Foundations Audio Lessons (English)

This lesson gives a structural overview of The Book of Revelation. After the opening vision of Christ and letter to the churches, John has a vision of heaven in which three waves of judgments are poured out upon the earth, taking up most of the book. This is followed by the fall of the Great anti-Christ forces at work in the world, the second coming of Jesus, the Millennial reign of Christ and the final judgment of everyone who stood against Christ to the end. Then comes the new heavens and earth as the eternal reward of the faithful. 

This lesson considers the context of Revelation as a letter bearing individual messages for seven churches in Asia Minor. These letters within the letter provide a model for evaluating not only every modern church in terms of the favor, disapproval, and special commission expressed by  Jesus for each in Revelation, but also a model for evaluating every Christian heart and where one stands with Jesus in the exercise of his or her faith. 

This lesson introduces the Book of Revelation, detailing the three main purposes in its writing, detailing the most profitable methods for reading Apocalyptic books like it, and detailing the big story that the book preaches. Revelation uses many common symbols from the world of the Ancient Near East, including numbers, names, and cosmic events and figures to preach a message of hope in the midst of persecution and threat. God wins in the end and those who stay true no matter the suffering will reap eternal rewards and everlasting life. 

This lesson explores the short letter of Jude, the brother of James & Jesus. It encourages believers to defend Christ’s teachings & the purity of the Christian faith. Jude gives examples of God’s intolerance for evil hearts and wicked deeds. God is love, just, and holy, and as such, He punishes unrepentant sinners. False teachers who are multiplying in the churches resemble Old Testament disobedient people whom God destroyed, so believers should try to save them from punishment by preaching truth.

This lesson unpacks John’s 2nd & 3rd epistles and shows us what it looks like to live a life full of love. Love helps believers to know & abide in the truth, to obey God’s command, and to protect others from eternal harm. John warns against false teachings that deny Jesus’ humanity. Believers should discern what should be allowed at home and in the church, and leaders need to be accountable for their behavior. Believers must always stand for the truth, especially on behalf of our loved ones and the church.

This lesson continues John’s discussion in his first Epistle, focusing on the means of evaluating our walk with Christ—Are we children of God or the devil? God’s children are convicted of their sins; they repent and are less tempted by sin. They have a changed heart, lived-out faith, and God’s love poured into them helps them love God and others. The Devil’s children misrepresent Jesus’s identity and live a life of sin. Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. 

This lesson introduces John’s first epistle and explains eight points to help Jesus’ true disciples to be confident of their faith and assured of their salvation. The eight points are 1. facts of Jesus’ death & resurrection, 2. faith in God’s promises, character, and salvation, 3. forgiveness  - ongoing sanctification, 4. fellowship of believers, 5. following, truly after God - obedience, 6. fruitfulness from our new life in Christ, 7. Love for God, and 8. the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

This lesson records Peter’s final words of encouragement to the believers before his death. Peter reminds them about growing spiritually in the knowledge of Christ, living it out, and proclaiming it to others. God fulfills His promises as believers transform into God’s likeness by being diligent to add a series of qualities to their faith that will help them grow spiritually. Knowing God and being known by God is of eternal value, for the Lord will return, bringing all God’s promises, rescuing the righteous, and judging the wicked.

This lesson explores Peter’s third and final point of discussion in 1 Peter. Jesus and Noah are held out as examples for believers of those who suffered for righteousness, overcame, and brought salvation to the world in the process. 1 Peter 3:13-14, ties the whole book together saying: “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed.”

This lesson explores Peter’s second point of discussion in 1 Peter. The rising tide of persecution will prove hard enough without Christians suffering over foolish choices in life. If they want to minimize their suffering and make sure that what suffering does come is for righteousness, leading to blessing, then they need to live right and do good works. They need to be as submissive as they can be with ruling powers. This includes slaves with their masters. Finally, husbands and wives should each imitate Jesus as they fulfill their God ordained roles in family life.

