Roots and Foundations
From One in Messiah
The Message of Salvation through the Scriptures
The Study of Scripture
Paul writes to Timothy in II Timothy Chapter 3 that studying Scripture makes one wise to salvation which is in Jesus by faith. He also tells Timothy that Scripture makes one complete for every good work.
The whole Plan of Salvation is presented from Genesis to Revelation as a panorama and a symphony.
In that same chapter, he writes that all Scripture is "breathed out" by the Holy Spirit. It is essential that we have a firm foundation in that Word.
I have put together a series of courses to help understand the Word at a basic and concise way.
I decided to call this school Roots and Foundations since these words really represent what Scripture gives us and what we must have for clear understanding.
These courses will gradually be added to this site and contain study texts, audio, and video.
Bearing fruit
The Scriptures often discuss the necessity of bearing fruit. This is accomplished first of all, by staying connected to Jesus. In John 15, He tells the disciples that He is the vine and we are the branches. If the branch is separated from the vine, it cannot bear fruit.
In John 8 He says that we are His disciples if we dwell in His Word. The Greek that is used there means we live in the Word like we live in a house.
It is, therefore, so important that we study the Word, that we learn it in depth, and that we "live" in it constantly.
This allows us to spread the Gospel from a solid foundation.
In Romans Chapter 11, Paul tells us that we Gentiles are the wild olive branch that is grafted into the domestic olive tree. He points out that the roots nourish the branch. The roots, of course, are the foundations of Judaism. That is the revelation of God to the chosen people and how they point to Messiah Jesus. Therefore, it is crucial to study the entirety of Scripture, not just the New Testament. The plan of Salvation goes through the whole Scripture.
Study
Knowledge of the Scripture is so important. It is God's revealed Word. If we are believers and followers of the Lord, how can we not know what He has said? He reveals His Nature, His Law, His Holiness, and His plan of salvation in the Torah. Through the prophets and the writings, He reprimands and guides His people and points to the Messianic Kingdom.
Yes, the Old Testament, the Tanakh, is critically important. It is, of course, part of the totality of Scripture. When Jesus asked, "haven't you read, haven't you heard, He was referring to the Old Testament. When the Bereans were checking Paul's teaching against the Scripture, the only Scripture they had was the Old Testament. When Paul commended Timothy for studying the Scripure since he was a young boy, he had only the Old Testament. When Paul wrote that all Scripture was "God breathed," he only had the Old Testament.
In the Gospels we see the life and teachings of Jesus the Messiah and then His sacrifice that brings salvation.
In the epistles, the theology of the Sacrifice and salvation are explained and expanded.
The Book of Revelation brings all of it to a conclusion.
Therefore, how can we not spend time reading, understanding and contemplating these words? How can we not do the work of a disciple? How can we proclaim and teach the Word if we do not know the Word?
People often ask me, "How do you know so much about the Bible?" My answer is that it is a result of MANY hours, days, and years of study.
My intent here is to present a concise but thorough study into each book. This is done by video, audio, and text. I hope that this will be a useful approach for you.
Also, there is never a cost for anything.
In the Navigation banner at the top of each page, you will see a tab called Torah Class. This is a series of video teachings on the Torah. It is basically a survey course with emphasis on how all of Torah points to Jesus the Messiah. Please take this opportunity to obtain a working knowledge of Torah as the basis for the rest of the Scripture.
Continue to check the Courses page as new courses will be added from time to time.