weary, his hands may have been blistered and

full of splinters, and his emotions frayed. Yet, Noah faithfully followed

God’s plan. Genesis 6:22 (NET) states, “Noah did all that God command-

ed him.” No doubt, Noah would say the end result was worth the strug-

gle. His faith and work were rewarded with the salvation of his family.

The Scriptures do not say the Christian life will be free of pain or

struggle. However, God has promised to give grace to the faithful and

strength for the task ahead. Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary

while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”

(NKJV). Noah’s example of perseverance, tenacity, and faithful obedience

is a clear blueprint of what God can do through a willing heart.

NOAH’S FAITH CHANGED THE WORLD HE HAD

faith that finds favorNoah lived in a world under God’s disfavor(Genesis6:6-8)

faith that followed God fullyGod’s instructions to Noah were clear and precise (Genesis6:8–16)The space required for the animals equalled 150 boxcars. The ark could hold 536 boxcars.

faith that fought for his familyIt is important to understand that Noah’s family was rescued and saved because of his faith.

faith that finished faithfullyA spiritual legacy is formed by a long obedience in the same direction.Noah’s legacy was 120 years of obedience to God.


MAKING IT PERSONALHow do we find favor with God? (Proverbs11:27,12:2;Psalm5:12)

How do we discover grace? (James4:6;1Peter5:5)

SCRIPTURE READING•Luke17:26–27

•Hebrews11

•James2:18–26


FAITH OF OUR

FATHERSANSWERS FROM ABRAHAM

Do you remember the children’s song, “Father Abraham?”

It goes like this:

Father Abraham had many sons.

Many sons had Father Abraham.

I am one of them and so are you . . . .

There’s a lot of truth in that little jingle. In Genesis 22:17 (NIV),

God made the following promise to Abraham: “I will surely bless you

and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and

as the sand on the seashore.”

Today, three major religions look to Abraham as their patriarch.

To the Jews, Abraham is the father of the people of Israel through

Isaac. For Muslims, he is the prophet of Islam, the ancestor of Mu-

hammad through Abraham’s other son Ishmael. To the Christians,

he is the “father of the faithful.” The apostle Paul calls him the father

of all those who believe, both of the circumcised and the uncircum-

cised (Romans 4:11).


Jesus, however, makes the most revealing and startling state-

ment about Abraham. Speaking to the Pharisees in John 8:56 (KJV),

Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he

saw it, and was glad.” How did Abraham see Jesus’ day? By faith. The

apostle Paul wrote that God preached the gospel to Abraham. He

received the message and looked ahead to a point in time when

a Redeemer would come (Galatians 3:6–9). Today, Christians look

back, but both look through eyes of faith to the Cross, where God

incarnate became the sacrificial lamb for the sins of all humanity.

LET’S GET STARTEDReadIsaiah51:1–2andJames2:23.What does Isaiah say happened to Abraham after God called him?

Why did James give Abraham the distinction of being called the

“friend of God”?

ReadGenesis12:1–8.Abraham is mentioned at least 70 times in the New Testament

as an example of a faith-filled man who fully obeyed God. There are

four aspects of his life that put him in a category unmatched by any


other person in Scripture.

Explain how these four characteristics resulted in Abraham being a “friend of God”:

1. He committed completely. The kind of faith we

need in times of uncertainty and upheaval demands

complete commitment, which brings stability,

strength, and purpose.

2. Hetrustedtotally. Perhaps his greatest test was the

offering of his son Isaac on mount Moriah (Genesis

22). William Newton Clarke said, “Faith is the daring

of the soul to go farther than it can see.”

3. Heembracedtheeternal. Abraham recognized the

permanence of eternity with God.

4. Hegraspedthegoodnews. By faith, Abraham em-

braced the gospel of salvation, and it was counted to

him for righteousness.

Abraham’s response to the Gospel (his works) proved to God

that his faith was genuine (James 2:20). Leaving his home and kin-

dred, he obediently followed God’s instructions. The traveling con-

ditions were difficult at best. The climate was hot and arid, and his

mode of transportation was probably a donkey, camel, or walking.

Plus, he had no idea where he was going. Abraham trusted God

to lead the way. His faith made the journey possible, but it did not

make it easy.


Explain how this aspect of Abraham’s life correlates to the faith

walk of Christians today.

Malcolm Muggeridge said, “Faith is a form of knowledge which

transcends the intellect.” That is

the faith of Abraham. He heard

the Gospel and believed (acted

upon) God’s promises (Gala-

tians 3).

In his letter to the Galatians,

Paul explains the meaning of

those promises: “The promises

were spoken to Abraham and

to his seed. The Scripture does

not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning

many people, but ‘and to your

seed,’ meaning one person,

who is Christ (Galatians 3:16

NIV). Paul further explains, “If

you belong to Christ, then you

are Abraham’s seed and heirs

according to the promise” (Ga-

latians 3:29 NIV). Christ is that

Seed to whom the promise

refers. It is in Christ that all the

WORD TREASURES

Covenant: The word covenant is from the Latin convenire, meaning “to come together.” It presupposes

two or more parties who come together to make a contract,

agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities,

as God did with Abraham. The word appears 280 times in the

Old Testament (NASB).

In the New Testament, the Greek word diatheke is used, which

can also mean “testament.” God instituted a New Covenant (testa-ment) through the sacrificial blood of Christ. Old things (covenants) passed away, and all things be-came new. The word appears 33 times in the New Testament (KJV

Greek Concordance).