This lesson unpacks Peter’s initial point of discussion in 1 Peter. There is a rising tide of persecution coming from Rome, but the salvation of Christ is worth suffering for. The Christians have been called to great things and are the envy of the prophets of old and the angels of heaven, but this makes them strangers and aliens in the world and a frequent object of hatred by those who are perishing in their sins. Therefore, to endure, Christians need to put away worldly concerns and temptations and focus on the blessings they have in Jesus.

This lesson introduces the letters of Peter by introducing Peter himself as a man of three faces. The Gospels’ Peter is rash, aggressive, unstable, silly, but honest. The Peter of Pentecost is restored from shame, strong, humble, and unflinching in the face of persecution and church trials. The Epistles’ Peter, an old man filled with the wisdom that he is a nobody who can be used by God in mighty ways. This final Peter’s first letter is a guide for a Church facing a rising tide of persecution for a salvation that is worth the suffering.

This lesson concludes the study of James as Jesus’ brother and leader of the Churches of Jerusalem increases his aggression against the double-minded among them. Faith is vetted by one’s deeds and many of the early believers are struggling with worldliness, greed, and the mistreatment of others. This lack of single-minded devotion to God and Christ and the Divine Word hinders their prayers, limits their blessing, and leaves them in a state of perpetual frustration that only deepens their downward sin spiral.

This lesson continues to unpack James' message to suffering Jewish believers. He encourages them to test the reality of their faith is real by honestly judging their works. Faith is what we do and not just what we profess. We must do what we read in Scripture, not just read it and talk about it. We must never so show partiality, but love all equally. We must learn to control our tongues and stop blessing and cursing from the same mouth. We must allow God and His wisdom to tame us and discipline us.

This lesson introduces the Book of James, a letter written by Jesus’ earthly brother and head of the churches of Jerusalem. Often called the Proverbs of the New Testament, James’ letter reaches out to persecuted Jewish followers of Jesus with practical advice about living for Jesus and evaluating where you stand with the Lord. The main thrust is “What we really believe, we do.” Our faith is not measured by claims but by our works. God will give us wisdom if we ask for it, but we must resist our fleshly inclinations and flee temptation.

This lesson unpacks the importance of the last of Hebrew’s three key words, “Better,” “Beware,” and “Believe.” The unknown author of Hebrews gives help to struggling Jewish believers to keep them from apostasy by reminding them that they are part of a great family of faith stretching back millennia. These believers need to follow their example and endure what must be endured to remain strong in their faith.

This lesson unpacks the importance of the second of Hebrew’s three key words, “Better,” “Beware,” and “Believe.” The unknown author of Hebrews gives five separate warnings to those Jewish believers who are being pressured and tempted to turn back to Judaism and its practices to find salvation. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God, and these saints should take warning from those Old Testament saints who embarked in faith but faltered in their faith on the way. He, of course, hopes for better things for their faith.

This lesson introduces the letter of Hebrews as an aide for Hebrew Christians suffering pressure and temptation from a hostile Jewish community. The unknown author presses three agendas best summarized by: "Better,"  "Beware," and "Believe." This lesson unpacks the first—Better. Jesus is, as incarnate Son of God, better than all those things that compete for Jewish loyalty, be it Prophets, Moses, Angels, Joshua, Priests, Sabbaths, Sacrifices, Covenants, Tabernacles or Temples. Therefore, they should believe wholly upon Him and beware lest they fall short of true faith and suffer the eternal consequences. 

This lesson records Paul’s final words to Timothy in his second letter to him. Paul instructs Timothy to be a godly leader led by the Holy Spirit & Scriptures following his example and to train others similarly. Timothy knowing Paul closely & Paul mentoring him practically is the discipleship model required today. Paul charges Timothy to be accountable with his knowledge in the context of Christ’s return and ‘the judgment seat.’ Paul completes his God-given ministry very well, and he wants Timothy to do the same.

