Christian Beliefs
This was one of the first classes that I took at GBS. I really enjoyed this class very much. It was the perfect class to begin my college journey with.We learned the foundational, and the basic beliefs that all Christians today should know.The following is my reflection paper from the end of the semester. Some of the grammar from this paper could use editing, however; this was my first semester in college. In addition, the attempt of this webpage is to demonstrate my growth as a student, by allowing the minor errors to remain, I am able to accomplish that goal.
Christian Beliefs Reflection Paper (Fall 2011)
Chuck Chapman
Gods Bible School and College
Part 1: General Reflection - how this class impacted you.
In order to express the full impact this class has had in my life I must share briefly about my past. When I meet the Lord I was locked up in a jail cell. I had no teacher that I was aware of at the time. For the first three months of my incarceration I did not get out of my bunk except to eat, or for the occasional visitor. I had lost everything and everyone in my life, most of all I had lost all hope. During this three month period I spent my time very wisely (unknowingly) by reading the Holy Bible.
After three months of incarceration in the local jail, I was then transferred to Florida, where I was looking at a mandatory five year prison sentence. It was in Florida that this “peace that surpassed all understanding” came upon me, and all of a sudden I was on fire for the Lord. I started preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ due to a series of uncontrollable events.
During this time I had no teacher to explain the mysteries of the bible, or so I thought. I was wrong I later learned that it was the Holy Spirit who was teaching me the meanings of these passages. The Spirit taught me the meanings so well that I was able to convey these meanings to others in need. At a later date I was released to a twelve month faith based discipleship program, whereas I received training on the Biblical meaning and significance of the scriptures. However this training was on an elementary level due to the fact that the students were all former addicts and alcoholics. Upon release from this program and returning home, I was put in charge of leading a ministry. In this position of leadership I stuck with the same method I had obtained in the jail cell; counting on the Spirit to teach me. Although, this method is the best method it was not enough, I fell flat on my face. This leads me to my point.
I have since learned that a call to preach is a call to prepare, and that is what has led me to this class. During my short year in leadership a lot of good was accomplished however, I also did a lot of damage. I vowed to myself to do everything I could to become the proper leader that God was entrusting me to be one day. I have always relied on the Spirit when I get up to speak. I now realize that the Spirit is relying on me to do my part in preparation. I have learned from my time in the field that there are so many ways a situation can turn sour and that peoples salvation could depend on how things turn out. Most importantly I have learned from this class that it doesn’t have to be that way. This class has taught me the importance of having a ready answer, and not just relying on my experiences but presenting the historical evidence of the scriptures to truly help others in need.
A prime example has recently occurred in my church. I was formerly in a state of brokenness from my previously mentioned fall when I enrolled at the college. Before I had entered the college, (in particular this class) the proceeding situation would have ended tragically. My church has been going through a rough couple of years and it came to a boiling point this past Sunday. A mob-like situation was arising. The Spirit inside of me started bubbling up while I sat silent in observance. When it looked as if a split in the church was seconds away the Spirit led me to stand up. I did... complete silence! I went on to proclaim the heart of the Lord in this matter. The avenue that I used to get there was the majority of the wonderful things I have obtained in this particular class. I was able to point to book, chapter, and verse in most cases. A spirit of love entered the room and for the first time since I joined the church we all joined, arm and arm, shoulder to shoulder in prayer. In my state of brokenness and ignorance as to the scriptures before the semester began, this would have ended tragically. In short this class has impacted my heart and mind, as well as others.
Part 2 & Part 3 “Values” and “Skills” Objectives
1. Have a new or renewed appreciation for the importance of basing one’s beliefs on what the Scripture actually says (Book, chapter, and verse) rather than on one’s church or family traditions.
I believe I have covered this topic in the preceding category however; I would like to add another brief example. Our very first lesson “The Origin and authority of Scripture” was of great benefit to a small group of individuals in my church as well as individuals I work with in the field of sobriety. I was asked to lead a bible study in my church, and the Spirit told me this is what He wanted taught. I informed the class that I was no Dr. Brown but I would do my best. After the class multiple individuals came up and thanked me saying such words of affirmation as “You don’t know how long I have been waiting for this” or “we need more of this in the church today.” I gave God and Dr. Brown all the Glory. As far as the individuals seeking sobriety while developing a new relationship with the Lord, this has been a great way to get them involved by answering the focus questions and at the same time digesting the Word of God. I have a tremendous love for the Scriptures; I always have from day one in that jail cell. It has been wonderful to share what I have learned in this class, while sparking a hunger within those individuals that the Lord brings across my path.
