NOTE: CORE WAS OFFERED IN FALL, 2021, AND WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. PLEASE STAY TUNED.
We're laying essential faith foundations stones for a lifetime of walking with Jesus.
- Weekly presentations from Pastor Mark. Great for all faith-levels.
- Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM. Meet in-person, or dial-in: 217-866-0099.
- Below are downloads for each week's presentation/discussion. Hard copies will be distributed for those who attend in-person.
Syllabus. A hard copy of weekly sessions.
Week 1. This is Our God. (The nature of God)
- The Trinity
- God’s attributes
- The Deity of Christ
- The Holy Spirit
- The Kingdom of God
Week 2. God & Humankind. (The nature of humankind)
- Creation
- Imago Dei—dignity, purpose, humility, love
- God in the Garden—original sin
- Redemption—salvation, new birth, new creation
- Grace & mercy—prevenient, justifying, sanctifying
Week 3. Knowing God. (A personal God)
- Relationship with God—children of God
- Fellowship with God—humility, repentance
- Loving God—self and others
- Assurance—eternity
- God’s provision
Week 4. God’s Holy Spirit. (God living in us)
- Filled, baptized, immersed, indwelt
- Walking in the Spirit—discerning God's will
- Spiritual gifts
Week 5. Connecting with God. (Intentional interfacing with God)
- Means of Grace
- Scripture, the Word
- Prayer
- Worship—corporate, preaching, etc.
- Fellowship with others
Week 6. Receiving from God. (Drawing upon God)
- Sacraments—baptism, Communion
- Stewardship
- Fasting
Week 7. Walking with God. (A worldview & lifestyle)
- Walking by faith—trust, anticipation, expectation, hope
- Walking in holiness—obedience, following Jesus’ commands
- Taking up our cross—dying to self, endurance
Week 8. God’s Healing. (Receiving God’s healing in our lives)
- Healing hurts and broken hearts
- Our minds
- Physical healing
- Deliverance
- Praying for healing, receiving healing
Week 9. God & the devil. (Standing against the enemy of our souls)
- Our minds
- Our enemy
- Spiritual armor, weapons & warfare
Week 10. The Mission of God. (Our life purpose)
- Missio Dei—God-history
- Christ’s Church—Pentecost, historically, present day
- The Second Coming
- Heaven & hell
Week 11. Serving God. (The continuing mission of the Kingdom of God)
- Mercy missions
- Serving missions
- Outreach missions
- Great Commission
Week 12. Talking about God, pt. 1 (Faith-sharing)
- Christ’s Commission—Go therefore…, As you go…
- Offering Christ—Four Spiritual Laws, Roman’s Road, ABC, Do vs. Done, Romans 5:8, Way of the Master
Week 13. Talking about God, pt. 2. (Faith-sharing, continued)
- An invitation to Christ—If Jesus would…, Sinner’s Prayer, confession of faith, seeking God
- Dealing with intimidation & fear—courage, boldness, burden, prayer (Mike Oudyn)
Week 14. What about Christ’s Church? (What’s church have to do with it?)
- The nature of Christ’s church
- The people/saints of Christ’s church
- The mission of Christ’s church
- The presence of Christ’s church (local churches)