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Essential Beliefs

Understand the Essentials of the Christian Faith: Jan-Mar 2019

What are the essentials of the Christian faith? What we believe matters, but how intentional are we about defining those beliefs? Do we stand confidently on our beliefs as we engage others? What is the basis for believing what we do? Whether you're simply curious about Christianity, new to the faith, or have been following Jesus for years, this study is a great way to dig in and discover what we believe, why we believe it, and how it shapes our lives.
What are the essentials of the Christian faith? What we believe matters, but how intentional are we about defining those beliefs? Do we stand confidently on our beliefs as we engage others? What is the basis for believing what we do? Whether you're simply curious about Christianity, new to the faith, or have been following Jesus for years, this study is a great way to dig in and discover what we believe, why we believe it, and how it shapes our lives.

Week 1: God (Jan 16, 2019)

The three rings are a traditional symbol of God. The circles demonstrate eternity, with no beginning and no end. Each of the three members of the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--is fully divine and eternal, and distinct from the other two. However, they are all united as one God, having the same essence and inseparable. This week's study includes an introduction to the series, an overview of God's attributes, and God's nature as Trinity.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst
The three rings are a traditional symbol of God. The circles demonstrate eternity, with no beginning and no end. Each of the three members of the Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--is fully divine and eternal, and distinct from the other two. However, they are all united as one God, having the same essence and inseparable. This week's study includes an introduction to the series, an overview of God's attributes, and God's nature as Trinity.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst

Week 2: Scripture (Jan 23, 2019)

John Wesley wrote, "At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri (a man of one book)." This one book is the Bible, God's inspired word to humanity which stands as our primary source of authority on God and salvation. This week's study includes an exploration of what determines what we believe, what the Bible is, and how we understand its purpose.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst 
John Wesley wrote, "At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be homo unius libri (a man of one book)." This one book is the Bible, God's inspired word to humanity which stands as our primary source of authority on God and salvation. This week's study includes an exploration of what determines what we believe, what the Bible is, and how we understand its purpose.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst 

Week 3: Humanity and Sin (Feb 6, 2019)

God created humanity good and with the freedom to choose between faithfulness and sin. The first people chose sin, propelling all their descendants into spiritual death and an inclination toward evil. The fruit in the hand reminds not only of their original act, but that all are responsible for their own choices to indulge in disobedience. This week's study includes an exploration of what it means to be made in the image of God, the fall of humanity, and the nature of sin.

Presented by: Julie Close
God created humanity good and with the freedom to choose between faithfulness and sin. The first people chose sin, propelling all their descendants into spiritual death and an inclination toward evil. The fruit in the hand reminds not only of their original act, but that all are responsible for their own choices to indulge in disobedience. This week's study includes an exploration of what it means to be made in the image of God, the fall of humanity, and the nature of sin.

Presented by: Julie Close

Week 4: Jesus (Feb 13, 2019)

The fish is one of the earliest symbols used to identify Jesus and his followers. Christians turned the Greek word for fish (ICHTHUS) into an acrostic confession: Jesus (Iesous) Christ (CHristos), God's (THeos) Son (Uios), Savior (Soter). The symbol was a safe and subtle way for believers to communicate their shared faith. This week's study includes an exploration of Jesus' nature as fully God and fully human, essential beliefs about the life and work of Jesus, and the importance of how Jesus relates to us personally.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst
The fish is one of the earliest symbols used to identify Jesus and his followers. Christians turned the Greek word for fish (ICHTHUS) into an acrostic confession: Jesus (Iesous) Christ (CHristos), God's (THeos) Son (Uios), Savior (Soter). The symbol was a safe and subtle way for believers to communicate their shared faith. This week's study includes an exploration of Jesus' nature as fully God and fully human, essential beliefs about the life and work of Jesus, and the importance of how Jesus relates to us personally.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst

Week 5: Salvation (Feb 20, 2019)

In Jesus' time the cross meant shame and disgrace as a cruel instrument of death. In later centuries, the church adopted this symbol as a proclamation that it was Jesus' death on the cross that bought humanity's salvation. What was weak and foolish to the world became a symbol of God's power and wisdom to those who believe. This week's study includes an exploration of what salvation means, how we experience it, and how certain aspects are understood from varying Christian perspectives.

Presented by: Terry Bate
In Jesus' time the cross meant shame and disgrace as a cruel instrument of death. In later centuries, the church adopted this symbol as a proclamation that it was Jesus' death on the cross that bought humanity's salvation. What was weak and foolish to the world became a symbol of God's power and wisdom to those who believe. This week's study includes an exploration of what salvation means, how we experience it, and how certain aspects are understood from varying Christian perspectives.

Presented by: Terry Bate

Week 6: The Holy Spirit (Feb 27, 2019)

The dove and flame are the most common representations of the Holy Spirit. The dove is reminiscent of the Spirit's descent upon Jesus at his baptism, while the flame points to the powerful way the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. Through his continued work, the Spirit is the primary manifestation of God with his people today. This week's study includes an exploration of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit and how we experience him in our lives.

Presented by: Steve Close
The dove and flame are the most common representations of the Holy Spirit. The dove is reminiscent of the Spirit's descent upon Jesus at his baptism, while the flame points to the powerful way the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost. Through his continued work, the Spirit is the primary manifestation of God with his people today. This week's study includes an exploration of the nature and work of the Holy Spirit and how we experience him in our lives.

Presented by: Steve Close

Week 7: The Church (Mar 6, 2019)

The ship is an ancient symbol for Christ's church. It reminds that just as Noah's family was preserved on the ark and Jesus' disciples were protected on a boat, God's faithful will be cared for on the stormy seas of persecution, heresy, and worldliness. The church is the vessel God uses to convey His people to safe harbor in His presence. This week's study includes an exploration of the biblical and historical nature of the church, the church's diversity, and its mission.

Presented by: Steve Close
The ship is an ancient symbol for Christ's church. It reminds that just as Noah's family was preserved on the ark and Jesus' disciples were protected on a boat, God's faithful will be cared for on the stormy seas of persecution, heresy, and worldliness. The church is the vessel God uses to convey His people to safe harbor in His presence. This week's study includes an exploration of the biblical and historical nature of the church, the church's diversity, and its mission.

Presented by: Steve Close

Week 8: Last Things (Mar 13, 2019)

When God's kingdom comes in its fullness, Jesus will be recognized as King of kings. The crown points to this and reminds that those who bear crosses in this life by trusting in the work of his cross will be rewarded with the crown of eternal life. The palm branch signifies victory, used here to herald the final defeat of sin and death. This week's study includes an exploration of life beyond death, judgment, and the eternal state of God's creation.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst
When God's kingdom comes in its fullness, Jesus will be recognized as King of kings. The crown points to this and reminds that those who bear crosses in this life by trusting in the work of his cross will be rewarded with the crown of eternal life. The palm branch signifies victory, used here to herald the final defeat of sin and death. This week's study includes an exploration of life beyond death, judgment, and the eternal state of God's creation.

Presented by: Mike DeVuyst
Flushing Community Church of the Nazarene • Pastor Terry Bate
810.732.0282 • 9500 W Pierson Rd; Flushing MI 48433
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