2. Become more cautious about asserting anything the Bible does not clearly teach.
During my time in the faith based discipleship program (Teen Challenge) we would go from church to church on Sundays. Teen Challenge is a non-profit organization, so we would raise funds by going to these churches with testimony, choir, and dramas. During my fifteen months in this twelve month program the issues of denominational beliefs were never addressed. Sometime after my release from the program and returning home I was asked to preach in a friend’s church on a monthly basis. This went well for a few months until the Lord laid a message on my heart about eternal security and the blackness of man’s heart from youth. I got up and preached what the Lord showed me, while expressing the importance and need for a Savior on a daily basis due to the blackness of man’s heart. The only problem was that this happened to be a Baptist church (once saved always saved). I did not know about their belief system when I preached, and a few weeks after the service I was asked not to come back. Due to my childhood I have root issues of rejection and abandonment; needless to say these individuals asking me not to come back to their church hurt me greatly. I beat myself up over it for a long time. Since taking this class I have realized that I said nothing that was not 100% in alignment with scripture. I was doing the right thing however; I was made to feel like I had done something wrong. That will never happen again, not only do I know God’s perspective on the issue, I now have the historical evidence to “prove it” as Dr. Brown would say.
3. Feel equipped and confident that you can find in the Bible (with the help of your permanently attached notes) the Scriptural basis for your Christian beliefs and be able to share your beliefs with anyone who is interested.
Since this class has begun I have done a lot of extra work so that I may have all of the information obtained in this class, on my person at all times. To briefly elaborate my process is as follows: Each week I print out everything that is provided to me from this online course. The study guides and focus questions print rather quickly however; there are other things I must crop and past to a Microsoft Word document, such as activity checklist, assignment descriptions, etc… etc… Once I have printed everything that can be printed I proceed to cut off the access paper not used on the outside of the margins (so that it fits into my notebook). In addition I tape everything in order, to my notebook. And finally I watch the lecture video’s while taking hand written notes. My purpose for this long drawn out process is so that I may have all obtained information in my possession at all times. I carry a bag with me everywhere I go. In my bag is my Bible, paper, pens, highlighters, and since the beginning of this class my notes. Before taking this class I would never go anywhere without my sword (which is the word of God), now I go nowhere without my created notebook. This has been extremely beneficial to me and others. During my three breaks at work I tend to reference these notes and thereby am transformed by the renewing of my mind (Rom 12:2) before returning back to my job (the world). Also multiple times I have come in contact with strangers in public places, and have been able to quickly refer to the scriptures in regards to their needs and questions. My notes are like an American Express card “I never leave home without it.” The only time my notebook is not in my possession is during a test. I use my separate permanently attached notes for that (just in case anyone was wondering).
Part 4: Lastly, please comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the class.
I am not the type to offer untruthful flattery, or to make things up. I mention that to express the fact that I am a better man for taking this class. In addition I have grown to become a better father, son, friend, uncle, and brother. As I mentioned earlier in my paper I had come to the college broken. What I did not mention is that it had been over a year and a half since my fall. During that time I lived in defeat, despair, hopelessness and brokenness. To put it another way I had no victory or joy in my life. I could not forgive myself for my past failure even though the Lord and everyone else had. I don’t know when the change occurred within me but I know it is here now, and that it wasn’t when I had started. My Pastor has noticed a tremendous change, my father (non-Christian) has become extremely impressed with my knowledge and vocabulary, My brother and nephew have come to the Lord for the long haul, and a church split was avoided. This has all been achieved by not only the head knowledge I have obtained in this class, but also due to the heart knowledge I have acquired. I have gained a proper view of who God truly is, and I have a tremendously greater understanding of what He expects from me. I would change nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing about this class. The reading assignments were wonderful, and these books will remain in my possession until the day the Lord calls me home. Also I would recommend them to anybody. The only thing that could be improved in my opinion is to stick to the video lectures instead of the MP3 audio lectures. I myself am able to retain more information from the video lectures. I have also noticed that I do better on the test when a video lecture was viewed as compared to the MP3 lectures. In closing, thank you for sharing with me.
