Introduction to Christianity 101

A dear friend of mine is a Christian but has had little or no discipling or teaching. She has been asking me questions about Christianity, which I’m glad to answer, but I don’t think piecemeal answers to questions give her much of an understanding of what being a Christian means.

If we lived close enough to each other to make it feasible, the best thing to do would be to meet regularly with her and her husband for one-on-two discipling. Because of geography, that’s not really an available option.

In thinking about her and her husband and how I might be able to help them, it occurred to me that there are undoubtedly countless people out there who may have accepted Jesus as their Savior but have not had the opportunity to join a good Bible study or meet regularly with a more seasoned Christian who could disciple them. In an effort to help any such new, or at least untaught, Christians, I decided put together a series of blogs on the basics of Christianity.

Before I start the series, let me confess that I hold no seminary degrees and am not recognized as a Bible teacher by any church. There are countless Christians who have a more extensive knowledge of the Bible than I do, as well as teaching credentials I don’t have.

On the other hand, I was fortunate to have a dear friend who discipled me very intensely starting some 30 years ago and continuing more or less up until his death a couple of years ago. Because of this, although I may not have the extensive knowledge of a Biblical scholar, I do have a deep understanding of the basics of Christianity.

Don’t expect to be able to pick a verse out of the air and have me tell you where it is in the Bible. I can do that with some verses, but not nearly so many as a lot of Bible students.

What I hope to do is help to provide a foundation for unschooled Christians. We all need a foundation broad enough to support further learning and deep enough not to be confused by hearing different voices in pursuing further learning. If I can provide that foundation for one or two others, I will have repaid my mentor.

Never having undertaken anything quite like this, I’m not sure exactly what to expect. This series may last a few weeks, or it may cover a period of many months. I hope the Holy Spirit will lead me to cover what needs to be covered and take the amount of time needed to cover it properly.

A final suggestion is in order. If you are currently a part of a church or Sunday School class or home fellowship, by all means continue, especially if it’s an evangelical church that actually teaches the Bible. If you are not already a part of any kind of local body, in the long run you should find one to join, and I hope this series will help lead you to seek the fellowship we all need as Christians and also point out the need for a Bible-teaching church and not just some old mainline church that either tries to make you feel good or preaches a man-made social gospel.

It is my intention to post blogs on this subject every Tuesday. However, I’ve found that when I put myself on too strict a schedule I sometimes run dry. For that reason, I’m going to give myself latitude to skip a week now and then or do more than one a week whenever the Holy Spirit leads me to.

Right now He is leading me to share this video with you. Click on the link or paste it in your browser address window: http://www.youtube.com/embed/zf_0jzPQ8lo?rel=0

It is my firm hope that you will find this series both enriching and enjoyable. As we go along, if you have questions you’d like to ask, please post them in the comment section. Your question may stimulate a new post or two. I’d also welcome comments that either amen something I’ve said or suggest an error in something I’ve said, as long as any disagreements are stated in love and not spitefulness. Others may benefit from your comment.

If you abide in Me and My word abides in you, then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

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For more information about David N. Walker, click the “About” tab above.

For more information about his books, click on “Books” above.

Contact him at dnwalkertx (at) gmail (dot) com or tweet him at @davidnwalkertx.

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About David N. Walker

David N. Walker is a Christian husband, father and grandfather, a grounded pilot and a near-scratch golfer who had to give up the game because of shoulder problems. A graduate of Duke University, he spent 42 years in the health insurance industry, during which time he traveled much of the United States. He started writing about 20 years ago and has been a member and leader in several writers' groups. Christianity 101: The Simplified Christian Life, the devotional Heaven Sent and the novella series, Fancy, are now available in paperback and in Kindle and Nook formats, as well as through Smashwords and Kobo. See information about both of these by clicking "Books" above.
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11 Responses to Introduction to Christianity 101

  1. David, I’m looking forward to this. I am a Christian but I have had such a hard time finding a church that I like. They all seem to be about money, which I don’t have. The last church I attended, the minister mentioned the tithe, and he made a remark about tithing before you spend money on the movies. This upset me greatly, because I had exactly $12 for food, and I gave the church $5. I kept thinking, “Movies! I haven’t even seen a movie in a theater in over ten years.!” It just upset me that I gave the church money that should have been spent on food, but the pastor seems to believe that everybody has enough to tithe. I know you should help support the church, but are there any churches that don’t talk about money all the time? I want to get back to church, because I feel great when I go.

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    • So sorry you’re having this trouble, Carole. Before this series is over, I will discuss tithing. It is a legitimate part of Christianity, but unfortunately, far too many pastors use it to browbeat people as a fundraising tool. I don’t think tithing should EVER be preached in conjunction with raising funds. A church should live with the revenue it has, just like we as individuals have to do. Any instruction about tithing should be directed to the spiritual needs of the people rather than the financial needs of the church.

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      • I believe that, too. I live on social Security, and my check is not enough to cover my monthly expenses. I would gladly tithe if I had the money. When I get a decent royalty check, I usually give half of it to the church.

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  2. Oh and I’m sure I have a zillion questions to share with you but with the trial later today I’m afraid my brain is a little unfocused at the moment. I’m at peace with it all but still doing some last minute prep. Please say a little prayer for me today – of all the things I’ve done and overcome, this feels scarier than most.

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  3. What an incredible gift. I’m glad I could spark this inspiration and I thank you for the selfless ministry you offer. I hope you don’t mind but I created a public post on Facebook with a link to your blog and hope it brings you more visitors. My sister Tammy in particular comes to mind and I pray she’ll subscribe to your blog and learn more through your posts. Thank you David – you touch my life in countless ways!

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  4. Sharon Walker says:

    I expect to find this interesting. Looking forward to learning more about The Word.

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  5. Its going to be a series of good and faith inspiring articles. May God guide your thoughts and hands – Jeff at http://vatikos.wordpress.com/

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