This lesson reveals Paul’s heart as he writes a second letter to Timothy, his last communication to his beloved son in Christ from his final Roman imprisonment shortly before his death. Paul encourages Timothy to stir God’s gift already given to him. Paul wants Timothy to be faithful like him in preaching boldly, enduring suffering, and fearlessly facing threats & pain like a soldier, athlete, or farmer. Paul advises Timothy to spend time in scripture instead of vain arguments and be a pure instrument of God.

This lesson explores Paul’s letter to Philemon, in which Paul tries to settle the dispute between a wealthy master Philemon and his wayward slave Onesimus. Using wise tactics, Paul appeals to Philemon by acknowledging Onesimus’ wrongdoings & emphasizing his humility and genuine desire for repentance. Paul encourages Philemon to forgive as Christ forgives and to accept Onesimus back as more than a slave, as a brother in the Lord. Onesimus’ transformation is the gospel’s message, and Paul’s mediation is the image of Christ’s substitutionary atonement.

This lesson concludes Paul's first letter to Timothy and introduces the letter to Titus. Paul instructs Timothy to be cautious in choosing church leaders and beware of materialism. He leaves Titus - an older, more mature, no-nonsense pastor - to deal with the troublemakers in the Cretan church. The main theme in Titus is "good works." The important appearances/epiphanies of Christ are: first, a sacrifice for sin, the Second Coming in glory to judge the world, and the third is the church, the image of Christ.

This lesson discusses Paul’s first letter to Timothy, in which Paul teaches Timothy about church management and leadership. Paul explains an ideal minister’s mindset, the priority of prayer, and Christ’s truth. He gives the qualifications of elders and deacons. He instructs Timothy how to be a good minister of the gospel and take care of different church groups- older people, younger people, and widows of all ages. He also reviews how to treat the overseers.

This lesson introduces Paul’s pastoral letters to his beloved sons & missionary companions Timothy & Titus. Timothy is timid, young, caring, and compassionate, while Titus is old, mature, and stable. Paul entrusts Titus with difficult assignments to the Corinthians church and Crete. Timothy co-authors Paul’s several letters. Paul encourages Timothy to overcome his timidity and take on the challenge against false teachers. Noteworthy in these letters are Paul’s “faithful/true sayings” and the priority on prayer.

This lesson examines Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church as he seeks to clear up their confusion about Jesus’ second coming. Before Christ’s return, the apostasy will come, and then the restrainer will be removed, followed by revealing the man of lawlessness. These events lead to the Day of the Lord, including a final judgment and the establishment of a New Heaven and a New Earth. Paul concludes the letter with instructions to obey certain commands as we wait for the Lord’s arrival.

This lesson examines Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian, which explores Christ’s return and the themes of faith, love, & hope. Jesus’ second coming motivates our hope and sustains our faith & love amid ongoing suffering. While we wait for His return, we must not stop working but earn our own living. Moreover, when Christ returns, both the living and the dead believers will join Him in His kingdom forever.

This lesson explains Paul’s confrontation with Gnosticism in the Colossian church by teaching fundamental truths about Christ and challenging them to experience life truly. Paul urges us to walk with and be rooted & enjoy life in the true Christ as a redeemed creation, putting off the old sinful life and living the exemplary Christian life in all our relationships. Prayer is key for spiritual well-being & transformation in ourselves and the mission field.

This lesson concludes the study of Philippians by expounding the life-changing, unshakeable peace that Jesus brings. Paul gives twelve steps to peace. 1. Don’t worry about life, 2. pray about everything, 3. control thoughts, 4. choose a positive mindset, 5. follow the examples of faith, 6. be always thankful, 7. accept your circumstances without becoming hateful or violent, 8. patiently wait on the Lord, 9. remember the Lord’s constant presence, 10. find joy from Christ, 11. value God’s approval more than any others, 12. be content in all situations.