HISTORICAL INSIGHTS Read Genesis 11:10–32 Genesis 11 records the genealogy of Abraham all the way back to Shem, the son of Noah. The record shows that Abraham’s father, Terah, decided to leave his birthplace in Ur of the Chaldees, which was located in modern-day Iraq. He headed for Canaan but along the way decided to settle in Haran, which was about halfway. The ancient city of Haran is mentioned several times in the Old Testa-ment. It is located in modern-day Turkey, approximately 10 miles from the Syrian border. Situated on the ancient trade route between Damascus and Nineveh, Haran was a flourishing city in Abraham’s day. Its citizens were pa-gans devoted to the worship of the moon god. Joshua 24:2 says that Terah, Abraham’s father, was also an idol worshipper. The Jewish Midrash indicates he was a craftsman who earned a living making idols for the temple and local population. Some scholars speculate Terah may have chosen to settle in Haran because he had not broken with his idolatry. Abraham’s upbring-ing, surrounded by idolatry, makes his faith in the one true God even more remarkable. Following Terah’s death at age 205, God told Abraham to leave his country and his kindred. At age 75, he left for Canaan with his wife, Sarah, and nephew Lot. Years later, Haran played a prominent role in the lives of Abraham’s descendants. When Abraham’s son Isaac was old enough to marry, he sent his servant Eliezer to Canaan to choose Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, from among Abraham’s kinsmen (Genesis 24). During the next generation, Ja-cob, Isaac’s son, fled to Haran after stealing the birthright of his brother Esau. Jacob worked for Laban, the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor, for about twenty years, fourteen as payment for the right to marry Laban’s daughters, Rachel and Leah. Today, Harran looks much the same as it might have looked when Abraham lived there. The crumbling walls, scattered rocks, and dusty paths are the backdrop for some of the most intriguing stories in the Old Testament. The mud-brick, cone-shaped houses of today help keep the inhabitants cool and shield them from the sun and rain just as they did in Abraham’s day. From these humble beginnings, Abraham became one of the most prominent people in the Koran, the Torah, and the Bible because he believed and obeyed God.


nations of the earth are blessed. Paul makes it clear that God’s uni-

versal plan and promise of salvation was revealed in His covenant

with Abraham. As his spiritual descendants, we are called to walk by

faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The journey may not be easy, but faith in God’s promises makes

it possible. Like Abraham’s, it’s a faith that believes the task ahead of

us is never as great as the Power behind us.

SEARCHING DEEPER“Faith grows only in the dark. You’ve got to trust Him when you

can’t trace Him. That’s faith.”—Lyell Rader

Take some time to read the faith chapter—Hebrews 11—and

see how your faith will grow as you read about some of the great

heroes of the faith.

Can a faith that does nothing be called sincere?

God told Abraham that all the nations of the earth would be

blessed through his seed. How has your life and family been blessed

as a result of God’s promises to Abraham?


The Genesis account of Abraham tells the story of a man who

was wealthy, powerful, and supremely virtuous. Yet, he was human-

ly flawed. He was deceptive, calculating, and an inconsiderate hus-

band (Genesis 20). Yet, he is the central character in Genesis, and

his generations (Hebrew: toledoth; translated to Greek: genesis) are

presented as part of the crowning explanation of how the world has

been fashioned by the hand of God, how the boundaries and rela-

tionships of peoples were established by Him, and how the King-

dom of God would be established through Abraham.

Explain how a humanly flawed man like Abraham could be-

come the patriarch of the Christian faith.

Discuss the power of the Gospel to change an idol worshipper

like Abraham to complete allegiance to God.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHINGIn Isaiah 51 (KJV), Israel was at a critical time in her history. The

nation had been overrun and the people taken into Babylonian ex-

ile. After years of servitude and hardship, they cried out for hope and

direction. Isaiah responded by saying, “Hearken [or listen] to me!. . .


Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn. . . Look unto Abraham your

father” (vv. 1–2). Isaiah’s message was one of hope. He reminded

them that their father, Abraham, had been “called . . . , blessed . . . ,

and increased” (v. 2). As Abraham’s descendants, Isaiah reminded

them that “the LORD shall comfort Zion (v. 3), and “the redeemed of

the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and ever-

lasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and

joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away” (v. 11).

Isaiah’s message is still relevant today! God will not abandon His

people. His promise is to Abraham and his seed. Our responsibili-

ty in this covenant relationship is to refuse to abandon our faith in

God. Read Romans 8:35–39.

MAKING IT PERSONALOur faith in God must go beyond our knowledge. It must be

practiced in alignment with God’s Word and a life devoted to prayer.

As we practice these disciplines we will grow into mature followers

of Christ, able to believe and trust Him in any situation.

SCRIPTURE READING•Genesis12:3

•Genesis17:1–10

•Genesis22:2

•Romans4:1–2

•James2:17–23


THE FRUIT OF

FAITHANALYZING ANTIOCH

David Otis Fuller, founder of Cornerstone University and

the Children’s Bible Hour once asked, “If you were arrested for being

a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” This

was not an issue in Antioch. The believers in this major Roman city

were singled out by the pagan population because the fruit of their

faith easily identified them as followers of Jesus. “The disciples were

called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26 NIV).

Under the leadership and teaching of men like Paul, Peter, Barn-

abas, and others, the church in Antioch became the cradle of Chris-

tianity in the Gentile world. Their passion and zeal was so intense

that even King Agrippa responded to Paul’s witness: “Almost thou

persuadest me to be a Christian” (26:28 KJV). This wicked king could

see there was something extraordinarily different about those who

affirmed allegiance to the King of kings.

What a contrast to today’s church. A poll by the Barna Research

Group reveals it is hardly distinguishable from the rest of society.


