Second Principles

In 1980, as the Evangelist for the Boston Church, the Lord put upon my heart to construct a series of Bible studies, First Principles, to outline the “elementary truths” (Hebrews 5:12) to young Christians. These studies helped to crystallize the biblical distinctiveness of God’s true church. In the early ’80s mission teams were sent out from Boston by the Holy Spirit to the major cities of the world. This fellowship of churches became known as the “Boston Movement.” We were defined and unique in the denominational world because of our biblical “first principle” doctrines and lifestyles (1 Timothy 4:16). At this writing, we are called the “International Churches of Christ” with 225 churches in 75 nations.

Once again, the Lord has moved my heart, this time to develop an Old Testament Survey class, Second Principles, which will help each of us to go on to maturity in the knowledge of God (Hebrews 5:14-6:1). Prayerfully, as we study sacred history, God’s character and his view of leadership, grumbling, marriage and other vital topics will be enlightening and challenging. This study will deepen our personal convictions of right and wrong, thus drawing us closer to the holiness of God.

It should be noted that some of the outlines and dates were drawn from the reference books listed on page 4. The collaboration of these materials and my own insights contained in this booklet were first presented to the elders, evangelists, women’s ministry leaders and ministry interns of the Los Angeles Church of Christ in November of 1995. It is my prayer that, as these studies teach you (2 Timothy 2:2), you will be as inspired and blessed as we were to see God reveal himself and his plan of salvation the Old Testament.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

Each session will involve:

• Identifying various important Biblical persons, places and events.
• Defining the identifications.
• Knowing the Bible book where the identification first appears. Note: The Genesis identifications include knowing the chapter reference as well.
• Taking a written or verbal quiz at the beginning of each session.
• The Old Testament books are to be memorized in order.