The following outline is intended to acquaint new or prospective members with the doctrinal positions of Grace Bible Church. Some of these positions are non-negotiable. New member classes are held as often as necessary and generally on Wednesday evening. They are informal and discussion is encouraged. The cost for literature is $20.
I. The Scriptures
A.Inspiration and authorityRead: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter I Section IX and X.
B.Canon
Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.II. The Person of God
A. AttributesRead: The Attributes of God by Pink, Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 4-7 and 21-22.
B. SubsistenceIII. Hamartiology
A. First Adam (imputation of guilt)Read: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 13-22 and Romans 5:12-21; Ephesians 2:1-3.
B. Second Adam (imputation of guilt and righteousness)IV. Soteriology
A. JustificationRead: Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray, Read: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 33, 35, 38, and 87-88.
B. Sanctification
C. Glorification
V. The Theology of the Protestant Reformation
A. Sola ScripturaRead: The Cambridge Declaration
B. Sola Gratia
C. Solus Christus
D. Sola Fide
E. Soli Deo GloriaVI. The Five Points of Calvinism
Read: The Five Points of Calvinism by Edwin Palmer and Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 13-20, 7, 29-31, and the Westminster Confession Chapter XVII.VII. The Sacraments
A. BaptismRead: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 94, 96-97
B. The Lord's TableVIII. Eschatology
A. The four major systemsRead: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 37-38 and Confession of Faith Chapters XXXII and XXXIII.
B. The Second Coming of Christ and the Last JudgmentIX. Ecclesiology
A. The Different SystemsRead: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter XXV,
B. Church Discipline
C. Philosophy of Ministry and Structure
D. The Inevitable Problem(s) and Resolution
1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, Matthew 18:15ff, and Hebrews 13:17.
Read: Life in the Father's House by Mack & SwavelyX. Church's Constitution
Read Church’s Constitution and Covenant.XI. Introduce Programs
A. Secondary: prayer breakfast, fellowship dinners
B. Primary:
1. Evangelism (Christianity Explained)
2. Discipleship
a. 2 Timothy 2:2, Matthew 28:19-20, 8:22, 10:32-34 & 38-39
b. Practical (assess need and design curriculum)
3. Formal Membership