This lesson explores the main theme in Paul’s letter to Philippians: the pattern for living in Christ is to intentionally strive to be lowly-minded, humble, full of love, considerate, like-minded, and unified. The best example of such living is the life of Jesus Christ. The next best examples of living passionately for Christ, who are an encouragement to all believers, are Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Believers should strive to fulfill God’s planned purpose and will in & through their lives.

This lesson introduces Paul's letter to Philippians and gives its background and the overall message. The Philippian church is a true, rich, caring, loving, and sharing community of active fellowship. It is a missional church that also supports missionaries like Paul. Paul encourages them to live Christ-like and prioritize Kingdom work as more important even than their own lives to draw outsiders to believe in the gospel of Jesus.

This lesson concludes the study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians by describing the Church’s leadership gifts, the model Kingdom home, and the armor of God. God assigns ministry work to ordinary people by giving extraordinary spiritual gifts. We should walk in Christ and see through a heavenly lens in our homes first by fulfilling the roles God designs for us. Only by putting on the armor of God can we fight and subdue our spiritual enemies.

This lesson explores Paul's encouragement in Ephesians that believers be Jesus' faithful church, cultivating a heavenly perspective, and full witnesses of Christ's authority & majesty in the world. Paul tells great truths about salvation, prays that the church may better understand spiritual things, and reminds them about God's grace in their lives. He exhorts the church to walk with Christ every day instead of stumbling around in the darkness.

This lesson introduces Paul’s circular letter to the Ephesian churches. Even though they surrounded by immorality and corruption, Paul encourages the Ephesians to live in the heavenly dimension and maximize its blessings in their lives. Though they have not yet found the perfect that awaits them in eternity, believers “already” live as members of God’s Kingdom here on earth and have access in Christ, to all the resources needed to live as a spiritual people in the here and now.

This lesson concludes Paul’s letter to Galatians, where Paul teaches about the transformation that a true gospel brings to redeemed people. The Holy Spirit empowers those sowing the seeds of the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, and reaps a harvest of eternal life. The Spiritual fruit encourages us to: 1. “look in” our hearts the presence of love, joy, and peace; 2. “look out” the people around us with patience, kindness, and goodness; and 3. “look up” to walk with the Lord in faithfulness, meekness, and self-control.

This lesson explains Paul’s teaching to the Galatians about the true gospel. Paul tells how he rebuked Peter himself in Antioch for his insensitive behavior towards gentile believers designed to quell criticism from other visiting Jewish believers. Christ died so that believers might live, and believers must die to themselves so that Christ might live through them. Abraham is the model of faith for everyone who believes. Eternal life is found only by faith in Jesus Christ. The Law serves only to prepare hearts for the righteousness received only by grace through faith in Jesus.

This lesson introduces Paul's letter to Galatians, where Paul aggressively confronts those who have added Jewish observance to Christian faith thus perverting the Gospel of Christ that Paul received from the resurrected Christ Himself.  

This lesson unpacks Paul's advice concerning good stewardship and generosity. Although they excelled in other areas of Christian living, the Corinthian believers had, thus far, lacked in selfless giving. Paul reserves chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians to encourage faithful stewardship and generous giving, viewing their resources as an opportunity for the extending their Gospel ministry. Paul uses the generosity of Philippians to stir up the Corinthians’ own giving. Everything we have belongs to the Lord and Christians should use it to glorify God in the world. 

This lesson discusses Paul's transformation through his encounter with the risen Lord on the Damascus Road. It changed his heart, renewed his mind, and set him on a new path of ministry marked with the miraculous and the truly wondrous. Even so, Paul is tormented by a "thorn in the flesh," given to keep him dependent on Christ. 

This lesson introduces us to Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, which was challenged by some Corinthians who were offended by Paul’s first letter. This lesson highlights his discussion on what the gospel is, the mission of the church, and the role of suffering in validating a true minister of Christ.

This lesson explores the connection between Christian suffering and the work of reconciliation by which the believer helps others find peace with God through Christ. One reason God allows persecution and suffering is because it gives authenticity to our witness and strengthens our dependence on Christ in times of need, finding our true selves. 