Fifty-two percent of “born-again” Christians denied the existence

of Satan, 55 percent rejected the existence of the Holy Spirit, and

33 percent denied the biblical doctrine of salvation by God’s grace

through faith in Christ alone. The same number (33 percent) agreed

that a person could earn his or her own salvation through good

works, and 35 percent denied the physical resurrection of Christ.

These numbers reveal that a large percentage of professing Chris-

tians in the American Church are not Christians at all. No wonder

America has become the third largest mission field in the world.

If we wish to experience the “fruit of faith” like the Antioch Chris-

tians, we must produce evidence that we are true followers of Christ.

LET’S GET STARTEDReadActs11:19–26.Why were so many followers of Christ living in Antioch?

Why did Barnabas come to Antioch?


What did Barnabas witness in Antioch?

Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, behind

Rome and Alexandria. No doubt, many people came here to con-

duct commerce or find work since it was an important port city.

The passage in Acts 11:19–26 states that many of these people

believed on Jesus and became disciples.

Acts 11:21 (NIV) says that “a great number of people believed

and turned to the Lord,” indicating it is possible to believe that Jesus

is the Messiah and fail to turn to Him as Savior; “the devils also be-

lieve, and tremble” (James 2:19 KJV).

How relevant for our day when so many appear to be religious,

yet the “fruit of faith” is missing from their lives. There is little evi-

dence that they are true followers of Christ.

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS Ancient Antioch, or Antakya, as it is known today, was the hub of Christian activity in the Book of Acts. Its name is synonymous with missions and new frontiers of evangelism. In Paul’s day, it was the third most important city in the Roman Empire with a population of a half-million people. To the disciples, this metropolis, no doubt, seemed like the logical place to begin their ministry to the Gentiles as instructed by Christ. It was a crossroad for commerce and a powerful political center. Located near Tarsus, where the apostle Paul was born, it became the launch pad for Paul’s missionary journeys. History tells us that the apostle Peter established the first Gentile church in Antioch in a cave on a mountainside overlooking the city. The cave has been preserved, is open to the public, and is the only visible reminder of Antioch’s connection to the apostles.


Antioch’s glory days as a big cosmopolitan city with grand col-

onnades and opulent Roman palaces are gone. Today, Antakya’s

300,000 residents can visit the Hatay Museum, which displays the

world’s largest collection of Roman mosaics and speaks of the city’s

heyday as a political power. However, the city’s only remaining re-

minder of Antioch’s Christian history is now a tourist attraction.

The Seven Signs of a True Christian:1. A Christian is passionate about a person.

Being a Christian is about a person, Jesus Christ. One must do

more than just believe who He is. We must have an intimate, per-

sonal relationship with Him. Billy Sunday, the great evangelist, said,

“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going

to a garage makes you an automobile.” Scripture teaches that we

must be born again by saving faith in Jesus. The believers in Antioch

were passionate about sharing their message because their lives

had been changed by faith in Christ.

2. A Christian lives by the law of love.

The Christian is one who has personally experienced the love of

God through the saving grace of Jesus. Our lives are to be governed

by only two commandments—love God and love your neighbor.

(Matthew 22:36–39). Living out these two commandments will ena-

ble us to fulfil everything Christ asks of us.

3. A Christian witnesses to others.

Acts 13 says that Barnabas and Saul were called by the Holy Spirit

to share the Gospel message that they had heard and believed. The

Antioch church prayed over them and sent them on a missionary

journey as messengers of Jesus Christ. This is a clear example of how

today’s church should conduct its missionary endeavors. Our efforts


should be Spirit-led, soaked in prayer, and with the support of the

local church. When combined with a compassion for the unsaved,

we will see results when the gospel is presented.

4. A Christian possesses peace.These were troubling times for Antioch Christians as persecu-

tion spread throughout the Roman Empire. To further complicate

their lives, a great famine was about to engulf the land, as proph-

esied by Agabus (Acts 11). But in the midst of bad news, the An-

tioch Christians decided to

help those who were worse off

than they were (Acts 11:27–30).

Their trust was not in what

they possessed, but rather in

the God who had saved them.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with

you; my peace I give you. I do

not give to you as the world

gives. Do not let your hearts be

troubled and do not be afraid,”

and, “In this world you will have

trouble. But take heart! I have

overcome the world” (John

14:27; 16:33 NIV).

5. A Christian hungers for holy things.

Christians’ appetites are

different from those who have

no relationship with God. The

Antioch Christians displayed a

deep hunger for God and want-

WORD TREASURES

CHRISTIAN (khrihs’tyan).The name could have been taken from the Greek Chrestianos or

“Chrestian.” It was originally used to describe slaves belonging to a great household. When the Gentiles at Antioch called the

followers of Christ “Christians,” it was not intended as a compliment. The original word was a derog-atory term, a put-down, placing

believers in the same category as slaves. However, believers soon

adopted the name for themselves with the understanding that they were slaves and Christ was their

master. Paul’s description is fitting: a slave is “bought with a price,” and,

“being then made free from sin, ye became the servants [slaves] of righteousness” (1 Corinthians 6:20;

Romans 6:18 KJV).


ed to know more about Him. Paul and Barnabas stayed with them for

about a year teaching what had been revealed to them from God.

6. A Christian is thankful for God’s grace.In Acts 15:30–31, we see the gratitude of the Antioch Christians

for the grace of God on their lives. The Jewish believers had wanted

the Gentile believers to practice some of the Old Testament laws

by which they lived. But the elders in Jerusalem recognized it was

a new day, and they agreed to let the Antioch Christians live by the

grace of God as revealed to them by the Holy Spirit.

