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Faith Cometh by Hearing
“...and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
Bible First! is a correspondence Bible study built on the premise that God's Word is the most powerful Gospel witness in the world. The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Lord Jesus Christ through the book of Genesis. Bible First! consists of 20 lessons and takes students one chapter at a time from Creation, through the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sodom and Gomorrah, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. In each story, the lessons point them to Jesus, drawing on the types and parallels that God Himself built into Genesis for that very purpose.
Our team has been developing Bible First! for several years. During that time it has become the core of our ministry in Ukraine. Does it work? As of this writing, we have over 600 Ukrainians in active enrollment, studying the Bible by mail.
Many people have asked us about using the course in their churches, on the mission field, or even with friends. It's been a long time in coming, but we're very excited to announce that Bible First! will be available in the United States very soon!
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If you'd like to be notified when Bible First! is available, please enter your e-mail in the form below. In so doing, you'll also be subscribed to receive our periodic e-mail newsletter, the ETO eReport. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Got a question? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Bible First! Lessons
Bible First! consists of six volumes, each containing 2 – 4 lessons. Below is a brief overview of the material covered in each lesson. Click on any lesson image to enlarge it.
Volume 1 (Lessons 1–3)
Lesson 1 - Introducing the Bible
The primary focus of the first lesson is to acquaint the student with the Bible, while at the same time establishing it as our highest authority. Topics include the Bible's Divine Authorship, the preservation of the Bible, an introduction to manuscript evidence, and a basic overview of the Old and New Testaments. Another major theme is that the Bible was written to be read by all, that we might come to know its Author.
Lesson 2 - Who is God?
This lesson introduces the student to God from a Biblical perspective. Topics include the primary attributes of God, such as justice, love, and omnipotence. Also covered is doctrine of the Trinity, including an introduction to Jesus Christ not only as the Son of God, but as God Himself, the Creator of the universe.
Lesson 3 - God Created the Spirit Beings
The third lesson takes students through a study of spirit beings, which are encountered in the Bible's narrative as early as Genesis 3. Angels, seraphim, and cherubim are all examined in addition to evil spirits such as devils, princes of darkness, and Satan himself. The emphasis of the lesson is on the fact that, although spirit beings possess great power, God remains supreme. He created spirit beings and they answer to Him.
Volume 2 (Lessons 4–6)
Lesson 4 - Creation, Part 1
Covers Genesis 1:1-13
This lesson presents the first three days of creation, emphasizing God's glory, and His role as the sole Creator of the universe. Included are such key concepts as the eternal existence of God, and the absolute scientific accuracy of the Bible.
Lesson 5 - Creation, Part 2
Covers Genesis 1:14-31
The Biblical account of creation is continued, presenting the latter four days: light, sea life and fowl, the animals and man, and finally the day of rest.
Lesson 6 - Adam and Eve
Covers Genesis 2
Lesson 6 details the Genesis 2 account of the creation of man. Topics covered include the creation of Adam after God's image, Adam's initial responsibility as ruler of the physical world, the creation of Eve as Adam's help meet, and the establishment by God of marriage and family.
Volume 3 (Lessons 7–10)
Lesson 7 - The Fall
Covers Genesis 3:1-6
The seventh lesson presents the fall of man as recorded in Genesis 3:1-6. The two trees and their role in the garden are explained, as is God's first command to Adam not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Free will is presented, emphasizing the personal responsibility of the individual. Satan is introduced, followed by Eve's fall into sin, and finally Adam's.
Lesson 8 - The Curse and the Promised Deliverer
Covers Genesis 3:7-24
Adam's personal choice to sin is further explored along with his position as steward of God's creation. The curse is presented, outlining God's judgment on the serpent, Eve, Adam and the earth itself. Finally, Genesis 3:15 is expounded as the first prophecy of Jesus Christ, the coming Deliverer.
Lesson 9 - Cain and Abel
Covers Genesis 4
In this lesson, the doctrines of blood atonement and substitution are introduced through the story of Cain and Abel. Also covered are the topics of God's mercy towards sinners, repentance, and capital punishment. The student is clearly challenged to trust in the blood of Jesus Christ as the only acceptable sacrifice for sin.
Lesson 10 - Noah and the Great Flood
Covers Genesis 5-11
The theme of Lesson 10 is the salvation of Noah and his family in the ark. The complete story of the Flood is recounted, including a detailed chart illustrating major events on a timeline. The ark is presented as a type of Christ, God's "safe place" of salvation.
Volume 4 (Lessons 11–13)
Lesson 11 - Abraham, Part 1
Covers Genesis 12-14
Abraham is introduced as the man who believed God. Obedience by faith is a major theme in the lesson, as is God's covenant with Abraham. Also included are the accounts of Abraham's journey into Egypt, Lot's rescue from the five Kings, and Melchizedek's meeting with Abraham.