This lesson turns to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, where Paul interrupts his discussion on spiritual gifts to show how Christian love is the more excellent path. Manifesting Godly love surpasses any spiritual gift and is the ultimate solution to all the problems facing the Corinthian church. The lesson goes on to consider the importance of resurrection hopes for the believer, in chapter 15. The promise of the Christian’s future resurrection rises or falls with Jesus’ own resurrection. It is our hope of eternity with Christ that makes Christian suffering worth enduring. 

This lesson introduces us to Paul's concern with the proper practice of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian churches. The Holy Spirit works both in unity and diversity by offering varied gifts and manifestations so that the church functions like a single healthy and effective body. Therefore, the Corinthians must exercise empathy and value equality as members of one body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are for the mutual benefit of the whole, not markers of special status. 

This lesson considers Paul's application of divine love to the Corinthian church’s struggles over meat sacrificed to idols and their indecent celebration of the Lord's Supper. Some are too skittish in their faith to enjoy freedom in the market place. Others, who know “it’s just meat,” are more concerned about their freedom to indulge than how their actions affect weaker Christians. Instead of being selfish, they should ask:  What will glorify God? What will foster the salvation of men? And What will benefit my brothers and sisters in Christ?

This lesson discusses Paul's detailed response to the Corinthians' false claim that "it is good for a man to not touch a woman." Paul dedicates chapter 7 to discuss issues of sex, marriage, and singleness. He promotes sexual enjoyment in a marriage context, insisting that couples fulfill marital duties and not deprive each other. He discusses the benefits of singleness which permits an undistracted pursuit of ministry if one has self-control. Whether single or married, one should pledge devotion to the Lord.

This lesson details Paul's confrontation of the Corinthians for their failure to properly address immorality in the congregation. Paul demands severe church discipline, advocating the ex-communication of those who will not repent of their immorality. Paul demands judgment for their ungodly actions now so that they might repent and be saved on the day of the Lord's judgment.

This lesson discusses Paul's teaching on division over Christian leaders in his first letter to the Corinthian churches. Leaders like him and his contemporaries are merely God's instruments for the gospel of Christ. It is the power of the Spirit that has made the Corinthians Christians, not some leader’s gifting. He also stresses that the secret to knowing God and living as genuine Christians is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they should follow only Christ and not men. 

This lesson introduces us to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian churches and focuses on how Paul deals with several disruptions to the unity among them. He must confront conflicting leadership loyalties, immorality, disagreements over marriage, gender roles, practices of food in both the market place and communion, and doctrines of the resurrection.

This lesson explores a few applications of Paul’s theology in Romans. The Church is the body of Christ, and God equips each member with Spiritual gifts to benefit others. Paul encourages the Christians to live an exemplary life with zeal, humility, and stewardship. Paul solves some Jewish-Gentile tensions over food and calendars, and he advises the church to respect the laws and governmental authorities. Paul concludes the letter emphasizing his primary purpose: Reaching unreached areas with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This lesson teaches us how Paul uses the word “Therefore” to separate the major sections in Romans. The first three sections, chapters 1-4, 5-8, & 9-11, form the doctrinal part of the letter, teaching that God is the source, the power, and the purpose of all things. The application part begins with chapter 12:1-2. God allows us to give ourselves wholly to Him to be an accepted and willing part of His glorification. We must discover His will for our lives by turning our focus from the world to Him.

This lesson teaches us how unrighteous sinners can become righteous through Jesus Christ. Four kings vie for power in our lives—Sin, Death, Jesus, & You. Wherever Sin reigns, Death rules; however, through Jesus’ victory, You can be a conqueror. There are also four spiritual laws—The law of God activates the law of Sin and Death. But, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ sets us free from them. Finally, the law of Mindset helps us focus on the Spiritual things to overcome the habit of sin in our daily lives.