7. A Christian lives in surrender to the Holy Spirit’s direction.Christians are called to live in the supernatural, to walk in the

Spirit. In Acts 13:2, we learn that the Antioch Christians responded read-

ily to the Holy Spirit’s direction. However, they were engaged in seeking

God through fasting and prayer when the Spirit spoke. The Holy Spir-

it is still calling people today. Could it be we will hear Him only when

we earnestly seek Him through fasting and prayer? A saint of long ago,

Johann Höpfner, said, “Faith makes a Christian, life proves a Christian,

trials confirm a Christian, and death crowns a Christian.” We are called to

remain faithful, and the fruit of faith will be apparent to those we meet.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHINGLet’s look at the three places in the New Testament where the

word “Christian” appears.

Acts 11:26—Why were the believers called Christians first in Antioch?

Acts 26:28—Why do you think King Agrippa responded to Paul’s


witness as he did?

1 Peter 4:16—How does Peter’s advice to ancient Christians fit

the lifestyle of many of today’s Christians?

MAKING IT PERSONALWhat evidence is needed to convince others we are Christians?

Galatians5:22

Colossians3:12–16

1Corinthians4:2

Colossians3:5–10


SCRIPTURE READING •1Thessalonians4:3–5

•Romans13:12–14

•1Peter1:13–17

•1Thessalonians4:11

•James1:19–22


FAITH VS.

FEARCAPPADOCIA CHALLENGES

Cappadocia is mentioned only twice in scripture, yet it

was among the earliest areas of Christian activity. In Acts 2:9, we

learn there were people from Cappadocia present in Jerusalem on

the Day of Pentecost. The apostle Peter writes to God’s elect “scat-

tered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia (1

Peter 1:1 NIV).” The apostle Paul traveled extensively through this

region that also gave rise to some of the more influential theolo-

gians of the early Middle Ages. Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa,

and Gregory Nazianzen were all Cappadocians.

The Christians living in Cappadocia saw severe persecution under

Roman rule between 100 A.D. and 200 A.D. History records numer-

ous atrocities, including beheading, being buried alive, being pulled

apart by horses, and being put in large leather bags with poisonous

snakes and scorpions and left to die. Many were slain without trial.

They lived daily with the fear of persecution; yet, the Cappado-

cian Christians continued to practice their faith.


What happened in Cappadocia more than 1,700 years ago re-

minds us of the power of a personal faith in Christ to drive away fear

and sustain us even in the face of death (Psalm 23:4; Proverbs 1:33).

LET’S GET STARTEDReadHebrews11:33–38The fearless response of those gone before us is a Foundation

of our Faith. How did they keep their faith intact in the face of such

pressures?

Discuss the fear of man versus the fear of the Lord:

•Proverbs29:25

•Proverbs14:27

•2Corinthians7:1

Many Christians fled to Cappadocia looking for a safe place to

continue practicing their faith. Because of the unique geography of

this region, which is explained in the Historical Insight, Christians

were able to continue worshiping despite the pressure of persecu-

tion. In fact, Christianity not only survived, but thrived there. Yet,

their suffering was very real.


In Hebrews 11, the writer catalogs the suffering endured by

many New Testament Christians. These heroes of the faith refused

to deny Christ, choosing rather to suffer affliction. Though their

challenges seemed insurmountable, “through faith [they] subdued

kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the

mouths of lions” (Hebrews 11:33 KJV).

The Christian faith is built upon those who were willing to give

their lives for Jesus. We are blessed to have these faithful witnesses

to encourage us when we face desperate situations. Their response

was fearless because of their faith in God. They found that the cure

for fear is faith, and they were faithful until death.

Explain what the writer of Hebrews meant by the “cloud of wit-

nesses” in Hebrews 12:1.

How is this passage relevant to Christians today?

WORD TREASURES MARTYR: From the Greek word meaning “witness,” it initially signified a person called to bear witness in legal proceedings. The term was used in the secular sphere as well as in the New Testament. The process of

bearing witness was not originally intended to lead to the death of the witness. However, some ancient writers, including Josephus, recorded that witnesses, especially of the lower classes, were tortured routinely before

being interrogated as a means of forcing them to disclose the truth. During the early Christian centuries, the term acquired the extended meaning of a believer who witnesses to his or her religious belief and, because of this witness, endures suffering and death. Today, more than 450 Christians

worldwide are murdered or martyred for their faith each day.


PRAYER MOMENTPlease stop for a moment to pray for the persecuted Christians

around the world.

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS Cappadocia is a place of exceptional natural wonders character-ized by caves, fairy chimneys, and a unique history. The region was the center of the Hittite Empire around 1900 B.C. and an important trade center on the Silk Road. Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is synonymous with early Christianity. It was one of the ancient world’s most important places in the spreading of the Gospel to the Gentiles, as well as the largest province of Asia Minor. The first Christian communities appeared here a few years after the region became a Roman province in 17 A.D. As persecution spread throughout the Empire, it became a place of refuge for early Christians. A source of shelter for these early Christians was ancient volca-noes, which had laid down a thick layer of soft ash known as “tufa.” It solidified into soft rock and was later covered with lava flow. Residents began to dig into this stone, carving out simple dwellings that became increasingly elaborate. Relentless persecution drove them far into the valleys, where they hollowed out rock sanctuaries. Entire underground cities, some eight stories deep, were constructed. An estimated 150 of them were com-plete with stables, kitchens, wells, tombs, ventilation shafts, storehous-es, and latrines. All of these underground structures were designed to be hidden from attackers. Many times, entrances were built into cliff or ridge faces so that an attacker had to hike above the entrance and then climb down in order to gain access or even see the entrance. Other entrances were concealed by overhanging structures, or they


SEARCHING DEEPER

Let’s examine five foundational principles regarding fear and faith.