Chuck Chapman
Gods Bible School and College
Part 1: General Reflection - how this class impacted you.
In order to express the full impact this class has had in my life I must share briefly about my past. When I meet the Lord I was locked up in a jail cell. I had no teacher that I was aware of at the time. For the first three months of my incarceration I did not get out of my bunk except to eat, or for the occasional visitor. I had lost everything and everyone in my life, most of all I had lost all hope. During this three month period I spent my time very wisely (unknowingly) by reading the Holy Bible.
After three months of incarceration in the local jail, I was then transferred to Florida, where I was looking at a mandatory five year prison sentence. It was in Florida that this “peace that surpassed all understanding” came upon me, and all of a sudden I was on fire for the Lord. I started preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ due to a series of uncontrollable events.
During this time I had no teacher to explain the mysteries of the bible, or so I thought. I was wrong I later learned that it was the Holy Spirit who was teaching me the meanings of these passages. The Spirit taught me the meanings so well that I was able to convey these meanings to others in need. At a later date I was released to a twelve month faith based discipleship program, whereas I received training on the Biblical meaning and significance of the scriptures. However this training was on an elementary level due to the fact that the students were all former addicts and alcoholics. Upon release from this program and returning home, I was put in charge of leading a ministry. In this position of leadership I stuck with the same method I had obtained in the jail cell; counting on the Spirit to teach me. Although, this method is the best method it was not enough, I fell flat on my face. This leads me to my point.
I have since learned that a call to preach is a call to prepare, and that is what has led me to this class. During my short year in leadership a lot of good was accomplished however, I also did a lot of damage. I vowed to myself to do everything I could to become the proper leader that God was entrusting me to be one day. I have always relied on the Spirit when I get up to speak. I now realize that the Spirit is relying on me to do my part in preparation. I have learned from my time in the field that there are so many ways a situation can turn sour and that peoples salvation could depend on how things turn out. Most importantly I have learned from this class that it doesn’t have to be that way. This class has taught me the importance of having a ready answer, and not just relying on my experiences but presenting the historical evidence of the scriptures to truly help others in need.
A prime example has recently occurred in my church. I was formerly in a state of brokenness from my previously mentioned fall when I enrolled at the college. Before I had entered the college, (in particular this class) the proceeding situation would have ended tragically. My church has been going through a rough couple of years and it came to a boiling point this past Sunday. A mob-like situation was arising. The Spirit inside of me started bubbling up while I sat silent in observance. When it looked as if a split in the church was seconds away the Spirit led me to stand up. I did... complete silence! I went on to proclaim the heart of the Lord in this matter. The avenue that I used to get there was the majority of the wonderful things I have obtained in this particular class. I was able to point to book, chapter, and verse in most cases. A spirit of love entered the room and for the first time since I joined the church we all joined, arm and arm, shoulder to shoulder in prayer. In my state of brokenness and ignorance as to the scriptures before the semester began, this would have ended tragically. In short this class has impacted my heart and mind, as well as others.
Part 2 & Part 3 “Values” and “Skills” Objectives
1. Have a new or renewed appreciation for the importance of basing one’s beliefs on what the Scripture actually says (Book, chapter, and verse) rather than on one’s church or family traditions.
I believe I have covered this topic in the preceding category however; I would like to add another brief example. Our very first lesson “The Origin and authority of Scripture” was of great benefit to a small group of individuals in my church as well as individuals I work with in the field of sobriety. I was asked to lead a bible study in my church, and the Spirit told me this is what He wanted taught. I informed the class that I was no Dr. Brown but I would do my best. After the class multiple individuals came up and thanked me saying such words of affirmation as “You don’t know how long I have been waiting for this” or “we need more of this in the church today.” I gave God and Dr. Brown all the Glory. As far as the individuals seeking sobriety while developing a new relationship with the Lord, this has been a great way to get them involved by answering the focus questions and at the same time digesting the Word of God. I have a tremendous love for the Scriptures; I always have from day one in that jail cell. It has been wonderful to share what I have learned in this class, while sparking a hunger within those individuals that the Lord brings across my path.