Lesson 12 - Abraham, Part 2
Covers Genesis 15-17
The story of Abraham is continued, beginning with God's amazing promise of a son. The doctrine of imputed righteousness is introduced and thoroughly expounded using applicable New Testament passages such as Romans 4 and 2 Cor. 5:21. God's covenant with Abraham is explored in more depth. Other topics include circumcision, Hagar, and the birth of Ishmael.
Lesson 13 - Sodom and Gomorrah
Covers Genesis 18-20
The lesson begins with God's visit to Abraham, His prediction of a son by Sarah, and the revelation of His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham's intercession for the doomed cities is explored. The Biblical prohibition of homosexuality is thoroughly explained, followed by the story of God's horrific judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Other topics include the mercy of God (with respect to Lot's deliverance), the incident with Lot's daughters, and Abraham's journey to Gerar.
Volume 5 (Lessons 14–17)
Lesson 14 - Isaac
Covers Genesis 21-22
This lesson recounts the miraculous birth of Isaac, followed by the story of Hagar's exile at the hand of Sarah. Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, are presented as types of the Old and New Covenants. The doctrine of substitution is again explored in the context of Isaac's deliverance by the sacrifice of the ram, another type of Christ. Other topics include God's reaffirmation of His promises to Abraham, His deliverance of Hagar and Ishmael, and Abraham's covenant with Abimelech.
Lesson 15 - Isaac and His Family
Covers Genesis 23-26
The main theme of this lesson is God's providential preservation of the Messianic line. This is illustrated in the story of Isaac's marriage to Rebekah as well as God's choice of Jacob over Esau as the third heir to the Abrahamic covenant. Other topics include the death and burial of Sarah, the death of Abraham, and Esau's foolish sale of his birthright.
Lesson 16 - Jacob, Part 1
Covers Genesis 27-30
This lesson covers the first part of the life of Jacob, beginning with his deception toward Isaac and exile to Haran. Jacob's time with Laban is explored in detail, including the strange events surrounding the rods Jacob used in his breeding program.
Lesson 17 - Jacob, Part 2
Covers Genesis 31-36
This lesson begins with the story of Jacob's flight from Laban and recounts his journey back to Canaan, his reunion with Esau, and the slaughter of the Shechemites. God's choice and leading of Jacob is a major theme, including his midnight struggle with the angel, and his position as Israel, the head of God's people. Also included is an overview of the twelve tribes.
Volume 6 (Lessons 18–20)
Lesson 18 - Joseph, Part 1
Covers Genesis 37-42
This lesson begins to explore the life of Joseph, the man God used to deliver Israel from starvation. Major themes include Joseph's faith in time of trial, his virtue in the face of temptation, and the supernatural blessing of God on all Joseph's affairs.
Lesson 19 - Joseph, Part 2
Covers Genesis 43-50
This is the last lesson in the Genesis narrative, completing the story of Joseph and his deliverance of God's people. Major themes include Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers, Judah's intercession for Benjamin, God's sovereign orchestration of world events, Jacob's journey into Egypt and the blessing of Jacob's twelve sons.
Lesson 20 - Next Steps
The 20th and final lesson offers a recap of the major themes taught in the course, as well as a challenge to continue walking with God. The student is encouraged to publically acknowledge his decision to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ if this has not already occurred. New themes introduced include the Biblical command for believers' water baptism and the need for membership in a Bible-believing church.
Bible First! Training Videos
These videos were designed to give you the foundation you need to build an effective ministry using Bible First. We will be releasing new videos regularly leading up to the release of Bible First. If you have any questions or comments about the material presented here, we welcome you to contact us.
Part 1 - Introducing Bible First!
- Introduction (1m 25s)
- The Bible First! Story (8m 19s)
- Course Overview (2m 28s)
- The Uniqueness of Genesis (2m 8s)
- The Bible First! Way (1m 6s)
Part 2 - Core Principles
- The Bible First! Core 10 (2m 4s)
- Use the Sword (9m 51s)
- Audience First (7m 6s)
- Find the Numerous Few (7m 54s)
- Don't Block the Message (11m 50s)
- Education Before Transformation (4m 50s)
- Truth Understood Over Time (5m 10s)
- Stories Are Better (1m 43s)
- Write on the Blank Pages (2m 37s)
- Order is Essential (3m 30s)
- Friends are the Best Salesmen (3m 42s)
Part 3 - Strategy
- Introduction to Strategy (54s)
- Strategy in Evangelism (4m 59s)
- Strategy vs. Methodology (5m 27s)
More Part 3 videos coming soon...
Part 4 - Basic Setup
Coming soon...
Part 5 - Your First Students
Coming soon...
Part 6 - Sending and Receiving Lessons
Coming soon...
Part 7 - Recordkeeping
Coming soon...
Bible First! Downloads
Once Bible First! is released, this tab will contain course-related materials that you can download for free as-needed.
Purchase Bible First! Materials
Once Bible First! is released, this tab will contain all the details about how to purchase Bible First materials.