1. Fear is not of God. Read 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18.Is it possible for faith and fear to abide in the same heart? Explain.

2. Fear is a spiritual issue. Read Romans 8:15.Many people have a natural “flight” mechanism that reacts for

self-preservation when danger appears. However, some have an ir-

rational fear of things that may actually never happen. Satan wants

to use the pressure caused by fear to push us into actions that lead to

destructive lives. How can a Christian overcome such unnatural fear?

3. What you fear controls you. Read Job 3:25.What we think about and dwell on often determines the out-

come. Irrational fears can drive us to make wrong decisions and act

impulsively and can paralyze us emotionally. Is it possible to fulfill

God’s eternal purpose for our lives if we live in fear?

4. Faith in God will overcome fear. Read Psalm 56:3, 23:4, 27:1.We are admonished repeatedly in Scripture to put our trust in

the Lord and to fear Him. A fear of man or circumstances uses the

premise that we are in control and have to fix the problem. Howev-

er, as children of God, we are to leave our care to Him. We see nu-

blended in with the landscape. Many of the entrances had large mill-stone doors that could be rolled into place and wedged shut, buying time for the occupants to escape. Some of the underground cities were capable of housing up to 5,000 people, who could vanish into these labyrinths and survive for months. Today, numerous hand-carved chapels and churches remain in Cap-padocia as evidence of these early Christians’ determination to hold to their faith and even thrive in the worst of circumstances. They refused to allow fear of persecution or even death to turn them away from their eternal hope in Christ.


merous examples in Scripture of God fighting for His people. Exam-

ine the teaching of Jesus in Luke 12:6–8. Also, read Proverbs 19:23

(ESV); Psalm 34:9.

5. Faith is our victory. Read 1 John 5:4.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHINGHarry Emerson Fosdick said, “Fear imprisons, faith liberates; fear

paralyzes, faith empowers; fear disheartens, faith encourages; fear

sickens, faith heals; fear makes useless, faith makes serviceable—

and, most of all, fear puts hopelessness at the heart of life, while

faith rejoices in its God.”

If Satan cannot steal your faith, he loses the fight! How do we

keep our faith in the midst of the fight? Read Romans 10:17.

Our generation seems overwhelmed by fear. The pressures are

enormous, with threats of terrorism, economic collapse, and the

rampant spread of disease. To many, these things seem like giants

standing in the path of peace. Take a moment to read about David’s

response to fear in Psalm 56. He faced a giant in Gath (1 Samuel

17:4) and won a convincing victory. This passage provides an exam-

ple of what to do when facing fear.

What did David do when he was afraid, according to Psalm 56,

verse 3?


David becomes proactive in overcoming his fear (Psalm 56:4).

What one thing did David do that increased his faith?

SCRIPTURE READING •Revelation2:10

•Proverbs1:33

•Hebrews13:6

•Matthew10:28

•Deuteronomy10:12(KJV)


FIRST HAND

FAITHMAKING FAITH PERSONAL

Many of the world’s leading universities are in the fore-

front of a movement to promote religious acceptance. The watch-

word is “tolerance” of people with diverse beliefs and viewpoints.

Campus seminars offer an open-minded experience, and student

forums explain how different religions can easily coexist regardless

of a people’s beliefs or views. Impressionable, young minds are told

that “acceptance of all religions is key to world stability.”

This politically correct call for religious tolerance is not new.

The apostle Paul encountered it in first-century Athens, Greece.

Religious plurality was the accepted practice, “for all the Athenians

and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else

but either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21 NKJV). Talk

about religious tolerance! Athens was a city full of idols and temples

dedicated to every god or goddess the Athenians could think of!

The city was politically correct, culturally and religiously diversified,

yet engulfed in spiritual darkness. Paul seized the opportunity to

preach to them about “the unknown God” (Acts 17:22–31): “Men of


Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious” (Acts 17:22

NKJV).

Much like Athens, religion abounds in today’s culture, yet there

is a lack of true spiritual light. That light is Jesus, who said, “I am the

light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 NIV).

In this lesson, we will examine seven exclusive claims of Christ.

This should be our final authority on who we believe Jesus is and

will establish how we can have a relationship with the true God of

the universe.

LET’S GET STARTED

This lesson will focus on what the Bible says about Jesus and

how the church has faced challenges to His claim of deity. In 325

A.D., 318 of the early church bishops met to confront this issue. That

council ended with the strongly worded Nicene Creed, which clar-

ified and established the church’s position on the deity of Christ.

Read it carefully, and compare it with your understanding of the

Christian faith.

Nicene CreedWe believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of

heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of

God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God,

Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made,

being of one substance with the Father by whom all things

were made; who, for us men, and for our salvation, came

down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit

of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified


also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried,

and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,

and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of

the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge the

living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end. And

we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who

proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Fa-

ther and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who

spake by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic

(universal) church. We acknowledge one baptism for the re-

mission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

This document was written in an attempt to unify the early

Christian church under Emperor Constantine. Today, it is the most

widely accepted and used brief statement of the Christian faith. In

some denominations, it is said every Sunday and is common ground

for churches and Christian groups around the world. While many

groups do not have a tradition of using it in their services, they are

committed to the doctrine it teaches. It stands today as a declara-

tion of who we believe Jesus is.

Six Ways We Can Know Jesus Is God1. By Testimony of Those Who Knew HimRead1John1:1–4andMatthew16:13–17.The apostles said,

“We saw Him . . . we touched Him” (1 John 1:1 WE).

