Explore essential Christian principles with a focus on foundational beliefs, doctrinal understanding, and spiritual maturity.
6 Video Lessons
Watch, listen, and learn as Bayless Conley shows you how to strengthen your Christian faith.
Course Guide
A FREE workbook that guides you through the course.
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Course Preview
Foundations of the Faith
Dr. Berin Gilfillan covers this first course in the ISOM Core.
Overview
In this comprehensive course, led by renowned teacher Bayless Conley, students will delve into the foundational principles of the Christian faith. Across six sessions, they will explore the authority of the Bible, the mystery of the Trinity, the deity and mission of Jesus, core tenets of Christianity, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and essential Church ordinances. Through detailed biblical insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of doctrinal foundations crucial for their journey of faith. This course is designed for individuals seeking a robust understanding of Christian fundamentals and is suitable for believers at all levels of spiritual maturity.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundational principles of Christian faith
- Authority of the Bible and the Doctrine of the Trinity
- Deity and mission of Jesus
- Core tenets of Christianity, salvation, and Christ’s return
- Person and work of the Holy Spirit
- Divine healing and Church ordinances
Sessions
1. The Authority of the Bible and the Doctrine of the Trinity
Bayless Conley will guide you through the foundational principles of the Christian faith in Session 1: “The Authority of the Bible and the Doctrine of the Trinity.” Delving into the essential teachings, Conley emphasizes the Bible as God’s infallible Word, inspired and true, serving as our ultimate guide for righteous living. The session explores the profound impact of God’s Word on spiritual growth, discipleship, and transformation. Additionally, Conley unravels the mystery of the Trinity, affirming the belief in one God revealed in three distinct personalities—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through comprehensive biblical insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the doctrinal foundations crucial for your journey of faith.
2. The Deity and Mission of Jesus
In Session 2, “The Deity and Mission of Jesus,” Bayless Conley unfolds the profound truths surrounding the identity and purpose of Jesus Christ. Emphasizing the belief in the virgin birth and the deity of Jesus, Conley explores scriptures highlighting the preexistence of Jesus as God the Son. The session delves into the central truth of Christianity—the deity of Jesus—as asserted by the Bible, emphasizing his divine origin and the significance of the “I AM” declarations. Furthermore, Conley illuminates Jesus’ mission, explaining the necessity of his earthly existence to bridge the gap between a fallen humanity and a holy God. Through insightful teachings, you will gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ divine nature and his redemptive mission.
3. Salvation, Heaven and Hell, and Christ’s Return
In Session 3, “Salvation, Heaven and Hell, and Christ’s Return,” Bayless Conley delves into the core tenets of Christianity. Emphasizing the exclusive pathway to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, Conley dismisses religious works as inadequate substitutes for God’s grace. Rooted in key scriptures like John 14:6, the session underscores Jesus as the sole gateway to the Father. The lesson explores salvation by grace through faith, highlighting the significance of repentance and the transformative power of confession. Conley navigates the destinies of Heaven and Hell, cautioning against rejecting salvation. Finally, he unveils the anticipation of Christ’s return, promising a new heaven and earth.
4. The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
In Session 4, “The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit,” Bayless Conley guides believers through the profound teachings of Jesus on the Holy Spirit’s ministry. Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person, not merely a force, Conley emphasizes the importance of fellowship with Him. The session explores the personhood of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit is detailed, highlighting the Spirit’s role in conviction, guidance, and imparting God’s wisdom. Additionally, the lesson delves into the Baptism in the Holy Spirit as an experience available to every child of God, distinct from salvation. Conley explains the significance of tongues as a manifestation of Spirit filling and explores other evidences of the Spirit’s power.
5. Divine Healing
In Session 5, “Divine Healing,” Bayless Conley unfolds the profound truth that God is the healer, evident throughout the Bible. Rooted in Exodus 15:23-26, God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha, the unchanging healing God. Conley reinforces abiding truths about the Holy Spirit’s role and emphasizes the continuous need for His presence. The lesson explores divine healing as an integral part of God’s redemptive work, echoing through the Old and New Testaments. Conley draws on Jesus’ ministry, demonstrating God’s desire to heal, appointing believers to continue this mission. Through scriptural examples and teachings, the session encourages believers to embrace divine healing as a present reality.
6. Church Ordinances
In Session 6, “Church Ordinances,” Bayless Conley delves into practices ordained by Jesus for the Church, emphasizing their role as tangible expressions of spiritual grace. Water Baptism, a command from Jesus, symbolizes believers’ identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. Anointing with oil for healing signifies the Holy Spirit’s work and dedication to God. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) proclaims Christ’s sacrifice, uniting the diverse Body of Christ. The laying on of hands, a foundational doctrine, serves various purposes, including healing and ordination into ministry. Through these ordinances, believers actively manifest faith and obedience to Christ’s commands, fostering a deeper connection with spiritual principles.
Foundations of the Faith
Supernatural Living
New Testament Survey
Praise and Worship
Fear of the Lord
Quick Facts
Langauges
English, French
Level
Beginner
Credits
2.25 credit units
No. of Sessions
6 Sessions
Running Time
2 hrs 28 min
Recorded
1996
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About the Instructor
Bayless Conley
Bayless Conley is a pastor, author, and Bible teacher known for his clear presentation of the gospel and the way he applies the life-changing truth of God’s Word to everyday life. Each week his broadcast, Answers with Bayless Conley, is impacting lives around the world in many languages on TV and online.
Having overcome a tumultuous past as a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, Bayless discovered transformative hope through a chance encounter with a 12-year-old Christian boy. After chasing everything imaginable, he discovered true, lasting hope exists only in a relationship with Jesus.
Bayless and his wife, Janet, founded Cottonwood Church in Southern California over forty years ago. Today, their son, Harrison, and daughter-in-law, Bethany, lead the thriving Cottonwood Church with a weekly attendance surpassing 9,500.
A young Bayless Conley
Bayless & Janet Conley
Founding Pastors of Cotonwood Church
Harrison & Bethany Conley
Lead Pastors of Cotonwood Church
Cottonwood Church
Behind-the-Scenes of Answers with Bayless Conley
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