The Basics of the Christian Life

Every believer can benefit from thoughtfully considering the basics of the Christian life. One of the most basic questions we should ask ourselves is, What does it mean to be a Christian? Sometimes, answering a question like this requires us to know what a Christian is not. In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson draws from John 8 to provide an overview of the spiritual condition and characteristics of the unbeliever so that we can ask if we are walking in the darkness or in the light.

What does it mean to be a Christian? While every believer might answer this question somewhat differently, Scripture gives us an overarching framework for understanding who we have become as a result of the redemptive work of Christ. In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson explores the two fundamental identities that mark Christians, as well as the significance of these identities for the Christian life.

Western culture glorifies individualism, such that the concept of belonging to and functioning in a community context, in many ways, has been lost. Is Christianity compatible with the idea of individualism? In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson shows from Scripture that Christ’s purpose is to build a community of worshipers who belong not only to Him but also to one another.

All Christians ought to have a desire to grow in their faith. But how does this growth occur? What resources has God provided to enable us to accomplish this goal? In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson explores one of the means that God uses to bring us to spiritual maturity: His Word. Through God’s Word, believers are equipped to faithfully live the Christian life.

Christians understand the tremendous privilege of being able to approach the Almighty God in prayer. Yet, too often this gift is taken for granted, misunderstood, or neglected. Knowing our human weaknesses and sinful tendencies, God has graciously provided us with guidance from His Word and assistance from His Spirit to help us pray rightly. In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson approaches the topic of prayer by looking at how Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

When Christians think about baptism, what often comes to mind is debate and controversy over how it should be administered and to whom it should be administered. But what is most important for us to understand is why God has given us the sign and seal of baptism. In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson explains the significance of the sacraments, provides a detailed look at the baptism of Jesus, and notes how Jesus’ baptism sheds light on the meaning of our own baptism.

The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus before His death and subsequent resurrection. Though Christians are familiar with this practice and have likely taken the Lord’s Supper many times, how deeply is the meaning of this sacrament truly understood? In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson discusses seven aspects of the Lord’s Supper to help believers gain a deeper biblical understanding and insight into the supper’s true meaning and significance.

Becoming a Christian means being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. When this happens, Christians also gain a new enemy and adversary: Satan. It’s easy for Christians to err in one of two ways when it comes to the devil. On the one hand, we can focus on him too much, and on the other, we can fail to recognize the power of his influence. In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson describes the nature of our enemy, as well as the resources at our disposal to fight against him.

“What is God’s will for my life?” Most Christians have asked this question at some point. In a world filled with a seemingly endless array of options, opportunities, and personal crossroads, how can Christians choose a path that is pleasing to the Lord? In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson demystifies the confusion surrounding the will of God and provides practical assistance to those who desire to walk according to it.

Christians are not exempt from the hardships and difficulties of this life. In fact, they often experience more suffering than those who do not profess Christ. When Christians fail to understand this reality, they can be easily deceived by those who falsely teach that all God wants for them is health, wealth, and happiness. In this lecture, Dr. Ferguson presents the true biblical view of suffering by examining the book of Hebrews.

Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. But how can we live in this world without compromising our faith? And how can our faith make an eternal impact on those around us and help draw them to the Lord Jesus Christ? In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson looks to the book of 1 Peter to provide principles and practical instruction on how to be a faithful witness to the Lord Jesus Christ in this world.

The author of Hebrews wrote to exhort and encourage believers to continue the race of faith and remain committed to the Lord Jesus Christ amid opposition, persecution, and discouragement. In this lesson, Dr. Ferguson concludes this series by unpacking the great message of Hebrews: Whatever Christians have lost for Christ, they have given up to gain a far greater treasure in Christ.