ReadMatthew3:17. God said, “This is my beloved Son,” and the

bystanders heard it.

Read2Corinthians13:1(KJV): “In the mouth of two or three

witnesses shall every word be established.”


List other testimonies to Christ’s divinity.

2. By Testimony of the Law and ProphetsName some of the prophets and Scripture references that testi-

fy of the coming Messiah.

3. Through Our TransformationTell about your personal transformation through a relationship

with Christ.

Give an example of another person’s miraculous transformation

(i.e., Isaac Newton).

4. Through Fulfilled PropheciesList some of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled in His lifetime.

5. Through the Disciples’ and Jesus’ Own WitnessRead 2 Peter 1:18 and John 8:58.


6. Through the Holy Spirit’s WitnessRead Romans 8:16 and 1 John 5:6.

Tell how the Holy Spirit has witnessed to you.

These witnesses have been cross-examined for centuries and

have been proven true.

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS From the time of Jesus’ death to just after 300 A.D., Christians faced the horror of state-sponsored persecution from Rome. One Roman his-torian labeled Christianity “a sect professing a new and mischievous religious belief.” The Emperor Diocletian viewed Christians as a threat to the survival of the empire. The church went underground and con-tinued to flourish. When Constantine defeated Emperor Licinius in 324 A.D., he ended the persecution. But shortly afterward, the church faced a more insidious enemy from within. A priest named Arius of Alexandria began teaching a heresy that challenged the foundation of the Christian faith. He taught that Jesus was not equal to God but rather a creation of God the Father. To settle the matter, Constantine called a universal council of church bishops to Nicea to discuss the matter. Out of that meeting came the Nicene Creed, which strong-ly emphasizes the deity of Jesus Christ. However, the controversy continued and had to be reaffirmed in 381 A.D. by the First Council of Constantinople. Some scholars believe the council left a negative mark on the Christian Church for centuries because it created col-lusion between the church and the political power of Rome, which weakened the faith and foundation of the church—plunging it into the period known as the Dark Ages.


SEARCHING DEEPERSeven Claims of JesusTake the time to meditate on each Scripture, and let it speak to

your heart. At the end, you will be given a chance to write your own

statement of faith that you can share with others.

1. Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men,

the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

2. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten

Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have

everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

3. Jesus lived the only sinless life.“Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (1 Peter

2:22 KJV).

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without

blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19 KJV).

“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that

we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians

5:21 KJV).

4. Jesus is the only Head of the church.“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the begin-

ning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have

the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18 KJV).

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is

our king; he will save us” (Isaiah 33:22 KJV).

5. Jesus is the only Savior of the world.“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no

man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV).


“He that believeth on the

Son hath everlasting life: and

he that believeth not the Son

shall not see life; but the wrath

of God abideth on him” (John

3:36 KJV).

“He that hath the Son hath

life; and he that hath not the

Son of God hath not life” (1

John 5:12 KJV).

6. Jesus is the only Vic-tor over death.

“I am the resurrection and

the life: he that believeth in me,

though he were dead, yet shall

he live” (John 11:25 KJV).

“Forasmuch then as the

children are partakers of flesh

and blood, he also himself like-

wise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy

him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them

who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bond-

age” (Hebrews 2:14–15 KJV).

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for

evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” (Revelation

1:18 KJV).

7. Jesus is the only Lord.“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who,

being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with

God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the

WORD TREASURES

CATHOLIC: An adjective derived from the Greek word, katholikos, meaning “general” or “universal.”

“HOMOOUSION TO PATRI”: A Greek phrase found in the origi-nal language in which the Nicene Creed was written. It means “like

in all things to the Father.”It could be translated “of the

same one essence of the Father.” This was an important inclusion in the Nicene creed because

Arianism taught that Jesus was like God but was not God and,

therefore, not of the same substance as the Father.


form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And be-

ing found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became

obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God

also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above

every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of

things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to

the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:5–11 KJV) Also read Acts

2:34–35 and 1 Peter 3:22.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHINGSince the birth of Jesus, people have questioned His divine

nature. Can He forgive sin (Mark 2:5–7)? Can He really heal (Mark

2:8–12; 3:1–6)? Is He really God (Mark 14:61–63)? These questions,

raised in the second century by a priest named Arius of Alexandria,

helped fan the flames of heresy. This led to the first “catholic” or gen-

eral Church Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.

Almost 2,000 years later, these questions are still the basis of de-

bate, even among so-called “theologians.” However, we should not

be surprised at the source of these attacks. Jesus Himself warned in

Matthew 7:15 that false teachers would arise and attempt to under-

mine the very foundation of the Christian faith, the divinity of Christ.

Today, most everyone agrees that there is a “higher power” or

“guiding force” in the universe. The debate begins when we declare

that Jesus is God made flesh (John 1:14). It’s an issue that must be

settled in the heart of every individual.

Jesus’ question to His disciples is still relevant: “Whom do men

say that I the Son of man am” (Matthew 16:13 KJV)? May we have the

same conviction of faith to answer as Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the

Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16 KJV).


“Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.”—C.S.Lewis

MAKING IT PERSONALAfter looking at the claims of Jesus from Scripture, write down

your own statement of faith that you can share with others.

SCRIPTURE READING

•John1:41

•John4:24–26

•Matthew8:23–27

•Matthew16:14–20


WHEN FAITHS

COLLIDEFAITH FIGHTS

These are challenging times for Christians, but they are not

unique. From the time of Isaac and Ishmael, the sons of Abraham,

there has been conflict between people of different faiths. There is

a long history of religious zealots clashing in the region now known

as Turkey. This region was Abraham’s home before leaving for Ca-

naan with his wife Sarah and nephew Lot.