2. Become more cautious about asserting anything the Bible does not clearly teach.
During my time in the faith based discipleship program (Teen Challenge) we would go from church to church on Sundays. Teen Challenge is a non-profit organization, so we would raise funds by going to these churches with testimony, choir, and dramas. During my fifteen months in this twelve month program the issues of denominational beliefs were never addressed. Sometime after my release from the program and returning home I was asked to preach in a friend’s church on a monthly basis. This went well for a few months until the Lord laid a message on my heart about eternal security and the blackness of man’s heart from youth. I got up and preached what the Lord showed me, while expressing the importance and need for a Savior on a daily basis due to the blackness of man’s heart. The only problem was that this happened to be a Baptist church (once saved always saved). I did not know about their belief system when I preached, and a few weeks after the service I was asked not to come back. Due to my childhood I have root issues of rejection and abandonment; needless to say these individuals asking me not to come back to their church hurt me greatly. I beat myself up over it for a long time. Since taking this class I have realized that I said nothing that was not 100% in alignment with scripture. I was doing the right thing however; I was made to feel like I had done something wrong. That will never happen again, not only do I know God’s perspective on the issue, I now have the historical evidence to “prove it” as Dr. Brown would say.
3. Feel equipped and confident that you can find in the Bible (with the help of your permanently attached notes) the Scriptural basis for your Christian beliefs and be able to share your beliefs with anyone who is interested.
Since this class has begun I have done a lot of extra work so that I may have all of the information obtained in this class, on my person at all times. To briefly elaborate my process is as follows: Each week I print out everything that is provided to me from this online course. The study guides and focus questions print rather quickly however; there are other things I must crop and past to a Microsoft Word document, such as activity checklist, assignment descriptions, etc… etc… Once I have printed everything that can be printed I proceed to cut off the access paper not used on the outside of the margins (so that it fits into my notebook). In addition I tape everything in order, to my notebook. And finally I watch the lecture video’s while taking hand written notes. My purpose for this long drawn out process is so that I may have all obtained information in my possession at all times. I carry a bag with me everywhere I go. In my bag is my Bible, paper, pens, highlighters, and since the beginning of this class my notes. Before taking this class I would never go anywhere without my sword (which is the word of God), now I go nowhere without my created notebook. This has been extremely beneficial to me and others. During my three breaks at work I tend to reference these notes and thereby am transformed by the renewing of my mind (Rom 12:2) before returning back to my job (the world). Also multiple times I have come in contact with strangers in public places, and have been able to quickly refer to the scriptures in regards to their needs and questions. My notes are like an American Express card “I never leave home without it.” The only time my notebook is not in my possession is during a test. I use my separate permanently attached notes for that (just in case anyone was wondering).
Part 4: Lastly, please comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the class.
I am not the type to offer untruthful flattery, or to make things up. I mention that to express the fact that I am a better man for taking this class. In addition I have grown to become a better father, son, friend, uncle, and brother. As I mentioned earlier in my paper I had come to the college broken. What I did not mention is that it had been over a year and a half since my fall. During that time I lived in defeat, despair, hopelessness and brokenness. To put it another way I had no victory or joy in my life. I could not forgive myself for my past failure even though the Lord and everyone else had. I don’t know when the change occurred within me but I know it is here now, and that it wasn’t when I had started. My Pastor has noticed a tremendous change, my father (non-Christian) has become extremely impressed with my knowledge and vocabulary, My brother and nephew have come to the Lord for the long haul, and a church split was avoided. This has all been achieved by not only the head knowledge I have obtained in this class, but also due to the heart knowledge I have acquired. I have gained a proper view of who God truly is, and I have a tremendously greater understanding of what He expects from me. I would change nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing about this class. The reading assignments were wonderful, and these books will remain in my possession until the day the Lord calls me home. Also I would recommend them to anybody. The only thing that could be improved in my opinion is to stick to the video lectures instead of the MP3 audio lectures. I myself am able to retain more information from the video lectures. I have also noticed that I do better on the test when a video lecture was viewed as compared to the MP3 lectures. In closing, thank you for sharing with me.