Religious conflict began here in the seventh and eighth centu-

ries with clashes between Christians and Muslims. It continued from

the eleventh through thirteenth centuries with the invasion of the

Crusaders. Today, this Middle East region continues to foster “faith

fights,” which are fueled by suspicion, hatred, and violence as differ-

ent groups and ideologies collide.

As this lesson unfolds, we will learn that people are often pas-

sionate about their faith, and religious passion can bring conflict.

We will look at a proper response when confronted about our faith

in Christ. How should a Christian react when faiths collide?


LET’S GET STARTEDRead Acts 26:24. Take some time to think about how you

would respond if you were put in a position of defending your faith

like the apostle Paul.

How do you typically handle conflicts with others?

The Bible provides many examples of religious conflict.

ReadMatthew27:1–20(NIV).Notice the actions of the Chief Priests. How was the crucifixion

of Christ an act of religious passion?

ReadActs5:16–18(NIV).How did the ministry of the apostles

lead to religious conflict?

SEARCHING DEEPERLet’s examine some proper and improper Christian response

when our faith collides with another.

Improper Christian Responses1.ViolenceThe world’s historical landscape is littered with religious wars.


In their wake, they have left death, confusion about God, suspicion of

anything religious, and deeper resistance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Luke 9:54–56 (KJV), the disciples were ready to do battle with un-

believers: “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said,

Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and

consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them,

and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of

man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”

How does Jesus’ response to the disciple’s anger relate to to-

day’s religious conflicts?

2.BitternessThe long-term result of harboring hatred and hurt toward others

is bitterness. Stephen, the righteous deacon in the Book of Acts, was

an example of how to treat others who attack and ridicule us. “Then

he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord do not hold this sin against

them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep [died]” (Acts 7:60 NIV).

3.RetreatMany would prefer to just hide out and never confront or con-

nect with culture. We will never make a difference if we are not will-

ing to engage with others. Jesus sent us into the entire world as

sheep among wolves. We have the power to become witnesses or


martyrs—if necessary—for the cause of Christ. “Go ye into all the

world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 KJV).

What are some ways we “preach” the gospel if we are not called

as ministers?

HISTORICAL INSIGHTS Istanbul, Turkey, a city of 13 million people, sits on two continents, Europe and Asia. This is where east literally meets west at the Bosporus Strait, a strategic waterway that cuts Istanbul in half. As the only passage between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the Bosporus has always been of great commercial and strategic importance. In ancient times, the nation that controlled the Strait could control much of the world’s trade. Today the Strait is still a major international waterway and is very important to the oil industry. According to historical records, Istanbul was probably inhabited as early as three thousand years before Christ. In c. 700 B.C., the Greek King Byzas established the colony of Byzantium, giving rise to the Byzantine Empire. What followed were centuries of both political and religious conflict.The Romans conquered the region in c. 100 B.C. For two centuries they fought the rising spread of Christianity with persecution and terror. It ended when Constantine the Great embraced Christianity. In 330 A.D., he changed the city’s name to Constantinople, making it both the new capitol of the Roman Empire as well as the official seat of Christianity. In 532 A.D., the Hagia Sophia, the largest church in the world at the time, was built in Constantinople on the orders of Emperor Justinian. Christian believers set about stamping out all traces of paganism, only to be replaced by the Islamic faith of the invading Muslims. They turned the Hagia Sophia cathedral into a mosque. In 1071 A.D., Muslim armies invaded and captured Jerusalem, prompting the so-called “holy wars” or crusades, which once again targeted Istanbul. The Ottoman Turks captured the city in the mid 1500s and built the Blue Mosque directly across the square from the Hagia Sophia Cathedral. The positioning of these two buildings is a stark reminder of what happens when faiths collide.


4. CompromiseOn the day of Pentecost, Peter preached with conviction con-

cerning what had happened to him and others as they were pray-

ing. Many scoffed and said they were drunk while others simply

did not understand. Yet, Peter boldly declared what God had done.

The old spiritual order (the laws) and the new spiritual order (Je-

sus) were colliding there in Jerusalem, and Peter stood for the truth:

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus,

whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36 NIV).

Peter’s words were direct and uncompromising. How do you

think the people felt when they heard it?

PROPER CHRISTIAN RESPONSESWhenFaithsCollide

1. Reachoutwithrespect.Every person, no matter his or her background or belief, de-

serves respect. We may not agree with them and may feel their be-

liefs are erroneous. When conflicts arise, remember the following:

•PeopleareGod’screation.

•Peoplehaveaneternalsoul.

•Peoplehaveastory.

•Satanseekstoblindindividualstothetruth.

2. Committocommunicate.Some people believe dialogue is dangerous, but lack of dia-


logue can be more dangerous. By communicating, we seek to un-

derstand and to be understood.

WORD TREASURES Ideology: the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an in-dividual, social movement, institution, class, or large group; a doctrine or belief that forms the basis of a political, economic, religious, or other system. Islam: the religious faith of Muslims. It is based on the words of and religious system founded by the prophet Muhammad, taught by the Ko-ran. It teaches that Jesus was a prophet. Christianity: the religious faith of Christians. It is founded on the life and teachings of Jesus and taught by the Bible. It teaches that Jesus is the divine Son of God. Much of the world’s strife and hostility today can be traced directly to a conflict between religious ideologies. The potential for even greater conflict in the future is significant. As this study guide is being written, the world’s population stands at 33 percent Christian and 21 percent Islamic (Muslim). The fastest grow-ing segment of Christianity is by far those in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. They believe in the present reality of the Holy Spirit and His working today as He did in the early church. More than 600 million people profess to be filled with the Holy Spirit today. They teach that Jesus is God incarnate and the only mediator between God and man. Pentecostals are experiential, conservative, evangelical, and spiritually aggressive. Islam is also growing in many parts of the world. There are presently 52 nations where Islam forms more than 40 percent of the population! In nearly half of these, Muslims number more than 90 percent of the population. The faith of Islam centers on Mohammed. He is to Islam what Jesus is to the Christian faith. The Encarta Encyclopedia records that “the remarkable speed of Islam’s religious expansion was accom-plished primarily through military conquest.” Islam is also conservative and aggressive but denies the deity of Christ. The two faiths have clashed throughout history.


3. Seektoserve.There is a saying that “people don’t care how much you know

until they know how much you care.” Loving the world means serv-

ing the world.

4. Demonstratethedifference.When the disciples of Jesus ministered among the people

of Jerusalem, the contrast between Judaism and Christianity was

clear. Judaism had become a list of rules and punishments, but love

marked the ministry of the apostles. The blind and crippled were

healed, and the hungry were fed. Widows were treated fairly, and ly-

ing to the Holy Spirit brought immediate judgment. The difference

between the two faiths was clearly demonstrated. Thousands ac-

cepted Christ as a result. (Read the Book of Acts).

6. Remainresolved.Peter and John were arrested and brought before the magis-

trates and asked by whose authority they were preaching. They

boldly declared that it was in the name of Jesus. They knew they

could lose their lives or be imprisoned and beaten. Yet “with great

power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the

Lord Jesus and much grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33 NIV).

ReadActs4:1–13.

LET’S CONTINUE SEARCHING

John 4 tells the story of the Samaritan woman.

Let’s examine how Jesus treated a woman who was not a believer.

•Jesusrespectedherasaperson.

•Jesustalkedwithher.ShewassurprisedthatHewouldtalk


withhersinceHewasaJewandshewasaSamaritan.

•Jesusofferedtoserveherbygivingher‘livingwater”(John4:10).

•Jesusspoketoherdeepestneed.HerevealedtoherthatHeknewabouthowshelivedandHewantedtohelpher.

•Jesusremainedinvolved.HedidnotwalkawaybutstayedandtalkedwithheruntilsheunderstoodHismessage.

MAKING IT PERSONALIt is impossible to live in the world without encountering faith

collisions. When they come, we must be committed to living out our

faith as outlined in the Bible. That means being connected to Jesus

in a personal relationship. Only then is it possible to live the Chris-

tian life. Our response to conflict is determined by whether we are

living “in the flesh” or “living in the spirit.”

Take some time to pray and ask God to help you respond as Je-

sus and the great men and women of Scripture did when they were

faced with conflicts.

SCRIPTURE READINGRead2Timothy4initsentirety.

WritedownwhatyouhearPaulsayinginverses16–17.

Whatemotionsdoyouhear?InwhomisPaultrusting?


www.worldimpact.tv

WORLD IMPACT WITH DR. BILLY WILSON

World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson addresses the deeply felt needs

of hurting people around the world. We believe that only Jesus can

do a real and enduring good in people’s lives. Our goal is to be:

PersonalandRelevant - We help individuals renew real and

lasting relationships with God through exhortation and clear scrip-

tural presentation on issues faced by Christians everywhere.

Available - We use any practical delivery format available in-

cluding TV, literature, and the Internet to connect with as many peo-

ple in as many places as possible.

One way we accomplish this is by producing free material such

as the mini-book you now hold in your hand. Please consider help-

ing us “Share Jesus with the World” by becoming a financial partner

with us. You can easily make a donation at worldimpact.tv or by call-

ing 1-800-95-SHARE.

May God bless you.

Foundations of Faith takes readers on a trip to the land that was once the cradle of Christianity. This study guide explores sites such as the homelands of Abraham and the resting place of what’s believed to be Noah’s Ark. In later chapters readers travel to Instanbul and peek inside the homes of ancient Chris-tians who dwelled “in caves and holes in the ground” and learn about the cave church where Apostles Peter and Paul preached between 40 AD and 50 AD. The journey ends as readers study how Christianity was shaped by events that took place at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD.

This study guide is packed full of resources including historical insights, word studies and probing interactive questions to draw the reader into the world of the Foundations of Faith!

Dr. William M. Wilson is the fourth president of Oral Rob-erts University. He is recognized as a global influencer with unwavering ethics and strong business acumen who has a passion for building Spirit-empowered leaders to impact the world.

Wilson has also fostered unique global partnerships through Empowered 21–an initiative launched at ORU that brings together ministry leaders, scholars and next genera-

tion voices from the Spirit-empowered movement. Empowered 21 has expanded exponentially and today influences nations through 12 regional cabinets with sig-nificant ministry leaders.

Wilson is a noted Bible teacher with a weekly television program “World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson.” For more than 15 years, the program has inspired and empowered viewers from a biblical worldview in 170 nations and in five languages.

Wilson served on the ORU Board of Trustees as vice-chair until his election as president. He is a renowned speaker and author, writing several books includ-ing “Father Cry,” “Foundations of Faith” and “Fasting Forward.”

Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky Universi-ty in Secondary Education. He also holds a Master of Arts degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Documents

ABOUT THE AUTHORworldimpact.tv › ...FoundationsofFaith-Book.pdf · Abraham and the resting place of what’s believed to be Noah’s Ark. In later chapters readers travel to Instanbul